Sen. Chase to hold five town hall sessions

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Sen. Maralyn Chase D-32
Sen. Maralyn Chase, D-Edmonds, will host five town hall meetings to report on the Legislature’s work, and accomplishments, during the 2018 session, and issues that are important to the 32nd District.

Each town hall will focus on a different subject.

Residents of the 32nd Legislative District want to know what the Legislature really did about gun safety taxes, single payer healthcare, climate change and education.

Let’s talk about these issues and whatever else is on your mind:
  • April 25: Legislative Report and discussion of gun safety
    • Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
    • Location: Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Ave. NW, Shoreline, 98177 
  • May 2: Legislative Report and discussion of taxes 
    • Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
    • Location: Lynnwood Library, 19200 44th Ave. W, Lynnwood, 98036 
  • May 3: Legislative Report and discussion of transit and housing
    • Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
    • Location: Spartan Recreation Center 202 NE 185th Street Shoreline 98155 
  • May 8: Legislative Report and discussion of healthcare
    • Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
    • Location: Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Ave. NW, Shoreline, 98177 
  • May 10: Legislative Report and discussion of the environment
    • Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
    • Location: Lynnwood Library, 19200 44th Ave. W, Lynnwood, 98036


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Letter to the Editor: I predict a traffic disaster

To the Editor:

As a decades-long traveler on Richmond Beach Road, I predict a traffic disaster after the City's revision. Today's flow of traffic is swift and efficient, but in the future twice daily rush hours will be intolerably congested. We'll likely also see back-ups in the "mini rush hours" at lunchtime and after school. Buses will block single thru lanes. Drivers seeking relief will divert to residential streets not intended for heavy traffic. Yes, left turns will be better and the occasional biker might be safer, but the cost of these small improvements will be overwhelming. One need only drive the streets already altered in Shoreline and Seattle to see how flawed this street revision policy really is.

More disturbing is the intransigence of our City Council and City staff. When hundreds of citizens who use this thoroughfare on a daily basis call out "ERROR!" wouldn't it be wise for City leaders to listen?

Our City prides itself as a Green City. Is this a "Green" solution?

Robert Hauck
Shoreline (Richmond Beach)



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Dale Turner Family YMCA Annual Healthy Kids Day® Saturday

Dale Turner Family YMCA Annual Healthy Kids Day®

On Saturday, April 21, the Dale Turner Family YMCA in Shoreline is holding a free community event to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active at the annual YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®, the Y’s national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families.

Healthy Kids Day is an opportunity to ignite children’s imaginations so that they can imagine what they’ll accomplish this summer. The day-long event features activities such as: healthy cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, fun games, free cycle helmet with fittings (for the first 100 kids) and program demonstration to motivate and teach families how to develop and maintain healthy routines at home throughout the summer months.

Healthy Kids Day, celebrated at over 1,500 Ys across the country by over 1.2 million participants, works to get more kids moving and learning, creating habits that they continue all summer long. 

When kids are out of school, they can face hurdles that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Research shows that without access to out-of-school learning activities, kids fall behind academically. Kids also gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year.

As spring turns to summer, Healthy Kids Day is a powerful reminder not to let children idle away their summer days. Instead, the Y wants families to focus on helping children imagine what they can accomplish over the summer.

“When a child is healthy, happy, and supported they can make great things happen,” says Paul Lwali, Executive Director, Dale Turner Family YMCA. 
“We believe in the potential of all children, and we strive to help kids find that potential within themselves. A child’s development is never on vacation and Healthy Kids Day is a great opportunity to educate families and motivate kids to stay active in spirit, mind and body throughout the summer.”

Keeping Kids Healthy All Summer Long

In celebration of YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the Y offers the following tips to help families develop healthy habits this summer that can have a lifetime effect:
  • High Five the Fruits and Veggies – Make sure kids get at least five servings a day, the minimum number nutritionists recommend to maintain healthy childhood development. And to keep kids’ taste buds evolving, have everyone in the family try at least one bite of a new fruit or vegetable at least once a month. 
  • Read Together – The summer is a great time to enjoy books with summer program participants—and 30 minutes a day goes a long way! Take trips to the local library or create a family reading challenge to see who can log the most minutes of reading. Encourage youth to create their own stories as well. 
  • Get Moving! – Activities that require movement also help kids flex their mental muscle. Use materials in unique ways: ask youth to build models, manipulate tools or develop their own theatrical scenes. 
  • Play Together – Play may be the best way to prevent childhood obesity. By putting more play into your family’s day, you will soon find yourself getting the activity that will have your family feeling energized and strong. 
  • Make sleep a priority – Doctors recommend 10-12 hours of sleep a day for children ages 5-12 and 7-8 hours per night for adults. Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining our healthy immune system, metabolism, mood, memory, learning and other vital functions. 

The Dale Turner Family YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day takes place at 19290 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline from 10am -1pm and features fun, active play and educational activities.

Healthy Kids Day encourages youth and families to awaken summer imagination and this cannot be done without proper nutrition. Walmart Foundation is proud to sponsor Healthy Kids Day to raise awareness about the importance of food security and nutrition for youth and families.



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Flags at half-staff for Barbara Bush

Flag Lowering - 4/18/18 (Barbara Bush)

Pursuant to a Presidential Proclamation, Governor Inslee directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff immediately in memory of former First Lady Barbara Bush who passed away on April 17, 2018 at the age of 92.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Saturday, April 21, 2018.

Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.

Please call 360-902-0383 if you have any questions about this flag lowering.



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Update: Parkwood burglar not located

Guardian One
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Tuesday night, April 16, 2018, at 9pm in the 1700 block of N 160th, a neighbor called 911 because they saw someone attempting to crawl into the window of a nearby home.

The suspect saw the neighbor, got out of the window and jumped the fence out of the yard.

Deputies and the Guardian One helicopter checked the area, looking for two suspects who were seen in the area.

The two suspects were found, but the original witness confirmed they were NOT the burglar. They were released.

Police say that "NO one was arrested on this call, and we have no real description of the suspect because it was too dark."

Guardian One is routinely called in on searches when it is available. It is equipped with an array of high tech equipment including infrared sensors that show humans and animals in the dark, and "midnight sun" high intensity spotlights.


Correction: the incident was Tuesday night, April 17, 2018

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Where's Dan Short? 4-18-2018

Photo by Dan Short


Roving photographer Dan Short managed to find some sunshine - which is a good thing, because this object is apparently a sundial.

If you are not familiar with this particular work of art, you might recognize the location by the details in the background.

Where was he? Put your answers in the comments or just wait until tomorrow and we'll tell you!




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Police search for reported burglar in Parkwood neighborhood

King County Sheriff's Office
Guardian One
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Shoreline Police, assisted by Air Support helicopter, searched for a suspected burglar near 1700 N 160th in the Parkwood neighborhood just before 9pm on Tuesday.

The suspect was not located. It appears that no entry was made to the house.

Citizens should contact police if they see suspicious activity.

UPDATE

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46th District Legislators meet with constituents in Town Hall

From left, Rep. Javier Valdez, Rep. Gerry Pollet
and Sen. David Frockt at Town Hall meeting

Photo and text by Steven H. Robinson

Legislators from the 46th District held a town hall Monday evening, April 16, 2018 in Kenmore to report on the recently completed state legislative session.

Senator David Frockt
Representative Gerry Pollet
Representative Javier Valdez

Report on the Washington legislative activity for 2018

Accomplishments 

Budget approved for Washington Education to include faculty raises and to pay fines levied by the Washington State Supreme Court for not fully funding public education. Projected end of local education levies which would impact Special Education if changes are not made to current funding.

Representative Pollet stated that there needs to be a progressive form of taxes in the state to cover funding needs.

The House passed, but the senate did not, a bill to cover NARCAN in high schools and dormitories to combat the issue of Opioid related deaths.

The legislature passed gun laws to ban “Bump stocks” and the banning of guns for individuals convicted of Domestic Violence. Also, individuals with mental illnesses may voluntarily have their names listed to not be able to purchase firearms. (Rep Valdez encouraged the audience to contact friends and relatives in other districts to contact their own legislators to influence them to vote for the proposed gun laws)

Voter registration legislation allows for people to register to vote as late as election day and youth can register to vote ahead of time if they will be 18 by election day.

Other accomplishments:
  • Green Act 2.0
  • DACA access to higher Education in the State of Washington
  • Breakfast after the bell to allow students to receive a free meal even after the school day starts.
  • Net Neutrality for internet access enacted for the state of Washington.
  • Funding for a Kenmore pedestrian pass over Bothell Way related to Sound Transit.
  • Funding found for LFP culvert replacements to return salmon runs
  • Acquisition funds for the 5 Acre Woods Park and maintenance
  • Funds for siting study for the Sound Transit 3 parking garage.
  • Funding for Public Boathouse in Kenmore
  • Funding for Rhododendron Park in Kenmore
Things not passed by the legislature

No repeal of the death penalty

No re-evaluation of Sound Transit evaluation for car tabs.

Not supported was Governor Inslee’s directive to prevent the Department of Licensing from giving information to the Federal Government without a Court Order or Warrant, when related to Immigrant's status or application for a Driver’s License.

A short question and answer period was allowed at the end of the meeting.

Topics related to air quality related to the asphalt plant, gun control, property tax reductions, funding for public works and thanks to the legislators for their work.



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Osprey alert

2016 osprey nesting at Hamin Park
Photo by Steve Schneider

Bird Lady Christine Southwick reports that the Osprey that breed on the east side of Shoreline were heard and seen (male and female), Monday afternoon— her first sighting of the year.

Red breasted Sapsucker
Photo by Doug Parrott
Also, she said that the local Red-breasted Sapsucker who uses a street sign as his female signaling device, started pecking in the same half-inch location that he has used for the last two years.

It must work…




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Tree Campus USA - Shoreline Community College recognized by Arbor Day Foundation

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Photo courtesy SCC

Shoreline Community College Named Tree Campus USA
Arbor Day Foundation Recognizes Shoreline’s Native Plant Efforts


For the second year in a row, Shoreline Community College has received Tree Campus USA recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation.

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Tree Campus USA recognizes college and university campuses that effectively manage their campus trees, develop community connections to foster urban forests, and strive to engage their student population in forestry efforts. The College met all of five of the Tree Campus USA standards and is active in fostering healthy native plant life on its 80 acres of land.

“We are proud to be recognized as a Tree Campus USA as part of our efforts to create a campus that benefits the environment, as well as our students and community members,” said President Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D. 
“The land the campus sits on was at one time an important place for gathering and growing traditional foods for the Duwamish people of this area. We are called to continue that stewardship and ensure that our campus is a place where native plants thrive and help create a living laboratory for our students,” she added.

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

As part of Shoreline’s Earth Week festivities this month, the College will honor Arbor Day on Friday, April 20 with a celebration of native trees and plants in the courtyard.

On Saturday, April 21, the public is invited to take part in a native plant habitat restoration project on the campus from 10am – 2pm.Volunteers will remove invasive species, clean up litter, and plant native trees and shrubs. All are welcome; some refreshments will be provided. Learn more here


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Giant garage sale Saturday at Áegis Living



Áegis Living of Shoreline will hold a Giant Garage Sale
Saturday, April 21
9am to noon

Shoreline 98155



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Home Improvement Vendor Fair at City of Shoreline Apr 24

March vendor fair
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Free Home Improvement Workshop and Vendor Fair
Tuesday, April 24, 2018, 6:00pm-8:00pm

The Shoreline Planning department will hold its second Vendor Fair and Home Improvement Workshop on Tuesday, April 24, 6-8pm at City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N. Free parking in City garage (driveway just north of City Hall).

March vendor fair
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Here are the companies who will be at the vendor fair:
  • Built Green program (Master Builders Association)
  • Soak It Up Rebate program (Shoreline Public Works)
  • Fosmore Construction
  • Irons Brothers Construction
  • NW Electric and Solar
  • Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union
  • Signature Surveying and Mapping
  • Home Depot
  • Master Gardener program
  • Renewals by Anderson
  • Green Home Solutions
Come in anytime between 6 and 8pm to talk to these experts!

Here's a comment from a resident who came to the March Vendor Fair:

I did find a contractor that was able to introduce us to many of his local subcontractors that have been helping us manage home projects. As we are new to the area, this kind of connection has been incredibly helpful and has allowed us to settle into our home and new community more quickly than we might have otherwise.

There are a few slots left for individual appointments with city staff on April 24th. Fill out the form and staff will contact you.

Contact Jarrod Lewis at 206-801-2521 with any questions.






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Letter to the Editor: Good luck to Save Our Roads - you'll need it

To the Editor:

I reflected on a similar battle against the Shoreline City Council’s plans for road improvements on 15th Ave NE a few years back. Despite over a 1,000 letters pleading not to change 15th our desires were ignored. The Council was sure they knew better what our city needed. The result was traffic congestion twice a day during commute times (which still exists) and an increase in accidents when cars tried to cross traffic to get their children to school. Solution? Another red light which resulted in increased traffic congestion and increased traffic through residential neighborhoods. Solution? Traffic circles in residential neighborhoods which resulted in school bus delays as the school district was not consulted prior to putting in the circles. So as you can see I wish “Save Our Roads” luck as you will surely need it.

Debbie Cheek
Shoreline



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Coffee with the Mayor of Lake Forest Park Saturday Apr 21


You're Invited to Coffee with the Mayor on Saturday, April 21, 2018

If you’re out and about on Saturday, April 21, consider joining Lake Forest Park Mayor Johnson at Coffee with the Mayor — he would like to hear from you!

Bring your interests, comments, concerns and praises to chat with the Mayor over coffee. Whether you are a business owner, community member, or just an interested neighbor, he would love to see you there. All coffee hours are informal and open to the public.

When: Saturday, April 21, 2018
9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

Upstairs in the Council Chambers
Coffee and pastries will be served




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Cartoons by Whitney Potter: Tax Day



Tax Day - April 17, 2018



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Disaster Night at City Hall Tuesday

Tuesday evening, April 17, 2018, two neighborhood associations will have speakers on preparing for disasters. They will be in meeting rooms on the 3rd floor of City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N.

In Room 301, Meridian Park Neighborhood Association, which meets from 7 - 8:30pm  will focus on the American Red Cross with the topic: Disaster Planning!

The American Red Cross will present a program and give out materials on how to prepare for earthquakes, fires, and other disasters. Bring your questions! All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

In Room 303, Echo Lake Neighborhood Association, which meets from 7-9pm, will talk about Before and After a Disaster.

Board member Dale Lydin, who has had FEMA disaster training, will present information on how we can work together and pool our resources to meet our basic survival needs after a disaster.

Officer Paula Bates will talk about the Shoreline Watch (aka blockwatch), and Community Services Manager Rob Beem will talk about the City's role in disaster planning.



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Update on kayaker rescued at Saltwater Park

EMTs evacuating Paula's brother
from Saltwater Park
Paula Blair has let us know about her brother, who was rescued from the Shoreline Sea at Saltwater Park after a kayak mishap. (see previous story)

Thank you all, and a Special Thank You to Bryce Hansen. My brother is doing well, he is still in the hospital from hypothermia complications. ❤️

The average sea temperature for Seattle in April is 44.9 to 46.6 degrees. At that temperature full hypothermia will occur in 30-60 minutes. Symptoms can appear within ten minutes.



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Avoid I-5 through Seattle this weekend

Time to fix the pavement on I-5
Photo courtesy WSDOT
If you are leaving town this weekend, don't plan on coming back through Seattle on I-5.

WSDOT warns that you can expect significant delays on I-5 in Seattle during bridge and roadway work, Friday through Monday, April 20-23. Northbound I-5 will be reduced to two lanes, and several ramps closed.

Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will reduce northbound I-5 between the West Seattle Bridge and Olive Way to replace worn and aging bridge expansion joints and rehabilitate portions of concrete on the 50-year old roadway in the work to “Revive I-5”

Overnight, a single lane will remain open.


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Jobs: Shoreline Community College

Monday, April 16, 2018

Shoreline Community College is currently recruiting for an Executive Assistant – Employee Engagement in Human Resources and Employee Relations

This position provides administrative support for employee events such as College updates, professional development opportunities, employee celebrations and recognitions, orientations, and fall convocation.

Job description and application



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Sculptors Workshop in Edmonds May 4-5



Friday and Saturday, May 4-5 (Friday 12 - 7 pm, Saturday 10 am - 2 pm) 
Frances Anderson Center (Rm. 210) at 700 Dayton St., Edmonds

One-of-a-kind artworks by local artists! Meet some of Sculptors Workshop's 20 artists and find unique, handmade gifts!

Decorative and functional pottery handcrafted by Sculptors' Workshop members include garden art, vases, platters, mugs, plates and bowls.

Then spend a day enjoying the charming waterfront town of Edmonds as part of your visit to this historic studio, a pottery co-op with a rich 50-year history.



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Letter to the Editor: Save Our Roads Explained

To the Editor:

When we became aware of the City of Shoreline’s plan to “rechannelize” Richmond Beach Road from four lanes to two lanes (with a middle turn lane) plus bicycle lanes, the reaction was immediate. In conversations with our neighbors there appeared to be near-unanimous opposition. Ginny Scantlebury called for a meeting and the 4 or 5 attendees, all local residents, decided to take action. We would write and circulate a petition, present it to the Shoreline City Council and speak individually with council members. Almost 500 signatures were gathered in a short time. (We now have well over 800.) As we asked neighbors to sign a petition we were all struck by the support from the vast majority of residents that we approached.

The petition was duly submitted to the Council and several members of the group spoke against the “rechannalization”. Sadly, the Council, despite acknowledging strong community opposition, responded with a unanimous vote to proceed. In a feeble attempt to deflect criticism, the Council stated its intention to “monitor” the traffic after the work is complete. The group, now called Save Our Roads, decided to continue the fight, dug into their pockets and paid for the Save Our Roads signs. We intend to keep the pressure on the council as we believe that Council members who were elected to be our representatives should do just that especially when the people they represent are so united against their plan.

To all our current supporters of Save Our Roads, thank you for your generous contributions of time and money. If you’d like to join our group, Save Our Roads, please email us at : saverichmondbeachroad@gmail.com, and if you’d like to contribute to our sign fund, please mail a small check to: Save Our Roads, PO Box 60113, Seattle, WA, 98160. The fight continues.

Ginny Scantlebury, George Mauer, Richard Shilling
representing the Save our Roads board
Shoreline




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KCSO Detective given 5 days suspension for pulling gun on Shoreline motorcyclist

King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht held a press conference on Monday to announce that the off duty King County detective who pulled a gun on a speeding Shoreline motorcyclist on N 145th last summer will get 5 days suspension without pay.

Johanknecht disciplined Detective Richard Rowe for his lack of courtesy, failure to identify himself immediately, and for holding his gun in the horizontal position instead of tipped down in the "low-ready" position.

The motorcyclist, Alex Randall of Shoreline, admitted that he was speeding and may have cut off Rowe's vehicle. He was unarmed, but moved his hand in a way that prompted the detective to pull his gun.

Randall, who wanted a harsher punishment for the officer, has said that he feared for his life during the confrontation, which was filmed from start to finish with Randall's GoPro.

The Seattle Times published a long story today - read it here


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Poem: Soul healing beauty on a branch

Photo by Karol Milner

"Soul Healing Beauty On A Branch"

Soul healing beauty on a branch,
Awaiting your pause to focus and gaze,
Those Barred Owls are feathered objects of Divine magic!

Feathered beauty that heals away self-inflicted discontent,
Beauty that filters self-doubt and inspires courage,
Natural beauty that leads you to contentedness!

With an intent focus and gaze at their feathered beauty,
Free and distract your mind from self inflicted discontent.

Barred owls are natural beauty in harmony,
Nature’s sublime-Divine-feathered-soul-healers,
A source of soul healing beauty for everyone!

Mesmerizing beauty from Barred Owls,
Is Divine-Providence-healing in visual revelation,
A concoction for releasing soul felt discontent,

Natural beauty is extraordinary-Divine-intervention,
To cleanse discontent from your Soul,
A way to erase the fault-lines of worry from your brow,
Barred Owls are soul healing beauty on a branch!

©2018 by Bob Barta

Poem inspired by article written
by Glen Milner in Sunday's Shoreline Area News.



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Fire and Water: Fire districts train at future site of North City Water District maintenance facility

What if a firefighter falls through a
weakened floor during a fire?
Photos courtesy Shoreline Fire

The North City water district, which provides water to east Shoreline and west Lake Forest Park, is in the permitting process to construct a new maintenance facility at property they purchased at 15555 15th Ave NE in Shoreline.

They purchased the property from the Northwest Church, which moved to Lynnwood.

The church buildings are sitting vacant on the site. They will be demolished once the permits have been approved and contracts awarded.

"We offered the buildings to local fire departments for training," District Manager Diane Pottinger explained. 
"We thought they would appreciate having real buildings to use."

You get a fire hose down to the
trapped firefighter.


Shoreline Fire is already taking them up on the offer.
"We're always training," said spokesperson Michelle Pidduck. 
"The preparation our training division puts in is very time consuming, but the learning experience is rewarding, knowing it could save a life of those risking their own."

Then you hoist him/her up, using the hose

An example of some training that a complex building offers is an exercise Shoreline Fire recently did with neighboring departments (Bothell, Northshore and Woodinville) at the North City Water District site on 15th Ave NE.

They simulated a firefighter falling through a weakened floor.

They worked together with a quick hoisting method on the hose. 

"We expect there will be a lot of regional training at the site between now and demolition day," said Pottinger. 

"South Snohomish County, Northshore, Bothell, Woodinville and Seattle Fire Departments are likely going to be doing training on the site."



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Rob Oxford: "We Can Be Heroes" (David Bowie)

Eric Johnson
KOMO Sportscaster
By Rob Oxford

You've heard the saying, "It takes one to know one"? Well, KOMO's Eric Johnson knows a lot of heroes and he's been introducing them to us since 1994.

In the beginning they were just pint-size and believe it or not, his extremely popular feature "Eric's Little Heroes" began out of desperation.

As Eric explained to me recently, it was another "slow news day" in Portland. He was a sportscaster at the time and there wasn't a whole lot going on that lazy summer day. 

Nonetheless he needed a story. He'd seen a group of kids playing T-Ball nearby and suggested to his then cameraman Cory Long, to go over to the field and shoot some footage. What was captured on that video would turn out to be pure gold.

Kids running to third instead of first, gloves being worn on their heads instead of their hands, watching a shortstop who doesn't realize a slow grounder just rolled between his legs.

We've seen it all before, especially if you're the parent of a very young athlete. But what made this special was the commentary that accompanied the video, Eric's own professional... "play by play".

He described it as "watching children through the eyes of a sports announcer, expecting to see how an adult (or seasoned athlete) would react... it becomes comedy". Combined with the beautifully edited video and witty dialogue, the result was "some really funny stuff". The best part he realized, "this stuff happens all the time".

24 years later Eric would admit to this writer, ("Eric's Little Heroes")... literally "made my career in Seattle".

I've met Eric Johnson and I confessed to Eric that HE is one of MY heroes. Warm, compassionate, able to handle his celebrity with style and grace, Eric seems genuinely interested in meeting his viewers.

Unfortunately there are many "celebrities" who can't and would simply rather not. He explained that he's "a person first... I'm still going to be who I am when it's all over". Eric enjoys engaging with people and loves hearing that someone "likes what he does."

A graduate of Washington State, Eric attended the prestigious Edward R. Murrow College of Communication and knew at age 10 exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up.

He says he was watching the Rams and Vikings on Monday Night Football and was captivated by the great Howard Cosell. High School Radio, College Radio and some 40 or so Regional Emmy Awards later (not to sound flippant, but he's lost count), he couldn't be happier.

He's worked for and with some of the truly greats in our region, Bruce King, Dan Lewis, Kathi Goertzen, and Bob Rondeau to name just a few.

Married with 2 children, Eric somehow manages to write music and tinker with his antique car when time allows.

In 2006, "Eric's Little Heroes" was discontinued. Fortunately for Seattle, two years of viewers asking why and confessing it was "their favorite segment" on the air, a newly appointed News Director brought it back. A very wise decision, if I may be so bold.

Eric has broadened the focus of his award-winning segment in an effort to encapsulate more of what surrounds us. He says "People feel disconnected" these days. There's too much focus on the negative.

He thought to himself "how many terrible people do I know... none." He'd ask his friends the same question and "the answer was always the same... none". Then why do we just hear stories about the bad guys? Great question. "Eric's Heroes" is his gift to his KOMO audience, "stories about the little things that people can all relate to" like, "The Sweeping Angel", "The Renegade Rooster" and Shoreline's "Walking Man".

Before I could conclude my interview, Eric had a question of his own. It was actually a request, "Next time you're on KZOK could you play a little more Beach Boys?" Eric is all about giving and receiving those "Good Vibrations".

He also wanted to make sure that I knew about his "team" without whom he could "not do his job". Eric sang the praises of his Producer Joan Kinsey, "the organization to his disorganization", his Cameraman Doug Pigsley whom he called "the very best" and Editor Darrin Tegman... together they are "all the legs of the table."

Final Question: "When your career is over and you're kicking back on one of the Galapagos Islands with one of those umbrella drinks in your hand (at which he laughed and said "yeah that's me"), what do you want people to remember about Eric Johnson?

"I would feel I had a successful career if the stories I shared with my viewers reminded them that deep down we all have the ability to be compassionate human beings". I'd like them to say, "That dude could tell a story".

If you know of a hero Eric should feature on KOMO TV, submit your ideas heroes@komonews.com



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: The Time Museum

Sunday, April 15, 2018

The Time Museum by Matthew Loux

Delia Bean is a science geek. Her friends at school think she's interesting... mostly.

Then Delia's uncle Lyndon invites her to audition as an intern for the Earth Time Museum- - a chance to travel through time to study plants, animals, and people. Who could say no? Certainly not Delia!

Teamed up with kids from around the world and around the centuries, Delia works hard to be chosen as the Earth Time Museum intern ... and also tries not to get eaten by dinosaurs or burnt up in the fire at the Library of Alexandria, or annihilated in the future destruction of London...

Action, friendship, adventure, history, dinosaurs. And robot library pages shaped like kittens!

Fun for graphic novel readers who enjoy Lumberjanes, Zita the Spacegirl, and Mighty Jack. No sex, no drugs, no blood. Some explosions. Some dinosaurs. Some rebellious robots. Some devious scientists.

(and thanks to Kalee for sharing this book with me, it's a new favorite!!!)

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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Climate Action Week Film Fest, Shoreline City Hall, April 18th & 21st


Two climate-related documentary films will be shown during Climate Action Week at the City of Shoreline’s Council Chamber, 17500 Midvale Avenue North.

Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution” will be shown both on Wednesday, April 18th, at 7pm, and again on Saturday, April 21st, at 4:15pm. Filmmaker Jamie Redford embarks on a colorful personal journey into the dawn of the clean energy era as it creates jobs, turns profits, and makes communities stronger and healthier across the US. Run time: 1 hour, 11 minutes.



Before the Flood” will be shown at 2pm on Saturday, April 21st. Academy Award winning actor Leonardo Di Caprio and world leaders take a look at how climate change affects our environment and what society can do to prevent the demise of endangered species, ecosystems and native communities across the planet. Run time: 1 hour, 36 minutes.

Sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Shoreline, both films are open to the public and admission is free. No donations accepted.



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Kayaker rescued from Shoreline Sea

Bryce Hansen rescued a kayaker on Sunday
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Shoreline Fire reports that a kayaker was rescued Sunday, April 15, 2018 from the waters off Saltwater Park.

EMTs evacuate the patient from the park
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Thanks to a local resident, Bryce Hansen (former volunteer firefighter elsewhere), for quick action to borrow a paddle board, get his wetsuit on and pull the kayaker to the shore.

First responders pose with ATV after patient
was taken to Harborview

It's a long way down to the beach
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Shoreline PD and Fire pulled him in from there. Medics took patient to Harborview.




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1001 Nights - Briarcrest neighborhood teams with Seattle Storytellers, Arab Festival, and Arts Council to present a weekend of storytelling

Seattle Storytellers presents 1001 Nights - Tales from the Middle East - Friday and Saturday, May 4-5, 2018 in Shoreline, at the Shoreline Universalist Unitarian Church, 14724 1st Ave NE, 98155.

Come hear 34 storytellers from California, Oregon, Washington, and Canada tell stories from this classic epic with roots reaching back to ancient and medieval Arabic, Persian, Indian, Jewish and Turkish folklore and literature.

1001 Nights

Admission by donations - see above for suggested amounts. Contact Allison Cox for more information.



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Crime in Shoreline week ending April 2

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Selected items from the Shoreline police blotter, week ending April 2, 2018

Trending: domestic issues involving parents and mentally ill or suicidal adult / children

03-26  Burglary at 3xx NE 156th St. Side door kicked in.
03-26  Picnic table at Echo Lake park tagged with spray paint.
03-27  Someone stole the donation can from the Salvation Army thrift shop.
03-27  Theft of $736 of penis pumps from Lovers Package.
03-28  Vehicle prowl - thief ripped sunroof off to avoid setting off car alarm.
03-28  Package theft from 152xx Dayton.
03-28  Hit and run of pedestrian at NE 205th and 5th NE. Pedestrian suffered soreness of leg.
03-28  Burglary 24xx NE 178th. Burglar broke a back window.
03-29  Darrell's Tavern burglarized.
03-29  Tools stolen from work vehicle at 188th and Aurora.
03-29  Homeowners dissatisfied with carpet installation and refused to pay. Installers threatened to use a gun on homeowner and family.
03-30  Neighbor reported a burglary in process 1xx NE 193rd.
03-30  Subject interfered and obstructed deputies and aid workers trying to tend to his suicidal girlfriend. Booked in jail where he was confrontational with jail staff.
04-01  Driver stopped for traffic light violation and booked on DUI.
04-01  Firearms stolen from storage unit at apartment on RB Road.
04-01  Male and female stole hair extensions from Awa's Beauty Supply.
04-02  Lexus stolen from secure garage at Polaris apartments.




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Photo: Azalea

Photo by Lee Lageschulte


Lee Lageschulte says "Love looking out the window of my office at the lovely spring flowers. This is a beautiful azalea we planted some time ago."

“Don’t wait for someone to bring you flowers.
"Plant your own garden and decorate your soul.” 

---Luther Burbank 



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North Helpline to get two new vans for grocery rescue

Kelly Brown, Executive Director of the North Helpline, announced that the organization will be acquiring two new vans to serve their food bank.

We applied to the Boeing Employee Community Fund for a new van to replace one of our aging grocery rescue vehicles. 
A few days after they toured our facility, we received a call from one of their board members. Not only are they funding our application, but they are granting us double what we asked for so that we can purchase two vans!
The vans will be driven by volunteers to pick up groceries from their grocery rescue partners: Albertsons, Amazon Prime, Central Market, Fred Meyer, Metropolitan Market, Safeway, Target, PCC, Trader Joe's, and QFC.

They are very grateful to the Boeing Employee Community Fund.

North Helpline 12736 33rd Ave. NE Seattle 98125. 206-367-3477. 




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An alternative approach to pain management

There is a lot of media attention to the Opioid Crisis in America. It often begins as a legitimate attempt to help those experiencing pain.

Treatment may end up offering pharmaceuticals, which can become addictive and even deadly. These pharmaceuticals are often expensive, especially over extended periods of time.

Additionally, recent changes to health care program qualifications, insurance coverage limitations, and increasing medical costs, make it more difficult and expensive to receive care. Pain Relief Project is a new 501 (c)(3) non-profit clinic, designed to address these situations.

The Pain Relief Project strives to increase affordable access to integrative healthcare, since everyone deserves a path to optimal health and wellness. It offers preventative and corrective healthcare services like acupuncture and naturopathic medicine to those who cannot otherwise afford them. It offers this care on a sliding scale to those who qualify, including those on disability or unemployment, low income, without health insurance, on Medicare or Medicaid, full-time college students, Military, and Senior citizens on fixed incomes.

Ellie Heintze, ND, LAc, started the project. Dr. Ellie, a graduate of Bastyr University, is a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist with a successful practice in Bothell, WA.

She is a pain specialist, serving people who suffer from chronic pain, migraines, and joint pain. She also has a passion for helping people with digestive issues, with food allergies, and with gluten intolerance. She is the creator of The Food Allergy Formula, and author of "A Starting Point Guide to Gluten-Free Living and Healthy Digestion", available on Amazon.

An interesting feature of the Pain Relief Project is bringing services to those who need them through various pop-up pain relief clinics. The project is arranging to provide services on given dates in locations like senior centers (including Shoreline/LFP), community centers, yoga studios, medical clinics and addiction centers.

Those who have Health Insurance can receive these services at Starting Point Acupuncture in Bothell. It is a preferred provider for most major WA health plans. Call 425 686 4498 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

You can also meet Dr. Ellie at the NW Mind Body Spirit Connection Spring Expo on Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 10am - 5pm at the Hilton Bellevue, 300 112th Ave SE, Bellevue 98004.



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Injured eagle in Lake Forest Park

Healthy eagle dining at Bitter Lake
Photo by Bruce Hill
By Donna Hawkey

An injured eagle was last seen this past Monday on the grounds of the LFP Water District on 178th St in the Brookside Triangle Neighborhood.

If seen again, it is important to stay with him if possible so that he can be rescued. Keep a good distance away so that you don’t cause him any additional stress.

Call PAWS in Lynnwood at 425-412-4040, give them your location and tell them you will stay with the eagle until they arrive and can follow it, if necessary.
PAWS is short staffed, and very busy right now, but they try to reach a site within an hour.

If PAWS staff are not available, call the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center, 360-435-4817 in Arlington. They routinely take eagles and serve several counties, including King.

The eagle is reported to look weak but could still be saved if found in time.

Another report said the eagle was seen in the bushes, but laying down with only his white head visible, so you may want to look carefully through any bushes on your property.

If the eagle carcass is found, note that tribal members have treaty rights for the use of its feathers and body parts for ceremonial and heritage purposes.

It is illegal to keep eagle feathers or carcass. You can contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for further assistance should you find the eagle carcass.

What to do if you find an injured eagle - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service



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Shorewood string symphony orchestra to play Carnegie Hall in New York Apr 23

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Shorewood orchestra

The Shorewood High School String Symphony Orchestra will make its fifth appearance at Carnegie Hall on Monday, April 23, 2018 at 8pm as part of MidAmerica Productions 35th annual concert season.

Under the conducting baton of their Music Director Daniel M. Wing, the 98-member Shorewood High School String Symphony Orchestra will perform:
  • SHOSTAKOVICH: Spanish Dance
  • GRAINGER: Irish Tune from County Derry
  • CORELLI: Concerto grosso in D major, Op. 6, No. 4
  • HOLST: St. Paul’s Suite

Although this is the fifth time Mr. Wing has received an invitation from MidAmerica Productions to conduct in Carnegie Hall - standing where the world’s finest conductors such as Gustav Mahler, Arthur Nikisch, Willem Mengelberg, Sir Thomas Beecham, Pierre Monteux, Fritz Reiner, Charles Munch, Leopold Stokowski, George Szell, Bruno Walter and Leonard Bernstein stood before him – the honor doesn’t get any less special.

“I look forward to seeing the “Wow” expression in the eyes of my students when the backstage door magically opens and they walk out to take their chairs on the legendary stage for the first time,” said Mr. Wing. 
“When we play and then cut off our first chord on stage, the students always look around in awe, as if the sound is truly alive. It’s like liquid gold.”

Shorewood’s orchestra program supports three classes: the ninth grade Concert Orchestra, the upperclassman Symphony Orchestra, and the audition-only Chamber Ensemble, with well over 100 students enrolled in orchestra.

The orchestras have been frequent award winners at the Northwest Orchestra Festival (Gresham, OR), the Washington State Championships, and have produced many All-State musicians. Over the years, the orchestras have toured Hawaii, British Columbia, Oregon, California, New York and Florida. Today’s concert marks Shorewood’s fifth Carnegie Hall appearance.

Dan Wing, Conductor
Daniel M. Wing, Conductor, holds a B.A. Music degree from Washington State University and an M.M. in viola performance with highest distinction from Indiana University.

He entered teaching following 15 years as a professional orchestra musician, performing throughout Europe with the orchestras of Radio Luxembourg and West German Radio (Cologne), among others.

He has served as Principal Violist in the orchestras of Heidelberg (Germany), the Spoleto Festival (Italy), Sacramento (CA), Evansville (IN) and Charlotte (NC).

Mr. Wing joined the Shoreline School District in 1988. His Shorewood orchestras have garnered numerous awards over the years, and have performed at New York's Carnegie Hall four times.

Mr. Wing is Past President of both the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) and the Washington String Teachers Association (ASTA). 

He is a member of the WMEA Hall of Fame, has been named ASTA-Washington "Outstanding String Educator,” as well as Shoreline School District "Teacher of the Year." He and his wife Diane have three children, Nick, Ben and Chelsea.

During its 35 years, MidAmerica Productions has brought together conductors, soloists, and choral and instrumental ensembles from the U.S. and abroad to appear at New York’s top venues, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. In addition to presenting instrumental and classic choral works. MidAmerica Productions has championed the works of contemporary composers with approximately 87 World Premieres, 21 United States Premieres and 99 New York Premieres.

Concerts in the Isaac Stern Auditorium / Ronald O. Perelman Stage are $150, $100, and $50. Tickets may be obtained by contacting CarnegieCharge at 212-247.7800, visiting the Carnegie Hall Box Office at 57th Street and 7th Avenue in New York, NY, or by going online.



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