LFP joins Northshore Fire for Job and Resource Fair Jan 30

Tuesday, January 22, 2019


The City of Lake Forest Park has joined Northshore Fire for the Job and Resource Fair which will be held Wednesday, January 30, 2019 from noon to 4pm at the Northshore Fire station in Kenmore, 7220 NE 181st St.

Candidates of all ages, experience levels, and industries are encouraged to attend. Organizations will be looking to fill full-time and part-time positions, so come prepared with resumes and dress professionally.

The event and parking are free and the facility is ADA accessible. 

Registration is not required, but is requested to help the event coordinators plan for the number of attendees. Click here to register.

Employers attending include:

Bothell Police Department, City of Bothell, City of Everett, City of Lake Forest Park, City of Mill Creek, City of Mukilteo, City of Seattle (Finance, Administrative Services, Seattle Animal Shelter, Fleet Mechanics), Cocoon House, Community Transit, Everett Transit, Kenmore Police Department/King County Sheriff, King County IT, Lake Forest Park Police Department, Monroe Correctional Complex, National Testing Network (NTN), NorCom, Northshore Fire Department, Northshore School District, Northshore Utility District, Public Health - Seattle / King County, Public Safety Testing (PST), Redmond Fire Department, Silver Lake Water and Sewer District, Sno911, Snohomish County Sheriff's Office (RN, Psychiatric, Corrections Deputy, Deputy Sheriff, Law Enforcement Technician, Airport Specialist, Benefit & Leave Administrator), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Post Office, Woodinville Fire and Rescue, Worksource, YMCA (Northshore).



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Shorewood wrestling wins tournament title at Willapa Harbor Invitational

Shorewood Wrestling is #1
Coach Derek Norton holding trophy


Shorewood wrestling drove 135 miles on Friday to compete in the Willapa Harbor Invitational. 

Hosted by Raymond Jr/Sr high school, the tournament featured 16 schools ranging from the 2B (smallest) to 4A (largest) classifications.

With 5 finalists and a total of ten wrestlers placing in the top 4, Shorewood brought home a team championship, outpacing second place Kennedy Catholic 184.5 to 161.5. 

This was the first team tournament title for the Thunderbirds since 2013. 

Leading the way for the Thunderbirds were junior Devin Leach at 145 pounds and senior Phil Ball at 182 pounds. Leach pinned all three of his opponents on the way to an individual title and is now on a 10 match winning streak since moving down to 145 pounds. 

Ball moved down a weight class Saturday after wrestling 195 all season and also picked up an individual title. As the only senior in the varsity line-up Ball has provided leadership for the team all season and has now made the finals in four straight tournaments, winning three titles.

The coach is Derek Norton. 

Shorewood Placers:
Kai Layton, 2nd @ 113
Quincy Laflin, 3rd @ 113
Sujinda Pongsaphong, 3rd @ 120
Curt Tanaka, 3rd @ 132
Kody Carpenter, 3rd @ 138
Devin Leach, 1st @ 145
Cole Becker, 2nd @ 152
Phil Ball, 1st @ 182
Tom Bert, 2nd @ 182
Isaac Kabuchi, 4th @ 195

--Clark Norton



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Kruckeberg annual membership meeting Thursday

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
Annual Membership Meeting
Thursday January 24th, 7pm
Guest Speaker: Lynda V. Mapes


All are welcome to the annual meeting off-site at Shoreline City Hall (17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133).

To start the meeting, KBGF members will approve new board members and officers.

This will be followed by our engaging guest speaker, Lynda V. Mapes, author of "Witness Tree: Seasons of Change with a Century-Old Oak" at 7:30pm.

Not a member yet or your membership has lapsed? You can become a member of the garden or renew your membership at this event. Membership is not required to attend.

The evening will include time to connect with other community members and plant enthusiasts. Admission is free to members; $5 for non-members.



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Work party at Paramount Open Space Sunday

There will be a work party at Paramount Open Space on Sunday, January 27, 2019 from 10am to 2pm to remove invasive plants and replace them with native species. 

The work will help maintain forest health at Paramount Open Space.

Sunday, January 27, 2019 from 10am to 2pm but volunteers can arrive and leave whenever they like during the work party.

Paramount Open Space. There is a public parking lot with free parking at the end of NE 147th St two blocks east of 8th Ave NE in Shoreline. The street address of the parking lot is 946 NE 147th St, Shoreline 98155.

For more information contact the event organizer, Jim Cronan 206-406-9883 paramount.open.space@gmail.com

Wear warm clothes and rugged footwear that you won’t mind getting dirty. If you have garden tools (e.g., shovels, clippers, or loppers) and gloves bring those along.

We will provide work gloves, tools, hot beverages, water, and snacks.


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Shorecrest Hip Hop team starts their season with a win


The Shorecrest Hip Hop varsity team began their 2019 season with a first place win at the Edmonds Woodway Invitational.

The team is a club at Shorecrest High School, coached by Rex Kinney. It consistently wins local events and goes on to compete nationally.


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Act of Kindness

Act of Kindness

Have you ever found a nickel, dime, quarter, etc. as you were shopping, playing in the park or taking a walk? How did you feel as you made such a discovery, no matter the denomination? I know I've experienced a "feel-good" moment!

When we recently had dinner at our friend's home in Shoreline, we noticed a number of 50 cent pieces lying on his kitchen counter. When asked what he was doing with all those coins, his first reply was "Do you want one?" He then told us how he loves to "surprise" others.

In the past, our friend has seen the smiles on people's faces when they've found a coin on the ground, and he wanted more individuals to enjoy that same "feel-good" moment. So he decided to go to places like a park and "hide" coins which could easily be found. Not too long ago this family's sweet dog passed away, so our friend placed his dog's name on the coin as a remembrance. (Maybe you've found one of those coins?)

Our friend is doing something that brings him joy, knowing it will also bring a little joy to others. Kudos to him and all the other kind individuals that make this world a happier place!

--C. Osaki, Lake Forest Park



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North City Water District requesting construction bids for new maintenance facility on 15th NE

Monday, January 21, 2019

Architect's drawing - aerial view


From North City Water District

After operating out of the same facility since the mid 1940s, North City Water District is finally approaching the last chapter in the realization of our new maintenance facility: construction!

This project has been in the planning stage for years. Several co-location and site acquisition efforts took place before we finally purchased 3.2 acres from the Northwest Church, located at 15555 15th Avenue NE, and began our official site analysis and planning. In order to achieve the lowest possible cost, we separated the project into two phases: Phase I Site Work, and Phase II Construction.

Architect's drawing - parking lot view
Now that site work is complete — including demolition, site grading, new asphalt, fencing, sidewalks, and initial landscaping by New West Development — requests for construction bids have been officially announced.


Phase II Building Construction

Foremost in the minds of our Board of Commissioners was a design that would not only keep costs to a minimum, but would stand the test of time. Staff were directed to think carefully about future use and potential growth, in order to avoid the need to make facility changes in a few years. Their input was key to the design of the new facility (by Wagner Architects of Seattle).

Architect's drawing - shop view
When complete in October 2019, the site will feature three new buildings, with an estimated construction amount of $5 million: 

one facility to accommodate the crew, administrative staff, and shop; 

a second facility with a drive-through vehicle wash; and 

a third “Decant” facility used by our vactor truck to discharge and separate watery, excavated soils after a water pipe break.

“The design is good, clean and simple, to fit within the community,” says Commissioner Ron Ricker, who has been on the Board for over 40 years. “A good contractor will transform the site into a facility that North City Water District can utilize for years to come.”

View the complete project timeline HERE.



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Monday, January 21, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day




A Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. – Lift Every Voice

Mon. Jan. 21, 2019 at Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. North, Edmonds

Our Beloved Community

10am – Noon: Free morning session for parents and children with activities and art projects.

7:30pm – 9:00pm: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

Inspiring a beloved community in song, spoken word and dance. This event will feature Dr. Gloria Burgess, The Sound of the Northwest Choir Directed by Juan Huey-Ray, Price Arts Dance, Josephine Howell & Band, Barclay Shelton Dance Center and JHP Legacy. Contact Donnie Griffin at donnie89@att.net for sponsorship opportunities and more information. Admission: GA $10, Student $5, $12 GA Day of Show



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Coyotes are everywhere right now

Coyote by King's on the CRISTA campus last week
in the Hillwood neighborhood
Photo by Gina Fieser
By Diane Hettrick

This is mating season for coyotes and they are everywhere right now - all over Shoreline and Lake Forest Park.

Hormones are high and behavior can be a little dicey.

In pioneer days, coyotes (Canis latrans) were restricted primarily to the sagebrush lands, brushy mountains, and open prairies of the American West. Wolves occupied the forests. 
Coyotes have since taken advantage of human activities (including the reduction of gray wolf populations) to expand their range throughout North and Central America.

There are dens in every wooded area. Coyotes are not nocturnal by nature (they have adapted to night to avoid humans) so they have no trouble going about in the daytime.

In 2016 this coyote killed a dog in its
backyard then lay down for two hours
Photo by Jennifer Meredith Dodd
During mating season, do not leave small children and pets unprotected. Fortunately Child Protective Services and leash laws have prevented most of this behavior.

Don't leave your pets out at night - and daytime is a problem now.

Last weekend a coyote attacked and killed a dog in Lake Forest Park.

Particularly do not leave pet food outside. If you feed your animals outside, supervise and pick up the food afterwards.

You may want to avoid walking your dogs in wooded parks, streets, and trails right now.

Here are more warnings from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife:
  • Never feed coyotes
  • Don’t give coyotes access to garbage
  • Prevent access to fruit and compost
  • Enclose poultry (chickens, ducks, and turkeys) in a secure outdoor pen and house

After they mate, things will settle down until spring when it's time for the two year olds to leave the den and find their own homes.



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For the Birds: Feathers are more than beautiful

Osprey fishing
Photo by Doug Parrott

By Christine Southwick

Feathers are beautiful with their palette of colors, plus their myriad of shapes and sizes, even though there are only six distinct types of feathers.

But their beauty camouflages their strengths:
Pileated woodpecker, male plumage
Photo by Kelly McAlliser
  1. Best insulation per inch
  2. Waterproof
  3. Allows birds to fly—only birds have feathers. They provide up, forward (lift and thrust), down (braking), turnings, pin-point landings, and they allow birds to fly amazing distances during migration, often non-stop.
  4. Lightweight, but strong enough to survive wind, rain, storms and sun damage. Their intensity of colors signals their gender and fitness for mating. Research is finding that UV coloring (which humans can’t detect) provides birds with major information.

The structure of a feather is unique: Feathers are made of keratin, the same protein as nails and hair, and like nails and hair, a feather stops being alive once it reaches its full length.

The shaft of the feather is attached into muscles or bone (flight feathers only) and distributed in distinct symmetrical tracts. The feather vane is attached to the shaft. The vane is made of barbs attached to the shaft (technical term rachis). Barbules branch off the barbs, and interlocking barbicels cover these barbules. This arrangement allows a feather to flex and still stay connected to its various parts

Green heron in wetland
Forrest Gamble
Have you ever picked up a tattered feather, and run your fingers across the vane, causing the barbs to zip together, unzip, and zip back, making it look whole again?

Feathers need to be intact to be windproof and waterproof and flex to precise flight maneuvers. This is exactly what birds are doing when they preen their feathers -- zipping the barbules together again to make their feathers functional.

The first time that I really looked at the structure of a feather, I thought that Velcro could learn something from this hundreds-of-thousands-years-old evolutionary structure.

Feather unhooked
Indeed, new research has found that no matter the size of the bird, from hummingbirds to condors, barbule spacing ranges from 8 to 16 micrometers. 

This consistency is believed to be a key factor in the strength and flexibility of feathers.

So maybe Velcro and other adhesives can learn important properties from the structure of feathers.

But for me, feathers are amazing, both for their strength, their amazing colors and their ability to refasten to themselves. Besides, they are fun to blow on and watch them flex and flutter.




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WeatherWatcher: Calm weather, windy weather, then calm weather again

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Super Blood Wolf Moon Sunday night
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


The Forecast: We have a fairly calm day ahead for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with mostly sunny skies and high temperatures near the mid 40's. A chilly evening is ahead with lows in the upper 30's and some breezy conditions as our next storm arrives.

Tuesday rain is likely with a quarter inch possible, highs near 50°F with breezy south winds. Tuesday evening into Wednesday rain continues and it gets windy with wind gusts from the south up to 40mph. Wednesday the rain is expected to back off a bit with showers or rain at times. Lows Tuesday night around 35-40°F and highs Wednesday in the lower 50's.

Wednesday evening things calm down and the rest of the work week looks dry, mostly sunny or partly cloudy with highs near 50°F and lows into the mid-upper 30's.

Our next chance of rain appears to be next Sunday.

El Niño status: We are currently under an El Niño watch. It hasn't developed yet, but is expected to develop early February and continue into the 2019 spring season. There's only about a 65% chance that an El Niño will develop.

What this means for us? We should probably expect more of the same to continue with our winter weather patterns. I think we're going to see some more breaks from the storms with high pressure ridging over the west coast off and on through late winter and early spring.

We may also be the first snowless winter since the 1991-1992 winter season. There's one small hint of a chance of a cold snap near the beginning of February but it's very marginal, and too early to tell if we'll have any moisture with it.


For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Night of Cake and Puppets

Night of Cake and Puppets
by Laini Taylor, illustrated by Jim DiBartolo

Zuzanna begins the narrative with the story of a gruesome little puppet her grandfather used to scare small children:  the head made from a real fox skull with black glass eyes, sharpened teeth, and Cossack garb (complete with fur hat).

Then she switches gears, and gushes a bit about this boy she is crazy to meet: Mik, the "violin boy" who is Zuzanna's boyfriend in this author's Daughter of Smoke and Bone books. This lovely, talented, beautiful boy... to whom Zuzanna is too shy to speak.

One night, she takes a handful of scuppies (tiny wishes) and crafts a little adventure for Mik: a treasure map, with a drawing of herself at the center of the page where "x-marks-the-spot."

And thus, the magic begins.

Small, quiet, and powerful, this novella should be uber-creepy, but becomes delightfully sweet instead. The illustrations are swirly, gothic, and delightful.

And now, I want cake.

Recommended for readers ages 12 to adult. Some scariness, no blood, some kissing (YES!!!) and thoughts of further intimacy but nothing on the page. 

You do not need to read the Smoke and Bones books to appreciate this. You only need to understand that magic is real, and that I love this book.


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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Hams - check in to Shoreline Auxiliary Communications Service net at 1930LT Monday

All licensed amateur radio operators (“hams”), 

particularly those in Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, North King County and South Snohomish County,
are invited to check into the Shoreline Auxiliary Communications Service net, which meets every Monday at 1930LT (7:30pm) on the Shoreline repeater on the CRISTA tower.

frequency 442.825MHz offset +5.00MHz tone 103.5Hz

Meet your neighbor hams.
Check the operation of your equipment.
Get some additional air time.
Prepare to better help your family and neighbors in time of emergency.

73
Shoreline ACS



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Phoenix Theatre presents It Could be Any One of Us - opening Feb 1


Phoenix Theatre Presents Alan Ayckbourn’s

IT COULD BE ANY ONE OF US
A Comedy Thriller with Multiple Endings

In a windswept country house a family of artistic failures wrangles over a will. A detective who has never solved a case, a writer whose works have never been published, an artist who’s never shown a painting, a composer whose compositions have never been performed, and a dysfunctional teenager are the prime ingredients for this murder mystery. 
The victim, however, is not who it should be, and the murderer’s identity changes overnight. 

Throw in a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor and comedic thrills, and you’ve got The Phoenix Theatre’s production of Alan Ayckbourn’s It Could Be Any One of Us, running February 1-24, 2019.

Directed by Jay Jenkins, It Could Be Any One of Us is a play with multiple endings. Alan Ayckbourn wrote it this way and left it up to the director to choose whether he or she would want the same murderer throughout the run of the play or a different murderer for each performance.

The Phoenix’s production will surprise the audience with a different ending each night, determined by a card game on stage that steers the actors in any given direction.

Patrons are invited to see the show again at a discount to experience a different ending of the play.

The ensemble includes Susan Connors, Tom Cook, James Lynch, Curt Simmons, Tina Devrin, and Sydney Kaser. The creative team includes Jim Thompson (scenic design), Elizabeth Shipman (costume design), Linda Curry (lighting design), Susan Connors (set dressing), and Karen Thielke (prop designer).

Performance February 1-24, 2019. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm at The Phoenix Theatre, 9673 Firdale Avenue, Edmonds 98020.

Tickets are $25 adults ($20 for seniors, students and military) and are available online or by phone at 206-533-2000.

There is plenty of free parking, and ADA access into the theatre at the back of the building. Please call if you will need to use the back entrance.



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Big Band Dance at the Shorewood Commons Feb 9



The Shorewood Jazz Band will be hosting their student-led Big Band Dance at the Shorewood Commons from 7pm - 11pm. 17300 Fremont Ave N, 98133

The event is fun for people of all ages and features the SWHS and Einstein middle school jazz bands as well as dance lessons by Mark Kihara. Lessons are a group event, with the whole crowd participating. They begin at 7pm.

There will also be a raffle and snacks.

Semi-formal clothing is recommended and as it is a Jazz event, 1940s attire is also welcome.

Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults and all of the proceeds go to help the SW Jazz program. Tickets can be bought from the SW business office during school hours, online from brownpapertickets.com, or at the door.

1-26-19 Link to tickets has been updated



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Photo: Julian practiced his flamenco moves at every opportunity

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler


Gloria says: Cooperative Steller’s Jay in our yard (feed ‘em a few nuts and they’ll do anything :)




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Seattle Humane offers support to Federal employees who are not being paid

Seattle Humane Pet Food Bank locations
Seattle Humane will offer resources from their Pet Food Bank to federal employees who are struggling to make ends meet during the government shutdown.

Seattle Humane's Pet Food Bank provides pet food assistance to low-income pet owners and families experiencing hardship. 

Pick-up site locations include: 

Pet food donations and other supplies can be dropped off at the shelter in Bellevue, or delivered via Seattle Humane's Amazon Wish List or retailer of choice. 

The greatest need for Pet Food Bank clients are dry cat food, wet dog food, cat treats, and cat toys. Woof and purrs of thanks!

Seattle Humane is located at 13212 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue 98005



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Seattle Symphony offers free tickets to furloughed Federal government employees for remaining concerts through June 2019

Seattle Symphony
Photo by Brandon Patoc
Offer includes up to four complimentary tickets and must be reserved by February 1, subject to availability.


The Seattle Symphony announced that furloughed federal government employees are eligible to receive up to four complimentary tickets for Seattle Symphony performances for the remainder of the 2018–2019 season.

Tickets must be reserved by February 1 in person or by calling the Ticket Office. A government-issued ID is required upon pick up.

Subject to availability, concerts on the following series are included: Delta Air Lines Masterworks Season, Seattle Pops series, Untuxed series, [untitled] series, Baroque and Wine series, In Recital series, Chamber series, Fluke/Gabelein Organ Recitals, Family Concerts and Tiny Tots Concerts.

“Federal employees devote their careers serving the greater nation,” shared Krishna Thiagarajan, President & CEO of the Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall. 
“At a time when they are being asked to make sacrifices, we hope our small gesture can help alleviate some of the burdens they and their loved ones are experiencing.”

How to reserve tickets
  • Phone: Call the Seattle Symphony Ticket Office at 206-215-4747 or toll-free at 866-833-4747.
  • In Person: Visit the Ticket Office in Benaroya Hall, located at Third Avenue and Union Street.
  • Ticket Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 10am – 6pm; Saturday, 1–6pm

Performances are held in Benaroya Hall, 200 University St, Seattle 98101

The Seattle Symphony is one of America’s leading symphony orchestras and is internationally acclaimed for its innovative programming and extensive recording history. The orchestra has made nearly 150 recordings and has received three Grammy Awards, 26 Grammy nominations, two Emmy Awards and was named Gramophone’s 2018 Orchestra of the Year.


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Shoreline Home Improvement Workshops Mar 26, Apr 23, May 28



The City of Shoreline's very popular home improvement workshops have been scheduled for 2019.

Sessions will be held on March 26, April 23, and May 28.

At these sessions, City Planning staff will give 15 minute individual sessions to review your plans and ideas for home improvement and answer your questions about your project.

In addition, there will be a large vendor fair, with businesses related to home remodels. This year sewer representatives will be present for those who are considering replacing their sewer lines.

Residents will need to make appointments for the individual sessions but anyone can come to the vendor fair, which will be open between 6 - 8pm. The event is held at City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N, 98133. Free parking in the City garage.

You can sign up now for any of the sessions.



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Seattle Opera offers free tickets to federal workers Sunday and Wednesday

Saturday, January 19, 2019

Il trovatore
Photo by Jacob Lucas


Seattle Opera is pleased to offer tickets to furloughed federal government workers. Workers can receive two free tickets to the company’s performances of Il trovatore on Sunday January 20 at 2pm and on Wednesday, January 23, at 7:30pm at McCaw Hall at Seattle Center, 321 Mercer St, Seattle 98109.

To redeem, simply present your federal government ID at the McCaw Hall box office before the performance. The box office opens two hours prior to performances; noon for the matinee and 5:30pm for the evening show.

“We at Seattle Opera are grateful for all that our federal workers do, and wish to show our solidarity and thanks by inviting them to enjoy a night of beautiful music at McCaw Hall,” said General Director Aidan Lang.

Seattle Opera’s Il trovatore runs now through January 26 at McCaw Hall.

Established in 1963, Seattle Opera is committed to serving the people of the Pacific Northwest with performances of the highest caliber and through innovative educational and engagement programs for all.


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The Little Engine That Could playing live in Shoreline on March 16



StoryBook Theater debuts a new musical, The Little Engine That Could, in partnership with AAA Washington.

This show follows a broken-down engine struggling to deliver her toys to the children on the other side of the mountain. There are many trains who are willing to help, but they all seem to have more important things on their minds.  
The focus of Little Engine is believing in yourself, and the musical also weaves in messages about traffic safety and distracted driving.

The Little Engine That Could is recommended for ages 3+ and has a running time of 55 minutes. 

The local, professional cast will perform at the Shoreline Conference Center: March 16 @ 11am and 1:30pm* (*Sensory-friendly performances)

Tickets are $15 (including service fees) and can be purchased online or 425-820-1800. 



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Sunday drive




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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Lake Forest Park City Town Center Visions and January 16 DEIS public hearing draw overflow crowd

Overflow crowd at January 16th Public Hearing
Photo by Jason Colberg


The City of Lake Forest Park’s Planning Department and the Otak design firm held a hearing on January 16, 2019 for public comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Town Center. City Hall saw an overflow crowd of residents at the meeting, with many concerns.

Sound Transit plans to add a park n’ ride facility and Bus Rapid Transit at Town Center, so a DEIS is needed now to study the potential environmental impact of proposed changes to land use codes.

Since the Town Center has not been renovated in years, and the LFP community has expressed interest in redevelopment per a 2004 task force report, this also initiated further redevelopment exploration.

However, density considerations in the 2004 report stated a possible 270 maximum units. Today with unprecedented regional growth, that figure has climbed to possibly 1,500 multi-usage units.

Property owners Merlone Geier, the City Council, City staff and outside consultants such as Otak are being pushed hard by Sound Transit’s aggressive plan deadline. It creates a “chicken before the egg” type of dilemma.

At the DEIS hearing, Jamas Gwilliam, Merlone Geier Vice-President of Development, said they have enjoyed all the community input so far, and look forward to continued discussions.

But, he said, there is currently “no plan for Merlone Geier to redevelop” the site. He said they would make that determination “after” they see what decisions the City and Sound Transit make. 

Residents expressed many concerns
Photo by Jason Colberg


Redevelopment scenarios that represented higher density numbers than residents even thought possible created outrage.

Those that were involved with the process, such a representative from the LFP Planning Commission (composed of citizens) said he felt “deceived” in regard to projected density numbers.

Residents also stated shock and dismay over the idea of relocating the Third Place Commons on the top of the park n’ ride facility.

Lake Forest Park residents don’t feel heard.

Because of the ST3 deadline for their planned project, an intricate weave of decision making is needed quickly, and that creates an awkward process.

This can create communication breakdowns and misunderstandings.

Current Town Center regulations allow buildings as high as 65 feet tall. That too was a surprise to many residents.

Concept boards with broad design scenarios were presented in October. Some expressed that they did not see specific density details. The scenarios don’t include many specifics because the goal is to design as much flexibility into a future planning process as possible.

Planning for an unknown future

Due to long term rental contracts with Albertson’s and Ross Dress for Less organizations, as well as other business considerations, estimates are that it could be up to 20 years before redevelopment can take place. Leases can be purchased as an incentive, but that is costly. Also, business representatives have expressed concerns about a substantial construction disruption.

Uncertainty within the retail sector is another factor.

Housing predictions remain steady, according to regional growth estimates. But the cost of labor and materials continues to rise.

Indeed, a lot more changes and unknowns will occur in the next one or two decades. 

Ros Bird was in attendance and spoke at the
hearing about her shock in placing the
Commons on the roof of the parking facility.
Photo by Donna Hawkey
Examples of citizens’ concerns.

In October, one resident stated: “It seems the 'Big Bully Sound Transit' is making all the rules now." That was the same tone at the DEIS hearing.

Sound Transit has not determined the final location for the 300 stall park n’ ride, yet the city is expected to modify building codes by the end of February and complete a DEIS in record time. One suggestion was to modify only the codes necessary to accommodate the park n’ ride facility.

Citizens with professional qualifications gave opinions that the DEIS is outrageous in its assumptions and should be thrown out and the entire document recreated.

The Stewardship Foundation expressed the possibility of tainting the highly valued artisan water supply. They said, “The DEIS information makes the adequacy water supply question a reasonable concern.”

Some residents welcome density

A resident announced she speaks on behalf of “the concerns of those who were not in the room.”

She explained that their family is caring for an aging grandfather. Her 20 year-old son is a helping caregiver, but they live in a small home.

Two other sons would like to live in LFP and be nearby their family; however they need to be in walking distance of public transit services, and they can’t afford single-family housing here.

Without alternatives to housing, generations of LFP families may not be able to continue their linkage and remain close to aging families and their friends, and that too saddens many residents.

Uncertainty and unrealistic deadlines can create mistrust

It’s inevitable that some future development will take place at Town Center, but the extreme deadline is also pitting neighborhoods against each other.

Sound Transit has imposed deadlines that seem nearly impossible for a process that usually takes several years to accomplish.

A lot is at stake here. Mistakes could occur, and LFP taxpayers could bear the brunt of added financial burdens, as well as environmental strains and permanent damage if planning is not carefully done. The City Staff is small for the workload, and City-wide communications are minimal.

If this DEIS proceeds as scheduled, the citizen’s LFP Planning Commission said they would not have time to comment on code modifications before the City Council fully votes.

An LFP Planning Commission representative shared deep frustration by this process – it has been challenging for this dedicated group of volunteer citizens to do a great job on behalf of the residents, and that alarm was sounded loud and clear.

Vice-President, Development Jamas Gwilliam from Merlone Geier
clarified that they had no specific plans for redevelopment.
Photo by Jason Colberg


Third Place Commons’ future location is unclear

Third Place Commons functions as an independent non-profit and has needs specific to their mission. Currently, scenarios show the Commons relocated to the roof of the parking garage. Residents shared concern that this will change the dynamics of what is considered the heart of the community today.

Not only do our youth suffer from nature deficit, but we are all at risk for social deficit disorders. Technology has changed levels of human interaction opportunities, so the Commons today plays an integral part in the fabric of a healthy community.

Where are the City Council members and Sound Transit

Residents wondered why no members of City Council nor anyone from Sound Transit attended the DEIS public hearing.

At the end of the meeting, Mayor Jeff Johnson said that City Council has been working very hard for the citizens. He says that everyone is doing their best during this enormous challenge and thanked the residents for attending.

Resources

Hear the entire January 16th Public Hearing HERE
Review Town Center visioning details HERE

By Donna Hawkey – dhawkey @comcast.net



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In The Garden Now…..Nurse Log

Arborist's Term : Nurse Log

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland


I rounded the corner and there she was
in repose.... a fallen tree, 
moss covered, 
home to insects and other creatures, 
red huckleberry just as nature planned. 

What a treasure!



Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.




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The Olmsted Landscape Legacy Across America and the Pacific Northwest

Olmstead
Pub Night Talk at McMenamins: “The Olmsted Landscape Legacy Across America and the Pacific Northwest” by Portland-based historian Laurence Cotton, who served as consulting producer on the 2014 PBS documentary “Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America.” 

Pub Night Talks is a free monthly lecture series featuring the work of experts from the University of Washington and the local community, cosponsored by UW Bothell and McMenamins. 

Topics have ranged from black holes and butterflies to ecological resistance and storytelling through engineering.

7-8:30pm, Tuesday, January 29, 2019. Doors open at 6pm.  Haynes’ Hall, McMenamins Anderson School, 18607 Bothell Way NE, Bothell.  

Historian Laurence Cotton
Cotton screens the documentary and lectures on Olmsted’s legacy of including green spaces in urban planning in the late 19th century, including New York’s Central Park. 

Cotton also references the work of Olmsted’s son, John Charles Olmsted, who designed parks in Seattle (an “emerald necklace” of dozens of miles of scenic boulevards, according to historylink.org), Portland and Spokane in the early 1900s. 

Free and  open to the public. All ages  welcome.  Seating is  first come, first served.  Talk  followed by Q/A.  



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Reminder: Shots for Steph 3 on 3 fundraiser Sunday

Shots for Steph Fundraiser:  3 on 3 Basketball Tournament and other fun family activities!

Because no one fights alone!

Sunday, January 20, 2019 Shorewood High School, 10am - 4pm

Join us for a fundraiser benefiting Stephanie Stewart, a Shorewood High School Alum and Shoreline resident. Stephanie was diagnosed with endometrial and uterine cancer in April 2018. She's a fighter (#stephstrong), but the cancer is giving us a battle, having now metastasized to her brain, hip, lungs and liver.

After a number of surgeries, Steph is again undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. All funds raised will be used to help with medical bills, the cost of treatment and living expenses, as she is not currently able to work.

Come cheer Steph on in her battle and have some fun with an all ages 3 on 3 tournament, corn hole, 3 point/free throw contests, a coloring station and food!

We will also have raffles - including a chance to win an F/V Northwestern jacket, autographed by Capt. Sig Hansen of the Deadliest Catch!

Can't make the fun but want to help out?  Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated!

To register your team or for more information, contact Sarah Edinger at 206-200-5440.



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Sound Transit to remove 1,000 trees along track - 3,700 replacement trees will be planted - most in Ronald Bog

Sound Transit graphic


Report from Juniper Nammi, Sound Transit Project Manager for the City of Shoreline. Part of the agenda packet for the Parks/Tree Board meeting



Sound Transit has been working with the Washington Department of Transportation to negotiate tree replacements along the light rail development corridor.

Most of the track is on the ground. Tree removal 35 feet on either side of the track is required, resulting in the removal of over 1,000 trees from Washington Department of Transportation property, City right-of-way, and from individual property. 

Approximately 2,700 native trees and over 1,000 non-native trees will be replanted to meet or exceed City of Shoreline replacement requirements.

All of the trees will come down at once in March 2019. 

Replacement trees must be planted in Shoreline. (See Sound Transit's flyer: More Transit - More Trees.)

A partnership with King Conservation District would allow funds from Sound Transit to offer a package of trees and shrubs to private land owners for a landscape buffer in areas where the code requirements for landscape buffers do not apply along the rail.

This could contribute roughly 400 additional trees in the Ridgecrest neighborhood and portions of North City and Ballinger. 

Final designs will be shown at an open house in February. The last opportunity for public comment is prior to the final issuance of permits.

Early work, expected to begin in March, involves tree removal, noise barriers, staging equipment, moving utility lines, and demolishing remaining houses.

Neighborhoods will be notified by direct mailings and articles in Currents as well as door-to-door outreach. 

Actual construction will begin mid-summer. The Board would appreciate talking points on this topic including the facts related to the project. 

Sound Transit is taking measures to survey for bird nests in existing trees and to deter initial nesting habits. The Department of Fish and Wildlife is guiding that effort. 

Comments and questions can be directed to Ms. Nammi through shorelinewa.gov/lightrailpermits



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Shoreline Parks/Tree board meeting Thursday

Ivy out at Shoreline Park
The Shoreline Parks/Tree board will meet on Thursday, January 24, 2019 from 7-9pm at Shoreline City Hall Conference Room 303, 17500 Midvale Ave NShoreline 98133

Agenda Highlights
  • 2018 Tree Report/2019 Workplan
  • 2018 Public Art Report/2019 Workplan
  • Update on the Park Funding Advisory Committee
  • Update on the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Strategic Plan
  • Discussion of the 2019 PRCS/Tree Board Workplan
Link to Full Meeting Packet



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Kinderfest - learn about programs of the Shoreline School District on Sat, Jan 26

Do you live in Shoreline or Lake Forest Park and have a child who will be 5 years old by August 31, 2019? 

If so, Kinderfest is the place for you!

Kinderfest is an opportunity for parents and guardians of incoming kindergartners to learn about the programs offered by the Shoreline School District.

Join us on Saturday, January 26 from 10am - 12pm at the Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, to receive information on food services, transportation, nurses, English Language Learners, Special Services, Highly Capable Program and PTA. 

Each elementary school will have representatives available to answer questions. Spanish, Amharic, Mandarin, Korean and Vietnamese interpreters will be available.

Limited, no-cost childcare will be available on-site for children who are over two-years-old and potty-trained. Please note that food will not be allowed in the childcare room due to possible allergies.

Kindergarten registration will begin on February 4 at your neighborhood school. In order to attend kindergarten in the fall, your child must be five years old by August 31, 2019 and reside in the cities of Shoreline or Lake Forest Park.

For more information on registration please visit the Enrollment webpage 

If you have additional questions, contact Trinitee Swan at 206-393-4365. 



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Jobs: Environmental Sciences/Biology/Hydraulic Internships

WSDOT Shoreline - Environmental Sciences/Biology/Hydraulic Internships – Northwest Region

Opening Date: 01/17/19
Closing Date: Open until filled

WSDOT Northwest Region Environmental Office has two exciting internships for currently enrolled students who want to observe and participate in real world application of their current field of study.

This is a great opportunity to learn about the exciting work WSDOT is doing to meet environmental stewardship goals in a real world setting.

The Environmental Office directly supports the transportation needs of Washington State by providing environmental technical studies, field investigations, interagency coordination, and construction support to WSDOT projects and operations.

The successful candidates will receive exposure to the various roles in the Environmental Office and WSDOT project teams and gain hands-on experience assisting the program in hydraulics, fish and wildlife, environmental permitting, cultural resources, air quality, acoustics, water quality, and wetlands studies.

This is a temporary position/internship lasting approximately three to five months.

Please note the initial resume review will take place on March 1st. To view the entire posting and apply, visit: Environmental Sciences Interns



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Arts Council’s Create and Make Workshop: Polaroid Emulsion Lifts - Wednesday at the Senior Center

Thelma Harris


Arts Council’s Create and Make Workshop: Polaroid Emulsion Lifts

Polaroid Emulsion Lifts, With Thelma Harris
Create and Make Workshop
Wednesday, January 23, 6:30pm - 8:30pm


Come and spread your creative wings with the Create and Make Workshop Series! Wish you could pull up and give way to creative abandon from time to time? Look no further: The Create and Make Workshops are here and are guaranteed to be tons of adult-creative fun!

Participants will create a beautiful and unique image in this workshop. After observing a demonstration on Polaroid emulsion lifts, you will learn how to deconstruct a Polaroid photo by removing the emulsion (image) and transferring it to watercolor paper or other surfaces. 

Impress your friends with your new skills by creating handmade photographic gifts!

The Create and Make series allows you to construct and explore different art mediums and techniques with a local art professional in a comfortable, fun environment.

The workshop will take place on Wednesday, January 23, and is held from 6:30 – 8:30pm in the Shoreline/LFP Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline, WA.

Tickets are $40, or $35 for Arts Council Members and available at BrownPaperTickets.com.

Create and Make Workshops are brought to you by 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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Seattle Musical Theatre presents Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida


A timeless story of forbidden love...


Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida

Based on Verdi’s beloved 19th century opera, Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida is a timeless story of forbidden love set on the banks of the Nile. 

Featuring a Tony and Grammy award-winning score, Troy Wageman directs the talented local cast through rousing rock numbers and heart-wrenching ballads.

Running for 13 performances only
February 8-24


Seattle Musical Theatre at Magnuson Park, 7120 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, (206) 363-2809



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Casino Night Saturday Jan 26



Join Seattle Children's Shoreline Bargain Boutique for Casino Night on Saturday, January 26, 2019 from 6 - 8 pm.

Bring cash for "Spin the Gift Wheel." There will be raffles and silent auction items. Light appetizers and refreshments will be served.

Proceeds go to Seattle Children's Hospital.

Shoreline Bargain Boutique, 15835 Westminster Way N, Shoreline 98133.



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Elder Law Attorney lecture at Shoreline Library Jan 23

Photo copyright Marc Weinberg
Wednesday, January 23, 2019 6:30 - 8pm at the Shoreline Library large meeting room, 345 NE 175th, Shoreline 98155

Hear from:
  • an Elder Law Attorney to ensure that you have taken all of your legal steps to preserve your independence for as long as possible; 
  • a Home Care Advisor to learn how to help people stay in their homes with assistance for as long as possible; 
  • a Senior Housing Referral Specialist to understand what options are out there for assisted living and what the costs of those may be; and 
  • a Seniors Real Estate Specialist and licensed Broker who will outline the steps to downsizing, marketing and selling seniors' homes.



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