Successful fundraiser for American Legion

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Dwight Stevens at the door

Text and photos by Jerry Pickard

Saturday morning, April 25, American Legion Post 227 in Shoreline held a Pancake Breakfast fundraiser.  Attendance appeared to be up at 9am as Dwight Stevens collected donations at the door.


Diners enjoy a breakfast of Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, and Sausage Links.

Post Commander Richard White

Post Commander Richard White talks to diners as they eat.


Kitchen volunteers took time to achieve the perfect pancake.

Another successful fundraiser for the Legion!



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145SCC Updates and Notes

By Robin Lombard, 145th Station Citizens' Committee

On Thursday April 23 there were two key meetings concerning the 145th Street station area:

Sound Transit voted to include a 145th Street station as part of the Lynnwood Link Light Rail route. And they are building the rail line so as to leave room for the later addition of a station at 130th. According to the web site here is the schedule:
  • 2015 - 2018: Final design and permitting
  • 2018 - 2023: Construction
  • Late 2023: Open for service

The 145th Station Citizens Committee decided to continue meeting during the eight or nine months leading up to the City Council decision to re-zone the station area. Meetings will continue to be the fourth Thursday of the month at 301 City Hall. We will focus on the following goals:
  • Serve as an information clearinghouse for what is happening in relation to the station area.
  • Work on one or more proposals to the City about the station area (proactive ideas on issues such as parking).
  • Keep up with Planning Commission discussions on building codes and other issues.
  • Follow the progress of the 145th Corridor Route Development Plan.
Upcoming meetings of interest:

Shoreline Planning Commission: May 7, 7-9 pm, Shoreline City Hall. Agenda
This meeting includes a Study Session for the Commission about development code amendments. Details here.

145th Corridor Route Development Plan Open House: May (date not yet posted)
This meeting will solicit feedback on the 145th Street corridor. Stay tuned for specific details when they are posted.


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World Concern responds to help victims of Nepal earthquake


World Concern, a Shoreline-based humanitarian organization, is responding through partners on the ground in Nepal to help survivors of the earthquake that struck the country Saturday. At 11:56am local time a magnitude 7.8 earthquake shook the region surrounding the capital of Kathmandu.

The number of casualties continues to rise, but thousands are feared injured or dead. Hospitals are overcrowded and people are in need of emergency supplies and assistance.

“We at World Concern were deeply saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake in Nepal. Our hearts go out to the families who have lost so many loved ones. Our staff in the region are trained and prepared to help in these types of disasters, and we’re working closely with partners to assess the specific needs of survivors,” said World Concern Senior Director of International Operations Matt Ellingson. 
“Earthquakes and catastrophes are part of our world. But in places already strained by poverty, people are more vulnerable to disasters. It turns a difficult situation into an impossible situation for families.”

World Concern has 60 years of experience in providing humanitarian aid and disaster response programming in some of the poorest countries in the world. The agency’s partnership with 20 other Christian NGOs through the Integral Alliance enables World Concern to respond more quickly to disasters in partner countries, reaching more people in greatest need.

“The fastest way to respond to critical needs in this type of disaster is by utilizing available resources in the region. We need to get funds into the hands of our partners on the ground as soon as possible,” said World Concern Deputy Director of Disaster Response, Chris Sheach. 
“We will work with local agencies and other international responders to provide emergency shelter, water and food as fast as possible for the thousands of people sleeping outside while aftershocks continue.”


World Concern is a Christian global relief and development organization, part of the CRISTA organization.


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Obituary: Rachel Lake

Rachel Lake, a Lake Forest Park resident who was prominent in both local education and politics, died March 29th at the age of 83.

Memorial Service for the retired Shoreline Schools teacher were held April 18 at the Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor her are asked to send contributions to the Sno-King School Retirees Scholarship Fund. 

Rachel was the President of the Sno-King School Retirees Unit three terms. An active member, she was at different times on the scholarship and finance committees and was an exemplary legislative chairman.

Rachel taught in Shoreline Schools from 1957 to 1988, beginning her career at Briarcrest, then moving to Hamlin Park. She was a member of the first teaching staff at Cedarbrook, remaining there until it closed in 1971, before moving to Meridian Park.

Rachel completed her career teaching English and social studies at Shorewood.

She was honored as Shoreline Teacher of the Year in 1986-87.

Her distinguished teaching career in the Shoreline School District included two stints as president of the Shoreline Education Association.

She first served as SEA president in 1976-77 before returning to the classroom at Hillwood. She was again selected as SEA president in 1979, serving four years. She was a regular delegate from Shoreline to the WEA Representative Assembly and served on the WEA Board of Directors, then an WEA member lobbyist.

After retirement from Shoreline Schools, she served as administrative assistant for SEA until 1994.

She was a founding member and past president of the local chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa international honorary for women educators and founding member of American Association of University Women’s Bothell-Shoreline branch.

Her political service included serving as chair of the 32nd District Democrats for seven years, and as a Washington state elector in the 2000 presidential election.  

She chaired Rep. Ruth Kagi's successful election campaign and was a member and chair of the Washington State School Retirees' PAC  (Political Action Committee) for several years.  

She had a passion for education and fairness, and would go out of her way to help a friend.  Rachel was a person who stood up for what she believed.


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Shoreline CC summer sports camps and clinics

Shoreline Community College has posted information about its youth summer sports camps for volleyball, basketball, and soccer.

They last from one to three days, and vary in price according to the clinic. All sessions are taught by the SCC head coaches in each sport.

  • Basketball fundamentals for boys and girls grades 3-8
  • Volleyball fundamentals for boys and girls grades 5-12
  • Volleyball fundamentals for boys and girls grades 7-12
  • Volleyball High School Camp for advanced players in grades 9-12
  • Volleyball Setters/Hitters Camp for intermediate to advanced level players grades 8-12
  • Women’s Soccer ID Clinic for players with serious interest in playing college soccer



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Insurance Commissioner's Office needs your help with its Medicare webpages

The Insurance Commissioner's Office is in the process of conducting a usability study on the agency's Medicare webpages. To help them organize the pages and content more efficiently for consumers, they would like the help of those on or approaching Medicare.

All it takes is 10-15 minutes to take a simple online survey. The survey is open through May 1. Your feedback is very important, so please help us out!


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Photo: Pretty flowers

Friday, April 24, 2015

Photo by Lee Lageschulte


Reasonably certain that these beauties are azaleas. I once saw an azalea hedge - a deeper pink that these - talk about a pop of color!

Anyone like to tell us about these flowers?



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Candidates can file by mail starting Monday

By Evan Smith

Candidates for local offices may file by mail starting Monday.

The official filing week is May 11-15, but the two-week period for early filing by mail is available for prospective candidates who won't be able to get to the county elections office or to a computer with internet access during filing week, elections officials say.

Filing by mail has some disadvantages, particularly the loss of the candidate's ability to control information that comes with filing online.

Filing forms are available on the county elections web site.

Elections officials return any mailed filing material that arrives before Monday.

During filing week, candidates can file online or in person at the elections office in Renton. In-office filers get instructions on using an in-house computer.

All candidates must pay their filing fees by the end of the filing week. The filing fee is 1 percent of a position’s annual salary. Unpaid positions, like those on school boards, fire commissions, and utility district boards, have no filing fee.

The county determines ballot positions for the August primary by a lot draw after filing week.

Any position with three or more candidates appears on the Aug. 4 primary ballot, with the top two primary vote getters advancing to the Nov. 3 general-election ballot, where the ballot order follows vote order in the primary. Positions with only one or two candidates appear only on the November ballot, with ballot order determined by the lot draw.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.



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Tickets available for Saturday's Roller Derby at Key Arena

Diz Ruptive Photography

Season 11 Home Team Championships this Saturday at KeyArena: Derby Liberation Front (DLF) vs. Grave Danger (GD)

This Saturday, April 25, Seattle roller derby fans will have the chance to see DLF and GD add another chapter to their tale of rivalry as they battle for first place in the Season 11 Home Team Championships. When these two teams last played at The Rat’s Nest on April 11, DLF reclaimed the lead with only 13 seconds left in the bout, winning by a mere three points. And in February, GD lost to DLF by six points in another game that left fans guessing until the last minute. Rewind to 2014—DLF won the Season 10 trophy, upsetting GD’s three-year championship winning streak. Saturday’s bout will likely be an unforgettable display of jam-packed, hard-hitting action.

Rat City fans that prefer to root for the Throttle Rockets or the Sockit Wenches can catch both teams in the grudge, which will be the first bout of the double header. Despite a season of sold-out games at The Rat’s Nest, tickets are still available for $17 via Ticket Master. Doors will open at 5:00pm.

The Rat City Rollergirls (RCRG) is Seattle’s premiere all-female, flat-track roller derby league. RCRG is composed of about 80 active skaters and many more retired skaters who are still involved. The skaters are divided among four home teams, as well as the All Stars team and Rat Lab.



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Sound Transit selects final route for Lynnwood Link through Shoreline


The Sound Transit Board selected the route, profile and stations for the Lynnwood Link Extension, which will run from Northgate to Lynnwood in Snohomish County through some of the worst traffic congestion in the state.

Trains will run along the Interstate 5 corridor from Northgate to the Lynnwood Transit Center with stations at Northeast 145th Street, Northeast 185th Street and the Mountlake Terrace Transit Center at 236th Street Southwest. A trip from Lynnwood to downtown Seattle will take 28 minutes.

The Board also directed staff to plan for future stations at Northeast 130th Street in Seattle and 220th Street Southwest in Mountlake Terrace. The light rail tracks in those areas will be built to accommodate construction of future boarding platforms in a way that won't impact service.

Cost estimates for the 8.5-mile project range from $1.5 billion to $1.7 billion. A final budget will be established in 2017 with construction scheduled to begin in 2018. Trains will be running in 2023.

More information here.



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Summer Skills and Drills Tennis Camp

Tennis coach Arnie Moreno
Tennis Coach Arnie Moreno is holding his annual Summer Skills and Drills Tennis Camp at Shorewood courts starting this June 29th and ending July 29th.

The tennis camp is for middle school and high school ages and all levels from beginner to advanced, held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 12 noon.

Students learn tennis skills in groundstrokes, serving, return of serve, volleying, overheads, singles and doubles strategy. Coach Moreno uses drills and live ball games to improve technique and game strategy in fun and dynamic instruction. 

Coach Moreno is a Shoreline SD retired teacher, PTR certified instructor, high school varsity tennis coach, 2005 Seattle P-I Girls Tennis Coach of the Year award, 2007 Washington State University "Educator of Excellence" award and 2008 King 5 "Coach that makes a Difference", 20 year city of Marysville Summer tennis instructor and Marysville Junior tennis team coach.

Email Coach Moreno to request the schedule and fee information.



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LFP Police issue annual reports

From Chief Steve Sutton

The Lake Forest Park Police Department is proud to produce three reports for our community.

1-     2014 Annual Report
2-     2014 Racial Biased Policing Report
3-     2015 Operational Plan

All three can be accessed from our website




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The media gets it wrong sometimes

By Diane Hettrick

In spite of best efforts, the media gets it wrong sometimes.

My downfall seems to be misidentifying flowers. Yesterday's lead photo was apparently not a wisteria, as I reported, but something else - a Golden Chain (Laburnum) tree - according to one reader. And the last bee and peony photo wasn't a peony but a clematis.

I think I'll just call them Pretty Flowers.

Over at The Seattle Times, they just published a map for Sound Transit's Lynnwood Link through Shoreline that shows the rail line going up the middle of the Ridgecrest neighborhood on 5th NE.

Not so. The route through Shoreline has always been planned to run along I-5 on the east side.

As for the Everett Herald, their story I quoted in the recent article about the McKinnon Trail had a statement attributed to Lake Forest Park City Administrator Pete Rose that didn't come from him but from a recruiter who was unsuccessful in recruiting him for Mill Creek.

For the record, Rose is proud of his work to help the City through the toughest economic recession since incorporation and he is not ready to leave. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor have both expressed their appreciation for him and his work.

As for the media, what we can do is try to get the correct information to all the people who read the first version - and in the case of web-based products like the Shoreline Area News, we can easily correct the original.



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Shoreline City Manager: Update for week of 4/20/2015

From Debbie Tarry, Shoreline City Manager

Weekly Update for Week of 4/20/2015

A few quick celebrations before the update!
·         Yesterday the Sound Transit Board made their final project selection for the “Lynnwood Link” extension.  This is the extension that will bring two stations to Shoreline – at 145th and 185th.  The final project selection included a preference to keep the parking garage at the 185th station on the west side of I-5.  The Sound Transit Board also adopted an amendment that clarified their commitment to partner with local jurisdictions with stations to make sure that there is adequate pedestrian, bike and vehicle access within the ¼ mile area around each station.
·         Late last week the State House of Representatives included $25 million for the 145th/SR 523 Corridor improvements in their recommended transportation budget.  Now we hope that the Senate will concur and include the final transportation budget!  Representatives Kaggi, Ryu, and Clibborn were instrumental in getting this included in the House budget.

Council Meetings

April 13 Follow-Up
·         Ordinance No. 711 - Debt Collection: Councilmember Roberts requested a copy of the City’s current Policy and Procedure for debt collection.

April 20  - Business Meeting
Council Approved the following:

·         Authorized the City Manager to sign a Cooperative Joint Agreement with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) for Patrol and Emergency Police Services.  This agreement provides that DSHS will pay for 50% of the cost of new police officer in return for that officer spending approximately 20 hours a week of dedicated campus patrol and response services to the DSHS-operated Fircrest School in Shoreline.
   
·         Adopted Resolution No. 372 - Repealing Post-Issuance Tax Compliance Policies for Tax-Exempt Bonds Adopted in Resolution No. 308 and Approved the Revised Policies

·         Adopted Ordinance No. 709 – 2015 Budget Amendment – This amendment included establishing a 2015 Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Extra-Help Pay Schedule; funding for a new police officer with approximately 50% of their time dedicated to patrol and emergency police services to the Fircrest School and 50% of their time providing jail transport services; additional funding related to the light-rail station sub-area planning processes; increased funding to acquire a asphalt patching machine; and increased funding for a few capital projects including the Einstein Safe Routes to School sidewalk project, Surface Water Green Works Projects, and the Puget Sound Drainage Basin Plan.

·         Adopted Ordinance No. 708 Amending the 2015 Budget for Uncompleted 2014 Operating and Capital Projects -

·         Held a Public Hearing and Discussion on Ordinance No. 715 – Amending the Shoreline Municipal Code Section 3.60 Revenue Authority for the Transportation Benefit District (Tolling) - This was a public hearing on changing the municipal code related to the TBD's ability to collect tolls. Adoption of the Code amendment does not enact tolls; this just provides for the ability to do so as is already outlined in state law. The item will be brought back for Council adoption on May 4.

·         Adopted a Resolution to Transfer Fiber Optic Franchise Agreement to Zayo from Abovenet - This Resolution changes control of this fiber optic franchise from Abovenet to Zayo following Zayo's purchase of Abovenet.

·         Discussed the 4th Quarter Update Financial Report and 2014 CIP Update: The highlights include that we exceeded our ten-year financial sustainability goals for 2014!  The 10 Financial Sustainability Plan (10YFSP) included targets of annually collecting 101% of the budgeted revenue and only spending 98% of the budgeted expenditures.  In 2014, we collected 104.6% of the budgeted revenues, about $1.6 million more than expected, and we expended approximately 95% of the adopted operating budget, or approximately $1.8 less than originally planned.  As a result – $3.4 million was added to the City’s reserves.  It is likely that some of this increase in reserves will be used to increase our grant-match fund and to help fund some key capital investment projects.   

April 27 – Meeting Cancelled

Shoreline Community College (SCC) Meeting

Last week, Mayor Winstead and I met with the College President, members of the SCC Foundation, the School District Superintendent and the President of the Shoreline Public School Foundation to discuss SCC’s plans to kick-off a strategic planning process and their plans to “modernize” some of the interiors of their facilities. In conjunction with the recent kick-off of their Shoreline Scholars (2 Year Full-Ride Scholarships), they are looking for opportunities to heighten the awareness and presence of the college in the Shoreline community.


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Shorewood Choir sings at Ground Zero in New York

Shorewood choir, directed by John Hendrix, performed "In Remembrance" at Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial in New York City Thursday. They will perform at Carnegie Hall on Saturday.

A video of the choir singing at Ground Zero in New York is posted on the Shoreline School District Facebook page.


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Great Harvest cookies for LFP blood donors Saturday


Give Blood, You’ve Got it in You!
It’s Fast, It’s Easy! It Saves Lives!
Get a freshly baked Great Harvest Cookie!!

The Bloodworks mobile (previously Puget Sound Blood Center) will be parked in front of the lower level entrance to the LFP Town Center on Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Blood donors can come enjoy a large freshly baked chocolate chip cookie from the popular Great Harvest Bread Company on Saturday for donating blood.  

You are invited to give a gift to people in need. Your blood donation will be used to help up to three folks. Take a little time and make a great impact on someone’s life!

No appointment needed.  Drop ins welcome! Just look for the van.

For information or to make an appointment, call 1-800-398-7888.



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Reminder: Free shredding event Saturday

Free Shredding Event sponsored by Windermere Northlake will be held in their parking lot on Saturday, April 25th, 9 am – Noon.

Limit of 5 banker boxes (10" x 12" x 15").  Call 206-364-8100 for additional information.

The office is located in the Town Center campus in Lake Forest Park, Ballinger Way entrance. 



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Photo: Pretty flowers

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Wisteria also comes in purple and the vines send out tendrils that latch onto anything in sight. Wisteria used to be common on the wrap-around porches of Victorian homes, twining itself through the gingerbread trim and drooping in a graceful curtain.

And apparently you don't have to worry about this one taking the siding off your house because readers tell me it is not a wisteria, but a Golden Chain (laburnum) Tree.


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State Reps. Kagi and Ryu not surprised about special session

By Evan Smith

When Gov. Jay Inslee said in Shoreline Tuesday that he expects to call the legislature back for a special session, State Reps. Ruth Kagi and Cindy Ryu weren't surprised.

Democratic Reps. Kagi and Ryu both had said before the announcement that they expected a special session.

Ryu Said Tuesday that the legislature simply was running out of time before the end of the 105-day regular session.

Ryu, deputy Democratic majority whip and a member of the House Rules Committee, blamed Senate Republicans.

“The House (led by Democrats) was very cognizant of our schedule and met every cut-off deadline with purposeful and sincere efforts to pass meaningful policy bills and to fund them through our budget proposal,” she said in an e-mail. “Our intention and actions also met the mandates of various court decisions including McCleary to fully fund education.” 
“Unfortunately, I understand the Republican-led Senate has yet to agree to negotiate the budget in any meaningful manner.”

The 2012 McCleary decision by the state Supreme Court requires the legislature to provide full state support for public education.

Kagi said in January that she thought the legislature could finish its work within the allotted 105-day period, but by Monday she said she expected a special session.

Kagi and Ryu represent the 32nd Legislative District including the City of Shoreline, and part of northwest Seattle in addition to Lynnwood, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County, and parts of Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace.

Kagi is a member of the House Appropriations Committee in addition to bring chairwoman of the House committee on early learning and human services.

Ryu is vice chairwoman of the committee on business and financial services and a member of the committee on technology and economic development, in addition to being a member of the Rules Committee and deputy majority whip.

Democratic Rep. Jessyn Farrell, also a member of the Rules Committee, had a different view of the special session Monday.

“I am an eternal optimist and am hopeful that negotiators from the House Dems and the Senate Republicans can find common ground in the next few days and get me home to my three children,” she said.

Democratic 46th Legislative District Rep. Farrell is vice chairwoman of the House Transportation Committee and a member of the Environment Committee and the committee on early learning and human services in addition to being a member of the Rules Committee.

The 46th District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.


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Ballot drop van in Shoreline Saturday, Monday, Tuesday


Voters can leave ballots for the Tuesday special election at a drop-off van in Shoreline Saturday, Monday and Tuesday.

A drop van in the Shoreline-Aurora Square Shopping Center, 15505 Westminster Way N., Shoreline and those at 13 other sites around King County will accept ballots from 10am to 5pm Saturday and Monday and from 10am to 8pm Tuesday, Election Day.

The van in the Shoreline-Aurora Square Shopping Center will be parked near Sears, the Central Market and U.S. Bank.

Voters also can leave ballots at 24-hour drop boxes at the Lake Forest Park City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE, and nine other sites around the county at any time through 8pm Tuesday.

Mailed ballots must be sent so they are postmarked by Tuesday.

Anyone can vote in person on accessible voting units at the Seattle Union Station or the Bellevue City Hall Monday from 10am to 5pm and Tuesday from 10am to 8pm and at the county elections office in Renton Friday and Monday from 8:30am to 4:30pm and Tuesday from 8:30am to 8pm.

The only item on the ballot is the King County tax proposition for replacement of the emergency public safety radio network.



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Sponsors sought for Shoreline Classic Car Show


The 6th Annual Shoreline Classic Car Show is a Seafair Sanctioned Community Event produced by Meridian Park PTSA and the Greenwood Knights Car Club.

It will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2015 at Meridian Park Elementary School from 10am to 3pm on the highly visible corner of 175th Street and Meridian Ave North. The show will be hosted by Lance Lambert and feature Blackjack Kerouac opening for legendary Seattle rock band Jr. Cadillac. Spectator admission is free!

100% of the net proceeds of the support from sponsors and registration fees directly benefit the students of Meridian Park Elementary School. Last year, approximately $8,000 was raised.

This event is a great opportunity to promote your local business while supporting the Shoreline community! The Seafair website itself receives over 2.5 million page views each year. The Shoreline Classic Car Show is also listed in 75,000 free publications distributed in stores, hotels and other Seafair events!

Visit the website to learn how you can become a sponsor of this great community event! May 15th is the deadline for guaranteed placement in the Car Show poster so don't delay!



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Share your opinions with the LFP Tree Board Saturday

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Planners at the City of Lake Forest Park want to hear your ideas for how to improve City Tree Regulations, because "LFP regulations can better reflect community goals when the community participates in the process."

So the Tree Board, a sub-committee of the Lake Forest Park Environmental Quality Commission, is holding a public meeting to discuss possible amendment recommendations to the current Tree Ordinance, Lake Forest Park Municipal Code 16.14.

The meeting is in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Saturday, April 25, 2015, from 10:00am to noon. Additional information, including the Tree Removal Assistance Flow-Chart is on the City webpage

City Hall is in the northeast corner of Town Center at the intersection of Ballinger Way and Bothell Way.



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Edmonds in Bloom kicks off its 2015 season of events


Spring is here and Edmonds in Bloom welcomes gardeners to join in the fun activities planned for this year.

The garden event season kicks off with  “Kids Plant for Mom’s Day” on Saturday, May 9th from 9am – 2pm. Children create beautiful pots for their moms for Mother’s Day at the downtown Garden Market on 5th and Bell St with help from Edmonds in Bloom volunteers.  

Gardeners interested in entering the Garden Competition can submit their entry forms May 1st through July 3rd. Single family, multi-family and youth/group gardens are encouraged to join in this event as we strive to acknowledge Edmonds’ beautiful gardens. Entry forms, available at Garden Gear, Frances Anderson Center, and the Log Cabin, may be mailed or brought to the Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main St or submitted online.

The 20th annual Edmonds in Bloom Garden Tour will take place on Sunday, July 19th from 11am – 4pm. The self-guided tour will include seven beautiful gardens in Edmonds and Woodway. This event is always a highlight of the season for garden lovers. Tickets will go on sale in June and will be available from local merchants and online.

The Awards Ceremony is scheduled for August 5th at 7pm at the Edmonds Center for the Arts.   (ECA) Edmonds in Bloom is a 501(c) (3)non-profit organization.



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Eat pancakes with the Legion Saturday morning




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Shoreline soccer in tournament with Special Olympics

SCC Goalkeeper Melissa Schuetze
Photo by Wilson Tsoi

On Saturday, April 18, Shoreline Community College joined 15 other colleges and universities from Washington and Oregon to compete in the first ever collegiate-level Unified Sports soccer tournament through Special Olympics Washington.

Unified Sports is a program initiated through Special Olympics promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences. By joining people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team, it promotes the simple principle that training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.

While Unified Sports has been operating at about 100 high schools statewide for five years now, 2015 marks the first year of collegiate-level play. According to Chara McElfish, Director of Program Development for Special Olympics Washington, what’s most impressive about moving Unified Sports into higher education is that it was a student-led initiative.

“We had a lot of students who were involved at the high school level who were graduating and wanted to continue playing with the organization at college,” McElfish said. “We're very proud that the event has made it to the college level, and we're also very proud of the students who took the initiative to make this transition happen.”

The Shoreline Unified Soccer team includes a mix of SCC Varsity Soccer athletes and SCC student non-athletes, as well as former SCC students, volunteer student coaches and students from the Shoreline School District. Shoreline’s first game on Saturday will take place at 11:30 a.m. Tournament events run from 7:45 am to 7:00 pm.

Melissa Schuetze, Shoreline’s Unified Soccer team organizer and goalkeeper for SCC Women’s Soccer, has been involved as a volunteer with Special Olympics since high school and jumped at the chance to join the Unified team at Shoreline.

“I just love helping people,” Schuetze said. “I love putting others in front of myself and making others smile. I missed the chance to play with the Unified team in high school so was so glad when this opportunity presented itself at Shoreline.”

Barbara Fiske, Program Director of the
Community Integration Program at Shoreline.
Photo courtesy SCC

The opportunity presented itself on campus in part through the efforts of Barbara Fiske, Program Manager of the Community Integration and Employment Program in the offices of Special Services at Shoreline. Through her work helping co-found the campus Disability Awareness Society, Fiske helped establish and facilitate a strong relationship between Special Olympics and the college.

“We're so excited to be partnering with Unified Sports on this new venture,” Fiske said. “When people have fun together and get to know each other as persons and individuals, it creates a meaningful experience that alters attitudes and removes the type of labeling that typically goes on and allows people to talk to each other as people instead of stereotypes.”

“It’s all about respect,” she said, “and when you learn to respect the person it’s hard to go back to seeing them as a stereotype again.”

Sixteen colleges participated in Saturday’s tournament at Seattle University, including fifteen from the state of Washington and one from Oregon. Participating Washington state colleges included Gonzaga, University of Washington, Western Washington University, Walla Walla Community College, Pacific Lutheran University and Shoreline.



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A big weekend for sports fans

Get ready for a busy weekend in SoDo with four sporting events packed into three days. While there are no major closures this weekend, you can count on some added congestion around Safeco and CenturyLink Fields.

    Friday, April 24
    Seattle Mariners vs. Minnesota Twins, 7:10 p.m., Safeco Field

    Saturday, April 25
    Seattle Mariners vs. Minnesota Twins, 6:10 p.m., Safeco Field

    Sunday, April 26
    Seattle Mariners vs. Minnesota Twins, 1:10 p.m., Safeco Field
    Seattle Sounders FC vs. Portland Timbers, 6:30pm, CenturyLink Field

Sounders FC fans can take Sound Transit’s game day Sounder train to the 6:30pm match against the Portland Timbers this SundayRead More here

Not into baseball or soccer? You can catch some football Saturday at the University of Washington’s 2015 Spring Preview and Fan Fest from 9am to 2pm.



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Shorecrest plays baseball at Mountlake Terrace Friday - Shorewood entertains Meadowdale

Shorewood finishes a three-game baseball series against Meadowdale Friday while Shorecrest finishes its series at Mountlake Terrace.

Shorewood takes a 10-2 Wesco 3A/2A South record (12-2 overall) into the game with Meadowdale (6-6, 7-7) at the Meridian Park School Fields at 4pm Friday. (Note: game time was changed to 7pm)

The Thunderbirds defeated Meadowdale 3-2 at home Tuesday and lost to the Mavericks 5-4 Wednesday.

Shorecrest takes a 0-12, 0-14 record into the game at Mountlake Terrace (8-7, 9-8) at 4 p.m. Friday.

Mountlake Terrace defeated the Scots 10-0 at Mountlake Terrace Tuesday and 13-1 at Shorecrest Wednesday.

Shorecrest must win Friday and in five remaining regular-season games to have any chance to qualify for the Northwest District 2A tournament in May. The Scots need to finish at least sixth in the seven-team division to qualify for the tournament along with five teams from the Northwest Conference and two from the Cascade Conference. If Shorecrst doesn't qualify, the other spot would go to the No. 3 Cascade team.

Shorewood can qualify for the district 3A tournament by finishing in the top three in the Wesco 3A South. The other tournament spots go to the top three Wesco 3A North teams and two from among the two Wesco fourth-place teams and Ferndale of the Northwest Conference.



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Shorewood wins over Shorecrest in a close-matched soccer game

Photo by Wayne Pridemore
The Thunderbirds and Scots battle on the soccer field. The Scots in green jerseys: #5 Toby Caple, #8 Corey Stever, #11 Nick Shively, and #12 Kevin Musar. The Thunderbirds in white; #9 Marco Shiffette, #22 JavadGoudarzi, #19 Alan Corrales, and #12 Kabir Kahn.

Shorecrest's #18 Leon Bormann and 
Shorewood's #5 Callahan Gobel fight for the ball.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Wednesday was an excellent night for the Shoreline district rivalry match between Shorewood and Shorecrest. Shorecrest brought their undefeated record into the game and nearly scored in the 5th minute, but Isaac Whitaker was able to get his hands on the ball and stop it from going into the side net -- one of his 10 saves that were shot on goal.

Shorecrest's Petr Gaburrak, green jersey,
blocks out Shorewood's Javad Goudarzi near the sideline.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Shorecrest had more chances then Shorewood in the first half, but neither team was able to find the back of the net. In the second half, both squads put pressure on each other: Shorecrest again had more chances and numerous long throws from Corey Stever but Isaac and his defense came up with the saves to keep them shut out.

Thunderbird Garrett Miyaoka takes control of the ball in front of Shorewood's goal.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

In the 73rd minute Callahan Gobel was taken down in the box on a break away and Kabir Kahn finished the ensuing PK for a 1-0 Shorewood win.

Matt Wheaton was in goal for Shorecrest 7-1-0 in league and 10-1-1 overall, Shorewood is 6-2-0 in league 7-3-2 overall.

--Bill Wilkins




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LFP to discuss assumption of LFP Water District at Thursday Council meeting

By Diane Hettrick

At the Lake Forest Park City Council meeting on April 23, the Council will discuss the options of failing to renew the franchise agreement for the LFP Water District and assuming the District into the City.

From the staff documents:
On April 9, 2015, the City Council discussed Resolution 1485, which is a set of guiding principles to balance water quality, environmental protection, and neighborhood connectivity in continuing review of human access to the well-field area, and to use a consultant to advise the City of proper measures and water system safety provisions. 
During Council discussion the request for this legislation was made.  Non-renewal for a franchise under these circumstances is commonly referenced as assumption.  Lake Forest Park is permitted to “assume” or take over, an existing water-sewer district operating under Chapter 57.04 RCW.  RCW 35A.13.020(1) states that “whenever all of the territory of a district is included within the corporate boundaries of a city, the city legislative body may adopt a resolution or ordinance to assume jurisdiction over all the district.”  The statute goes on to provide that, upon adoption of such a resolution, the City would acquire all assets, all debt and other obligations, and employees no longer needed by the District.  Subsequent to the assumption resolution, there would be a required filing and hearing with the King County Boundary Review Board.   
This type of action would need to have appropriate public process infused into it, as well 
as examining the business aspects, public policy purposes and, further along in time, significant operational planning.

The City and the District have been at odds for decades over the McKinnon Creek Trail property. The Trail runs through the watershed for the District's wells and aquifer, the source of its water. The District's position is that no water utility - public or private - allows public access to its watershed for fear of contamination. They cite the Cedar River Watershed which supplies Seattle and surrounding communities and is closed to the public.

The City's position is that the Trail is on a City right of way and the public should be able to use it. Complicating the issue is that many homes abut the trail and have had private access from their back yards for decades.

Unable to reach an agreement, the two parties went to court last November for the decision. The ruling, which was handed down this year in King County Superior Court, favored the City. 

Environmentalists and District customers, who are proud of their pure water, have been making their opinions known to the City Council.

City Council meetings are held in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall in the northeast corner of Town Center at the intersection of Bothell Way and Ballinger Way.

The meeting begins at 7pm, following a reception for City volunteers.

Updated  04-23-2015 9:43am


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Cancelled: Shoreline City Council Meetings

The Shoreline City Council regular Workshop Dinner and Business meetings on April 27, 2015 have been cancelled. The next meeting of the Shoreline City Council will be held on Monday, May 4, 2015 at 7:00pm at Shoreline City Hall.



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LFP City Council regular business meetings available for Live Online Streaming

The City of Lake Forest Park City Council Regular Business and Work Session meetings are now available for live online streaming through the City’s website.

Regular Business meetings are video recorded and Work Session meetings are audio recorded. 

Meetings were previously available only through recorded audio. The availability of streaming allows the public to have easy access to the content of meetings as they are happening.

At this time, live streaming is available for PC users who have the Silverlight control installed (you will be prompted to install it if it is not already on your device) and are using Internet Explorer 10 or higher, or Google Chrome. Apple device users will need to download the AV Capture All app. 

Access to streaming with Android devices is not available at this time. Audio and video content is also available to play “on demand” after the meeting.

To stream a meeting live or to replay after the meeting, go to the City’s website, and click City Council / Lake Forest Park Council Video. From there, click on “Streaming Live” for live streaming; “Recorded” to replay earlier meetings; or “Upcoming Meetings” to access agenda materials prior to the meeting.

If you have difficulty live streaming the meeting to your computer, please let us know by email 



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Job Seekers' Round Table: Dealing with Difficult Discussions

Interviewing for work is a tough business. Some of the pitfalls for not winning over the selection panel or HR reps are real, while others may be our imagination getting the best of us.

We have to ask good questions based on what we know about the workplace, and meet their questions with concise and thoughtful answers.

All the while remembering to curb enthusiasm, anxiety, and to never appear too hungry.

This Friday (4/24) brings us author, Compassionate Communication Trainer, and life coach, Moreah Vestan discussing Dealing with Difficult Discussions. Among the workshop topics we'll learn to apply to interviewing:

  • How to connect at interviews or when you fill out an application
  • How to deal with disappointment and frustration over job hunting
  • How to manage difficult interactions with family, friends, at work, etc.

Moreah brings 11 years’ experience in communication training, and has much wisdom to share about maximizing your impact at the interview. There are also tips on choosing how to react, which benefits not only the interview process, but every area of your job search.

Not to be missed! Also the usual great coffee and other delights, compliments of Central Market.

Friday, April 24, 1:00-2:30pm, Shoreline Community College, Room 5116, Building 5000 (ground floor). SCC Campus Map and Parking information.

The group is organized by Ron Carnell. The focus is students over 50, but it is open to all who are looking for work or seeking to re-enter the job force.



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Meridian Park launches Spring Drive on Saturday at Walgreens on 175th for Shoreline HopeLink

Wednesday, April 22, 2015


Meridian Park Neighborhood Neighborhood Association will host its First Annual Spring Drive collecting for our neighbors in need this Saturday, April 25th from 10am-5pm.

This event will take place at the Walgreens store located at N 175th and Aurora next to Key Bank. 

Everyone is invited to participate in this community building event where you can meet your local neighborhood association board members and neighbors, while contributing to Meridian Park Neighborhood Association's first sponsored event of 2015.

Items being collected include: jar baby food, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, bar soap, shampoo, deodorant, and combs/brushes. Hopelink will distribute the collected items.

For more information email or contact Cynthia Knox at 206-218-3302.



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Legislature passes Chase bill to require public vote for assumption of water or sewer districts

Sen. Maralyn Chase, D-32
The new law will not change Shoreline's assumption of Ronald Wastewater, which was agreed to in 2002, but may have an effect on Lake Forest Park's effort to assume the Lake Forest Park Water District.
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A bill to ensure that voters in a water or sewer district retain ultimate control over whether a city or town can assume jurisdiction of their district passed the Legislature Tuesday and will be sent to the governor to be signed into law.

“These special-purpose districts are created by a vote of the people, for the people. As such, 100 percent of the taxes we pay for our water and sewer systems should be dedicated to providing the services and maintaining the system,” said Sen. Maralyn Chase, D-Shoreline and the sponsor of Senate Bill 5048. “These funds should not be diverted, or ‘repurposed’ for other uses such as new developments or other non-water-sewer projects unless the voters approve.”

SB 5048 would let voters call for a referendum on any attempt by a city or town to assume jurisdiction of all or part of a water or sewer district. As with other special-service districts such as fire districts or school districts, rate payer revenue must be spent solely for the purposes of the special service districts. Utility districts assess and adjust rates to provide for maintenance and service as necessary but may not assess additional taxes for the service.

However, if a city assumes ownership of a water or sewer district, the city may levy taxes without limits, without restrictions on what the funds are used for, and without a vote of the citizens who voted to create the district. Water and sewer districts are the only special service districts that do not have a cap on the taxes that can be levied if these districts are assumed by a municipality. (see previous response from City of Shoreline)

"Utility taxes are among the most regressive taxes levied on citizens," Chase noted. "Water and sewer are basic necessities and low-income rate payers have no choice in accepting or refusing service or paying the ever-increasing taxes. For example, low-income working families pay 17 percent of their income in taxes compared to wealthy families who pay only 2.8 percent."

“I had hoped to make this legislation retroactive to give the taxpayers of Shoreline a say in what was forced on them a year ago, but unfortunately there just wasn’t enough support for that component,” Chase said. “Still, now other communities now possess a means of protecting their districts from overreaching cities and towns.”

Sen. Chase was given the 2014 Outstanding Legislator Award from the Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts for her work on this bill,


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