12 year tax exemption for developers

Sunday, October 20, 2019

The Paceline Apartments on Aurora near N 175th
chose the 12 year affordable housing program
At candidate forums and in comments and letters there have been a lot of statements about the 12 year tax exemption for developers. Below is an excerpt from an article we published in 2018 about affordable housing. The entire article is here: Affordable Housing Explained.

By Sam Tilford

Affordable housing in Shoreline is made possible by the Property Tax Exemption Program (PTE), the Multifamily Tax Exemption Program (MFTE) and the U.S. Housing Act of 1937.

The Property Tax Exemption Program is offered to developers who meet affordable housing standards. Established in 2002 and simplified in 2015, the 12-year affordable program only applies to improvements on buildings; the land value continues to be taxed. After the 12 year period ends, developers will begin to pay both.

In order to qualify, developers must commit 20 percent of a project's units -- with a minimum of four units -- to qualified renters at affordable rates. These rates are determined by a person's income relating to the AMI and unit size.
  • Studios and one bedroom units must be affordable to those earning 70% of the King County AMI.
  • Two bedroom or larger units must be affordable to those earning 80% of the King County AMI.

The Multifamily Tax Exemption Program provides a tax exemption on new multifamily buildings in exchange for setting aside 20-25% of the homes as income- and rent-restricted. By supporting mixed-income residential development in the urban centers, the MFTE program ensures affordability as the community grows. Much like the National Affordable Housing Act, it seeks to provide affordable housing to families.

Established in 1937, the U.S. Housing Act -- or the Wagner-Steagall Act -- set a standard for low-income subsidized housing in America. This seminal legislation has been amended and expanded upon by Congress many times since to create a variety of housing programs.



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Letter to the Editor: A pool is a magical place

To the Editor:

I remember when my first born learned to swim. Inspired by Michael Phelps, we went to the grocery store all decked out in cap and goggles. When my second and third child came along, swim lessons were already a weekly event. We hopped in the car, towels around our necks and flip flops on our feet, excited to see our swim teachers and play in the water. To a child water is a magical place.

Eventually my kids learned safe water skills, but like many other kids in the Shoreline area, they caught the swimming bug! Our family started our competitive swim journey right here at the Shoreline Pool with the Gators Swim Team. Since then all three have participated on five different swim teams within the city limits ranging from year-round, highly competitive leagues to summer fun leagues, but the most memorable experiences all three of them talk about is high school swim. High school swim is a magical experience.

High school Swim / Dive is one of the last few sports in our society where everyone is welcome. Everyone participates. Elite athletes compete right alongside novice swimmers. Records are broken on the same day that new swimmers make it across the pool for the first time or dive off blocks. Other kids who did cartwheels on the playground or dabbled in Parkour find their way to the diving board, some even going on to State 3A championships. Completing a reverse dive with a full twist for the first time is a magical moment.

Our Shoreline Pool is at the end of its life. As much as we would all like to hope, it is not cost effective to retrofit it. And if no pool is built to replace it, Shoreline will only have private pools only available to private neighborhoods. We will lose a very important resource impacting our current generation and those future swimmers and divers to come. Please look to our children’s future and don’t let a magical experience every child should have disappear. Vote YES on Proposition 1.

Angela Nouwens
Shoreline



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RBCA Community Halloween Carnival Saturday Oct 26


This month marks the 33rd anniversary of Richmond Beach Community Association’s Halloween Carnival. On Saturday, October 26, from 3pm to 7pm, at Syre Elementary School 19545 12th Ave NW, children of all ages and abilities can join in on the fun at the carnival where they will find traditional carnival games with prizes, inflatables, haunted house, raffle, food and more.

SOFT OPENING FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Children who have a particular way of perceiving the world are often not comfortable attending functions such as this due to the commotion of large crowds and noises. To make the carnival accessible, families with special needs will have the gym to themselves for one hour from 2pm to 3pm. to play carnival games in a less busy environment while also allowing any modifications possible to meet their skills and abilities. Caretakers are invited to volunteer at the carnival and use the special skills and knowledge they possess to staff the carnival games during this hour. A re-charge room for individuals needing a quiet space will also be available.

Volunteers and Cake Donations are still needed.

Volunteers are still needed to work at the carnival. Our late shift 5:15 – 7:15pm is in most need. Follow this link to volunteer to set up, staff a booth or cleanup.

It takes over 100 desserts to make the cake walk a success. Gluten Free sweets are appreciated. Remember this is for kids, smaller size plates are perfect for little hands to carry. Simply bring some treats with you when you come to the carnival or drop off on Saturday at Syre Elementary as early as 9am.

MORE INFORMATION
More information about the carnival here or contact RBCA’s executive Director Teresa Pape at execdirector@richmondbeachwa.org



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Dia de Muertos Family Celebration in Shoreline Nov. 2



Dia de Muertos Family Celebration in Shoreline!
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Location: Spartan Recreation Center
Price: $0 – $25, pay what you can


Join your neighbors and friends this Dia de Muertos, Saturday, November 2, 2019 for an unforgettable night.

Event includes:
  • Live music by Mariachi Fiesta Mexicana.
  • Traditional dance by Baile Folklore Colibri.
  • Community altar with photos and ofrenda Please plan to add to the altar by bringing photos of loved ones, and any other items you would like.
  • Hands-on art activities — for youth and adults.
  • Food Trucks serving a mix of favorites.

Dia de Muertos in Shoreline – Saturday, November 2, 6pm at the Spartan Recreation Center. Ticket prices are pay what you can! Buy tickets online.

A note about ticket prices: We are happy to announce that this event is moving to a sliding scale pricing model. Tickets are $0-$25 per person depending on where the guest feels they fall on the scale. No questions are asked. When you pay more, know that you are helping others to access the event. When you pay in the middle, know that you are helping the organizers cover costs. And when you pay at the bottom, know you are letting the community hold and support you. All of these are wonderful and acceptable ways of participating. All are welcome.

Take your participation to the next level by submitting your artwork to one of the two following calls for art:
  • Call for Altars at Dia de Muertos Family Celebration. The community is invited to create their own altars! Altars can be created and decorated in many ways, in celebration of loved ones or to bring awareness to a special cause. Due Date: Oct 25. More Info here.
  • Call for Latinx Artists for Group Exhibition at Spartan Rec. The City of Shoreline will host a group exhibition by emerging and established artists working in a variety of media to explore aspects of Hispanic Culture. Due Date: Oct 24. More Info here.
This event is organized in partnership by the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council and the City of Shoreline. Ticket prices help cover the cost of entertainment and activities, any proceeds made will go towards arts programming in our community.

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is a 501c3 nonprofit focused on cultivating creativity and inspiring our community through the arts.



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Green Lake Water Lantern Festival

Water Lantern Festival
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The Water Lantern Festival was held at Greenlake on October 12, 2019 at the Seattle Public Theater on West Green Lake Dr N. Advance tickets were $25.

Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family friendly event that can be shared by everyone. Friends, families, neighbors, and lots of people that you haven't met can come together to create a peaceful, memorable experience.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson


The gates opened at 4pm with food trucks and music. Each adult ticket came with the following: a Floating lantern, Commemorative drawstring bag, Marker, and Wristband.

The price covered the cost of collecting and removing the lanterns from the water following the event as well as cleaning up any trash that may have been previously been in or around the water.

Each person decorated their lantern, then after dark the lanterns were placed in the lake.


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Lecture: The Mysterious 'Snerka:' The Curious History, Current Status and Future Prospects of Local Kokanee

UW Bothell Pub Night Talk at McMenamins: "The Mysterious 'Snerka:' The Curious History, Current Status and Future Prospects of Local Kokanee" 

Ichthyologist and Lake Forest Park resident Jeff Jensen, senior lecturer, School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Pub Night Talks, a free monthly lecture series, is cosponsored by the University of Washington Bothell and McMenamins, featuring university and community experts. Topics have ranged from butterflies to black holes. 

 7 - 8:30pm Tuesday, October 29, 2019. 
Doors open at 6pm.  

Haynes’ Hall, McMenamins Anderson School, 18607 Bothell Way NE, Bothell. 

The local guys: Kokanee
Photo by Roger Tabor, USFS
Jeff Jensen explores the origins of salmon in the Lake Washington basin, prospects for restoration of native Kokanee and the mystery of the “snerka,” a fish with uncertain genetic affinities. 

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

[Editor's note: Whether you are interested in fish or not, Jeff Jensen is an entertaining and energetic speaker.]


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Carve out a new tradition - Donate blood this Halloween!


An estimated 38 percent of Americans are eligible to give blood or platelets, but of those, less than 10 percent actually donate each year. 

If you are healthy and eligible, please come out to donate. 

Most donations take about an hour, so book your appointment, roll up your sleeve and become a part of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross.

Tuesday, October 31, 2019 - 9:30am to 2:30pm
Location: 1207 N 152nd St. Shoreline WA 98133

Contact: Betsy Robertson
Email: betsyeleanor@gmail.com
Phone: 206-409-2129



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Hi Cap Parent Association meeting Oct 30 with School Board candidate forum

The Shoreline Hi Cap Parent Association (SHCPA) will be hosting its next community meeting on Wednesday, October 30, at the Shoreline Library (345 NE 175th St) from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. 

The agenda will include:
  • 6:35pm – 7:15pm Shoreline school board candidate forum
  • 7:15pm – 7:45pm Student highlight: Lily Williamson (former Shoreline Hi Cap student / current UW Early Entrance Program student) who will share her journey regarding self-advocacy
  • 7:45pm – 8:15pm “Taking SHCPA Into The Future” (a look into our next steps as a parent organization!)
Social time to follow



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Halloween Frights - Nightmare at the Nile


Featuring six themed attractions and two 5 min Escape Rooms. Beer and Wine Garden, Food truck and Carnival eats. Live Performance Stage featuring local artists and performers.

Free parking and shuttle, indoor queue line and concession area, artist and vendor booths.

Now through December 14, 2019.
  • Friday and Saturday 7pm - 11pm and Sunday 7pm - 10pm
  • Special opening on Thursday, October 31, 2019 from 7pm - 10pm.
  • Kids Day Saturday October 26, 2019 11am to 4pm
See website for details and to purchase tickets

Held at the Nile Golf and Country Club, 6601 244th St SW, Mountlake Terrace 98043. Enter from SR104 / 244th St SW / NE 205th St center turn lane.



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Classifieds: Shoreline Fire Commissioners to hold Public Hearing Nov 7

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TO:      All owners of personal property and improvements to real property located within the geographical boundaries of Shoreline Fire Department.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Commissioners of Shoreline Fire Department will hold a public hearing at the date, time and place specified below to:

1.     Review sources of revenue for the Department’s 2020 General Expense, General Capital, and ALS Expense., including revenue from property taxes and possible increases in property tax revenues, if any, as required by RCW 84.55.120; and

2.     Review and establish the Department’s benefit charge to be imposed in 2020 for the support of its legally authorized activities which will maintain or improve the services afforded in the Department as provided in RCW 52.18.060.

DATE OF HEARING:    Thursday, November 7, 2019

TIME OF HEARING:    The public hearing portion of the agenda will begin at 5:00 p.m.

LOCATION:                Shoreline Fire Station 61
                                    17525 Aurora Avenue North
                                    Shoreline, WA  98133

All interested persons are encouraged to attend and provide input.



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Classifieds: Shoreline Fire Board of Commissioners reschedules meeting



NOTICE OF MEETING RESCHEDULED

As required by RCW 42.30, the Open Public Meetings Act, you are hereby notified that the Board of Commissioners of the Shoreline Fire Department has rescheduled the November 7, 2019 Board meeting from 5:00 p.m.to 4:15 p.m. to accommodate the Departments promotional pinning ceremony.





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Jobs: WSDOT

WSDOT openings:

Acquisition/Relocation Team Lead - Property and Acquisition Specialist 5
Opening Date: 10/18/2019
Closing Date: Open until filled; next review date is Friday, October 25, 2019

NOTE: This position has been re-posted to expand the applicant pool and the next review of applications will be conducted on October 25, 2019.

As the Acquisition/Relocation Team Lead, you will be responsible for providing technical expertise with acquisition/relocation issues as well as advise and review the work of consultant relocation agents. This position will also approve bids and estimates, help the region deliver its projects in a timely manner in accord with Federal, State and WSDOT regulatory and policy requirements.

View the entire announcement and apply: PAS5 - Seattle

Secretary Senior
Closing Date/Time: Thu. 10/31/19 11:59pm

As a Secretary Senior you'll provide a wide variety of complex secretarial and administrative support to internal staff members as well as external stakeholders and will play a pivotal role in the overall success of the office. Reporting to the Engineering Manager, position will also support the Sno-King Design Engineering Manager and two design offices.

The closing date for this job posting may be extended in an effort to establish a broader, more competitive candidate pool. However, the first review of applications will be conducted on October 24th, 2019.

View the entire posting and apply: Secretary Senior

Project Manager - Transportation Engineer 3
Position open until filled
Next resume review October 25, 2019.

The Northwest Region Project Engineering Office, located in Shoreline, is looking for a project manager who will be responsible for performing design work, reviewing design work, and administering consultant agreements involved with the preparation of various engineering documents. This role provides consultants and support staff guidance and direction regarding WSDOT standards and procedures as well as reviews documentation to ensure that designs meet standard practices.

View the entire posting and apply: Project Manager - TE3




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Photo: If only I knew it'd be worth the climb,

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler


..thought ol' Sid, whose shinnying days were numbered...


--GZN



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Book review by Aarene Storms: Primates: the fearless science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdikas

Primates: the fearless science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdikas
by Jim Ottaviani and Maris Wicks

Recruited by the great anthropologist Louis Leakey, three women are responsible for some of the greatest advances in primate science.

Jane Goodall spent many years studying chimpanzees, and is still occupied with teaching children (and adults) the importance of habitat conservation.

Dian Fossey lived alone on the mountains studying wild gorillas. Her efforts to eradicate poaching may have caused her death... nobody is really sure.

And Birute Galdikas, after more than four decades of studying wild orangutans, is still considered the world's authority on their lives.

A biography or memoir of any of these women might take a week or more to read, but this graphic novel-formatted text was a quick, pleasant diversion from a busy day.

Grab a banana and a friend (hmmm, maybe two bananas?) and read this!


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

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS astorms@kcls.org



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Letter to the Editor: Can you afford Prop 1?

To the Editor:

During the past three years several non-random, non-representative, specially selected small groups of Shoreline residents met to develop their want list for four of Shoreline’s parks, plus plans for a regional Olympic aquatic and community center. These forums were not open to other Shoreline residents. No one but the participants and City Hall were informed when and where these forums occurred, or how these were conducted.

It appears as though members of these forums were invited to consider every possible amenity that could be included in the four parks, and the aquatic and community center. Costs do not seem to be included as an advisable or necessary constraint.

And, it appears forum members were encouraged to think that the rest of Shoreline, its residents and businesses, would happily agree to play Santa Claus to pay for these extensive recreational amenities for the next 20 years, in addition to property taxes they now pay. Within that period the proposed amenities in all facilities, plus those parks not included in this extensive wish list, will no doubt need major repairs and upgrades. More tax $$s will be needed.

According to Zillow, hundreds of Shoreline homeowners are now selling, even in The Highlands. Homes are not selling quickly. Soon thousands of renters will move into many large soon to be completed Shoreline apartment complexes, many subsidized. No doubt they will enjoy all the amenities.

Can you afford to play Santa Claus for the next 20 years? Is your income so predictably stable that you know you will have enough money to pay increasing property assessments and taxes? If there is an economic downturn as in 2009, will you be able to stay in your home and stay in Shoreline? Can you afford Prop 1?

Jeanette Paulson
Shoreline



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City Light continues Lynnwood Link wire relocations on I-5

Sound Transit-related work will cause rolling slowdowns from October 22-25

Seattle City Light crews plan to relocate existing overhead power lines over Interstate 5 near NE 189th and 195th streets to support Sound Transit’s Lynnwood Link Extension project.

This work will result in traffic impacts on October 22-25, 2019.

To complete this work safely, Washington State Patrol troopers and contracted crews must intermittently conduct rolling slowdowns of traffic in both directions of I-5 to ensure safe work operations and passage for motorists.

Traffic will be intercepted and escorted at slow speeds for up to 15 minutes between Lynnwood and north Seattle as crews pull overhead feeder cables across the highway.

Traffic will return to normal speeds once past the work area.

Rolling slowdowns will occur on the following dates:
  • Tuesday night (11:59pm), October 22 to Wednesday morning (4am), October 23
  • Wednesday night (11:59pm), October 23 to Thursday morning (4am), October 24
  • Thursday night (11:59pm), October 24 to Friday morning (4am), October 25
Additional Details:
  • Traffic using the following on-ramps to I-5 will be affected:
  • On southbound I-5: I-405 Interchange, 196th St SW, 44th Ave W (Lynnwood), 220th St SW, 236th St SW (Mountlake Terrace), State Route 104 (Shoreline)
  • On northbound I-5: NE 175th St, 5th Ave NE (Shoreline), NE Northgate Way, NE 80th St (Seattle)
Drivers should expect delays and consider using alternate routes during construction. Real-time traffic information is available on the WSDOT mobile app and the WSDOT Traffic Twitter feed.

More information on Sound Transit’s Lynnwood Link Extension project, which will extend light rail into south Snohomish County and serve stations in Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood, is here or here.



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Department of Health launches new app for teens and young adults who vape

The Washington State Department of Health is announcing a new smartphone app to help teens and young adults quit vaping.

Developed collaboratively with 2Morrow Inc., the app is available for free to Washingtonians at doh.wa.gov/quit and is accessible via smartphone, tablet, laptop and desktop computer.

“This app is a promising resource to help tackle the youth vaping epidemic in our state,” said Dr. Kathy Lofy, state health officer. 
“By making tools to quit accessible via smartphone and computer, our hope is that more young people feel empowered to quit vaping.”

The self-guided program includes ten short lessons, advanced messaging protocols and customized tips. Participants learn how to deal with unhelpful thoughts, urges and cravings, and practice moving toward their goal of reducing or quitting vaping. Along the way, they receive daily text-based messages and have the ability to track their progress.

Studies have shown that users of similar 2Morrow cessation programs are six times more likely to quit than those doing it on their own.

“Although we don’t yet understand all the health effects of vaping, we do know that nicotine is very addictive and that it can have negative effects on a maturing brain,” said Jo Masterson, chief product officer at 2Morrow. 
“Quitting nicotine is not easy. However, there are proven strategies that can help. We believe that using apps to deliver these programs will be more attractive to youth than traditional methods, increasing access and quit attempts.”

According to the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey, approximately 30 percent of high school seniors used vapor products in 2018. In a separate survey 2Morrow conducted, 87.5 percent of teen respondents reported they had considered quitting vaping, and of those, 71.4 percent feel that they will quit before they are 21 years old. However, many teens don’t perceive health risks from vaping, nor the difficulty of quitting once addicted.

Sign up for the app and find other quit programs here.



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Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center launches Capital Campaign

Saturday, October 19, 2019


October 18, 2019 


Dear Family, Friends and Neighbors,

During the past few weeks, Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center has been a topic of discussion in the media, as we address concerns over not being selected as a recipient of the King County VSHSL levy, which would have provided funding over the next four years. We continue to communicate with our county representatives, and hope some assistance will be forthcoming.

However, as Shoreline has a notable population of adults age 65 and over, it is important for our center to continue providing the programs and services that so many rely on. From January 1, 2019 – July 31, 2019, Shoreline-LFP Senior Center had 39,230 duplicated attendees in the programs offered.

We averaged 65-78 programs/week, all through the efforts of 3 full time and two part-time employees, a dozen instructors and forty of the best volunteers in the state. Another example of the great work accomplished at the center is that in 2018, we served 11,000 meals in the Community Dining Program offered at the center; delivered another 11,400+ Meals On Wheels to Shoreline and Lake Forest Park residents, and anticipate equal or greater numbers this year in the Nutrition Program.

On September 28th, we launched a Capital Campaign to raise $60,000 by December 31, 2019. This would offset our current $90,000 deficit sustained (due to lack of VSHSL funding). It is with great pride that I share with you, that to date the seniors have donated $10,000. Each day, I witness seniors walking past our donation box, some dropping a sealed envelope in it, some a few bills and others a hand full of change. It is heartwarming and very encouraging to see the participants band together to support their center. We have also seen our corporate friends Northgate Retirement Community, We Speak Medicare, Emerald City Senior Living and Laurel Cove extend support to our cause.

Our efforts to solve this deficit can’t take effect though, unless we have the support of everyone in our community. That’s where you come in! I am asking you to help us by donating to our campaign, either through a cash donation or by attending one of the several events that we have planned over the next two months. We want this to be a FUNd Raising Campaign, one in which you can enjoy some of the great programming offered at the center, meet new friends, share a few laughs all the while, supporting our cause.

So here is what we have planned: 






How to make a cash donation? 
  • Drop by the center to pick up a donation envelope or call 206-365-1536 to have one mailed to you; we also have pledge forms
  • Call 206-365-1536 to make a credit/debit card donation 
  • Donate online at our website www.shorelinelfpseniorcenter.org (Mobil Cause)

If you would like to sit down and discuss your donation, I’d be happy to meet with you. You can contact me directly at theresal@soundgenerations.org or 206-365-1536. I hope to hear from you soon and thank you in advance for your generosity.

Warmest regards,

Theresa LaCroix
Director
Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center



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Join United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign in the Fight Against Poverty

Volunteer at your neighborhood tax site.

Every year in Washington State, low- and middle-income families and individuals struggle to pay the bills and keep food on the table.

During tax time, it can make an unstable situation even worse. Not only is Washington’s tax system the most regressive in the nation, but predatory tax preparers could charge upwards of $300 for a tax return, and may not tell their clients about certain credits or saving opportunities they might qualify for.

Clare visited one of our United Way tax sites. She was a single mother of two making $30,000 a year. She struggled to pay her housing and grocery expenses. During her time with our Free Tax Campaign volunteers, she received a $3,000 refund at absolutely no cost. This meant that she was able to meet some of her basic needs to support her two children.


In 2019, our amazing volunteers helped 21,975 people by bringing back $30.1 million in tax refunds and credits in the process. For many of our clients, this helps them to cover the cost of basic needs like food and shelter. For this upcoming tax season, we’re hoping to make an even bigger impact in our community.

To do this, we need your help.

We rely on our talented team of volunteers to make this possible. Join us and fight against poverty. We provide free comprehensive training that will boost your skills, and help reach the people who need it most. No prior tax experience needed!

Find a Free Tax Prep location near you and get involved:

Visit this website for more information and to volunteer 



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Letter to the Editor: Proposition 1 is an important priority for our growing city

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my strong support for Shoreline Proposition 1 to fund park improvements and a new community and aquatic center. As a member of the Shoreline Parks Board, I would like to reiterate that the City has conducted an extensive public process to form this ballot measure. These investments are an important priority considering the anticipated population growth in Shoreline.

Proposition 1 would fund much-needed improvements to four parks geographically distributed across Shoreline. These parks are long overdue for upgrades and new equipment. Park improvements would include playgrounds, splash-pads, multi-sports courts, trails, and a fully accessible play area for people of all physical abilities.

The Shoreline Aquatics, Recreation, and Community Center (ShARCC) is not “just a new fancy pool” as I have heard it described. This facility will provide essential health, recreation, and community amenities for all ages in a centralized location.

I am constantly surprised by the question “Why do we need a new pool and recreation center?” The Shoreline Pool was built almost 50 years ago and needs significant maintenance to keep it operational. The Spartan Recreation Center is also an older facility in need of renovations to meet the growing demand for recreation programs and community space.

Both facilities are located on land owned by the Shoreline School District that was recently rezoned for higher density development, increasing property values significantly. The District could decide to redevelop or sell the property where the existing pool and recreation center are currently located, making it even more critical that we act on the proposed ShARCC now.

Please support Shoreline parks, aquatics, and recreation by voting Yes on Proposition 1!

John Hoey
Vice-Chair, Shoreline Parks, Recreation, Cultural Services, and Tree Board



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Last farmers market of the season Sunday at LFP Farmers Market

Photo courtesy Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park


LFP Police Chief Mike Harden and LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson teamed up to tell people about Lake Forest Park at a recent Sunday Farmers Market at Town Center, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE.

Besides a possible sighting of mayors or police chiefs, there's plenty going on at the LFP Farmers Market and Sunday, October 20 from 10am to 3pm is your last chance to experience an outdoor market this season.

All the produce at the market comes from growers who are either certified organic or in the process of being certified. You can trust what you buy.

The flowers are wonderful. Some vendors have created variety bouquets, some let you choose what you want. Fresh cut that day, they will last for several weeks (if you remember to keep water in the vase...)

There are usually 4-5 places with ready to eat food, not including the ice cream. You can buy fish, and sometimes meat. You can buy gifts, either of food like honey or jam, or crafts.

There are places under canopies to sit and eat and the people watching is great! There are buskers to entertain while you shop.

Happily, it isn't really the end. The Commons sponsors two indoor markets - one in November and one in December.



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KCLS boycotts Macmillan Publishers' eBook embargo

Effective November 1, 2019, the King County Library System (KCLS) will no longer purchase newly-released eBooks from Macmillan Publishers, one of five major publishers in the U.S. 

This decision comes after months of discussion and advocacy to urge Macmillan to reconsider instituting a new library eBook embargo, set to go into effect on November 1. Under Macmillan’s new lending model, public libraries of any size will only be allowed to purchase one copy of a newly-released eBook for the first eight weeks after publication.

As a large library system, KCLS maintains a “Holds to Copy” ratio of 5-to-1 to minimize wait times for popular titles. This means that for every five holds on a title, KCLS purchases one copy to ensure a maximum wait time of only three months.

If KCLS is limited to one digital copy of each new title, and then had to wait eight weeks before being able to purchase more, patrons could conceivably wait years rather than months for their eBook.

“Digital equity and access to information is at stake,” states KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum. “KCLS’ central mission is to provide free and equal access to information, and libraries must be able to perform this essential role in the digital realm as well. We do not want other publishers to follow the example of Macmillan and embargo books. To do so profoundly changes the public library.”

For KCLS, a library system with 50 libraries, serving more than one million residents, the new embargo hits King County patrons particularly hard. KCLS has been the top digital-circulating library in the U.S. for the last five years and third worldwide. According to Rakuten OverDrive, KCLS patrons downloaded nearly five million eBooks and audiobooks last year.

To continue to ensure reasonable wait times for newly-released electronic titles, KCLS will divert its eBook funds to publishers who are willing to sell to libraries without a purchasing embargo. They will, however, continue to purchase Macmillan titles that are not embargoed, including print materials and older copies of best-selling eBooks.

The American Library Association (ALA) has also denounced Macmillan’s decision and asks that the public express their concerns to press.inquiries@macmillan.com, or ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office at alawash@alawash.org.

About King County Library System
Founded in 1942, the King County Library System (KCLS) is one of the busiest public library systems in the country. Serving the communities of King County (outside the City of Seattle), KCLS currently has 50 libraries and more than 700,000 cardholders. In 2011, KCLS was named Library of the Year by Gale/Library Journal. In 2018, residents checked out more than 4.8 million digital eBooks and audiobooks through Rakuten OverDrive, making KCLS the #1 digital circulating library in the U.S. and #3 in the world.



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Jobs: Shoreline Community College

Shoreline Community College is recruiting for the following position:

Instructional Designer - eLearning
Date of first consideration: October 10, 2019

Full description and application here

Fiscal Specialist 1 – Financial Services
Date of first consideration: October 14, 2019

Full description and application here

Application materials and information on this and other open positions can be found online at www.shoreline.edu/hr. Questions regarding employment at the College may be directed to HR by email at scchr@shoreline.edu or by phone at 206-546-4695.


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Spooky Night at Kruckeberg Garden Oct 25-26

Friday, October 18, 2019


SPOOKY NIGHT - OCTOBER 25 and 26 - 4:30pm – 8:30pm
Kruckeberg Botanic Garden


This is the long-awaited time of year when the Garden gets spooky! (But not too spooky for the whole family to enjoy.)

For two nights, visitors journey through drifting fog and cobwebs as they follow a Halloween-themed path through the garden. 

Keep an eye out for ghosts and other bone-chilling residents! 

This is an evening event, rain or shine. Our on-site parking lot will be closed, but we have reserved the parking lot at the Richmond Beach Congregational Church and will provide a free shuttle service to and from the garden. There is no street parking directly adjacent to the garden. Thank you for being mindful of our neighbors and their driveways.

Admission: FREE! (suggested donation of $10 encouraged)

Parking: Richmond Beach Congregational Church, 1512 NW 195th St, Shoreline 98177 (free shuttle about every 15 mins)

Note: The garden will be closed on these dates during regular operating hours due to this evening event. Regarding pets, dogs on a leash are allowed, but be aware that this event draws a crowd and is not the best fit for all animals.



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Fall 2019 Lake Forest Park and Kenmore Recycling Collection Event


Recycling Collection event Saturday, October 26, 2019 9am - 3pm in Kenmore

The City of Lake Forest Park is again partnering up with the City of Kenmore for a combined Recycling Collection Event! 

Take a look at the Event Flyer to view the full list of what you can and cannot bring. Please be aware fees do apply for certain items. 

The event will take place Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 9am to 3pm at Northlake Lutheran Church, 6620 NE 185th Street, Kenmore 98028.

Items you can bring:

Tires,* Propane Tanks,* Electronic Equipment, Scrap Metal,* Household Goods and Clothing, Styrofoam, Cardboard, Porcelain Toilets and Sinks,* Lead Acid and Household Batteries, Mattresses,* Confidential Document Shredding (5 box limit), Clean Scrap Wood, Appliances, and Refrigerators and Freezers*.
*Fees apply

Please note: No flat beds or dump trucks allowed. We reserve the right to refuse over-sized, commercial, contaminated, excessive or unacceptable loads.


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Halloween Witch




Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter can be found under Features
in the first column of the front page of the Shoreline Area News



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Letter to the Editor: No on Prop 1

To the Editor:

Shoreline Proposition 1 is a bond issue for One Hundred and Three Million, Six Hundred Thousand dollars of taxpayer obligation. The official city statement is that the owner of a “median” valued home would pay $244.00 a year, but the median home in Richmond Beach is $713,000.00 and the cost would be close to $400.00 a year - now we’re starting to talk about real money!

The officials have hit on a new technique to pry money from the taxpayers. Fund the normal, boring expenses in the city budget and then put things that appeal to taxpayers on the ballot, and go for the big bucks so they won’t have to go back to the pesky taxpayers. So we vote for Yes on Shoreline Schools, yes on Sidewalks and now Pool, Parks and Recreation because they are good things. We probably want what’s offered in Prop 1, in which case the city can fund it. Our property tax is up 34% in 6 years and at our home, “Tax Fatigue” is setting in. Is this bond the only way to get a pool, etc?  No, pressure the City Council to fund it. After all, that's their job, isn't it?

Richard Shilling
Shoreline



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