Pay your Ronald Wastewater bill without getting out the car

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

You can now pay your Ronald Wastewater District bill without getting out of the car.

Shoreline residents who prefer to drop off their payments can now access the drop box from their car window. The box is still on the upper level of the City of Shoreline parking garage, but it has been moved to the east end and set up as a drive thru.

The payment box was moved to City Hall when the city assumed most of the operation of the district.

The Ronald Wastewater District Board of Commissioners continue to be responsible for addressing policy matters, setting rates, and managing capital improvements for the utility.

You can still report customer service issues using the District’s old phone number 206-546-2494.

All utility business conducted in person, including paying a bill, using the payment drop box, addressing a customer service issue, or receiving a permit will now be conducted at Shoreline City Hall 17500 Midvale Avenue N.



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The Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park Garden Tour and Market Saturday


This Saturday, June 16, the weather is supposed to be perfect for a garden tour.

So, get your tickets now for the 16th annual Lake Forest Park Garden Tour. The tour includes access to six local gardens. Ticket holders on this self-guided tour will be able to see ways local gardeners have solved challenges like drainage, slopes, shade and sunny spots ... Strolling through six local stunning gardens you will see how to attract birds, and divide space to encourage contrast and variety.

Each garden will have a musician and an artist in the garden.

The proceeds of the ticket sales are returned to the community through support of four local non-profits. Half of the proceeds from the sale are used for public art in Lake Forest Park. The Garden Tour contributed to the art at the Blue Heron Park bridge and commissioned and donated the piece in front of City Hall.

There will be a garden market in the lower level of the Town Center, selling plants that will thrive in our local environment. You can learn how to keep bees, and purchase flowers, plants, and garden art.

Tickets are available online or at Town Center Hardware or Wildbirds Unlimited in Lake Forest Park Town Center, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way.


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LFP employee team logs 789 miles during Bike Everywhere Month

Lake Forest Park employees Riders Team
for Bike Everywhere Month
Photo courtesy City of LFP
May was Bike Everywhere Month and the Lake Forest Park and Riders Team had seven team members riding this year.

Since 2009, the City of Lake Forest Park has participated in Bike Month.

It is one of the events included in the City's wellness program, which in turn helps reduce health insurance costs.

The team members were able to log a total of 789 miles for the month, with Court Clerk Grant Cogswell riding an outstanding 347 miles!


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LFP work session cancelled, regular session at 7pm Thursday

LFP City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
The City Council Work Session Meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 14, 2018 has been cancelled.

At the regular council meeting, Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 7pm, the council will authorize the purchase of a patrol vehicle, and vote on a resolution to contract with Sheils Obletz Johnsen and with Otek for Phase 2 of the Central Subarea.

They will discuss and potentially take action on repealing the Municipal Code regarding Conservation Cluster Housing.

Councilmember Tom French will be appointed Interim Council Liaison to the Planning Commission.

Meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers on the second floor, 17425 Ballinger Way NE.



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More sign language interpreters for deaf and hard of hearing Medicaid patients

Monday, June 11, 2018

Tap the fingertips of the dominant
"bent hand" twice on the upturned
wrist of the base hand to say "doctor"
in American Sign Language
The U.S. Department of Justice, working through the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Washington Health Care Authority (HCA) entered into a settlement designed to improve important interpreter services for low income patients with hearing disabilities, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes.

The settlement calls for HCA to vastly increase the number of sign language interpreters it has available to attend Apple Health Plan (Medicaid) medical appointments and interpret for patients who are hearing impaired and/or their companions. Under the terms of the settlement, the number of interpreters under contract statewide will be increased from fewer than ten to more than 100.

“The ability of people with hearing disabilities to fully understand and thus participate in their medical care is a fundamental right protected by federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “Healthcare providers, and state agencies involved in healthcare, must ensure that their services are provided in a manner that does not exclude people with disabilities.”

An investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, revealed that since 2012, HCA’s Interpreter Services Program has contracted with CTS LanguageLink to provide interpreter services for medical appointments.

However, during the term of that five year contract, CTS LanguageLink only had between zero and eight sign language interpreters available for Apple Health appointments state-wide, with no sign language interpreters available in most counties.

This resulted in fewer than 30% of all requests for interpreter services being fulfilled. As a result, appointments with medical professionals were often cancelled or rescheduled when no interpreter was available. In some instances the appointments went forward with inferior means of communicating with the patient or their caregiver.

The investigation concluded that HCA was violating the Americans with Disabilities Act because it failed to ensure that the Medicaid benefits of the Apple Health program were being provided equally to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Under the terms of the settlement, by July 1, 2018, HCA will contract with an interpreter service provider that has at least 100 sign language interpreters statewide. By April 2019, HCA will need to show an appointment fulfillment rate of at least 90 percent. If any region of the state falls short of that requirement, the settlement calls for HCA to take specific steps to recruit additional sign language interpreters.

The settlement also calls for immediate relief for the interpreter shortfalls by requiring HCA to permit healthcare providers to immediately obtain their own ASL interpreter for healthcare appointments outside of the HCA system and receive reimbursement by HCA for those services.

The settlement also calls for HCA to use the Apple Health website and other communications tools to inform patients of their rights to interpreter services along with a grievance procedure if they believe their rights have been violated.

The agreement will be in force for three years and during that time the HCA will collect data on requests and fulfillment for sign language interpreting. The data will be provided to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington on a quarterly basis so that the Department of Justice can ensure services are being provided as required.

Assistant United States Attorney Christina Fogg led the investigation and negotiated the settlement.




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Photo: Looks like a duck

Looks like a duck
Photo by Seattle Poppy

So I'm not sure this photo was taken in Shoreline - and I'm not sure it looks like a duck.

But I'm willing to give regular contributors some artistic license.

And the more I look at it the more I see the duck.

DKH

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Toshiba Corporation to pay Washington state $1.3 million for price fixing

5" black and white cathode ray tube
petervis.com
Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that Toshiba Corporation, a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Japan, will pay $1.3 million as part of the Attorney General’s price-fixing lawsuit against manufacturers of a component used in television and computer screens called cathode ray tube, or CRT.

The lawsuit alleges Toshiba and other CRT manufacturers, including LG, Panasonic, Hitachi, Chungwha, Philips and Samsung, engaged in a price-fixing scheme to drive up the cost of CRTs from 1995 to 2007. During those 12 years, the price-fixing conspiracy caused millions of Washington consumers to be overcharged for their CRT televisions and computer monitors.

The consent decree, which will be filed in King County Superior Court, holds Toshiba accountable for its role in the price-fixing scheme. Ferguson will distribute the bulk of the $1.3 million through a claims process to Washington consumers and state agencies that purchased CRTs during the conspiracy.

“For more than a decade, these foreign manufacturers conspired to artificially inflate their prices,” Ferguson said. “We are returning the money back where it belongs: the pockets of Washingtonians.”

During the scheme, the companies held secret meetings in which they agreed to fix prices. They also agreed to restrict the supply of CRTs in order to artificially inflate prices.

The companies’ scheme allowed them to keep CRT prices high, even as liquid crystal display, or LCD, screens were introduced to the market. Typically, widespread use of a new technology would bring prices down for older technology.

Some of these companies also orchestrated a strikingly similar conspiracy around the same time to drive up prices of LCD screens. In 2016, the Attorney General’s Office recovered $41 million dollars for Washington consumers in its lawsuit over the LCD price-fixing conspiracy.

Until the late 2000s, CRTs were the primary technology for television screens and computer monitors. In 1999, CRT monitors accounted for over 90 percent of the retail market for computer monitors in North America. The technology has largely fallen out of use in recent years, superseded by LCD screens. Toshiba no longer produces CRTs.

The Attorney General will retain a claims administrator to help with the distribution of the funds. Funds will be distributed after all cases are resolved. More details on the claims process will be announced when available.

This payment will bring the total paid so far by CRT manufacturers over their scheme to $3.65 million. So far, four other conspirators have paid a total of $2.35 million to Washington:
  • LG, $1.5 million
  • Panasonic, $450,000
  • Hitachi, $275,000
  • Chunghwa, $125,000
The lawsuit is ongoing against Philips and Samsung, with a trial set for July 2019.

Antitrust Division Chief Jonathan Mark and Assistant Attorneys General Justin Wade, Neal Luna and Eric Newman are handling the case.

The Office of the Attorney General's Antitrust Division is responsible for enforcing the antitrust provisions of Washington's Unfair Business Practices-Consumer Protection Act. The division investigates and litigates complaints of anticompetitive conduct and reviews potentially anticompetitive mergers. The division also brings actions in federal court under the federal antitrust laws. It receives no general fund support, funding its own actions through recoveries made in other cases.

The Antitrust Division investigates complaints about potential anti-competitive activity. Information about filing a complaint here.


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Drop in to One Cup Coffee Jun 21 to find out about being a foster parent

Come to the Foster Cafe at the One Cup in Shoreline on Thursday, June 21, 2018 from 10 to noon.

It is a drop in format to start a conversation about fostering. Get your questions answered, talk to an expert from Lutheran Community Services Northwest.

There are many children in need of temporary care and not enough homes.

One Cup Coffee is located at 16743 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline 98133



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Tickets on sale now for Edmonds July and August Wine Walks


Tickets on sale now for the
Edmonds Summer Wine Walks!

Your favorite shops in downtown Edmonds will be featuring wine tastings from select Washington boutique wineries. Meet the local winemakers who will be pouring tastes of their hand-crafted wines in various shops so you can enjoy sipping, shopping, socializing and supporting a good cause on a gorgeous summer evening.

Tickets can be purchased for $25 each in advance, or for $30 the week of the event, as supplies last. Don't delay -- these events sell out!

A ticket gets you 10 tokens for one-ounce pours. Additional tasting tokens will be available for purchase at the event. Wristbands, glasses, tasting maps and tokens will be distributed at tables in front of Coldwell Banker Bain starting at 4:45pm the day of the event. Participants must be 21+, ID required.

Purchase bottles of wines from the featured wineries directly at the Sip Stops, or at the Pop-up Wine Shop at Coldwell Banker Bain the evening of the event.

Proceeds benefit Art Walk Edmonds, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Arts in Edmonds.

Click here for more info and tickets to the Edmonds Wine Walks!


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Caregiver support group meets Tuesday at Iora Primary Care


A free group to support caregivers continues to meet at Iora Primary Care on the second Tuesday of the month. This month, June 12, from 1:30 to 2:30pm.

This month's focus is on communication, particularly with people who have Alzheimer's or dementia.

RSVP and get more information from Maddie.Grant@ioraprimarycare.com or Shawna.Brown@homeinstead.com Bring friends for support. Free parking, refreshments.


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Sound Transit open house on Lynnwood Link station designs June 27


Public invited to view latest designs for light rail stations opening in 2024

Sound Transit will hold an open house on June 27 where participants can get an update on progress of the Lynnwood Link Extension project. Recent Lynnwood Link design refinements focus on reducing costs without compromising fast, frequent and congestion-free service for riders.

Shoreline/Seattle
Wednesday, June 27, Shorewood High School, 17300 Fremont Ave. N. 6-8pm.


The 8.5-mile light rail extension from Northgate to Lynnwood Transit Center is currently in the final design phase. At the event, participants will learn about the new cost-efficient station and project designs as well as ongoing work to secure critical federal funding and start construction, scheduled for early 2019.

Individuals unable to attend an open house in person can view meeting materials online and provide comments at lynnwoodlink.participate.online.

When Lynnwood Link opens in 2024, trains will serve four stations along the route at Northeast 145th Street, Northeast 185th Street, the Mountlake Terrace Transit Center at 236th Street Southwest, and Lynnwood Transit Center at 48th Avenue West. The project includes a total of approximately 1,500 additional park-and-ride spaces in the corridor.

Commuters from Lynnwood Transit Center will enjoy 13-minute rides to Northgate Mall, 20-minute rides to the University of Washington, 28-minute rides to downtown Seattle and 60-minute rides to Sea-Tac Airport. Trains from Lynnwood will also serve the eastside and reach downtown Bellevue in 51 minutes and the Overlake Transit Center in 60 minutes from the Lynnwood Transit Center.

More information on the Lynnwood Link Extension is available here.

In addition to the Lynnwood Link Extension, Sound Transit is simultaneously working to extend light rail to the south, east, west and further north, opening new stations every few years to form a 116-mile regional system by 2041. The agency is on track to open extensions to Seattle's University District, Roosevelt and Northgate neighborhoods in 2021, followed by service to Mercer Island, Bellevue and Redmond's Overlake area in 2023. 

Additional extensions to Kent/Des Moines, Federal Way, and Downtown Redmond are planned to open in 2024. Further light rail extensions are scheduled to reach West Seattle and the Tacoma Dome in 2030; Seattle Center, South Lake Union and Ballard in 2035; Paine Field and Everett in 2036; and South Kirkland and Issaquah in 2041.


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Home sales in LFP during May 2018

The following are properties that sold in Lake Forest Park during the month of May 2018. Data compiled for the Shoreline Area News by the Shoreline Windermere office.




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Fredrik Backman at Third Place Books on Thursday

Sunday, June 10, 2018

Every book club in the area was reading A Man Called Ove last year. Now the author of Ove, Fredrick Backman, is back in the country, touring with his new book Us Against You. He'll be at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park on Thursday, June 14, 7pm - doors open 6pm.


Tickets are required for entrance. Two tickets per purchase of Us Against You.
Town Center, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way, Lake Forest Park. 206-366-3333.


Monday, June 11, 7pm
Sabaa Tahir and Renee Ahdieh


Two favorite bestselling YA authors together for one magical evening! Sabaa Tahir returns to the Martial Empire in A Reaper at the Gates, the third book in her Ember Quartet. Joining her on our Main Stage is Renée Ahdieh, who concludes her Flame in the Mist duology with the thrilling Smoke in The Sun. Presentation FREE; signing line tickets available with paid online pre-order of either title.

Tuesday, June 12, 7pm
Ruth Ware


The Death of Mrs. Westaway (Gallery/Scout Press)

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of In a Dark, Dark Wood, The Woman in Cabin 10, and The Lying Game comes Ruth Ware's highly anticipated fourth novel. Presentation FREE; signing line ticket with paid online pre-order of The Death of Mrs. Westaway. 

Thursday, June 14, 7pm, doors open at 6pm
Fredrik Backman


Us Against You (Atria Books)

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove and Beartown returns to Lake Forest Park with an unforgettable novel “about people — about strength and tribal loyalty and what we unwittingly do when trying to show our boys how to be men” (Jojo Moyes). Doors at 6pm. Tickets required for admission; two tickets per purchase of Us Against You.


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Skandia Third Friday Dance June 15

Skandia Third Friday Dance at the Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave W, Lynnwood 98036. 
The evening kicks off at 7:30, with Bonnie and Tom Berglund teaching the fun and easy Waltz from Rogsta.

They will also review Bingsjö polska, which is a basic turning dance that is done a lot. 

Open dancing begins at 8:30pm, with perennial favorite Skandia Kapell providing great dance music. This band is sure to play some of your favorites, with their hallmark solid dance rhythms. 

Class, 7:30pm; dance, 8:30–11pm. $15 (Skandia members, $10); kids, free. Email for more information or call 425-954-5262. Sponsored by Skandia Folkdance Society.



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Crime in Shoreline week ending 5-22-18 - another stolen goat, domestic violence and mental illness

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Selected items from the Shoreline Police blotter, week ending May 22, 2018

Trending:

--Tags on Rapid Ride shelter, a no parking sign, play shed at Sunset Park, light pole and power pole, Hamlin Park, Ridgecrest park racquetball courts.

--People violating traffic rules, jaywalking, and trespassing then being arrested on outstanding warrants.

05-12 Heroin overdose at Fred Meyer.
05-12 Involuntary commitment for resident who harmed him/herself.
05-12 Arrested a person who was on the front porch of a home, threatening the residents.
05-13 Jailed a person for investigation of a violation of a Domestic Violence no-contact order.
05-13 BHI (behavioral) unit dealt with a resident who deliberately overdosed on pills after an argument.
05-14 Person violated a no-contact order.
05-14 Officer identified a stolen vehicle at NW 175th and 3rd NW. Unknown driver fled in vehicle which was flagged as 'armed and dangerous.'
05-14 ID and cash stolen from secured locker at Y.
05-14 Underaged runaway picked up for trespass at Shoreline Library and taken to Children's for a mental evaluation.
05-14 Stopped a fight in process at Richmond Beach Park at 8:30pm. Booked two on possession of hand guns and one for drug possession.
05-14 Resident of group home pours hot coffee on another resident.
05-14 Female arrested on assault charge after scratching her boyfriend.
05-15 Residential burglary 11xx Richmond Beach Road.
05-15 Neighbor keeping neighbor under surveillance with video camera in violation of harassment order. Neighbor believes he is being punched by lasers.
05-16 Armed robbery by 4 suspects at 76 station, 205th and Aurora. Stole cash and cigarettes.
05-16 Tools stolen from home under construction at 18xx NW 197th.
05-16 Person was sent for involuntary commitment after walking into the Pacific Learning Center and making suicidal statements.
05-16 Burglary at 8xx NE 174th.
05-16 Officers slim-jimmed a vehicle to rescue a dog locked in a car while the owner shopped at Petco. Driver cited for civil infraction.
05-16 Traffic stop for cell phone use.
05-17 Apartment resident who accidentally discharged his shotgun called police to make sure he hadn't shot a neighbor.
05-17 Counterfeit $100 bill passed at Salvation Army store.
05-17 Female arrested for Domestic Violence after repeatedly punching her boyfriend in the head.
05-18 Resident at group home sent for mental evaluation.
05-18 Subject supports drug habit by stealing from parents.
05-19 Subject transported to Northwest Hospital after suicide attempt.
05-19 Mail theft from Park Place Condos.
05-19 Person wandering in Calvary Temple front yard taken for mental evaluation.
05-19 Resident transported for mental health evaluation.
05-19 Female slumped over steering wheel in vehicle at apartment complex.
05-20 Baby goat was stolen from back yard shed at 145xx 6th NE.
05-20 Hit and run with injuries at NE 175th and 12th NE. Driver was subsequently arrested.
05-21 Investigation of violation of no-contact order.
05-21 Couple get into a physical fight.




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Theater review: Sabrina Fair proves choosing love is always best


Sabrina Fair by Samuel Taylor - Driftwood Players - June 8-24
Thursday - Saturday 8pm, Sunday at 2pm
EdmondsDriftwoodPlayers.org  425-774-9000


Review by Luanne Brown
Photos courtesy Driftwood Players

In staging “Sabrina Fair” Rick Wright, director of the Edmonds’ Driftwood Players, is giving area audiences a rare chance to see the original Broadway play by Samuel Taylor which was used as the basis for two film adaptations. The most well-known adaptation was made in 1954, the year after the play debuted on Broadway, and starred Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn.

This well-staged production played to an enthusiastic capacity crowd at its premiere on Friday night, June 8th. The warm and friendly atmosphere of the theater was fun to participate in. The play itself is a refreshing departure from the well-known movies, with just enough differences to make curious ears perk up when we learn things like Sabrina spent five years in Paris working for NATO instead of going to a Cordon Bleu cooking school. 

The chauffeur's daughter
It’s an upstairs/downstairs kind of story (only the downstairs part is played by an apartment over a garage) as the chauffeur’s daughter returns from Paris to become an object of desire — between two brothers. 

The cast worked well together, and it was easy to tell they relished their parts. Rebecca Erickson’s Sabrina was charming and sincere, two qualities required of the role. Asa Sholdez as Linus Larrabee Jr. effectively played the transition in his character from calculatingly cold captain of industry to one with much warmer charm.

Laura Crouch as Linus’s mother Maude was convincing as a ‘helicopter mom’ to her grown sons. In this version of the story, Linus Sr., played with gusto by Martin J. Mackenzie, sold his schooner and took up attending funerals, a twist that was sad to lose in the movie version. The reactions of cook Margaret, played by Elizabeth Shipman, gave a moral center to the piece.

Nathaniel Grant Thompson, the younger Larrabee brother David, lent a credible quality of entitlement to his role as someone who is experienced at manipulating his parents to get what he wants. Terry Boyd as Sabrina’s father, a man cleverer than his employer, was appropriately reserved in his portrayal of the snobbish chauffeur who looks upon her engagement to a Larrabee as a step down for his daughter.

James Milton as Paul D’Arenson, Sabrina’s rich Frenchman, was an entertaining inclusion to the Hollywood storyline that had written out his character. Dr. Kathleen Sansett as Julia, Maude’s recuperating friend, had just the right combination of wisdom and humor to make her role stand out.

The creative crew did fine work as well and deserve mention, including director Rick Wright, stage manager Sean Morrone, assisted by Erin Sutter, producer Diane Jamieson, assisted by Julie Adams, and designers Nancy Johnson, Julia Stainer, Brent Stainer, and Chantal Burns who also served as French language coach.

Linus, Jr. and Sabrina
Sorry to get so serious here, but there’s nothing like an evening at a community theater to realize just how lucky we are and just how much we have to share with those who aren’t.

Re-experiencing this frothy story of the trials of the rich at a time when so many are struggling was a bit uncomfortable for me at first. I had really loved it in the form of the original movie when I was a girl.

And then I realized, the story hadn’t really changed (too much), I had. Seeing the rich at play no longer leaves me thinking of the great time I’d have living in a mansion on the North Shore of Long Island — I think instead of all of those who don’t even have homes. Watching family dramas unfold on stage left me thinking of all the parents and children who have been torn from each other’s arms for seeking a safer life.

And who could blame them for wanting to come here? To a place where people can freely gather to enjoy an evening together? To a town where community members generously support the arts and creative people have the freedom to express themselves doing things they love?

To paraphrase Managing Director Kim Smith in her program notes, Sabrina helps the Larrabees save themselves from their narrow-minded view of the world and see the bigger truth that choosing love is always best. That message is one we need now, more than ever.

Performances run until June 24th on Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. Regular tickets are $28 unless you are a senior, a junior, or in the military. Then they are $25.

Certain performances include ASL interpreters which is a wonderful public service.

Kudos to Kim Smith for a helpful press kit.

The performance was a longish 2 hours and 45 minutes including intermission so be prepared to get home late.

The theater is located at the very lovely Wade James Theater, 950 Main St., Edmonds, WA. Check www.edmondsdriftwoodplayers.org for more information or to purchase tickets. To purchase tickets by phone, call 425-774-9600, option 1. 



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Shoreline Farmers Market opens in the rain Saturday

Intrepid shoppers brave the rain
at the Shoreline Farmers Market


Photos by Steven H. Robinson

You really never know what the weather will be like around here, so it was the Shoreline Farmers Market's bad luck to hold their opening day in the rain.

Strawberries are in season

It certainly didn't stop the vendors from showing up and being cheerful under their canopies but it certainly kept the shoppers away.



An intrepid few were there with their umbrellas and got to shop without crowds.

There were at least two booths with hot food, some wonderful produce stands, and fun vendors.




Go check them out next Saturday, 10am - 3pm on the upper level of Shoreline Place (formerly Aurora Square), Westminster Way.


Shoreline councilmember Susan Chang was there, supporting the market.




At least a couple of children, dressed for the weather, were there to take advantage of the play area.



One lonely busker probably did not get a lot of tips this day.




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Music4Life donates 17 musical instruments to Shoreline Schools during 3rd quarter


From David Endicott, Co-Founder and President, Music4Life

We are pleased to report that during the third quarter 2017-18 (March 1 – May 31), Music4Life delivered 17 ready-to-play musical instruments having a fair market value of $6,469 to Shoreline Public Schools.

These 17 instruments included three alto saxophones, one ¾ cello, two clarinets, one flute, two acoustic guitars, two trombones, four cornets and two violins.

A total of 51 instruments presented free of charge to Shoreline Public Schools since last September 1st have an estimated fair market value of $20,604. Both metrics put us well ahead of last year’s record pace with the final quarter still to come.

In addition, there are other instruments in process of repairs that should be delivered soon to Shoreline Public Schools and more are coming in. We will do our best to get them all delivered to Shoreline Schools by September 1st.

Anyone wishing to donate an instrument or donate funds to help refurbish the instruments can get information here: http://www.music4life.org/

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Volunteer to help The WORKS move to their new location on June 16


The WORKS, a Shoreline PTA Council community clothing resource, is moving from a portable at North City Elementary to a new home in the Shoreline Center.

We need the community's help to move The WORKS on Saturday, June 16th.

To sign up, fill out the volunteer form here for one or both moves. No students younger than 14, please. Students ages 14-17 are welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult.

Volunteer link

The WORKS BIG MOVE (North City school to Shoreline Center)
Date: Saturday, June 16th
Time: 10am-2pm (Shift 1) and 2pm-6pm (Shift 2)
Location: Gather in the west parking lot at North City Elementary (810 NE 190th Street) for orientation at the beginning of your shift (either 10am or 2pm).

Suggested items to bring: sturdy shoes, work gloves, hat and sunscreen, handcart (if you have one). Water and lunch (pizza) will be provided.

Jobs will include: Moving boxes, moving racks of clothing, carrying boxes, moving filing cabinets and shelving into a U Haul Truck. Pick-up trucks and large vehicles are welcome!

Due to the BIG MOVE, the last day that The WORKS will be open for the 2017-2018 school year is Wednesday, June 13th. The WORKS will reopen in our new space at the Shoreline Center in September (date TBA). We are not able to accept clothing donations until we reopen in September. Questions? Email shorelineptaworks@gmail.com


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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Tomboy


Tomboy: a graphic memoir by Liz Prince

Liz was a kid who knew what she liked: boy stuff. Boy clothing, boy toys and games, boy sports, boys as friends. She also knew what she didn't like: girl stuff.

Her road to adulthood was bumpy and full of uncertainty. Was she a lesbian? Transgender? A complete freakazoidal weirdo that nobody would ever like (except her mom, because that's her mom's, like, job)?

Would Liz ever conform to gender norms? And more importantly: would Liz ever want to comform?

This quick-paced graphic memoir is full of angst, but it's also funny. Liz may not be much like other people, but she's got a handle on that now. And her story is worth reading--and sharing.

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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Shoreline Council votes additional funding to maintain sidewalks

A street tree lifted and cracked the sidewalk
on Meridian. It has been repaired at least once.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
By Diane Hettrick

For almost as long as Shoreline has been a city, residents have been complaining about sidewalks. Every city survey has sidewalks as a high priority.

Anyone who has ever tried to walk in Shoreline knows about the intermittent sidewalks, with varying widths, cracks from tree roots, and telephone poles in the middle. Anyone with any kind of mobility issue, a wheelchair, or a baby stroller knows you "can't get there from here."

Early city councils budgeted for new sidewalks and began a program to add sidewalks, as well as resurface all the city streets.

A couple of things got in the way. China had a building boom and started buying raw materials, so costs went up. Then the recession hit and city spending was curtailed.

Sections of 15th NE still have only
narrow footpaths
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Some factors on sidewalks:

  • Sidewalks are extremely expensive.
    • It can cost up to $2.5 million to construct just one mile of sidewalk. 
    • It can cost approximately $195,000 per mile to make significant sidewalk repairs along a tree-lined street
    • The current city budget is $200,000 per year. At this rate it would take 500 years to complete all the sidewalks.
  • Residents have a strong preference for well built sidewalks that will last 50 years. 
  • After 20 plus years as a city, it is excruciatingly clear that King county made terrible mistakes when it chose the wrong variety of street trees.
    • The street trees are destroying the few miles of sidewalk that we do have. The roots crack and push up the concrete. Some sections have been repaired three or four times.
  • It took the city a few tries to come up with the standard width for residential sidewalks.
  • ADA requirements mean curb cuts need to be installed on every corner.
  • The sidewalks are dangerous and represent legal liability for the city if someone is injured. 
The Sidewalk Advisory Committee made a short video, illustrating some of the issues. (See it here)

Every year the budget has been spent trying to maintain the existing sidewalks. Developers were required to include new sidewalks with major projects. Federal funds were used for new sidewalks on Aurora and via the Safe Routes to School program.

At this point, we have 77 miles of sidewalk, 11 of which are ADA compliant. The 11 miles represents 15% of the sidewalk network.

The sidewalk advisory committee noted this bus stop on
Meridian which has no sidewalk access at all
Every council has wrestled with the cost vs the need.

One of the problems is that the only funds available to the city are vehicle license fees, property taxes, and sales tax. In 2009, the council added a $20 vehicle license fee to pay for roads.

However, every time a council got close to imposing a fee or tax hike to pay for sidewalks, residents became very incensed. Some of those residents were the same ones who complained about sidewalks. The councils would back off.

This street is not typical in that foliage
usually goes up to and over the white line
City of Shoreline


The legislature's response was to grant city councils the ability to add as much as $50 to vehicle license tabs. When the Shoreline council lobbied the legislature last year for more money for infrastructure, they were told that they already had the ability to raise funds through license tabs.

The Sidewalk Advisory Committee just wrapped up its work after a year of regular meetings and tours around the city. They created a "score card" for use in making decisions about where new sidewalks should go and use the score card to identify the areas of greatest need. They expressed a strong opinion that existing sidewalks should be maintained.

At the June 4, 2018 meeting of the Shoreline City Council, the vote was 4-3 to add a $20 fee to vehicle license fees to maintain and repair existing sidewalks.

The three who voted against were McConnell, Roberts, and Salomon. All agreed that something needed to be done about sidewalks but cited concerns about the financial burden on citizens, particularly in light of the state property tax increase of the last year.

The increase will raise an additional $780,000 per year.

The street tree was cut down after the sidewalk was repaired three times.
The roots have cracked and lifted the curb and street as well.
Photo by Diane K. Hettrick
The effective date of the new fee is September 1, 2018. By state law, the additional revenue cannot go into effect until March 1, 2019. 

The Department of Licensing sends renewal notices up to 120 days ahead of the license renewal date. 

Residents would begin to see the higher VLF fee on renewal notices starting in November 2018, as the bills for March could be sent as early as this time.

To pay for new sidewalks, the Council anticipates asking for a sale tax increase at a future date.



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North Helpline pancake breakfast

The North Helpline, which maintains food banks and support services in centers at Lake City and Bitter Lake, is holding a fundraising pancake breakfast on Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 9-11am at the Lake City Community Center 4319, 12531 28th Ave NE, Seattle 98125.

There will be pancakes, eggs, sausage, and coffee! At North Helpline, we believe that all deserve adequate food, housing, and respect.

To include everyone in our community, tickets are pay what you can with a suggested donation of $10. Thanks to the generosity of the Lake City Lions, all proceeds help ensure your neighbors have food on the table and a roof overhead.

Please buy tickets in advance so we know how much food to prepare. We hope to see you there!


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Groundbreaking marks Shoreline Community College's transition to a residential campus

Saturday, June 9, 2018



Photos by Steven H. Robinson

On Wednesday, May 30, 2018, Shoreline Community College held a groundbreaking ceremony for a long-anticipated campus dormitory.

The campus, which draws students from all over the greater Seattle area as well as nearly 50 countries, currently has no on-campus housing, although there have been at least two other serious attempts.

President Roberts stated, “This project will help us strengthen our core values of student engagement, respect and inclusion. Students will benefit from the opportunity to learn about other cultures and lifestyles, form lifelong friendships, and create a strong academic foundation.”

From left: Trustee Tom Lux, Trustee Clara Pellham,
College President Dr. Cheryl Roberts,
Dr. Douglas Jackson, Chair of the Board of Trustees

Construction will start immediately on a 216-bed residence hall. Located near the PUB in the heart of the college’s 83-acre wooded campus, the new student housing building will feature 68 units with shared living rooms and kitchens, and generous common space for all Shoreline students to connect and study. The project will also feature a double height Great Room and outdoor courtyard for college and community events.


Units will be a mix of 2-bed, 4-bed, and studio options, with in-unit kitchens and bathrooms in all options. There will be an outdoor courtyard area along with extensive landscaping around the building exterior; mature perimeter trees will be retained.

There will be a surface parking lot adjacent to the building. Any impacts to campus parking will be monitored closely but are anticipated to be minimal, as many of the students who will live on campus are already driving and parking here now; others may not need or want a car if they can live on campus.

President Roberts introduces Gabriel Grant,
Principal, Spectrum Development
“Shoreline Community College’s transition to a residential campus will help us meet the clearly demonstrated demand for convenient and affordable housing options for our students, and our new residential life program will help students more fully engage in their educational experience," said Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D, President. 
“We are grateful to our partners at the State of Washington and City of Shoreline for their support,” she added.

There will be a robust residential life program on campus; Resident Advisors (RAs) will live onsite and a property management and leasing office will be on the ground floor.

Security features are included in the building plans and the campus already has 24/7 security officers on duty. There is a basement, primarily for storage, trash, and recycling services.

Housing will be open to all students and they anticipate that the residents will reflect a mix of the overall student population.


According to Alison Stevens, Ph.D., Executive Vice President for Student Learning and Success, “There is a great deal of research that points to the impact that on-campus living has on a student’s academic achievement and social emotional well-being. 
"From a design and development standpoint, we focus first and foremost on creating spaces that foster ‘living-learning communities’ to enhance a student’s college experience.”


Campus and local dignitaries, including college officers, Board of Trustees, and staff, legislators, architects, and Shoreline Mayor and councilmembers, attended the formal ceremony, which was held in bright sunshine in a central courtyard.

With an anticipated opening of Fall 2019, the project will seek a LEED Silver rating, with elements that include enhanced thermal performance, water-saving plumbing fixtures, a roof-top solar array and LED lighting throughout the building. The design and construction team includes WG Clark Construction, Encore Architects, and Spectrum Development Solutions.

Shoreline Community College is located at 16101 Greenwood Ave N. Questions about the project can be emailed.



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Shoreline Schools offer free summer meals for kids and teens

Free Summer Meals

This summer, Shoreline Public Schools will host a FREE summer meal program for children 18 and younger. Lunch will be available at all three locations, but breakfast will be available only at Meridian Park Elementary.

The dates and locations are as follows:
Meridian Park Elementary - June 27 to August 24 (closed July 4 / 5)
Breakfast: 8am to 8:30am
Lunch: 11:30am to Noon
Meridian Park Menu

Echo Lake Elementary - July 9 to August 3
Lunch: 10:50am to 11:30am
Echo Lake and Shorewood Menu

Shorewood High School - July 9 to August 3
Lunch: 11:30am to Noon
Echo Lake and Shorewood Menu

Any child 18 and under can come to one of these locations for a free meal. There is no registration or application required. Children do not need to be a Shoreline student. For additional information, call the Food Services Department at 206-393-4209.



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Join WNPS Master Native Plant Stewards in Shoreline Parks starting this weekend

Join WNPS Master Native Plant Stewards and volunteer in 2018 to help restore urban forests across the City of Shoreline!

Come meet your neighbors and do good to weed out invasive species and install native plants – rain or shine! 

We have five different projects to choose from:

Boeing Creek
2nd Saturdays from 10am to 2pm

§ 320 NW Innis Arden Way, Shoreline, WA 98177

§ Meet at the north end of the Shoreview Park Off Leash Dog Park, just off the Shoreline Community College campus. The restoration project is just over the border into Boeing Creek Park, on the far side of the dog park.

§ Contact Sheraden at KimballWNPS@gmail.com to RSVP or for further information

Brugger’s Bog
2nd Sundays 9am to 1pm

§ 19553 25th Ave NE

§ Meet at the end of the dirt/gravel path entrance to the park on the bridge

§ Contact BruggersBogStewards@gmail.com to RSVP or for further information

Hamlin Park
3rd Saturdays from 10am to 1pm

§ 16006 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155

§ Meet at the far north end of the park, next to the NE 166th Street stairs

§ Contact Hamlin.Restoration@gmail.com to RSVP or for further information

Twin Ponds (North End)
Saturdays from 10am to 12pm (June 23rd, July 28th, August 18th, and September 15th)

§ 16501 N 155th St, Shoreline WA 98133

§ Meet at the northwest corner of the park along the fence on N 155th St

§ Contact NorthTwinPondsRestoration@gmail.com to RSVP or for further information

Twin Ponds (South End)

South Twin Ponds work parties for the fourth Saturdays in June or July have been cancelled.


6-14-18 Updated - Twin Ponds south end work parties have been cancelled for June and July.


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