Notes from Shoreline Council Meeting December 2, 2019

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Shoreline City Hall and Council Chamber
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Shoreline City Council Meeting
December 2, 2019
Notes by Pam Cross

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

Mayor Hall proclaimed December 6, 2019 as Edwin T. Pratt Day in the City of Shoreline. 

Sarah Haycox started the 2018 community petition and campaign to name the Shoreline School District’s early learning center after Edwin T. Pratt. Sarah accepted today’s Proclamation on behalf of the Pratt family by reading a letter from Miriam Pratt, Edwin’s daughter, who was unable to attend.
Edwin T. Pratt was a civil rights leader whose work was pivotal in implementing the Equal Opportunity Act in the Greater Seattle area, fighting housing discrimination, segregation, employment bias, and police brutality. He moved to Shoreline with his family to highlight the segregation within housing communities. Edwin Pratt was killed at age 38 outside his home fifty years ago and the crime remains officially unsolved.

Report of the City Manager Debbie Tarry

About 275 attended the Photos with Black Santa Event at City Hall on Sunday.
Saturday, Dec 7 is another opportunity for pictures with Black Santa at the Dale Turner YMCA from 3:00 to 6:00pm

Saturday, Dec 7 at 9:00am or 10:45am enjoy Breakfast with Santa at Shoreline Senior Center. Photo and gift bag are included in the price. Tickets required. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for kids. Call 206-801-2600.

Saturday, Dec 7 at City Hall Council Chamber, the City is hosting a free community viewing of the documentary film MOTHERLOAD in support of our designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community. This is the story of a new mother's quest to understand the increasing tension between modern life and our hunter-gatherer DNA, and how cargo bikes could offer a solution. Learn more and reserve a free ticket at shorelinewa.gov/calendar. After viewing the 90 minute film there will be a short discussion with a panel of Shoreline bicyclists.

Sunday, Dec 8 Shoreline Social Justice Book Club meets from 1:00 to 2:30pm in City Hall Council Chamber. December’s book choice is When They Call You a Terrorist by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele. Please note the meeting time change this month.

Public Reminders
The PRCS/Tree Board will meet on Thursday, Dec 5 at 7:00pm in room 303
The Planning Commission will meet on Thursday, Dec 5 at 7:00pm in the Council Chamber.

Council Reports
None

Public Comment
Speakers in support of Amendment #2, Update Natural Environment Goal V by limiting greenhouse gas emissions to 1.5° C of global warming above pre-industrial levels.
Lee Keim, Shoreline
Bill Dwyer, Shoreline
Jonah Volenti, Shoreline
Annette Ademasu, Shoreline-
Pam Sager, Shoreline
Lois Harrison, Shoreline
Ginger Hayra Gunn, Shoreline

Speakers opposed to Amendments #1 Change the land use designation from medium density residential to mixed-use 2 and change the Zoning from Residential, 8 units/acre (R-8) to Community Business (CB) of Two Parcels at 1510 and 1517 NE 170th Street.
And #3 Amend Comprehensive Plan Policy LU2 to allow for professional offices in the R- 8 and R-12 zones.
Liz Poitras, Shoreline
Kristi Rettmann, Shoreline
John McCoy, Shoreline
Tom Poitras, Shoreline
Yoshiko Saheki, Shoreline
Mark Rettmann, Save Shoreline Neighborhoods

Speakers in support of Amendments #1 and #3
Joseph Irons, Shoreline
Melissa Irons, Shoreline

The following speakers spoke in support of the arts, and in favor of stabilizing funding
Ted Andrews, Shoreline
Bruce Amundson, Shoreline
Roger Feldman, Seattle
Eric Swenson, Seattle
Elana Winsberg. Shoreline
Megan McDonald, Edmonds
Erik Ertsgaard, Shoreline

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

Study Item 9(a) Discussion of Ordinance No. 881 – 2019 Comprehensive Plan Annual Docket Amendments to the Shoreline Comprehensive Plan and Concurrent Rezone

Staff Report presented by Steven Szafran, AICP, Senior Planner

The State Growth Management Act limits changes to the Comprehensive Plan to once per year. A docket is created throughout the year. Those items on the list are reviewed and a final Docket is approved. This year there are three items on the Docket as shown under public comment above.

Amendment #1 (change land use and zoning)

  • Pros: retention and expansion of existing business, job creation, encourages small scale commercial activity, and provides a mix of residential and commercial activity.
  • Cons: accommodation of intense commercial uses if redeveloped (60’ height, no maximum density, noise, traffic, spill-over parking on residential streets, lights, no landscape buffer between commercial and single family homes.


Amendment #2 (reduce greenhouse gas emissions to less than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels)
This will require substantial changes in the energy we use, the transportation we choose, and the construction methods and materials allowed. This will likely necessitate policy adjustments in land use, housing, economic development, utilities and transportation elements of the Comprehensive Plan.

Reducing carbon emissions has been a City priority for several years. It has been in the Comprehensive Plan since 1998 and is currently in the City’s Work Plan,

Amendment #3 (add professional offices to the description of Land Use LU2). If approved, a Development Code Amendment will be required to implement it because professional offices are currently prohibited in R8 and R12 zones. Less than 2% of Shoreline is zoned R8 and R12.

  • Pros: encourages more economic activity throughout the City, fosters infill development, supports existing businesses, and allows lower-impact uses to occur within single family neighborhoods.
  • Cons: capacity for housing taken away, home-based business already allowed under certain conditions, may not be compatible with existing neighborhood, currently low demand for additional office space, additional traffic, parking and general intensity in the existing residential neighborhood.

This amendment is consistent with the Growth Management Act, addresses changing circumstances and changing community values, and will benefit the community as a whole.

The Planning Commission recommended approval of Amendment #2, and denial of #1 and #3.

Discussion

As with previous discussions, Councilmember Chang has recused herself from Amendments #1 and #3 because of a longstanding relationship with Melissa Irons, property owner.

The Mayor suggested beginning with Amendment #2 so that Councilmember Chang can participate. Hearing no objections, the discussion begins with Amendment #2 (greenhouse gas reduction)

Questions: We know we have to make some difficult choices, but would like to know what this means to city operations. Could we be looking at the pool since it is one of the biggest greenhouse gas users in the City? We already emphasize public transportation and bicycling. Will we be promoting every form of moving around except for cars? We understand that this is a “target” but what does it mean relative to policy? How bound would we be to some of those decisions that may not be things we want to do even though we support the goal?

Staff response: this could also mean changes in building codes, energy codes, mechanical codes etc. We’ll have a better idea of how that translates into new goals and policies to be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan once we run the analysis of updating the policy and plans that we have now.

Councilmember Chang leaves dais and Chamber.

Discussion of Amendments #1 and #3.

Question: Amendment #3 would allow people to apply for a conditional use permit for a “professional office” correct? That is the zoning change?

Staff response: yes. Either a conditional use permit or a special use permit. This just adds “professional office” to the current eligibility list (schools, churches, home based businesses, bed & breakfasts, marijuana co-ops, day cares, eating and drinking establishments).

Question: If we allow this, can the conditional use permit be revoked? How does it go away? If things change, can it be revoked?

Staff response: It runs with the property. If a new owner continues the same business, the conditional use permit continues.

Questions: What happens if the new owner keeps a professional office, but for a different type of business?
Does it operate like the casinos? Where after a year’s time of not operating as a casino, it can’t be permitted again?

Staff response: Margaret King, City attorney, responds that casinos are a different issue because they were grandfathered in. She will respond to this question in more detail before next week’s meeting.

Question: Amendment #1(change land use and zoning) Could the owners have requested a Comprehensive Plan amendment and rezone when they first purchased the property before they did anything with it?

Staff response: Yes.

Question: Amendment #3 (add professional offices). Citywide, less than 2% of properties are zoned R8 and R12. If #3 goes through, it has to come back to Council for Development Code regulations such as set-backs and parking, correct?

Staff response: Yes. Council could list index criteria i.e., various uses or activities with supplemental criteria applicable to that use or activity.

Question: If it goes forward, could we add a height limitation or building mass different from what is currently allowed in that zone?

Staff response: Margaret King responds: it gets complicated. Another option would be, if you weren’t just looking at a particular parcel, looking at an overlay. (Overlay zoning is a regulatory tool that creates a special zoning district, placed over an existing base zone(s), which identifies special provisions in addition to those in the underlying base zone.)

Question: Then could we limit height?

Staff Response: Margaret King: yes. You can also pick different areas to be included in the overlay. Or a use may be allowed in a zone, but only subject to certain criteria.

Most of the R8 and R12 zones are located along major arterials. On 15th, off of Midvale (right behind Sky Nursery), Richmond Beach Road, 145th and 175th, or right behind commercial centers.

On 10th and 175th there is a business operating in an R8 zone.

There are businesses that already exist not counting home based businesses that we have a list of but don’t know how they are expanding.

When you see where these zones are, and what is currently allowed (especially eating and drinking establishments), expanding professional offices seems to be a very appropriate step.

We need to think of people living closer to places to shop. This small incremental step also fits into our goal to reduce greenhouse gases.

Question: Do we allow residential in all of our commercial zones?

Staff response: yes

Allowing mixed use is the more modern way of thinking about cities.

The old way was exclusionary zoning: you can live only in this area, and work only in that area. That, of course, resulted in all the travel back and forth. We have planned for mixed use around the light rail stations as well as along 185th.

Additionally, Shoreline has a lack of commercial land. We need to expand the land base that is available to commercial businesses. Vision 2029 envisioned a shift from a bedroom community with a single story strip mall running down the middle to being a more integrated community.

Someday in the not too distant future, 15th is going to change to all commercial. There is very little residential there now.

Council: The Planning Commission approved Amendment #2, but opposed #1 and #3. So the Ordinance before Council today includes only Amendment #2.

Does anyone want staff to prepare an Amendment to remove Amendment #2 from the Ordinance? Response: No.

Not supporting Amendment #1: Deputy Mayor McConnell, Councilmembers Scully and Robertson. This amendment generated a lot of anger and resentment and is limited to a single property.

Council will deliberate and vote next week.
  • Current Ordinance 881 includes Amendment #2 (per Planning Commission recommendation). 
  • Staff is asked to prepare an amendment to Ordinance 881 adding Amendment #1, so Council can complete their discussion once additional information is provided in response to their questions.
  • Staff will need to prepare another amendment to Ordinance 881 adding Amendment #3.

This amendment #3 will apply citywide. Businesses will have to be good neighbors too, or combining residential and commercial concepts could become problematic resulting in so much conflict the City will have to go back to exclusionary zoning.

Exclusionary zoning comes with its own risks. One of the bills that has come up in the state legislature allows the State to come in and enforce its own zoning code on cities. This is a concern. California and Oregon have gone this way. As Shoreline thinks about zoning, we have to be an example for the rest of the state. All the State needs is another city to be a bad example to justify the state stepping in. Cities have the right to develop zoning and make their own decisions. Zoning and budget are the two biggest decisions they make.

Last session there was legislation that got into committee that would have preempted local authority and we are likely to see it again.

The more we are seen to accommodate growth, the less pressure there will be from the legislature.

Question: If #3 passes, what does that do to the two properties in question? 

Staff response: Council will instruct staff to draft a development code amendment that they can take through the public process again: to the planning commission for review and recommendation, back to Council to set the guidelines for how a professional office would be regulated in R8 and R12 zones. Only after the Development Codes have been amended can these two properties move forward. Only after that can the property owners apply for a conditional use permit.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45pm




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Oh dear, sighed Hattie as Samson leaned in for a smooch,

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler


this online dating thing just isn’t working for me…
(Hattie is our Corgi, Samson a visiting Scottish sort of dog)
--Gloria Z Nagler


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Olympic Fly Fishers Christmas Party and Auction Dec 10

The Olympic Fly Fishers Christmas Party and Auction will be held Tuesday, December 10, 2019 from 6 to 9pm at the Mountlake Terrace Senior Center, 23000 Lakeview Drive, MLT

The silent auction starts at 6pm followed by dinner and a live auction. All proceeds from the auctions benefit the OFF Foundation which supports Education and Conservation.

The cost is $50 per person. This event is for members and invited guests.


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Library Game Day Sunday Dec 8 at Shoreline Library

Library Game Day, Sunday, December 8, 2019 from noon to 3pm at the Shoreline Library, Large Meeting Room, 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline 98155.

Put away your screens and join us for an afternoon of board games, card games, dice games, and more for all ages. We'll have tables filled with games for you to try. Bring your friends and family or meet new people to play with! Bring your own game and enjoy the camaraderie!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Shoreline Library.



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Herald names local players to 2019 All-Area Girls Soccer Team

HeraldNet.com recently announced its 2019 All-Area Girls Soccer Team, which included several local players, from Shorewood, Shorecrest and King's.


FIRST TEAM

Sydney VanNess, sr., D, Shorecrest

The senior center back registered six goals and five assists for the Scots as a member of a defense that allowed one goal per game. VanNess was named second-team All-Wesco 3A/2A.


SECOND TEAM

Kaitlyn Manalili, soph., F, Shorewood

The sophomore forward scored a team-high 14 goals and earned a first-team All Wesco 3A/2A selection.

Morgan Manalili, soph., MF, Shorewood

The sophomore midfielder delivered eight goals and a team-high 11 assists for the Thunderbirds. Manalili was named first-team All-Wesco 3A/2A.

Olivia Gabelein, jr., MF, King’s

The junior midfielder tallied 15 goals and 11 assists and was named Offensive Player of the Year in the North Sound Conference. She also helped the Knights to a third-place finish at the Class 1A state tournament.



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Scam of the day: buy gift cards to pay off LFP Police arrest warrant

Over the weekend several Lake Forest Park residents received calls from the "Lake Forest Park Police Department" asking them to purchase gift cards to pay off a warrant for their arrest. 

The caller ID was spoofed to show it was coming from the police department.

A caller asking for gift cards to pay off anything, is a SCAM. Please report all suspicious activity through 911.

--Lake Forest Park Police



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3rd Ave Courthouse entrance closed because of attacks on pedestrians

Third Avenue entrance to the King County Courthouse
has been closed for the safety of staff, attorneys,
jurors, and visitors
Photo by Google


The 3rd Avenue entrance to the King county courthouse has become so unsafe that the entrance has been closed. Attorneys, courthouse workers, and jurors have all been attacked by street people. Reportedly at least one man has attacked four different people but was charged and released each time.

The Courthouse belongs to King county but is in the jurisdiction of the City of Seattle and Seattle Police.

In the wake of more attacks in the vicinity of the King County Courthouse, the King County Government and Oversight (GAO) Committee will hear testimony regarding security around the perimeter of the King County Courthouse at its Tuesday, December 10, 2019 meeting at 3:00pm in the King County Council Chambers.

The Presiding Judge of the King County Superior Court, Jim Rogers, Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best and Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes have been invited to attend and provide input.

“The intent of this meeting is to bring the various stakeholders, City, County and respective justice systems, together so that we can begin to work as a united front to solve this crisis,” said Government Accountability and Oversight Committee Chair Pete von Reichbauer of Federal Way.

King County Council Chair Rod Dembowski issued a statement.

“I support the Superior Court’s decision to take aggressive action to protect the public and our county employees who work in and near the King County Courthouse.  I have fought to secure funding in recent years to keep the Fourth Avenue entrance open, as well as worked to activate and improve safety in City Hall Park.  I have advocated directly to Mayor Durkan to increase the City’s police presence around the courthouse.  
Unfortunately, security remains a serious concern with inadequate attention and action to date.
“I am introducing emergency legislation to appropriate necessary funding to support the work and recommendations of the court’s proposed courthouse security work group, as well as to immediately enhance safety around the courthouse, and plan for longer-term safety and security improvements to the area.”


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Jobs: Census workers

The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring for a variety of temporary jobs, including census takers, recruiting assistants, office staff and supervisory staff to assist with the 2020 Census count. 

Hiring event Wednesday, December 4, 2019 from 1pm to 5pm at the Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline 98155.

Stop by their table to learn more about these job opportunities, requirements, and how to apply.



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Filing for King Conservation District commissioner deadline December 12

The King Conservation District is running its annual election for an open seat on the board of commissioners. This is a great elected office for people who are interested in environmental conservation issues, ensuring we have healthy farmland, soil, and water in our county. 

They run the “manure match” program — which provides farm fresh manure and the “landowner incentive program” which pays landowners to enact conservation activities on their properties. 

King Conservation District is led by an all-volunteer, five-member board of supervisors. Three of the members are elected while the other two are appointed by the Washington State Conservation Commission, an agency created to assist and guide conservation district activities in Washington State.

Board members contribute local perspectives on important natural resource management and conservation issues, seek feedback about conservation programs from District residents, set KCD policy, and direct KCD’s work plan and budget.  

KCD elections occur annually during the first quarter of each year. Elections are conducted pursuant to guidelines established by RCW 89.08 with oversight from the Washington State Conservation Commission.

2020 Board Elections

KCD will be holding an election on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 to fill an open board seat.

The position is open to any registered voter living in the district — which includes all of King County except Federal Way, Milton, Skykomish, Pacific, and Enumclaw which are not part of the conservation district.

The King Conservation District is paid for by a special tax that supports technical assistance and education on water conservation, soil protection, wildlife habitat protection, farm conservation, etc.

Interested candidates, and voters, should follow the instructions below on how to participate in the election, which is a process unique to the District.

For Potential Candidates

Candidate Qualification Due Date: December 12, 2019.

Candidate qualification information: Washington State Conservation Commission – Elections and Appointments. At least two of the three KCD elected board members must be local landowners or operators of a farm. That restriction has been met, so anyone who meets the residency requirement can run.

Filers must submit BY DECEMBER 12:
  • Candidate information form
  • Nominating petition with the signatures at least 25 registered King County voters residing in the King Conservation District boundaries (because some signatures may be rejected for eligibility reasons, submitting 30-40 signatures is recommended).

All filing paperwork must be submitted IN PERSON to King Conservation District (800 SW 39th St, Suite 150, Renton WA 98057). The office is open from 8am – 5pm, Monday through Friday. For questions contact Ava Souza- Elections Officer at 425-282-1900; ava.souza@kingcd.org.

Candidate profiles will be available for review January 1, 2020 on the KCD’s website.


FOR VOTERS - this is also a unique process

Ballots will be available to eligible voters online beginning January 22, 2020. Check KCD’s website or the King County Elections website for ballot access links.
  • Voters may return ballots electronically through the online ballot marking system. Ballots received through the electronic system on or before 8pm on February 11, 2020 will be eligible.
  • Voters may print and mail the ballots to King County, Elections, 919 SW Grady Way, Suite 200, Renton, WA 98057. Mailed ballots with a postmark no later than February 11, 2020 will be eligible.
  • Voters may also receive and/or return ballots at a vote center located at King Conservation District’s Office, 800 SW 39th St., Suite 150, Renton, WA 98057. This voting center will be open from 9am – 8pm on Tuesday, February 11, 2020.
This page will have up to date information on the KCD’s 2020 Board Election.


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Warm and Fuzzy concert with the Seachordsmen, Seattle Shores and friends



Concerts at 2pm and 7pm on December 7, 2019 at the Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle 98103.

Featuring the barbershop harmonies of the Seattle Seachordsmen, Sound Harmony, The Seattle Shores, and the Ballard School Women's Chamber Choir and Men's Ensemble.

Tickets available online. Adults $20, 65+ and 6-18 $15, children under 6 Free.



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Photo: Lake dweller

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Photo by Martin De Grazia


What is the strange creature on shore - the one with the odd contraption attached to his face - no wait, now it's gone. It makes a clicking noise. I will have to stare harder to understand this. 

He spends a lot of time by our Bog but never comes in the water. Sometimes we think he is one of us. Sometimes we are not sure.

This will require much more study.

--Bog Otter



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Volunteers needed to help pack toys at Rats' Nest for Edmonds event



Volunteers needed for huge charity toy gift event to be held in Shoreline at the Rat's Nest building this weekend.

Holly House is a holiday gift giving program serving primarily the Edmonds School District. Donations go directly to families during a "shopping event" where pre-registered parents can pick up items for their family at no charge. They are a registered 501(c)(3) charity.

The Holly House Team is working hard to get everything in place so parents can come to Holly House to shop for free for their children on Sunday, December 8, 2019.

They are staging the "shopping event" in Shoreline, in the former home of the Rat City Rollergirls, 19022 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline 98133 - corner of 192nd and Aurora.

They need volunteers all 3 Days - Friday December 6 through Sunday December 8, 2019.

Come when you can - Whether it be 3 hours, every moment we are open or anything in between.

December 6-8, 2019

Event Hours

Load Up and Transport Gifts
Fri, Dec 6 - 9:00 am

Set-Up
Fri, Dec 6 - 9:30 am to 11:00 pm

Set-Up
Sat, Dec 7 - 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Parent Shopping Day
Sun, Dec 8 - 7:30 am to 10:00 pm

Tear-Down
Sun, Dec 8 - 9:30 pm to 2:00ish am

Spanish and Russian Interpreters needed
Sunday, December 8, 2019
7:30 am to 10:00 pm

RSVP at pjkringle@comcast.net if you can help or just show up.

Meals
We feed volunteers lunch and dinner every day during the 3 day Holly House Event.



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Shoreline Parks Board to meet with Suni Tolton, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for Shoreline

Shoreline Board for Parks, Recreation, Cultural Services
and Tree Board


Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board Meeting

Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 7 - 9pm
Shoreline City Hall Conference Room 303, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133

Equity and Inclusion Conversation with Suni Tolton, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for the City of Shoreline

Link to Full Meeting Packet [PDF]

Comment on Agenda Items



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Humble Feast Monday plus recipe for Pumpkin Crumb Coffeecake

Locally grown pumpkins
Photo by Devra Gartenstein

Patty Pan's Humble Feast is a series of community-based, monthly dinner events featuring local ingredients sourced primarily from area farmers who are our friends and neighbors at the markets.

They are held the first Monday of each month, 5:30 to 7:30pm at the Patty Pan in the Briarcrest neighborhood at 15550 27th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155.

Reservations appreciated (and you get a discount if you prepay!)

This month's dinner is Monday December 2, 2019.

The menu: a breakfast-for-dinner theme: Strata with (or without) bacon, roasted potatoes, cauliflower hash, winter greens, and pumpkin coffee cake.

Pumpkin Crumb Coffeecake
Devra Gartenstein

Prep Time: 20 Minutes 
Bake: 50 Minutes 

Ingredients 

Topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 oatmeal
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, cut into pieces 

Cake:
1 cup unbleached flour 
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/3 cup vegetable oil 
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 15-oz. can pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar 
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs, beaten 

Make topping: In a bowl, stir together flour, oatmeal, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. Add butter and combine with fingertips until mixture is crumbly. 

Make cake: Preheat oven to 350ÂşF. Butter and flour a 9-by-13-inch cake pan. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. In a large bowl, whisk together oil, applesauce, pumpkin, vanilla and both sugars until well mixed. Whisk in eggs. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and stir until just combined; do not overmix. Pour batter into cake pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle with topping.

Bake cake until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Allow to cool in pan on a wire rack at least 20 minutes.




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Local church volunteers collect 1347 shoeboxes of items for children abroad

City Calvary was the drop off center for 1347 shoeboxes
full of toys and supplies for children in Asian countries


Text and photos from City Calvary Chapel

City Calvary Chapel in Shoreline was again the drop-off center for the Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child.

Volunteers pack the shoeboxes in shipping containers


This organization sends over five million shoeboxes full of toys, school supplies, health items to children in need in more than 160 countries around the world each year.

The project mobilizes 100,000 volunteers in the U.S. and City Calvary collected 1347 boxes this year from the Shoreline area and beyond.

They load the containers into a truck
for transport to California, where
they are shipped out
 

We trucked them to Arlington to be sent to California to be processed before their trip to Southeast Asian countries. Boxes collected on the East Coast are sent to European and African nations.




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Paul Lewing studio sale in Shoreline Saturday and Sunday



Paul Lewing is opening his Shoreline studio for a holiday sale December 7 and 8, 2019 from 10am - 5pm.

He will be showing his tiles and paintings. Showing with him will be Rupa Palasamudram, pottery, and Stephanie Benson, jewelry.

All are welcome.

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Shorewood Amnesty group demonstrated on International Children's Day

Shorewood Amnesty students on 185th overpass
Photo courtesy Shorewood Amnesty


On November 20, 2019 International Children's Day, Shorewood High School’s Amnesty International group demonstrated to demand action from policymakers and elected officials to end child detention, holding a banner drop at the 185th Street I-5 Overpass.

In a time of hate and violence, we, the youth, must be the voices of change and action.

Shorewood Amnesty International  swamnestyinternational@gmail.com


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Photo: Buddha in autumn

Photo by Victoria Gilleland


Tranquil corner of the garden with Autumn Buddha.....



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Classifieds: Northshore Fire Commissioners meet Monday

Northshore Fire Commissioners will hold a special meeting on Monday, December 2, 2019, at 5pm with a busy agenda.

The meeting will be held at the Headquarters Station 7220 NE 181st St, Kenmore

Full agenda here

Board Discussion and Possible Action Items
  • District Operations
    • Station 57 Bid Award
    • Salary Survey Update
    • Legal Counsel 
    • Selection Process
    • Facility Condition Assessment Update
    • 2020 Department Goals
    • Fire Chief Transition and Relief
    • Retirement Awards
    • Litigation Committee Update
    • Regionalization
    • King County Fire Commissioners Membership
    • Surplus Items

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Midlife musings by David Guterson and Peter Zheutlin; murder at Coos Bay, and life in the Emerald City

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


Wednesday, December 4 at 7pm
Warren Easley
No Way to Die: A Cal Claxton Mystery

Attorney Cal Claxton just wants to go fishing with his daughter, Claire, and he knows the best place - the coastal area south of Coos Bay. But their vacation takes a dark turn with the discovery of a body in the river. 

As an investigation is launched into the suspicious death, Cal and Claire find themselves drawn into the life of the local bookshop owner and vocal environmental activist. Together, they dig deep into the secrets and crumbling alliances that form the foundation of this small coastal community, and what they find could spell doom for them both...

Thursday, December 5 at 7pm
David Guterson

Turn Around Time: A Walking Poem for the Pacific Northwest

Most outdoor enthusiasts understand the phrase "turn around time" as that point in an adventure when one must cease heading out in order to have enough time to safely return to camp or home. 

In that vein, the beloved northwest novelist David Guterson explores midlife through a lyrical journey along a trail.

Friday, December 6 at 6pm
Susannah Ryan and Nathan Vass

An Evening with Seattle Walk Report and The View From Nathan’s Bus!

Susannah Ryan and Nathan Vass are both known for their insightful, funny, and poignant chronicles of Seattle life – Vass with his long-running blog, and new book The Lines That Make Us: Stories from Nathan’s Bus, Ryan with the popular Instagram comic and new book Seattle Walk Report. Join us as we welcome these two everyday bards of the emerald city to Third Place Books for a conversation about community, storytelling, and the beauty and weirdness of Seattle.

Saturday, December 7 at 6pm
Peter Zheutlin
The Dog Went Over the Mountain

On the cusp of turning sixty-five, and inspired by a re-reading of John Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley, Peter Zheutlin and his beloved Albie, a rescue dog of similar vintage, take a poignant, often bemusing, and keenly observed journey across America and discover a big-hearted, welcoming country filled with memorable characters. 

They come away with a new-found appreciation for the life they temporarily left behind, and a determination to live more fully in the moment as old age looms.



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Narcissus liked nothing better than to regard himself as he landed...

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler


Gloria didn't provide the end of the sentence this time. Any suggestions?

Here's my best: "but surely he couldn't be that wrinkled!"






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Rob Oxford: Take the time

Uncle David, Cousin Cindy, Aunt Bev and Mom

By Rob Oxford

I recently spent an afternoon with my 95-year-old Uncle and his daughters, affectionately referred to by our entire family as the 4 Wood Girls.

They all live on the east coast, so seeing them albeit for only a few hours was a special treat.

When I was a young boy, my Mother’s big brother was a very large and imposing figure.

Extremely tall with great hair, big hands, a big smile, big voice and even bigger laugh. I don’t know if it was because he had no sons and was always surrounded by beautiful women, but I never felt quite comfortable in his presence. Of course, that may have been because I was the “baby of the family” and always treated as such by my Mother.

He may also have expected more of his youngest nephew than I was able to give. Regardless, I always loved time spent with the Wood Family although it didn’t happen nearly enough.

When I was 11 or 12, I stayed a couple weeks at my Uncle’s “land” on Loughborough Lake in Ontario. I think it was the first time I’d been away from home for an extended period.

Rob's first time on waterskis

That was a great summer. With the help of my Aunt Elizabeth, my Mother’s baby sister, my cousins taught me to water ski. Sitting on the edge of the dock with my skis in the water, hesitant but confident, I gave the thumbs up and vrrrooom, off I went! No splinters in my rear, which was my main concern and I didn’t even get went.

I learned much that summer. I learned to be independent, I learned that being the only male living with 5 women had to be difficult and I learned that my Uncle David loved me. However, just how much wouldn’t be revealed until many, many years later.

When my Mother passed away, my Uncle David came to her memorial service in Dallas and delivered the eulogy. I still have a copy. I don’t remember speaking with him that weekend, then again, I’m not sure he would have wanted to hear from me. I wasn’t necessarily in a good place then and I’m sure he’d heard the stories. 

Simply put, I caused my mother much heartache the last few years of her life. Probably no more or less than any other son in his early 20’s learning to spread his wings, the difference being my Mother was suffering from terminal cancer and when I should have been more caring and respectful, I wasn’t.

At the time, I never considered that my Uncle David was losing his little sister. Despite living thousands of miles away he may have felt it was somehow his responsibility to care for and protect her. It had to have been very hard. After all, he’d known her much longer than I.

It would be quite some time before I would see any of the Wood Family again. Christmas cards would be exchanged and I would get bits and pieces of information from different sources, but in all honesty, I was lost and I had been for a very long time. I’d not lived up to anyone’s expectations, including my own, so what was the purpose in being found?

I often wonder what it would have been like to grow up living in the same city as the majority of your relatives? Spending holidays, birthdays and vacations with each other. Attending graduations, weddings and baby showers. My family is spread from one end of the continent to the other. But then again, some families live in the very same city and don’t see each other for decades.

I can’t pinpoint when it was that I finally decided to become “responsible.” It may have been with the passing of my Father many years later, but all of the sudden I started caring about my extended family. I began trying to reconnect the dots. I travelled to see my Aunt Lois and Uncle Roger in Saskatchewan a couple of times and met up with several of my relatives there.

Then out of the blue, I began making phone calls to people I hadn’t spoken to in years, talk about awkward. I hesitate to use the term “making amends,” but essentially that’s what I was attempting to do. I started to realize that for some of us, time was most likely running out and I wanted to spend some of what was left with those whom I loved.

Remember that summer on Loughborough Lake, the summer I learned to ski and be independent? I learned several other valuable lessons that summer. The first being that a young boy of 11 or 12 who insists he can handle a canoe by himself, despite his uncle’s advice, can find himself in trouble rather quickly when the wind comes up on a lake in Canada. I also learned that sound can travel great distances over water and finally, I learned that my cousins were very good at keeping secrets.

I had taken the canoe out farther than I should have and soon found myself up you-know-what creek… however, I had a paddle. Unfortunately, the paddle was doing me no good. I was rapidly being blown further and further away from shore. Scared and frustrated, I started to cry… loudly.

Fortunately for me, my cousin Cynthia heard my plea and contacted my Uncle. Moments later, out of nowhere, as though commanding a Coast Guard Cutter, they arrived to tow me back to shore. Before doing so they politely asked if I “needed any help?”

Trying to nonchalantly wipe away tears I replied, “No, no I’m fine.” Sensing that I wasn’t necessarily “fine,” they mentioned that dinner was almost ready and was I “sure I wouldn’t like to be towed back to the dock?”

“Oh, dinner's almost ready? Well if you think that would be best?” ...attempting to disguise my relief I was thankful to have been rescued.

It would be 30 years or more before I was told that my cousins knew of my plight, that my rescue wasn’t just happenstance and that my Uncle had threatened them if they ever said a word.

That was the precise moment I realized just how much My Uncle David loved me.

I wish I’d spent more time with the 4 Wood Girls, my Aunt Bev and my Uncle David.

I wish I could spend another summer on Loughborough Lake. Because time does eventually run out.

So, until it does, be sure to “Take the Time”.




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Join NUHSA on Tuesday to celebrate 2019 Human Services Award winners and nominees


Join the North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) in celebrating its 2019 Human Services Award winners and nominees on December 3, 2019, 5:30 – 7:00pm in the City of Shoreline Council Chamber at 17500 Midvale Ave N

The honorable State Representative Lauren Davis will provide opening remarks.

Each award recipient has demonstrated a significant contribution to the health and welfare of our North King County community and has supported or advocated for a strong and accessible health and human services system, strengthening our community through their initiative and leadership.

Outstanding Human Services Program: Lake City Partners

Nominees:

• Bothell United Methodist Church
• Embrace Shoreline
• Housing Development Consortium
• Little Free Pantries - Shoreline
• Mary's Place Family Center in Northshore
• Shoreline School District Family Advocates
• WELD Seattle

Human Services Champion of the Year: Sue Freeman, Convener; Northshore Nourishing Networks

Nominees:

• Carlene Urrutia, BSN, RN; Shorecrest High School
• Carrie Campbell, The Shorewood Experience
• Diane Hettrick, Shoreline Area News
• Mike Dee, Community Advocate


NUHSA’s Annual Human Services Awards ceremony has been celebrating the accomplishments of local individuals and organizations since 2008.

NUHSA is an alliance of human service agencies, nonprofits, faith communities, city and county leadership, school districts and members of the community who advocate for a strong and accessible health and human services system in North King County, encompassing Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell and Woodinville.

Through partnership and collaboration, NUHSA supports providers, funders and the community to enhance existing resources and build our capacity to effectively respond to community needs.

For more information or to RSVP for this event, email staff@nuhsa.org.


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Holiday wreath making Wednesday at Richmond Beach Library

Learn how to decorate a beautiful holiday wreath with easy to make bows and unusual items.
 
This demonstration will show you how you can start with a simple Evergreen wreath and embellish it with everyday items to create a unique arrangement without breaking the bank! 

Come see how it's done, or bring your own wreath or swag to get started right away. Ribbon for bows will be provided.

Holiday Wreaths, presented by Eve Phillips, Wednesday, December 4, 2019, 6:30 - 8pm, Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline 98177.



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Our Foods, Our Stories - Tuesday at Richmond Beach Library

Ruby de Luna, KUOW
Photo from Creative Commons

Our Foods, Our Stories - Tuesday, December 3, 2019, 7-8pm at the Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline 98177.

Food sustains us and delights us. It’s also an expression of our identity. Our region’s bounty has inspired dreamers and entrepreneurs. Their creations have put Washington on the culinary map. 

But food also touches many aspects of our society: health, economics, politics and agriculture.

In this talk, KUOW's food reporter Ruby de Luna looks at some of the people who are inspired by food and use it to follow their dreams, or to engage their neighbors for social change.



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Scandia Folk Dance at Cedar Valley Grange - don't miss a polyphonic evening

Dancing the Stigar'n
YouTube


Skandia Folk Dance - Friday, December 6, 2019 - learn Stigar'n

SKANDIA FIRST FRIDAY DANCE, Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave W, Lynnwood

From 7:30 to 8:30pm, Larry Reinert and Sal Gordon will teach Stigar’n and Knut-Arne’s Reinlender. 

Stigar’n is similar to the Stigvals taught by Kathi and Don in November, with its sidecar hold and active inside leg, but is done to four-beat music. This step also shows up in other dances, such as Hyfs. 

Norwegian dance teacher Knut Arne Jacobsen brought us the reinlender variation we’ve named after him. It’s a good late-night dance, with a gentle motion and fewer turns than the typical reinlender. It has a catchy pattern that crosses the measure. 

This video shows the Stigar’n step (with a resting step to start). 

At 8:30pm, Tinnfelen will gift us with its unique sound— rich in the resonances of the hardanger fiddle, but with some added instruments, as well. Don't miss a polyphonic evening! Class, 7:30pm; dance, 8:30–11pm. 

$15 (Skandia members, $10); kids, free. Information here or 425-954-5262.



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Sharing Tree open for business at LFP Town Center

The LFP SHARING TREE is open for business in the LFP Town Center.

Santa needs a little help - and LFP Rotary is lending a hand.

Come to the tree at the bottom of escalator and choose a ticket for a special child. Then bring the unwrapped toy to the tree where a Rotary volunteer will collect it.

On December 21, 2019 North Helpline will distribute the toys to children who need a little extra help.

This is a project of the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park.



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Photo: Thanksgiving Evening

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Photo by Jan Hansen

As the sun was setting for a short time one could see Jupiter, Venus, and the moon. Jupiter set at 5:46 followed by Venus at 5:58. It was a beautiful Thanksgiving evening in Shoreline.

--Jan Hansen



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Turkey Day Fun Run at RB Saltwater Park Thursday morning

The volunteers who make it work

Text and photos by Wayne Pridemore

The annual Turkey Day Fun Run at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park on Thursday morning brought out a large crowd to kick off the holiday season. This year's theme was "space". The proceeds from sponsors benefited Shoreline Hopelink food bank and emergency service.

Teresa Pape, left, and Teresa Pascale.

Many volunteer workers are required to make the event safe, and make it run smoothly.


Selling t-shirts for the community association of Richmond Beach were left, Caroline Gugger, Suzanne Gugger, and Christie Quigley.

Tom Mailhot registered runners

Each runner was registered and given tickets for a drawing before the run. Tom Mailhot was one of many who worked this task.



As the sun came up on the beautiful day the crowd began to walk down the hill for the traditional group photo. The crowd continued to grow.



Many family and friend groups participated in the event. Here is a group of turkey heads, left is Trevor Pottorf of Houston Texas, Amy Gray, Lillian Murphy, Helen Murphy, Laura Pottorf of Houston Texas, and Barbara VanWormer. 

Don Wilson is the founder of the event
 

Don Wilson is the originator of our local turkey run. More than fourteen years ago Don and several runner friends would run at Saltwater Park each Thanksgiving day. 

Each year more people would join the annual event. Don was then approached by the Richmond Beach Community Association to make the run a part of the community's annul programs. Don Wilson now serves as the event's master of ceremony, photographer, and organizer. 

 

Don organizes the crowd for the annual photo.


And then they run!




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Shoreline resident will be running trains at MOHAI Saturday and Sunday

Dennis Terpstra with grandkids
Talia and Toren in 2015

Shoreline resident and model train enthusiast Dennis Terpstra will be running trains again at MOHAI on Saturday and Sunday with the 4d-NTrak NMRA Model Railroad club.

It is a great time to see model trains of different scales and to see the various historical items at MOHAI.

Saturday, November 30, 2019 
from 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday, December 1, 2019 
from 10 am – 5 pm

Visit a miniature wonderland as the Faye G. Allen Grand Atrium transforms into a festive model train show!

Fans of all ages can explore intricately detailed displays, learn about railroad history, and even meet the engineers behind the magic as the 4th division, Pacific Northwest Region of the National Model Railroad Association turns the museum’s atrium into a model railroad extravaganza to celebrate Greet the Season.

The MOHAI Model Train Show runs full steam ahead Friday through Sunday (November 29–December 1, 2019), 10am to 5pm.

MOHAI is located at 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle WA, 98109. 206-324-1126.

Cost: Included with museum admission / Free for MOHAI members



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Book review by Aarene Storms: I am Still Alive

I am Still Alive by Kate Alice Marshall

Jess divides her life into "before" and "after" as she narrates her tale.

BEFORE, while still recovering from the car crash that killed her mom, Jess goes to live with the father she barely recognizes: a survivalist with a dicey past.

AFTER, she is alone with only a dog for company in the remote Canadian wilderness. No shelter, no food, no weapons, no skills.

BEFORE, she wants to return to civilization.

AFTER, she wants to survive... and she wants revenge.

I remember reading Gary Paulsen's classic survival story Hatchet when it first came out in 1987, and being so frustrated when the main character did stupid stuff that nearly got him killed. I experienced the same kind of frustration with Jess in this book: she nearly dies in so many preventable ways!

And yet.

I read the whole book in two days. It's not a perfect story, but it certainly kept me turning pages.

Some cussing, some drinking, and a lot of blood and violence. Recommended for readers who enjoy suspense, survival, and for those willing to forgive a character for making dumb mistakes, ages 14 to adult.


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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Single tickets now on sale for SMT's Miracle on 34th Street at the Shoreline Center

Miracle on 34th Street 
December 19 - 29, 2019
Shoreline Center Auditorium

Based on the beloved 1947 film, this 1963 Broadway hit by Meredith Wilson, creator of “Music Man,” comes to life on stage in this new holiday production. 

Filled with such beloved songs as “Pinecones and Hollyberries,” “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” and finally answering the question: Is Kris Kringle really Santa Claus? 

This heart-warming musical is pure family entertainment and the perfect present to fill everyone’s stocking.

Shoreline Center (auditorium) at the north end of the complex, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline.




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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Bald eagle



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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