Property tax exemption for seniors

Thursday, December 27, 2018



If you are 61 or older with a household income of $40,000 or less, you may be eligible for a break on your King county property taxes.

Call 206-296-3920 during normal business hours to find out more.



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Photo: All is Calm

Photo by Jan Hansen


This peaceful photo was taken from Innis Arden of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains limned by a golden sunset.



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Free storm debris and Christmas Tree Recycling Event in LFP for residents

Traffic control plan for drop off


Saturday, January 5, 2019, Lake Forest Park residents can take advantage of a free Christmas Tree collection event from 9am to 12pm at the City Hall parking lot.

Republic Services will be on hand collecting storm debris and Christmas trees for free recycling. 

The Lake Forest Park Youth Council will also be present helping to support the free event and raising money for a local charity. 

Please bring bare trees - remove all tinsel, lights, ornaments and no flocked trees. Secure your loads and bring proof of address in form of a valid photo ID. Only passenger vehicles can enter

City Hall 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155.
Contact for more information 206-368-5440.

Free to LFP residents.



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$22 million from VW settlement goes toward electric transit buses and low-emission school buses

Image from Dept of Ecology
First grants from $28.4 million state settlement will improve air quality

OLYMPIA – Dozens of Washington school districts and public transit fleets will receive a total of $22 million to buy electric or low-emission buses as part of the state’s $28.4 million settlement from the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal.

The Washington Department of Ecology, which oversees the settlement funds, awarded $9.4 million to purchase 19 electric transit buses in Lewis, Benton, Spokane, Clark, Pierce, Snohomish and King counties.

Those grants follow on another $12 million from the settlement Ecology gave to help 83 school districts across the state buy 336 low-emission school buses. Together, these grants will cut emissions of nitrogen oxides by 125 tons and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 2,900 tons.

“Putting cleaner buses on the road is an important mile marker in investing these funds,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “By helping local agencies buy zero-emission or low-emission buses, we’re cleaning the air, protecting public health, and paving the way toward the future of transportation in our state.”

Volkswagen funding provided about $500,000 for each of the 19 transit buses – an amount intended to cover the difference between a standard diesel bus and a zero-emission electric bus – and $35,000 each for the cleaner school buses – roughly covering the costs of the clean diesel technology or for upgrading to a clean propane engine.

“Our goal for the Volkswagen settlement is to jump-start clean transportation in our state,” said Maia Bellon, Ecology’s director. “We’re excited to start putting this funding to work, and you can expect big things in the months ahead.”

In 2019, Ecology will begin making awards from the state’s $112.7 million share of the federal Volkswagen settlement. The federal settlement funds will help to expand electric vehicle charging stations and buy zero-emission vehicles for public fleets, including additional electric transit and school buses, and invest in electrifying Washington’s ferry system.

The remaining funds from the state settlement will be used to help state agencies buy more electric vehicles and support buying cleaner diesel trucks at Washington’s public ports. The Washington Legislature directed how the state settlement should be awarded, and Ecology worked with a steering committee, the Legislature and the public to develop a plan prioritizing projects from the federal settlement.

Both the state and federal settlements stem from the discovery that the automaker Volkswagen illegally installed software on its diesel cars that activated emission controls only when it detected the emissions were being tested. In ordinary driving, the software allowed the engines to emit as much as 40 times the legal limit for nitrogen oxides, violating the state and federal Clean Air Acts and threatening public health.



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Learn about how local Shoreline government works in CityWise project



Would you like to learn more about your City?


Curious residents will have an opportunity to learn how local government works in the third Shoreline CityWise Project, a series of 8 interactive classes starting in January 2019.

This series is free of charge, and open to residents, employees, business owners, and students ages 16 and older in Shoreline.

Class size is limited to 15 participants who represent the City’s different neighborhoods and diverse populations.

Details and applications for 2019 are now available on the City website,

Interested people must submit a completed online application by Friday, January 4.

Notification of acceptance will be sent the following week, and classes begin on January 22.

For more information, contact Neighborhoods Coordinator Constance Perenyi at 206-801-2253 or cperenyi@shorelinewa.gov



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Disabled citizen discount for sewer bills goes into effect January 1, 2019 in LFP

LFP sewer districts
Beginning January 1, 2019, the City of Lake Forest Park will offer a discount program for its disabled sanitary sewer ratepayers who reside within the City’s sewer service area.

The discount is equal to a 50% reduction in the ratepayer’s bimonthly residential sewer bill. The complete details of the program are contained in Resolution 1718.

Eligibility requirements for the program are:
  • You or your spouse/co-applicant must have a disability recognized by the Social Security Administration;
  • You must own and reside at the property for at least one (1) year prior to date of application;
  • Meet financial eligibility requirements.

If you have questions about the program, contact Annette Heller, Utility Analyst, 206-368-5440 or by email.

More Resources:


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Seattle Times: Seattle bookstores were doomed. Then Third Place helped rewrite the story.

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Third Place Books
Photo by Jerry Pickard


Moira Macdonald, Art Critic for The Seattle Times, wrote a warm and fascinating story about Third Place Books. She explains the origin of the store and its offspring, as well.

I don't know if she lives here and frequents Third Place, but she writes about it like a native.

A lot of the joy of Third Place is the experience, but I remind you that you can order books through Third Place just as easily as you can from Amazon - and a real person can help you and give advice. Then a trip to the store to pick up your book when it comes in and a cup of coffee from Burney Brothers or Honey Bear. And you don't have to worry about porch pirates stealing your books.

Moira's story begins:

If you walk through the entrance of Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park — right past the signs by the door that say EAT SLEEP READ — on a random weekday afternoon, you might find something nobody could have predicted a decade ago: a neighborhood bookstore, busy and thriving. On a recent visit, a little girl in a dinosaur costume rushed excitedly between the shelves, past a silver-haired gentleman reading quietly in an armchair. 
A young dad, squatting, showed his stroller-bound toddler a picture book; nearby, a mother and teen daughter, heads tilted at precisely the same angle, examined a table of new paperbacks. A woman with a resigned expression and a stack of five hardcovers joined the line at the registers. And thousands of books waited, neatly aligned; each of them just the right fit for someone.

The entire story here: Seattle bookstores were doomed. Then Third Place helped rewrite the story.

--DKH



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Physical Poetry 2019 - Jan 11 and 12 - tickets on sale now



PHYSICAL POETRY 2019

January 11 and 12, 2019
Shorecrest HS Performing Arts Center
7:30pm Evening
2:30pm Saturday Matinee

$18 General Public (Advance)
$20 at the Door *
*This event tends to sell out, purchase tickets now to secure your seat!


Exciting, heart-stopping, foot-stomping performances featuring dance forms and styles from companies all over the Northwest including TAP, HIP HOP, MODERN, JAZZ, STEP, LYRICAL AND MORE! Experience 3 spectacular shows packed with amazing talent from the Greater Seattle Area. This is a family friendly event that will have the audience craving more!


FEATURING: 3rd Shift Dance / Alchemy Tap Project / Gotta Dance 
Herencias Mexicanas / Kontagious / Northside Step Team / QATA Crew Shorecrest Hip Hop / Studio 3 / Urbyn Byrd and MORE!




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Shoreline City Councilmember Chris Roberts appointed to serve on two National League of Cities’ committees

Chris Roberts
Shoreline City Councilmember Chris Roberts has been appointed to two National League of Cities (NLC) committees:
  • Energy, Environment and Natural Resources (EENR) federal advocacy committee; and 
  • Race, Equity, and Leadership (REAL) council. 
EENR has the lead responsibility for developing NLC’s federal policy positions on issues involving air quality, water quality, energy policy, national wetlands policy, noise control and solid and hazardous waste management.

“I am honored to be appointed to the Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee,” stated Councilmember Roberts. 
“We have made great investments in Shoreline toward becoming a sustainable city and I plan to work with elected officials from around the country to champion environmental sustainability.”

As a committee member, Roberts will play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions and advocate on behalf of America’s cities and towns before Congress, with the administration and at home.

Councilmember Roberts has also been appointed to the Race, Equity, and Leadership (REAL) council. REAL is NLC’s effort to equip its membership with the capacity to respond to racial tensions in their communities and address the historical, systemic, and structural barriers that further inequity and racism in our nation’s cities. Systemic, institutional racism and bias have had negative impacts on public policy. A focus on racial equity provides NLC the opportunity to align its unique strengths and resources across the organization to proactively prepare city leaders to apply a racial equity lens to policies, initiatives, programs, and budgets.

“It is a privilege to be appointed to NLC's REAL council,” Councilmember Roberts said.  
“As one of a handful of enrolled Native Americans serving in municipal office, in this role I will advocate for more social justice and more equitable communities for tribal members across the nation.”

For more information on NLC’s Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee, visit nlc.org/EENR. For more information on NLC’s Race, Equity, and Leadership council, visit nlc.org/REAL.



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Photo: Christmas hummers

Photo by Colleen Weum


We have a pair of Anna's hummingbirds who visit all day long at two feeders. The female has a favorite branch outside the kitchen window which she loves to hang out on, to keep an eye over her little domain. Look beyond the top of the carnations to see her. Maybe she enjoys the light from the window? I'd like to think so.

Colleen Weum
Lake Forest Park



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Poem: The Real True Story of Little Boy Blue

Napping goats
Photo by Earthcraft Farms


Christmas Moon
(or The Real True Story of Little Boy Blue)

Little Boy Blue, come blow your horn. The sheep’s in the meadow, the cows in the corn. Where’s the little boy who looks after the sheep? He’s under the haystack fast asleep.


T’was a magically moonlit, late Christmas Eve, yet the sheep in the meadow were feeling quite peeved 
The cattle were lowing, which was alright, but the ewes couldn’t sleep. The moon was too bright
So they noisily moved to the shade in the corn, causing the cattle much anger and scorn
Soon off to the barn, the whole cow herd sped, waking the horse in his stall, in his bed
He bolted and galloped all over the place, then bunked with the goats, leaving no space
The disgruntled goats joined the pigs in their sty, and the pigs busted out to the hen’s yard, oh my!
Next, Old Mother Hen toppled off of her roost, giving Bossy the cow a bit of a boost
At this point everyone in the barn was awake, so down to the meadow they went in great haste
What was the problem with those crazy sheep? Didn’t they realize no one could sleep?
When they got to the meadow, the sheep were not there, sending the animals into despair
Where are our friends? Not asleep in their bed? There’s coyotes about, we hope they’re not … dead?
When suddenly someone heard a small bleat and moved to the cornfield, where laid the sheep
So happy to see them alive, in the end, the animals knew that they loved their dear friends
Whatever their differences, big ones or small, they realized those things didn’t matter at all
Happy and joyful, they danced by the moon, as the Billy Boy Blues Band played a fine tune
And the very last thing that was heard - from the sheep, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good sleep”
As for dear Billy, around noon the next day, he was found still asleep in the barn in the hay
                                       
   prosies@cynthia sheridan



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: CIA Choir

Tuesday, December 25, 2018



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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Photo: Visits from Santa

Santa rode a fire truck through central Shoreline on Christmas Day, delighting children and adults alike.


Photo by Stan Hansen / Shari Winstead

It’s an annual tradition that all the neighbors come out in their PJs to greet Santa on Burke Ave N. 


Photo by Hannah Rae

Santa made a couple of stops in the Northridge neighborhood in Echo Lake. Then he moved on to make some stops at Ballinger Homes.

Santa was everywhere on Christmas Day
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Santa was seen at Echo Lake Elementary, Ridgecrest Elementary, the Polaris Apartments, and goodness knows where else!



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Merry (or not) Christmas

Monday, December 24, 2018

The Wexford Carol on You Tube
from Chonday.com


Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss, The Wexford Carol - follow the link to hear this ancient carol, sung by Alison Krauss, accompanied by Yo Yo Ma, a bagpipe, and a bodhran.

According to the YouTube channel Chonday.com:

"The Wexford Carol is a traditional religious Irish Christmas carol originating from County Wexford.

"The subject of the song is the nativity of Jesus Christ. The Wexford Carol,” sometimes known by its first verse “Good people all this Christmas time,” is one of the oldest extant Christmas carols.

"The song achieved a renewed popularity due to the work of William Grattan Flood (1859-1928), who was organist and musical director at St. Aidan’s Cathedral in Enniscorthy. He transcribed the carol from a local singer and had it published in the Oxford Book of Carols, putting Enniscorthy into most carol books around the world."

Happy Holidays Everyone! - regular programming will return after Christmas.

Diane Hettrick, Editor



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Cartoon: Christmas calling



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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Photo: Christmas Lights plus

Photo by Seattle Poppy

It seems like more houses than ever are decorated this Christmas. I hope the lights stay up through February - they are so uplifting on a dark night and it seems so very dark when they are gone.

Seattle Poppy found a home that managed to go over the top on this brightly lit year. Lights show on the house, the roof, the chimney, a statue in the yard, a tree, and - yes - the truck.

If you see it, don't stand still too long or you are likely to get decorated.

DKH


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Senior Citizen Technology Help Day on January 21

Are you a senior citizen? Could you use a little help with technology? If so, stop by the Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, on Monday, January 21 between 8:30-11:30am. 

Students from Shorewood and Shorecrest High Schools will be hosting a “Senior Citizen Technology Help Day” to provide one-on-one technology assistance to senior citizens who want to learn more about using technology in their daily lives.

Computers will be available for seniors to learn how to:
  • Send and receive emails
  • Create a social media profile
  • Video calls
  • Send photos online
  • Watch online videos
  • Search for information
  • Use emojis
  • …and much more!

Seniors are also encouraged to bring any of their own devices (cell phones, laptops, tablets) that they need help with.

If you have any questions, contact Curtis Campbell 206-393-4412.



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A Christmas Eve look back at the November election

Evan Smith reports
on politics
By Evan Smith

I didn’t report earlier on results of the November election; so here’s my report:

Local voter turnout was part of a near-record state mid-term turnout.

The Washington secretary of state’s office on December 12 said three recent weeks agonizing up to that voter turnout for the November election fell just short of the record for a mid-term election. Statewide turnout was 71.83 percent, just short of the record set in 1970. That’s the year that Washington voted on both legalizing abortion and lowering the voting age.

In 2018, local voters turnout ran well ahead of the state turnout. King County reported 74.80 percent turnout, with Shoreline, Lake Forest Park and Kenmore at 78.23 percent.

Salomon turned slim primary lead over Chase into big 32nd District State Senate win.

The Democrat vs. Democrat contest in the November election for 32nd District state senator certainly wasn’t anywhere near as close as anticipated.

Final results showed challenger Jesse Salomon defeating incumbent State Sen. Maralyn Chase by a 69 percent to 31 percent margin after leading by only a 38.2 percent to 37.8 margin in the August primary that eliminated a Republican.

The Washington secretary of state certified final results Dec. 6.

Salomon, who has been on the Shoreline city for the last seven years, won 70 percent of the general-election votes in the King County part of the district and 68 percent in Snohomish County.

The King County part of the district includes the city of Shoreline and part of northwest Seattle on the west of Aurora. The Snohomish County part of the district includes Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas, south Edmonds, the city of Lynnwood and a small part of Mountlake Terrace.

In the primary, Salomon held a small lead over Chase in King County, while Chase had an even smaller lead in Snohomish County.

Salomon said after the November election that he thought his expanded margin wan due to lots of doorbelling throughout the district.

He also had a big fundraising advantage. He has reported raising $182,000 and spending $172,000. Chase reported raising and spending $99,000. Independent (3rd party) expenditures favoring Salomon or opposing Chase totaled $78,015.

The defeat knocks Chase out of the legislature after eight years in the Senate that followed nine in the House of Representatives.

Democratic candidates win big in 32nd Legislative District, bigger in 46th

Democratic dominance of the 32nd Legislative District continued.

Incumbent Democratic State Rep. Cindy Ryu defeated Republican Dio Boucsieguez by a 76 percent to 24 percent margin,

Democratic newcomer Lauren Davis topped Republican Frank Deisler 74 percent to 26 percent to win the position that retiring Democratic State Rep. Ruth Kagi has held for 20 years. And two Democrats had qualified to face off in for the senate seat.

Democratic dominance in the 46th Legislative District was even greater. Incumbent Democratic State Sen. David Frockt and State Reps. Gerry Pollet and Javier Valdez all won with vote counts between 82 percent and 84 percent against Republican opponents.

The 46th District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.

A new judge on the Shoreline District Court

The election put a new judge on the Shoreline District Court.

He’s Joe Campagna, who will replace retiring Judge Douglas Smith, who will leave the court after 24 years.

Campagna defeated candidate Les Ponomarchuk by a 78 percent to 22 percent margin.

Smith filed to run for the position but withdrew and filed to run against fellow Judge Marcine Anderson. He withdrew again, leaving Anderson unopposed.


Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Santa plumbing

Cartoon by Whitney Potter


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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Letter to the Editor: How to engage city council members

To the Editor:

In response to Nara Kim's concern about city council members reaching out to citizens, (see letter):

City Council members in Shoreline work very part time and are paid just a modest stipend for their council work. Therefore they must also maintain their paying jobs.

Why don't you meet the candidates and council members halfway by going to neighborhood association meetings, attending and speaking at council meetings and of course by writing via the city website?

That's how citizens engage politicians. Expecting them to come and find you in your home or place of business is just not a reasonable expectation.

Use your voice and be heard, and get some facts about your avenues of input. Council members put in a lot of time, for not much pay - I am sure it doesn't add up to a few bucks an hour, maybe pennies. They have volumes of reading, staff and municipal reports, laws and regulations to balance, and they do hear from many community members when it comes time to make decisions.

If you weren't one of the voices, do something to be heard. Good luck!

CaraLee Cook
Shoreline




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Shoreline Community College Foundation honors retiring legislator Rep. Ruth Kagi

An appreciative crowd gathered to honor Rep. Ruth Kagi
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


On Thursday, December 6, 2018, the Shoreline Community College Foundation held an event to honor retiring legislator Rep. Ruth Kagi for her over twenty years of dedication and advocacy for the 32nd District.

The well-attended event included Foundation members, local politicians, organizations, and members of the community.

Fifteen organizations who have benefited from Ruth's advocacy each made a display board of how Ruth helped their organization over the years. The boards were on easels throughout the room and each organization had a representative there to answer questions about their services.

The program included proclamations honoring Ruth from the cities of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, presented by Shoreline Mayor Will Hall and Lake Forest Park Deputy Mayor Catherine Stanford.

Senator Patty Murray sent a video message
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


King County declared the day "Ruth Kagi Day" and Patty Murray sent a video message.

State Sen. David Frockt chats with
Rep. Kagi
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
State Senator David Frockt, D-46 spoke, as did Shoreline Community College President Cheryl Roberts.

Mary Brueggeman, Emcee, VP, Office of Advancement and Foundation announced that the establishment of a scholarship in Ruth's honor to benefit students who are single mothers.

Representative Ruth Kagi has been serving Washington for 20 years in the state legislature. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1999 and represents the 32nd District, which includes Shoreline and parts of Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, and Seattle. 
During that time she has been a tireless champion for children and families, including serving as chair of the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee since 2002.
Ruth has also been a supporter and friend to Shoreline Community College since 1998, helping our students complete their education and achieve their dreams. 
In 2011, the Shoreline Community College Foundation honored her with the Distinguished Service Award.
A group of grateful citizens have decided to combine her passion for families and her passion for education by creating the Ruth Kagi Honorary Scholarship Endowment. This fund will provide support to Shoreline Community College students who are single mothers in financial need.

SCC President Cheryl Roberts, PhD, at the podium
Ruth Kagi at table
Photo by Steven. H. Robinson


The Foundation is working to raise $25,000 to make the fund an endowment. Initial contributions were made at the event.

They are accepting donations at the Foundation office, 

Shoreline CC Foundation
Suite #1005 - Admin. Bldg.
Shoreline Community College
16101 Greenwood Avenue N
Shoreline, WA 98133-5696

Checks should be written to the Foundation.

Donations are also accepted online. Specify Ruth Kagi scholarship.



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WeatherWatcher: Calmer weather ahead

Daily maximum wind gusts at the new Richmond Beach Station.

We've had quite a breezy month with two wind storms in less than a week. The second wind storm, which prompted a high wind warning from the National Weather Service in Seattle was the strongest of the two. Power outages were less extensive with the second storm, probably because the first wind storm already pruned the trees for us, and the second wind storm, though stronger, was only a little stronger. The Friday December 14 wind storm had a maximum gust of 43mph, where as the Thursday December 20 storm reached a maximum gust of 46mph.

Accumulated rainfall compared to average for December.

We are just a touch below average for rainfall this month so far. The dry start didn't seem to help, but active weather kicked in starting around the 8th of the month.

December daily average temperature compared to station average.

We are running a little above normal for daily average temperatures compared to the average. We had a slightly colder than normal period before the active weather arrived around December 8. A slightly warmer and slightly drier than normal winter season is expected due to a moderate El Niño in the tropical Pacific.

Forecast: We have some calm weather ahead for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We have a chance of showers for Christmas Eve, with temperatures in the mid-upper 40's and a slight chance of showers Monday evening with lows dropping into the 30's. Christmas day we are expecting a mostly dry day with temperatures in the lower to mid 40's and light wind.

Our next storm system begins its approach Tuesday with a chance of showers moving in overnight. Wednesday rain is likely at times, with temperatures in the low 40's. Wednesday night through next Sunday we have a chance of showers for each day and evening. Highs will be in the lower 40's, with lows in the 30's.

You'll notice we have a lot of forecasted lows in the 30's with precipitation in the forecast later this week. Occasionally some models have suggested possible lowland snow, but it hasn't been consistent. The majority of the forecast models point to rain showers, with temperatures just a little too warm for snow. I'm keeping an eye on this situation, if a convergence zone develops out of this pattern later next week it can quickly change the story from rain to snow.

Longer range models are suggesting some cooler air moving in after the new year, also an area I am watching closely.

Weather History Series: In celebration of operating a weather station in Shoreline for 10 years now I've been working on a series of weather history articles. If anyone has any good photos of past weather events of any time from the Shoreline or Lake Forest Park area, from wind storms, snow storms, or other weather events that they would like to share, please email them to carl.dinse@shorelineweather.com.


For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com



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Photo: If life gives you branches...

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Tree and photo by Pam Cross


If life gives you branches .....
     make a Christmas tree!

Pam Cross created her Christmas tree out of windfall branches from the windstorms.

Pretty good, eh?



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: The Girl in the Tower

The Girl in the Tower
by Katherine Arden

Sequel to: The Bear and the Nightingale, this story takes up where the first book ended: Vasya has left her family and her village. Together, she and her marvelous horse (with some help from Morozko, the frost demon) journey towards Moscow, and (of course) things go terribly wrong along the way.

Familiarity with Russian folklore will definitely aid in understanding and enjoying this dense, dark tale. Vasilisa and Morozko figure in many traditional stories, as do...oh, but that would be a spoiler. If you know the stories, you may recognize characters along the way; otherwise, you will be as surprised as Vasya herself when true identities are revealed.

Some kissing, some bloodshed, some nekkidness, some demons and devils, and quite a lot of magic. This is second in a trilogy, but does not end on a cliffhanger.

Highly recommended reading for cold, blustery nights when the fire is ticking in the stove, and winter is just on the other side of the wall. Ages 12 to adult.


The events may not have happened; still, the story is true.  --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS



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Woman injured in motel fire on Hwy 99 in Edmonds

Photos courtesy Shoreline Fire



Reporting from Lynnwood Today

A woman was seriously injured in a fire at an Edmonds motel Friday.

Dispatchers received multiple 911 calls at 11:53am reporting the fire at the St. Frances Motel in the 23900 block of Highway 99. Responding firefighters could see a large column of black smoke as they approached and arrived to find one motel unit engulfed in flames.

The injured woman escaped from the burning unit before firefighters arrived. She was transported by medics to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

One South County Fire firefighter sustained minor injuries while fighting the fire and was transported to Swedish/Edmonds Hospital for evaluation.

Crews from South County Fire and Shoreline Fire responded. At the peak of the fire, 38 firefighters, seven fire engines, three ladder trucks and five medic units were on scene. The firefighters had the fire under control in about 10 minutes and kept the flames contained to one unit near the middle of the single-story building. The fire breached the attic space above the unit and firefighters had to cut a hole in the roof to ventilate smoke and heat. Damage is estimated at $200,000.

Support 7 and Red Cross responded to assist at least 10 residents displaced by the fire. All residents of the fire-damaged building will be displaced tonight, but may be able to return when power and the fire protection system are restored.

South County Fire investigators have not determined how the fire started, but noted it appeared to be accidental.

Highway 99 was shut down north and south between 238th and 240th while crews responded to the fire.

(The county line is 244th SW - N 205th in Shoreline- and street numbers get smaller as you go north in Snohomish county)



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Letter to the Editor: A thoughtful letter gives me hope for the future

To the Editor:

What a thoughtful, articulate Op Ed letter from Nara Kim. She makes some very important points regarding Shoreline City Council members not reaching out to high school students and keeping them informed. In a year or two these students will be voting. With young people like Nara Kim there is hope for our future.

Thank you, Nara, for caring about your community. I'm keeping my eye on you to do great things.

Dorothy Burns
Lake Forest Park



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Fatality collision last Sunday on SR 104

On Sunday, December 16, 2018, there was a fatality collision on Ballinger Way where it becomes NE 205th at the freeway.

A northbound vehicle (Vehicle 1) driven by 74 year old Anthony Aversano of Mountlake Terrace had exited the northbound freeway via the northeast cloverleaf. His intention was to turn left onto Ballinger Way.

An 89 year old driver from Edmonds (Vehicle 2) was traveling westbound on Ballinger when Mr. Aversano pulled out to make a left-hand turn.

Vehicle 2 struck vehicle one on the driver side rear door, spun and came to rest facing the wrong way in lane two. Vehicle 1 rotated, hit a street sign and came to rest on the median.

The driver of Vehicle 1, Mr. Aversano, was taken to Edmonds Swedish Hospital where he died on Thursday, December 20. The driver of Vehicle 2 was not injured.

The collision was investigated by Washington State Patrol.

The cause of the collision was determined to be "failure to yield." No charges were filed.



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Ridgecrest food drive has collected 614 pounds of food - against a goal of 1000

Thursday afternoon, volunteers from the Ridgecrest neighborhood association took another 108.8 lbs. of food to Hopelink. Their collective total is now 614.8 lbs.

The goal for this year is 1,000 lbs.

We could use everyone's help to reach our goal by the end of the day, December 31st.

Here is a way for you to collect additional donations: If you are attending or hosting a get-together with friends and/or family - ask them to bring donations of non-perishable food for the Food Drive.

Drop off non-perishable food items at Café Aroma, 509 NE 165th, 5:30am-6pm, 7 days a week. Or, drop off your donations at Ridgecrest Public House, 520 NE 165th, Mon - Wed from 4pm-Midnight, Thurs - Sun from 2pm- midnight.



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National History Day judges needed

Students review their NHD presentation
Photo by Don Wilson
Every year, middle and high school students from our area take part in a competition known as National History Day.

They conduct extensive research on a topic they choose, based on a national theme, and enter projects in one of five categories: research papers, performances, documentaries, websites, and exhibits.

It’s a valuable experience that teaches students not just about history, but about the process of doing research, and how to organize and present their findings.

The competition requires local volunteer judges, and that’s where you come in. Volunteers are needed to judge documentaries, exhibits, or performances at the regional contest, which takes place at Northshore Middle School in Bothell on March 9th.

Students doing a NHD performance
for the judges.
Photo by Don Wilson
If you are not free on that day, they also need people who can judge research papers or websites (which can be done at your convenience from home) during the month of February.

The good news is, you don’t have to be a historian to be a judge! You just have to be somebody with an interest in history … and in helping young people. You’ll probably also learn a thing or two from the students’ hard work.

The North Puget Sound History Day regional contest includes schools from Ballard and North Seattle, around the top of Lake Washington, to Bothell, Kenmore, and Woodinville. Winners from our region advance to the state competition, held in late April. The top finishers there participate in the National competition, held in June at the University of Maryland.

You can get more information about the contest and how you can participate HERE



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WeatherWatcher: 10 year anniversary of a snowy December

Shoreline, Washington on December 21, 2008
Photo by Carl Dinse

With famous nicknames as Snowpocalypse, or Snowmageddon, this was a time identified as the Seattle area's snowiest period since December 1990. Starting the evening of December 13 temperatures cooled and snow begin falling, bringing us our first taste of winter. We got close to 2 inches of snow overnight into December 14. It remained frozen until we thawed out the following weekend just barely on December 17.

Starting December 18 a more serious arctic air started spilling into the region bringing with it some renewed light snow accumulations. Low temperatures at the Shoreline station dipped to 16°F on December 19, and 13°F on December 20th.

December 20, 2008
Photo by Carl Dinse

A much stronger storm system moved in the evening of December 21st, bringing significant snowfall overnight and more cold air as well. Sea-Tac reported 6 inches of new snow overnight, but I believe we had closer to 8-9 inches in Shoreline from that storm. We had another storm system move through on Christmas Eve bringing us another fresh couple of inches of snow to insure a rare white Christmas.

Looking south from NE 198th St, on 7th Ave NE, Shoreline December 22, 2008.
Photo by Carl Dinse

Most of my photos during this time were taken after dark due to the short days and long work schedule I had. This was also a time before LED street lights, so we have the pink/orange glow in the sky from the sodium vapor street lighting.

I-5 From 195th St Pedestrian overpass, December 22, 2008
Photo by Carl Dinse

Can anyone else remember the last time they saw I-5 covered in compact snow and ice?

195th St Pedestrian I-5 overpass, December 22, 2008
Photo by Carl Dinse

After having nearly a solid two weeks of sub-freezing temperatures, there was close to 13" inches of snow on the ground in Shoreline. We started to warm up December 26th, and most of the snow was melted by New Years Day. This was not the last we saw of winter weather in the 2008-2009 winter season.


For current weather visit www.shorelineweather.com



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Photo: Well, this explains the storm!

Photo by Shelly Slavens Ehni


Reader Shelly Slavens Ehni says "I took this photo yesterday afternoon as the storm was ending. It shows what caused all the wind- a giant bird flapping its wings!"

It's good to understand the cause of these weather events.



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Museum begins construction on new building

Have you wondered what's happening at Linden and 185th on the Shoreline Historical Museum property? Construction has begun!

Sketch-up of Completed Building All Phases

The Shoreline Historical Museum ~ Heritage Center @ Shoreline has embarked on a project to construct a new collections facility and research center, to be followed by a campaign to complete new public spaces for exhibits, programs and meetings!

The construction will be done in phases. After Phase I is completed with the new colletions facility and research center, the Museum will begin to work on Phase II, of new exhibit, meeting and classroom spaces.

According to SHM board member Anina Coder Sill, fundraising has already begun for the second phase.

Be a part of the Next 100 Years – Click Here to help make history! Your donations are greatly appreciated. 

Ground breaking for new collections

Left to right: Former LFP Mayor Mary Jane Goss, 4Culture Heritage coordinator Eric Taylor, WA State Heritage Capital Projects Director Janet Rogerson, Museum Board President Kevin sill, and architect Les Tonkin get ready to break ground on the new collections facility.

The Shoreline Historical Museum is located at 18501 Linden Ave N, Shoreline 98133.



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There are still power outages in the area

12-22-18 1:10am

There are still people in our area who are without power. According to the City Light map, the outages all occurred on the 20th and 21st. 

The one in Lake Forest Park is an equipment failure and they don't list the cause for the others. The exception is an outage in Innis Arden where the cause is "dig up." Anyone know what that is?

Hope everyone gets back online soon!




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Shop handmade holiday gifts at the Gallery at Town Center


Take care of your last minute holiday shopping and support community arts at the same time! 

The Arts Council’s Gallery at Town Center has a great assortment of handmade items by 80+ local artists, including jewelry, ceramics, greeting cards, wall art, and more. 



Located conveniently in the Lower Level of Lake Forest Park Town Center, 17171 Bothell Way NE.

Hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm-5pm throughout the year and Sundays, 11am-4pm during the holiday season (after Thanksgiving through the Sunday after Christmas). 



If you’re making a special trip on a Sunday, please call first to make sure we’re open. 206-588-8332.



The Gallery at Town Center is a program of the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to cultivate creativity and inspire our community through the arts.



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