New Pacific Science Center summer camp at UW Bothell investigates crows

Thursday, July 25, 2019

College crows


Crows: Caws and Effect,
a new camp for fourth- and fifth-graders focusing on campus crows will be held August 5-9, 2019 at the UW Bothell campus, sponsored by UW Bothell and Pacific Science Center.

Every summer, UW Bothell welcomes hundreds of kids for Pacific Science Center camps. This year, campers will investigate the smart, quirky and mysterious ways of crows through both scientific and artistic perspectives. 

The college crows roost in the wetlands next to the campus, darkening the sky every evening as they return home for the night.

More information about the camps here

Register here



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Sounder trains to run for Mariners game Sunday

Sounder Train

Sounder trains to run for Sunday Mariners game

Fans can avoid weekend traffic congestion and ride hassle-free
Sports fans can skip traffic coming into Seattle on Sunday, July 28 by riding Sound Transit’s Sounder event trains to the Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers 1:10pm game.

The stadium-bound train from the north will depart Edmonds at 11:11am. Return trains depart King Street Station 35 minutes after the game. Both trains will serve all stops along the routes.
A complete schedule of Sounder service to select Mariners games this season is available here

Special Sounder service is in addition to regular Link light rail service to and from CenturyLink and T-Mobile fields. Link runs every 10 minutes on Saturday and Sunday from the University of Washington. Link’s Stadium and International District stations are a short walk from CenturyLink and T-Mobile fields.

Many ST Express and King County Metro buses also drop off passengers near the stadiums. King County Metro bus schedules can be found here.

Sounder riders can avoid the lines for the ticket vending machines going home by paying for the return trip with the purchase of a Day Pass. One-way tickets and Day Passes can also be purchased with the Transit GO Ticket app.

Another way to skip lines at ticket vending machines is by getting an ORCA card. Cards only cost $5 for adults, plus whatever amount a rider chooses to load in the card’s E-purse or the cost of a pass that is good for unlimited transit trips. ORCA works on trains, buses and ferries throughout the region. More information is available at orcacard.com.


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Photos: Bad behavior in city parks

By Diane Hettrick

I suspect there are a lot more examples of bad behavior in parks, but these are ones we have photos for. They were sent to me by some regular Shoreline Area News photographers who also spend a lot of time walking in our parks.

Area unknown
Photo by Seattle Poppy

The sign reads:

"Please do not strip bark!

"Whoever stripped bark from this tree has done a harm to our beloved neighborhood forest. Much like ripping a patch of skin off of our own arm, ripping bark from a tree opens it up to infection and disease. Though it will hopefully survive this, there is the possibility that a disease could now take hold and kill it. Taking care of our forest is all of our responsibility. Please be kind."

Photo by Seattle Poppy

In Hamlin Park, this driver parked their vehicle across the trailhead, making users climb through the bushes and around the car.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

This dog owner got it half right. Pick up and bag your dog's feces. But there wasn't anything mentioned about hanging it in a park for someone else to clean up.

Warning: the next photo contains canine feces. You may want to send the adults out of the room.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Also in Hamlin Park, this dog owner figured that putting gloves over the dog feces would be sufficient. After all, someone else will clean it up, right?


Photo by Seattle Poppy

Sadly, these scene is all too common. This vehicle was in the parking lot at Hamlin Park. You can reduce the odds of this happening to you by keeping all valuables in your vehicle out of sight. But don't leave your purse or wallet in the vehicle in case the prowler decides to get in and check under the seats.

So this is where we reflect on the thousands of visits to our city parks and how most people don't do these things.

And kudos to the responsible dog owners who keep their dogs on leashes as well.



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Correction to headline about Insurance Commissioner

A couple of letters make a huge difference in a sentence, let alone a headline!

The correct headline on yesterday's story should have read: Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler disciplines and issues fines to insurance companies totaling $724,000

The insurance commissioner is a person of high integrity and his office is a diligent watchdog for Washington citizens.

Here's the story again: HERE


DKH


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Live and Local Saturday July 27, 2019

At the Aurora Borealis

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 and entertainment!

This Saturday, July 27, 2019 here's what's happening:


AURORA BOREALIS

Blue Velvet Groove - $0 cover Free! - 8 - 11pm

The Aurora Borealis 16708 Aurora Ave N, 206-629-5744. 21+

Blue Velvet Groove is a 10 member funk/disco/groove supergroup of musicians covering artists such as Stevie Wonder, Chic, Aretha Franklin, Heatwave, LaBelle, Earth, Wind and Fire, Chaka Khan, Amy Winehouse, Sly and the Family Stone and other artist from the 60’s to current.

Members have years of experience performing at clubs, casinos, wineries, festivals and other venues! This year they were selected to perform at the Sky River Rock Festival 51st Anniversary event and many other amazing local venues. Their goal is to get everyone out on the dance floor and having a great time!


DARRELL'S TAVERN

Surf X Surfwest - Surf Music Fest... 12 Surf Bands, outdoor stage - $15 cover - 21 and over! - 2:30pm - 11:30pm

Darrell's Tavern 18041 Aurora Ave N. 206-542-6688.

Heavy rock metal and punk bands at Shoreline's own Dive Bar. Live music, vintage decor, pizza, tacos, hotdogs, and free pool.

Feast your ears on an epic gathering of surf bands from the Pacific Northwest! Ten bands! Two stages!

Featuring... The Delstroyers, The Evanstones, The Viking Surfers, Via COMBUSTA, The Cosmic Wrays, Pleasure Island, MuerteMen, The Seatopians, Stereo Donkey, Plank.

And a food truck by El Carbito Mexican Food!


EASY MONKEY TAPHOUSE

Brian Butler Blues Band - 8 - 10pm
No cover until September for any show as part of our customer appreciation!
Easy Monkey Taphouse, 17537 15th Ave NE B. 206-420-1326.

Acclaimed musician Brian Butler plays bold blues and originals. A gifted storyteller, Brian backs his expressive vocals with dynamic guitar and harmonica. Never straying far from his blues background, Brian has created an innovative sound that pays tribute to the classic blues while blending diverse musical influences. Brian's performances are energetic, inspiring and not-to-be-missed.


THIRD PLACE COMMONS

Scott Cossu  FREE and family friendly. 7:30 - 9:30pm
Third Place Commons Town Center, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE in Lake Forest Park.

An internationally known composer, pianist, and recording artist, Scott’s work includes a melodic blend of jazz, classical, and ethnic influences. Scott was up front when New Age was just beginning over 30 years ago.  He was one of the first Windham Hill Artists.

Scott would affectionately call his music Heavy Mental or Cosmic National Geographic, even though he was one of the grandfathers of the New Age scene; he was labeled a “jazz luminary of the future”, by Billboard Magazine.  Much of Scott’s work exhibits departures from the New Age field and includes a melodic blend of jazz, classical and ethnic influences.


NORTH CITY BISTRO

Rod Cook and Toast - $12 Cover - Tickets

North City Bistro and Wine Shop1520 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.

Rod Cook and Toast has been performing original and cover material based in blues, rock, country, Americana, surf and American roots music in general around the Pacific NW for over twenty years. They have recorded two albums. The band consists of Rod Cook (guitar, vocals), Jon Bayless (bass, vocals) and Chris Leighton (drums). Jon Bayless is known for his former work as bassist with Heart in addition to holding down the groove with countless bands in the Northwest. Chris Leighton also has played with too many Northwest bands to count in the last forty years as well as Randy Bachmann and Laura Love.


GRINDERS


Grinders Italian Restaurant 19811 Aurora Ave N
Reservations highly recommended;  206-542-0627  GrindersNW@gmail.com

In 2010, Little Bill was honored with the release of “Big Blues for Little Bill” – a compilation of his songs redone by NW artists such as Duffy Bishop, Billy Stoops and Polly O’Keary. The disc coincided with Bill’s 70th birthday with shows at the Triple Door and the Rialto Theatre. All proceeds from the sales of the cd went to the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation – a cause that is near to Bill’s heart.

Over the years, Engelhart has had the pleasure of working with some of the finest musicians in the northwest including Jo Johanson, Isaac Scott and Buck England. In addition, he has opened for legendary acts such as BB King, Robert Lockwood Jr. and Buddy Guy. The singer, songwriter and bass player has a roomful of awards including NW Hall of Fame, the W.C. Handy Award and the BB Life Time Achievement Award.

His current lineup consist of master guitarist Billy ‘Stapes’ Stapleton and the tight and steady multiple award winning Billy Barner on the drums.performed in Texas Roadhouses and in Stadiums. He has performed for two US Presidents, foreign dignitaries, and Jimi's music for the Hendrix family. He has jammed with jazz legends, international blues stars, and has worked with sidemen to the biggest rock acts.



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Agenda for Shoreline Council meeting July 29 includes the ballot measure for the Aquatic - Recreation Center

Shoreline City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The Shoreline Council Regular Meeting on July 29, 2019 includes one Action Item and One Study Item.

Action Item 8(a) Adopting Ordinance No. 866 – Authorizing the Placement of a Ballot Measure on the 2019 General Election Ballot to Authorize a Property Tax Bond Measure for an Aquatics, Recreation and Community Center and Optionally Priority Parks Improvements


Staff recommends that Council adopt Ordinance No. 866 to place a measure on the November 5, 2019 General Election. 

Staff has provided two forms of the ordinance: 

  1. to fund construction of a Shoreline Aquatics, Recreation and Community and 
  2. which includes construction of both the Shoreline Aquatics, Recreation and Community Center and other Parks Improvements.

"The Council hereby finds that the best interests of the residents of the City require the City to construct, develop, equip, upgrade, acquire, and improve the parks and recreation facilities as described in the PROS Plan, as it may be amended from time to time (the “Projects”)

option #1" including an aquatics, recreation and community center with approximately 75,000 square feet of fitness, aquatic and community gathering areas" (as previously described).

option #2" including the construction of park amenities, playgrounds, splash-pads and/or trails at Brugger’s Bog, Hillwood, Richmond Highlands, and Briarcrest Community (Hamlin) parks and an aquatics, recreation and community center with approximately 75,000 square feet of fitness, aquatic and community gathering areas" (as previously described).


Study Item 9(a) Discussion of Resolution No. 439 – Approving the 2019 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan

As the population in King County increases, the only operating landfill in the County, Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, gets closer to its capacity as a solid waste disposal site.The 2019 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan can be found here.

--Pam Cross




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Letter to the Editor: If you think it’s time for a change in Shoreline you are not alone

To the Editor:

Ginny Scantlebury has lived in Shoreline for over 35 years and has an historical perspective of our beautiful city and will always work toward the best interests of every resident in Shoreline.
Four years ago, when the staff and city council started looking at possible rezoning to prepare for the coming of light rail, Ginny attended every meeting. They didn’t listen to us and voted 7-0 to go ahead with what is happening now. Ginny understands Shoreline’s needs to prepare for growth, but it must be done in the right way.

Ginny and her husband are former small business owners in Shoreline and she understands the needs of the business community. She has contacted many businesses and has been told over and over about the lack of interest and support for the small business community from city officials and council members. Business owners are very concerned with crime, especially shoplifting, drug activity and loitering.

It is obvious that the current council has not been able to resolve the homelessness issue and the issue is growing worse. While we need to provide a wide range of services to those who want them, we also need to enforce local laws when necessary. Ginny learned about the “zero tolerance policy” they have in Marysville and Arlington “for those that aren’t willing to get help” (Mayor of Marysville, Jon Nehring). This is the policy she wants to implement in Shoreline.

Ginny’s opponents, Doris McConnell and David Chen, will continue the policies of the current council. This will encourage us to become more like Seattle which Shoreline residents do not want.

Bring a new much needed perspective to our Shoreline City Council by electing Ginny.

Cliff and June Spingler
Shoreline




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Tour de Terrace starts Friday in Mountlake Terrace

Tour de Terrace
Photo by Geoff Vlcek


Mountlake Terrace's big Seafair party starts on Friday and runs through Sunday afternoon.

Tour de Terrace is the Seafair-Sanctioned, summer festival for Mountlake Terrace and neighboring communities.

Presented by a small group of dedicated volunteers, this festival was created in 1993 to generate community spirit and pride. We invite families, businesses and visitors to celebrate in this family oriented, fun-filled festival.

It starts at 4pm on Friday, July 26, 2019

The big parade starts at 6:45pm on Friday. See celebrities, cool cars, amazing floats, drill teams, Mountlake Terrace High School Athletes, and so much more! And of course, the SeaFair pirates are on hand to "terrify" and delight the children! Check out the official parade map in our maps sections

Pancake breakfast 8am to noon on Saturday and Sunday at the south end of the main field. $6.

2019 Cedar Way PTO 5K Fun Run and Walk, Saturday, July 27, 8:30am, Mountlake Terrace High School. Packets can be picked up from 1 pm-6 pm Friday, July 26 at the booth located next to the First Aid and Arts and Crafts Booths. Full details and registration here!

Photo courtesy Tour de Terrace


Saturday 9am to 3pm only - Classic Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show
Located on the grass field next to the Carnival at Evergreen Playfield Complex, the car show registration begins at 8:00am with viewing of vehicles beginning at 10:00am. The Car Show entry fee is $20 and vehicles must be street legal to sign up. The first 100 cars registered receive a dashboard plaque.

Cars, trucks and motorcycles compete in sixteen classes for trophies. The Best of Show trophy is awarded to the overall favorite, as selected by a people’s choice vote. Trophies are awarded at approximately 3:00pm.

The music starts on Friday night and continues on Saturday and Sunday. See the full schedule here.

The Tour has the only carnival in our local area, with rides and games.

Davis Shows Northwest returns with a fantastic carnival, featuring awesome rides and a midway full of fun games. Ride the the Ali Baba, the Orbiter, the Zipper, Vertigo, Zendar, or the Starship 2000... but not on a full stomach! Or wander over to the midway and try your hand at Hoop Shots, Water Balloons, Balloon Darts, Paradise Place, and more.

Tickets are expected to be $3.75 each for rides; all day wristbands are $26.

Fireworks. Just when you thought the 4th of July fireworks were done - here comes the Tour fireworks show. Join us for an awesome fireworks show from Alpha Pyrotechnics! The show starts around 10pm on Saturday the 27th.

Then there's the arts and crafts, vendor booths, food, and beer garden.



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Notes from the Shoreline City Council meeting of July 22, 2019

Shoreline City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Shoreline City Council Meeting 
July 22, 2019
Notes by Pam Cross

The Regular Meeting was preceded by Council’s Dinner Meeting with King County Housing Authority (KCHA) to discuss KCHA presence in Shoreline and the challenges of homelessness.

Mayor Hall called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00pm
Councilmember Roberts was excused for personal reasons.

Council Reports

Councilmember Scully attended the *WRIA 8 board meeting. Unfortunately the number of Chinook salmon are dramatically down. It’s frustrating we don’t have an actual mechanism for reversing this trend.

*Water Resource Inventory Area 8 Salmon Recovery Council for the Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Watershed

Report of the City Manager

Debbie Tarry provided reports and updates on various City meetings, projects and events.

Public Comment

Mallory Van Abbema, Shoreline resident and Policy and Advocacy Manager for Housing Development Consortium

Van Abbema thanked Council for its leadership in equitable housing for the City and urged adoption of HB1406. This is a new funding tool passed by the Legislature that will allow jurisdictions to retain a portion of sales tax. It would be $77,216 annually for the next 20 years. No new tax is involved.

Tom McCormick, Shoreline resident, spoke about the 185th St. Corridor project. No road changes are proposed for Segment A (west of Midvale). The explanation is this part of the roadway fits the requirement for Level Of Service (LOS) for vehicular traffic. However he feels that we should be focusing on multi-modal (pedestrians, bikes, buses, as well as vehicles). We need adequate access from Puget Sound to the light rail station. That would make it consistent with the Transportation Master Plan.

Ginny Scantlebury, Shoreline. The preferred plan for the 185th St. Corridor project includes consideration of underground utilities. We are still paying over $6 for the Auroral Corridor. Is this the best option?

The agenda was approved unanimously.

The Consent Calendar was adopted, without discussion, unanimously.

Study Items

Study Item 8(a) Discussing and Selecting the Preferred Option for the 185th Street Multimodal Corridor Strategy (185th MCS)

The purpose of this agenda item is to provide the City Council with an update on the 185th MCS.

Nora Daley-Peng, Senior Transportation Planner, provided the staff report. Miranda Redinger joined her.

This strategy will serve as a basis of design for future design/development phases when the City enhances the study into a Capital Improvement Project (CIP).The goal is to create a vision that is future-focused and supports the needs of all users (cars, buses, pedestrians, bikers).

This corridor consists of three roads (N/NE 185th St, 10th Ave NE, and NE 180th St) to better connect Aurora with the future N 185th Station and the North City Business District.

Snohomish County Swift Transit will be extended to make frequent connections to/from the station. King County Metro Transit will include local and frequent to/from station trips and a frequent route that follows this corridor and will extend to Lake Forest Park.

There were 3 main parts to the presentation.

1. Summary of spring public outreach

The corridor was divided into 5 segments (A-E) 


Segment A has no planned lane changes because it accommodates present and future vehicle LOS. But pedestrian and bike improvements are needed and could be made through updates to the Transportation Master Plan (TMP).

Segment C has no planned lane changes because it assumes Sound Transit (ST) planned project improvements will stay in place

Segment B public preferred option is four-lanes - 2 general use and 2 BAT-(business access and transit) with protected bike lanes.

Segment D public preferred option is two general use lanes with buffered bike lanes.

Segment E public preferred option is two general use lanes with bike lanes

2. Staff Recommended Options

Using the feedback from the public, and including technical analysis, staff recommends

Segment A - no traffic changes

Segment B - In addition to the 2 general purpose and 2 BAT lanes, off-street bike lanes, amenity zones, sidewalks, and additional flex zone (used for plants, seating, bike racks) for north side of street and possible underground utility lines. More study required to assess feasibility.

Transitions from 4 to 3 lanes between 1st and 2nd Ave NE to match Segment C’s ST improvements.

Segment C - part of ST improvements that will include 3 lanes, buffered bike lanes from 2nd to 5th, two lanes with buffered bike lanes, 5’ amenity zones and 8’ sidewalks on both sides.

Segment D - two lanes with buffered bike lanes, on-street parking on westside only, amenity zones, sidewalks and additional flex zone on westside of street. Because of the large number of driveways and cross streets, unable to put bike lane next to curb on westside where there is street parking. So bike lane is between traffic lane and street parking.

Segment E - two general purpose lanes with enhanced bike lanes, amenity zones and sidewalks

3. Next Steps in this 185th Strategy

Refined corridor plan; intersection design analysis; Right of Way (ROW) needs; Utility coordination; SEPA checklist (environmental impact statement); design guidelines; cost estimates; project delivery and funding strategy.

Questions for Council

1. should we move from a vehicle LOS (Level Of Service) to a multi-modal LOS with the upcoming TMP (Transportation Master Plan) Update

2. input on including underground utilities

Discussion

We should not omit Segment A because it will leave a gap in the completion of the RB Rd bike lanes and the 185th bike lanes. This part of the road is not up to current City standards because of no bike lane, no amenities and narrow sidewalks. It could be improved through City street matrix.

Council recognizes that we can’t fix the whole city with one project, but 10th Ave Segment E improvements should continue to 175th (even though that extends outside of the official corridor) because it’s a busy connector. Staff knows it needs to be extended, and would like to know what the Council thinks. They could address it as a Master Street update brought through the Comprehensive Plan Docket process.

Multi-modal LOS (Level of Service) expands on the vehicle LOS by accounting for walk/bike/transit/driving. This is a more balanced approach and reflects what we are trying to get to. It will better assess whether the changes are successful. The purpose is to measure the number of people served instead of the number of vehicles served. An example is one bus can carry 60 people, eliminating 60 cars with 1 person each..

Snohomish Swift measures ridership and projects 4,600 daily to/from ridership. Note the 185th Station is projected to handle 6,600 total riders. King County Metro doesn’t have projected ridership yet. If we do nothing we cannot meet even the vehicle LOS. With changes we will have to pay attention to how we handle the turning at intersections, and access management (e.g. driveway consolidations) prevent left turns by using raised curbs (c-curbing) instead of just painted lines.

Wouldn’t it be more logical for Swift to go the Lynnwood station? 185th is as close as Aurora gets to I-5 between Everett and here. So going to the Lynnwood station would actually be a longer bus trip. At this point the goal is to get transit to focus on getting people to the north/south light rail. All the transit providers are looking at their overall service.

Underground utilities are best installed at the beginning of development. It’s really expensive to do after the development has been done. There is no estimate of the cost at this time because there are too many unanswered questions. Should staff consider underground utilities? They can come back with estimates. Underground utilities not only look better (think Aurora) but also allow tree growth without butchering them for power lines. They also provide better performance during storms. We will have to move poles, and since we’re digging up the streets anyway, some of the costs are being incurred whether or not the utilities are moved underground. It is highly unlikely we will be digging up the new streets. As a long term investment, it might be worth it to do it now. There is a lot more discussion needed to determine how it would be done. Right now we are identifying what we want included in the design strategy.

Staff will review the following and be back to present to Council on October 28th.

1. Changes to segment A
2. Extending improvements to Segment E 10th Ave
3. Looking at underground utilities with sensitivity to the cost


Study Item 8(b) Discussion of City Programs Funded by the Vehicle License Fee and Washington State Initiative 976

If passed by the voters in November, I-976 will significantly disrupt funding of roadway and sidewalk preservation projects and reduce funds for new transportation projects in the City as well as regionally.

Staff report by Randy Witt, Public Works Director and Trisha Juhnke, City Engineer

Initiative 976 impacts Shoreline in two ways: it limits the vehicle license fee (VLF) to $30 and repeals the local Transportation Benefit District (TBD) fees.

The City currently imposes a $40 VLF per year on all vehicles registered in Shoreline. The initial $20 vehicle license fee for transportation improvements was enacted in 2009. It paid for road surface maintenance including the overlays and Bituminous Surface Treatments (BSTs). The second $20 to support the repair and maintenance of the City’s sidewalk network was enacted in 2018.

Sales tax is not included in I-976, so the new sidewalk projects will not be affected.

Passage of I-976 will result in: 
  • Reduction of the Pavement Preservation Program,
  • End the Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program, 
  • Loss of the ability to set aside revenue to support grant match funding,
  • Preserving existing capital infrastructure before building new facilities may cause additional impacts to other projects,
  • Reduction in the opportunity or flexibility to use Roads Capital Fund two supplement grant projects, 
  • Increased need for support from General Fund to provide funding as grant match or to fund other City transportation priorities. 

Overall, while the VLF is currently only funding two programs, the loss of $1,660,000 per year would have an impact on the entire transportation program as the remaining revenue is re-allocated and adjusted.

Additionally, Sound Transit is expected to lose approximately $6.95 billion through 2041, adding indirect costs with the total impact to exceed $20 billion.

Staff recommends that the Council consider adoption of a resolution (allowed by RCW 42.17A.555) in opposition to I- 976, given the anticipated impacts to the City’s funding of the ARSM and Sidewalk Rehabilitation programs, on August 12 which will allow time for required public comment.

There was no opposition to staff’s recommendation.

Meeting adjourned at 8:32pm.



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Photos: A fun way to practice painted piano lessons

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Aidan got a lot of practice in today!
Jennifer Caceres and her grandson Aidan went on a scavenger hunt to find every painted piano in Shoreline.

They succeeded - and it looks like they even found an extra one kept from previous years.

"Pictures of my grandson enjoying Shoreline's annual Pop Up Piano scavenger hunt. 

"Such a fun way to practice piano lessons!"
🎹🎶🎼😁



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Letter to the Editor: Shoreline voters may be surprised at my endorsement

To the Editor:

Shoreline voters might be surprised to know I have endorsed Doris McConnell for re-election!

I’ve known Deputy Mayor McConnell since 2008. I served on Council sitting right next to her for two years. We were on opposite sides in the past, and I actually ran against her once.

But we have both evolved. She bravely stood up for the neighborhoods against the Radical Rezones. She spoke out strongly for Tree Canopy and passionately for Parks and public health.

She’s shown courage, wisdom and decency. She has many impressive endorsements! I am honored to recommend you vote for Doris.

Janet Way
Shoreline



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Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler disciplines and issues fines to insurance companies totaling $724,000

Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler disciplined and issued fines in July totaling $724,000 against insurance companies, agents and brokers who violated state insurance regulations.
Insurance companies.

The office of the insurance commissioner issues fines every month for everything from improper paperwork to large and small-scale insurance fraud, from companies and individuals.

Molina Healthcare of Washington, Inc., Seattle; fined $600,000, order 19-0240

The health insurance company committed a number of violations involving provider networks, claims handling, consumer appeals and responding to Kreidler’s office. Kreidler suspended $200,000 of the fine as long as the company completes a compliance plan to correct the violations.

Preferred Contractors Insurance Risk Retention Group LLC, Billings, Mont.; fined $35,000, order 19-0270

The company accepted policy applications from an unlicensed producer and an unlicensed entity.

State Farm Fire and Casualty Co., Bloomington, Ill.; fined $20,000, order 19-0239

The company failed to attach a required endorsement to its commercial farm and ranch policies.

National Casualty Co., Columbus, Ohio; fined $20,000, order 19-0212

The company failed to use its correct legal name on more than half of its forms. Kreidler suspended $10,000 of the fine as long as the company reports that it has corrected all of its forms.

Employers Mutual Casualty Co., Des Moines, Iowa; fined $4,000, order 19-0243

The company failed to properly appoint producers and agencies and allowed unlicensed producers to process insurance transactions.



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Potential Town Center redevelopment in Lake Forest Park

Town Center now with MGP property
outline in red dashed line


Merlone Geier Partners (MGP) hosted a town hall last week in Lake Forest Park to discuss conceptual plans for a potential Town Center redevelopment.

MGP owns the commercial buildings at Town Center, including the bank and office building. They do not own the land or building with City Hall, Starbucks, or Windermere.

Sound Transit is planning a major bus rapid transit hub there and would like to build a multi-story parking garage.

MGP said that they "hope they can take a more active role in shaping the future of our property as we strike a balance with various stakeholder demands."

More than 100 people joined the town hall.

For those who couldn’t attend, MGP is putting the materials online on their website

Part 1 of 2  has been posted here. It recaps the conceptual plans from the town hall PowerPoint presentation. Part 2 will include a video to be posted in the coming weeks. 

The public is being involved very early in the process. In the conceptual plans, nothing is off the table. Retail, residential, parking, with some designs using all the land, and others fitting themselves around City Hall. Combinations of all the above abound.



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Photos: Third Annual Pet Pawrade a howling success

A picture perfect day
King County Regional Animal Services


Photos by LFP Councilmember John Wright

On Friday, July 12, 2019, Lake Forest Park went to the dogs - and one cat - with the 3rd annual Pet Pawrade.

Talent Contest winners


Councilmember Wright said "Participation was up sharply from last year and there was perfect weather for the event! Great contestants (both human and animal) and great ! This is a great family event for our city!"

Best Float - and only feline in the crowd


The Pawrade started at City Hall and marched down Brookside Blvd to Pfingst Animal Acres Park.

'Pug - Olympics' Champion!


There were prizes for best costumes, a pet trick competition and there were food trucks.

Booths and food for people and pets


There were booths of information, with many focused on pets.

Parade organizer Cory with 'Princess Leah'


City Manager Phillip Hill said "Thank you to all of our sponsors and vendors who participated in this year’s third annual Pet Pawrade! 
"A big thank you to everyone who joined the parade march and community events at Animal Acres Park and congratulations to this year’s Costume Contest winners and new Pet Trick Competition!"



Live music provided by Cool Waters' Brooke and Wendy.


These are the memories that the children will treasure for a lifetime.



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Washington included in Equifax settlement - individuals can make claims

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

State Attorney General
Bob Ferguson

Attorney General Bob Ferguson, along with 49 other attorneys general, announced that credit-reporting agency Equifax will pay more than half a billion dollars because of a 2017 data breach affecting nearly 150 million individuals nationwide. This is the largest data breach enforcement action in U.S. history.

“Equifax handles Washingtonians’ personal data, and we expect them to keep that information safe,” said Ferguson. “This resolution holds Equifax accountable to the millions of individuals who had their information stolen.”

As part of resolutions to be filed with Washington, 49 other attorneys general, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission and private parties, Equifax will pay $175 million to the states and up to $425 million to affected consumers.

Washington will receive more than $3.7 million, which will go toward continued enforcement of state data security and privacy laws. If the number of consumers filing claims results in less than the maximum restitution payments from the nationwide fund, the Attorney General’s Office may use its payment to provide additional funds to Washingtonians.

The Attorney General asserts that Equifax’s failure to protect Washingtonians’ information violated the state Consumer Protection Act.

Affected Washingtonians can submit a claim online, or request a paper form to send by mail here or by calling 833-759-2982. To receive email updates regarding the launch of this online registry, consumers can sign up here. The resolution proposes that the nearly 150 million individuals affected by the breach can request free credit monitoring provided by Equifax and reimbursement for:

  • time spent trying to avoid or recover from identity theft, up to 20 total hours at $25 per hour;
  • money spent trying to avoid or recover from identity theft, including fees to freeze or unfreeze credit, professional identity theft services costs or postage; and
  • reimbursement of $125 for those who already have credit monitoring and decline the credit monitoring services offered as part of the resolution.The proposed restitution is subject to the court’s approval.

Equifax will provide free credit monitoring to affected individuals for ten years. Individuals under 18 years old at the time of the breach will receive 18 years of free credit monitoring.

In addition to free credit monitoring, affected individuals who become victims of identity theft may be eligible for free services to help restore their identity.

For at least five years, all consumers can request two additional credit reports from Equifax every 12 months at no cost. Federal law allows individuals to request one free report every 12 months.

Equifax is required to put technical safeguards in place to protect personal information and complete independent, third-party compliance assessments for the next six years.

Washington was a member of the executive committee in the multistate investigation. Assistant Attorneys General Shidon Aflatooni and Tiffany Lee are lead attorneys on the case for Washington state.



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Update: Single vehicle fatality Tuesday morning

Shoreline Fire reports a single car vehicle collision at some point after midnight Tuesday morning, July 23, 2019.

The car was somewhat hidden from the road, off in the trees.

Fire/EMS, in conjunction with the police department that there was a single deceased occupant.

This collision occurred west of Fremont on the south side of 185th Street.

It was discovered by a passerby after 5am. MARR (Major Accident Response and Reconstruction) King County were on scene investigating most of the morning.

Update 7-24-19: The driver has been identified as 18 year old Lauren Bianco of Shoreline. Cause of death was blunt force injury to the head.




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Richmond Jr. Football free skills camp



Football is just around the corner and Richmond Jr. Football wants your child to get the most out of his/her experience this season. 

That’s why they have partnered with Ford Sport Performance to present a free skills camp. Again, admission is free. Don't miss out! This camp will focus on the following:

  • Conditioning - Participants will work on drills that will help train and customize their bodies to provide them with a performance advantage.
  • Speed and Agility - FSP has designed several drills centered on speed and agility to enhance athletic performance.

Event details
Where: Shoreline Stadium, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155
Date: This Saturday (July 27, 2019)
Time: 11:00am to 1:00pm (arrive between 10:15 and 10:45am)
Who: Boys and Girls (ages 6 to 13)

How to register 
Send an email with the following information to: richmondjrfootball@gmail.com
  1. Child's full name
  2. Child's grade level
  3. School where child is currently enrolled

All athletes who are interested in sharpening their skills and abilities are welcome; soccer, basketball, track and field, football, baseball, etc. Participants will receive a 20% off coupon for Dick's Sporting Goods.



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Local dogs walking their people in the park


Starting at the left is Jack with his human Bill Clements, Kipling with Elizabeth Park, Marlowe and Rosie with Laurie Ann Dudley, and good old Owen with Bert Dudley in tow. It's a dog world.

Text and photos by Wayne Pridemore

Every week day a group of Richmond Beach dogs take their people for a walk. The dogs meet each morning at 7:30am at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.

Through Richmond Beach Saltwater Park


For the last six years, Jack, Kipling, Marlowe, Rosie, and Owen have taken their people for a morning walk. They find that their humans are more relaxed for the rest of the day. It also seems to help keep excess weight off their charges. 

The walk starts at the park entrance and then goes out to the point and back. After leaving the park they take the humans north on 21st Ave NW. The routine is year round.





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Jobs: WSDOT Shoreline

Biologist/Environmental Permit Coordinator (TPS3) 
In-Training
Closing Date/Time Continuous - First review on 8/5/19

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a motivated project delivery-focused individual to fill the role of Biologist/Environmental Permit Coordinator. This position will serve as an interdisciplinary technical and regulatory specialist, and will primarily be responsible to conduct advanced transportation studies related to biological and aquatic resources.

The successful candidate will also serve as the environmental representative for projects to support scoping, design, construction, and post-construction efforts to meet NEPA, SEPA, ESA, Clean Water Act environmental reviews and permitting requirements. Our top candidate must have advanced collaboration and communication skills as this position communicates with many project partners including: Tribal Governments, the Landscape Architecture Office, Real Estate Services Office, Project Engineering Design and Construction Offices and Federal, State, and Local Agencies.

View the entire announcement and apply here: Biologist/Environmental Permit Coordinator


Assistant Real Estate Services Manager
Closing Date/Time Continuous - First Review 7/30/19

WSDOT is looking for an experienced and ambitious individual with polished project management skills to serve as the Assistant Real Estate Services Manager of the Northwest Region. Your knowledge, skills, and initiative will help support, manage, and lead a skilled and diverse 35 employee team for all of the Northwest Region's Real Estate Services programs.

View the entire announcement and apply here: Assistant Real Estate Services Manager



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LFP City Council hiring consultant to design culvert replacements

Lake Forest Park City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
City of Lake Forest Park City Council regular meeting Thursday, July 25, 2019, 7:00pm in the City Hall Council Chambers 17425 Ballinger Way NE.


AGENDA

Ordinances and Resolutions

1. Ordinance 1195/Amendment to Civil Service Rules, LFPMC 2.40.195

2. Resolution 1741/Authorizing Mayor to Sign Agreement for Consultant Services with Gray and Osborne, Inc. to Design a Replacement for Culverts L80 and L90

Staff document (portion)

Background
Culverts L80 and L90 are immediately downstream of a collapsed private culvert that exists on private property on the west side of SR 104, north of NE 185th Street.

Immediately north of the collapsed culvert is a culvert which passes underneath SR 104, identified as L100. Culvert L100 is the responsibility of WSDOT and they are currently designing a replacement as this culvert is included in a list of culverts with fish passage shortcomings WSDOT is required to replace in accordance with a court case.

The City and WSDOT have been communicating for several years about the culverts in order to coordinate our efforts to replace the culverts in a way that results in a proper and efficient transition between the projects.

Preliminarily, there have been discussions about including L100 in a project for which LFP would be the lead agency to replace all three culverts and restoring the creek in the collapsed portion. This proposal would be very similar to that which occurred during the replacement of the Lyon Creek culverts in 2015, where the replacement of WSDOT’s culvert under SR 522 was included in the City’s culvert replacement project, with WSDOT reimbursing the City for the cost of design and construction. 

While that arrangement worked well, WSDOT has scheduled the replacement of L100 for 2021 while the City project is not expected to be ready for construction until 2022.  We are not ruling out a joint project, however, and will continue to communicate with WSDOT on this topic during design.



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New water fountain in Horizon View park

The Northshore Utility District purchased, donated, and installed a new drinking fountain at Horizon View Park.

The park is located at 19845-20099 47th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park 98155

Photo courtesy of City of Lake Forest Park.





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Shoreline Place demolishes old catalog building

Demolition of catalog building at Shoreline Place
Photo courtesy Merlone Geier


Merlone Geier announced that they have started demolition of the old Sears Catalogue Building on the north side of the property near the entrance from 160th. It is preparation for future development and construction, and improves safety on the property.

They stated that "the Shoreline Planning Commission unanimously recommended our Shoreline Place Development Agreement to City Council." The City Council will now review the Development Agreement starting on August 5.

The catalog building was behind the upper level
of the old Sears building
Photo courtesy Merlone Geier


They will be at Celebrate Shoreline 2019 as sponsors of the Family Stage and welcome you to come talk to them.

For more Shoreline Place information and updates, see them on Facebook, Instagram, and website.



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Letter to the Editor: Reasons to vote for David Chen for Shoreline City Council

To the Editor:

I appreciate anyone running for Shoreline City Council. It’s not easy to run for office, but more choices and conversations make a healthy democracy, especially in a rapidly growing city with changing demographics.

Shoreline currently has only two first-term Council members: Betsy Robertson, appointed in 2018 and running to keep her seat this year, and Susan Chang, who could run again in 2021. The seven others have served multiple terms.

I’ve been writing letters to City Council for five years, advocating for policies and funding for neighborhood business areas to improve walkability, community and the local economy. I’ve watched Council and City staff instead focus on proposing new taxes and planning discrete projects, all on or west of Aurora Ave, including Shoreline Place, the proposed Community Aquatic Center, and an ongoing focus on the “Town Center” at City Hall.

They have not tackled the more challenging goals of reallocating existing funding for new priorities and encouraging good redevelopment everywhere, particularly in rezoned areas near the future light rail stations to the east.

But growth needs infrastructure and policy to help all neighborhoods serve all residents as well as possible in the future.

David will represent a broader range of residents regarding these more challenging goals. Both of his opponents, Doris McConnell and Ginny Scantlebury, are longtime Shoreline residents who live on the water in Richmond Beach. Both prefer to slow the rate at which Shoreline changes and have not been champions regarding quality of redevelopment.

Residents on east side are in general less wealthy and more diverse, with more newer residents who are generally less connected politically. David is from Echo Lake, and his priorities are affordable and diverse housing options and the local economy. David is curious and articulate, passionate about representation and demographics, and ready to dive into policy details. He’d provide more balance and great energy to City Council.

Megan Kogut PhD
Shoreline


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CRISTA Media adds Sara Willy as KCMS / KCIS Marketing and Promotions Director

Sara Willy

CRISTA Media is pleased to announce the hiring of Sara Willy as Marketing and Promotions Director for KCMS (SPIRIT 105.3 FM) and KCIS (630 AM), effective August 1, 2019. 

Willy is returning to broadcast media after several years spent in the world of theatre. In addition, since 2011 she has owned and managed seven hyper-local Seattle neighborhood news blogs.

Her vast professional experience also extends to event production and management, marketing, and media sales.

She owns a BA in Communications from Western Washington University, and a master’s degree in Educational Theatre from New York University.

A native of Seattle who carries a deep passion for her local community, Willy currently resides in Magnolia with her two sons.

Established in 1954, CRISTA Media owns and operates KCMS SPIRIT 105.3 and KCIS 630 in Seattle (WA), KWPZ PRAISE 106.5 in Bellingham (WA), KFMK SPIRIT 105.9 in Austin (TX), and multi-market HD radio/music streaming services LIFT Radio, Sky Country Radio and Quiet Time Radio. CRISTA Media is part of the CRISTA Family of Ministries.



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East Wenatchee using goats to protect city from wildfires

Filbert and friends take a short nap
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

Now that wildfire season has begun, the city of East Wenatchee, just across the mountains, is using a very large herd of goats to eat and trample the dried grasses and vines that helped sustain and spread a wildfire by the town last year.

The city lost 28 houses when sparks from burning grasslands were picked up by the winds and spread to homes.

The Seattle Times has the story: Goats gobble wildfire fuel around Wenatchee, where dozens of homes burned in 2015.

Shoreline residents know how effective goats are. The city has been using Earthcraft Services goat herds for seven years, to clear steep slopes in Shoreline. (Shoreline's urban shepherd)

The wildfires in Shoreline and north Seattle have primarily been on the steep slopes next to the freeway. Often they threatened homes. One wildfire last year managed to burn both sides of the freeway.

Perhaps WSDOT would consider maintaining their property with a few goat herds.

--Diane Hettrick


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Sweet Alchemy ice cream cart in Downtown Ridgecrest this Saturday

Downtown Ridgecrest has an ice cream cart this Saturday evening, on July 27, 2019. 

Sweet Alchemy, started by a UW graduate, is an ice creamery that focuses on small batch, organic ice cream made with local ingredients.

Sweet Alchemy has two brick and mortar locations in the University District and Ballard.

Sweet Alchemy also has a portable ice cream freezer for events, and they'll be scooping in front of Ridgecrest Public House from about 5 - 9pm Saturday evening.

People 21 and over can enjoy dinner from the dinner food truck Don Luchos's Peruvian Sandwiches and ice cream paired with beer, cider, wine or nonalcoholic beverages, either inside with air-conditioning or on the south-facing patio of Ridgecrest Pub. People of all ages can eat and drink non-alcoholic beverages on the picnic tables adjacent to the patio.

For more information about the nightly food trucks in Downtown Ridgecrest, see our food truck schedule.




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Free help with genealogy "Brick Walls" Saturday

Who are you and where
did you come from!!!!
Sno-Isle Genealogical society offers free "Brick Wall" help this Sat. July 27 starting at 10am to 3pm at the Sno-Isle Research Library, 19827 Poplar Way, Heritage Park, Lynnwood.

An experienced researcher will work "one on one" to help solve your research problem.

Call on Thursday between 11am - 3pm to make a Saturday appointment. Phone: 425-775-6267.




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Photo: Brilliant red flowers

Monday, July 22, 2019

Photo by Lee Lageschulte


Aren't these gorgeous? I love the mix of solid color and white edges.

What are they?

Are the ones with white completely different or are they just the new flower opening up?


DKH




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