February ballot will come with postage-paid return envelope

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Envelopes for the February 14 school bond election
will have postage paid on them.
Photo by Chris Roberts
King County Elections is testing pre-paid postage for the February special elections in Maple Valley and the Shoreline School District.

Voters will receive a ballot packet that includes a return envelope with the postage already paid.

Elections is paying for the postage, which will cost about $12,300.

It is an experiment to see if more voters return their ballots than in previous elections.

Pre-paid postage is another way to improve voter access and remove barriers to voting.

Voters can still use the drop boxes, which will be located at Lake Forest Park City Hall and the Shoreline Library.

King County Elections is only charged for ballots returned through the U.S. Postal Service. Ballots returned to a drop box do not require a stamp so there is no charge.

Normally during an election (such as the 2015 General Election) if a voter mails a ballot to Elections without a stamp, the U.S. Postal Service will still deliver the ballot but will bill the county for the cost of the stamp. 

Ballots must still be in the drop boxes or have a postmark of February 14 in order to be counted.



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City of Lake Forest Park re-affirms commitment to Charter for Compassion

In October of 2012, the Lake Forest Park City Council adopted the Charter for Compassion.
We noted that a compassionate city promotes values of justice, equity, and respect for all peoples. 
We acknowledged our role and responsibility to make compassion a clear and dynamic force in our city; affirmed that a compassionate city deepens our quality of life; and encouraged our citizens to embrace compassionate action in caring for its neighbors.

Lake Forest Park is one of 70 cities worldwide to adopt the Charter for Compassion, and was one of the first in King County.

Last August, the Mayor, with Council concurrence, proclaimed August 11 “Compassion Day in Lake Forest Park”.

In the wake of the political rhetoric generated during the Presidential Campaign members of the Lake Forest Park City Council were concerned about their community.

On December 8, 2016, the Lake Forest Park City Council passed a resolution reaffirming their commitment to the values of the Charter for Compassion and participation in the Ten-Year Campaign for Compassion.

We abhor hate speech and attacks against our neighbors, especially ethnic and religious groups. Every department within the city is committed to the Charter of Compassion and the fair and equal treatment of all people.

Resolution and Proclamation



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Shorecrest High School Soccer Camp

Shorecrest High School
Soccer Camp
Open to grades 3-6
boys and girls welcome
February 20-22, 9:00am-12:00pm
Check in at 8:30am
Shorecrest High School Field

Camp will include:
  • Basic Technical Skills 
  • Shooting Drills 
  • Small Games 
  • 5-A-Side Tournament 
  • Snack Break 

Wear Soccer attire (shorts / track pants, shorts, jersey, shin guards, etc.), tennis shoes, and cleats. Pack warm!!!

Bring a soccer ball, water bottle, snacks.

Cost of $60 includes a t-shirt, water, and snacks
*Sorry, no refunds

Details on flyer.

Questions: Contact Spencer Haddenham-Gibler or Dylan Murphy 



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Don Dalziel named WIAA District 1 Athletic Director of the Year

Don Dalziel
District 1 Athletic Director of the Year
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Shoreline Public Schools Athletic Director Don Dalziel has been selected as the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) District 1 Athletic Director of the Year.

District 1 represents 49 school districts and private schools spanning from Shoreline to the Canadian border.

“We are incredibly proud of Don for this well-deserved recognition,” said Superintendent Rebecca Miner. 
“His commitment to supporting student-athletes on the field and in the classroom has created a culture focused on using sports to develop character and commitment to individual and team successes in sports and life.”

Dalziel will now join the eight other WIAA District award recipients for consideration of being selected the State Athletic Director of the Year. All District Athletic Directors of the Year will be honored at the Washington State Secondary School Athletic Administrators’ (WSSSAA) state conference in Spokane on April 23-26, 2017.

Humbled by the honor, Dalziel was quick to credit his staff for the recognition.

“This award reinforces all of the hard work that our team puts into making Shoreline Athletics great,” said Dalziel. 
“Our community and leadership team value athletics - they understand the core value that athletics serves as a co-curricular program and integral part of our schools.”

Dalziel is in his 13th year as Shoreline Public Schools athletic director and previously served as a physical education teacher, athletic director, girls basketball coach and track coach at Shorecrest High School.



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Small power outage in North Shoreline

A small power outage affecting 242 City Light customers in Shoreline has occurred. The cause is described as a tree.


The outage affects the Shoreline Area News office so until power is restored there will not be any new stories posted. Estimated restoration time is 2:05pm.

UPDATE: Power was restored about 1:45pm.



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Communities Rising activist group will meet in Shoreline Sunday



Communities Rising formed in December 2016 as a neighborhood activist organization.

Organizer Rick McClurg says, "We decided that we needed a neighborhood-based organization that would help people find one another under the umbrella of citizen action directed at creating a better community and a better world."

Their stated mission is; "Helping each of us to become the activist we want to be, shaping a world that works for everyone."

120 people at first meeting
 They held their first meeting at the Woodland Park United Methodist Church at the end of December, and 120 people participated.

From that meeting, they helped people create 10 of their own neighborhood groups, of which Shoreline / LFP / Edmonds is one.

On January 8th, this local group met, with a nice turnout of 21 people, at One Cup Coffee, on Aurora in Shoreline.

We are having our second local meeting this Sunday, January 29th, from noon to 2:00pm, at the Shoreline / LFP Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave NE.

Our second large meeting will be at Woodland Park UMC on February 2nd, 7-9pm. Nick Licata, former Seattle City Councilman and author of Becoming a Citizen Activist: Stories, Strategies and Advice for Our Changing World, will be a featured speaker.



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Jobs: City of Shoreline

Current job openings for the City of Shoreline

  Position     Emp. Type     Salary     Closing Date   
IT System AnalystFull-Time Regular$87,004.00 - $105,854.00 Annually 
Lifeguard/Swim InstructorExtra Help Variable Hour$13.13 - $14.85 HourlyContinuous
Specialized Recreation Specialist (On-Ca...Extra Help Variable Hour$14.34 - $16.22 HourlyContinuous
Swim InstructorExtra Help Variable Hour$11.50 - $13.01 HourlyContinuous
Teen Program Leader (year-round) Extra H...Extra Help Variable Hour$13.13 - $14.85 HourlyContinuous

First time applicants will need to create an account and select a Username and Password, OR sign in with existing LinkedIn or Facebook login credentials. The application can be reused to apply for more than one job opening. It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties while applying, call Applicant Technical Support: 855-524-5627.

Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the information submitted.

For more information, visit the Human Resources home page.



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Volunteer opportunity at Grace Cole Nature Park Saturday

Volunteers at Grace Cole Nature Park
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline
On Saturday, January 28, from 9:00am to 12:00noon, you are invited to volunteer with the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation!

Volunteers are asked to meet 9:00am at Grace Cole Nature Park, where the day’s tasks will be working on trail maintenance, plantings, spreading wood chips, and removal of invasive ivy and blackberry.

Some tools will be provided but feel free to bring a tool of your liking.

A sharp shovel is good for digging out roots or pruning shears for cutting out invasive ivy and blackberry.

Lunch will be provided (sandwiches and other items) at 12pm.

Dress for the weather, rain or shine, and feel free to bring family and friends to help volunteer at the Grace Cole Nature Park work party.

Thank you to all of the volunteers for giving your time to make Grace Cole Nature Park an enjoyable place to walk, relax and enjoy!

Directions to Grace Cole Nature Park



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Friday and Saturday at North City Bistro

Danny Godinez at North City Bistro Saturday
Friday, a night of  Cuban Jazz, with Ann Reynolds and Clave Gringa. They bring the real Cuban deal to the Bistro every few months, and it is a beautiful thing! They will play from 8:00-10:30 for $10 Cover. Here is a link to Ann's website, where you can hear some of their music

Saturday will be another night of Guitar Wizardry with the One and Only Danny Godinez. Danny never ceases to amaze the crowd. Danny will play from 8:00-10:30 for $10 Cover. Here is a link to his website, where you can view some Youtube clips.

North City Bistro - make reservations online.
206-365-4447. 1520 NE 177th St in North City.



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Mayor Johnson invites outstanding LFP High School Seniors to apply for the 2017 AWC Scholarship

The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Center for Quality Communities promotes municipal leadership development and civic engagement.

They are offering six $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors who plan to attend college or a trade school in Fall 2017. Each city can nominate one candidate for the scholarship. Applications are due to City Hall by 5pm March 1, 2017.

To be eligible for this scholarship a Lake Forest Park student must:
  1. be involved or have been involved with a City government or with a community/school leadership activity; 
  2. be eligible to graduate from high school, complete home school, or receive a GED in spring/summer 2017; 
  3. be a Washington state resident; and 
  4. plan to continue education in the 2017-2018 academic year at an accredited college, community college, or trade school on a half-time or more basis. 

Students interested in applying for this scholarship should submit their application into the City of Lake Forest Park by 5pm on March 1, 2017. Applications can be dropped off in person at City Hall or mailed to Lake Forest Park City Hall, Attn: AWC Scholarship Application, 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155. Applications will then be reviewed by Mayor Johnson and one nominee for Lake Forest Park will be selected. The Lake Forest Park scholarship nominee will be submitted to AWC Center for Quality Communities by March 10, 2017.

2017 AWC Scholarship Information



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More opportunities for tax assistance

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center is continuing to offer tax assistance to members of the community.

Appointments can be made through the Senior Center, 206-365-1536, while the taxes are done at the Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline, 98177.

The Staff at the library ask that all appointments be made through the senior center.

Tax assistance from AARP volunteers will be starting February 3 and run until April 14. 

Appointments at the Senior Center are being taken now; hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm.

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center is located in the southern-most building of Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave NE #1, 206-365-1536, email. This center is a Community Partner of Sound Generations.



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January 27 is Count Us In, the Point in Time Count of Homelessness in King County

Camp United We Stand
Photo by Kim Lancaster
Early Friday morning, hundreds of volunteers will spread over all of King County to witness and enumerate the scope of homelessness in our community.

Formerly known as the One Night Count, this year, Count Us In will utilize new and improved data collection methods for the full range of count activities.

This will include a street count of people living unsheltered, a count of people living in shelter or transitional housing, a qualitative survey of people experiencing homelessness, and specialized approaches to counting subpopulations, including youth / young adults, families, and those living in vehicles.

Obtaining comprehensive, accurate and actionable data through our annual point-in-time count is imperative to our community’s response to homelessness.

Local advocates, service providers and Applied Survey Research have all been active and valued partners in the planning and implementation of Count Us In.

Changes to this year’s count include the addition of paid guides, who are currently or formerly homeless individuals with lived experience in or near their count area, a shift from “known areas” to a 100% canvass of every census tract in King County and sample-based survey efforts including both shelter / service sites as well as non-service locations.



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Healthcare enrollment event Friday evening in Shoreline

Friday, January 27, from 5 - 8pm at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, the Public Health outreach team will be available to help people sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare.

Qualifying applicants will also be able to get ORCA cards for transportation.

If you sign up by January 31, you should feel confident that your coverage will remain intact for the rest of 2017.

Things could look different in 2018, but for the rest of 2017, all of the plans include benefits such as:
  • Free oral birth control
  • Free HIV test
  • One free blood draw
  • One free pap smear
  • Free breast pump for pregnant and new moms
And, all plans must cover the following:
  • Preventive care (like cholesterol and blood pressure screenings)
  • Hospital stays
  • Emergency services
  • Pediatric services, including dentist visits and vision
Find a comprehensive list of benefits here.

Just bring your photo ID and your last few pay stubs.

Call Public Health’s assistance hotline: 800-756-5437 or check here to find other locations.



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Small business: Mad Cow Yarn Shop

A large, comfortable area for people to relax and knit

Photos and text by Jerry Pickard

Molly Brusewitz opened the Mad Cow Yarn Shop in September of 2016 on the upper level of Lake Forest Park Town Center, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way. She had been in business in Bothell since 2012.

A rainbow of skeins covers the walls

It's a deliberately cozy shop, where people are encouraged to sit and knit.

Work table or break room depending on the day

There's a work table for large projects, complete with snacks.

Molly made it easy for women coming in looking for
pink yarn for pussy hats

Molly rose to the occasion for the Women's marches and gathered all the pink-hued yarn left in the shop on a big table in the front of the shop.

The shop is on the upper level of Town Center

Phone 425-415-6981, email, and website

Molly offers classes and one-on-one instruction.



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Driftwood scholarship for theater arts students

Edmonds Driftwood Players, 425-774-9600), a nonprofit community theater, will award scholarships of $500 - $3,500 each to deserving students for Fall 2017. Scholarships can be used toward tuition at any college or university in the U.S.

Student eligibility rules:
  • Be a graduating high school senior or currently attending college
  • Have a permanent residence (usually where their parents live) in South Snohomish or King Counties
  • Have demonstrated talent in the theatrical arts (performing or technical areas) and intend to study theater arts in college
Deadline for Application is April 14, 2017 (applications must be postmarked April 14, 2017).

Applicants are required to submit the following documentation to be considered for a scholarship award:
  • Applicant name, current address, phone number, and e-mail address. If a minor-parent/guardian name(s) and address(s) are also required.
  • Name of your current school and counselor or advisor
  • A list of high school or college extracurricular activities, and any awards or honors received.
  • Intended college for fall 2017
  • A letter of recommendation from your school’s drama teacher or other theater mentor.
  • An essay of 300-500 words about your interest in theater arts and what you plan to study in college
  • Transcripts of grades, including the 1st semester of senior year or latest quarter/semester of college.
  • Date of awards ceremonies at your high school (if applicable).
Recipients will be selected by an evaluation of the above information. All of the above information is required. Incomplete submissions will not be considered for awards.

Send Application Documents postmarked by April 14, 2017 to:

Edmonds Driftwood Players
Attn: Scholarship Committee
PO Box 385
Edmonds, WA 98020




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Robotics competition at Shorecrest Saturday brought out 27 teams

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Four teams at once
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Shorecrest High School hosted 27 robotic teams on Saturday, January 21 in the school gym for the VEX competitions.

Students are tasked with designing and building a robot to play against other clubs in game based engineering challenges.

Robots often need adjustments and repairs
Photo by Jerry Pickard

The objective was to have the robots shove plastic tetrahedrons over a fence and then pick up large bean bags and toss them over the fence. The team that tossed the most tetrahedrons and bean bags over the fence in the allotted time won each round.

Complicating the game was the fact that four teams were working in the same arena at the same time.

Shorecrest Team, back row l-r Henry Zalab, Shelly Gresch. Isabella Davis, and Adam Opfer.
front row Drew Gawlinski, Heidi Resing, and Stella Beemer.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

The Highlanders of Shorecrest fielded two teams under the supervisor of advisor Kari Potter.

Attendance was light for the four hour competition, with primarily family, friends, and teammates to watch the games.

Each of these schools brought from one to four teams:

  1. Auburn Riverside High School
  2. Bellevue Middle School
  3. Everett Home School (Middle School)
  4. Interlake High School
  5. iTech Preparatory (Vancouver, WA)
  6. Kirkland High School
  7. Lake Washington High School 
  8. Mariner High School
  9. Mukilteo High School
  10. Newport High School
  11. Redmond High School
  12. Rosehill Middle School (Redmond)
  13. Shorecrest High School
Shorewood's Robotics program is in a different VEX division and will be competing later in the year. King's CyberKnights competes in FIRST.




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Drones to photograph Shoreline parks and facilities

DJI Phantom 4 drone with camera
weighs 3 pounds and fits in a small suitcase
By Diane Hettrick

No. The police are not spying on you. Neither is the City of Shoreline.

But there will be drones flying overhead throughout the year, taking photographs.

Shoreline has contracted with Jacobsen Photography to provide drone photography of city parks, facilities, and notable areas.

Jacobsen Photography will be shooting both still photos and videos throughout 2017. The object is to provide visuals for Shoreline's publicity campaign website surprisedbyshoreline.com, for marketing material for economic development, and for city publications such as Currents.

Jacobsen Photography will shoot many of the images using a quad-copter sUAS (small unmanned aerial system or drone), which is contracted to operate in Shoreline and its parks.

The operator will carry an FAA license and follow all applicable regulations and best practices including:
  • that the drone be well-maintained,
  • must operate at times with low foot traffic,
  • must not fly directly over people,
  • will avoid gathering personal data,
  • will not be equipped to record audio,
  • will not fly at night.

And s/he doesn't care what you are doing in your kitchen.

Contact Economic Development Manager Dan Eernissee or 206-801-2218 if the operation of the sUAS presents any specific concerns.


updated 1-26-17

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Do you know someone who needs a ramp to their home?

Elsa's wheel chair was too heavy to lift.
Irons Brothers construction of Shoreline
built her a ramp
Photo courtesy Irons Brothers
Do you know someone who is trapped in their home because of mobility issues?

Even two steps can be the difference between freedom and captivity for someone in a wheelchair.

The Master Builders Association is looking for candidates for their annual Rampathon.

Each year since 1993, MBA members and community volunteers head to home sites or non profit organizations throughout King and Snohomish counties to build ramps during the month of May, for free, "because our neighbors in need deserve the same freedoms we have." 

The Master Builders Association is proud to help local veterans, children in need, and elderly community members become more mobile and independent.

Applications to be considered for a free wheelchair ramp are available now.

Apply online
Or download a printable application.

Applications are due by Wednesday, March 1, 2017.


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Free tax preparation by United Way at Goodwill


Take the stress out of filing your taxes and maximize your refund – have United Way of King County prepare your return for free!

United Way of King County is offering free tax preparation services in 27 locations throughout King County from now until April 20th.

Households making under $64,000 can have their taxes prepared-- and they can get connected to healthcare enrollment and other public benefits.

Locations can be found throughout the county with daytime, evening, and weekend hours available. No appointments needed. Get your maximum refund fast and pay no fees!

The tax sites in our community are:

Shoreline Goodwill, 145th and 15th NE
  • Mon: 5:00- 9:00 PM
  • Wed: 5:00- 9:00 PM
  • Sat: 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM

Ronald United Methodist Church, 17839 Aurora Ave N
  • Mon: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM 
  • Thurs: 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Sat: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM


People using the service should bring a government issued picture ID (for spouse also if they are married), the social security card for the tax payer and all dependents, and all W-2s and other forms needed to complete their tax return.


To find other locations, languages available, a list of what to bring, and other details, visit the website or call 2-1-1.


Updated 1-30-2017

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Roundtable Friday with Elizabeth Goodnow from Accountemps

Roundtable is back for 2017

Are you ready to get a paycheck? Is it a temporary job you have in mind – that is, just something to make do until the dream job arrives -- or is it something more permanent in an office setting?

Either way, if you stop by Roundtable this Friday, your chances of becoming employed very soon will increase dramatically.

Below is an excerpt from a very nice card I once received from Roundtable participant, Kathy Tiedman:

“My contact with your speaker from Accountemps facilitated contact with a recruiter at Robert Half and ultimately led to my placement in a long term, temporary position.”

Kathy went on to say that the experience boosted her confidence and has added some attractive cache to her resume.
And wouldn’t you know it, Elizabeth Goodnow from Accountemps / Robert Half Agency is our featured guest for this Friday!
Please come by, bring your resume and business card, and arrange for a one-on-one with Elizabeth. 

She and the folks at Accountemps have been awesome over the past couple years and have landed many Roundtablers much needed employment.

We’ll of course have coffee and treats on hand, compliments of Central Market. Have a friend or family member looking for work? Please bring them along.

See you this Friday – and as always, Good Luck Out There!

Ron Carnell, Program Specialist 2, Workforce Education

Friday, January 27, 1:00-2:30pm
Shoreline Community College
Building 9000, Room 9201 (2nd Floor)

SCC Campus Map and Parking

Continuing Education / Bridges at Shoreline Winter Class Schedule


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Transit ridership surges during Womxn's March, sets Saturday record for Link light rail

Photo courtesy Sound Transit
King County and Sound Transit's integrated transit systems logged more than 330,000 boardings on buses and light rail during the historic Womxn's March on Seattle and set a record for Saturday ridership on Link light rail.

Together, King County Metro Transit and Sound Transit saw an estimated 50 percent more riders during the January 21 event than usual for an average Saturday on buses and Link light rail.

Metro estimates more than 250,000 bus boardings on the day of the march, roughly 70,000 more than usual Saturday ridership during the fall of 2016. Metro's estimate is based on data from ORCA card usage, fares collected, and passenger-counting sensors installed on buses.

Sound Transit estimates 80,000 boardings on Link light rail, its highest Saturday ridership to date for Link. A typical Saturday in December 2016 averaged 39,000 light rail riders.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
More than 100,000 were estimated to have joined Saturday's march, which at one point stretched four miles from Judkins Park through downtown to Seattle Center.

Metro drivers and supervisors reported dozens of crowded buses starting around 8am, with large crowds at stops in several areas, including Northgate, the University District, and the Eastside.

Riders using Link after the march experienced standing-room only crowds on trains and station platforms.

Metro provided additional service on several key routes, and operated shuttles between the International District and Judkins Park, and Seattle Center and downtown.

Metro activated its Transit Division Operations Center (DOC) to coordinate service during the march due to large crowds and service impacts. The DOC comprises staff from all Metro sections and is typically activated during emergencies and adverse weather. More than 50 bus routes were rerouted due to crowds and road closures during the march.



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Wrestling Tuesday Shorewood vs Edmonds Woodway

Wrestling
Tuesday, January 24
At Shorewood
Edmonds Woodway 54 - Shorewood 18

106-Nick Lotz (SW) pinned Angus Rate (EW) 0:51
113-Kody Carpenter (SW) dec Usman Fatty 9-6
120-Howie Hare (EW) dec Curt Tanaka (SW) 4-2 (OT)
126-Grayson Lacompte (EW) pinned Richard Street (SW) 5:41
132-Ellis Carlson (EW) pinned Devin Leach (SW) 4:27
138-Salihou Fatty (EW) pinned Zach Matthews (SW) 5:15
145-Cole Hadler (EW) dec Elias Thorne (SW) 3-1
152-Simon Lee (EW) pinned Mark Yamane (SW) 3:32
160-Anthony Lindamood (EW) pinned Eddie Soloman (SW) 0:56
170-Esdras Valladares (SW) pinned Christian Simpson (EW)  3:09
182-Josh Brown (EW) won by forfeit
195-Troy Beach (SW) dec Brandon Mitchell (EW) 4-3
220-Generous Yeh (EW) won by forfeit
285-Robbie Simonton (EW) won by forfeit  



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Orchids and Terrariums weekend seminars at Sky

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Saturday, January 28th, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Growing Orchids at Home with Krysta Carlisle

Despite their apparent delicacy, orchids are easy to grow and will provide you a long season of beautiful bloom if you choose varieties that fit your existing conditions and meet their few basic needs.

Orchid expert Krysta Carlisle will tell how to choose the best varieties for your home, office, or terrarium and she’ll walk you through watering, feeding, and ensuring your beauties thrive.

Sunday, January 29th.1pm – 2:30pm
Hands-On Terrarium Seminar with Kate Convey

Build your own terrarium! We will have assorted glass vessels and suitable plants for purchase, plus starter kits with the gravel, soil, and charcoal you will need.

Kate will help you choose plants for your terrarium style, demonstrate how to layer the base strata, coach you in arranging your plants for an artistic effect, and have accents available to enhance your final arrangement.

You will leave with a fully-finished terrarium of your own creation and pay at the registers for the products you used.

Preregistration is recommended — call 206-546-4851 or email sky@skynursery.com.

For those who would simply like to observe the techniques, the class is free and no advance notice is needed.

Sky Nursery 18528 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline 98133,  206-546-4851



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Carry On

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

  • A boy magician, identified at age 11 as "the Chosen One" and taken away to a magical British school
  • A series of books about the boy and his friends as they battle the enemy of all Wizard-kind
  • Lots of magic, magical creatures, action, adventure, mystery, and good vs evil

You know the boy I'm talking about, right? Yes! It's Simon Snow!

Wait. What?

Simon Snow's evil roommate Baz says that Simon is probably the worst Chosen One ever chosen, and he's probably right. Most of the time Simon doesn't know what his magic is going to do ... if it does anything. His magic wand is a hand-me-down, his spell casting is capricious, and although the Sword of Mages comes to his hand sometimes when he needs it, it's never reliable.

And then there's Baz: rich. pale. mysterious. wicked. and a vampire.

Wait. What?

The reader joins Simon and Baz mid-story, after they have already survived adventures in six other books fighting chimeras, goblins, bone-teeth hunters ... and each other. Unlike that other series of books about a boy magician in a magical school, this series has never been written. And Carry On isn't the series itself either, it's a fan-fiction novel.

Keep up, will you?

Only Rainbow Rowell could write a fanfic salute to a series that she invented as a "prop" for a different novel ... and only Rainbow Rowell would start by writing the end of the story but not the beginning!

And just wait until you get to the romance between Simon and XXXXXXXX ....oops. Sorry, no spoilers here.

Fast-paced adventure and a flawed hero with flawed friends, awesome love story and terrific world-building.

Highly recommended.


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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Op-Ed - an open letter to the Shoreline City Council - do not adopt Planning Commission amendments re homeless

COL (ret) Bill Barnsdale is retired military as well as a sheriff in California for many years. Currently Junior Warden (Buildings / Grounds) at St Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Shoreline, he has a unique perspective in working with the homeless - both positive and negative.

Dear Shoreline City Council,

Bottom Line Up Front: Please do not adopt the Planning Commission’s amendments regarding the local encampment ordinance as to be submitted on or about January 30th. They will make Shoreline an unwelcoming place for transitional encampments and for the people experiencing homelessness in general.

I am writing on behalf of St Dunstan’s Episcopal Church to ask that the Council revise the proposed amendments to the Shoreline zoning code regarding transitional encampments (Temp Use Permits) before they are adopted by the City Council. 

St Dunstan’s Church has hosted three camps since 2011, and provides direct support for up to five homeless camps in the Region each week since 2012. We happen to work closely with Greater Seattle Cares.

We are very concerned about the welfare of those Shoreline residents who find themselves homeless. 

We were delighted to see the Council’s Resolution 379, directing the Planning Commission to review the zoning laws to lower barriers for the homeless. That’s exactly as is should be.

Unfortunately the language / amendments as submitted by the Planning Commission to you do not reflect the spirit of your directive.

First: a Temp Use Permit application should be required of the Host (typically the local church) each time an encampment seeks a new home. That’s the way business is done now. A Temp Use Permit should not be required or submitted by the members of the encampment.

Second: the proposed Planning Commission’s language essentially disallows backyard encampments, which is without doubt the Commission’s intent. They also make it harder for structured transitional encampments to find any hosts in Shoreline. As we see it, churches, non-profits and government property should all be exempt from the proposed 20 foot setbacks in the draft ordinance language. If the 20 foot setback remains in the ordinance language, all but three Shoreline churches would no longer be able to act as a Host.

Homeless camp at St Dunstan's
Photo courtesy St Dunstan's

Third: the unclear definition of a Managing Agency needs to be removed from the amendments. In effect the proposed language attempts to make the encampment Host churches a “Management Agency” responsible for the day-to-day behavior or conduct within the camps. That’s all actually done by the member-leadership of the encampments. Otherwise, like any other citizen, campers are subject to direction from County Social Services and local fire and police employees.

Fourth: I believe that each Permit Application should have an attached list of campers by full name, date of birth, place of birth, Washington State Driver’s License Number or Social Security Account Number. The City should send one copy to the King County Dispatch Center (as required by the County Ordinance) and (add this section) send one copy to the Shoreline PD’s Patrol Division Commander. The purpose of these lists is to allow the Dispatch Center to clear the residents as not being pedophiles, and that they have no pending “wants and warrants”. (The encampment neighbors want to know this.) Both Dispatch and the local Patrolmen should have a copy of the encampment membership list.

St Dunstan’s Vestry and Congregation strongly support the alternative language as submitted by Greater Seattle Cares (GSC) in an email on January 22, 2017.

Please do not adopt the pending language amendments as submitted by your Planning Commission. They will make Shoreline an unwelcoming place for transitional encampments and for the people experiencing homelessness in general.

Sincerely,
COL (ret) Bill Barnsdale




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Shorecrest gymnasts take Shoreline Cup and District 1 JV Championships

Opening ceremony. l-r Monroe, Shorecrest, Shorewood
Monroe did not field enough gymnasts to compete at varsity level
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Shoreline Cup and District 1 JV Championship Gymnastics meet
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Shorewood and Shorecrest, and Monroe JV
Cascade Elite Club, Mountlake Terrace
Varsity: Shorecrest 140 - Shorewood 131

The JV Meet was a success for Shorecrest, as they took 1st place in every category. Freshman Gia Lanava took 1st place All Around. Gia also took 1st on Floor and Vault. Freshman Paige Moss took 1st place on Bars, and Junior Alaine Ziegenhagel took 1st place on Beam. Sophomore Blaine Menelik took 2nd on Floor, 2nd on Bars, and tied with sophomore Iasis Kennedy for 2nd on Beam.

Some of Shorewood's team loosen up before the competition
l-r Julie Lu (JV)  Leah Beard (V) Stephanie Dinca (V)
Aryanna Holmes ( JV) Megan Catey (V)
 Photo by Wayne Pridemore
 
The meet was also the Shoreline Cup (Shorewood Varsity against Shorecrest Varsity). Shorecrest won with 140 points against Shorewood, who had 131 points.

Shorecrest Varsity squad is composed of: Seniors Jac Longstreth, Julie Moss, and Clara Cowan; Juniors Julianne Oshiro, Lucia Tucker, Julia Brough, and Alexis Mackenstadt; Sophomores: Jacy Elizondo, Hannah Cheshier, and Tory Collins.

Shorecrest's team moves to the uneven bar station
l-r Clara Cowan, Tory Collins, Jac Longstreth, Blaine Menelik, Jacy Elizondo
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Junior Julianne Oshiro took 2nd in the All Around (1st on Floor, 1st on Bars, 2nd on Beam, and 2nd on Vault). Senior Jac Longstreth took 3rd in the All Around.

Coach Shelby Bushman said, "Overall, it was a very successful meet for us. I am super proud of these girls, as they have been working extremely hard to get where they are. 
"I am so proud to be their coach and couldn’t be more thrilled at their successes. I’m hopeful they will do well this coming Saturday and that some of them will qualify to State."
Shorecrest's team is ready to go and they performed the Dab dance move.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore


The District 1 Championship meet is Saturday, January 28 at Shorewood with Shorecrest, Shorewood, Sehome, Bellingham, and Squalicum.

Shorecrest is 2 - 0 overall.

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Vehicle fire on I-5 last Wednesday

Aftermath of vehicle fire on I-5
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

A fully involved vehicle fire Wednesday, January 18 at 2pm on I-5 in Shoreline was a dramatic scene for drivers. It happened under the pedestrian bridge at NE 195th.

The occupant safely escaped the vehicle.

WSDOT Traffic camera
facing southbound
Vehicle was under pedestrian bridge


Traffic was stopped in both directions until Shoreline Fire arrived and contained the fire.


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