Statement released by Friends of Keith Scully for Shoreline City Council Pos 2

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Keith Scully
Statement released by Friends of Keith Scully for Shoreline City Council Position 2:

Dear voters of Shoreline,

As you probably know, I am currently running for reelection to the Shoreline City Council, position number 2. You may have recently seen a mailer from my campaign sharing with you why I am running.

Even though we had a team of people and several versions, our final mailer inadvertently left off the sponsorship information that tells voters who is paying for political advertising. The mailer was paid for by my campaign. It should have said “Paid for by Friends of Keith Scully PO Box 23026 Seattle, WA, 98102.”

Openness and transparency in our political process is vitally important to me. All of our donor information is available at the Washington PDC’s website, including the cost of the mailing and the individuals and organizations who donated to help pay for it. I hope that if you have additional questions, or just want to let me know any of your thoughts about how we can make Shoreline a better place, you will contact me at 206-446-5491 or via email at keithscully2001@yahoo.com.

Thank you for your understanding, and I again apologize for the error.

Keith Scully



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World Polio Day Thursday - Dinner at the Lake Forest Grill benefits Rotary's polio project


Money you spend at the Lake Forest Bar and Grill on Thursday between 5pm - 10pm will benefit the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park's End Polio Now worldwide project.

20% of sales during that time will be donated to the project.
17535 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155

It counts if you buy your food as take out - here's the menu




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Now enrolling for Baby n' Me class - Shorenorth Co-op Preschool

Tuesday, October 22, 2019


Shorenorth Co-op Preschool has openings in its Baby n' Me class. Join them for a free demo class on Tuesdays in October from 1:45 to 3:15pm.




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Insurance Commissioner fines USCCA $100,000 for illegal insurance sales, policies

Mike Kreidler
Insurance Commissioner
Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has fined United States Concealed Carry Association, Inc., (USCCA) for violating Washington state laws by selling unauthorized insurance that illegally covers defense costs for criminal shootings. 

“We made two things very clear to USCCA,” Kreidler said. “Insurers must be authorized to sell in our state, and policies can’t cover illegal activity. These law violations are fixable, if the company wishes to do business in Washington state.”

USCCA agreed to pay a $100,000 fine and $5,457 in unpaid premium taxes, penalties and interest and to continue not selling the insurance in Washington state. Fines assessed by Kreidler are deposited in the state's general fund to pay for state services.

USCCA sold insurance to 1,675 Washington state consumers from Dec. 1, 2018 through Jan. 30, 2019, collecting $241,000. USCCA has paid no claims in Washington state.

USCCA bundled the insurance product, called a protection plan, with membership in its association. The protection plan provides payments for criminal defense costs if a member is charged with a crime related to the intentional use of a firearm or other weapon. 

Washington state law doesn’t allow a person to buy insurance for their own intentional criminal activity.

USCCA no longer sells insurance in Washington state.



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Letter to the Editor: A public process resulted in Shoreline Prop 1

To the Editor:

This letter is written in response to Jeannette Paulson's letter. I would like to provide the facts around the public process that resulted in Shoreline Prop 1. The process was completely transparent and all residents were encouraged to participate. I was a member of the Parks Funding Advisory Committee so I have some insight into the public process.

In August 2018, over 800 people provided input on the Community and Aquatics center through idea boards posted at Celebrate Shoreline, the Spartan Gym and Swinging Summer's Eve. The most popular ideas included play structures and slides in an aquatic center, indoor walking track, natural daylight, swim lessons, lap swimming and ground spray.

In September 2018, frequent users of the pool and Spartan Gym were invited to dialogue with staff, Park Board Members, and consultants to provide feedback on the concept design. Over 40 citizens participated in this discussion.

At the same time, the Parks Funding Advisory Committee was formed to explore funding options and review park projects for prioritization. The opportunity to serve on the committee was open to everyone. The actual appointments were made by the City Manager, not for the purpose of excluding anyone but because the work required a manageable number of people.

The Park Funding Advisory Committee was made up of a diverse group of people, young and old, from different backgrounds and financial status. The committee included a fair number of retirees on fixed incomes and their voices were heard. We understood there were financial constraints to consider. The choice of which parks and features to recommend wasn't easy but that was our charge and that's what we did.

At each meeting, the agenda was posted on the website and after the meetings minutes were posted as well. There was nothing secretive or exclusionary at all. Mostly it was long winter nights with people rushing from work to City Hall to participate in helping their community envision a Community and Aquatics center and maintain and enhance our well-loved parks.

I take umbrage at the claim that the City conspired in any way to exclude citizens from the discussion and decision to move forward with this measure. It is simply not true.

Finally, Prop 1 is an example of what we need our city to do. Our community will never have a public pool, community center and well-maintained parks without a local government that has the vision to make it happen. I support Prop 1 because I believe our community will benefit in innumerable ways from this project.

Joan Herrick
Shoreline




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Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board Meeting Thursday

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services / Tree Board

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
/ Tree Board Meeting meets Thursday, October 24, 2019 7-9pm Room 303 Shoreline City Hall Conference Room 303, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133

Agenda Highlights
  • Public Art Funding
  • Emerging Trends in Parks and Recreation
Link to Full Meeting Packet
(available Friday prior to the meeting)

Comment on Agenda Items



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Shorecrest Drama presents sci-fi musical comedy Be More Chill


Shorecrest Drama is excited to present Be More Chill — a fresh, hilarious sci-fi musical comedy about finding out who you are and where you belong. 

Uncool Jeremy thinks he’s found an easy route up the high-school social ladder: the SQUIP, a nanocomputer-brain-implant-inside-a-pill, will direct him how to dress, act, and generally how to “be more chill.” But when the SQUIP leads him astray, how far will Jeremy venture from friends, family, and his true self --- just to fit in?

Be More Chill is considered PG-14 for strong language and mature themes/content. It is NOT recommended for children 12 and under.

Be More Chill will run from Thursday, November 14, through Sunday, November 17, and again the following weekend, Thursday, November 21 through Sunday, November 24. Evening performance times are 7:30pm on Thursdays-Saturdays; matinees are at 2:00pm each Sunday.

Advance ticket prices are $12 ($10 for students with ASB) in person or by phone. Day-of-show tickets are $15 at the box office. Please note that seat selection is possible only with in-person advance ticket purchase.

To purchase tickets in person, visit the Shorecrest High School ASB window on weekdays between 8-3:30pm. They accept cash, check, or credit card at the ASB window. Please avoid in-person purchases during student/ASB-staff lunch, from 12:10 to 1:30pm each day.

To reserve tickets by phone, call 206-393-6190. This is a voicemail-only line which will be monitored frequently. Phone reservations will be assigned best-available seats. Patrons may collect and pay for these tickets (by cash or check only) at will-call on the day of the performance. Please be advised that we will not return voicemails left on this line or otherwise reach out to patrons to confirm phone reservations.



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Letter to the Editor: LFP Candidate Forum

To the Editor:

Last Tuesday evening citizens listened to candidates for LFP Council present views on issues and answer citizen questions. All candidates responded to the number of dwelling units they felt was appropriate for the development of Town Center. Responses ranged from 150 to 1,100 units.

Candidates talked about how communications (with citizens) could be improved. This was a bit disingenuous, as this council has cancelled 50% of scheduled public meetings, and minimized the citizens submitted 330 letters of concern. Citizens have had one three-minute comment period to express Town Center concerns. As in the past the Council has talked about the need for better communication but have failed to address this issue.

Given the huge outcry from citizens over the TC plan during the public viewing and hearing, this pushback from citizens resulted in a 7 – 0 vote approving a 6 month moratorium. The Planning Commission has been directed to make TC development recommendations to the Council. Their first recommendation to Council was that a 300-stall garage would change the character of Town Center and that alternative locations should be considered.

Under the direction of the Council the General Fund has been reduced by $963,000 using several consultants for the develop plans and code resulting with an unacceptable plan. (Monies that could have paid for Safe-Streets sidewalks, park improvements, more salmon culverts, and traffic calming, etc.)

What was clear to me in this forum is there is one candidate who is more than qualified to deal with this mess, who shares the popular views of citizens, who has actually listened to hundreds of citizens concerns these past months and who offers solutions not only for balanced growth but also putting forth communications and budget solutions.  Lorri Bodi has my vote.

Jack Tonkin
Lake Forest Park




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Rotary clubs to hear about earthquakes

Shoreline Rotary will join Lake Forest Park Rotary Wednesday morning October 23, 2019, 7-8:30am at the Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church to hear a very important speaker. The church is located at 17440 Brookside Boulevard NE in Lake Forest Park.

Whether you love the excitement of Mother Nature’s shake-ups, or loathe the unpredictability of such events, earthquakes are probably here to stay. 


Steve Malone, seismologist
Seismologist Steve Malone, Director Emeritus of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network and Professor Emeritus of the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington, has made it his life’s work to study and understand earthquakes.

Dr. Malone has been involved with the experiments in which scientists used the human-caused “earthquakes” at Seahawks Stadium to figure out how quickly they could warn of an impending quake. 

"The Seahawks experiment should provide us and the Internet-connected public with a feel for the minimum time early warning might provide," said Steve Malone in 2015. 

Now, seismologists may soon be ready to finalize their efforts on the first real early warning system. While it can’t exactly predict an earthquake, it could give us a head start for cover when an earthquake is just beginning. 

Steve will explain how the system operates and what they’re still working on. Now in the testing phase, it could be available in the Pacific Northwest in a year or so!

Visitors are welcome!



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Seahawk Legends - Twelve Days of Goodness

Seahawk Legends will be at the Senior Center
on December 17. Tickets on sale now.
During the month of September, the non-profit organization, Answers for Elders, chose 12 senior centers in Western Washington.

Come December, they will visit, display memorabilia and have some of your favorite Seahawk Legends share stories of their favorite moments through their careers.  

We are thrilled to announce that Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center is one of the chosen sites for 2019.

While we do not know as yet which legends will join us, here is a list of those in the running to come to Shoreline: Fred Anderson, Edwin Bailey, Antonio Edwards, Nesby Glasgow, Paul Johns, Sam McCullum, Alonzo Mitz, Randall Morris, Steve Raible, Joe Tafoya, Lofa Tatupu, and Dave Wyman!

Tickets are now on sale at the Senior Center and seating is limited, so don’t delay.

Legends and Seniors

Enjoy viewing the memorabilia, chowing down on a “Ballpark Lunch” and chatting with the Legends.

Cost is $4 for adults age 60 and over, and $10 for those under 60.

This event is open to adults 50 and over as it is the Legends chance to reconnect with their super fans. 

We encourage you to sport your favorite Seahawk attire or deck yourself out in the holiday colors! 

Lunch provided by our good friends at Northgate Retirement Community.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019
11:00am – 1:30pm (lunch served at 11:45am)
Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center
18560 1st Ave NE, Bldg. 1, Shoreline 98155
206-365-1536 for details



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Notes from Shoreline City Council Meeting Oct 21, 2019

Shoreline City Hall and Council Chamber
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Shoreline City Council Meeting
October 21, 2019
Notes by Pam Cross

Mayor Hall called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
Councilmember Chang was excused for personal reasons.

Report of the City Manager Debbie Tarry

Last Friday was the Hamlin Halloween Haunt. At least 1,000 people attended in spite of the rainy weather. There were so many people they “ran out of everything.” A very popular family event.

Friday and Saturday, October 25-26, 2019 from 4:30 - 8:30pm
Spooky Night at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden

Keep an eye out for ghosts and other spooky visitors as you journey through drifting fog and cobwebs on a Halloween themed path. There is no street parking during this event. Please park at the Richmond Beach Congregational Church at 1512 NW 195th and take the free shuttle to the garden. Suggested donation of $10.

Public Reminders

PRCS/Tree Board will meet on Thursday Oct 24th at 7:00pm in room 303.
They will be discussing the Public Art Funding Study, and emerging trends in parks and recreation.

Council Reports

Mayor Hall advised he just signed off on the paperwork certifying Shoreline’s continued recognition as a Tree City USA.

Public Comment

None

The agenda was approved unanimously.
The Consent Calendar was adopted, without discussion, unanimously.

Discussion Items

8(a) 2019-2020 Mid-Biennial Budget Update

State law requires that a mid-biennial budget review be completed during the first year of the biennium between September 1 and December 31.

This provides an opportunity to formally review revenues and appropriations and adjust the budget as needed to address various emerging issues.

Staff Report presented by
Rick Kirkwood, Budget Supervisor
Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director

The City continues to maintain a healthy financial position, maintaining its AA+ bond rating and a Standard / Poor’s (S/P) ratings outlook of “stable”.

This is Shoreline’s first ever Mid-Biennial update. The purpose is to provide a review of the City’s financial update, along with proposed 2019-2020 adjustments that will be coming to Council for adoption in November.

General Fund revenue collection is estimated to exceed that planned for 2019, due to strong performance of permits, property and sales taxes.

Utility taxes are down, in part due to the competitive factors that provide consumers an increasing number of choices, particularly in the telecommunications and cable industries. Staff is monitoring this closely but anticipates that overall, all revenue will exceed budgets for 2019 and are looking strong for 2020.

General Fund expenditures are trailing the budget plan, which is not unusual and the good news is that with the Biennial Budget, the City won’t have to go through a carry-over process like it has in the past. Projects not completed in 2019 will carry on to 2020.



Salary and Benefit Considerations: Our Cost of Living adjustment of 2.2% matches the forecasted 2.2% so there are no changes to the salary table.

The 10 year financial sustainability model was updated. With the strong revenue position, projected budget gaps are pushed out from 2023 to 2024.

We are not doing a full update to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) but we did review the revenue source. Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) has been a strong revenue source for the past few years, but it is slowing down. It is a volatile source but our conservative budget practices mitigate the impact.

Following tonight’s Mid-Biennial Budget update discussion, there will be two Public Hearings on November 4th: One to discuss the general budget (2019-2020 Biennial Budget and the 2019-2024 Capital Improvement Plan) and the other to discuss the property tax levy.

The adoption of the 2019-2020 budget update and 2020 property tax levies is scheduled for November 18th.

DISCUSSION

The City has spent $100k in pool maintenance so far this year which is more than budgeted for. If we continue to exceed the budgeted amount, Council needs to have a discussion about how long those repairs should continue, and have a broader discussion about how to maintain the existing pool.

Staff proposes to add a fee for publicly initiated, non- site specific Comprehensive Plan or development code amendments. For example, a property owner requesting that an additional use be added to a specific zone or an advocacy group requesting a change to a Comprehensive Plan policy. The proposed fee is $6,000 plus an environmental (SEPA checklist) review to capture staff time needed to process the request.

Question: Why are we adding a new fee? The fee seems high and will discourage people from participating in the Comprehensive Plan process. 
Answer: rather than try to answer here, prefer to put it in the Council Matrix to get a more robust response from the experts.

We got grant funding to get some of our projects done. We’ve been talking about these projects for a long time. The fact that we’ve got millions of dollars of grant revenue to help move things forward at 145th and I-5 and the pedestrian bridge is all very good news. The vast majority of these changes we are looking at is backed by new revenue that’s going to improve our community. And staff has shown a remarkable ability to obtain matching funding.

Question: We’re not doing the Capital Improvement Plan until December 2nd. If we make changes in the budget now that affect the CIP, will they will be included in the Dec 2 conversation? 
Answer: Yes.

Councilmember Roberts is pleased that the City is taking its responsibility seriously to assure residents participate in the Census. Most of the information may be through Currents, but he wonders if a separate mailing would be of value. Since the Federal Government is providing less money to encourage participation, it is important for the City to make sure our residents are counted.
 

8(b) Discussing the Shoreline Aquatics, Recreation and Community Center Project – Alternative Delivery Method

Staff report by Randy Witt, Public Works Director

Staff have been conducting preliminary work in preparation for moving the ShARCC project forward should Proposition 1 be passed by voters in November. This is informational only.

DESIGN BID BUILD

With the traditional “design-bid-build” model used on most city capital projects, the City hires an architect/engineering firm and later, a general contractor and its subs (2 contracts). It’s a little slower, costs are in the middle of the options, and risks are increased because the city has selected the design and said it’s good. This is a large and complex facility. “Design-bid-build” (DBB) is a sequential process that takes more time resulting in a later opening date. There’s a risk of change orders and increases in cost of construction. It is also less flexible once you get to construction.

In reviewing project delivery methodologies, it became apparent that the traditional “design-bid-build” approach would likely not have the ShARCC in operation in a timely fashion nor provide the City with the best ability to control costs. Staff are looking into whether an alternative method for contracting for the park improvement projects would provide better cost and schedule control.

Staff reviewed Chapter 39.10 RCW – Alternative Public Works Contracting Procedures, which provides for alternative project delivery methodologies and authorizes the State Capital Projects Advisory Review Board and its Project Review Committee to certify the use of the design-build (DB) or general contractor/construction manager (GC/CM) contracting procedures. Although Shoreline City Hall was constructed using the DB method, the City is not “certified" to use these procedures and will need to apply to the Project Review Committee to use one of them for the ShARCC.

Design/Build (DB)

The benefits of DB generally include faster delivery, reduced cost, better quality, singular responsibility, decreased administrative burden, reduced risk, and less claims and litigation.

Design build is a method of project delivery in which City would execute a single contract with the DB entity – a team that performs both the design and construction of the project. The DB entity holds single-source responsibility and contractual risk for every aspect of the design and construction of the project,

Progressive Design/Build

This method has a step in front of the traditional design/build. You go through and select your team from design/build teams that have self-partnered (designer/engineer/architect/contractor) so they should have a good relationship. The City will go through a more traditional request for qualifications, and select the team without them putting up a 30% design as required with the other options. We then initiate a design process with the team we have selected. This way we can better inform the design. We get more flexibility in the design because we’re involved in the design from day one. And again, we hold only one contract.

General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM) Method

General Contractor/Construction Manager Method is a two contractor agreement. One with the architect/engineer and one with the general contractor and its subs.

The GC/CM project delivery method allows the City to hire a designer then engage a construction manager during the design process to provide constructibility input during the design phase before the start of construction.

The Construction Manager is generally selected based on qualifications, experience or a best-value basis. During the design phase, the construction manager provides input regarding scheduling, pricing, phasing, risks and other input that helps the designer design a more constructible project. At approximately an average of 60% to 90% design completion, the owner and the construction manager negotiate a 'guaranteed maximum price' for the construction of the project based on the defined scope and schedule. If this price is acceptable to both parties, they execute a contract for construction services, and the construction manager becomes the general contractor and construction begins. The City manages the separate designer and GC/CM contracts.

Advantages to using the GC/CM process include that the contractor acts as the consultant in the design process and can offer new innovations, best practices and reduced costs and schedule risks. This process would allow the City to employ new innovations, assist in the design process, and make informed decisions regarding cost and schedule. It would also help the City better understand risks and explore mitigation options with feedback provided by the contractor. It has a higher administrative burden.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommend using an alternative project delivery method to the traditional “design-bid-build” model to meet the planned opening date and hold costs within the budget. The ShARCC is a large and complex project with a fairly aggressive schedule. In addition, use of alternative project delivery method is not an activity that staff are experienced in, and that lack of experience would likely not meet the experience requirements of State Capital Projects Advisory Review Board and its Project Review Committee to allow the City to proceed alone on an alternative project delivery method project. These factors warrant the use of a consultant for assistance on delivery of the ShARCC and potentially the park improvement projects.

Through evaluation of the statement of qualifications and interviews of the best qualified firms, the City has selected Parametrix as the most qualified firm to assist with the ShARCC project. They also have experience doing an indoor pool community center.

If Prop 1 passes, staff will return to Council on November 18 for consideration of an agreement with Parametrix followed by a November workshop to select the Alternative Delivery Method, submit an application to the State Project Review Committee in December, presentation to and decision from that committee in January, and finally return to Council in early 2020 with a staffing plan for the project.

DISCUSSION

It’s important to Councilmember McGlashan that the City maintains control. The process for building the City Hall involved little input from the City and the design/build team pretty much did what they wanted. One of the biggest issues we’re hearing from the community is that issues and changes that they want are not being listened to or acted on by the City.

Question:When you say it is staff intensive throughout the whole process, is it too early to measure the difference in staffing dollar amounts we’re talking about between the different methods? 
Reply: Yes, it’s too soon. That will probably be something discussed at the workshop in November. For example, the area for senior activities that wasn’t considered during the conceptual design work, needs attention. The layouts aren’t set up the way they should be. Senior Center stakeholders should and will be brought into the discussion under any of the methods. A couple of approaches might be more receptive than others. After it’s ready to go, staff is not needed as much.
We selected Parametrix to help us work through it, regardless of which one we select. Their work will probably be broken down into three phases: (1) go through the project review committee process which will include the workshop and to see which method makes the most sense, (2) working through the application and helping in the presentation of it, and (3) developing a charter for the process where we can get a better feel for staff time, and what are the roles and responsibilities of Parametrix and staff. That would be followed by the design stage and the contract stage.

Councilmember Robertson asks if staff has a recommendation.

Answer: The staff is just advising Council that we are looking into selecting an alternative method. And if Council thought that was a bad route or was uncomfortable with it, they could instruct us to move in another direction.

Councilmember Scully commented that with such a technical and unfamiliar issue, he would appreciate an ask from staff. Please let us know what method staff wants and why. We are more comfortable with design/build because it’s something we all understand, but he certainly doesn’t want to not run a project more efficiently just because we’re unfamiliar with the system.

Councilmember Roberts wanted to clarify that regardless of which way we go, there will be plenty of opportunity for the public to weigh in.

Answer: Absolutely. We need to have the stakeholders involved and the community informed. When we get into consultant selection we will be talking about public and community outreach.

Deputy Mayor McConnell added how important community outreach is especially in the design stage. We have already moved around some rooms and things because of community outreach. And when you get down to it, stakeholders really need to help design the building because they know what works and what doesn’t for their particular use.

Mayor Hall hasn’t heard any strong objections to exploring these options. The current pool is nearly dead; past the end of its useful life, and almost past the end of its repaired life. So exploring methods to deliver this project faster and more efficiently is a benefit to everybody. Thanks for getting this lined out now even before the ballot.

Meeting adjourned 7:46pm


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Photo: Street trees in the 4-Corners business district

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

This row of street trees is on Richmond Beach Road in front of The Shops at Richmond Village (Swedish clinic, QFC) in the 4-Corners business district of Shoreline.




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Skandia Ball Nov 2 celebrates Skandia's 70th anniversary

Skandia ball

It’s Skandia’s 70th anniversary this year! 

If you haven't been to the Skandia Ball, this is your chance! Festivities start at 6pm with the Social Hour; bring finger food to share and catch up with your friends, or make new ones!

The dancing starts at 7pm with the Grand March, and continues until 11pm, with a great selection of live music.

This year we will have two musicians from Sweden, as well as music sets from local groups that include singing, nyckelharpa, hardingfele, and, of course, fiddles. The dances will be easy and the music will be great, so bring your friends, even if they haven't danced before.

Email music@skandia-folkdance.org if you have questions.

In addition to a fabulous Ball, there will be a full week of fun. During the week of October 23–November 3rd, visiting Swedish musicians Per-Thomas Eriksson (fiddle) and Pasi Pasanen (accordion) will play for a variety of dances, classes, and concerts in Vancouver, B.C. and Seattle.

See the Skandia website for details.



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Peale Law Firm Inc. named as a 2019 AIOCLA’S 10 Best Law Firm in Washington for Client Satisfaction

Shoreline attorney
Walter O. Peale
The American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys has recognized the exceptional performance of Washington’s Criminal Law Firm, Peale Law Firm Inc. as 2019 10 Best Criminal Law Firm for Client Satisfaction.

The American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys is a third-party attorney rating organization that publishes an annual list of the Top 10 Criminal Law attorneys in each state.

Attorneys who are selected to the "10 Best" list must pass AIOCLA's rigorous selection process, which is based on client and/or peer nominations, thorough research and AIOCLA’s independent evaluation. AIOCLA's annual list was created to be used as a resource for clients during the attorney selection process.

One of the most significant aspects of the selection process involves attorneys' relationships and reputation among his or her clients. As clients should be an attorney's top priority, AIOCLA places the utmost emphasis on selecting lawyers who have achieved significant success in the field of Criminal law without sacrificing the service and support they provide. Selection criteria therefore focus on attorneys who demonstrate the highest standards of Client Satisfaction.

AIOCLA congratulate Peale Law Firm Inc. on this achievement and we are honored to have their firm listed as a 2019 AIOCLA 10 Best.

Peale Law Firm Inc., 206-906-9112 is located in Shoreline's Ballinger Neighborhood, on Ballinger Way.


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I-976 would severely limit Shoreline and Lake Forest Park's road maintenance projects and Shoreline sidewalks

LFP Public Works conducting proactive street repair
cutting out alligator cracking and asphalting the patch.
Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park


Initiative Measure No. 976 concerns motor vehicle taxes and fees. This measure would repeal, reduce, or remove authority to impose certain vehicle taxes and fees; limit annual motor-vehicle license fees to $30 and base vehicles taxes on Kelley Blue Book value.

According to Ballotpedia, "Tim Eyman has proposed, has sponsored, or was otherwise involved with initiatives every year since at least 1998. Most of all, his initiatives concerned two subjects: taxes and transportation. A recurrent initiative sponsored by Eyman through the years concerns $30 car tabs (vehicle license fees)." This year he has I-976.

What are the taxes on the license fees?

The taxes included in the license fees are related to transportation - road maintenance and reconstruction in LFP, and pavement maintenance and sidewalk repairs in Shoreline. There are funds for Sound Transit and Metro Transit.

What happens if I-976 passes?

If the initiative passes, the result would be a loss of $430,000 per year to Lake Forest Park's Transportation Capital Fund. This loss would represent a 52% reduction in revenue for this fund, a loss the City could not absorb and would have to find funding elsewhere. It would severely limit the City’s ability to maintain roads.

In Shoreline, passage of I-976 would significantly impact funding for street and sidewalk preservation and maintenance projects.

In 2009, Council implemented a $20 VLF to fund pavement preservation of our streets. In 2018, they implemented an additional $20 VLF to pay for the repair and maintenance of our sidewalk network. That money would disappear.

In 2020, the combined VLFs are estimated to generate approximately $1,660,000. However, while the VLFs currently only fund those two programs, the loss of $1,660,000 per year would impact the entire transportation program as Shoreline would need to find that funding elsewhere in the budget.

Other impacts

There is potential loss to other projects that may rely on state funding. Cities may lose other general state transportation funding as the state tries to make up its loss in funding by limiting funding to local jurisdictions.

--Diane Hettrick



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Workshop: Technology for Seniors

Jacqueline Cook will present an overview of current technology and how technology can improve the quality of life of seniors.

She will answer all of your questions. Anyone interested in buying an iPad or Tablet or upgrading their cellphone, should attend this program.

This is a one-time presentation - please drop by the Senior Center to register and pay. Limited to 12 people.

Day:                       Wednesday, October 30
Time:                     1:00pm – 2:00pm
Cost:                      $5 per person    *Limited to 12 guests
Location:               Conference Room                       

The Senior Center is the southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus, 18560 1st Ave NE, 98155.



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Letter to the Editor: Disturbing election-altering “spin” from City of Lake Forest Park regarding key city projects

To the Editor:

I received a highly disturbing Letter from the City of LFP to its email subscribers on Thursday, 10/17/19 last week. The Letter can be found here. The Letter includes analysis regarding “return on investment” (ROI) achieved to date from funds spent by the City on its “Big Five” projects. The “Big Five” refers to five distinct initiatives the City has identified as strategically important. These include the Town Center Plan, and four other initiatives related to creeks, streets, parks, etc.

My concerns include the following:
  1. The Letter is HIGHLY MISLEADING!!
  2. The email was sent to citizens the day after November ballots were sent out!!
  3. The Letter is DRAFT (does not appear to be final).
  4. Who approved it?
In the letter, the City’s Finance Director and Administrator analyze “Big Five” expenditures. They state the City has “earned” a ROI of $4 million dollars on $1.6 million spent so far (2.5 times the investment). In reality, 59% of total expenditures have been spent on the Town Center project, with zero return on that project!!

Further, calculating a ROI requires consideration of total project cost compared to final project value. There is no value, not one shovel of dirt has been dug to date! Further, a grant is a funding source, NOT profit to the City. Finally, grants for other “Big 5” initiatives have nothing to do with funds paid to Town Center Consultants!

The City should retract the Letter, explain who released it, and apologize for misleading the voters!!

Gregory Van
Lake Forest Park



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Arts Council: Create and Make Paper Quilling Skulls


Arts Council’s Create and Make Workshop: Paper Quilling Skulls
Paper Quilling Skulls, With Amaranta Ibarra-Sandys

Create and Make Workshop
Wednesday, October 23, 2019 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Shoreline/LFP Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline


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

Participants will learn about Dia de Muertos celebrations by creating a Sugar Skull Paper Quilling. Quilling or paper filigree is an art form that involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, curled, twisted, otherwise manipulated, and glued together to create decorative shapes and designs. You will have access to reference books related to Dia de los Muertos for inspiration.

The Create and Make series allows you to construct and explore different art mediums and techniques with a local art professional in a comfortable, fun environment. All materials are provided and no previous experience is needed. Just bring yourself - - and a friend!

The workshop will take place on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 and is held from 6:30 – 8:30pm in the Shoreline/LFP Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline.

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

Create and Make Workshops are brought to you by the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to cultivate creativity and inspire our community through the arts.



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Scene on the Sound: a grey ship on a grey day - the USS Nimitz

Monday, October 21, 2019

The 1000 foot long USS Nimitz
Photo by Jan Hansen
USS Nimitz is a supercarrier of the United States Navy, and the lead ship of her class.

One of the largest warships in the world, she was laid down, launched, and commissioned as CVAN-68, "aircraft carrier, attack, nuclear powered."

She was later redesignated as CVN-68, "aircraft carrier, multi-mission, nuclear-powered," on 30 June 1975, as part of a fleet-wide realignment that year.

-Research by Jan Hansen




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Friends of the Lake Forest Park Library meet Wednesday

Lake Forest Park Library

The Friends of the Lake Forest Park Library will have their first meeting after the summer break this Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at 7 pm in the Library Meeting Room.

Friends President Sharon Green says, “We want to start out this year with fresh enthusiasm and new ideas! 
"We invite anyone who might be interested in joining our group and brainstorming new program possibilities. 
"We will have refreshments and some fun activities, and a minimum of boring meeting stuff! 
"And here’s a great perk for attendees – all will receive a special invitation to the Members-Only Preview Sale prior to our big Fall Sale November 2, and a coupon for one free (regularly priced) book! 
"We look forward to ushering in a great Fall Book Season with you!”

The library is on the lower level of Town Center, by the escalator. Town Center, intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way, Lake Forest Park.



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LFP Council Thursday: Public Hearings on budget revisions and property tax levy

Lake Forest Park City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
The Lake Forest Park city council meeting on Thursday, October 24, 2019, 7pm, City Hall Council Chambers 17425 Ballinger Way NE will include two public hearings.

PUBLIC HEARING – Mid-Biennial Budget Revisions (Each speaker has three minutes to comment)

PUBLIC HEARING – Establishing the Property Tax Levy for 2020 (Each speaker has three minutes to comment)

On the agenda are amendments to the noise ordinance and continuation of the contract with a federal lobbyist.

New police lieutenants and officers will be sworn in at the beginning of the meeting.
  • Lieutenant Rhonda Lehman
  • Lieutenant Diego Zanella
  • Officer Meagan Coombs
  • Officer Jess Brecht
New Police Lieutenant. Diego Zanella comes from the University of Washington Police Dept, where he was working as the Patrol Commander. 

Lt. Zanella worked for the UWPD the last two years and prior to that, worked for Issaquah Police Dept for 10 years. He has a master’s degree in Criminal Justice and is a Veteran of the Italian Military.

The meeting agenda can be downloaded here. A tab at the top of the page "Related Docs" holds links to the documents presented to Council for the meeting.

Meetings are streamed live and then eventually archived on the web page.


Upcoming city meetings:

City Council Joint Meeting with Shoreline and Kenmore Councils
October 28, 2019, 5:45pm - 6:45pm @ Shoreline City Hall
Tree Board Meeting
November 6, 2019, 7:00pm - 9:00pm @ City Hall
City Council Budget and Finance Committee Special Meeting
November 7, 2019, 6:00pm -  8:00pm @ City Hall
City Hall Closed (Veteran's Day Holiday)
November 11, 2019

Planning Commission Meeting
November 12, 2019, 7:00pm  - 9:00pm



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Photo: Fall foliage

Photo by Mike Remarcke


The best of both worlds - tall evergreens mixed with shades of russet. All the fall trees are beautiful right now. The red maples that come in many shades and all these beauties.

Enjoy them while we have them. Winter is coming...



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Letter to the Editor: Vote Yes on Prop 1 to fund community members’ top priorities for Parks, Aquatics and Recreation

To the Editor:

In a 2016 survey and public meetings, community members prioritized park facilities for the 2017 Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan. Shoreline residents prioritized investments in nature trails, small neighborhood parks, paved walking/biking trails, and indoor aquatic and recreation center. Furthermore, the community rated upgrading existing parks and building a new indoor aquatics center as the top actions the city should take to implement the PROS Plan.

After the adopting the 2017 PROS Plan, the city convened a stakeholder groups to make funding recommendations to the City Council. The stakeholder group prioritized park projects for funding that improved accessibility based on location, age, income, and race as well as the need to fulfill parks level of service goals described in the PROS Plan. The park improvements in Prop 1 are located in neighborhoods with less access to key features like playgrounds and spray parks, walking paths, pickle ball and basketball courts, and picnic shelters.

Many of our parks require significant re-investments, as they were developed more than 20 years ago. Shoreline is forward thinking, trying to plan and build new facilities that align with facility life cycles, the growth of the city, and the needs of the community.

These investments in our community will improve the quality of life for all of our deserving residents. Our plans strive to allow every resident to live within a 15 minute walk to a park, to have access to facilities that allow for a healthy and active lifestyle and to build community.

For more information about projects proposed in Proposition 1, please visit the city’s website. Additional details are available here.

Carolyn Hope
Shoreline Resident



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Red Sky Gallery: reception for Janel Pahl on Nov 3



Janel Pahl, an encaustic and collage artist, opening reception for her show Sunday, November 3, 2019 from 5 to 7pm, live music and refreshments.

Red Sky Gallery, upper wing, Town Center, intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park.

Janel Pahl is a Master Photographer and a national judge for the Professional Photographers of America. In addition, she is a teacher of photography and has inspired aspiring and professional photographers around the world.

She has presented her workshops in Canada, Italy, Korea, England, Ireland and throughout the United States. Her images have won numerous national and international awards.

Along with her portraits, Janel is an established artist. Her mediums are the beautiful wax encaustic and hand made paper collage. Her photography fine art images are published with the Canadian art group Winn Devon.

Janel has shown her work in the prestigious Laguna Beach Art A Fair for 6 years.

“My style is focused on natural and dramatic lighting , which evokes emotion. The goal, for me as an artist, is to cause one to pause, take a second look and rest in a pure form of beauty.”


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Four authors at Third Place Books this week, and two require signing line tickets

There are four authors at Third Place Books this week. Two of them require signing line tickets - unusual to have more than one in a week. That means that they are so popular that the signing line needs to be regulated.

The presentations are free. Signing line tickets are available with purchase of the book from Third Place Books.

Third Place Books, LFP Town Center, intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way NE.


Thursday, October 24 at 7pm
Christopher McDougall

Running with Sherman: The Donkey with the Heart of a Hero

When Born To Run author Chris McDougall agreed to take in a donkey from an animal hoarder, he thought it would be no harder than the other adjustments he and his family had made after moving to Pennsylvania Amish country.

But when he arrived, Sherman was in such bad shape he could barely move, and Chris decided to undertake a rehabilitation program to heal his body and his mind. It turns out the best way to soothe a donkey is to give it a job, and so Chris decided to teach Sherman how to run. Easier said than done: Chris would have to call upon the wisdom of burro racers, goat farmers, Amish running club members, and a group of irrepressible female long-haul truckers. Along the way, he shows us the life-changing power of animals, nature, and community. Presentation is free; Signing Line Tickets available with purchase of Running with Sherman.

Friday, October 25 at 6pm
Madeline Miller

Circe

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child— not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power-- the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.

With unforgettably vivid characters, mesmerizing language and page-turning suspense, Circe is a triumph of storytelling, an intoxicating epic of family rivalry, palace intrigue, love and loss, as well as a celebration of indomitable female strength in a man's world.

Saturday, October 26 at 6pm
Randall Platt
Professor Renoir’s Collection of Oddities, Curiosities, and Delights

In 1896, fourteen-year-old "giant" Fern "Babe" Killingsworth joins a travelling carnival where she befriends a dwarf and some animals, with whom she escapes the clutches of a corrupt businessman.

Sunday, October 27 at 6pm
Stephen Chbosky

Imaginary Friend

Single mother Kate Reese is on the run. Determined to improve life for her and her son, Christopher, she flees an abusive relationship in the middle of the night. Together, they find themselves drawn to the tight-knit community of Mill Grove, Pennsylvania. Then Christopher vanishes. For six days, no one can find him.

Until Christopher emerges from the woods at the edge of town, unharmed but not unchanged. He returns with a voice in his head only he can hear, with a mission only he can complete. From the author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower comes an epic work of literary horror, years in the making. Presentation is free; tickets are required to enter the signing line. Signing Line Tickets include a copy of Imaginary Friend, and are available at thirdplacebooks.com.



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Football: The Mavs make their move

Shorecrest Cheer Squad
Photo by Lesa Cole.jpg


Going into Friday Nights 3A High School competition with a 4-way tie for first place in WesCo South, something had to give, especially considering two of those teams would soon be facing off at Edmonds Stadium.

With the 8 o’clock game against the Meadowdale Mavericks, Highlander fans who arrived early witnessed Snohomish hand Lynnwood its third defeat, keeping the Panthers at the top of the division and ensuring that Shorecrest needed a win to keep pace.

Once again, the Scots won the toss and opted to send their Defense onto the field to start the game. An intentional pooch kick by Gavin Dalziel gave Meadowdale possession on their own 31-yard line. On the very first play, an encroachment penalty on the Scots immediately moved the ball 5 yards closer to a first down. Call it excitement or lack of discipline, a patient Mavs Offense had immediately gotten the better of the visitors.

After a carry of 34 yards, the Shorecrest Defense tightened up and the Mavs Offense started to sputter. However, a second encroachment penalty on 3rd and 1 gave Meadowdale another set of downs with which to work. Defensive Lineman Markus Selzler came up big with a 6-yard tackle for loss and lacking the type of quality kicker that the Scots possess, Meadowdale was forced to punt instead of attempting a short field goal.

The first Offensive series for the Scots would be lackluster to say the least. Unable to move the Mavs over-sized Defensive front, for whom individual weight was purposely not listed in the game program, a couple 1 and 2-yard carries produced a 3rd down and 8. In this particular scenario, as has been witnessed all season long, Scots QB Eladio Fountain opted to throw a 30 yard pass downfield instead of the 8 yard slant needed for a first down conversion. Perhaps the intention was to catch the defense off-guard? Regardless the pass fell incomplete and Shorecrest would have to punt. Senior Davis Stallings, also a standout catcher for the Scots Baseball Team in his first season playing football, booted the ball deep into Mavs territory. 

This time the Scots Defense would hold the Mavs to a few short gains and Eladio and Co. would again take possession of the ball. A quick pitch around the left side to 6’0 230lb RB Markus Selzler would produce an 11-yard first down, but dropped passes and an attempt to establish an inside running game resulted in very little productivity and the first quarter would end knotted at zero.

The Meadowdale Mavericks would be the first to strike in the 2nd quarter, when after moving the ball downfield a screen pass to RB Saul Hernandez was fumbled, but recovered on the 1-yard line. On the next play the Mavs would gain the single yard needed for the night's first touchdown. 

Senior Scots
Photo by Lisa Mize
 

In a game that could have gone the way of the Scots, a 2nd and 3rd quarter wrought with unnecessary penalties would prove to be their undoing. At one point it appeared to the Shorecrest faithful as though the referees were simply hanging their laundry (yellow penalty flags) out to dry. Holding, false starts, facemask, a questionable pass interference and several unsportsmanlike conduct calls enabled the Mavs to capitalize and build momentum. Frustrated by their loss of composure, the Scots and their fans looked forward to a halftime break in which to regroup.

Called on to produce a nice punt of 40 yards, Scots Punter Stallings again pinned the Mavs deep in their own territory. With 6:58 left in the first half, Meadowdale again mounted a drive by utilizing a balanced offensive attack. A pass to the end zone that appeared to many as having hit the ground was called a touchdown and the Mavs scored their second of the night. Fortunately, busting through the line to block the extra point attempt was Junior Lineman Jordan Glesener who continues to be a leader on both sides of the ball.

With the first half winding down the Scots tried to quickly get back into the game by going for the home run. Instead of “dinking and dunking” 5 and 6 yards passes and methodically working their way downfield, they again resorted to the long ball. Able to prevent the Scots from gaining yardage on the ground, the Mavs Secondary was concentrated on shutting down the Scots passing attack. In addition, the screen pass that had worked so well for them against Stanwood also failed to materialize.

Based on the Scots Offensive output and the Defense's inability to produce turnovers, the score at halftime should have indicated an even bigger lead for Meadowdale. Regardless, it was halftime and Coach Christensen had 2 more quarters in which to rally his team, something he’s had great success accomplishing this season.

Taking the kickoff to start the 3rd quarter, SC’s approach to offense changed. With short passes, they now seemed to effortlessly move the ball. After a less than stellar first half, the normally reliable Derrick Williams became a secondary target while Carlos Torres and Des Fox filled the gap.

What was shaping up to be a solid drive stalled after the Scots were called for unnecessary roughness, resulting in a loss of down and 15-yard penalty. Now on 4th and 20, the Scots opted to keep QB Eladio Fountain on the field and “quick-kicked” the ball a short way downfield. With several stronger legs on the sideline, the decision to do this more than once during the game left many in the stands scratching their heads. Perhaps, the idea was to catch the Mavs unprepared? If so, they had not yet taken the bait.

With time running down in the 3rd quarter and the Scots trailing by only 6, an impressive defensive stop allowed the Highlanders Offense to mount another drive. However, under extreme pressure and scrambling, QB Eladio Fountain attempted a pass which fell short and into the arms of a Mavs Defender. 

The following possession for Meadowdale resulted in a 47-yard touchdown pass and the Mavs now had a two-score lead.

After the ensuing kickoff, several things happened. The Scots immediately went to work on offense, driving all the way downfield and into scoring range. But again under pressure and scrambling, Fountain floated a pass towards the end zone that was intercepted.

Undeterred, the Scots “Darkside” Defense had now started to clamp down and successfully forced another 3 and out. With 4:42 left in the contest, Fountain quickly connected with #9 Derrick Williams for a score and with Gavin Dalziel’s extra point, the Scots were once again down by only 6.

Refusing to give up, the Scots Defense again secured the ball giving the Offense one last chance. This time to win the game.

With under a minute left, try as they may, the much smaller Scots Offensive Line had trouble keeping the Mavs out of the backfield. In a desperate attempt to make something happen, #19 Fountain fumbled the ball and the Mavs would take possession running out the clock.

Final score Meadowdale 20, Shorecrest 14.

The Scots will play their final home game Friday October 25th against the 2 – 3 (in league) Lynnwood Royals and a win will prepare them for the Week 9 Crossover game November 1st. So, for Highlander Fans, we’re just getting started.

Of Special Note: This Dad of a Shorecrest Football Player would like to pay his respects to Edmonds Stadium Announcer Tom Davis who did an outstanding job calling Friday Night's game. His professionalism is unparalleled and his enthusiasm for both teams competing was refreshing. 





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Letter to the Editor: We are voting against anything that raises taxes.

To the Editor:

We are being overwhelmed by car tabs, rising costs of everything, and especially taxes. My wife and I have lived in Shoreline since 1967, 52 years and can no longer afford to live here any longer. The taxes are eating us out of house and home. 

If we did not have to pay taxes like all of these new apartments we could stay for awhile longer. We are going to have to move somewhere else. We do not need this new pool or a new senior center, the pool can be rebuilt as well as the center. 

We are voting against anything that raises taxes.

James Malchow
Shoreline



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Rob Caldwell to discuss military service and post military career at Post 227 meeting

Sunday, October 20, 2019

The American Legion Post 227 in Shoreline will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, November 5, 2019. A Meet and Greet starts at 6:30pm. The program starts at 7:00pm. Both Veterans and the public at large are invited and welcome to attend.

The meeting will be held at Post 227, located at 14521 17th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155. [Behind Goodwill @ NE 145th St and 15th Ave NE]

Rob Caldwell was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967 and trained as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division in North Carolina before serving as a light weapons infantry paratrooper with the 2nd Battalion 503rd Airborne Infantry of the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate) in Vietnam during a crucial time in the war.

After returning home he worked as a land surveyor for many years before attending college and gaining his doctorate in law as well as membership in the Washington Bar Association at the age of 49. He practiced environmental law for many years before retiring from full-time practice in 2012. 

Upon his retirement he began assisting veterans with disability claims seeking compensation and medical benefits for their service-connected disabilities on a pro bono basis (free). His experience as a war veteran himself combined with his legal expertise in administrative law gives him unique experiences that he uses to assist veterans. 

His practice includes a large number of appeals to the various appeal processes including the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veteran’s Claims in Washington DC. The largest majority of his clients are those that struggle with psychiatric disabilities such as PTSD, and he has achieved significant success on behalf of those clients. He is intensely involved with “The Joint Service Committee;” an all-volunteer group of veterans working to enhance the lives of veterans struggling with the long-term medical consequences of serving in the military.

A brief intermission for refreshments after the talk will allow visitors to depart. Post 227 members are urged to stay for the post meeting that will follow the intermission. We hope to see you at the meeting.

While you are at the meeting, you can check out the Post Library that includes a large collection of military related books, video tapes, and DVDs. Any of these can be checked out, used and returned by post members and the community without charge. For more information about Post 227 activities, you can check our their website.



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WeatherWatcher: Winter outlook and this week's forecast

Winter day on NE 185th St I-5 overpass
Photo by Carl Dinse

I've been seeing a lot of headlines and getting a lot of questions about what this winter might hold in store for us. So it's that time again when I tell everyone what I think might happen this winter, and scare you with all the possibilities.

Today, we seem to be lining up pretty close to the 1967-68 winter. The mid season snowfall last February and coming off an El Niño winter with a near neutral PDO index (Pacific Decadal Oscillation) lines right up with the 1967-68 time frame. That winter had a couple of snow events, around 3-4" in December and about 8" of snow in January. 

The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) index is near neutral, slightly in the cool phase. We had a warm blob off the west coast that has been dissipating, and the Pacific ocean seems to be configuring itself for a cool phase. The PDO is a fairly recently discovered oscillation and a method of forecasting it is not well developed. So right now it's hard to say if the PDO is going to go into a full cold phase, or remain neutral or otherwise. Cool phases of the PDO typically, but not always, have influenced more lowland snow events and arctic outbreaks for the area.

The El Niño Southern Oscillation is in a neutral phase, and expected to remain that way through the 2019-2020 winter. That means, no El Niño, and no La Niña, so there's no cooler and wetter or warmer and drier influence there. Neutral years tend to be more stormy and more variable than an El Niño or La Niña.

The upper atmosphere jet stream has been favoring the same patterns as last February, which is why we've been cooler than normal much of the last 45 days. I think we should expect to see this intermittent blocking and trough pattern throughout the winter season.

What does this mean for our winter? Stormy periods, warm periods, cool periods, a couple of lowland snow events, and a fair share of windstorms. It's likely we will see our first taste of lowland snow near Thanksgiving. I'm feeling we have a solid 50% chance of another prolonged arctic outbreak sometime this winter as well, complete with a solid snow cover. I also think we could see a couple atmospheric river events, with more rainfall than the ones we've been seeing the past 5 years or so.

So, a lot of this:

A few of these:

One or two of these:

Finally a 50% chance of this:

Between now and the first week of November is probably a good time to get yourself prepared for winter storms. 

Bottom line: We are not likely to have a mild or calm winter.

This week's Forecast: We have a stormy start, but a calm ending to this week's weather forecast. 

Monday is going to likely be another breezy and wet day. Monday evening may see some pretty good wind gusts up to 35mph, not quite strong enough to reach high wind criteria. Rainfall amounts for Monday could be significant; up to 1-2 inches of rain is possible. High near 57°F, a low near 50°F.

Temperatures Tuesday through the weekend vary between the upper 50's to right around 60°F. Lows in the mid to upper 40's to around 50°F. Showers Tuesday, Thursday night, Friday, and Saturday. Partly to mostly sunny skies Wednesday-Sunday. Yes, the forecast calls for partly sunny skies, and a chance of showers on some of these days later in the week.


For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com




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