SR 99 tunnel CLOSED this weekend

Thursday, June 6, 2019

SR 99 tunnel
Photo courtesy WSDOT
Seattle travelers will want to plan for a full SR 99 tunnel maintenance closure this weekend. 

WSDOT maintenance crews will close both directions through the tunnel from 10pm Friday, June 7, to 8am Saturday, June 8. 

Maintenance closures are usually scheduled in alternating directions each month, but this isn’t a standard maintenance check. we will also be updating the fire control system software.

This work requires deactivation of the fire control system, which is why no travelers can be in the tunnel.

Similar to previous maintenance closures, crews will also inspect the jet fans, cameras and overhead signs as well as sweep the roadway. The monthly maintenance closures allow crews time to assess the tunnel systems and keep up with the warranties.



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Music Technology Portfolio Show Friday at Shoreline CC

See and hear excerpts of the projects Music Technology students have been working on to develop their professional portfolios. Join us at the annual Music Tech Portfolio Show, showcasing the work of 2nd year students.

Friday, June 7, 2019, from 2:00 ­- 4:00pm at Shoreline Community College Music Building 800 / Room 820, 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline 98133. Free, but small fee for parking on campus.

The goals for this class is to apply what they’ve learned throughout their degree program and to demonstrate their knowledge while utilizing the technical best practices they’ve learned.

Students have created marketing tools from resumés to business cards to websites and they’ve received feedback from industry professionals to guide them through the process of networking and getting employment.




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Volunteering builds community

Candace and Ruth are front desk volunteers
According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, you strengthen your community and your social network when you volunteer.
 
You make connections with the people you are helping, and you cultivate friendships with other volunteers.

Volunteering can be as simple as answering telephones, helping plan an event, typing lists, working in the thrift store or simply sharing a warm smile to those entering the front door.

Your Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center needs your talents, your skills and a little of your time. Shifts are typically one 4 hour session per week.

Are you a ‘stay at home’ mom wanting to use your talents? We currently are seeking volunteers of all ages for the following positions:
  • Front Desk Receptionists
  • Accounting skills
  • Thrift Store Cashiers

Contact Gina or Theresa at 206-365-1536 or drop by to complete a Volunteer Application. Volunteering adds fun to your years!



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Used book sale at Third Place Books this weekend

The Semi-Annual Used Book Sale is Here!

Get 40% off all used books June 8th and 9th only.

Third Place Books, Town Center, intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way, Lake Forest Park.


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Scene on the Sound: very large submarine headed north

Photo by Jan Hansen


This morning was departure day for this impressive Naval submarine heading north past Shoreline. I have a guess about her class, but I think it should remain top secret.

My thanks to all who have served us well, protecting us from our enemies and rescuing many from the perils of the seas.

--Jan Hansen



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Moving days are never easy

Tents of all sizes are essential and since most are made for weekend camping the UV sun exposure deteriorates them easily. Photo copyright, Marc Weinberg


Text and photos by Marc Weinberg


I’ve been writing about and photographing various tent camps for more than 10 years. The Seattle Times regularly features the many sides of the issue of ‘homelessness’. Like most objective observers, I see camp members who desperately need the shelter and assistance that it provides. 

There are also those whose histories of domestic abuse/divorce or financial crisis have left them with little alternative. Whatever the case, or whatever you believe: the reality is what we see or read about every day.

Garden of greens makes things more like home
Photo copyright, Marc Weinberg
 

One particular camp called United We Stand has managed to successfully organize itself around a model that has been tested over time and is self-managed with the help of a Board of Directors which meets monthly, and the camp management team which meets weekly.

With a license to shelter 35 residents the camp maintains a manageable size, with a few newcomers each month as others move on. They have 501c3 status, so donations may be tax deductible. More than fifty percent of the members are employed and most of the others are looking. There is a zero tolerance policy for drugs or alcohol.

Camp Galley for food storage and meal preparation 
Photo copyright, Marc Weinberg


Residents pay a monthly maintenance fee to help support expenses like portable toilets, power and water. They are always in need of blankets, hand sanitizer, lumber, large tarps, tents and propane.

When I visit garage or estate sales I always ask if they would like to donate to a camp like this. There have been times on a Sunday when my car has been packed to the roof with items I have collected in this way. For me it’s like a scavenger hunt finding things they might need. Give it a try and see what useful items you can find. The pleasure of giving in this way is gratifying.

For short trips around Shoreline, like to the YMCA for a shower, bikes come in handy
Photo copyright, Marc Weinberg
 

Camp United We Stand is currently at Calvin Presbyterian Church at 18826 3rd Ave NW (at the corner of 185th St). They will be moving to Shoreline Free Methodist Church, 510 NE 175th St during the week of June 8-15, 2019.

Veggies on the vine, home grown peas
Photo copyright, Marc Weinberg
 

Moving Days are Never Easy and help is needed. If you have a pickup or van and you could spend even half a day during this time you will get an insight into the people and the culture of tent camp life. On June 15th in particular any help will be appreciated as materials will be transported in larger trucks to their next home site.



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U8-U13 Shorelake Soccer Summer Camp

Shorelake Soccer summer camp


U8-U13 Shorelake Soccer Summer Camp will be held July 15-18 at Twin Ponds Park on 1st Ave Ne in Shoreline, from 9:30-12:30,

Cost: $160 ($140 team/sibling rate)

Signup: here



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Notes from Shoreline council meeting June 3, 2019

Shoreline City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Shoreline City Council Meeting 
06/03/2019
Notes by Pam Cross


Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 7:00pm
All councilmembers were present.

Report of the City Manager Debbie Tarry

The City continues to provide pesticide free parks and surface water facilities by using alternative treatments. Goats will be used for vegetation management throughout the City through the end of the summer. Visitors are welcome to visit the goats. For current locations contact Earthcraft Services Facebook page

June 8th is the Shoreline Farmers Market opening day. The market will be open Saturdays through October 5th, from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Shoreline Place, 156th and Aurora.

June 9th the Shoreline Social Justice Book Club is having a special event in City Hall Council Chamber from 2:00 to 4:00pm. The author of Pass it On! Dr. Gloria Burgess will read and discuss her book. Kids welcome. Food, activities and music included. And you don’t need to have read the book.

Park Volunteer Work Parties will work to restore and improve select Shoreline parks Saturdays and Sundays in June. Check online for locations and times.

Public Reminder

The Planning Commission will meet on Thursday, June 6th at 7:00pm in the Council Chamber.
This is a Public Hearing on minor amendments to Aurora Square Planned Action Ordinance.

Council Reports

Mayor Hall: The Puget Sound Regional Council General Assembly was last week. It adopted a budget and discussed Vision 2050. The Mayor also met with the Orca Task Force. One of the topics was the potential impact of future growth on orcas and salmon.

Public Comment

Boni Biery requested the upcoming bond measure include both neighborhood parks and the Community Aquatics Center based on her analysis of the figures provided in the survey.

Gretchen Brookes questioned the selection of the neighborhood representatives for the Park Funding Advisory Committee. The individual representing Hillwood was not known to have participated in any Hillwood neighborhood events and is not known to the Board. She stated the neighborhood board should have been contacted.

Janet Way, Shoreline Preservation Society, stated funding was needed for parks. The City is required, under Growth Management, to fund parks. The City has lost enough trees to light rail development and it is time to find ways to stop cutting down any more trees.

The agenda was approved unanimously.
The Consent Calendar was approved unanimously.

Action Item 8(a) Approval of Amendment #1 to the City’s 2017 – 2027 Comprehensive Garbage, Recyclables, and Compostables Collection Contract with Recology CleanScapes Inc.

Staff report by Randy Witt, Public Works Director, joined by Kevin Kelly, General Manager of Recology CleanScapes Inc

This Amendment provides a rate increase with a requirement to reduce contamination at the source, and a principal goal to maintain an inbound contamination level from City customers of no greater than five percent (5%) by volume for collected Recyclables and no greater than three percent (3%) by volume for collected Compostables.

This was last discussed at the April 1, 2019 meeting. The following changes have been made since that meeting: (1) enhanced education and outreach including quarterly presentations and monthly communications; (2) language accessibility has been more clearly spelled out; (3) commercial and multifamily container monitoring protocol and enforcement procedure; (4) contamination reduction for single-family, but does not include enforcement fees for the first two years; and (5) monitoring and reporting.

Discussion

Council retired for an Executive Session. (15 minutes)
Regular Meeting back in session

Councilmember Scully asked how a decision to strike a part of this contract would affect the process. City attorney Julie Ainsworth-Taylor advised it would then go back to Recology and depend on their response like any normal contract negotiation.

Move and second to approve Action Item.

Discussion

Councilmember Scully moves to strike the following paragraph because of the wording highlighted turns enforcement over to private industry. Also, enforcement of single family customers is after 24 months, so why are we including it now? After two years, we will know whether enforcement fees applied to MultiFamily and Commercial worked, and may want to apply it to single family homes. We can add it then. 

“Twenty-four (24) months after the amendment, if the aggregate data does not meet inbound contamination levels of no more than five percent (5%) by volume for collected Recyclables and no greater than three percent (3%) by volume for collected Compostables, the Contractor may, in its sole discretion, institute further efforts to decrease contamination rates among single family customers. The Contractor must inform customers of contamination protocol and procedures at least 90 days before implementation.”

Councilmember Roberts asked if the current contract’s written notification tags for contaminated recycling provide Recology with sufficient ability to say the container is contaminated? Kevin Kelly responded due to the scale, scope and need to more rigorously address the issue, it does not. Currently this only comes into play when a driver gets out of the truck for some type of collection exception. - not for improperly prepared contents of the containers.

Councilmember McGlashan suggests leaving the paragraph in as an incentive. If the citizens are aware they have two years to clean up their act, they actually will. Every city and county is concerned about this and he believes that ultimately the legislature is going to have to address this on a statewide basis.

Councilmember Chang asked what happens now when the driver leaves a tag? When the driver has to get out of his truck, he leaves a tag and the customer is notified by phone not to, for example, leave the lid open. This happens infrequently.

Mayor Hall summarized the problems and cost of too much recycling going into our landfills. A pathway to recover the recyclables is needed. Ratepayers do not want to pay the cost for employees hand-sorting every piece of garbage/recyclables piece by piece (which also opens up the privacy issue). And people who don’t want to sort their recyclables should have to pay to have them picked up as garbage. We’re asking Recology to set up performance standards. Council tells them what to achieve, now it’s up to Recology to determine how to achieve it. For that reason he prefers to keep the paragraph in.

Deputy Mayor McConnell prefers education and that feels that should be enough. This City wants to recycle. Prefers the paragraph be struck out and reconsidered in 24 months.

Councilman Scully is still unhappy with “the Contractor may, in its sole discretion”. His only focus is the turning over legislative control and accountability to the contractor without limitation.

The Motion to remove the aforementioned paragraph fails 2 to 5 with Councilmember Scully and Deputy Mayor McConnell dissenting.

Discussion of the main motion

The following items were discussed by Council

1. the existence of an appeal process. Recology will have pictures of the tagged items and will take the opportunity to educate the customer and work to get it resolved

2. a load audit is a tool for education. Recology will administer visual inspections of aggregate truck contents from residential city routes to monitor progress. They take a sample from the total contents and hand sort the sample. That gives them an idea of where a certain type of contaminant appears and contact everyone on the route by social media, phone calls, etc.

3. additional outreach for those who do not attend meetings and/or public events will include door to door contact, more mailers, and social media. This may result in getting them more engaged in the community effort.

4. commercial bins get contaminated by others who drop off mattresses, tires etc. When the bins are locked, they leave garbage next to it. Some help and guidance is needed for commercial users.

Motion to authorize Amendment as presented by staff passes 6 to 1 with Councilmember Scully dissenting.

Action Item 8(b) Adoption of Ordinance No. 858 - Amending SMC 3.01.500 Solid Waste Rate Schedule to Reflect Amendment # 1 to the City’s 2017–2027 Comprehensive Garbage, Recyclables, and Compostables Collection Contract with Recology CleanScapes Inc.

Randy Witt continues presentation.

The description is self explanatory: to fully implement amendment 8(a), Ordinance No. 858 needs to amend SMC 3.01.500 to reflect the updated rate schedule.

No Discussion.

Ordinance No. 858 Passes 6 to 1 with Councilmember Scully dissenting.


Action Item 8(c) Reconsideration of the 2019 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket

Staff report by Steve Szafran, Senior Planner

The Planning Commission recommendation was discussed March 18th and the final docket adopted on April 15th.

Council to consider removing Amendment #3 on the 2019 Comprehensive Plan Docket until the State completes a plan for the Fircrest campus.

Discussion

The City Attorney confirms that removing Amendment #3 will not create another Docket. Councilmembers want to make sure Shoreline is fully engaged in this process. If we don’t start the rezoning now, are we missing an opportunity to influence the final decisions? The State has not identified the 5-acre property and we have not been able to follow the normal procedure which includes a planning commission review. Delaying the zoning will be more accurate with identification of the 5 acres, and also allow Council to follow the normal procedure. 

Council voted unanimously to remove from docket.

Study Item 9(a) Discussing Ordinance No. 861 - 2019-2020 Biennial Budget Amendment Amending Ordinance No. 855 for Phase 1 Improvements of the City Maintenance Facility

Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director, will provide the Staff report for these three related study items

Council last discussed this at the April 22nd meeting and asked staff to move forward with implementing phase one of that analysis. This is the amendment that supports that process. It provides the budget authority to cover the cost of the Phase 1 improvements for the City Maintenance Facility project within the proposed schedule, and without impacting other projects in the General Capital Fund by using interfund transfers.

Moved to consent calendar.

Study Item 9(b) Discussion of Ordinance No. 862 - Authorizing the Refunding of Limited Tax General Obligation (LTGO) Bonds (for the City Hall) and Ordinance No. 864 - Amending No. 829 (CAC) to Extend the Delegation Period for Bond Anticipation Notes

Refunding bonds are issued to achieve interest cost savings among other things. The refunding of the 2009 Bonds (City Hall) is estimated to provide net interest savings of approximately $2,600,000.

This is a delegation ordinance that gives the City Manager authority to issue the Refunding Bonds for a period of up to one year. Because the acquisition of property for the CAC (Community Aquatics Center) was delayed while alternative sites were evaluated, staff recommends extending the delegation period to February 1, 2020 from August 6, 2019 so interest rates can be monitored and the best savings can be achieved.

Discussion

What happens if the Bond Measure doesn’t pass? Staff will come back with a different LTGO bond because this one is anticipating bond issues.

Moved to consent calendar.

Study Item 9(c) Discussing Resolution No. 438 - Approving the Sale of Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds Supported by the Shoreline Transportation District 0.2% Sales Tax as Authorized by Ordinance No. 853 (Sidewalks)

Staff is developing a schedule for the delivery of the sidewalk implementation plan. The issue of the first series of bonds is expected to support the delivery of design for approximately five (5) sidewalk projects and construction of four (4) of those projects.

Resolution 438 delegates authority to City Manager to conduct the sale of bonds with a $10M maximum principal amount, an interest cost of no more than 3%, and a term no longer than 15 years.

Discussion

The money is being requested in relatively small amounts to keep costs down by keeping the money more closely tied to when the projects will be completed. The timing and order of projects (of the initial 12) is being evaluated. Because this is the first implementation of the Sidewalks Project, costs may vary and that is the reason a $10M limit is set. The jobs differ in size and complexity, and are expected to somewhat overlap, increasing uncertainty as to the number of projects completed within a year. As this gets further underway, we will be better able to get the work done in the most efficient way possible as well as better control costs and scheduling.

Moved to consent calendar.

The Regular Meeting is adjourned at 8:32pm to be followed by another Executive Session. No decision is expected from this Executive Session.




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Jobs: One Cup Coffee

Growing “More Than Profit” Coffee Company Seeks to Enhance Management Team

Award-winning One Cup Coffee Co., is looking for a few great leaders to fill positions at our North Seattle area shops, including Assistant Manager, Assistant Manager in Training, and Shift Lead. We are also hiring cafe quality Barista professionals (latte art required).

Want to know your work really matters? Are you passionate about coffee AND serving people? One Cup is a mission-based coffee enterprise that uses business as the vehicle to serve the needs of the less privileged both locally and globally. Our shops serve as a hub for the community to come together, whether to meet, work, rest or recharge. Our thriving and inviting spaces offer hospitality to all, and purchases support donations to charities doing great work and local causes.

Complete job description and application information here



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Home sales in Lake Forest Park during April 2019

The following are properties that sold in Lake Forest Park during the month of April 2019. Data compiled for the Shoreline Area News by the Shoreline Windermere office.




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Letter to the Editor: North City Bistro and Wine Shop offers live music five nights a week, great food, wines, and spirits

North City Bistro and Wine Shop
To the Editor:

I read your recent article about Aurora Borealis opening in Shoreline, and I am very happy to have another music venue in the area. (See article)

We need more music in our lives!

I know, because since Sharon and I bought North City Bistro and Wine Shop over 5 years ago, we have expanded our music program to 5 nights a week nearly every week. 

And we are fairly regularly booked to capacity, and even though our capacity is about 75, people still find room to dance, when the mood strikes them. Especially when we host Latin music!

We have had musicians from around the world, such as Adrian Legg, Daniela Spielmann, Emma King and many other artists from Brazil, Argentina, Italy and London. 

We also regularly feature many of the amazing local artists who perform here on a regular basis. Among these are Pearl Django, Michael Shrieve's Spellbinder, Lee Oskar and Friends, Greta Matassa, Gail Pettis and Jovino Santos Neto, Ian McFeron, Adriana Giordano and EntreMundos Quarteto, Kiki Valera and Cubache, Rod Cook and Toast, Stephanie Porter, Eric and Encarnacion, and Danny Godinez, to name only a few.

We hold a Jazz Jam on the 1st Wednesday of the month, and a Songwriter Showcase the last Tuesday of each month.

So, my point is that, there has been a music venue in Shoreline for a few years that offers not only great food, but 750 wines as well as craft cocktails and a Very Long Spirits list featuring over 100 Single Malt Scotches.

Ray and Sharon Bloom - Proprietors
North City Bistro and Wine Shop
1520 NE 177th St
Shoreline, WA 98155
(206) 365-4447
http://northcitybistro.com/



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Shoreline City Council agenda for Monday, June 10, 2019

Shoreline City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
The Shoreline City Council meets on Monday, June 10, 2019 at 7pm in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 17500 Midvale Ave N.
The following items are on the agenda

8(a) Discussion of the Richmond Beach Road Rechannelization Post- Project Report

Staff committed to providing post-project reports to monitor this project outcome. ThIs is the first of three post-project reports provided due to the volume of concerns expressed by residents during project development.

8(b) Discussion of Proposed Ordinance No. 860 - Granting a Non- Exclusive Franchise to Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to Construct, Maintain, Operate, Replace, and Repair a Natural Gas Utility System Over, Along, Under, and Through Designated Public Rights-of-way in the City of Shoreline.

The City’s current franchise with PSE expires on October 31, 2019. The proposed agreement provides for a 15-year franchise allowing PSE to install, maintain, operate, replace, and repair their natural gas utility system over, along, under, and through City of Shoreline rights-of-way, with considerations for being allowed to do so.

8(c) Discussing Ordinance No. 859 - Establishing a New Chapter, SMC Chapter 5.25 Filming Regulations and Amending SMC 3.01 Fee Schedule

Filmmakers are currently subject to a permitting process that was designed for other types of applicants through the City’s right-of-way and park rental fees.Staff is proposing a streamlined film- industry-specific permitting process with appropriate fees for filmmaking in Shoreline.

--Pam Cross



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Op-Ed: Let justice roll

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Edmonds Municipal Court
Photo by Nick Showalter
Kelly Dahlman-Oeth is the Pastor of Ronald United Methodist Church on Aurora.
~~~~~~

I’m sitting in the Edmonds Municipal Courtroom 1, again.

I’m with three of my siblings, again. One of them leans over and tells me that she was recently stopped and ticketed for jaywalking, and then arrested for an outstanding warrant. However, instead of booking her, she was released after being told “the jail is too full.” As good as that may sound, she still has the $100+ jaywalking citation.

If courts handed out “tenth-visit-free punch cards,” I would complete my third card today. After moving a dozen people into the church for overnight shelter before the two-week snowpocalypse in February, a handful of overnight hosts began learning about the constellation of issues that keep people moving through the revolving door of what we call the criminal justice system.

Among the various definitions and descriptions for the “criminal justice system,” I find this one the most telling: “a series of government agencies and institutions whose goals are to identify and catch unlawful individuals to inflict a form of punishment on them. Other goals [occasionally] include the rehabilitation of offenders, preventing other crimes, and moral support for victims.”

Having logged hundreds of hours in a couple of courtrooms, I can confirm that our current system is set up to achieve the three primary goals: “identify, catch, and inflict punishment.”

Despite the best efforts of some wise and compassionate judges and some very overworked public defenders, the system does little to rehabilitate offenders. Thus, it is failing miserably at preventing other crimes, at least misdemeanor level crimes that make up the bulk of the cases in local courts across the country.

Former federal public defender Alexandra Natapoff says 13 million misdemeanors are filed each year in the U.S. Based on FBI and other statistical data, some estimate that misdemeanors represent 80% of all arrests and 80% of all court case dockets.

On the surface, the law applies to everyone, but in practice, the overwhelming majority of persons charged with misdemeanors are low income and impoverished, and often dealing with mental illness and substance disorder. 

These persons are far more likely to commit and be charged with shoplifting, criminal trespassing (resulting from being caught shoplifting), driving with a suspended license, possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia, public urination, disorderly conduct, and more.

For those of us who are housed and comfortable enough to rarely or never have to deal with the criminal justice system, a misdemeanor may sound like no big deal, but for those trying to survive, the consequences are devastating.

Despite the guarantee of the Eighth Amendment, “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted,” cash bail between $500 - $1500 is built into the system. A person who is homeless or living on the edge does not have an extra $500 - $1500, so they are held in jail until their hearing. 

There is little chance that the low-wage job they may have had will be waiting for them when they are released. The tiny snowball at the top of the mountain has been pushed. As it speeds downhill, it grows deadly, swallowing everything in its path with evictions, destroyed credit, and losing custody of children.

We clearly see the results of a system that – whether intentionally or not – criminalizes poverty. To allow the system to continue unchanged and unquestioned implies that we, as a society, consent to the criminalization of poverty.

Fortunately, there are some inside and outside the system who acknowledge the injustice and overwhelming costs of our criminal justice system, and they are working on creative alternatives that successfully lower rates of recidivism (tendency to reoffend) and create healthier communities.

State legislatures are rewriting laws that disproportionately impact people of color and people who are impoverished. City and county officials are investing and redirecting funds to hire social workers and mental health professionals for their law enforcement agencies. Finally, judges are working with city officials to create community courts.

The King County District Court has established community courts in Burien and Redmond, and we are hopeful that Shoreline will be next. 

The community court model focuses on rehabilitation and restoration by creating a more compassionate and therapeutic atmosphere in the court, and by providing immediate onsite access to human service providers to assist people with everything from behavioral and mental health, employment and housing specialists, transportation, and more. 

While there is a nominal initial cost to the City, the long-term gains for individuals and the community are immeasurable.

I am grateful that our Shoreline District Court Justices Marcine Anderson and Joe Campagna are working hard to bring this model to Shoreline. Having repeatedly witnessed their wisdom and compassion in their courtrooms, I did not hesitate when I was asked to participate as a member of the steering committee for the City of Shoreline Community Court.

“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).

Until then, I’ll see you in court.

Pastor Kelly Dahlman-Oeth



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Join volunteers to work in the Pollinator Garden on Saturday

Shoreline Garden Club is hosting its first annual Spring Work Party for this unique pollinator garden created last Fall with the help of a 2018 City of Shoreline Environmental Mini-Grant.

Located on N 195th between Meridian Ave and 1st Ave NE, the Shoreline 195th Trail Pollinator Garden has over one hundred plants where bees, birds, butterflies, beetles, and bats will all find food and habitat, while also pollinating plants so they can grow and flourish!

Butterflies especially need specific plants to lay eggs and forage.

Join volunteers on Saturday, June 8th from 9-11am as they weed and add new mulch while celebrating the upcoming National Pollinator Week in late June! 




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Photo: X marks the spot

Photo by Mary Igl


I suspect this has something to do with all the airplane noise the past few days. Or you can pull out your favorite conspiracy theory.

Or it's a magical symbol marking the way to the dragon's den and his treasure. Perhaps a secret map in the sky for sailors to steer by.

I could go on but I think I'll go take a nap instead. Have a nice day!

DKH




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Live and Local for Saturday June 8, 2019

Brian Butler at the Easy Monkey Taphouse
There's a lot of live and local music to choose from each weekend. Most venues have food, some have dancing. Most have a cover charge and require reservations. All have great local bands!

This Saturday, June 8, 2019 here's what's happening!

GRINDERS
Mark DuFresne Band at Grinders
Grinders Italian Restaurant 
19811 Aurora Ave N.
$10 cover; Reservations highly recommended; 206-542-0627 GrindersNW@gmail.com The Mark Dufresne Band is not your typical blues fare. This spectacular “show band” plays the material like a quintessential Chicago Blues Revue Band. This quartet is truly one of the best rhythm and blues outfits on the West Coast.

NORTH CITY BISTRO
Magic Circle - $15 Cover 8:00pm - 10:30pm
North City Bistro and Wine Shop, 1520 NE 177th St, Shoreline 98155
Call 206-365-4447 or go to website and fill out the simple reservation request form, in order to secure seats for the show. Then buy your tickets here.
Magic Circle plays an infectious variety of celebratory jazz from S. Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and US! This uplifting group led by drummer/percussionist Jeff 'Bongo' Busch features the marvelously versatile rhythm section of 'Dino Latino' on bass, Julio Jauregui on piano, Alexy Nicolaev on Sax, Jerome Smith on Brass and Frank Anderson on percussion and vocals.

AURORA BOREALIS
The Aurora Borealis 16708 Aurora Ave N, 206-629-5744, Splitting Silence EP Release Event 7pm - 10pm. Seattle’s Splitting Silence is a group of 4 local teens playing hard rock known to electrify, captivate and engage their fans.

DARRELL'S TAVERN
Darrell's Tavern has BAD MOTHER NATURE, XOLIE and THE STRANGE KIND, THE JAMFEST MIRACLES, SUN MOTHER, MATT BENTLEY, 8:00 pm – 1:00 am. 18041 Aurora Ave N. Heavy rock metal and punk bands at Shoreline's own Dive Bar. 206-542-6688.

EASY MONKEY TAPHOUSE
Acclaimed musician Brian Butler plays bold blues and originals steeped in the ambiance of a gifted storyteller, backing his expressive vocals with dynamic guitar and harmonica. $7 cover.Family-friendly Easy Monkey Taphouse, 8-10pm. 17537 15th Ave NE B. 206-420-1326.

THIRD PLACE COMMONS
Third Place Commons has Swamp Soul "Cajun/Zydeco" Lots of room and a dancing floor to swing out on. 7:30 - 9:30pm at the stage. Town Center, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE in Lake Forest Park. The ‘chank-a-chank’ of an accordion and the shuffle of feet on the dance floor on a warm night will transport city-dwellers to the farm and bayou area roadhouse with a mixture of French, blues, and Zydeco music that still moves dancers around the world! FREE and family friendly.



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Take pART in Your Community: Volunteer at the 2019 Shoreline Arts Festival

It takes all kinds of volunteers to put on the
Shoreline Arts Festival - but not everyone
gets to do fish prints
Photo courtesy Shoreline Arts Festival


The Arts Council is recruiting volunteers to help at the Shoreline Arts Festival on June 27, 28, 29, and 30.

Join the veritable army of volunteers who make this great arts event possible and get a glimpse “backstage” as we entertain 10,000+ art-loving community members over two days.

Volunteers are needed for a wide range of tasks, with shifts ranging from two hours to all-day, so there’s something for every skill level and any amount of availability. Sign up now on Signup.com!

Here are examples of just a few of the volunteer jobs available:
  • Help artists move art and set up booths
  • Organize and hang art
  • Set up the Hands-On Art stations and/or make art with kids
  • Info Booth Attendant: Greet festival-goers and help them find their favorite attractions
  • Juried and Youth Art Room Sitter: Enjoy the art while making sure nothing grows legs and walks away
The Shoreline Arts Festival is a free, two-day festival featuring music, dance, theater, art exhibitions, hands-on art activities, cultural rooms, film, food, and more that is organized by the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council. 

It will be held on June 29 and 30 at the Shoreline Community College, 16101 Greenwood Ave North. Plenty of free parking available! Visit www.shorelineartsfestival.org for applications, deadlines, schedules, maps, and additional information, or call the Arts Council at 206-417-4645. For volunteer questions, contact Volunteer Coordinator Kelly Lie at outreach@shorelinearts.net

The Shoreline Arts Festival is a program of the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council with major support from the City of Shoreline, City of Lake Forest Park, and 4Culture.



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Jobs: Preschool Teachers and Assistant Teacher

First Lutheran Preschool and Kindergarten is a Christian school looking for lead teachers in our 3 and 4-year-old classrooms. We are also looking for an Assistant Teacher

The lead teacher will work in collaboration with an assistant teacher and as part of a staff of 12 to create a loving, enriching environment using a play-based approach with our young learners. First Lutheran primarily serves the Shoreline/Edmonds area. 

These are part time positions that includes paid time for staff meetings, planning and sick/personal leave.

Hours for the Lead Teacher of 3 and 4 year olds are M/W/F or M-F from 8:15-noon (class from 9-11:30). 

Hourly wage will be determined based on level of education and experience. Hours for Assistant Teacher are yet to be determined. Hourly wage will also be determined based on education and experience.

Responsibilities:
  • Lead children in activities that nurture curiosity, imagination and creativity
  • Create a fun and safe learning environment
  • Develop a schedule with large and small motor activities as well as creating security and trust in the classrooms
  • Establish and maintain positive relationships with students and their parents
  • Assistant Teacher will work with Lead Teacher to implement the program goals
Qualifications:
  • BA in Education or Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education (Min. 45 credits)
  • Ability to build rapport with children, families and other school staff
  • Positive, flexible and patient
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills
  • Able to pass background check
  • Assistant Teacher – High School Diploma
To Apply send your resume and cover letter to:

Karen Beasley and Laura Schleede
206-546-0320 or preschool@flrb.org
18354 8th Ave NW, Shoreline WA 98177


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Jobs: WSDOT

WSDOT job openings
Office Assistant 3 Non-Permanent Shoreline
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This position supports WSDOT's mission and the NW Region Offices by providing extensive administrative support. The incumbents will perform clerical and library organizational duties as well as organize, prioritize, interpret and convert records/files to a digital format. The position will also assist with other administrative duties including filing, scanning, and office tasks as needed.

To view the entire posting and apply, please visit Office Assistant 3

Real Estate Appraiser – Property / Acquisition Specialist 3

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This journey-level position independently completes all types of property valuation assignments for WSDOT in compliance with USPAP, FHWA, and WSDOT rules and regulations.

The first resume review takes place on June 5, 2019. To view the entire announcement and to apply, please visit: Appraiser - PAS 3



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2nd Annual PRIDE of Edmonds Picnic Saturday


Saturday June 8, 2019 – 2pm to 6pm

Bring your friends and family and join us for the 2nd Annual
Pride of Edmonds Picnic/BBQ (and field day)! Bring a dish to share or BBQ and your own non-alcoholic beverage.  Outdoor games/activities are encouraged.  Hope to see you there!

Sponsored by: 



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Letter to the Editor: City of Lake Forest Park paid consultants $ 923,749

To the Editor:

The Stewardship Foundation has continuing concerns about the lack of environmental care shown in the process leading up to changing development regulations for the Lake Forest Park Town Center.

In particular we have been concerned about the viewpoints of the consultants hired by the City to guide this process, who appear to favor excessive residential development at the Town Center area. These contracts are adopted by the Council and signed by the Mayor.

The diversion of this large amount of public funds unwisely left other city projects and community needs behind.

On May 16 we filed a public records request with the City to learn the amount of City funds being paid to three consultants. These contracts began in 2017. From the official records we received several days ago, we learned that the grand total paid to the City's three primary Town Center consultants through March 16, is $ 923,749.50.


The contracted work continues, so there will be more payments, made after May 16, 2019, to add to the total.

The information we received were summary reports for these three contractors that did not clearly identify specific payments with the particular task being supported; nor is it a complete accounting of funds paid to all contractors engaged by the City for this project.

Integral to the City’s own Strategic Plan’s Values and Vision is the commitment to be “effective, efficient, financially prudent and innovative stewards of the public’s resources, and strive to achieve sustainable results.” We urge the City to fulfill this responsibility to its citizenry by demonstrating this stewardship with a timely, detailed, and comprehensive report.

Julian Andersen, President
Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation



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Black Lives Matter at School

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Seeking Shoreline parents and families to to help advocate, organize, and shape Black Lives Matter at School National Week of Action next February (and moving forward). Anyone can help, though the voices of people of color will be centered.

The #BlackLivesMatterAtSchool movement erupted in Seattle on October 19, 2017 when thousands of educators, families, and students banded together to demand a world where our schools support our Black families and educators.

This action attracted national news, and the movement spread to cities such as New York, Chicago, Boston, DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Seattle, L.A., Detroit, the Bay area, and beyond. This national mobilization was a completely grassroots effort organized by educators and their social justice caucuses.

Please email blacklivesmattershoreline@gmail.com for more info or to get involved.



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Red Cross blood drive in Shoreline July 1



An American Red Cross blood drive will be held in Shoreline on Monday, July 1. Make an appointment to roll up your sleeve and help save lives.

"Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood." Source: RedCrossBlood.org

The drive will be held at the Seattle Scottish Rite, 1207 N 152nd St, Shoreline 98133, Monday July 1, 2019 from 9:30am - 2:30pm

Visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: "Shoreline" to make an appointment. 

Summer is a time of great need for all blood types (A, B, O). 

If you've never donated before, please consider. If you have in the past, please join us again!


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Shorewood baseball player named to The Herald's All-Area team

Bryce Lindberg, Jr.
Photo by Tracey Miller
Shorewood High School's Bryce Lindberg has been named to The Herald’s 2019 All-Area high school baseball team.

Bryce Lindberg, Jr., Shorewood

Lindberg batted .385 with one home run, one triple and 10 doubles.

He posted a .474 on-base percentage and a .615 slugging percentage while helping lead the Thunderbirds to a state tournament appearance.






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Winners named in NW Watercolor Society's exhibition in Shoreline

"Spring Again"
Artist Yueqi Zhang, of Chicago, Illinois

Entries in the Northwest Watercolor Society’s 79th Annual International Open Exhibition are on display in Shoreline's City Hall 3rd floor gallery, 17500 Midvale Ave N, until July 11.

The winner of the first place prize of $2,000 is Yueqi Zhang, of Chicago, Illinois.

Zhang said “Special thanks to NWWS, which is recognized as one of the most prominent national/international watercolor organizations, for offering a wealth of opportunities and experiences for the artist to promote and elevate the art of watercolor.”

The other top cash award recipients are Charles Rouse from Vista, California, presented with $1,300 for second place and Kate Aubrey, third place of $800 from Maryville, Tennessee.

Zhang’s painting, along with 59 other paintings picked by internationally known juror, artist and instructor, Don Andrews, is currently on display at Shoreline City Hall until July 11th. 

City Hall is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and closed on weekends. For special viewings, contact David Francis, Shoreline Public Art Coordinator / Curator at 206-801-2661 or dfrancis@shorelinewa.gov

"Barcelona Balconies"
Artist Charles Rouse

Don Andrews said he wrestles with who should receive first, second and third place. The Exhibition as a whole “is exceptional!” To be more specific about each of the winners he quoted New England teacher and artist, Ed Whitney, who said, “’When you take the viewer to the center of attention, you must entertain them once you get them there.’

Zhang’s painting, Spring Again, is a design. It’s organized to lead your eye to the center of attention. It’s an excellent example of design – tying abstract and realism together.”
About Charles Rouse’s Barcelona Balconies: Two things I admire about that are the color notes are so clean and well-coordinated and there’s a beautiful light throughout. 

"The Word Not Spoken"
Artist Kate Aubrey

The Word Not Spoken by Kate Aubrey has brush strokes, lost and found edges and a wonderful light. “Look at the shadow on the hat that melts into the face.”

A list of all the other winners for the 79th International Open Exhibition and a PDF of the 350 entries is here.

The Northwest Watercolor Society (NWWS) was founded in 1939 in Seattle, Washington when a group of eight artists came together to form an organization dedicated to the celebration of watercolor. From these modest beginnings, NWWS has grown into the internationally recognized, historically rich organization of today with a membership nearing eight hundred Signature, Lifetime and Associate Members across the USA, Canada and internationally.




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Badge pinning ceremony for Northshore Fire employees

Captain Matt Hochstein and
Lieutenant Jeremy Jameson
Photo courtesy NS Fire
Northshore Fire recognized two of their newly promoted employees during a badge pinning ceremony at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday evening June 4, 2019 at Northshore Fire Headquarters Station 51.

Training Captain Matt Hochstein and Lieutenant Jeremy Jameson were the honored employees.

Northshore Fire serves Lake Forest Park and Kenmore with a station in each city.






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Op-Ed: Walk to Hillwood Park - then turn around and go home

Unused and usable softball field at Hillwood Park
Photo by Pam Cross


By Pam Cross

June is Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Month. In 1996, one year after a becoming a city, Shoreline acquired all 23 King County parks in the City limits, including the Shoreline pool.

The Shoreline Parks Levy is soon to come before the voters. Several of our neighborhood parks are scheduled for updating, and I’m sure we’ve all been following the progress of the Community Aquatics Center (CAC).

Shoreline has multiple beautiful parks throughout the City. There are walking paths (many paved), wetlands restoration, nice play areas with climbing equipment and swings, and well maintained sports courts. Some neighborhoods have multiple parks, large and small.

I live in the Hillwood neighborhood.

Nothing to see here
Photo by Pam Cross


Where did the park go?

In July 2017, following an 18-month community outreach engagement process, the City Council adopted the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan. The PROS Plan identifies a 20-year vision and framework for Shoreline’s recreation and cultural programs, and for maintenance and investment in park, recreation and open space facilities.

The current parks and open spaces bond measure (approved by voters in 2006) is set to be retired in 2021 and removed from property tax bills in 2022. Part of that bond provided upgrades to nine community parks. To continue funding our parks we need to pass a new levy.

On June 24, 2019, the City Council is planning to approve placement of a ballot measure on the 2019 General Election Ballot to authorize an $88.1M property tax bond measure for the Community and Aquatics Center (CAC).

Park Improvements Priorities and Funding is being eliminated from the ballot measure. This means there will be no improvements to Brugger’s Bog Park, Park at Town Center, James Keough Park, Richmond Highlands Park, Hillwood Park, Briarcrest Community Park, Ridgecrest Park or Shoreview Park (off-leash area).

In August 2018 the City Manager appointed 16 Shoreline residents to participate in a Park Funding Advisory Committee (PFAC). The goal of this committee was to explore funding options and prioritize projects for park improvements and a CAC. The PFAC took different approaches in evaluating the parks, including consideration of need, equity, access, urgency, placemaking and community identity, areas of future growth, and alignment to the PROS plan.

One thing I learned from my time spent on the Sidewalk Committee, is that it is necessary to get out of the car and actually walk in the area being evaluated. I visited most of these parks within the last week.

Bruggers Bog, as its name suggests, is a large wet park. The children’s play area floods seasonally and must be moved, the play equipment is old and unsafe, the swings have been removed, there is no bathroom, no parking and no street visibility. It has a high share of, and proximity to, multifamily housing whose residents could make good use of the park if it were updated.

The Park at Town Center and the CAC would create the active civic center that Shoreline has lacked. However, the site has some challenges related to noise and proximity to Aurora Avenue N.

James Keough Park
Google


James Keough Park is bounded by Interstate-5, and is one of Shoreline’s most visible to through traffic, yet it is relatively unknown to residents due to its entrance at the end of a dead-end street. There is no onsite parking. When visiting this park, the gate had multiple locks and a chain keeping it closed so it did not appear welcoming. After walking around the locked gate, I saw a large green area surrounding a fenced area that apparently was originally tennis courts and a basketball area but is now overgrown with bushes and trees. There is one slide and a swing.

Richmond Highlands improvements would include an ADA accessible all-ages playground and a paved loop path which would increase access for an underserved population while also supporting Specialized Recreation programming at the adjacent Richmond Highlands Recreation Center. Additional improvements and activation could help improve park safety.

Hillwood Park is the only park in the Hillwood neighborhood. It has no usable field, few benches and one picnic area. The small play area has only one bench for parents to sit on, and the only entrance is essentially hidden from view.

It is not ADA compliant, there are no paths, and there is no place to ride a bike. As I left, there were mothers with strollers entering the park but there is no place in the park where you can use a stroller.

Like James Keough Park, the grassy area appears level, dry and green from your car. But on foot, the grassy area is difficult, and in some areas, impossible to navigate. For the next 18 months Hillwood is being used as a staging area for Einstein Middle School construction equipment.

Briarcrest Community Park is a carved out piece of East Hamlin Park that would create a community park for the Briarcrest neighborhood. Although there is a parking lot and a paved path, the area has its “back” facing Briarcrest, does not feel part of the neighborhood and is not viewed as safe for young children.

Ridgecrest Park
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline


Ridgecrest Park is in an out-of-the-way location with one point of access and bounded by I-5. Although there is a raised berm, the park is very noisy from the traffic. The addition of an off-leash area could help attract more users and possibly overcome the challenging location. There is a baseball field and a wall for handball. There is no children’s area, and only a portable toilet.

These parks did not did not receive funding from the 2006 Parks and Open Space Bond measure. They were slated to be upgraded in the next parks levy — and that levy is now.
The stairs at Ridgecrest Park lead to a
dilapidated court of some kind
Photo by Seattle Poppy


Shoreview Park, on the other hand, received considerable investment in the last bond measure, but needs funds to replace the temporary fences of the off-leash area.

There are several options for when voters might be asked to vote on a funding measure. November is just the earliest one, so there is plenty of time to reconsider including the priority park improvements.

A delay will add extra cost to the CAC, however it is possible no meaningful improvements have been made to most of these neighborhood parks since Shoreline became a city in 1995, 24 years ago. Children in 1995 are now adults who may have children of their own and still, the neighborhood park is not improved.

Resident Priorities Survey

In March/April 2019 EMC Research conducted a Resident Priorities Survey to gather information about resident priorities for park and recreation facilities. The Survey was sent to 12,000 randomly selected households and 1,379 responses were received.

There were questions about the CAC, and about improving neighborhood parks. A major problem with the park improvement results is that no consideration was given to the amenities in the respondent’s local park. A household located near Hamlin Park or in Richmond Beach, for example, will respond differently from one near Hillwood, Bruggers Bog or James Keough Parks.

After receipt of the survey results, the Council directed staff not to include any park improvements in this ballot measure.

The City Council made its decision of what appears on the ballot based on information from 3% of Shoreline households. As a result, Shoreline voters may be limited to a yes or no vote on the CAC only, and have no vote about funding for neighborhood parks.

Shouldn’t the other 97% of Shoreline households get a say whether they want to spend the next 20 years paying for the CAC while their neighborhood parks continue to deteriorate?

If funding is not provided for neighborhood park improvements now, it will take several years for the City to obtain even partial funding for the highest priority needs. They will be looking at grants, philanthropy, partnerships (with the School District, for example), and existing city funding. None of these sources will be close to adequate and that’s why it will take several years. There is not even designated funding for new benches and picnic tables.

Echo Lake Park before it was remodeled
It was one of the last parks funded in the 2006 parks bond
Photo by Diane Hettrick


Echo Lake Park dedication after remodeling
The ground is level, there is a walking track, playground,
benches and (not pictured) picnic tables
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


According to the PROS Plan, Essential Park Amenities include children’s playgrounds, picnic areas, trails, and open grass areas for active and passive uses. And natural areas should be generally accessible to all residents. The City does not meet its level of service (LOS) target for providing these amenities within a 15-minute walk to all Shoreline residents.

The City of Shoreline repeatedly states that the City values all residents and envisions a community in which people from all backgrounds have equitable access to opportunities to live, work, and play.

Shoreline has 23 parks, but they are not all treated equitably. Shoreline’s failure to meet these goals in just a couple of the 14 neighborhoods is not consistent with their stated goal of social equity. Every resident is entitled to traveling a few minutes to a neighborhood park and, instead of turning around and leaving, have a reason to stay.




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