CORRECTION: Two Public Hearings on Conservation Cluster Housing TONIGHT

Thursday, May 10, 2018

The Lake Forest Park City Council is scheduled to hold two public hearings regarding conservation cluster housing at its regular meeting on Thursday, May 10, 2018, beginning at 7:00pm at City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155.

The first hearing is to consider an ordinance adopting an extension of the moratorium on conservation cluster housing. The second is to consider an ordinance amending or repealing the section of the Lake Forest Park Municipal Code pertaining to conservation cluster housing.

To read the staff reports and background documents for these two hearings, click on the links below:

Ordinance 1175 Adopting an Extension of the Moratorium on Conservation Cluster Housing Permits (imposed by Ordinance 1173) until June 14, 2018

Ordinance 1174 Amending or Repealing Section 18.54.042 of the Lake Forest Park Municipal Code Relating to Conservation Cluster Housing

Interested members of the public are invited to attend and share comments with the City Council.

Corrected headline


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Stamp out hunger - Saturday - postal carrier Blue Bags

WHAT’S WITH ALL THE BLUE BAGS???

That’s what everyone will be asking on Saturday, May 12, 2018

Here’s what you can tell them.

It’s our friends and neighbors helping to “Stamp Out Hunger”

The National Association of Letter Carriers annual food drive will collect nearly a half-million pounds of food for food banks in Western Washington.

Blue bags are being distributed this week, and postal customers are asked to fill this bag with non-perishable food items. Letter carriers will pick up these bags at mailboxes all day Saturday, May 12.

Food Lifeline (the food banks' Food Bank) is proud to be a partner in the “Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive”, providing the muscle, the storage, and our network of more than 300 food banks, shelters and meal programs to help distribute all of the donated food.



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Shoreline gunsmith charged with illegal possession of a machine gun

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Gunsmith charged with converting firearm to illegal machine gun
Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer sold weapon to undercover ATF Agent

The owner of ‘Joe’s Guns and Stuff,’ a business in Shoreline, at 15822 26th Ave NE, 98155 was charged Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Seattle with two counts of illegal possession of a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes.

Daniel Joseph Hungerford, 73, allegedly modified and sold two illegal firearms to an undercover ATF agent. The firearms were made to fire in rapid bursts of ammunition – as a machine gun. Possession of machine guns by private citizens is illegal under federal law. Hungerford made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Seattle at 2:00pm Wednesday.

According to the criminal complaint, on April 10, 2018, Hungerford sold an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) a .300 Blackout rifle where the lower receiver had been modified to accept an M16 automatic sear.

The modifications made the firearm a three round burst machine gun. When making the sale, Hungerford did not complete any of the required paperwork or conduct a background check as required by federal law.

On a second visit a few days later, the undercover agent again purchased gun parts that had been modified to create a machine gun. Hungerford discussed his firearms work with the agent and showed him parts where the serial numbers used to identify the gun manufacturer and registration had been removed.

Illegal possession of a machine gun is punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bruce Miyake.


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What will Meridian Park Neighborhood look like in near and far future? Find out on May 15

All Meridian Park Neighbors are invited to attend an informative forum on May 15th to hear key Shoreline City staff report on future projects planned for our area in a number of areas including:
  • residential and business construction and development, 
  • our five parks, 
  • traffic routing on our streets, 
  • schools, 
  • planning for the 185th St Corridor, and more. 
Meridian Park Neighborhood boundaries are N 160th to N 185th and Highway 99 to I-5. Neighbors will have recently received a yellow postcard reminder of this event.

At this meeting we will hear about confirmed short-term plans, as well as long-term plans and ideas. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, and are urged to bring their imaginations.

In addition the meeting will include the annual MPNA Board of Directors elections. To apply for a board position please visit www.meridianpark.info/call-for-board-members and submit an application. All neighbors are encouraged to vote and every vote counts!

The meeting will take place in Meridian Park at Shoreline City Hall, Room 301 at 7pm-8:30pm. All ages are welcome and light refreshments will be served. For more information please email meridianparkna@gmail.com or call Cynthia Knox at 206-218-3302.



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Shorecrest performs well at the Sub-district tournament 5-9-18

Bella Saunders, Sophie Ivens took 1st in doubles
Kate Ivens took second in singles
Coach Rob Mann


South WesCo 3A Girls Doubles Tennis
At Jackson High School 5-9-18

Shorecrest players did well in the sub-district tournament play Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at Jackson High School in Mill Creek.

Kate Ivens took 2nd in singles and Anna Burke will play Olivia Olson (Edmonds-Woodway) on Friday at 3pm at Kellogg for the 3rd/4th place singles match.

Bella Saunders and Sophie Ivens played solidly throughout the tournament and took down all of the competition, never dropping a set to take 1st in the tournament.

Top 4 singles and top 4 doubles qualify for districts, which will take place next week at Arlington High School on Tuesday and Wednesday at 1pm.

--Robert Mann



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Fishing vessel named in honor of Shorecrest graduate Spencer Brewer

T/V Spencer Brewer Naknek, AK

From Laura T. Brewer

I want to share an update with you. My son, Spencer Brewer (Shorecrest High School Class of 2014), lost his life on June 29, 2016 doing a job he loved. He loved being at sea. He told me once that "getting underway made his heart soar".


On March 31, 2018, my son Zach and I had the privilege to be in Homer, AK to help christen the T/V Spencer Brewer, home port of Naknek, Alaska, formerly the Cross Point home port of Dillingham, Alaska.



This was Spencer’s favorite boat to work on. With a crew of eight, this vessel transports all of the frozen and canned salmon from the shallow ports of Bristol Bay to the Naknek City dock where it then gets loaded onto mainline barges to Seattle.

Spencer made a lasting impression on everyone he worked with while in Alaska.



In Spencer's 20 years with us, he lived life to its fullest. He always wanted to know about your day, gave hugs freely and was always ready to lend a hand. He is greatly missed.

We are thankful for all the work it took to make this happen and our hearts are full to know the "SPENCER BREWER" will always be at sea.

Spencer Vaugh Brewer
5-29-1996 ~ 6-29-2016

May the seas come up to meet you,
And the wind always be at your back.



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Celebrate women with a champagne brunch Saturday at Senior Center


Celebrate women with a champagne brunch 
at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center
Saturday, May 12th, 2018
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Entertainment provided by 32nd Street Singers  
(32nd Street Singers @32nd Street Singers)

Tickets $8/person (please drop by the Center to purchase tickets)

Attire: wear your favorite jewels, hats and finery

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Photo: The Eagle

Photo by John McAlpine

Shoreline photographer John McAlpine was in Everett Tuesday morning with his camera, looking for herons. 

Instead he found this magnificent eagle, posing for a formal portrait on West Marine View Drive in Everett, perched in a tree about 20 feet off the ground.



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SIFF films in Shoreline - schedule released

Shoreline Community College Theatre
recently remodeled - upgraded sound system
Photo by Wayne Pridemore


The schedule has been released for the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) films which will be played in Shoreline at the Shoreline Community College Theatre. 16101 Greenwood Ave N.

The entire guide is HERE

The films are listed alphabetically below.

A Rough Draft
Action-packed, mind-bending adventure awaits a videogame designer after he is stripped of his identity and recruited by a mysterious force to be the gatekeeper of a multi-dimensional portal in this Russian science-fiction thriller from the makers of Battle of Sevastopol. Ages 15+

Thursday, May 31, 2018 | Shoreline | 8:30 PM

Afghan Cycles
Meet the inspiring women who have come together to fight for their rights - to bicycle. Based in the mountainous province of Bamiyan, the National Cycling Team is Afghanistan's first women's racing league, even though the very act of riding is still considered a "morality crime."

Sunday, May 27, 3018 | Shoreline| 1:00 PM

After the War
An Italian insurgent living with his teenaged daughter in France discovers that he no longer has political asylum, and the family he left behind in Italy are forced to answer for his past sins, in this captivating drama illustrating the unintended fallout that can come from radical idealism.

Saturday, May 26, 2018| Shoreline | 5:45 PM

Bee Nation
Like an indigenous version of Spellbound, this empowering documentary showcases the determination of six young participants in Canada's inaugural First Nations Provincial Spelling Bee who, with the full support and encouragement of their community, dream of competing in the national championships in Toronto.

Saturday, May 26, 2018 | Shoreline| 1:00 PM

C’est la Vie
Providing a sober, chic, and elegant wedding party in a 17th century French palace proves to be a tall order for a beleaguered caterer and his mishap-prone staff in the latest lovable French farce from the filmmaking team behind The Intouchables.

Friday, June 1, 2018 | Shoreline| 6:30 PM

Cake General
Based on a true story, the directorial debut of popular Swedish personalities Filip and Fredrik is an outrageous, unconventional comedy set in the 1980s about an eccentric resident of "the most boring town in Sweden" who decides to put his sleepy hamlet on the map by assembling the world's longest layer cake.

Saturday, May 26, 2018 | Shoreline | 3:15 PM

Catwalk: Tales from the Cat Show Circuit
Meet the fascinating felines and the people who pamper then in this whimsical look at the ins and outs of Canada's competitive cat show circuit, where the claws come out when a Turkish Angora and an adorable fluffy red Persian face off to take home the national award for Best in Show.

Saturday, June 2, 2018| Shoreline| 3:30 PM

Amateurs
In this irresistible comedy, a sleepy Swedish province hopes to lure a discount store chain by hiring a pompous commercial director to document their town's worthiness, but two bright, brash high school girls from immigrant families use their cellphones and selfie sticks to tell the real story.

Tuesday, May 29, 2018 | Shoreline |6:30 PM

Cook Off
A Zimbabwean single mother and amateur cook competes in a televised cooking competition in the hopes of a better life for her son and in defiance of her own overbearing mom.

Monday, May 28, 2018 | Shoreline | 5:30 PM

Cuban Food Stories
A Cuban-American filmmaker returns to his native country on an exotic culinary road trip to discover the authentic flavors suffusing the island, and the rich cultural traditions behind them, from the bustle of high end dining in Havana to the distinctive cuisines of remote regions, some of which are in danger of becoming a lost art.

Thursday May 31, 2018 | Shoreline | 6:30 PM

Freaks and Geeks: The Documentary
The creators and cast of the beloved and critically acclaimed show reunite to explore how their tale of high school's losers, weirdos, and outcasts was axed by network executives after only one season, yet still launched many of today's biggest stars.

Monday, May 28, 2018 | Shoreline | 3:15 PM

Hot Mess
In this laugh-a-minute mumblecore slacker comedy out of Australia, budding playwright, college dropout, and complete screw-up Loz (comedian Sarah Gaul) sets her sights on a sweet-seeming divorcé, hoping that an upswing in her dating life will translate to a boost to everything else she's failing at.

Saturday, May 26, 2018 | Shoreline | 8:00 PM

Industrial Accident - The Story of Wax Trax! Records
Join Jim Nash and Dannie Flesher on a trip through the '80s underground as their revolutionary Chicago record store transforms into the pioneering label that launched industrial music icons Ministry, Front 242, My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, and many more.

Wednesday, May 30, 2018 |Shoreline | 9:00 PM

Last Child
When the male half of a grieving middle-aged Korean couple saves a teenage boy from bullying, he learns the shocking truth behind his teenage son's accidental drowning six months prior in this subtle story of how grief can bring people together and drive them apart.

Friday, June 1, 2018 | Shoreline | 9:00 PM

Mademoiselle Paradis
The true story of a blind 18th century Viennese pianist and composer Maria Theresia von Paradis (Maria Dragus, Graduation) and the remarkable physician who worked to restore her sight despite medical conventions, made with exquisite period detail.

Sunday, May 27, 2018 | Shoreline | 8:30 PM

Moomins and the Winter Wonderland
Sweden's beloved Rankin/Bass-style stop motion Christmas special features the adorable fuzzy hippopotamus-like creatures the Moomins, who wake one morning to discover that winter has come to their peaceful valley. This new English-language version features the voices of Alicia Vikander and Bill and Stellan SkarsgĂĄrd.

Monday, May 28, 2018 | Shoreline | 1:00 PM

On Chesil Beach
Three-time Academy Award®-nominated actress Saoirse Ronan and rising star Billy Howle play young newlyweds whose honeymoon becomes a comedy of sexual errors in this funny and heartbreaking period drama about the fragility of human relationships.

Friday, May 25, 2018 | Shoreline | 7:30 PM

Prospect
On a remote moon, a teenage girl and her father search for elusive alien gems. But they aren't the only ones roaming the moon's toxic forest in this lean, locally made sci-fi western about survival and wanting to get home.

Wednesday, May 30, 2018 | Shoreline | 6:30 PM

Streaker
In this bawdy, warm-hearted, uproariously entertaining romp, a cash-strapped teacher and his bookie/barber come up with a brilliant idea: Instead of betting on soccer matches, why not collect bets on the length of time streakers can stay on the field?

Monday, May 28, 2018 | Shoreline | 8:15 PM

Supa Modo
In this beautiful, bittersweet, and profound film from Kenya, a town comes together to make the wishes of a terminally ill young girl come true - help her achieve her dreams of becoming a superhero through the magic of cinema.

Friday, June 1, 2018 | Shoreline | 4:30 PM

The Captain
As Germany convulses in the Third Reich's death throes, a young Wehrmacht deserter steals a captain's uniform to avoid execution. The uniform transforms Private Willi Herold into "Hauptmann Herold," who readily embraces the brutality of the Nazi war machine.

Sunday, May 27, 2018 | Shoreline | 3:30 PM

The Most Dangerous Year
Two years ago, a group of Washington State families with transgender children banded together with activists and like-minded lawmakers and fought tooth and nail against the wave of anti-trans rights legislation that swept the nation and their home state. This is their story.

Saturday, June 2, 2018| Shoreline | 1:00 PM

The Russian Five
Sports and politics clash in this compelling historical documentary about five Russian hockey stars who defected to America to join the Detroit Red Wings in the 1980s, leading to the team's back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.

Tuesday, May 29, 2018| Shoreline| 9:00 PM

Village Rockstars
A willful 10-year-old girl in rural India decides to form a band, despite the limitations of her impoverished lifestyle, in this observational portrait of self-actualization and the joys and challenges of growing up.

Sunday, May 27, 2018 | Shoreline | 6:15 PM

Virus Tropical
Based on the autobiographical graphic novel by Colombian-Ecuadorian cartoonist Power Paola, this tender and funny animated feature follows a woman— from conception to young adulthood— as she fumbles her way through dysfunctional family life, friendships, new schools, and awkward romances.

Saturday, June 2, 2018 | Shoreline | 8:30 PM

Webfest at Shoreline
SIFF launches its new Episodic Content category with this exciting, diverse collection of outstanding new pilots and webisodes. Ranging from absurdist comedies to surprising dramas, this collection captures the excitement of this flourishing new format.

Saturday, June 2, 2018 | Shoreline | 6:00 PM


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Scam: Warning - jury duty scam is back

Criminals are calling victim’s workplace stating that an arrest warrant has been issued for missing Jury Duty. To make the scam more real, the criminals are changing the phone number on the caller ID, “spoofing” the number to make it look like they are calling from the King County Sheriff’s Office.

Multiple victims are reporting more scam phone calls about missing Jury Duty and an arrest warrant being issued for their arrest.

Remember, the Police will NEVER call you and request money over the phone. The Police will NEVER tell you to go to the store and buy gift cards and provide those numbers over the phone, this is a scam!

The criminal caller is often very professional sounding and they use high pressure tactics to make you believe that you will be arrested for even hanging up the phone.

If you ever receive a phone call like this, hang up. If you have questions about a call being legitimate you can always call 911.



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Ryu: New state tourism effort means jobs

Rep. Ryu D-32
Photo from LSS
During the Great Recession, funding ran dry for the state’s tourism board. Now, lawmakers and stakeholders are being appointed to a new statewide tourism authority to boost efforts to bring visitors — and their dollars — to every corner of Washington state.

“Every dollar invested in tourism returns $2.50 to state taxpayers,” said Rep. Cindy Ryu (D-Shoreline), chair of the Community Development, Housing and Tribal Affairs Committee, where the legislation came through. 
“I’ve supported this idea for the last three years because tourism creates jobs. Even more importantly, visitors from near and far take their wonderful experiences of our state and become our best possible ambassadors of goodwill.”

House Speaker Frank Chopp recently appointed Rep. Ryu to the 13-member board of the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, which is composed of four lawmakers (one from each party in the House and Senate) along with nine members of the tourism industry and related businesses.

The new effort is established by Senate Bill 5251, which passed the Senate 49-0 and the House 98-0.

Testimony on the legislation in the Senate included the example of Pacific County, where 52 cents out of every taxable dollar in the county is paid for by a visitor and roughly 30 percent of all jobs are related to tourism.

Under the new law, the tourism authority will focus on a multi-year campaign that focuses on (1) rural tourism-dependent counties, (2) natural wonders and outdoor recreation opportunities in the state, (3) attracting international tourists, (4) identifying local offerings for visitors and (5) assistance for tourism areas hurt by natural disasters.

“This is a smart investment in jobs and the future,” Rep. Ryu said. 
“It’s a public-private partnership, with two private dollars matching every one dollar in tax revenues from 0.2 percent of the sales tax on lodging, car rentals and restaurants. I believe it will go a long way toward boosting tourism not just in popular destinations like Seattle, but in rural Washington, because part of the legislation focuses on outdoor recreation and areas like wine country in eastern Washington.”

Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline (32nd Legislative District), represents part of King and Snohomish Counties, including Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, Woodway and part of Edmonds.



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Rep. Javier Valdez appointed to Pesticide Application Safety Work Group

Javier Valdez, D-46
Photo from LSS
Pesticide application is an important public health and workplace safety issue. This year the Legislature passed SB 6529 creating a work group charged with reviewing data to help develop strategies to make pesticide application safer.

Rep. Javier Valdez (D-46) has been appointed to the Pesticide Application Safety Work Group.

“As the son and grandson of farmworkers and laborers, I am eager to serve on this important workgroup to ensure the hard working men and women picking our crops are working in a safe environment,” Valdez said.

As noted by the Department of Health, from 2010 to 2016, 287 farm workers reported illness due to pesticide drift exposure. According to the U.S. Census, Latinos accounted for about 12.5% of Washington’s population. However, the Department of Health reports Latinos accounted for 40% of pesticide-illness cases in Washington in 2015.

Rep. Valdez, a first generation Mexican-American originally from Moses Lake, is concerned with the safety and working conditions of those laboring in the agricultural industry.

The work group must submit a report to the Governor and the appropriate legislative committees that includes findings, recommendations, and draft legislation aimed at improving the safe application of pesticides by November of this year.

Rep. Javier Valdez, D-46th Legislative District, represents part of King County and the city of Seattle; including Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and Lake City.



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Get ready for the LFP Farmers Market opening on Sunday



Get ready and set to shop because the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market opens for the season this Sunday, May 13th – from 10 am to 3 pm - just in time to treat the moms in your life to some of those fabulous Mother’s Day flowers!

Not only will there be a wide assortment of spectacular bouquets, but of course the market will welcome back many of your longtime favorite vendors offering the best in fresh, organic, and locally grown / produced fruits, veggies, meat, cheese, eggs, fish, and much more!

All your favorite market products will be back, too, like pastas, bread, jams and sauces, candies, wine, hard cider, coffee, tea, and more. All that plus all the ready-to-eat treats you’ve come to adore at the market.

Speaking of ready-to-eat, the market will also be joined for opening day only, by guest vendors Daddy’s Donuts, bringing their renowned donut decadence just in time to treat mom. And for the kids (and the young at heart), the Heart of Dreams alpacas will be on-hand to bring a smile.

Read more about the whole market here.

Like Third Place Commons, the community-supported nonprofit that presents the market, the LFP Farmers Market is committed to accessibility for one and all. So you know that SNAP, WIC, Senior Vouchers, and Market Bucks are always welcome! The market is also proud to participate in the Fresh Bucks matching program.

In addition, SNAP users take note. In 2018, there is no cap on the Fresh Bucks matching program! That means that you will get a dollar-for-dollar match on your SNAP benefits.

If you spend $10 in SNAP at the market, you’ll get $20 to shop with including $10 of Fresh Bucks for your produce purchases. Spend $20 in SNAP and get $40 total to spend. You can literally double your SNAP spending power at the market! So don’t miss this opportunity to make your benefits go twice as far.

And don’t forget that if you love the LFP Farmers Market and want to support it, Third Place Commons, or the Market Bucks food assistance program for neighbors struggling with food scarcity, now is the time to #GiveBIG!

When you GiveBIG before midnight on Wednesday, May 9th, you will help your market community and your Commons community to thrive. And you might even help the Commons win an extra $2500 donation. Or win something for yourself. Visit the Third Place Commons website for more information.

The LFP Farmers Market is presented by Third Place Commons, a community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering real community in real space. The market will be open from 10 am to 3 pm every Sunday through October 21st and takes place in the parking lot of LFP Town Center adjacent to City Hall at the intersection of Bothell Way NE and Ballinger Way NE.



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Brookside student wins National PTA award for literature

Elinor Cummings, 5th grade Brookside Elementary
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Brookside 5th grade student Elinor Cummings recently received a prestigious honor from the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for her prose poem, "The Last Apple." Elinor's work was awarded a National PTA Reflections Award of Merit in the intermediate division for literature. You can read her award-winning poem HERE.

Elinor is one of only eight intermediate grade range students (grades 3-5) in the nation to earn a National Reflections Award in literature this year.

“We are incredibly proud of Elinor and her amazing achievement,” said Brookside Principal John Simard. “Our school has enjoyed so many of the artistic endeavors of Elinor and her family. This is a well-deserved honor.”

Each year, hundreds of thousands of original student works in the areas of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts are submitted to the PTA Reflections Program. This year's theme was "Within Reach."

All of the national award-winning works, including Elinor's, will be recognized at the National PTA Convention and Expo in New Orleans this summer and will be on display at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, DC. this winter. A complete list of the 2018 national award winners can be found HERE.



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Shoreline’s Million Step Challenge: Week 1 and Special Guest Lamont Thomas

We are one week into Shoreline’s month long Million Step Challenge. The community has walked over 2.5 million steps so far and there is stiff competition to see who will be our top stepper. 

New for 2018, we introduced a “Neighborhood Challenge” asking participants to log which Shoreline neighborhood they live in and then seeing which of those neighborhoods can walk the most during the month of May. Check out the current totals and log your steps to make sure your neighborhood wins!

At the end of the Million Step Challenge we will host a Community Potluck and Awards event on Saturday, June 2, 2018, 6:30pm at Paramount School Park. Bring a dish to share; we’ll award prizes to our top steppers and share our successes together.

As a special guest we will be joined by Lamont Thomas, local runner and author of "The Running Miracle" which chronicles his journey overcoming disability from a childhood car accident to becoming the guy we see every day run miles throughout the Richmond Beach Neighborhood. He will be at the event to share his story and inspire us all!

If you haven’t joined the Challenge, you are not too late, just go to the webpage and start logging laps, steps or miles! Those without computer access can log their totals on the paper tracking sheets at Paramount School Park, 15300 8th Ave NE.

Closing Community Potluck and Awards
Special Guest: Lamont Thomas
Saturday, June 2, 2018
6:30pm, Paramount School Park Picnic Shelter

The whole community is invited to a potluck in celebration of Million Step Challenge. Prizes for participants and awards for our winners. Bring a dish to potluck dish to share. Beverages, plates and utensils provided. Special Guest Lamont Thomas will be at the event to share his inspirational story of how we overcame physical disability to being Shoreline’s most well known runner. 



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The Pine & the Cherry: Japanese Americans in Washington

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Mayumi Tsutakawa will speak on The Pine and the Cherry: Japanese Americans in Washington on Saturday, May 12, 2018, 2pm at the Lake Forest Park Library, Town Center, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, on the lower level by the escalator.

Leading up to WWII, Japanese in Seattle and Eastern Washington thrived and prospered.

Then came Executive Order 9066, forcing 120,000 Japanese and their American-citizen offspring to concentration camps, without due process.

When they returned, most had lost everything. 

Mayumi, whose father was renowned sculptor George Tsutakawa, will reveal her family’s 100-year history against the backdrop of this dramatic American story.



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Spring plant sale at Prince of Peace Saturday


The annual plant sale at Prince of Peace church is this Saturday, May 12, 2018 from 9am to 3pm. Several hundred plants and an assortment of Mother's Day gifts.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 14514 20th Ave NE, Shoreline (corner of 145th and 20th NE).



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Shoreline Police bust drug dealer

Drugs seized in arrest of dealer by
Shoreline Police
On Thursday, May 3, Shoreline Police arrested a mid to upper level narcotics dealer who had been operating in Shoreline.

The arrest was the culmination of a months-long investigation to obtain warrants for cell phone pings, vehicle trackers, and surveillance conducted by SET members.

Police were able to arrest the suspect without incident during a traffic stop.

Police brought in a narcotics K9 unit, which positively alerted police to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Police seized an Acura SUV, $14,000 in cash, and over 20 pounds of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine with a street value of approximately $250,000.



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LFP Conservation Cluster Housing -- Citizen’s Voices

Mike Dee, chair of the Citizens' Commission
addresses the crowd at the May 1st meeting
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

By Donna Hawkey

A civil and thoughtful conversation took place between residents of Lake Forest Park (LFP) and a local LFP real estate developer/builder about the subject of Conservation Cluster or Cottage Housing on May 1, 2018.

The open discussion event was sponsored by the LFP Citizen’s Commission and held at the Third Place Commons stage area in Town Center, Lake Forest Park.

The conversation was graciously led by Brian Highberger of Upright Homes, the Lake Forest Park developer of the Bell Homes cluster proposal, who said that the “only bad thing about this type of housing is its name.” Indeed, not all residents buy into that, but those that do believe in this statement were represented as well during this all citizen-run meeting.

One resident spoke about just saying “No” to increased density and remain true to the City’s founding intent of keeping the LFP land and residential homes on large wooded lots to preserve the trees, the wildlife corridors and a more peaceful quality of life. Some other questions emerged such as - would the City’s reputation be thought of as “snobs” if residents rejected concepts to increase density capabilities? Others wondered why aren’t Mercer Island or Laurelhurst embracing cluster housing? And some brought concerns about how newly built homes could impact future property tax increases and current home values.

Can the residents just say “no” about other’s land usage rights or tell someone exactly how to design their development- is that even feasible to do? Another resident said “we can’t say no to everything,” and LFP residents need to do “our own soul searching” about this housing crisis issue.

Unless the residents can buy all the property that goes on the market, who can control what another person does when they choose to sell? City ordinances and policies and design standards can be in place to require a quality construction and protection of the land, but these can only go so far before they are fought in court by property owners. Residents also shared concerns about recent single-family development sites in LFP and how poorly some of them have turned out as developers are thought of as exploiting every ordinance they can.

As property and lots are sold in LFP, some older homes will continue to be torn down and new homes built. The cost of land and the creation of new homes are also exploited costs in today’s real estate trends, so that a multiple of single-family homes may have to be developed on newly purchased properties. The average price of a home in LFP is currently over $700,000, according to Highberger.

Highberger had intended to build three large single-family homes on this property but got caught up in the tree moratorium, and after that was revised, he could no longer use the land the way he intended. Conservation cluster housing was a recommendation to him as a way to recoup his investment.

Brian Highberger, Bell Homes builder
explains his project to the crowd
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
 
After Highberger heard about the conservation smaller homes idea, he got excited due to the housing needs in the region. He also remembered the many older LFP neighbors who had to leave the area due to no longer wanting to take care of an extensive property, and there were no small housing alternatives for them to move to. He plans to offer these 950 square foot units for approximately $400-450k. But concerns emerged about whether these type of units are appropriate for seniors or are still out of price ranges for many elders in LFP.

The Bell Home builder said he believes the seven realtors he talked with who stated to him that they did not think this type of cottage housing brings property values down – with an emphasis on - “as long as they are designed and well-built.”

He did acknowledge that the only way to confirm property values effect or no effect is to hire an independent consultant to prepare a report, but there is no crystal ball to the future. Also, there was concern that while the neighborhood surrounding the Bell conservation homes property values may not be impacted, the adjacent ones could be, according to some residents attending this meeting. The City of Shoreline had tried cluster housing around the year 2000. Those initial units were painted in very bright colors, so they did not fit into the surrounding area, and also their approach was a conventional cluster one that did not include any permanent tree/forested easement as a requirement to protect open land.

Real estate values are so high today but there is always uncertainty about the future of the economy. The irony is that the companies that are aiding in choking the area with growth today saved the region from the harder economic suffering that many other cities experienced during the recession of 2008. Home values in the Puget Sound area held up stronger than most other US cities because of the region's innovative technology sector and job opportunity marketplace.

Attendees asked questions and made comments
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Also mentioned is that there is less clearcutting with the conservation housing approach as compared with single-family multi or more massive house building due to the “green” conservation easement requirement; 50% of the land must be designated as tree forested permanent easement land. And on that continuous piece of conservation easement land, more trees can be planted for future growth and sustainability of the tree canopy, so that too is the “green” part – this type of permanent easement land use can create a new circle of forest growth. However, does this strategy provide a smaller footprint overall in the land designated for the building of homes? Or do the recent tree and critical areas ordinance updates provide for the same environmental protection as the permanent cottage housing easement does?

Conservation cottage homes are also not low-income housing and especially in this current real estate market. Highberger said there is also a myth about developers or builders getting rich – the price of land, labor, and materials has skyrocketed and building homes come with a certain degree of risk as well. He has been working on this project for one year now and is not breaking ground yet. He is a small builder who completes only about three projects a year. He also has revised his original plan to include community concerns such as having 50% more parking than what is required by the current LFP Ordinance No 1150 and now is planning to build three duplexes and one single floor residence instead of several individual small homes. There will also be a common area such as the concepts behind co-housing for encouraging community development among the residents.

A previous post on the subject of conservation cluster housing is found HERE..

The LFP Citizens’ Commission meets every month on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday evenings from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Third Place Commons Stadler Conference room to discuss various community concerns and issues. Join these civic-minded volunteers for more lively and future discussions. The LFP Citizens’ Commission is not affiliated with the City of Lake Forest Park.

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Jobs: Center for Human Services

The Center for Human Services has a number and variety of positions open.

CHS Employment Opportunities

We accept resumes and cover letters electronically (via email).
Application procedures are outlined in each job announcement.
Bi-Lingual/Bi-Cultural Candidates are encouraged to apply.




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City of Everett hires Shoreline's economic development manager

Dan Eernissee to be Economic Development
Manager for the City of Everett
Mayor Cassie Franklin of Everett has hired Dan Eernissee, Shoreline's Economic Development Manager, as the city's next Economic Development Director. He replaces Everett’s previous director, Lanie McMullin, who retired in February.

In Everett, Eernissee will work closely with Deputy Mayor Nick Harper and Planning Director Allan Giffen to recruit new jobs and businesses to Everett and to support and retain existing employers and industries.

In Shoreline, Eernissee has led many innovative projects over the past eight years, including the Aurora Corridor revitalization project, the award-winning Surprised by Shoreline promotional campaign, the development of several “placemaking” events and activities, and the formation of Shoreline’s Community Renewal Area to revitalize a key property.

“Economic development is a top priority for my administration and I am thrilled to have Dan join our team,” said Franklin. “He brings a unique background that combines municipal expertise with private development experience, and I know he’ll enhance our efforts to strengthen and support our existing businesses and develop new economic opportunities in Everett.”

Eernissee began his economic development career in the private sector at Wakefield Properties, where his projects included Mill Creek Town Center and Snohomish Station. He later worked as a real estate consultant at Lavoro Development, Inc. As a member of the Urban Land Institute, Eernissee has served on national teams that studied and made recommendations for improving unhealthy corridors in Los Angeles and Englewood, Colorado.

Eernissee will join the City teams working to implement the initiatives outlined in Franklin’s community planning and economic development directive, which she issued in January. The directive focuses on developing key business corridors and districts, including the city’s metropolitan center, and establishes a new economic development advisory committee of local business leaders and City Council representatives. Eernissee will also work with the Office of Communications and Marketing on campaigns to promote Everett to new residents, visitors and businesses.

“We have a lot of exciting efforts already underway, and bringing Dan on board is an important next step in continuing the positive growth that we are seeing throughout the city,” said Franklin.

Eernissee will begin his role with Everett on June 11.


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Scene on the Sound: when officially nothing is there...

Look who's not there!
Photo by Jan Hansen

When the Marine application shows no activity on the water at all, there usually is some.

Monday afternoon this submarine was enjoying some Shoreline sunshine.

The USS Bremerton arrived just over a week ago to make her namesake city her final port. Possibly, this is she out on maneuvers.

Can any of our seamen identify this vessel for us?

--Jan Hansen



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Cats: Mippin would like to live with you

Mippin is a real beauty
Photo by Svetlana Popova
Meet Mippen! Did you know that "mippens" means the coolest person in town, and guess what, that fits our girl here perfectly! 

Someone will bond with her very closely and the two will be best friends spending beautiful days together relaxing and enjoying one another. 

Everybody needs a friend, why not Mippen?

This beautiful 9-year-old grey and white cat is available for adoption at Seattle Area Feline Rescue 14717 Aurora Ave N.



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LFP Council meets Thursday with public hearings on cluster housing

The City Council Work Session Meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 10, 2018 has been cancelled.

The regular council meeting begins at 7pm in the Council Chambers in City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park.

Hearings on the cluster housing moratoriums:

PUBLIC HEARING - Ordinance 1175/Adopting an Extension of the Moratorium on Conservation Cluster Housing Permits (imposed by Ordinance 1173) until June 14, 2018

PUBLIC HEARING - Ordinance 1174/Amending or Repealing Section 18.54.042 of the Lake Forest Park Municipal Code Relating to Conservation Cluster Housing



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GiveBIG to local groups on Wednesday, May 9

By Diane Hettrick

The one-day online giving event takes place from midnight to midnight Pacific Time on Wednesday, May 9 with the theme “Give Big for All,” reflecting the urgent need to support nonprofits working to support causes in our community.

To donate, visit GIVEBIGseattle, select the nonprofits you want to support and enter the donation amount. Add your donations to the Giving Cart and check out all at once with your credit card payment.

You can start now and schedule donations ahead of time.

The search engine on the site can be a little quirky. The best way is to enter the exact name of your organization, but if that doesn't work, try a city or zip code search.

Below is a list of organizations that have a significant local presence. Several of them have "angels" who are matching donated funds. For some of them, this is their biggest fundraiser of the year.

Animal welfare
Audubon Society
PAWS Progressive Animal Welfare Society
Puurfect Pals
Seattle Area Feline Rescue
Seattle Humane Society
Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition
Whisker City

Arts
Choir of the Sound
Creative Dance Center
Edmonds Driftwood Players
Northwest Girl Choir
Seattle Chorale Company
Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council

Children and Education
Northwest School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
Shoreline Community College Foundation
Shoreline Public Schools Foundation
Wonderland Developmental Center

Religion
CRISTA Ministries (includes education and social services)
St. Luke School
St. Mark Parish Church / School

Social Services
Banchero Disability Partners
Center for Human Services
Compass Housing Alliance
Hopelink
Mary's Place
North Helpline
Parkview Services
Provail
Sound Generations (Senior Centers)
Turning Point Seattle

Other
Friends of the Shoreline Library
HistoryLink
Third Place Commons (includes arts, children)
Washington Cease Fire



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Four great events at the Richmond Beach Celebration - Friday to Sunday


RICHMOND BEACH CELEBRATION
Four great events--one spectacular weekend
May 11-13

MOTHER'S DAY PLANT SALE
The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden (20312 15th Avenue NW) will host its 31st Annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 11, to Sunday, May 13. Members will have an exclusive pre-sale opportunity on Thursday, May 10, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Pre-sale items will include a selection of Dan Hinkley plants from Windcliff as well as from Far Reaches Farm. These are not to be missed! Explore a wide selection of hard-to-find plant species at the on-site MsK Rare and Native Plant Nursery. 

ARTS and CRAFTS/BOOK SALE
Friends of the Richmond Beach Library will be hosting its 51st Arts and Crafts Sale at the Richmond Beach Library (19601 21st Avenue NW) on Saturday, May 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The show features handcrafted items, including jewelry, textiles, ceramics, glass, photography and original art and a raffle. Come meet local artists on Friday, May 11, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and enjoy light appetizers and quartet music provided by Shorewood High School.

Friends of the Library Book Sale: The Friends’ book sale offers titles for every interest, including fiction, mysteries and thrillers, history, inspirational, cookbooks, gardening, children's books, DVDs and CDs and many more subject areas. A highlight of the sale is the collectible section, featuring rare and unusual titles, along with the Northwest section devoted to local publications. Proceeds from the Special Collections Book Sale go to support programs at the Richmond Beach Library. For 2018, Friends of Richmond Beach Library has allocated over $10,000 to support library services in children, teen and adult programs. This is made possible through the ongoing sale of books donated by the community. Book donations may be dropped off at the Richmond Beach Library.

CAR SHOW
Richmond Beach Rehab (19235 15th Avenue NW) will be hosting its 9th annual Classic Car Show on Saturday, May 12. Friends, neighbors and car enthusiasts are invited to visit the rehab between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to view one of the best displays of cars of yesteryear around. Enjoy live music by Brian Lee and the Orbiters from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information, contact Lisa Hinman at (206) 546-2666.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
Richmond Beach Community Association and the City of Shoreline will be hosting their 19th annual Strawberry Festival at the Richmond Beach Community Park (2201 NW 197th Street) next to the library on Saturday, May 12, from noon to 5:00 p.m. Here is what you have to look forward to:

Children’s’ Parade: Children 8 and under are invited to march in the Children’s Parade to kick off the start of the Strawberry Festival. This year’s theme is “Superheroes.” So grab your cape, throw on your mask and get ready to save the universe! The parade begins at 11:45 a.m. and will make two laps around the sidewalk on the perimeter of the park led by a Shorewood High School drum line. 

Sensational Music:
  • 12:00: The Rat City Brass—Tijuana Brass tribute band, back by popular demand! 
  • 1:45 p.m.: Patti Allen and the Monster Band—The Northwest’s queen of Blues and her classic revue! 
  • 3:30 p.m.: The Disco Cowboys—Outrageous dance party fun! 
Scrumptious Food: A variety of scrumptious food will be offered by local restaurants Flying Dragon Chinese Cuisine, Santa Fe Mexican Grill and Cantina, Streetzeria and the Cabin Tavern. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Strawberry Festival without traditional Strawberry Shortcake served up by RBCA (freshly baked shortcake from Edmonds Bakery and fresh, juicy strawberries smothered in creamy whip cream – yum!).

Walking tour of historic Richmond Beach: Meet in front of the library at 1:00 p.m. for a tour led by Shoreline Historical Museum.

More fun: Debut of RBCA's Historic Street Signs, Richmond Beach gear for sale, community and business information booths; Shorewood Photography Exhibit; inflatables, carnival games and other activities for kids and displays by Shoreline’s police and fire departments.

PARKING AND SHUTTLE FOR ALL EVENTS
Due to limited parking at the event sites, off-site parking and shuttle service to all four events will be provided on Saturday, May 12, at Richmond Beach Congregational Church located at 1512 NW 195th. Guests are encouraged to use the shuttle to reduce impact on the neighborhood. Richmond Beach residents are encouraged to walk or carpool, if possible.



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Shorewood softball v Meadowdale 5-7-18

Box score for Shorewood vs. Meadowdale at Meridian Park Field 5-7-18

BATTERY

MEADOWDALE: KATE HOUGHTON(12 Ks) AND CORRIE PETERSON (CATCHER)

SHOREWOOD:CAROLINE GUGGER, BONNIE PAULSON(4) AND ALLISON NAMBA


HIGHLIGHTS

MEADOWDALE: BRIDGEWATER 2-4 (2B, 3B)

CARRIE PETERSON (2B)

OLIVIA DIMMOCK 2-3 (2 2Bs)



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Lynnwood Link: SEPA Addendum now available

Monday, May 7, 2018

Sound Transit has prepared a State Environmental Policy Act Addendum for the Lynnwood Link Extension.

This Addendum adds to the Lynnwood Link Extension Final Environmental Impact Statement issued in April 2015 by describing and evaluating proposed design refinements, new information related to construction, and new information related to mitigation.

Copies of the Addendum are available for review at Sound Transit offices and on the Sound Transit website. To request a CD copy or for further information about this Addendum email project staff at LynnwoodLink@soundtransit.org.

Be on the lookout for an invitation to station and project design open house meetings this summer.



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Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park program speakers for the month of May

Sponsor Janiece Hoggatt, President Claire Conway,
and Secretary Norman Lieberman
with new member, JP Mahar.
Photo by Douglas Hoggatt
Each week, the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park features a thirty minute program after club business.

The topics are varied and interesting. The Club invites you to join them for breakfast on Wednesdays, enjoy a program and learn more about the Club.


  • May 9: Spencer Sheridan, Treehouse, a non-profit supporting the needs of youth in foster care
  • May 16: Faith Martian, A Simple Gesture - Community Food Bank
  • May 23:  Shared Hope International, Sex Trafficking Documentary “Chosen”
  • May 30: Dr. Sarah Ketchley, Egyptologist, University of Washington


Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.

Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas.

Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.

Meetings of the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park are held every Wednesday morning for breakfast at 7:15am at the Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church, 17440 Brookside Blvd. NE, Lake Forest Park. All are invited.



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Sign up now for Emergency Preparedness seminar on June 2

The Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) is planning an emergency preparedness seminar on June 2, 2018, from 9am-1pm.

Once again this year, the seminar will be held at the Northshore Fire Department in Kenmore 7220 NE 181st Street Kenmore 98028.

Topics include:
  • Fire extinguisher use and safety, 
  • utility shut-off, 
  • food preparedness, 
  • emergency kits
  • and more
Reserve a spot by contacting Carl Lunak 425-354-1744.



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