Shoreline City Council meetings cancelled Monday

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Because of the Veterans Day holiday (observed) the Shoreline City Council has cancelled both the dinner meeting and the regular council meeting for Monday, November 12, 2018.




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Veterans Day Free Skate Monday at Highland Ice

Highland Ice is holding its annual Veterans Day Free Skate on Monday, November 12, 2018.

The free session will run 9:30am - 5:15pm. 

Admission is free for everyone, skate rentals are available for $4 per pair.

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Canterbury Faire Holiday Bazaar honoring our veterans

Friday, November 9, 2018

The St. Agnes Guild’s annual Canterbury Faire Holiday Bazaar is coming up on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, 722 N 145th St, Shoreline 98133.

Swing by the church that day between 9:30am and 3:00pm for an opportunity to pick up some fabulous handmade presents from a variety of vendors — for Christmas or yourself!

Hot Lunch $5, coffee, and super-tasty snacks will be available for purchase. 

You can buy raffle tickets for a beautiful hand made quilt!''

Proceeds Benefit the Saint Agnes Guild Outreach Program.

Recipients include:
  • Community Dinners 
  • Local USO 
  • Matthew House 
  • New Beginnings 
  • United We Stand 
  • Union Gospel Mission 
  • Wounded Warrior 



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SW grad Blake Snell one of three finalists for American League Cy Young Award

Blake Snell pitching in the 2011 State
semi-finals at Camas
Photo by Wayne Pridemore
By Ryan Phelan

When Blake Snell came back to Shorewood High School in October, it wasn’t to bask in his own limelight as one of Major League Baseball’s best pitchers this year, It was to watch his brother David play football.

“He was there on Senior Night for his brother, and at first I didn’t recognize him because he had his hood up over his hair,” said Vicki Gorman, the school’s athletic director. 
“He came for his brother. He wanted it to be about his brother. He didn’t want it to be about him.”

Like it or not, it might be all about him soon. Snell, who graduated from Shorewood in 2011, just finished off his first all-star season for the Tampa Bay Rays, and is one of three finalists for the American League Cy Young Award.

Snell is a frontrunner for the prize, but for Snell’s high school coach, Wyatt Tonkin, and the Shoreline community, his potential for greatness was apparent, both in his ability and his character.

He had the ability to strike out 19 batters in seven innings, but his coach remembers him for how much fun he made the game when he wasn’t playing it.

“He had the certain intangibles you just couldn’t teach,” said Wyatt Tonkin, Shorewood High School’s baseball coach since 1999. “The four years went by so fast, but it was really remarkable and it was fun.”

Wyatt Tonkin, Shorewood High School’s baseball coach, and Vicki Gorman, the school’s athletic director, stand beneath Shorewood High School’s retired jerseys on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. Blake Snell’s jersey was retired by the school in 2016. Photo credit: Ryan Phelan


Snell’s intangibles exuded themselves in his leadership, Tonkin said. He led by example and on the field effectively paired a competitive fire with lighthearted fun. People gathered around him in the locker room.

Now in just his third season in Major League Baseball, the 25-year-old left-hander won 21 games -- the best in the majors -- while posting an earned-run average of 1.89, the best in the American League. For Snell, who jumped straight from high school into professional baseball, it has been a breakout year.

Even back when he pitched for Shorewood, the stats spoke for themselves.

“When we retired his number, (See previous article) I had to go into the gym, and it's was a packed gym,” Tonkin said. “We were playing Shorecrest, our archrivals, and I had to read his stats. They were like cartoon numbers. I said people aren’t going to believe this.”

Over his three years on the varsity team, Snell earned an ERA of 1.38, and struck out 218 batters over 131.2 innings. He went undefeated his senior year and won eight games, with a ERA of 1.00, which was fifth in Washington state. Four of those wins were complete-game efforts, in which Snell pitched all nine innings.

Blake Snell 2011 Shorewood
Photo by Wayne Pridemore
Despite Snell’s success on the field, Tonkin offered just as much praise for Snell’s character off of the pitcher’s mound.

“He’s a fun guy,” Tonkin said. “He is a jokester, a prankster and a happy-go-lucky guy. He had a smile that nobody could resist. 
But once you handed him that ball, and he went between those lines, he became a lion. He would compete like nobody else. You just had that feeling when he was on the mound that we couldn’t lose.”

Over the years, the Shorewood baseball team has been blessed with talented pitchers, Tonkin said. The kind you don’t need to press to work hard.

“I think that's one of the reasons why our program has been successful, and it's one of the things I emphasize,” Tonkin said. “It’s not too tough when you get kids like Blake.”

Shorewood High School baseball coach Wyatt Tonkin stands next to the school’s trophy case on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. Tonkin has been the coach since 1999. Photo credit: Ryan Phelan 



Coach Tonkin’s life has long been rooted in baseball. He pitched for O’Dea High School in Seattle before playing for Bellevue Community College and later the University of Washington. In 1976, he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves and spent three seasons pitching in the minor leagues before being released.

“When your glass just shatters, you have to pick it up and start over,” Tonkin said, sliding some keys across the table as if they’re a pink slip. “You’ve geared your whole life to play baseball, and all of a sudden they say you can't anymore.”

But baseball is still there and his Shorewood cap and polo shirt say it before he does. He credits his wife Alice for giving him the confidence and motivation to get into coaching.

“Once I got into it I just couldn’t get enough,” Tonkin said. “I just loved the heck out of it. I loved the kids and the atmosphere. It's kind of fun to set the direction and build your own program.”

The trophy case contains several awards and pieces of memorabilia from the baseball team at Shorewood High School on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. This included a ball signed by coach Wyatt Tonkin following his 300th career win in 2017. Photo credit: Ryan Phelan

Tonkin has spent 21 seasons at the helm of the program. In April 2017, he collected his 300th career win for the team he has spent his entire coaching career. (See previous article) That same year, he was elected to the Washington State Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Tonkin’s openness to new skills, methods and inspirational tactics has enabled the program’s success under his tenure, Gorman said. He often speaks at coaches clinics around Washington and Oregon.

“It’s how much you learn after you think you know it all that really counts,” Tonkin said.

In a coaching career filled with successes, one of Tonkin’s greatest moments came in 2010, when his team made a surprise run to the state championship on the backs of its young pitchers, including Snell. Along the way, Snell beat Puyallup High School, the top-ranked team in the state, in the first round of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Class 4A regionals. Ultimately, Shorewood made it to the state championship at Safeco Field.

“We go to warmup and I get called to go underneath the stadium for a coin flip,” Tonkin said. “Then I come out to hit infield, and there is just a sea of blue -- from way up behind third base all the way behind home plate.”

Blake Snell’s retired jersey hangs in Shorewood
High School on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018.
Snell was drafted 52nd overall
in the 2011 MLB June Amateur Draft.
Photo credit: Ryan Phelan
They lost that game but laid the groundwork for the following season, in which the team won 24 games and lost just three. Snell contributed heavily toward that win total, striking out 118 batters over 56 innings pitched.

“I never really thought at that point when we were coaching that he’d be a Cy Young candidate,” said Shea Tonkin, Wyatt’s son and former assistant coach for Shorewood. 
“But he definitely was Cy Young quality when we coached him. That's for sure.”

“We’re kind of a small community even though we’re right next to Seattle,” Gorman said. “But the Shorewood community came out big-time for the team.”

Snell has not forgotten Shorewood. In his spare time, he has come back to Shorewood to help out the school’s basketball team, which he also played on in high school, as an assistant. 

A professional athlete, particularly one as hardworking as Snell, working with players imparts valuable lessons, not just for sports, but for life itself, Wyatt Tonkin said.

“When he did come to Seattle this year, everywhere I looked there were guys there who had played for us, and they were all there to see Blake,” he said. “He’s modest, but he also understands that a lot of kids are looking up to him. He is so much a part of the community.”

Snell was in town when the Rays played the Mariners on June 3. He pitched his first major-league start in Safeco Field against one of his idols, Felix Hernandez, who won the Cy Young Award when Snell was a senior in high school. On that day, Snell struck out his first seven batters.

“What I’ve learned from kids like Blake is that for an athlete like him, it's not a mindset, it's a lifestyle,” he said. “When he was a junior, and he pitched at Safeco Field he said, ‘Coach, I’m going to be here again one day.’”
“He was serious.”


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Veterans' Weekend Blood Drive in Richmond Beach

The Bloodworks Northwest mobile unit will be in Richmond Beach Saturday, November 10, from 10-4.

It will be in front of the Shoreline Fire Safety Center at the corner of Richmond Beach Road and 20th Ave NW.

Walk-ups welcome and encouraged, but be aware of peak times in the morning and in the last hour.
Photo ID required.

All donors receive Richmond Beach Blood Drive 10th Anniversary swag!



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Photo: Foggy morning on Echo Lake

Photo by Gregg Haughian

Thursday morning was chilly and foggy all over the area, but particularly dramatic at Echo Lake.



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Fred Meyer celebrates store remodel with big donation to Food Lifeline

Store manager Jennifer Spence presents a $62,000 check
to Food Lifeline's Mitra Karami and Renee Rosier
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

On Wednesday, November 7, 2018, Fred Meyer celebrated the completion of the $12 million remodel of their Shoreline store, 18325 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline 98133, with a ribbon cutting and ceremonial presentation of a check for $62,000 to Food Lifeline.

Shoppers line up early to get free breakfast items
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


They started at 7am with free breakfast items to the first 200 shoppers. Some people were lined up before 6:30am waiting for the doors to open. A diverse group of shoppers each took away 1 dozen eggs, a package of bacon and a half gallon of orange juice.

There were free glazed donuts and Starbucks provided free coffee to shoppers.

Sherrill Ereckson (Garden Center Manager) and Jan Henderson
(Hanging Deli clerk) cut the ribbon
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


The ceremony started on time with many corporate employees, representatives from the construction company, local political, Chamber of Commerce, and Food Lifeline representatives as well as store employees and family. 
  • Food Lifeline - Renee Rosier (Director of Volunteer Engagement) and Mitra Karami (Major Gifts Officer)
  • Shoreline Mayor Will Hall and Councilmember Chris Roberts
  • Chamber of Commerce President Dale Sutton, Secretary Judy Parson and other chamber members
  • Nate Daum, City of Shoreline Economic Development
  • Fred Meyer Tenured Associates (38 years each) - Sherrill Ereckson (Garden Center Manager) and Jan Henderson (Hanging Deli clerk)
  • Fred Meyer President, Joe Grieshaber
  • Fred Meyer District Manager, Jim Harvey
  • Store Director, Jennifer Spence
Nate Daum acknowledges his introduction while Food Lifeline, Shoreline councilmembers,
Chamber officers, and the store manager look on
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


According to a spokesperson for Fred Meyer, 

We are really focused on moving the needle with our Zero Hunger / Zero Waste strategy and Food Lifeline is a big partner for us on that journey. We donate huge amounts of food to them in addition to money. 
Local community is very important to us and that is why we partner with local agencies and politicians. We are planning an even bigger check presentation for Food Lifeline at our Monroe store re grand opening on Wednesday, November 14.

Shoppers fill the aisles
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


Food Lifeline, whose warehouse was previously in Shoreline, is the "food banks' food bank." They have the capacity to take in and purchase large quantities of food. They repackage it and distribute it to the small, local food banks who serve local communities. 

Large cash donations allow them to purchase food in bulk, getting a better deal than any individual food bank can on its own.

Fred Meyer's Zero Hunger / Zero Waste mission: "We're committed to ending hunger in the communities we call home and eliminating waste across our company by 2025."



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Aurora Holiday Market Saturday

Thursday, November 8, 2018



Aurora Holiday Market this coming Saturday, November 10, 2018 from 9am to 4pm.

The location is Aurora Community Church on the corner of 175th and Meridian.

Attendees can get a free family / friend portrait taken while at the event suitable for their Christmas card or a family keepsake.



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King County Parks online survey about visitor experience in parks and trails

Burke Gilman Trail
Photo courtesy King County Parks


King County Parks is launching an online survey beginning Nov. 9 to gather feedback from visitors on their experiences in the County’s award-winning parks and trails systems.

As part of its commitment to improving visitor experience, King County Parks is looking for visitor opinions – what’s great about King County’s parks, trails, and natural areas, and what could be improved to make them even better.

On November 9, 2018 King County Parks will launch an online survey to gather input from Parks visitors.

“We want to hear directly from the people who visit our parks and trails so that we can better understand how we’re doing, and what we can do to improve our visitors’ experiences,” said Katy Terry, King County Parks acting director.

The survey is available HERE  and will be open until December 7. Upon completing the survey, respondents can leave their email addresses to be entered in a drawing to win two tickets to a concert at the 2019 Marymoor Park Concert series.

King County Parks serves as the steward of 200 parks, 175 miles of regional trails, and 28,000 acres of open space, including Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, Marymoor Park, Snoqualmie Valley Trail, Sammamish River Trail, Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center, St Edwards Park, Burke Gilman Trail and more.



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An evening of Nepalese music - Sunday


An Evening of Nepalese Music 2018
Sunday, November 18, 2018

Socialization/Food: 5:00 PM 
Performance 6:00 PM

Shoreline Masonic Center

FREE and Open to all. Please bring a potluck dish to share.

Please RSVP HERE




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Demonstration in Shoreline on behalf of the Mueller investigation - No One is Above the Law



300-400 people gathered at 180th and Midvale in Shoreline in support of the Mueller investigation after President Trump fired his recused Attorney General and replaced him with a television pundit who has spoken and written about ways to shut down the investigation.

Photo by Janet Way


Shoreline - No One Is Above the Law - gathering was held at 5pm on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

This is our moment to stand up to protect our democracy. Let's mobilize to show that we won't let Donald Trump become the authoritarian that he aspires to be. The law applies to all of us, and it's essential that it also applies to the most powerful people in our country.
Photo by Janet Way

Demonstrators migrated to Aurora, where they held signs in view of the oncoming motorists.

The protest was one of over 900 nationwide. Locally, there were protests in Edmonds, Lynnwood, Seattle, Kirkland, coordinated by Public Citizen, a national, nonprofit advocacy organization that has been "standing up to corporate power and holding government accountable for 47 years."



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Found: pig

Photo by Elizabeth Bauerle
A group of good Samaritans spent some time Thursday morning around 10am chasing a small, brown pig that was out on the streets at NE 185th and 10th NE in Shoreline.

They managed to corner it in the yard next to A Place for Kids preschool, then locked it in the preschool playground (no preschoolers were in the playground).

After a few hours, and a lot of comments on social media, no one came forward to claim the pig, so he was picked up by Animal Control.

A reader who helped with the chase was told by Animal Control that Pig would be taken to the shelter in Kent.

11-9-18 Updated shelter information 




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Sidewalks Prop 1 still hanging on for passage

Thursday's numbers

Shoreline's Prop 1 for new sidewalks is still holding on the Approved side in numbers released Thursday.

Another 7000 votes have been counted since Election Night and the Approved:Rejected percentages Thursday are within .02% of those reported Tuesday.

The Approved vote is at 51.89%. The requirement to pass is a Simple Majority, which is 50% plus 1 vote. (RCW 36.73.065)

The Proposition would raise the sales tax by .02 % and the money would be spent on new sidewalks. A list of 12 projects would be funded first.

Interestingly, a similar ballot measure on Bainbridge Island is failing. Critics were uncomfortable with the fact that there was no list of how the money would be spent.

In Shoreline, many people criticized the project list, with some complaining about the prioritization on high traffic areas instead of neighborhoods and others complaining that their neighborhood had been left out.

Apparently a list that is not universally applauded is better than no list at all.

DKH

11-9-18 Updated definition of Simple Majority

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2018 NUHSA Human Services Awards

Counselors in Training
mentoring younger children
Photo courtesy NUHSA
NUHSA is an alliance of nonprofit agencies, faith communities, city and county leadership, school districts, and members of the community who advocate for a strong and accessible health and human services system in North King County, encompassing Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell and Woodinville.

NUHSA’s Annual Human Services Awards ceremony has been celebrating the accomplishments of local individuals and organizations since 2008.

The North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) is proud to announce its 2018 Human Services Award winners.

Each award recipient has demonstrated a significant contribution to the health and welfare of our North King County community and has supported or advocated for a strong and accessible health and human services system, strengthening our community through their initiative and leadership.

Nominees and winners will be honored at NUHSA's 2018 Human Services Awards celebration on December 4, 2018, 5:30 – 7:00pm in the City of Shoreline Council Chamber, 17500 Midvale Ave N. King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski will be the featured speaker. 
The community is welcome! For more information or to RSVP for this community event, email staff@nuhsa.org


Srijan Chakraborty

Human Services Champion of the Year: 
Srijan Chakraborty, 
Executive Director, Hunger Intervention Program

Under Srijan’s leadership, HIP marshalled the support and developed the partnerships necessary to provide weekend food backpacks to Shoreline School District students and recently began to partner with schools in the Northshore School District. Srijan also helped lead the effort to provide Summer Meals in Shoreline parks, providing freshly made and nutritious lunches from the HIP kitchen, enabling families to stretch their food budgets.

Nominees:
  • Haruka Tang, Family Support Center Volunteer, Center for Human Services
  • Lauren Oliver, Kaleidoscope Play and Learn Volunteer, Center for Human Services
  • Judge Linda Portnoy, Presiding Judge, Lake Forest Park Municipal Court
  • Neha Raichur, Heather Corbin and Robyn Mah, Holiday Baskets Coordinators; Shoreline PTA Council
  • Elvira Vojnikovic, Former Pres.; Islamic Community of Bosniaks of WA (ICBW); Board Member, Bosnian Youth of Seattle 
Counselors in Training mentoring younger students

Outstanding Human Services Program 
West Side: Counselors in Training Program

The Counselors in Training (CiT) Program provides an opportunity for youth in grades 9-12 to assist Center for Human Services in providing the Summer Learning Program for K-8th grade youth residents at Ballinger Homes, a King County Housing Authority Complex in Shoreline. CiTs provide 15+ hours of volunteer time each week over a six-week period, helping to facilitate the program and mentor younger students.

This year, a group of Shorewood and Shorecrest youth are being honored who have shown exceptional commitment and dedication by spending the last two (or more) summer breaks as CiTs. Many of these youth are Ballinger Homes residents and former participants themselves. With the CiT program, they have become leaders and have made a tremendously positive impact in their community.

Kenmore - Bothell Interfaith Group
Photo courtesy NUHSA


Outstanding Human Services Program
East Side: Kenmore Bothell Interfaith Group


KBIG and its founder, Rev. Kristin Joyner, provide leadership and action that engages the Bothell and Kenmore communities and has resulted in new and needed services in North King County. 

KBIG rallied local support to help bring the overnight Winter Shelter to Kenmore and also helped pave the way for Mary’s Place to open a year-round shelter. 

KBIG is a strong advocate for affordable housing, co-sponsoring public forums and actively participating in city and community efforts to develop a strategy for increasing affordability and reducing homelessness. 

KBIG develops strong partnerships with providers and has established or supported multiple projects benefiting schools, students and homeless youth.

Nominees:
  • King County Housing Authority
  • Compass Housing
  • Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park 
President's Award
Shoreline City Council

President’s Award: Shoreline City Council

Shoreline has prioritized development of a thriving system of human services with leadership, funding and staffing, responding to increased needs with increased innovation and support. In 2018, the City entered into a partnership with King County to develop up to 100 units of affordable housing, and in 2017, the City Council implemented increases to the City’s funding support of direct services, ensuring Shoreline residents have access to key support services that are delivered and supported locally.

Lifetime Achievement Award
Judy Parsons
Lifetime Achievement Award: Judy Parsons

Judy has a long and impressive list of community engagement, including PTA leadership at all levels, Shoreline School Board Director, North Shore/Shoreline Community Network Board member and Lead Staff, Chamber of Commerce Secretary, co-founder of the CARE Team, and board member of Northwest Neighborhood Network. 

All this in addition to involvement in her church and choir and raising a family. Judy retired from the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center in 2017. 

Not surprisingly, she is still volunteering, currently as President of NUHSA and with the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce and the Shoreline Historical Museum. 

Judy has had a significant impact on our community and in advocating for the most vulnerable. NUHSA celebrates her dedication to the health and wellbeing of all of our citizens and honors her lifetime of service.


NUHSA, through partnership and collaboration, supports providers, funders and the community to enhance existing resources and build our capacity to effectively respond to community needs. For more information, email staff@nuhsa.org or call 206-550-5626.



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Police activity in Lake Forest Park

Police activity in Sheridan Heights
in the 3600 block of NE 156th
Google map


Normally sedate Sheridan Heights had a lot of excitement Thursday afternoon, with a neighborhood full of police cars blocking the roads.

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office developed probable cause for a search warrant at a residence in the city of Lake Forest Park. The North Sound Metro Regional Swat Team was requested to assist with the execution of the search warrant.

During the execution of the search warrant the occupants of the residence failed to comply with officers’ orders to surrender.

This was reported as an active scene at 2:30pm with one person taken into custody and the U.S. Marshals Service en route to pick up that person.

Residents were asked to stay away from the Sheridan Heights area near the 3600 block of NE 156th St and not interfere with the scene as several roads in the area were blocked by police units.

By 4pm, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office search warrant was concluded. All suspects were taken into custody. No injuries were reported. All roads in the area are clear and accessible to everyone.

The community was not considered to be at risk.

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Mushroom season






Photos by Jon Ann Cruver

Jon Ann spotted these mushrooms at the Shoreline Center on Wednesday. She said they are GINORMOUS.

Neither of us knows for sure what variety they are but a reader previously identified them as poisonous.

From watching different varieties of mushrooms in my yard, I'm going to guess that the third photo is the same mushroom, going to seed (if it has seeds). I've seen them go through this transition in one day.

Are there any mushroom experts out there? I'd love to have a series on local schrooms?

DKH

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Grand Opening for The WORKS at its new home at the Shoreline Center

Shoreline Council PTA Co-Presidents Silje Sodal and Susie Moore address the crowd 
at The WORKS grand opening. Photo by Curtis Campbell


There was a lot of love at The WORKS Grand Opening, held in its new space on the evening of November 5th! 

To celebrate this milestone event, Shoreline PTA Council hosted Shoreline School Board members, Superintendent Rebecca Miner, Deputy Superintendent Marla Miller, Capital Projects Manager Dan Stevens, Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park, and a bevy of supporters, volunteers, teachers and principals, along with one of the original founders of The WORKS in 2002, Karen Dixon.

Shoreline PTA Council Co-Presidents Silje Sodal and Susie Moore welcomed the crowd and briefly described how The WORKS needed to relocate this past summer from the North City Elementary portables due to the exciting new school construction currently happening in the District.

While a PTA Council task force researched options for relocating, the District 'saved the day' by offering use of a surplus storage space within the Shoreline Center.

From left: Shoreline School District Superintendent Rebecca Miner, Shoreline School Board member Heather Fralick, Shoreline School Board President David Wilson, Former Shoreline Council PTA President Kim Ositis, Shoreline School Board Vice President Michael Jacobs, Chair of The WORKS Jill Steinberg, and Shoreline School Board member Dick Nicholson.
Photo by Curtis Campbell


Susie and Silje thanked Supt. Miner and Deputy Supt. Miller for their generous support and creative solution.

Jill Steinberg, Chair of The WORKS, thanked community members for their donations and significant volunteer time, noting that The WORKS wouldn't exist without such strong community support over the years.

She also gave special thanks to the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park which recently provided funds for $1,200 worth of new winter coats, the new rolling divider wall in the store and funds for outdoor signage. Heidi Shepherd of Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park spoke fondly of feeling part of the Shoreline School District family.

Superintendent Miner closed with kind words describing the District’s strong partnership with Shoreline PTA Council, and the celebration concluded with a ribbon cutting ceremony and tour of The WORKS / Council PTA office. Shoreline School Board President David Wilson had the honor of cutting the ribbon to much applause.

The WORKS is a free clothing resource provided by Shoreline PTA Council and is open on Wednesday evenings for Shoreline School District families from 6:30-8:00pm when school is in session (they will be closed on November 21).

Families in need of clothing assistance who cannot make it to The WORKS on Wednesdays can contact Jill Steinberg at shorelineptaworks@gmail.com or 206-393-4916 to set up a private, confidential appointment.

During the 2017-2018 school year, The WORKS served over 700 students at the Wednesday night store, and this year that number is expected to rise even higher. The store is located at 18560 1st Avenue NE, on the north side of the Shoreline Center.

Some attendees getting a tour of The WORKS store
Photo by Curtis Campbell

If you would like to donate to The WORKS, new or gently used shoes and clothing in kid sizes 4T-16 are accepted, along with adult shoes and clothing that is appropriate for high school students.

Items can be dropped off at The WORKS on a Wednesday night between 6:30-8:00pm. Clothing and shoes can also be dropped off at the Shoreline Training and Production Center, the red brick building to the east of The WORKS (with the smoke stack), on Monday-Thursday 9:30-1:00pm. If you need to schedule an alternate drop off time, please contact Jill Steinberg at shorelineptaworks@gmail.com.

Currently at the top of The WORKS’ wishlist are leggings for girls (sizes 4T-16) and winter coats and sneakers in all sizes.



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Shoreline Sports Foundation fundraiser brought in 200 guests Nov 4

200 people attended the fundraiser
Photo courtesy Shoreline Sports Foundation


Sunday, November 14, 2018 at Shoreline Community College, the Shoreline Sports Foundation had a fundraiser to help support their foundation. Over 200 people attended to raise money and hear speeches from Shoreline students participating in and leading the SSF.

The foundation has a strong student led program using basketball, events and enrichment programs to support the youth of Shoreline.

Students in the program spoke of their experiences
Photo courtesy Shoreline Sports Foundation


Started in 2014 by Keith Nelson and Dick Shoemaker, they received 501(c)3 status and started with a total budget of $50,000.

They rely on the strength of our leaders to shape the lives of the youth in our community.

Any donations are greatly appreciated and others ways to make a difference in the lives of local youth: coaching, volunteer committee, basketball committee, finance committee or become a leader.

Contact them through their webpage or their Facebook page.



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Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action Thursday at Senior Center



Presentation by Robert Swanson 

Thursday, November 8th 12:00 noon 


Stop by their table display to learn more about this wonderful organization



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Materials from 185th Corridor open house available online

The City of Shoreline recently completed an initial outreach series to gather community and stakeholder input to help envision a corridor that will be safe for pedestrians and bicyclists; support bus and light rail transit service; address traffic flow; create gathering spaces; and encourage neighborhood businesses.

If you were unable to attend any of the events, you can view the open house presentation and displayed materials on the project webpage:


After reviewing information, take the online survey which is linked on the project webpage above.

This survey will remain open through Sunday, November 25, 2018.

#Shoreline185 to share your ideas and photos of the corridor or images of other places that include designs or features you would like to see reflected in the future 185th Street Corridor.


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Veterans' Day Tribute Friday at the Senior Center


VETERANS' DAY TRIBUTE

Friday, November 9, 2018
Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center
18560 1st Ave NE Ste 1, Shoreline 98155

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Video presentation of interviews of Shoreline-Lake Forest Park veterans

11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch served and Veterans Tribute

Guest speaker: Captain Michael F. Davis, Commanding Officer, Naval Base Everett

Cost of lunch $4 (paid upon arrival)

Please call the center at 206-365-1536 to reserve your seat

*You may join us for the video presentation or simply attend the luncheon



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Friday afternoon at the movies: Andy Hardy

Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney share a milkshake
in this scene from Andy Hardy, showing Friday
at the Senior Center


Friday, November 9th, 1:30pm - 3:30pm, Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center, 18500 1st Ave E, southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus.

The month's classic movie: ANDY HARDY starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland

Hoping his son will attend his Alma mater, Judge Hardy agrees to let Andy look for work in New York for the summer before committing to start college. In the big city, Andy is confronted with the harsh realities of life and the challenges of romance.

Sponsored by SCARECROW VIDEO

Suggested donation $2



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Notes from Shoreline City Council meeting Nov 5

Mayor Will Hall reads proclamation for Veterans' Day
The proclamation was accepted by veterans from the Shoreline
Veterans Association and American Legion Post 227
Photo by Jerry Pickard


Shoreline City Council Meeting 11/05/2018
By Pam Cross

Mayor Will Hall called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.

The Mayor proclaimed November 11, 2018 as Veterans' Appreciation Day with a presentation to Major General Raymond Coffey, Chair of the Shoreline Veterans Association, and Larry Fischer, Commander of the Shoreline American Legion, among other guests.

Presentation of City Manager Debbie Tarry
  • Over 150 children attended the Annual Indoor Playground Halloween at Spartan Recreation Center. All of the children and many of their parents were dressed in costumes.
  • Arbor Day Annual Event was held Nov 3rd at Darnell Park. Volunteers assisted Earth Corps in removing weeds, maintaining areas and planting trees.
  • Veteran’s Day Annual Celebration is Nov 12th at noon in the City Hall lobby. There will be a short program followed by coffee and tea with light snacks.
  • The Holiday Crafts Market is Nov 17th from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the Spartan Recreation Center
  • The Shoreline Social Justice Book Club will meet Sunday Nov 18th from 2:00 to 4:00pm at City Hall Council Chamber. The November book choice is All the Real Indians Died Off by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz.
  • There will be Park Volunteer Work Parties to restore and improve Shoreline parks Saturdays and Sundays through December. Check the City’s web calendar for times and locations.
  • Veteran’s Day is Monday Nov 12th. Shoreline City Hall will be closed on Monday Nov 12th and there will be no Council Meeting. Shoreline Pool will be closed on Sunday Nov 11th. Spartan Recreation Center will operate on Regular Schedule.
  • The Parks Funding Advisory Committee will meet Nov 14th at 7:00pm in the Council Chamber.
  • The Planning Commission meeting for Nov 15th has been cancelled.

Council Reports 

Councilmembers McGlashan and McConnell attended the Seashore Transportation Forum. There was a Presentation on their RapidRide bus Lines. The E-line travels to Shoreline along Aurora. About half a dozen are planned for expansion.

Public Comments

Dr. Bruce Amundson commented on the underfunding of Public Art in Shoreline. A public arts sculpture that is all but ready to be installed at the Commons on Aurora has been permanently placed on hold due to inadequate funding by the City. After more that 100 proposals were reviewed, over a period of 7 months by a volunteer group, selection was made and work was begun. Since the initial deposit was made several years ago, it is still not being funded for completion and installation even in the 2019 budget. That money remains in the bank. A request for $50k in additional funding is requested for consideration by Council to finally finish this project.

Nancy Morris began to speak regarding candidates whereupon she was reminded by Mayor Hall that Council rules prohibit speaking about candidates or ballot measures at any Council meeting.

Nathan Wayne commented the sidewalks by 175th and Meridian need attention and requested the City to make a study of this area.

The Agenda and the Consent Calendar were approved unanimously.

Action Items

Mayor Hall stated the agenda for the Action Items will begin with a Staff Report followed by Public Comment. Public comments by email or previously stated during this meeting are noted.
Council Comments will follow later under Study Items.

The Biennium Budget is available on line at the City website. Budget Books are also available for review at both libraries (Shoreline Library and Richmond Beach Library) as well as at City Hall.
Budget books are available on CD for purchase at City Hall.

The remaining schedule for the remaining Budget and CIP Review:
  • November 19, 2018:
    • Public hearing and discussing the Proposed Budget and CIP
    • Adopting the 2019-Property Tax Levy,
    • Adopting the 2019-2020 Biennium Budget and the 2019-2024 CIP
8(a) Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 842 - 2019 - 2020 Property Tax and Revenue Sources.
Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director, gave a overview of revenue sources. The largest sources of Operating Revenue are Property Tax (30%), Sales Tax (21%) and Franchise fees/Contract Fees/Utility Tax (21%).

Some other sources are restricted in use. For example, fuel tax is collected by the state and shared with cities on a per capita basis. Its use is restricted to funding our streets.

There was no public testimony.

8(b) Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 841 - Proposed 2019 - 2020 Biennium Budget and the 2019 - 2020 Capital Improvement Plan
Rick Kirkwood, Budget Supervisor, provided a brief review of budgeted expenditures by Fund (general fund, street fund etc) and by Function (public safety, internal support services), Capital Funds (transportation, facilities & parks projects).

There was no public testimony.

8(c) Adopting Ordinance No 847 - Authorizing Acquisition of Real Property for the Purpose of Provision of Sewer Service Utility and Uses Related Thereto by Negotiated Voluntary Purchase, Under threat of Condemnation, or by Condemnation

Margaret King, City Attorney, gave the Staff Report. There is a slight change to the previous presentation that was adopted by Council on October 15, 2018. There is still a small area (650 sf) that is currently used as a driveway that the City must acquire. The purpose is to ensure access to adjacent properties. There are already several easements over this property, and part of it may actually belong to Snohomish County as a part of the county road. Proper notice has been sent to the landowner. If approved, the Council will have to waive Council Rule of Procedure 3.5 (requiring three readings of the ordinance) due to the expeditious nature of this item.

No public comment.

After minor discussion by Council clarifying the ownership and notification to the owner of the land, this ordinance was adopted unanimously.

8(d) Adopting Ordinance No 843 - Extending the Expiration Period For the Transportation Impact Fee Exemption For Certain Business Categories

Tricia Juhnke, Engineer and Nate Daum, Economic Development Manager reminded Council this is a Five Year Extension with no changes. The discussion was held October 23rd and they are now back to request adoption of the Ordinance.

Deputy Mayor Salomon made a Motion to adopt the Ordinance which was seconded. The Deputy Mayor spoke to the Motion stating that he initially wanted to exempt small businesses from the Transportation Impact Fee (TIF) because he felt the start up costs were prohibitive for small business. Council was unable find a way to do this. The Exemption has proven to be successful and he therefore wants to move it forward. He later stated Shoreline is clearly not competitive with Lynnwood and Seattle in spite of economic development being the number one goal of Shoreline for the last several years.

Councilmember Chang asked for clarification how this Exemption applied to new construction, because smaller businesses would probably move into an existing building. TIF is a large fee and is prohibitive for small start-ups. Larger businesses are likely to build new. Could new construction be removed from the exemption (based on the assumption a larger business would be in a better position to pay this fee)? And if so, how would this affect Shoreline’s competitiveness with surrounding cities in attracting new business? She thinks we are leaving money on the table. Later she stated the TIF is really large and she doesn’t want to discourage new business, but there are larger projects coming in next year and she’s concerned with the TIFs we are losing there.

Councilmember Scully understands that Staff may not have the ability to provide an accurate answer to Councilmember Chang. But given there are a number of empty commercial buildings and lots, he is willing to forego the TIF we’re losing by exempting the larger businesses in order to attract new business (large or small) to Shoreline. It should be noted that Shoreline does not have a lot of commercial space in general, so although the vacancy rate may be low, there is limited space available.

Mayor Hall prefers to discontinue the Exemption. He doesn’t want to discourage new business, but feels since we have a chronically underfunded transportation system, this could provide an additional $200,000 per the Staff report.

Councilmember Roberts supports the Exemption wholeheartedly. A company going into an existing building would not be paying the TIF, unless it’s a change of use.

Councilmember McGlashan asked if a new building replaces an old building that had the same use (replace a restaurant with a restaurant) do you pay TIF? If the occupancy is the same no, but if it’s determined to be different, you would pay the difference in the TIF rates. The TIF is a definite roadblock to a new business that is looking at every dollar in starting up.
Staff does an annual review for Transportation, so Council can review annually to examine its effectiveness and to see how much money we are foregoing.

Councilmember McConnell believes an annual reminder should be set so as Council changes, it will still come up for review. We are between Seattle and Lynnwood, both “buzzing” with retail and somehow Shoreline is overlooked. She supports the Exemption.

The Motion passed in a vote of 5 to 2, with Mayor Hall and Councilmember Change opposed.

Study Items

9(a) Discussing Ordinance No. 842 - 2019-2020 Property Tax and Revenue Sources
9(b) Discussing Ordinance No. 841 - Proposed 2019 -2020 Biennium Budget and the 2019-2020 CIP
9(c) Discussing Ordinance No. 846 - Final 2018 Budget Amendment


Staff report Sara Lane and Rick Kirkwood reintroduced the topics.


Councilmember Roberts noted we have a large Reserve, about twice what is required. Staff commented that bond rating agencies look favorably on high Reserves, but we don’t want it to be too high in order to remain fiscally healthy yet socially responsible. Roberts stated maybe it’s time to discuss the maximum we want in reserve and the policy for using it. We are asking for fee schedule increases and keep asking for more, shouldn’t we discuss this large Reserve? We could spend some of this on the Arts or some pedestrian safety road shoulder painting. If we are spending between one-time 20k and 40k, why not use some of that reserve? Later Roberts pointed out that the Reserve is part of the budget and this is an appropriate time to discuss amending it.

Councilmembers agreed that if we start spending from the Reserve, it should be part of an established plan in order to prevent getting into discussions of “pet projects.” Capital expenditures are decided with the help of citizens committees and Staff.

Deputy Mayor Salomon likes the high reserves keeping in mind the economy’s ups and downs. When the economy weakens, we will need more money to even out the lack of revenue in order to pay staff and also or increased need for social services as people lose jobs.

Councilmember Scully said that King County, after years of study, has a 90 day Reserve. That is, they have enough money to fund any program for 90 days without any incoming revenue. He agrees we need a number for “high” reserves. On the other hand, it’s important during good economic times not to erode our reserves.


Above slide from presentation to Council/pac


From Page 422 of the Proposed 2019-2020 Biennial Budget/pac


General Fund Operating Reserves
  • The City shall maintain a General Fund Operating Reserve to provide for adequate cash flow, budget contingencies, and insurance reserves. The General Fund Operating Reserves will be determined as follows: 
    1. Cash Flow Reserve: The City shall maintain a cash flow reserve within the General Fund in an amount equal to $3,000,000. This is approximately equal to 1.5 months of operating expenditures. The City will review biennially the required cash flow reserve level that is necessary to meet the City’s cash flow needs. If it is determined than $3,000,000 is not adequate, the Finance Director shall propose an amendment to these policies.
    2. Budget Contingency: The City shall maintain a budget contingency reserve within the General Fund equal to 2% of budgeted operating revenues.
    3. Insurance Deductible Reserve: The City shall maintain an insurance reserve within the General Fund to be used for potential substantial events that cause damage to the City’s fixed assets and/or infrastructure. 

Councilmember McConnell believe we should be fiscally conservative. What kind of reserve is needed for a good bond rating? Are we close?

Councilmember Chang is happy to have the discussion about what the Reserve should be.

Councilmember McGlashan agreed the conversation needs to be had, but perhaps not in this budget cycle.

Mayor Hall pointed out Reserves are not only for liquidity or cash flow reserves, but it is also a way to save for new projects or deferred projects, such as the Public Works planned utility yard. In terms of bond rating, while we have a good bond rating it could be higher. A higher rating will save taxpayers a lot of money. This important right now due to the pending Sidewalks Project and the Pool and Recreation Center Plans.

Mayor Hall discussed his proposed Amendment to the 2019-2020 Budget which involved approximately $5,000 funding for the Economic Development Project and the start up of the Greater Seattle Partners (GSP) Economic Development Initiative. While providing an initial contribution, the Mayor is disappointed in the direction they appear to be taking. He said they seem focused on attracting large corporations to locate in Seattle from overseas and other locations, and to create a lot of jobs. But this will also bring in people from other states (CA,CO,AZ) to fill those jobs because we don’t graduate enough people in these classes. This kind of growth is driving our challenges in housing, transportation and environment. He prefers to focus on education to get our youth into these higher paying jobs, growing local businesses here, and creating a sense of place instead of the city between Seattle and Lynnwood. So he suggests removing it from the budget.

Councilmember McGlashan agrees with the Mayor, however he thinks people will be moving to Shoreline and some of those people may start their own businesses. So there is some benefit to the City.

Councilmember Scully is not interested in providing the housing for large businesses located in Seattle. He doesn’t feel they are bringing any business to Shoreline. He supports removing it.

Councilmember Roberts mentioned that when corporate headquarters moves to a location, ancillary services grow. It is nice to have a seat at the table, to be able to say “how are you helping us”, and work with other cities with similar philosophies. Mayor Hall said that was his initial belief, however it hasn’t worked out that way. It is difficult to even get their attention. Maybe pulling out will. Roberts pointed out the new executive director has only held the position for a couple of months and it is a new organization.

Councilmember Chang asked what they have been doing so far. The Mayor responded that they have been largely building their own organization. But the materials they’ve developed appear to be large organizations focused on key markets sector strategy.

Mayor Hall stated that from an economic development perspective we have had a great 10 years. Since the Recession ended in 2009, this has been the the second largest period of economic expansion in the history of the USA and if we get to June without another recession, it will be the longest period of economic expansion in the history of the USA. Unemployment is at 3.7% for 2 months- the lowest in 50 years. But we’re still talking about exempting new businesses from the TIF. We need to get this success felt in Shoreline

Councilmember would like a brief Staff presentation.The Mayor agrees and so it was referred to staff. All amendments need to be to staff by 11/7.

Item 9c, to increase appropriation by the City to major maintenance fund. this was part of the 2018 budget. It was agreed to move it to the Consent Calendar.

Meeting adjourned.



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Gift Shoppe grand opening this weekend at Crista Senior Living

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

The Treasure Box gift shoppe has its grand opening this Friday and Saturday, November 9-10 at Crista Senior Living Community in Shoreline.

It is a nonprofit shoppe that offers to take unwanted gently used items, (new, used, or hand crafts) that could be useful for other seniors in the community.

All proceeds from the store will go to the “Good Samaritan Fund” to help seniors in our community who are struggling financially for various reasons.

CRISTA Senior Living is located at 19303 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline 98133.



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