LIGO, black holes, and our new view of the universe

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Dr. Joey Shapiro Key will speak at the
North City Tech Meetup Monday

The next North City Tech Meetup will feature Professor Joey Key (U.W. Bothell) on ” LIGO, Black Holes, and Our New View of the Universe”.

7:00pm to 9:00pm, Monday, December 3, 2018
Shoreline Library, small meeting room (on your left as you enter) 

Free – Open to the public

LIGO, Black Holes, and Our New View of the Universe

We live in the new era of multi-messenger astronomy, with the LIGO gravitational wave detectors partnering with telescopes around the world to study cosmic collisions of black holes and neutron stars. This new astronomy allows us to peer deeper into the cosmos and reach farther back into the history of our Universe than ever before.

Dr. Joey Shapiro Key is Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of Washington Bothell.

She has a BA in Astrophysics from William College and a PhD in Physics from Montana State University.

She works on data analysis and parameter estimation in gravitational wave astronomy for the Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory (LIGO) Scientific Collaboration (LSC), European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission, and the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational waves (NANOGrav).

North City Tech Meetup

The North City Tech Meetup is a free meetup, usually the first Monday of each month at one of our local libraries: Lake Forest Park, Shoreline or Kenmore. People of all levels of interest and experience are encouraged to attend. There is always time for introductions and discussions.

You can visit the Meetup.com page for each month’s topic.

Upcoming Meetups:

January 7, 2019 at the Shoreline Library, Ian Maddox, “Cloud in 2019: What's new and where are we headed?”

February 4th, 2019, Cindy Black, “Alternative Voting Systems: Creating More Representative Government”



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Jobs: Human Resources

WSDOT has a Human Resources opening in Shoreline

Human Resource Consultant 1

Opening Date: 11/27/2018
Closing Date: 12/11/2018 11:59pm

The Washington State Department of Transportation’s Northwest Region (NWR) Office is looking for a skilled Human Resources professional to join our dynamic HR team. This position will provide generalist support to Senior Human Resources Consultant(s) and assigned client groups. Duties will include, but are not limited to, benefits administration, retirement administration, employee relations, compensation, performance management, reasonable accommodation, and leave administration. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to solidify their foundational knowledge in HR to become a full-spectrum professional.

The Northwest Region Human Resources Office supports approximately 1,400 employees in Western Washington. Besides being an initial point of contact the incumbent independently responds to routine inquiries from employees and managers and ensures that human resources policies and procedures are implemented efficiently. The top candidate must be prepared to maintain acute attention to detail through a highly repetitive and often substantial daily workload. Additionally, the incumbent must possess the ability to quickly build, develop and maintain positive working relationships with diverse customer groups. You will use professional experience in human resources practices, policies and procedures and collective bargaining agreements to respond to inquiries, educate staff and communicate updates and changes.

To view the entire job posting and apply, please visit: HRC 1



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Two police departments, an alert citizen and a K9 catch robbers in Shoreline

Edson, Lynnwood PD K9
Photo courtesy Lynnwood PD
Three armed robbers held up a USPS driver in Lynnwood on Monday, then fled in what turned out to be a stolen car.

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office spotted the car and chased the suspects into Shoreline, then lost sight of the vehicle.

It was found abandoned on Perkins Way in Shoreline.

Shoreline PD assisted with perimeter. A construction worker contacted a Shoreline officer and said he saw three males running on foot and gave the location. They matched the description of the suspects.

A Snohomish County K9 was taken to the area, tracked the suspects and found them behind a house in the 18500 block of 25th NE.  Snohomish County Sheriff's deputies took the suspects into custody.

There was no report of injuries to the USPS driver.

Updated 11-28-18

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Reception Dec 10 to honor retiring Shoreline Deputy Mayor Jesse Salomon

Tuesday, November 27, 2018


The public is invited to a reception for Shoreline Deputy Mayor Jesse Salomon who is retiring from the Shoreline City Council to assume his new duties as State Senator for the 32nd Legislative District.

The reception will be held on Monday, December 10, 2018 from 6:15 to 7pm in the lobby at Shoreline City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, 98133.



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Association of Washington Cities awards Rep Cindy Ryu City Champion Award

Shoreline Mayor Will Hall, Rep. Ryu, and
Logan Bahr from AWC
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

The Association of Washington Cities (AWC), an Olympia-based organization advocating on behalf of Washington’s 281 cities and towns, awarded Representative Cindy Ryu its City Champion Award. 

The award acknowledges the hard work and dedication of legislators and partners who championed critical city issues during the 2018 legislative session.

“Representative Ryu has been a champion for the City of Shoreline for many years,” said Shoreline Mayor Will Hall. “It is great to see her honored for the work she has done for cities all across the state.”

AWC recognized Representative Ryu for her work in preserving the Public Works Trust Fund.

City infrastructure systems (like water, sewer, and stormwater) are a critical part of a larger network that serves and benefits the entire state.

In the past, the Legislature has diverted funds from infrastructure programs to address operating budget shortfalls. The result has been a pent-up need for infrastructure investment.

State investment that supports basic local infrastructure means communities can more affordably maintain and build water, sewer, and other basic infrastructure to meet the needs of residents and the environment.

The Public Works Trust Fund is an infrastructure investment program essential to cities efforts to maintain vital infrastructure in their communities and it was at risk of being eliminated.

Thanks to the hard work of Representative Ryu and several other legislators, the Fund was preserved and will provide future benefits to cities and their residents.

The Association of Washington Cities serves its members through advocacy, education and services. Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation that represents Washington's cities and towns before the state legislature, the state executive branch, and with regulatory agencies. Membership is voluntary. However, AWC consistently maintains 100 percent participation from Washington’s 281 cities and towns.


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Shoreline city council meeting notes from Nov 26

Shoreline City Hall Council Chamber
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Council Meeting November 26, 2018
By Pam Cross

Mayor Hall called the meeting to order. Councilmember McConnell was excused for personal business.

Report by City Manager, Debbie Tarry

Concept Design for Community and Aquatics Center Open House will be held Wednesday Nov 28, from 6:00-8:00PM at the City Hall Council Chamber

“Under our Skin” Video and Discussion of race and inclusiveness Saturday Dec 1, from 2:00-3:30pm in the Council Chamber. The focus will be on politically correct terminology, color blindness, and safe space.

Public Hearing regarding Sound Transit’s critical areas special use permit to develop a wetland mitigation site at Ronald Bog. Tuesday, Nov 27, 6:00-8:00 in the Council Chamber

The Planning Commission will meet on Thursday Nov 29 at 7:00PM in the Council Chamber. This public meeting will cover the 2018 Comprehensive Plan.

Mayor Hall and Logan Bahr, Government Relations Advocate from the Association of Washington Cities presented Cindy Ryu, Representative of the 32nd District which includes Shoreline, the AWC City Champion Award.This award recognizes the hard work and dedication of our representatives championing critical city issues. Rep. Ryu has been instrumental in the development and preservation of the Public Works Trust Fund.

There were no public comments.

Agenda
Councilmember Scully moved that *Item 7(b) be moved to an Action item. Approved.
Amended agenda approved. The Consent calendar was also approved.

*New Action Item 8(a) Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Interlocal Agreement with the King County Office of Public Defense for Indigency Screening Services for 2019-2020.

Approved unanimously.

Noted by the Mayor: this was moved to an Action Item in order to correct an error in the statement of the title.

Study Items

9(a) Discussing Resolution No. 432 - Repealing Res. No. 423 in its Entirety and Adopting a New Recreation Program Refund Policy and Procedures

Staff report by Mary Reidy, Recreation Superintendent

Staff has decided to amend rather than repeal/replace the Refund Policy. Now that they have been working with the current refund policies for a year, they propose amending changes to camp registration management, allow for situational concession permit refunds, and clean up some of the definitions.

Council questions:

Councilmember Chang thinks cancellation for full refund (June 1) is awfully generous.

Response: Last year we changed from no deadline to the June deadline for Camp Shoreline. This year we are adding all the other camps. This was a big change from 3 days before the start of camp. Staff is working on payment plans and deposits and looking at moving the date to April or May.

Councilmember Roberts questions the use of June through August as the definition of a summer camp when most of the camps are weeklong. Although the intent is a camp occurring sometime between those months, the language needs to be more specific to avoid confusion.

Staff will amend and bring back on the 10th for consent.

Councilmember Scully pointed out questionable language under 8a 11, “cited as.” It would be more accurate to use “replace with a diagnosis of.” Staff will fix and bring back on the 10th for consent.

Councilmember McGlashan questioned application of prorated refunds. Per day? per class? Response: Depends on whether it is a weeklong camp (per day refund), or a class meeting once per week for a month (per class refund). . McGlashan was satisfied with the response and did not suggest any changes.

Item 9(b) Discussing 2019 State Legislative Priorities

Staff report by Jim Hammond, Intergovernmental/CMO Program Manager

Hammond has been in this position for less than a year and is pleased to be working with an excellent team of lobbyists in Olympia. They have successfully retained Kathleen Collins of Capital Strategies Consulting and her new partner Debora Munguia, both experienced lobbyists.

The role of legislative priorities is to provide clear direction to City representatives, consistent information about city priorities, and policy guidance in the dynamic legislative environment. It also allows us to identify and work with other cities that have the same issues.

The session coming up is the 105 day “long “ session where they will be setting the biennial budgets for operating, capital, and transportation. Recent elections expanded the majority, which may reduce the risk of stalemate, but we can still expect debate and deliberation that should be carefully monitored.

We can expect the Governor’s budget/policy platform in early December. There are demands that will exceed state operating revenue and different revenue options are being weighed.

State legislative priorities continue to be local government financial sustainability and flexibility, and State investments in support of affordable housing, behavioral health, and homelessness.

Condominium liability laws should be modified to allow the market to function in a better way, while still protecting the consumer. Economic development relies on maintaining a robust infrastructure plan and we need to keep the State focused on this. Culverts could be a significant issue since the State is liable for maintenance of culverts it controls. Since they are not all state controlled, we will need a collaborative effort to address the complex system of jurisdictions.

Three main projects that will be watched in order to maintain visibility for possible State funding in the capital budget are N 145th St and I-5 corridor, N 148th St bicycle/pedestrian bridge, and Fircrest surplus property development.

Council questions:

Councilmember Scully hopes condominium liability will be a top priority. Shoreline has up zoned to make buying a first home more of a possibility and thereby spur the domino effect of house buying.

He urges caution when addressing culverts. He would like to see money from the State to help Shoreline fix its culverts. However, we need to identify the most important culverts. There are organizations that have studied this and it should be addressed in the most scientific way. The State has to work with cities - not just give money to a city to fix them. The priorities need to be set statewide.

As respects Fircrest, he asks that no particular agenda be put forward, and the city not be committed to any particular type of project until Council can discuss it.

Deputy Mayor Salomon agrees with Scully’s comments regarding condo liability.

Regarding the culverts, this came about from the U.S. Supreme Court decision that part of the tribal right to fishing requires fish. As a result, we need to reverse some of the blockages because the culverts are too small for fish to return to spawn. Did the court decision require cities be a part of this solution or just the state?

Answer: it is the state. However, the State is willing to work with the counties and cities - rather than just delegate this to them, and it needs to be addressed as a whole and not piecemeal.

Councilmember Roberts agrees the State needs to develop a system wide approach to culverts. That’s the key part. Funding for the cities to fix their culverts is the second part.

Roberts shares Scully’s concern about Fircrest. He wants clarification of what written material will be provided to legislators as policy direction.

Councilmember Chang wants the 145th and I-5 intersection to be done by the State. Scully agrees. This is the State intersection. We need to push this hard. Next 148th and Fircrest is still a discussion issue.

Roberts would like to set a priority for exempting hygiene, and non-prescription medications from sales tax. Prescription medications are already exempt. This is very regressive. Scully comments that this is more of a State issue than a City issue. He agrees but feels we’re getting too broad in our list of priorities.

Mayor Hall is not sure it’s a priority as a city. We are facing the salmon issue, orcas, storm water, trees, but nothing about the environment. Should we be asking Olympia to be looking at the environment? Climate change?

Salomon stated he will work on these issue when he’s in his new job as a legislator and thinks it’s important for the city to express their concerns.

Chang asks how long of a list is too long? We need action on these items. Roberts says you want to stop at one page.

Councilmember McGlashan agrees with the condo liability issue. It should be noted that people downsize in addition to purchasing new homes. There is no place other than condos to downsize in Shoreline. This is an important issue. Is there some way to bring this closer to the top - not as a standalone, but to highlight its importance to Shoreline? Mayor Hall agrees but feels it is being emphasized on a different page.

McGlashan supports environmental and climate change directives. He also agrees with a hygiene and non-prescription medications tax exemption, but that doesn’t seem like a city issue to him. It does seem odd to him that there isn’t anything in our priorities about the environment except culverts. Something should be added.

The Mayor proposed that Staff be tasked with coming up with some proposals for environmental priorities.

This Item will be returned as an Action item, rather than Consent, for review of what Staff comes up with.

Meeting adjourned



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"A Seussified Christmas Carol" is the perfect way to begin your holiday season

The RBCC Players "A Seussified Christmas Carol" is the perfect way to begin your holiday season. 

A great show for all ages, full of laughter, smiles, and giggles.

November 30, December 1 - 7:30 pm
December 2 - 2:00 pm
Tickets $10, include dessert and beverage

Richmond Beach Congregational Church, UCC
corner of NW Richmond Beach Rd and 15th Ave NW



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Election certified - King county voter turnout 75%

By Diane Hettrick

King county counted its last 300 ballots on Monday and the election was certified on Tuesday, November 27, 2018.

Here are King county statistics:

Number of Precincts2,604
Number of Registered Voters1,294,184
Total Ballots Counted968,106
Estimated Ballots Left to Count
Next Ballot Count OnFINAL
Last Tabulated11/27/2018 3:32 PM
Voter Turnout74.8%
Certification Date11/27/2018
Export ResultsCSV · XML | Precincts CSV
75% is the highest voter turnout I remember seeing. People did indeed heed the call to vote.

I remind myself that the 25% who didn't vote included a lot of people with good reasons not to vote. Some are ill, incapacitated, out of the country. They may have moved - it never occured to me to cancel my old voter registration when I moved. Records and Elections catches this when you vote in a new area.

King county had a slightly higher voting rate than the rest of the state, which averaged out to 71.8%.

The county by county rates are fascinating (to me anyway!).

Five counties had over 80% turnout.

Three are tiny - at least in registered voters.
  • Columbia county has 2728 voters and an 82.73% return rate (near Walla Walla)
  • Garfield county has 1657 voters and an 83.28% return (near Walla Walla)
  • Wahkiakum with 3096 voters and an 80.36% return (on Columbia River near ocean)

Midsized Jefferson county with 25,411 voters had an 83.12 return (Port Townsend to ocean)
San Juan county with 13,312 voters has an 83.83 return (San Juan islands)

Some of the biggest counties had the lowest rate of return.
Snohomish, Pierce, Yakima (central Washington) - but in this election "low" meant mid-60s.

The highest turnout in the state was Garfield county (83%) and the lowest was Yakima (62%).

Washington is one of only three states to use all mail in balloting, and this year, made the ballots postage free. Considering all the other problems with voting in the rest of the U.S., I'd say that we've figured it out and the rest should follow our lead.



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Ronald Bog wetland mitigation

Photo by Steven H. Robinson


Motorists have been puzzling over signs near N 175th and Meridian, one across from Meridian Park Elementary and the other in Ronald Bog park along N 175th.

The signs are related to the wetland mitigation project that will be constructed by Sound Transit next year to mitigate for their proposed impacts to wetlands on the east side of I-5 that will be impacted by the Light Rail project.

Here is the link to the Critical Areas Special Use Permit Notice of Application that is posted on the signs at the park and near the impacted wetlands.

The background of the project is outlined in the Council Staff Report from the June 25, 2018, meeting when the Conservation Easement was authorized for this project. (If you get a blank page when you open this link, scroll right and left to find the document. The page is the width of the very large drawings.)

Sound Transit’s display board from the June 27 open house that includes the Ronald Bog wetland mitigation project.

Basically, City staff in multiple departments worked with Sound Transit to identify and develop a mitigation project that would meet the City’s requirement for off-site mitigation to occur within the impacted sub-basin and would meet state and federal requirements as well. Trail improvements and educational signs will also be installed with the project.



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Solstice Stroll at Kruckeberg Garden for two weekends in December

Monday, November 26, 2018


Join Kruckeberg in bringing light 
to some of the darkest nights of the year.


For two weekends in December, see the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden aglow with light. This is an evening event, rain or shine.

SOLSTICE STROLL - 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • December 13th, 14th, AND 15th
  • December 20th, 21st, AND 22nd 

The parking lot at the Garden on 15th NW will be closed for this event, but they have reserved the parking lot at the Richmond Beach Congregational Church and will provide a free shuttle service to and from the garden. There is no street parking directly adjacent to the garden. "Thank you for being mindful of our neighbors and their driveways."

The garden will be closed on these dates during regular operating hours due to the evening event.

Admission: FREE (suggested donation of $10 encouraged)

Accessibility: Due to the current topography of the garden, we are not able to accommodate wheelchairs at this time. We are working on this and want to express our sincere apologies for any inconvenience and/or disappointment. This is a top priority for the foundation.

Parking: Richmond Beach Congregational Church (free shuttle about every 15 mins)

SOLSTICE STROLL GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY CENTRAL MARKET - SHORELINE

Questions about Solstice Stroll can be directed to kbgf@kruckeberg.org


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Lake Forest Park participated in effort to simplify local taxes

Working for the benefit of our local business community and allowing for increased efficiency in the administration of LFP’s business tax program, City staff participated in the Local Business and Operations Tax Apportionment Task Force created by Engrossed House Bill 2005.

The task force was comprised of city and business representatives and chaired by the Washington Department of Revenue.

Earlier this month, the Department of Revenue submitted the task force report to the Legislature. 

The full report is available here.



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Craft fair to benefit Edmonds Woodway HS music program - Saturday


Just across the county line from Shoreline, Edmonds Woodway High School is holding a craft fair to benefit their music programs.

It will be held at the high school at 7600 212th St SW in Edmonds on Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 10am to 4pm.

Over 70 crafters and music from the EWHS music program.


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Giving Tuesday

Tuesday, November 27 - the day after a weekend of spending money - is the day designated to donate to your favorite charities - Giving Tuesday

Many of the charities have sponsors who will match your gift - many do not.

During last year's Give BIG campaign I attempted to list all the local charities that were participating. Inevitably, I missed some. I also found the main website pretty buggy.

The very best way to donate is to go to the website for your favorites and look for the link to donate. It will take you exactly where you need to be to get your money to your charity.

During the holiday shopping, don't forget that Amazon will allow you to donate a percentage of your purchases to a charity through Amazon Smile.

Help a charity - feel good - get a tax write-off - what's not to love?

--Diane Hettrick


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State Auditor releases performance audit on charter schools - but results are inconclusive




The Office of the Washington State auditor released a performance audit report on charter schools in Washington.

The audit examined whether the state's charter schools have the foundations in place to ensure they are accountable to the public. This includes whether the schools have enrolled the types of students identified in their charters, complied with certain state and federal requirements, and have appropriate performance frameworks.

Results were mixed, which was unsurprising given the newness of the charter school system in this state. That newness also kept our Office from addressing the question of how effective these schools are at teaching students. That is a question that should be addressed as the system matures and accumulates more years of data.



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Jobs: WSDOT real estate professionals

WSDOT has openings for 2 Right of Way Agent - Property and Acquisition Specialist 3 In-Training

Opening Date: 11/26/2018
Closing Date: Open until filled

WSDOT is seeking 2 dedicated real estate professionals to join the successful Property Acquisition/Relocation team at our Shoreline office in north Seattle.

The Property and Acquisition Specialist 2 or 3 will assist in negotiating acquisitions needed for highway construction from commercial, residential, agricultural, and industrial parcels. The PAS 2 or 3 acts as the lead agency representative to property owners and the public, coordinating the flow of information and activities between owners and staff from other disciplines for each assignment. Property acquisition and relocation of displacees are among the final activities to be completed before a project can be advertised, therefore delays can significantly impact the project schedule. As the agency's public representative, this role will support the WSDOT mission by developing relationships and providing timely information to stakeholders. We are looking for someone who has an extensive background in real estate with an emphasis in eminent domain acquisition.

This is an in-training position that offers a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to train and progress through the Property and Acquisition Specialist field to become a Property and Acquisition Specialist 3. Candidates will be considered a Property and Acquisition Specialist 2 or Property and Acquisition Specialist 3, depending on qualifications.

This position is open until filled. First review of resumes will take place on December 10th. To view the entire job announcement and apply, please visit: Right of Way Agent


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AG Ferguson issues statement after joining brief challenging Whitaker’s authority

 Ferguson and 14 other AGs supporting Maryland’s request to sideline acting US Atty General Whitaker


Attorney General Bob Ferguson issued the following statement today after joining an amicus — friend of the court — brief supporting the State of Maryland’s challenge to the constitutionality of Matthew Whitaker’s appointment as Acting U.S. Attorney General:

“Once again, President Trump is ignoring the law, this time by ‘appointing’ an illegitimate attorney general,” said Ferguson. “This must be challenged.”

The brief, signed by 14 other Attorneys General, supports Maryland’s request to block Whitaker from exercising the authority of the U.S. Attorney General’s office, or to substitute Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein in his place. The Attorneys General point out that Whitaker’s appointment is “fraught with constitutional doubts.”

“The legal controversy surrounding Mr. Whitaker’s appointment has threatened the legitimacy of the Department’s actions and the vital relationship between the Department and the States,” the Attorneys General write. 
“The Amici States therefore have an urgent interest in a lawful resolution of this issue, so that no doubts surround the legitimacy and authority of the Office of the U.S. Attorney General.”

Earlier this month, Ferguson and 17 other Attorneys General urged Whitaker to recuse himself from Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Whitaker has made widely circulated public statements criticizing the Special Counsel’s investigation.



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Shoreline resident has photography exhibit at Mountlake Terrace Library

Wigwam Motel by Henry Heerschap


From our news partner MLTNews.com

The Mountlake Terrace Arts Advisory Commission presents the Henry Heerschap Photography Exhibit for the month of December at the Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace.

Heerschap is a Seattle native and has lived in Shoreline for the past 26 years. His work reflects his deep Northwest roots. His photographic first love is landscape, both the grand landscape and smaller, more intimate scenes. He is especially drawn to flowing and still water. He also enjoys documenting old cars, buildings and other reminders of bygone days.

Infrared photography is one of his favorite genres. He has several cameras that have had the infrared blocking filter removed from the digital sensor. This changes the kind of light reaching the sensor, making the camera more sensitive to the infrared light spectrum. Plants and foliage whiten and skies and water go dark. While he occasionally processes color infrared images, Henry prefers converting to black and white to emphasize the shapes and textures of the subject.

Over the past decade, his work has won awards and has sold at the Arts of the Terrace in Mountlake Terrace, the Edmonds Arts Festival, the Shoreline Arts Festival, the Kenmore Arts Fair, the Evergreen State Fair, and the Washington State Fair in Puyallup. He has had his work shown in galleries in Seattle and San Diego.

See more of Heerschap’s work HERE or you can contact him at henry@heerschap.com or 206-719-1782.

The Mountlake Terrace Arts Advisory Commission oversees the library exhibits as part of its mission to promote cultural events in the community. The show runs through December 31 at the Mountlake Terrace Library, Mondays through Thursdays, 9am to 8pm, Fridays and Saturdays 10am to 6pm, and Sundays 1 to 5pm.


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You are invited to Weihnachsfest Sunday with the Austria Club

The public is invited to Austria Club of Washington traditional Weihnachtsfest. 

It will take place on Sunday, December 2 from 1-5 pm at the German House 613 9th Avenue, Seattle 98104 between St. James and Harborview.

Although promoted as a club member potluck, other guests can contribute $10 or a dish toward defraying event expenses and so participate in the seasonal festivities.

There will be hearty Glühwein (mulled wine) and other beverages, and the Bonnie Birch Trio provides entertainment.

Shoreline residents Bob Otto, Maureen O'Neill, and Martin Kral represent the customary trio of St. Nikolaus, Krampus, and Angel, so typical for an Austrian Christmas.

Each child is given a Krampus Sackerl of goodies (nuts and chocolates). Parents are encouraged to turn over a wrapped and marked gift for their child that St. Nick then can offer to that boy or girl.




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GONE - Free peonies

Pink peony
Photo by Christine Southwick
GONE - the peonies have all found homes!


Shoreline gardener Paul Grace says that he has just dug up and separated lots of great peonies, mostly pink.

.




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Fraud: Imposters emailing invoices purporting to be from City of Lake Forest Park

The City of Lake Forest Park has learned that members of the community have received emails from what appears to be a City of Lake Forest Park email address with an invoice attached.

The City of Lake Forest Park does not send invoices by email.

The sender of these emails is not from the City, but has spoofed the sender email address to appear to have come from the City.

If you receive such an email do not click on any attached documents or links and delete the email.

We are working to stop the emails, but please be aware that these emails are very difficult to stop.


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Stick Out Your Tongue! or Knights of the Chisel

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Red-breasted sapsucker
Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

Photos by Gloria Zmuda Nagler
Text by John Wiley Lewis and Gloria Zmuda Nagler

Woodpeckers do a better job than most at tongue-sticking-out. Because of the venues many woodpeckers count on for food (trees, ant burrows, logs) they need to reach deep inside for a snack — and so some species have evolved extraordinarily long tongues.

Northern Flicker (male) busily building a nest at the wetlands.
Let the chips fall where they may!
Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler


According to the Peterson guide to woodpeckers, cited below, Herbert Job, an early 20th century naturalist and bird photographer, placed woodpeckers in the Order of the Knights of the Chisel for the way they bore into wood and extract their prey.

The Audubon Society says that there are six species of woodpeckers found in the Portland-Vancouver metro region: Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Acorn Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, and Red-breasted Sapsucker. 

Downy woodpecker
Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler


Gloria has seen and photographed five of the six, all included here. Seems the Acorn Woodpecker eludes us still:) The one we see by far the most often is the Northern Flicker, who, as it happens, reportedly has the most extendible tongue of North American woodpeckers: two inches beyond the tip of its bill.

They need the long tongues because the flickers eat mainly insects, especially ants and beetles that they gather from the ground. Flickers often go after ants in underground burrows, hence the advantage in having the long reach.

Pileated Woodpecker looking for lunch...
Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler


Leonardo da Vinci was intrigued with the woodpecker’s tongue, and for good reason: in order to extend so far, it has to coil around inside the woodpecker’s head, with its supporting structure ( a combination of bone and muscle) extending to the top of the skull. 

The long tongue, when curled within the bird’s skull, even helps to cushion the woodpecker’s brain against the enormous impacts of hammering on wood; part of the skull is spongy to help absorb shock as well.

Young female Pileated Woodpecker, about to launch
Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler 


And that ain’t all: the woodpecker’s eyes and ears have unique shock-tolerant adaptations. The eyes have super-thick lids to prevent the eyes from popping out, and the third eyelid (the nictating membrane) closes just before the beak hits, to keep debris out of the eye. The ear bones are strengthened by two additional plates, and the eardrum is thicker to withstand the noise of hammering.

Northern Flicker in flight
Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler


Even the woodpecker’s tail is adapted for burrowing: the tail bones are fused and the feathers more rigid than in most birds so the woodpecker, so often poised vertically on the tree, can brace itself with its tail while hammering. Not all woodpeckers have all of these features, but the ones who burrow deep into hard wood are amazingly specialized.

Next time you hear a knock-knock-knocking amidst the trees, look up; you may just spot one of our six species. And if you see the Acorn Woodpecker, let us know!

Hairy Woodpecker, checking life out from a different angle!
Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler


Resources:
  • Why a Woodpecker Doesn’t Bash Its Brains In, Infinitespider.com, September 29, 2015
  • Anatomy and Evolution of the Woodpecker’s Tongue, by Rusty Ryan, 2003
  • Peterson Reference Guide to Woodpeckers of North America, by Stephen A. Shunk, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2016)
  • Woodpeckers — Audubon Society of Portland



 

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Cultural potluck for high school students Friday at teen center



On Friday November 30th at 5:00pm, the Shoreline Teen Center (aka Richmond Highlands Recreation Center) will host the first ever cultural potluck.

The goal is to invite all students and all cultural clubs from both Shorecrest and Shorewood in order to unify and share the diversity in our community. This cultural potluck will be showcasing music from various cultures, henna, karaoke and music, games and sports.

Although we are inviting cultural groups to provide food, bring food is optional and Isn't a requirement to join the event.

The Teen Center is located at 16554 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline 98133

The Richmond Highlands Recreation Center (Shoreline Teen Center) is home to many City of Shoreline programs and activities including Teen and Tween programs, Specialized Recreation and a variety of classes. It's a place where teenagers can drop in, hang out, eat free, play sports and participate in various actives after school.

Monday- CLOSED
Tuesday - Thursdays 2:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Fridays 2:30 p.m. - Midnight
Saturdays 7:00 p.m. - Midnight


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Paul Lewing annual sale and open house in Shoreline


Paul Lewing will be opening his art studio for the annual sale and open house Saturday and Sunday December 1st and 2nd, from 10 am to 5 pm.

Paul will be showing his ceramic tiles, trivets, coasters and ornament, as well as his acrylic landscape paintings.



The show will also feature two other artists. Rupa Palasamudram will show functional ceramics for everyday use, and Stephanie Benson will feature her handmade gold and silver jewelry. 



Admission is free and open to the public, at Paul’s studio at 105 N 200 St. in Shoreline. For more information or directions, call 206-801-7332 or email Paul at pjlewing@comcast.net.



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King's Holiday Show is coming to town

King's Holiday Show Friday


To kick off the holiday season, King's High School DECA is holding its third annual King’s Holiday Show KHS.

This event will showcase nearly 70 vendors representing businesses from the greater Seattle area. These booths will offer many treats and stocking stuffers as well as unique presents for everyone on your list.

Come support King's High School DECA and join us on Friday, November 30, 2018, in King's Garden Gym — 19400 Greenwood Ave N in Shoreline any time between 9:30am and 3:30pm.

An estimated crowd of around 2,000 shoppers is expected to pass through the show throughout the day. This year's businesses range from Glassybaby, to Alpine Hut winter hats.

Students will also be creating handcrafted gifts such as scented candles, and delicious edible cookie dough. These booths will offer great gifts opportunities for the upcoming holiday season.

This event is brought to you by King's High School DECA, a program dedicated to preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in all areas of business. All proceeds go towards the life changing journey and career opening program DECA offers to its students.

King's High School DECA alumni, and current UW Foster School of Business student, Jake Welch stated, "Participating in the Holiday Show provided valuable experience and great insight into the world of business." The show will continue to enhance current students' confidence and skills in all areas of business.

The Comprehensive Learning Program is DECA's approach to preparing students exploring five industries: entrepreneurship, marketing, management, finance, and hospitality.


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WeatherWatcher: Wind and a lot of rain on the way

Photo by Mike Remarcke

November's dry period is being replaced with exceptionally rainy storms. We have so much rain expected this week that we might meet or exceed the normal rainfall amount for the month. Here we are so far for November's rainfall:


We are expecting increasing rain to start shortly after midnight Monday morning. Rain is expected to continue almost non-stop until next Saturday. Monday afternoon and evening winds are expected to pick up. Gusts could reach up to 40-45mph Monday evening. I'm not expecting any significant wide spread tree damage or power outages with this one. The big story is that we could see between 1-3 inches of rain by Wednesday.

Temperatures reaching the low 50's for highs and the upper 40's for lows all week. Next weekend might cool down by a couple degrees. Here's the daily average temperature graph for November so far:



For current weather conditions and updates visit www.ShorelineWeather.com




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Paul Dorpat at Third Place Thursday with new Seattle Now and Then book

Thursday, November 29 at 7pm
Paul Dorpat
Seattle Now and Then

Third Place Books, upper level Town Center, intersection of Ballinger and Bothell Way, Lake Forest Park 98155

Paul Dorpat has had a regular column in The Seattle Times for decades.

He shows a historical photo of Seattle alongside a current photo and talks about the history of the building or site.

The column is called Seattle Then and Now as are the books which are compilations of his columns.

"It is a stark visual document of how the city has changed over the years, and a culminating tribute to one of Seattle’s living legends, Paul Dorpat."

I met Paul Dorpat around 1973 through mutual friends when he lived across the street from me on Capitol Hill. He lived in an old storefront whose windows had been painted over with white paint. My friends and I went to visit once.

The former store was filled with a dozen tables - all uniform size - with edges built up about four inches. The tables were filled with neatly organized photographs.

"Paul collects old photos of Seattle," I was told. Understatement.

I knew of Paul, of course, as someone who was deeply connected in the community and involved with the Helix newspaper, but the obsessive photo collection seemed, well, odd.

I didn't really hear about him again until his columns appeared in The Times. "Oh," I thought, "he found something to do with all those photos."

I didn't realize just how much he had been doing with them until recently, when I read Jean Godden's article about him in HistoryLink (which he helped found.)

He will be at Third Place Books, with his photographer collaborator Jean Sherrerd, with their latest book, Seattle Now and Then:The Historic Hundred.

--Diane Hettrick


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Students creating app for safety on the Burke Gilman Trail

Location of bicycle traffic safety experiment
Google maps

The Seattle Times reports on a student project designed to reduce bicycle - car collisions on the Burke Gilman Trail.

The UW team is installing sensors this month along the trail in Lake Forest Park, near the junction of Highway 522 and Ballinger Way Northeast, to test an app-based system that would alert drivers and cyclists if they are about to cross paths.

Focus of the experiment is the end of Ballinger Way where vehicles accessing the Civic Club and Beach Drive cross the Trail.

The UW team is installing three solar-powered sensors this month along the trail in Lake Forest Park, near the junction of Highway 522 and Ballinger Way Northeast. Each contains a module that detects Bluetooth-equipped devices nearby — so when a bicyclist’s phone comes within about 10 yards, its presence is relayed to nearby phones, vehicle navigation systems, and neighboring sensors. 
To use the system, travelers would need to download and turn on the app.
Article HERE


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Winter Bazaar Thursday sponsored by German-speaking community



SAGA German Language School and the German-speaking community will hold a German themed holiday bazaar on Thursday, November 29, from 12:30 - 6:30pm at SAGA (Seattle Area German American school) 11010 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle 98133.

German bake sale, handcrafted goods and authentic works from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

Enjoy an authentic German experience right in your own backyard!




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Public open house to share community and aquatics center concept design



The City of Shoreline will hold a public open house on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 to share the concept design for the planned Community and Aquatics Center.

The Center will be located near City Hall on Midvale on land currently occupied by a large one story storage unit facility.

The open house will be held from 6 to 8pm with a brief presentation at 6:15pm.

The design, which was prompted by the failing condition of the Shoreline Pool, does not include a diving well or a pool big enough for the high school swim teams, nor does it have accommodations for the Senior Center.

It does expand on facilities currently available at the Spartan Center, which it would replace, and a "leisure pool and lap lanes." Also, an indoor jogging track, fitness facilities, and a two court gym.

More information is available HERE

A Parks Funding Advisory Committee has been appointed and is currently meeting.

Committee Members
  • Donald Bell
  • David Chen
  • Bill Franklin
  • Philip Herold
  • Joan Herrick
  • Jean Hilde 
  • Carolyn Hope
  • Julian Larson
  • Jeff Potter
  • Esaac Mazengia
  • Sara Raab McInerny
  • Yvette Perez
  • Betsy Robertson
  • Cecelia Romero
  • Nan Skinner
  • Sally Wolf

Contact for more information: Email: shorelineparks@shorelinewa.gov or 206-801-2600



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Dine-Out with LFP Elementary at Banh Mi Bites in Mountlake Terrace



Banh Mi Bites is Partnering with Lake Forest Park Elementary this Wednesday and Saturday to raise money for their PTA!

Dine-Out at Banh Mi Bites on November 28th from 11am - 6:30pm and/or December 1 from 11am-6pm.

20% of your purchase will go back to LFP Elementary PTA!

Bahn Mi Bites 23601 56th Ave W #600, Mountlake Terrace 98043.



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Winterfest Bazaar at Lake Forest Park Elementary on Saturday

Saturday, November 24, 2018



The Lake Forest Park Elementary PTA is holding its annual holiday bazaar - Winterfest - on Saturday, December 1 at the school, 18500 37th Ave NE in Lake Forest Park, 9am to 4pm.

There will be handcrafted goods and booth artists and carnival games for the kids. Hot chocolate and delicious treats from local food trucks - as well as a bake sale for something to take home to eat.

A family friendly event to help you have fun with your holiday shopping!


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N 198th homeless housing project and N 185th corridor planning topic of Nov 28 meeting

This vacant lot on Aurora will be an apartment
building for people currently homeless or in
danger of becoming homeless
On Wednesday, November 28, 2018, 7-9pm, a joint meeting of the Hillwood and Richmond Highlands neighborhoods will hear speakers on two major projects happening nearby.

N 185th Corridor strategy: planning is underway for a corridor that will be safe for pedestrians, bicyclists, and cars; support bus and light rail transit services, create gathering spaces, and encourage neighborhood businesses.

N 198th housing project: a meeting of the Echo Lake Neighborhood Association on this topic drew 80 people, including half a dozen from Hillwood, across Aurora.

Now Hillwood and other neighbors have another chance to hear about this project from members of the team.

The meeting will be held at the Richmond Masonic Center, 753 N 185th Street, across from Fred Meyer and the Shoreline Historical Museum.



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North City Holiday Tree Lighting Saturday

North City tree
Photo by Carl Dinse
North City Holiday Tree Lighting Saturday, December 1, 2018, 6:30pm – 7:30pm at Les Schwab at NE 180th St and 15th Ave NE

You are invited to the 21st annual North City tree lighting event. 

Bring the whole family to Les Schwab at 180th and 15th Ave NE to help light the 25 foot “tree” on top of the North City water tower.

There will be live music and children can have their pictures taken with Santa (courtesy of the North City Walgreens.) 

Coffee and other refreshments will be provided to help keep you warm, so don’t let the weather keep you from coming out.

Bring non-perishable food items for Hopelink.

The tree lighting is sponsored by:
More information here.



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Shoreline Community College neighborhood meeting Thursday

The PUB
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Shoreline Community College is holding a community meeting which is open to all but especially to those who live near the campus.

The neighborhood conversation will be held on Thursday, November 29 at 6:30pm at Shoreline Community College, 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline 98133 in Building 9000 (the PUB Student Union Building) Quiet Dining Room.

Learn about the College’s future plans – including the student residence hall that is now under construction – and have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to College leadership.

Open to all. Parking is free. All are welcome!


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