Wayne Pridemore: On the Christmas ship

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Singers from the Center for Spiritual Living choir

Photos by Wayne Pridemore

Wednesday, December 12, 2018 was the annual sailing of the Argosy Christmas ships from Edmonds to Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.

This year, photographer Wayne Pridemore was on the boat.



The Argosy Christmas ships Spirit of Seattle and Goodtime docked at the Edmonds Marina. They were getting ready to load their passengers and cruise south to Richmond Beach Saltwater Park for their annual visit.

Center for Spiritual Living choir

The choir for this sailing was from the Center for Spiritual Living. Wayne got a group pose before they boarded the ship.


Once on the boat, guests sat at tables and looked at the view through the wrap around windows, while the choir sang seasonal music.



The Edmonds marina was brightly decorated as were many of the boats. It was very cold on deck so this couple figured out a couple of ways to keep warm.


Some boat owners go all out with decorations, particularly if they are live-aboards.

Once at Saltwater Park the boats remained fairly far offshore but had loudspeakers to broadcast the choir music.

Steve Robinson was part of the crowd waiting on the beach - see article



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Washington Secretary of Health named to co-chair Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA)

Saturday, December 15, 2018

John Wiesman will co-chair Presidential
Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS
Alex Azar, Secretary of Health and Human Services, announced that he has asked Washington State Secretary of Health, John Wiesman, to serve as a co-chair of the reconstituted Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA).

Azar made the announcement in a speech at the 2018 National Ryan White Conference on HIV Care and Treatment where he laid out a vision for our country “where the spread of HIV/AIDS has been effectively halted, because every American with HIV/AIDS is receiving treatment and every American at risk of HIV is engaged in the right prevention strategy.”

PACHA provides advice, information and recommendations to the secretary regarding programs, policies and research to promote effective treatment, prevention and cure of HIV disease and AIDS.

Secretary Wiesman began his public health career in 1986 as an HIV/AIDS test counselor at the Greenwich Department of Health in Connecticut. He was a member of the first group of people trained in Connecticut to conduct HIV counseling and testing services. Today he leads the state health department that is implementing an End AIDS effort that Governor Inslee initiated by proclamation in 2014.

Washington state’s approach to ending the AIDS epidemic can best be summarized as: “Get Insured. Get Tested. Get PrEP. Get Treatment.” 
This approach relies on getting people health insurance, having them know their HIV status, getting them into treatment if they have HIV so their HIV viral load can become undetectable, which equals to not being able to transmit the virus, and if they are HIV negative and at high risk for becoming infected, encouraging them to get onto a daily pill to prevent infection (known as PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis).

“For those of us who saw the beginning of HIV, it is a dream that we are at a time when we can truly end new cases of HIV,” said Secretary Wiesman. Achieving this goal he says “requires federal, state and local leadership coordinating efforts and mustering its resources, and I am pleased to have this opportunity to help lead public health in an all-out effort to stop HIV. This is our time to be bold.”

As a state health official and past president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Secretary Wiesman is positioned to work with his colleagues across our nation to focus their efforts on this goal. This work will further the Association’s presidential challenge of “Building healthy and resilient communities.”

Secretary Wiesman has been invited to co-chair the PACHA with Carl Schmidt, Deputy Director of the AIDS Institute. He is excited to have a well-known HIV advocate and past PACHA member as a co-chair to mobilize the advocates and community-based organization sectors.



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For the Birds: A Tree Came Down Today

Bushtits cuddling in a tree
Photo by Robert McIntosh


By Christine Southwick

A tree came down in our neighborhood today and many neighbors grieved and will continue to grieve. It was a tall Beech tree, over 60 feet tall.

This tree was used as a resting and surveying stop for Band-tailed Pigeons, American Robins, Pine Siskins, finches galore including the House and Goldfinches that liked to sing and flock to this tree.

Robin convention
Photo by Christine Southwick
Bushtits would use the lower branches to safely hop into nearby shrubs.

Every fall I knew when the winter group of juncos had arrived — they landed in that Beech and called out to the resident juncos.

How will the Band-tailed Pigeons scope out whether it is safe to come to my feeders or not?

How far will the Robins have to travel to find the foods that they gleaned in that tall leafy tree?

(Note: the Ash Tree that they would mob for the berries was cut down three years ago, and the neighborhood population of Robins plummeted and has not recovered.)

Chickadees, Bewick’s Wrens, Yellow-rumped Warblers and other warblers I didn’t identify since the tree was so tall frolicked in that tree.

Douglas squirrel
Photo by Elaine Chuang
The next day after the tree came down there were NO bird sounds for hours — nor were there any sightings of the local Douglas Squirrel that comes every day for peanuts.

Did that Douglas Squirrel live in that tree too?

There were two nests that looked suspiciously like squirrel nests.

Were woodpeckers resting within? 

I do know that the Northern Flickers used the top branches every spring for their courtship displays and Downy and Hairy called from there.

Band-tailed Pigeon
Photo by Craig Kerns
Then there are the human impacts: no filtered air or sun; less moderation of cold in winters; less privacy between the neighbors; and the esthetic value.

I will miss the buds and the leaves, and the fall colors — I already miss the textured skyline, and the birds that I could count sitting on branches.

That tree didn’t need to come down — only a couple of the top branches needed lopping.

One arborist said that the rest of the tree was healthy, but another company was more than willing to cut down the whole thing, and grind it up like it never existed.

Keeping a snag would have cost less, and our neighborhood would have been better served.

A tree came down in our neighborhood today and many neighbors grieved and will continue to grieve.



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Shoreline natives were balloon handlers at the NY Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade

Shorewood grads are balloon handlers in Macy's parade


Shorewood grads and siblings Jolene and Frazier Mork had a 'good flight ' (balloon handler's jargon) of the New Netflix elf balloon 'Fleck' in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in New York City.

New Netflix elf balloon 'Fleck' from above


Although there was talk of cancelling all balloon flights the night before due to the high winds, by Thanksgiving day the wind had abated greatly. The balloons were still flown much lower than usual as a safety precaution (usually they fly three stories up) due to some wind gusts. It was the coldest Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on record at 20 degrees.

Frazier on the far left
Jolene is second person after the white coveralls


In the close-up picture, Frazier is visible as the first person on the left side looking toward the center (he has a beard) . Jolene is the second person after the person wearing white coveralls (she has a white x - shaped object in her hand -- that is the rope spooler).

It was a fantastic and fun experience for both, and they hope to repeat it next year.

Jolene is a senior data scientist for Macy's in Herald Square, NY. Frazier is a software engineer for Textio in Seattle.


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Photo: this was good for three transformers and a power line



This is on 8th NE just south of 174th. It took out the electrical line and three transformers just before 6pm on Friday, December 14, 2018.

Thank you to the reader who sent it in.

As of 9pm on Saturday, December 15, 2018, 27 households in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park were still without power. At least one of those houses has a tree lying on the roof, complicating the repairs.

At my house three rather large tree limbs smacked against the house and fence attached to the house. They were, strangely enough, from two different trees but ended up on top of each other. Two of the branches were around 14 feet long. Amazingly, they fell on each side of the power lines and cable attaching to my house, without damage or even a power blink.

It was impressively loud, but not as loud as the transformer in the backyard, which I watched explode.

That's enough excitement for the winter.

DKH



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Power starting to come back online but a lot of people are still in the dark

Saturday 12-15-18 2am

At 2am Saturday, the power was back on for large areas of Shoreline. Richmond Beach has power, Ballinger is looking better (but still has 181 outages) and many of the other areas are down to small groups, of one to six households.

The Highlands is still in the dark. The worst hit area right now straddles the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park border. The North City Business District has power but everything around it on the east side of 15th NE is having a cold night.

The sirens have finally stopped. I think there were a lot of accidents with the traffic signals down.

4-way stop People! 4-way stop. 

I heard of one bad accident on N 205th in front of Holyrood that happened just after the power outage, but there were sirens for hours afterwards.

Hope everyone is alright.

DKH



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Group acupuncture services now offered at Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center

Ellie Heintze, ND, LAc, is a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist in Bothell, WA. She is a pain specialist, seeing people who suffer from chronic pain, migraines, and joint pain. She also has a passion for helping people with digestive issues, food allergies, and gluten-free living.

She is the creator of The Food Allergy Formula, and author of "A Starting Point Guide to Gluten-Free Living and Healthy Digestion" on Amazon.

Beginning January 8, 2019 Dr. Heintze will provide Group Acupuncture Services at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center. 

The benefits of a group session are that you receive the same quality experience as individual services provide but at a greatly reduced rate. Dr. Heintze will offer two sessions, with up to four participants in each session, on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

Following this, she will lead the Living with Chronic Pain Support Group meetings from 12:00 noon - 1:00pm each month. During the past eight months as our support group leader, Dr. Heintze has proven to be a great asset to the center, each month presenting insightful information and recommendations.

As the founder of The Pain Relief Project, Dr. Heintze has dedicated her life to easing the burden of daily pain and holds a special place in her heart for seniors and veterans. Learn more about Group Acupuncture on her website.

Visit the center to schedule your acupuncture appointment. Cost is $20 for center members and $25 for non-members. Payment must be made at the time of your appointment. Due to the limited space, there are NO refunds for missed appointments.


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WORK PARTY CANCELLED FOR TWIN PONDS SATURDAY

STAY HOME - the work party has been canceled
Photo by Sarah Fulton
The work party scheduled for Twin Ponds on Saturday, December 15, 2019, has been cancelled.

Organizer Sarah Fulton says that none of her regular people are available Saturday, so she is canceling the work party.

(See previous article)



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: 30 front teeth



Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter can be found under Features 
in the first column of the front page of the Shoreline Area News




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Superintendent Reykdal joins Oregon, California education officials to oppose Federal changes to the concept of gender

State Superintendent of
Public Education Reykdal
Photo courtesy OSPI
Recently, the New York Times obtained a copy of a memo from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The memo outlined a proposal for government agencies to adopt a uniform definition of ‘gender’ as determined “on a biological basis that is clear, grounded in science, objective and administrable.”

On Wednesday, State Superintendent of Public Education Reykdal partnered with the top education officials in California and Oregon to send a letter opposing the federal government’s proposal to redefine the concept of ‘gender’ government-wide.

The joint letter was sent to HHS Secretary Alex Azar in coordination with California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and Oregon Department of Education Director Colt Gill.

Washington state law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on a student’s gender expression or identity in our public schools.

I want to be clear: No matter what changes are made at the federal level, our public schools will continue to abide by state law,” said Superintendent Reykdal.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) issued formal guidelines in 2012 to assist school districts in implementation of the law prohibiting discrimination in public schools.

The guidelines make clear that students:
  • must be permitted to dress according to the gender in which they consistently identify,
  • must be addressed using the name and pronouns of their choice,
  • must be allowed to participate in physical education and athletic activities in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity,
  • must be allowed to use the restroom that is consistent with their gender identity,
  • must have access to an alternative restroom if they have a need or desire for increased privacy, regardless of the underlying reason,
  • must, in most cases, have access to the locker room that corresponds with their gender identity, and
  • must be protected from bullying and discriminatory harassment.
School districts are required to comply with the guidelines, and have been doing so successfully for six years now. This will not change.

“To our students who are transgender: We hear you. We see you. We support you. We will protect you,” said Superintendent Reykdal.

For More Information:

Anyone who believes a student is experiencing discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender expression or gender identity may file a formal complaint with their school district or public charter school.

For more information about legal protections for students who are transgender, contact OSPI’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights at equity@k12.wa.us or 360-725-6162.



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"English for Work" for non-native English speakers

Hopelink is on the ground floor of the
Ronald Commons building
Know anyone who could improve their English skills and/or is looking for a new job? Hopelink's "English for Work" course is designed to teach non-native-English speakers the verbal skills they need to find work.

Students learn and practice vocabulary skills, technology skills, and learn how they need to go about finding work in the USA. They practice their interview skills in "mock interviews" with Hopelink employees.

Every quarter, many of our students are able to find work before they even finish the class! We have many success stories. And while most of our students are seeking work, many just want to improve their English skills.

Classes are free of charge and begin January 7-8-9. They are held at Hopelink's centers in Shoreline, Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland. If you have any questions, call 425-250-3007 or email Marci at englishforwork@hopelink.org

Hopelink Shoreline 17837 Aurora Avenue N, Shoreline 98133, behind Ronald Methodist Church. 206-440-7300.



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Gidget Terpstra appointed to Shoreline Community College Board of Trustees

Gidget Terpstra
Governor Jay Inslee recently appointed Gidget (Jennie) Terpstra to the Shoreline Community College Board of Trustees to fulfill the remaining term of former trustee, Phil Barrett. 

“Gidget has been a longtime advocate for education and youth in the Shoreline community, and we are thrilled that she’s continuing her tradition of service here at the College,” said President Cheryl Roberts.

Terpstra served as a Trustee of the College between 2004-2013, as well as a member of the Shoreline Community College Foundation Board of Directors between 2005-2006. 

Terpstra’s career included working in Shoreline Public Schools for 16 years as one of the first family advocates and school/community services specialist, for which she received the Washington State Award for Excellence from Governor Locke and Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Benson. 

She also served as the first homeless education liaison for the district.

A resident of Shoreline for the past 45 years, she has served for many years in various PTA roles, as a Camp Fire and Boy Scouts volunteer, in several community health and human service coalitions as well as a city volunteer.

She has also been involved with the Echo Lake Neighborhood Association since 1996 and currently serves on the ELNA Board. She attended the University of Washington School of Business.

“Community college is a great place for students with many different needs to pursue their education. I would like to serve as a trustee to help Shoreline Community College build strong programs to meet the changing educational needs of our students. When students unlock education, it makes our communities stronger and that benefits all of us.”

Terpstra’s term at the College will run December 2018-September 2019. She joins four other appointed trustees: Chair Clara Pellham, Douglass Jackson, Tom Lux, and Catherine D’Ambrosio.

Founded in 1964, Shoreline Community College offers more than 100 rigorous academic and professional/technical programs to meet the lifelong learning needs of its community. Dedicated faculty and staff are committed to the educational success of its 10,000+ students who hail from across the United States and over 50 countries. Located 10 miles north of downtown Seattle, Shoreline is one of the most strikingly beautiful college campuses in Washington.



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Lake City Library to reopen Jan 2 after renovation

Friday, December 14, 2018

View from Central Point of Service
Newly renovated Lake City Library


The improved Lake City Library Branch, 12501 28th Ave NE, will reopen at 10am Wednesday, January 2, 2019, after being closed for renovations to make the library a more enjoyable space to read, study and collaborate.

Lake City is the closest Seattle Public Library branch on the east side (Broadway is the closest on the west side).

Community celebration 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, January 12, 2019.

Questions? Speak with a staff member at any Library location, call the Library's Quick Information Center at 206-386-4636 or Ask Us.

The Library gives everyone the opportunity to learn and excel and we promised to protect the public’s investment in Library buildings as part of the 2012 voter-approved Library levy. The Lake City Branch improvements are part of our commitment to keep buildings well-maintained, clean and comfortable for patrons, and the renovated space supports the changing ways that patrons are using libraries.

--The Seattle Public Library


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WeatherWatcher: First real windstorm of the season

City Light outage map at 10pm
City Light in total has 46,000 households without power

The high wind watch was upgraded to a high wind advisory by the National Weather Service in Seattle Friday morning. That advisory should have been a high wind warning after the storm hit.

Winds of 20-35mph were expected with gusts to 45mph. In actuality, we had winds of 25-40mph with gusts to 60mph throughout the entire area between Seattle and Everett. Easily strong enough to meet high wind warning criteria.

The Richmond Beach station lost power during the second half of the storm. Before it went offline, the peak wind gust at 6:23pm was 42.6mph. This is proving to be a very successful weather station for Shoreline. Central Market saw a gust of 34mph, a personal weather station near Parkwood saw 38mph. The Edmonds - Kingston Ferry recorded a wind gust of 60mph, as did both floating bridges on Lake Washington.

All the weather stations I could find that didn't lose power during this storm generally reached between 58 and 62mph around the region north and south of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. I think it's safe to assume we had winds just as strong as well.

Here's the current dashboard and graph from the Richmond Beach Station, last updated at 7:40pm (power went out a few minutes afterwards.)

Richmond Beach Station

Even the Northridge station, surrounded by mature Douglas fir trees, recorded a gust of 21mph at 6pm shortly before losing internet connection. Far as I can tell we still have power and battery backup on the Northridge station so when internet comes back we'll get to see how windy it got there.

North Ridge (Echo Lake Neighborhood) Station

Temperatures are another story as well, but I'll have to talk about that in my next weather report when we get data back from the local stations. We started the wind storm with temperatures 54-55 degrees. By the time the wind storm was over we dropped down to the low 40's.

One of the biggest challenges tonight with finding storm data is that many of the weather stations in Shoreline and throughout the region in general lost power and/or internet during the height of the storm. The National Weather Service office in Seattle also lost power. The Portland, Oregon National Weather Service office had to take over operations for the evening for the Seattle office until power is restored.

I'll have the forecast and full data report out Sunday morning. For current conditions and information you can visit www.shorelineweather.com.




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There goes Richmond Beach

City Light 6:40pm

So now all of Richmond Beach is in the dark. So far only Innis Arden has escaped power outages along the Sound.

All those outages in a nice straight line along N 165th are counted in with the Richmond Beach outages. Must be where the power line runs to supply Richmond Beach.

I suspect there will be more red on the map, although it's supposed to be electronic reporting. The next wind gust might bring down more branches. I still have power but my roof is being pelted with fir cones.

DKH


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Power outages: branches and transformer

City Light 6:30pm

So the transformer took out the big area just east of I-5, don't know what's happening in The Highlands and the rest look like individual events due to branches or maybe a whole tree.

Left to right the number of households without power (not counting The Highlands) are 74, 6, 68,24, and 4.

Remember: when a traffic signal is out the intersection is to be treated as a 4-way stop.

Crews will be busy tonight.

DKH



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Power out in The Highlands

City Light 6:20pm

The power is out in The Highlands. I don't think I've ever seen a power outage there before. They probably have underground wiring. 

I hope no one is trying to drive there - half of their roads run along ravines.

My lights keep flickering. That either means that my power will be going out -- or that someone downstead  has just lost power.

Stay tuned.

DKH



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Power outage 6pm

City Light 6pm

It may be a long night.

Above is the power outage map from City Light.

However, a transformer on NE 205th very close to the freeway just blew - always loud and spectacular - and it's dark at the Nile golf course. I thought that power line led to Lake Forest Park - do you have lights down there? How about Ballinger Village?

Just before that our neighbor's tree dropped a couple of largish branches - I may not have to buy a Christmas tree. 

The wind didn't seem that strong here. My wind chimes were tinkling prettily - not banging against the house as they do in a strong wind.

I'll keep an eye on things - as long as I have power.

DKH



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Photo: She needed to learn to let go

Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

Willona's friends were right: She needed to learn to let go! (Bewick's Wren in Gloria's LFP yard last week.)



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Light rail to cross cloverleaf at NE 205th - hearing Dec 19

Hearing Examiner public hearing Wednesday, December 19, 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the Shoreline Council Chamber 17500 Midvale Ave N regarding Sound Transit’s proposal to construct a portion of the light rail elevated guideway in the McAleer Creek buffer.

As a part of the Lynnwood Link Extension project, Sound Transit proposes to construct a portion of the elevated guideway in the McAleer Creek buffer.

McAleer Creek runs through the bottom of the cloverleaf.

The rail line will be slightly above the level of the freeway, which itself is elevated to pass over SR 104 (NE 205th / Ballinger Way).

Any questions or comments prior to the hearing date should be addressed to the Hearing Examiner Clerk at hearingex@shorelinewa.gov.



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What Parents and Educators need to know about smart kids - Feb 4

Austina De Bonte
The Shoreline Hi Cap Advocacy Group, in partnership with the Shoreline PTA Council, is excited to welcome back Austina De Bonte, president of the Northwest Gifted Child Association (NWGCA), to Shoreline for her presentation, "What Parents and Educators Need to Know About Smart Kids."

Many people are surprised to learn that their bright child’s unique “quirks” are actually well-studied social and emotional behavior patterns that appear across large populations of highly intelligent children. 

Whether it’s refusing to wear shirts with buttons or tags, overreacting to the slightest criticism, gravitating towards adults and older children, forgetting to turn in their homework, trouble with handwriting, anxiety about trying something new, or preferring a book to a party, these and many other perplexing behaviors are common in this population. 

Learn what’s normal, what to expect as they grow, and why genuine challenge is vitally important for kids’ social and emotional development, as well as developing their academic talents, from the preschool and elementary years all the way to high school and beyond.

Speaker: Austina De Bonte of the Northwest Gifted Child Association

Monday, February 4, 2019
6:30pm - 8:30pm. Business meeting at 6:30pm, speaker at 7pm.
Shorewood High School Theatre, 17300 Fremont Ave N, 98133

This is a free speaker event for parents and for anyone who is interested.



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Xfinity / Comcast still installing new cable throughout Shoreline

New cable installation in Shoreline
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

During the installation of new cable to increase service the affected areas may be without Internet and phone service.

This means the VOIP telephone line will not be available for use to make calls, including 9-1-1.

The work is being done street by street and the outage can last for up to 8 hours in the specific neighborhoods while installation of new cable is made.

Comcast sends out letters and provides a telephone reminder the day before work is scheduled.




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Jobs: WSDOT Shoreline

WSDOT Shoreline - Work Zone Traffic Engineer – Transportation Engineer 3

Opening Date: 12/13/2018
Closing Date: Open until filled

WSDOT is seeking an experienced Transportation Engineer to serve as a Construction Work Zone Traffic Engineer. Working on WSDOT Design-Bid-Build and Design-Build projects, this position provides technical expertise and guidance to design, construction, and maintenance departments leading to well implemented traffic control strategies and setups meeting FHWA, MUTCD, and WSDOT standards while minimizing congestion and work zone collisions.

Duties range from reviewing the development of traffic control plans and strategies in design to coordinating construction and maintenance closures. If you are energetic and enthusiastic, passionate about public/worker safety, appreciate solving difficult and complex issues, enjoy working behind a desk and in the field, possess strong communication skills, and work well both independently and in a team, you are encouraged to apply.

Initial resume review will take place on January 2, 2019.

To view the entire posting and apply, visit Work Zone Traffic Engineer -TE3



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Shoreline Council Meeting Notes 12-10-18

2018 Shoreline City Council
Seated Deputy Mayor Jesse Salomon, Mayor Will Hall
Standing from left:McConnell, Roberts, Scully, McGlashan, Chang


Shoreline Council Meeting Notes
December 10, 2018
By Pam Cross

A video of the meeting is available on the City’s website.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Mayor Hall.

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry
  • Last Saturday was Breakfast with Santa. Both sessions were sold out.
  • The Police Department held their annual all-staff meeting and employee awards presentation. Matthew Metzger was named Professional Employee of the Year, Brandon Moen was Sergeant of the Year, Eric Soderstrom was named Detective of the Year, and Deputy of the year was Edgar Piña Sanchez.
  • The Christmas Ship will visit RB Saltwater Park Wednesday, Dec 12th 7:30-9:00pm.
  • Kruckeberg Botanic Garden has their sparkling lights winter Solstice Stroll Thursday through Saturday, December 13-15 and December 20-22 from 4:30 to 8:30pm. Admission is free although a $10 donation is encouraged. Parking is available at the RB Congregational Church with a free shuttle.
  • The City is accepting applications for City Council Position #6 to fill the seat occupied by Deputy Mayor Jesse Salomon who is stepping down to serve in the State Senate.   Applications must be received by 5pm on January 3, 2019. The application is available on the City’s website.
Public Reminders:
  • Hearing Examiner public hearing Wednesday, December 19, 6:00pm - 8:00pm in Council Chamber regarding Sound Transit’s proposal to construct a portion of the light rail elevated guideway in the McAleer Creek buffer.
  • Planning Commission December 20 meeting has been cancelled.
  • The next City Council meeting will be Monday, January 7, 2019 after the winter recess.
  • Holiday Closures:
  • City Hall, Spartan Recreation Center and Shoreline Pool will be closed December 25 and January 1.
  • Spartan Rec Center and Shoreline Pool will close at noon on December 2 and December 31.
Mayor Hall presented a plaque to Deputy Mayor Salomon commemorating his six years on the City Council. The Mayor praised him for his work towards trimming the City budget and containing costs, for being a champion for the environment, working hard on clean water and on fish habitat, and for being the leading advocate for Shoreline’s up to 12-week paid leave for city employees who need to care for themselves or a family member with a medical condition.
Salomon thanked the Mayor and said he appreciates the kindness and compassion of the community. He said he is not leaving Shoreline, just representing the City in a different way.

Council Reports
  • Councilmembers McConnell and McGlashan attended the monthly SeaShore Transportation Forum. McConnell authored a letter to the Forum reiterating Shoreline’s needs for ST3. 
  • Councilmember Roberts attended last week’s Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board Meeting. The ST Lynnwood Link Station has been changed from “candidate” to “approved.”
  • Mayor Hall announced that North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) awarded the Shoreline Council its President’s Award for its work to fund human services. (see article)
Public Comment. - There were 13 speakers.

Lance Young spoke on the agenda item Adoption of Ordinance No. 849 – Declaring an Emergency and Adding a New Section to SMC 20.30.420 - Changes to Approved Subdivision to Address Plat Alterations – as Interim Regulation.

He stated this appears to be a fairly complicated issue involving modification of plat notes or covenants. He was concerned that plats and covenants were the same thing but, having learned they are not, still feels the Council should follow the usual procedure of public comment before having interim change due to concern that neighborhoods have not been included in a discussion of their private property rights.

Lee Keim spoke in order to draw attention to 350 Seattle’s proposed ordinance to prohibit new fossil fuel infrastructure. The ordinance is scheduled to go before King County in January. Kine would like Shoreline to support the ordinance.

The remaining 11 speakers expressed their dissatisfaction with the current proposal for the new pool. They outlined the need for eight lanes in the lap pool with adequate depth for flip turns, a diving platform, and a large viewing area. Adequate depth is also necessary for water polo clubs. The reasons included adequacy for competitions, room for Shoreline’s growing population, desire to maintain swim/dive teams as a “no cut” sport. Swimming was presented as a healthy sport available to everyone including those who cannot compete in contact sports. It was suggested the outdoor green space could be reduced and the facility enlarged. Speakers included students and parents: Susie McDowell, Allison Jaquish, Raina Haltiner, Karl Lapham, Robbie Elerick, Isaac Poole, Kerri Hallgrimson, Charlie Miller, Timothy Sherry, Betsy Rand, and Aaron Franklin.

The Council approved the Agenda subject to moving item 7d from “consent” to “action.”
The Council approved the Consent Calendar unanimously.

Action Items

Action item 8a (formerly consent item 7d)
Adoption of Ordinance No. 849 – Declaring an Emergency and Adding a New Section to SMC 20.30.420 - Changes to Approved Subdivision to Address Plat Alterations – as Interim Regulation.

Margaret King, City Attorney did a quick presentation.
Ordinance 849 is to put into place an administrative procedure to process requests for plat alterations. There are notes that can be put on the face of a plat that further restrict such things as subdivision or other conditions located on a plat. The new process will follow RCW58.17.215 (see below)

There are covenants that can also be put on the face of a plat. Changing covenants that were filed with the plat requires the same provisions under RCW 58.17.215 (notice to all property owners, and approval by majority or all property owners, depending on what is being changed).

Ordinance 849 will be in effect for 6 months to allow the Council to establish temporary, interim regulations while the Planning Commission prepares a recommendation for permanent regulations. The interim regulations do not address private restrictive covenants.

From the Staff Report:
“The City’s Planning and Community Development Department has received numerous proposed developments that require an alteration of the recorded subdivision plat to remove restrictions, including density and use restrictions, in order to develop the property as allowed by the City’s current zoning. The recent spike in the need for plat alterations is due, in part, to the light rail station area rezones.

The number of plats requiring alterations, however, has revealed that the City’s existing subdivision regulations… does not adequately address the statutory requirements set out in state law in a streamlined manner.” (pac)

Council discussion:
Councilmember Scully requested the change from Consent to Action item because there were several questions from the public. Private restrictive covenants are not affected by Ordinance 849 and this would eliminate some of the red tape. He supports this ordinance.
Councilmember Chang had also received questions from the people concerned that changes were being made on how the plats could be modified. But the interim regulations still require consent of the property owners.

Ordinance 849 was adopted unanimously.

Action Item 8b
Adopting Ordinance No. 845 - 2018 Comprehensive Plan Amendments 8a-1
Steve Szafran, Senior Planner
When last discussed on Oct 29, 2018 there were changes proposed and discussed.
From Oct 29 meeting notes: “zoning, figures and other administrative type corrections, where later changes made the existing document inaccurate. Maps were updated with similar changes in property lines or zoning. For example, a zoning change made during the year needed to be updated so users could depend on its accuracy. Some amendments clarified ambiguities.” (pac)
Amendments 6 and 7 removed references to specific areas so these designations can be used for different areas. This will align with other land use policies.

Ordinance 845 was adopted unanimously.

Action item 8c
Adopting 2019 State Legislative Priorities 8b-1
Jim Hammond, Intergovernmental/CMO Program Manager
The legislative priorities were discussed during the Nov 26 Council meeting. There have been modifications made to reflect Shoreline’s interests and priorities.

Councilmember Roberts commented he especially liked the inclusion of environmental sustainability.

The 2019 State Legislative agenda was adopted unanimously.

Study Items

9(a) Discussing the Sound Cities Association Public Issues (PIC) Committee Policy Position on the Regional Affordable Housing Task Force Five Year Action Plan 9a-1
Jim Hammond, Alison Mendiola (Housing Coordinator, King Co Council), and Kelly Rider (Intergovernmental Affairs Manager, King Co Dept of Community and Human Services DCHS)

Councilmember Roberts brought this to Council because he, as a board member of PIC, is expected to vote on this at the PIC meeting this week.

The Task Force put together a Five Year Action Plan. Details are available by viewing the Council Meeting on the City Website.

The following is from the Council’s discussion:

Councilmembers Chang and McConnell have concerns with Goal 4 - Preserve access to affordable homes for renters by supporting tenant protections that will prevent homelessness. This includes preventing unnecessary evictions. As owners of rental homes, Chang and McConnell are aware of the already cumbersome and expensive eviction process and believe that a balance of landlord and tenants’ rights is necessary. Owners of one or two rentals rely on the steady income from rental units to meet their expenses and/or investment goals. Too many regulations on landlords will discourage people from investing in rental units.
Response: They are familiar with these concerns and discussions will continue.

Councilmember Scully suggested Goal 2 Increase construction and preservation of affordable homes for households earning less than 50% AMI (area median income). There is no affordable housing requirement that he could find (like we have in Shoreline) and there is only so much available state land and money. This isn’t going to happen without a more aggressive approach.
Response: Strategy (a) of Goal 3 incorporates affordable homes or mandatory affordable housing. The affordable housing requirement is in the area of 60-80% AMI. They want to include vouchers as well as affordable housing in order to get to 50% AMI.

Councilmember Roberts reminded Council that this is meant as a blueprint, not a mandate. He asked Staff if evictions are coming from landlords of fewer units, or larger property landlords?
Strategy (a) of Goal 4 talks about consistency of regulations. The Task Force is asking the legislature to adopt these policies because tenants aren’t necessarily aware of laws in different, even adjacent, jurisdictions. However he recognizes that the same rules may not apply to a large management company as well as the landlord with only a handful of rental properties.

Mayor Hall said the upcoming vote is asking PIC to support the Task Force Five Year Action Plan. His question to Staff is: will this discussion be enough or should the City Council prepare a letter or something to make sure this message gets across.
Response: Ongoing there will be opportunity to address these issues.

The Mayor stated this is a great action to address the symptoms of the housing crisis, but it does nothing about the cause. Prices increase because supply has not kept up with demand.
The Task Force has been asked to base decisions on the assumption that we’re going to have 500,000 more people living in King County in the next 20 years. However our public policies around economic development determine how many people will live here. So this assumption is not some independent variable. One of the things that needs to be done is to interrupt the causes. The County and the region needs to decide if it remains socially desirable for us to have policies that to continue to drive population growth at its current rate. There will be growth. Are there things we can do to reduce the demand on our housing stock.

Councilmembers had no concerns with Roberts supporting the Task Force. There was no vote since this was not an action item.

Study Item (b) Discussing Ordinance No. 850 - Amending Development Code Sections 20.20, 20.30, 20.40, 20.50, 20.70, and 20.230 9b1
Steve Szafran, Senior Planner
Paul Cohen, Planning Manager

The types of amendments were divided into 15 administrative, 8 clarifications, and 12 policy amendments.
The policy amendments initiated by citizens include
#24 - exempt significant tree removal based on parcel size
#26 & 29 - increased fines and penalties for illegally moved trees
#2, 12 & 15 - homeless shelter - create a definition, add homeless shelters to the Use Table, criteria the homeless shelter would be required to meet in order to operate in the City

Councilmember McGlashan, under #2, why does it state “may” provide sanitation services. Shouldn’t this be required? At least toilets? Mayor Hall agrees. Councilmember Scully pointed out that this is the definition. The criteria amendment #15 would cover whether or not this is a requirement.
Response: it’s a building code requirement under a different section of the Code

Deputy Mayor Salomon, 15e says that parking spaces must be provided for any workers or volunteers. Volunteers may be there only an hour or two. This seems onerous and unnecessary in Shoreline.
Response: if it is located in a commercial area, there likely will be parking lots.
Salomon agrees but doesn’t think it needs to be a requirement. He would like this changed.

Councilmember Roberts agrees with Salomon. Prefers “the parking plan will be submitted and approved by the Director” which would allow for different types of shelters (24 hour vs 10 hour, for example).

Mayor Hall asked for feedback from the rest of Council. McGlashan, Chang, McConnell and Scully agree with the discretion of the Director. Scully did provide an example from Seattle where employee’ and volunteers’ parked cars for a homeless shelter use up all of the available street parking in front of adjacent businesses. McGlashan states the Director should be aware of this possibility.
The Mayor requests Staff work on changing this section.

#3 New definition of landscape structures, combining such things as trellis and arbor.
#18 Allows height exceptions for roof type structures for commercial structures as used in MUR zones
#21 Allows Administrative Design Review process for single family residences, attached and multifamily, to get the into the code the City’s desire to create attractive and innovative site and building design

Roberts questioned #18 and parallel #17, which talk about exceeding the base height for roof top structures. Is there a maximum number of roof structures than can exceed this height? Multiple 15’ rooftop structures could make the overall height of the building appear 15’ higher (elevator, stairs, antenna etc.).
Response: too many structures will trigger building code calling it an extra story, which will not be allowed

The Mayor asked Staff to look into what other cities are doing, or what can be done, to limit the structures to keep it from getting out of control. This can be done before the next set of technical amendments, since it has not been an issue so far.
Response: Staff also suggest possible distance from the edge of the building

#27 - Tree retention for public improvements
#28 - Tree replacement for public improvements
These except trees that have to be removed for a city required or a city improvement project, so they don’t have to replace those trees that the city makes them take out.

Councilmember Scully says this is the same as giving an OK to clearcut the area. Often these situations can be worked around. For example, a new sidewalk can jog around an established tree. Scully would prefer at Director’s discretion or when it’s impossible to construct or some other thing along these lines.

After significant discussion including Mayor Hall and Councilmembers Scully, Chang, and Roberts it was clear that no one was completely comfortable with the way this amendment was worded. It is referred back to Staff for additional study and clarifying language to make the intent of the amendment clear. Councilmember Salomon mentioned that #24 should be included in this discussion since it removes the cap on the maximum number of significant trees that can be removed. This is referred to Staff.

#26 to increase fees for tree violations. Salomon believes the penalties should be greater. Staff says this will come up in the next batch because they have to go through the planning commission first. It is possible that #26 will result in lower penalties than currently in the books. This will be ‘do not follow’, but put on 2019 batch.

#33 - delete frontage improvements requirements for single-family residence conversion to commercial use (new station area) e.g. converting house to coffee shop. Requiring frontage improvements could deter people from doing these conversions. McGlashan points out these conversions can maintain a lot of character in a neighborhood. He also says we need adequate threshold for when frontage improvements are required.
#34 - waivers for frontage improvements allow public works to waive some requirements.
Roberts thinks the provision is pretty broad (#3). Roberts says it would be better if limited to certain zones. Chang asked about fee in lieu of sidewalks on frontage. Mayor Hall would like to bring this back for a separate study item.

These amendments will be reviewed again at the January 7th meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:40pm.



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School employees collect toys and donate cash to Fire toy drive

School district employees pack up donated toys
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

At their annual holiday luncheon on Thursday, Shoreline School District employees brought toys for the Holiday Baskets toy drive and collected cash, which was given to the Shoreline Firefighters to purchase toys and gift cards.

Lynn Franklin made a quilt which was auctioned off
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

The Firefighters hold a toy drive every year for the Shoreline PTA Council Holiday Baskets, toys, and teen gift card drive. This year, the firefighters added the children in Mary's Place shelter to their giving.

Betty Humphreys (left) and Janice Larson
deliver $2600 in cash and gift cards
to Shoreline Fire
The annual fire toy drive at Fred Meyer last Saturday did not garner the usual number of toys and the department has appealed to the community for toy and cash donations, to be delivered to any fire station in Shoreline by Friday, December 14, 2018.

One in four children in Shoreline Schools are considered homeless and/or food insecure.

For over 35 years the Shoreline PTA Council and the Shoreline Fire Department and their partners Hopelink, Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park, the City of Shoreline, and Dale Turner Family YMCA have come together to put on the Holiday Baskets drive.

Food and gifts will be distributed on Saturday, December 15, 2018 to families who are registered for the event.





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Chain-up or pay up this winter on Snoqualmie Pass

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Photo courtesy WSDOT
Unfortunately, many drivers crossing snowy mountain passes either don’t carry chains despite it being required by law, or don’t put them on. 

For the past several years, more than half of the closures on I-90 Snoqualmie Pass have been due to vehicles ignoring a chain-up requirement and then getting into collisions and blocking lanes.

This winter WSDOT is working with the Washington State Patrol to enforce chain requirements during storms and inclement weather on Snoqualmie Pass. 

So if you’re headed over the pass, make sure you and your vehicle are prepared. Ignoring the chain requirements could cost you $500.

Here are a few reminders from WSDOT:

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