Furloughed federal workers should stay alert to avoid shutdown scams

Saturday, January 19, 2019


From the office of the Washington State Attorney General


Resources are available for federal employees in Washington who are furloughed or working without pay, and other workers who are affected by the partial federal government shutdown, to help them make financial decisions and avoid scams associated with the shutdown.

Consumers who wish to make a complaint to the Attorney General’s Office about a business operating in Washington State may do so HERE.

Payday loans and tax refund advances

If you have missed paychecks as a result of the shutdown, you may be considering loans or tax refund advances to help make ends meet.

Consumers considering payday loans or tax refund advances should thoroughly investigate the costs of the loan or advance and consider less costly options, which may include:
  • Obtaining a small loan from a bank or credit union. Many financial institutions are offering low- or no-interest loans to furloughed federal employees
  • Considering a short-term loan from a family member or friend
  • Asking your creditors for additional time to pay your bills
  • Freezing subscription services you can do without for a short period, such as streaming services or gym memberships

A payday loan is a high-interest, short-term cash loan. In most cases, a consumer gives the lender a post-dated personal check for the amount of the loan plus a fee. The lender holds the check for an agreed period (usually one to four weeks), then deposits it.

The fees on payday loans typically represent exorbitantly high interest rates. For example, if a lender charges a fee of $100 to make a $1,000 loan for two weeks, the annual percentage rate of the loan is 260 percent. This is more than 15 times as high as the average credit card rate of approximately 17 percent.

The Washington Department of Financial Institutions has additional information for consumers considering payday loans on its website.

A tax refund advance — also called a refund anticipation loan — is a type of loan offered to advance part of an anticipated tax refund to a consumer.

Such loans may appear attractive to taxpayers who are concerned about the shutdown delaying their tax refunds. 

However, these loans often come with fees that make them more expensive than they appear. Some tax preparers promote tax refund advances as free, but charge application or credit-check fees, or charge higher fees for preparing tax returns. Loans that anticipate the arrival of the refund (and repayment of the loan) by a certain date may have penalties that kick in if the refund is delayed.

The Federal Trade Commission has useful information on its website for dealing with debt.

Student loan repayment

The partial shutdown does not affect your obligation to make timely student loan payments.

If you are struggling to make your student loan payments during the shutdown, you should carefully consider your options. 

While you may be able to temporarily postpone making your payments through deferment or forbearance, doing so will likely increase your monthly payments when the forbearance or deferral period ends. 

This is because interest will continue to accrue on unpaid amounts, and you will have to pay interest on the unpaid interest going forward.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Education has warned borrowers working toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness that periods of deferment or forbearance will not count toward the 120 payments needed to qualify for loan forgiveness.

Borrowers concerned about falling behind on their payments should contact their student loan servicers to discuss repayment options. The U.S. Department of Education has additional information for furloughed federal employees on its website.

Telemarketing calls

Consumers should be extra vigilant about unsolicited or automatic calls from telemarketers and scammers during the shutdown because many of the federal agencies that regulate these calls are unavailable.

For example, the national Do Not Call list is not operating during the shutdown, so consumers cannot add their phone numbers to that list.

Consumers should not respond to unsolicited calls or texts offering loans or other solicitations related to the government shutdown, and should never give personal or financial information to such a caller. 

For example, telemarketing calls indicating to federal employees that they are pre-approved for loans that require nothing more than payment of a processing fee are likely not legitimate, as no reputable lender would offer loans without checking a borrower’s credit.

Unemployment benefits

Consumers should be wary of offers to expedite unemployment benefits for furloughed federal workers for a fee.

If you are interested in applying for or obtaining information about unemployment benefits, contact the Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) directly. ESD has a webpage that answers questions about unemployment benefits related to the shutdown, and can be reached by phone at 800-318-6022.

Fake job postings and work-from-home scams

If you are looking for temporary work during the shutdown, beware of fake job postings or work-from-home offers that require application fees or other costs.

Do some research about any company you are considering working for, and ask to speak to other employees. You can find information on any business entity in Washington on the Secretary of State’s website.

Consumers who wish to make a complaint to the Attorney General’s Office about a business operating in Washington State may do so HERE.

The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the state of Washington with attorneys and staff in 27 divisions across the state providing legal services to roughly 200 state agencies, boards and commissions.



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Kiss sculpture being relocated within Ronald Bog park

Friday, January 18, 2019


Sound Transit is offsetting impacts to wetlands as a result of light rail construction in Shoreline by creating new wetlands at Ronald Bog Park on N 175th and I-5. (see previous article)

The first step in constructing the Ronald Bog Wetland Mitigation Site is to move Michael Sweeney’s The Kiss to a new location within the park.

The Kiss
Michael Sweeney, artist
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline
Starting today, Sound Transit will construct a new earthen mound approximately 200 feet east from the sculpture's current location and then carefully transfer the sculpture to the new mound.

Construction of the wetland mitigation site is expected to begin in summer 2019.

A few parking stalls will be temporarily occupied for construction use. A temporary road access will be installed for equipment access to work site.

The work area will be marked and fenced off from public access. Work will occur from 7am - 4pm, Monday – Friday and take approximately five weeks to complete.

Contacts
  • Outreach Specialist: My Nguyen, lynnwoodlink@soundtransit.org or 206-398-5300.
  • After-hours construction hotline: 1-888-298-2395.
  • King County Public Art Collection: Jordan Howland, Jordan.howland@4culture.org or 206-263-1589


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Joe Campagna sworn in as Shoreline District Court judge

Joe Campagna is sworn in by
Supreme Court Justice Sheryl McCloud
Photo by Steven H. Anderson

On Tuesday, January 15, 2019, Joe Campagna was sworn in as the newest judge on the Shoreline District Court.

Joe takes the position formerly held by Doug Smith, who retired after 30 years on the bench. The second District Court judge is Marcine Anderson. Both justices live in Shoreline.

Judge Campagna and Mira
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
The ceremony was presided over by Donna Tucker, Chief Presiding Judge, District Courts, and attended by a courtroom full of judges, attorneys, and family, and half a dozen toddlers, including the Campagna's 4 year old daughter Mira.

The oath of office was administered by Supreme Court Justice Sheryl McCloud.

A friend and associate of Joe's flew in from New York City, where he is an attorney for the ACLU. He spoke of how no matter what the task at hand, Joe would always do "more."

Joe, in an emotional speech, thanked his wife Margaretta for her unfailing support, not hesitating to jump into a campaign with a tiny, new baby. He thanked his extended family for their support as well as the judges, and city councilmembers who supported his campaign.

"The District Court is most citizens' primary contact with the American judiciary system," Joe said. "I am humbled and honored to be elected to this position and look forward to starting work tomorrow!"


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Shorewood Booster Auction and Dinner Mar 9

The Shorewood Booster Auction is on March 9th! 

A full dinner auction event at Shorewood High School, 17300 Fremont Ave N, including wine, spirits and games. 

Ticket sales are now live. REGISTER HERE (to purchase tickets)

Come enjoy a fun night of community and fundraising! Our kids in this community want to engage in extracurricular clubs and sports, and we have the opportunity to help them do that.

You don't have to have a Shorewood student, we still want you to come and get involved. See what you can do to help these kids succeed as leaders, athletes and community participants!

We hope to see you on Saturday, March 9th at 6pm.

Questions? Contact vice-president@shorewoodboosters.com




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Parent Map's North Sound Preschool Preview Jan 27 at Shoreline Community College

Stop in and play awhile. 

Bring the family to ParentMap's FREE Preschool Preview events. 

While they explore and play, check out all the best local preschools in your area and pick the right fit for your child.

Our Preschool Preview resource fairs create vital in-person connections between parents and educational opportunities in your community. 

It's like speed dating — to pick a preschool! Discover dozens of early learning options and community programs in one convenient spot.

North Sound Preschool Preview (register here)
Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019
Shoreline Community College, Shoreline

If you're coming let us know! Although our Preschool Preview events are free to all, we would appreciate your taking a moment to register to help in our planning.




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Senior Citizen technology help day Monday

Want some help?
We have teenagers
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, please contact Curtis Campbell at curtis.campbell@shorelineschools.org or 206-393-4412.



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Pollet puts legislative focus on local government, education, taxes

State Rep. Gerry Pollet
By Evan Smith

Democratic State Rep. Gerry Pollet says that he will emphasize local government, education and the state tax system in the legislative session that started Monday.

The local government element comes with his leadership post on the Local Government Committee in the House of Representatives.

“As Chair of the Local Government Committee, I will be working to provide our local cities, counties, fire, water and sewer districts with the resources they need to protect public safety and provide the services that residents expect,” Pollet said last week.

The education element comes from his concern for a need to keep working on state support for public schools.

“Our schools continue to face a financial cliff with inadequate funding to provide our students key elements of ‘basic education,’’ despite the Supreme Court ruling that this is the state's responsibility,” he said. 
“Districts face a shortfall of hundreds of millions of dollars every year in state funding to lower class sizes and pay for special education and bilingual education. Districts are no longer allowed to fund basic education with local levy dollars. What are our school districts supposed to do? 
"A top priority of mine is legislation to fully fund basic education.”

Paying for all of this leads to his focus on the state’s tax system.

“We also have to make our tax system more fair –- closing massive tax loopholes and taxing wealth instead of relying on regressive sales and property taxes,” Pollet said.

“I will be supporting a capital gains tax on large investments (not including homes or retirement accounts) to reduce state school property taxes and provide relief for seniors on limited incomes.”

He is a member of both the Appropriations Committee and the Committee on College and Workforce Development.

His focus on education extends to providing money to help students pay for college.

“I will be introducing a new Washington Promise to allow all qualified low and middle income students to attend college without debt, along with legislation to provide for our community and four year colleges to have evidence-based programs to help students stay in school and complete degrees or work force certificate programs,” he said.

He added that another area of his work on higher education will include legislation to stop for-profit colleges and vocational schools from defrauding students or pushing them into massive student-loan debts that they will never be able to repay.

“While I succeeded in passing legislation to start regulating the for-profit colleges a year ago, the Trump Administration has eliminated essential protections for student consumers which we need to replace with state-level protections, he said.

A local issue he said he will work on is legislation he will introduce to “protect the public from noxious and toxic odors from the Kenmore asphalt plant alongside the Burke Gilman Trail and Lake Washington.

“For too long, industry has been shielded by a state law preventing the City of Kenmore and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency from processing complaints from people exposed to the odors while on the Burke-Gilman Trail or at Town Center.”


Pollet represents the 46th Legislative District including Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and North and Northeast Seattle.


Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com



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Easy ways to safely dispose of medications

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Drug drop at QFC Pharmacy at 4-Corners
Business District on RB Road in Shoreline
Photo by Eric C. Kaminetzky
By Diane Hettrick

There are a lot of good reasons not to keep old prescriptions around the house.

Here are a few:
  1. Anyone that thinks a child can't get in to a "childproof cap" hasn't been around children. The only ones who have trouble getting in are adults.
  2. Teens making bad decisions, getting in to your medicine cabinet. So your teen is ok - what about his friends - or the new babysitter? Don't contribute to the opioid crisis.
  3. The water is already full of viagra - don't add your meds by flushing drugs down the toilet.
  4. And don't throw them in the garbage or compost either. That goes in the ground, the drugs leach into the soil, and it all ends up in the water anyway.

Public Health has made it easier to safely dispose of unused and expired medication – including prescription painkillers – by setting up over 100 Drop Boxes at participating pharmacies and law enforcement agencies throughout the county.

"We’ve just launched a program for people to find the nearest drop box. Text the word MEDS to 667-873. You’ll then enter your zip code for the nearest location."

This system works so well that I looked everything up for local places. 

The common theme seems to be QFC Pharmacies, police stations, and some medical offices.

Shoreline
  • Shoreline Police station - 17500 Midvale Ave N 98133
  • ICHS Shoreline Pharmacy 16549 Aurora Ave N 98133
  • QFC Pharmacy 600 NW Richmond Beach Road 98177
  • QFC Pharmacy 1531 NE 145th St Seattle 98155
Lake Forest Park
  • LFP Police station 17425 Ballinger Way NE 98155
Kenmore
  • Kenmore Police at Kenmore City Hall 18120 68th NE 98028
  • Ostrom's Drug and Gift 6404 NE Bothell Way Kenmore 98028
Northgate
  • Kaiser Permanente Northgate Medical Center 9800 4th Ave NE Seattle 98115
  • Northgate QFC 11100 Roosevelt Way NE Seattle 98125
  • Northwest Prescriptions 1536 N 115th St, Ste 100 Seattle 98133

Corrected address for Shoreline Police

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Destinations: SVER – Epic Nordic Folk! January 19 at Phinney Center

SVER
Seattle Folklore Society and Skandia Folkdance Society present:

SVER – Epic Nordic Folk! January 19, 2019 7:30 – 10pm

SVER, the Epic Nordic Folk band, is back for a new album release concert and music workshops, co-sponsored by Seattle Folklore Society and Skandia Folkdance Society. Get your tickets early! Their concert was super popular the last time they were in town.

SVER has its own take on traditional Norwegian folk music. They play original compositions as well as traditional tunes with fantastic, fresh arrangements, all rooted in the folk tradition. SVER’s energy and magnetic spirit will draw you in to experience the joy of their music.

SVER consists of Olav Luksengård Mjelva from Røros in the Sør-Trøndelag region of Norway (fiddle and hardanger fiddle), Anders Hall from Sweden (fiddle and viola), Leif Ingvar Ranøien (diatonic accordion), Adam Johansson (guitar) and Jens Linell from Sweden (Drums and percussion).

“SVER has an enviable reputation for being one of the best live bands on the circuit.” – Fiona Talkington, Songlines

Join us for an evening of engaging and energetic Scandinavian music!

Brown Paper Tickets

Tickets are $20/$18/$10 in advance on Brown Paper Tickets and with no service charge at previous SFS concerts. SFS, Skandia and Phinney members receive the member rate. Tickets are $2 additional at the door. 1-800-838-3006. Doors open 30 minutes before the show. Phinney Center Concert Hall, Brick Building 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle 98103.




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BECU Foundation accepting applications for scholarships

BECU Foundation is currently accepting applications for its annual scholarships!

This year, the BECU Foundation is recognizing and awarding $2,500 scholarships to full-time high school seniors and undergraduates currently enrolled in an accredited two-year, four-year, or technical college or university, who play an active role in giving back to their community.

A few additional facts include:

  • This year, each awarded scholarship is renewable for two years ($5,000 total). With the help of our business partners, member donations and fundraising activities, we award a minimum of 25 scholarships each year.
  • In 2018, the BECU Foundation awarded 80 student members either $2,500 or $3,500 scholarships each to use toward their post-secondary degree programs. Scholarships recognize the student’s service in their school or community, leadership potential and academic achievements.
  • Since 1995, the BECU Foundation has awarded more than $2.6 million in scholarships to more than 1,079 student members.
  • Volunteer activities have included science interpretation for the Pacific Science Center, mentoring elementary students, and providing food to homeless youth, to name a few.

For more information on eligibility and to access the online application form, please visit the webpage. Note that applications are due by 11:59pm PST on Thursday, February 28, 2019.




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Sound Transit Bus Rapid Transit public drop-in sessions

Sound Transit will be conducting public drop-in sessions to view the latest Shoreline South/145th Station concept.

Learn how Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service could change traffic lane configurations along NE 145th Street.

Please join your neighbors on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church 14724 1st Ave NE anytime from 1:00 - 8:00pm.

Visit the Sound Transit website for more information.

If you are unable to drop-in on January 30, a similar drop-in meeting will be held in Kenmore on January 31, 2019.



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Gonzaga University academic honors for Fall semester 2018

Students must be enrolled in 12 or more academic credits to be eligible for the lists and courses in which the department has predetermined with the Satisfactory/Non Satisfactory (S/NS) grading option will count in the 12 credits. Please note that students or parents who have marked their records confidential are not included.

President's List - Students must earn a 3.85 to 4.0 grade-point average to be listed.

Shoreline

Brajcich, Robert
Chen, Abigail
Christianson, Andrew
Ernst, Lindsey
Foley, Tessa
Hansen, Rachel
McCurdy, Morgan
Wymer, Jessica

Lake Forest Park

Peters, Schuyler
Strathy, Emily

Kenmore

Brummer, Shani
Rauch, Emily
Turner, Lucy

Dean's List - Students must earn a 3.50 to 3.84 grade-point average to be listed.

Shoreline

Ebel, Holly
Forinash, Simon
Glesener, Eden
Jacobs, Spencer
Jencks, India
Leon, Julia
Rivera-Zepeda, Dulce
Schultz, Garett
Tjaden, Emily
Yandl, Teresa

Lake Forest Park

Farnam, Tessa
Giroux, Rachel
Halkett, Audrey
Pinkley, Alexandra
Pinkley, Garrison
Viviano, Sophia

Kenmore

Brejda, Caleb
Erickson Rios, Roberto
Hoffman, Ethan
Meyer, Cody
Milner, Maxwell
Samuelson, Rebecca


Gonzaga University is a private Catholic, Jesuit, and humanistic university providing education to more than 7,800 students. Situated along the Spokane River near downtown Spokane, Washington, Gonzaga is routinely recognized among the West's best comprehensive regional universities. Gonzaga offers 75 fields of study, 26 master's degrees, doctorate degrees in leadership studies and nursing, and a juris doctor degree through the School of Law.



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Local 104 mural - Flashback vehicle identified - sort of

Photo by Judith Muilenburg
Mural by Andy Eccleshall
Local 104 in LFP


By Diane Hettrick

We published this photo alongside one out of Judith Muilenburg's photo album (see previous article). Knowing there are many classic car buffs around, I asked readers to identify the car.

Responses were not unanimous. Chevy - yes, mid-1950s - yes. The specific year and model were more challenging but most said 1956 or 1957.

I checked with Local 104 and discovered that the mural artist was Andy Eccleshall of The Mural Works in Edmonds. Andy is the artist for the "Echo in Time" mural of Echo Lake history on the Holyrood wall by Ballinger Commons, across from Lake Ballinger.

So I went to the source and asked Andy what car it was. He had to look it up.

Andy says the car is a "stylized representation of a late 50s Chevy Impala wagon, though it could also be a Chevy Belair wagon or Chevy Brookwood wagon from the same era. There are a lot of similarities from the front. I've taken a few liberties with it though."

So apparently you are all correct. Good job!


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Second sinkhole opens on NE 205th


One large sinkhole resulted where the water main break occurred on the north side of the street and a second sinkhole was created on the south side of the street with the water main exposed. The roadway between the two sinkholes is unstable.


MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — An old cast iron water main broke early this morning in Mountlake Terrace on the King/Snohomish County line (205th Street NE/244th Street SW) at 43rd Place W. The water travelled under the asphalt, undermining the road and resulting in two sinkholes. (see previous article)


The break is on NE 205th between 45th where the green park ends and 37th. All the streets have two names - one in each county. So the two sinkholes are actually on 244th St SW in Mountlake Terrace and NE 205th in Shoreline. 37th Ave NE becomes Cedar Way as it crosses 205th/244th.


Road closures include 244th Street SW between 45th Avenue W and Cedar Way in Mountlake Terrace, and NE 205th Street between 33rd and 37th Avenues in Lake Forest Park.

Crews have been on site assessing the damage and making repairs. Residents of 43rd Avenue W are currently without water and the Department of Ecology was notified of sediment that was carried into Lyon Creek.

The situation is ongoing and at this time, the roadway will be closed at least overnight. Stay tuned for additional updates as more information becomes available. Updates will be posted on the the website for Mountlake Terrace, City of Mountlake Terrace Government on Facebook, and CityofMLT on Twitter.


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Sinkhole on NE 205th in Lake Forest Park - find alternate routes

Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park
NE 205th Street is closed between 33rd Ave NE and 35th Ave NE due to a sinkhole caused by a broken water main. 

This is the county line and Mountlake Terrace has jurisdiction - at least over the water main. Their public works department is on scene.

LFP advises that this will likely be a long closure so please plan on using an alternate route.

This may have been a long-standing problem. A resident reported that "Water has been leaking out of the street in that spot since I was a kid. We would slide down it in the winter when it would freeze."


The break is on NE 205th between 45th where the green park ends and 37th. All the streets have two names - one in each county. So this sinkhole is actually on 244th St SW in Mountlake Terrace and the second one (see article) is on NE 205th in Shoreline.

37th Ave NE becomes Cedar Way as it crosses 205th/244th.

Updated with map 1-19-2019



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Photo: How cold was it?

Photo by Heather McLaughlin


It was definitely a bit colder, but this seems just a bit exaggerated. 

The sign is at Gateway Plaza, corner of N 185th and Aurora.



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Coyote kills dog in Lake Forest Park

Over the weekend, a coyote attacked and killed a dog in LFP. (See map of the exact location).

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife's website has good information and tips for dealing with this issue.

Please keep your pets on a leash and under your control at all times. 
Don’t feed wild animals!

Additionally, here are some tips from the LFP Wildlife Management Plan:

When urban wildlife becomes comfortable in the close proximity of humans, it may be necessary to modify their behavior to avoid conflict with humans and pets. Hazing is the process that facilitates this change and is by necessity a community response to encounters with wildlife. The more often an individual animal is hazed, the more effective hazing is in changing the animal’s behavior.

Hazing employs immediate use of deterrents to move an animal out of an area or discourage undesirable behavior or activity. Deterrents include loud noises such as whistles and horns, spraying water, bright lights, throwing objects, and shouting. Hazing can help maintain an animal’s fear of humans and discourage them from neighborhoods and public areas. Hazing does not harm animals, humans, or property.

Hazing should never injure the animal. An animal injured by hazing becomes less predictable and may respond aggressively. Hazing is not necessary when an animal is already trying to avoid the encounter by leaving the area or taking a concealed position at a distance, especially in a wildlife habitat area such as forest or other large open spaces.

Coyote walking down the path in Grace Cole
Photo by Sara Lorimer 2012
Hazing and behavioral change

Some urban coyotes have become comfortable in close proximity to people. To safely coexist, it’s important to modify this behavior and attitude in resident coyote populations. Urban coyote behavior needs to be reshaped to encourage coyotes to avoid contact with humans and pets.

Hazing is the process that facilitates this change and is by necessity a community response to encounters with coyotes. The more often an individual animal is hazed, the more effective hazing is in changing coyote behavior.

Hazing employs immediate use of deterrents to move an animal out of an area or discourage undesirable behavior or activity. Deterrents include loud noises, spraying water, bright lights, throwing objects, and shouting. Hazing can help maintain coyotes’ fear of humans and discourage them from neighborhoods such as backyards and play areas. Hazing does not harm or damage animals, humans or property. Behavioral change also involves human activities such as how to identify and remove attractants and how to responsibly protect pets.

See attachment for more details.



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Destinations: Model railroad show at Pacific Science Center this weekend


All aboard! The Model Railroad Show is back for its 45th year. Join us from January 19 to 21, 2019, Saturday through Monday, to meet dozens of model railroaders and experience these magical displays.

The Model Railroad big event is this coming weekend at the Pacific Science Center at Seattle Center 200 Second Ave N, Seattle 98109. 206-443-2001. (under the five white arches near the Space Needle, at the corner of Denny and Broad.)

There will be several local Model Railroad clubs at the PSC that are members of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA).

Shoreline resident Dennis Terpstra
with grandkids Toren and Talia
You can even volunteer! Check out this info.

The show features several opportunities to operate trains: youngsters can drive loop tracks and older children and adults on railcar delivery layouts.

The Pacific Northwest Public Transportation Museum will have a large display of historical photographs and memorabilia.

Visit the Northwest Railway Museum’s information table to learn more about their activities for young people. The museum, located in Snoqualmie and North Bend, offers rides during much of the year and hosts Thomas the Tank Engine each summer.

When you go, look for Shoreline resident Dennis Terpstra. He has been running model trains for years and rarely misses a Northwest show.

The 45th Model Railroad Show is included with the price of general admission and is FREE for Pacific Science Center Members.




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Meridian Park Neighbors invited to Potluck on Jan 15th, MLK Day, at Meridian Park Elementary



Meridian Park Neighborhood Association and Meridian Park PTSA are co-sponsoring the first annual community potluck for the neighborhood on MLK Day, January 21st, 4-7pm. Besides the opportunity to share dinner, neighbors of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in themed activities/crafts honoring Martin Luther King's work, and a neighborhood-themed scavenger hunt.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share with 6 neighbors. The potluck event will be held in the Cafetorium at Meridian Park Elementary School, located at the corner of Meridian Ave. N and N 175th St. Free Parking is available in the lot in front of the school.

The Cafetorium is located behind the main building by the parking lot, and is accessed by walking around the sidewalk to the left of the main entrance. The event is free and all neighbors are welcome.

For more information, email meridianparkna@gmail.com or call Cynthia Knox 206-218-3302.


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City of Shoreline seeks applicants for AWC Center for Quality Communities Scholarship

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

The City of Shoreline is now accepting applications for the AWC Center for Quality Communities Scholarship fund.

Scholarships are available through a statewide competitive process for students who are actively engaged in their city government and/or community and plan to attend post-secondary school in the fall of 2019. The City will nominate one of the applicants from Shoreline to compete with students from across the State.

Students interested in competing for the Center for Quality Communities scholarships must be:
  • Involved (or have been involved) with a city government, community, and/or school leadership activity;
  • Eligible to graduate from high school, complete home school, or receive a GED in spring/summer 2019;
  • A City of Shoreline resident; and
  • Plan to continue education in the 2019-2020 academic year at an accredited college, community college, or trade school on a half-time or more basis.

You can find information and application materials HERE. Completed applications are due no later than 5:00pm Wednesday, February 20. Submit completed materials to Communications Program Manager Eric Bratton at ebratton@shorelinewa.gov.

The Center for Quality Communities promotes municipal leadership development and civic engagement. The Center’s goal is to develop a broad public understanding of the important role of cities and towns play in Washington. The Center is a 501(c)(3) organization.



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Shoreline girl to receive award at ML King event in Edmonds

Sarah in front of the Edwin Pratt Early Learning Center
Photo by Jane Wiebe


Eleven year old Sarah Haycock of Shoreline will be honored during the Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 21, 2019 at Edmonds Center for the Arts.

Sarah led a successful campaign to have the Shoreline School District's new early learning center (see previous story) named for civil right leader Edwin Pratt, who was assassinated outside his Shoreline home on January 26, 1969.

At the time of his death, the 38-year-old Pratt was serving as executive director of the Seattle Urban League, working to end housing discrimination in Seattle area and to desegregate Seattle schools.

When he moved to Shoreline in 1959, his was the first black family in the area.

Pratt was fatally shot by a hit man who fled the scene in a car with two others. The murder was never officially solved.

Sarah will be the first recipient of the Edmonds-based Lift Every Voice Legacy’s Beloved Community Award for her efforts to champion the work and life of Pratt.

Edwin and Bettye Pratt and daughter Miriam


The award during the January 21 evening program will be co-presented by Pratt’s daughter, Miriam Pratt Glover.

“Sarah is the perfect model of inspiring a Beloved Community,” said Donnie Griffin, the Lift Every Voice Legacy’s founding principal and an Edmonds resident. 
“By lifting the legacy of an impactful community leader who sacrificed his life for justice and equity for all of us, we learn adult-like lessons from an 11-year-old on values of building a caring community that doesn’t succumb to hateful behavior and social and cultural isolation. We are all in it together.”

The Lift Every Voice Legacy is presenting both a morning and evening program Monday, January 21 to honor the works of Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community. In this first-ever event in Edmonds, the program will seek to encourage, inspire and engage its audience through avenues of song, spoken word and dance.

A Beloved Community – Morning Program for children, youth and families will run from 10am to noon at the Edmonds Center for the Arts. Admission to the morning program is free.

General admission tickets for the evening program, which starts at 7:30pm, are $10; $5 for students; and $12 day of the event. For tickets and information, contact the ECA Box Office at 425-275-9595 or online HERE.

Edmonds Center for the Arts is located at 410 4th Ave N, Edmonds.

See previous story for details about the event.



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House fire in Ridgecrest Wednesday

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire


Residential structure fire at 5th Ave NE and NE 151st in the Ridgecrest neighborhood late Wednesday afternoon, January 16, 2019. There were no injuries. The home had working smoke alarms.

The home is uninhabitable and Red Cross has responded to assist the occupants.



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First class postal rates increase Jan 27

Photo by Linda Gottschalk Van Citters


Postal rates for a first class letter will go up 5 cents on January 27, so now is a good time to buy some forever stamps.

There are so many great stamp designs, it's hard to choose. They are like traveling art.

Now here's the fine print:

First Class Mail Letters
  • The First Class Mail letter (1 oz.) rate for postage purchased at the Post Office is increasing by five cents to $0.55 from $0.50.
  • Each additional ounce for a First Class Mail letter will cost an extra $0.15 (a decrease from $0.21 in 2018).
  • First Class Mail Flats/Large Envelope rates are not increasing in 2019, remaining at $1.00 (1 oz.), with additional ounces costing $0.15.
  • Postcard rates are also not increasing in 2019, remaining at $0.35.
  • Customers who print postage online (via Stamps.com), the Metered Mail rate will now be a 5 cent discount compared to the Post Office price with rates increasing to $0.50 in 2019 from $0.47 currently.
  • Each additional ounce will cost an extra $0.15 in 2019, a decrease from $0.21 currently.
  • The five cent discount for online postage on a one-ounce First Class Mail letter represents a savings of 9% for consumers and small business owners.


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Shoreline City Council Meeting Notes for January 14, 2019

Shoreline City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Shoreline City Council Meeting Notes for January 14, 2019
By Pam Cross

Councilmember Scully, Mayor pro tem, called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.

Mayor Hall was excused for personal business. Deputy Mayor Salomon has submitted his resignation. All other councilmembers were present.

Councilmember Scully proclaimed January 21, 2019 as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. He presented the Proclamation to Stephanie Johnson-Tolliver, Carol Peoples-Procter, and J. Paul Blake from the Black Heritage Society of Washington.

David Francis, Shoreline Public Arts Coordinator, spoke about the upcoming visual art exhibition “Living the Dream, Dreaming the Life: Edwin Pratt in the 21st Century.” Edwin Pratt was the first black homeowner in Shoreline during the post-war Eisenhower years. The exhibition will run from January 26th to April 26th.

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry.

  • Middle School Dance Night at Richmond Highlands Rec Center Friday, Jan 18 from 7:00pm to 11:00pm. The event is free.
  • Volunteers are needed for park work parties Saturdays Jan 19 and 26 at Twin Ponds and RB Saltwater Park. Check the City’s web calendar for times, meeting locations and other details.
  • The Opening Reception for the Edwin Pratt exhibit mentioned above will be held Saturday, Jan 26, 6:30-9:00pm in the lobby of Shoreline City Hall. Food and beverages and art exhibit will be on the 3rd floor.

Public Reminders:

  • Planning Commission will meet at 7:00pm Thursday, Jan 17th in the Council Chamber.
  • In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, City Hall will be closed Monday, Jan 21st and there will be no Council Meeting.
  • PRCS/Tree Board will meet on Thursday, Jan 24th at 7:00pm in room 303.

Council Reports

Councilmember McConnell attended the SeaShore Transportation Meeting. WSDOT stated that, in spite of the widely held belief that adding more “lane miles” will ease traffic problems, it is not the solution. We can never create enough lane miles to solve the congestion. Instead, there is a need for more creative use of public transportation. (Lane-mile is defined as a measure of the total length of traveled pavement surface. It is the centerline length (in miles) multiplied by the number of lanes.

Councilmember McGlashan attended the Elected Leadership Group for Sound Transit, which includes elected officials from Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell and Woodinville. As ST works to cut some of the projects, each city is working to keep the projects they view as most important. For Shoreline, that means 145th. ST wants to remove one stop for Rapid Transit at 25th and 145th, and shorten improvements on 145th from 5th NE to 17th NE. We want them to continue to at least 20th NE.  McGlashan offered kudos to Shoreline staff for suggesting roundabouts that ST was not considering but has now indicated they will think about.

Councilmember Roberts attended the Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee meeting.
Roberts also, with Councilmember McConnell, attended the Multicultural Elected Officials meeting and there was a discussion of the First Annual African American Male Wellness Walk taking place in Renton on July 20th. The group encouraged Shoreline to think about sponsoring or promoting the event in our community.

Councilmember Scully attended the All Home Advisory Board meeting. They discussed the creation of a central agency in King County with the goal of coordinating and centralizing relief efforts for addressing homelessness.

Public Comment
Robin McClelland presented a request to add 6,000 square feet of dedicated space for senior programs to the Pool and Recreation Center plans. The space must include a full commercial kitchen. She cited the growing number of seniors in the community and stated that the $5.7M additional cost will barely increase the expense to the taxpayers.

There were no other speakers.

The Agenda and the Consent Calendar were approved unanimously.

Action Item 8(a) 
Authorizing the City Manager to Award an Option to Lease the City Owned 198th Property to Community Psychiatric Clinic for Affordable Housing and Supportive Services

Staff presentation: Nathan Daum
There was a brief summary of the timeline and a reminder that the lease is for 99 years at a rate of $1/year. If all goes according to plan, construction is scheduled for October 2019 and occupancy for August 2020.

The project is ready to move into the financing phase. The Community Psychiatric Clinic (CPC) is submitting an application for Low Income Housing Tax Credit (over 95% of low income housing uses this tax credit). CPC is so committed to this project that they have invested just over $7.5M.

There were no questions and the Motion was passed unanimously.

Study Item 
(a) Discussion of Ordinance No. 839 – Amending the Shoreline Municipal Code to Expand the Deep Green Incentive Program (DGIP)
Staff presentation: Miranda Redinger

In 2013 Council adopted the Climate Action Plan that set greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. Towards meeting those targets, Council adopted a green building mandate for mixed use residential zones (MUR) around the future light rail stations. The mandate was very successful with 168 projects registered in 2018.

In 2017 Council adopted the Deep Green Incentive Program (DGIP). The first application will arrive this week.

Although the mandate in MUR is working, a mandate for commercial buildings outside of MUR may delay or prevent redevelopment because of different market forces.

A less stringent option for qualifying for DGIP was proposed. The various Green Building programs were compared for the City by Rushing and Co since such a comparison was not available at the time. Staff also requested feedback from several market rate developers such as Merlone Geier, potential developer of Shoreline Place (former site of Sears), green building certification agencies, and King County.

Among other incentives, DGIP provides potential reductions to minimum parking regulations. However, using the parking reductions of DGIP, there is only a 5% reduction for the newly added (and most easily achieved) green building. To attract commercial developers, the Planning Commission introduced the idea of making the parking incentives cumulative. Zone, proximity to transit, affordable housing, and level of green building would all be used.

Questions from Council

Councilmember Chang has concerns about making parking incentives cumulative. Although a building may be near transit, we do not have the necessary transit infrastructure within Shoreline. People still own and need cars. Also neighborhood parking is affected by spillover parking. Ms. Redinger mentioned there has been only one incentive applicant in the 18 months DGIP has been in effect. But this is not a concern for Chang because Seattle’s results are very low as well, especially considering that city’s size. Redinger also mentioned modeling vs. performance measures - is it possible that the performance measure strengthens the developer’s desire to fully comply?

Answer:
The main difference between robust modeling vs performance measure is how long it takes to certify. Performance measures need to fit into the City’s permitting process because once the City has issued the Certificate of Occupancy, the City’s process is done. There is no process for re-activating the process in a year or so to evaluate performance. Modeling, on the other hand, requires only a letter from the third party verifier stating the tests have been completed and the building will meet the certification. This is done when the City is issuing the final. Certificate of Occupancy. 

Councilmember McGlashan prefers incentives over mandates. As respects parking, he recounted concerns about traffic when SHAG (Senior Housing Assistance Group) had their project in Shoreline. SHAG has data on all of their projects and about 70% of their occupants don’t have cars. They are close to transit, offer vehicles for residents to use, and offer transportation to stores. At the same time McGlashan does not want spillover parking to create neighborhood problems.

Councilmember Roberts also agrees with incentives over mandates as we work towards protecting our local environment and our planet. Roberts feels there is a better chance of getting greener buildings with incentives. It’s possible the developer will choose the lowest available mandate, but with incentives may target higher rated green construction. Roberts also agrees with the proposal for cumulative parking incentives because not every commercial developer is going to want the minimum parking. In other parts of the code it is stated you must bundle parking with units. That is, you cannot make a separate charge for parking since that encourages tenants to save the additional cost by parking on the street. He believes we will see improvements in our transit infrastructure.

Councilmember McConnell doesn’t think it’s that important to measure performance. If you are building a structure that is, by definition, “green” then it is achieving the goal of saving resources. Well crafted incentives are better than mandates and reward the developer where it counts: the pocketbook.

Councilmember Chang requested clarification of what is being discussed. Building codes have changed dramatically because of huge changes in the Energy Code, making a big difference from the original construction of the building. What are we incentivizing?

Answer: we are talking about adding a lower level (more attainable) green option. And while the Washington State Energy Code continues to change, the green building programs are updated with those changes in order to maintain their relative “greenness.” More importantly, the green building programs have a more holistic approach than building codes, focusing on materials, water, salmon and stormwater, use of non-toxic materials and so forth.

Chang would like data supporting the statement “with more affordable housing, you would expect fewer cars” because if you are working multiple jobs and working different shifts, transit is not always an option and you need a car to get from job to job.

Answer: Staff will find some data on that. Nate Daum joined Redinger at the microphone and stated there is data available. As incomes go up, the rate of car ownership goes up. Approximately 20% of people in the lowest income bracket do not own cars. As an interesting aside, Daum said during the Recession national car ownership went down and pundits predicted a cultural change. But when the economy improved, car ownership went up everyplace but Washington and two other states. This was attributed to current public transportation.

Councilmember Roberts asked and received confirmation that these changes would not apply to MUR areas around the future light rail stations, with the exception of the cumulative approach which will apply in both.

Councilmember Chang questions why we need to incentivize the mandatory MUR regulation with reduced minimum parking. It has been in effect only a year and a half, light rail is not here yet, the area around the light rail stations has not been developed, and the mandate has proven successful. Flooding the neighborhoods with street parking creates a lot of resentment towards increased density.

Councilmember McGlashan would like to see the Ordinance as proposed brought back to Council. He stated his belief that when light rail comes here we will see the use of ZIP cars and other car-share options become available and Shoreline might start seeing the transition to being less auto-dependent.

Councilmember Scully would like to see some incentives that aren’t parking dependent. As we continue to build, it won’t take long to use up the current parking capacity. He doesn’t want Shoreline to be like North Seattle where parking is miserable. It’s hard to add parking capacity once it’s removed. So he would like to see some other incentives.

Answer: parking is just one of several incentives. It was brought up here because adding the lower, more accessible, green option allowed only 5% reduction for parking. In order to increase that, the idea of cumulative credits was considered.

Scully would like is stats on 60-100% of the Area Median Income car usage. He feels these are the people who have cars because they need them to get to their jobs.

Debbie Tarry requested clarification of what is supposed to came back to Council. Is it the Ordinance as proposed for Adoption? Or is there a request for an Amendment?

Councilmembers Chang and Scully cannot support the Ordinance as proposed because they are not comfortable with the cumulative approach.

Ms. Redinger:  that is a very small part of the Ordinance. The ordinance is mostly about adding the more accessible green option.

Councilmember Roberts reminded everyone that there will be a new council member on January 28th and the February 4th meeting will be the first opportunity for this member to discuss and suggest amendments. Since there is no critical reason to move this forward on February 4th, it was agreed to move it to later in March to allow the new member time to get up to speed. It will return as an Action Item instead of Consent to allow additional discussion.

(b) Discussion of Resolution No. 433 - Revising the Employee Handbook
Staff Presentation John Norris

All of the updates relate to Standby and Callback Policy. Included there is a definition for “Fit for Duty,” updated standby procedures, and minimum callback hours increased from two to three.

Council comments: the language for standby procedures is changed from “expected to report to work in 60 minutes” to “60 minutes but no later than 90 minutes.” This was changed in recognition of some commutes taking longer than an hour. 60 minutes remains the goal. Standby provides pro-active staffing. In a real emergency, the first responders would be taking care of the situation while all hands are called in to support them. Standby employees are in the public works/streets crew and the Customer Response Team representatives. The handbook needs to have any gender references removed.

Resolution moved to Consent Calendar with addition of removing gender references.

The Council left for a 30 minute Executive Session.

Councilman Scully returned at 9:30pm and adjourned the meeting.



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Businesses near Sounder parking lots will start to tow illegally parked vehicles

Photo courtesy Sound Transit
From Sound Transit

Parking at Sounder north line stations is filling up quickly due to the Viaduct closure.

Remember to only use spaces marked for transit riders.

Businesses near our stations informed us that they will begin towing parking violators Wednesday, January 16.



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Photo: Lydia's tail

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler


Conveniently, Lydia's tail doubled as a bottle brush.



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Artists explore Pratt Archival Material in collaboration with Black Heritage Society of Washington State

Edwin Pratt in his Shoreline yard


A group art exhibition titled “Living the Dream, Dreaming the Life” presents the work of 14 local artists inspired by the life and legacy of Edwin T. Pratt, civil rights pioneer and Shoreline homeowner.

In partnership with the Black Heritage Society of Washington State (BHS) and a Collections Care Grant from 4Culture, this unique exhibition asked artists to view documents and photographs from the Pratt Family archive recently donated to BHS by Jean Soliz, Pratt’s Shoreline neighbor and close family friend. (Take a peek at what the artists responded to HERE).

These archival materials offer a glimpse of Pratt’s life as the first Black homeowner in an otherwise exclusive white suburban neighborhood during the postwar Eisenhower years when home ownership created the modern American dream for so many but sadly for very few people of color.

The exhibition opens Saturday, January 26th from 6:30pm to 9:00pm (17500 Midvale Ave N Shoreline 98133) and features literary readings by Saab Lofton and Kilam Tel Aviv.

Artists include Lisa Myers Bulmash (collage, mixed media), Barry Johnson (painting), Vincent Keele (painting), Marsha Lippert and Shoreline schoolchildren (a public art project from 1996), Fiona McCargo (sculpture), Naoko Morisawa (mixed media), Kristen Proctor (charcoal), Christina Reed (serigraph), and others TBD.

“Living the Dream, Dreaming the Life” will be open for regular viewing hours during Black History Month and beyond, from January 26 – April 26, 2019, Monday through Friday 9:00-5:00 and by appointment.



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Letter to the Editor: One in five Shoreline residents is negotiating the world of aging

To the Editor:

I have joined the ranks of those who believe that our proposed Community and Aquatic Center must expand by 6000 square feet of dedicated space for senior programs. It is imperative that this space include a commercial kitchen for full meal preparation – a need not for only seniors but for the benefit of many other groups who desire to conduct cultural events organized around familiar food.

The space must offer services provided by an array of knowledgeable providers. This may eventually include the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center, but may also locate various other senior activities under one roof. Seniors will have the benefit of all other services available at the gym and pool, plus ready access to transit, shopping, and medical care.

The addition of $5.7 million dollars barely increases the overall cost to taxpayers.

One in five Shoreline residents is negotiating the world of aging. Although no two of us are exactly alike we do share certain things:
  • Whatever our ability, we need to keep active in mind, body, and spirit.
  • We seek social interaction with peers, and enjoy the company of younger people.
  • Our life’s work and interests add value to the civic life of the community.
  • We need places to gather.
Two things worry seniors: the dreaded fall and the dreaded call to hand over the car keys can trigger the loss of mobility and the downward spiral to social isolation. Dedicated space for seniors in our new facility will reduce these risks and enhance the lives of a population of aging people who wish to live out their active retirement years and eventual old age in Shoreline.

Please join me in this effort.

Robin McClelland
Shoreline



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Patty Hale sworn in as newest North City Water District Commissioner

Patty Hale, North City
Water District Commissioner
After publicizing the commissioner vacancy in various local media, on the District’s website, Facebook page, and in their quarterly newsletter, North City Water District’s Board of Commissioners received applications from four individuals located within the District’s service area.

Three candidates, including Patty Hale, Richard Nicholson, and Lloyd Skinner were interviewed at the January 8, 2019 special meeting; the fourth candidate, Corinne Travis, withdrew from consideration prior to the interviews.

“We were so impressed with the credentials of all four candidates,” stated Commissioner Ron Ricker. 
“Their collective professional experience, educational background, and record of civic engagement was astounding. 
"It was a tough decision, but ultimately we selected Ms. Hale for her long-term interest in the work of North City Water District, coupled with her unwavering and extensive commitment to her community.”

With over 27 years of community leadership experience as a board member for local organizations —including the Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association, Shoreline Council of Neighborhoods, King County Parks Commission, and the Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Board — Ms. Hale’s strong background in community service will be a tremendous asset to the District.

North City Water District is governed by an elected three-member Board of Commissioners. The Board sets policy and provides direction and guidance to District staff through a strategic planning process. They represent the District in communicating perspectives on regional partnerships, and issues of importance to the District, while also addressing the concerns of customers.

Patty will serve until the end of the year, filling out the term of Larry Schoonmaker. She will run for the position in the August primary / November general election this year.

Updated 1-16-19 with election information

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Shoreline District winners in PTA Reflections art contest

Reflections entries on display at the District lobby
Photo by Wayne Pridemore


On Thursday January 10, 2019 the Shoreline School District and PTA celebrated its young artists who had participated in this year’s National Reflections PTA Art Contest. 

A well-attended open house reception was held for the artists and families at the Shoreline Center. 

There were 166 entries total in 6 categories including: visual arts, photography, film production, music composition, literature and dance. There were artists representing each school in the district. 

District level winners were announced, with 31 finalists, and 25 honorable mentions. The finalist pieces will now move on to the state level competition. Thanks to all who work to bring the opportunity for art expression to our local students through the Reflections program!



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