Rob Oxford: How sweet it is at the Sweet Pearl Bakery

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Nichole Stowers and the Sweet Pearl Bakery


By Rob Oxford

Who doesn’t love fresh-baked goods during the holidays or anytime for that matter?

I have several favorites myself. Among them shortbread cookies, haystack cookies using chocolate AND butterscotch, Nanaimo bars, Almond Joy cookies and pies of any kind, except pumpkin and mincemeat. Especially considering there is absolutely no “meat” in a mincemeat pie.

I also have a soft spot for cupcakes and fresh breads. Olive loaf, Sourdough, it doesn’t matter, as long as each is accompanied by real butter which I can then spread.

My mother-in-law, who is retired, bakes enough goodies during the holidays to feed a platoon. She also prepares the most delicious holiday meals for which my taste buds and waistline are most grateful.

Disguised as an espresso stand, Sweet Pearl is located
in the 4-Corners Business District
Photo by Rob Oxford

For some, baking is a passion. For a fortunate few, that passion can become a successful business.

Several months ago, as I drove down to Richmond Beach in search of my morning coffee, I discovered a tiny bakery not necessarily visible to those who randomly pass by, but a favorite to many locals in the area.

Disguised as an espresso stand, the Sweet Pearl Bakery has been churning out delicious baked goods for just over a year, and six days a week its owner and lone employee Nichole Stowers cheerfully greets every customer with a smile.

Menu board at Sweet Pearl
Photo by Rob Oxford
As I approached the walkup window, the first thing I noticed was the certificate prominently displayed in the window signifying the establishment had received a Food Safety Rating from King County of “Excellent”. You can’t possibly get any better than excellent.

Having run a commercial bakery prior to opening Sweet Pearl, Nichole's desire to open a storefront landed her at 641 NW Richmond Beach Rd where she specializes in delicious baked goods for all occasions.

Using only the finest ingredients like locally sourced Shepherds Grain, a premium pastry flour grown in the Northwest, one bite of a fresh-from-the-oven molasses cookie is all the proof you need that homemade beats store bought every time.

She also serves Caffe Appassionato coffee which is freshly roasted in the Magnolia area of Seattle.

In other words, if buying local is as important to you as it is to me, Sweet Pearl Bakery has you covered.

Nichole is available to cater your special event and is happy to design a beautiful wedding cake based on your personal specifications.

Available until Christmas
Photo courtesy Sweet Pearl

Currently accepting holiday orders, Sweet Pearl is offering Baker’s Dozen cookie boxes decorated with festive Christmas Trees, Rudolph and his red nose or a beautiful poinsettia. Gluten free options are always available by special order. 

Whether you pretend to have spent all afternoon in the kitchen preparing these delicious holiday treats yourself or choose to give credit where credit is due, a plate of Sweet Pearl Bakery cupcakes or cookies at your holiday gathering is sure to impress those in attendance. 
If you decide on the former, before your guests arrive, dab a little flower on the end of your nose for effect.

Like Sweet Pearl Bakery on Facebook or find them on the web.

Before concluding our interview, I had one final question for Nichole to which she replied, “the only Fruitcake Sweet Pearl Bakery has served since our opening is you Rob”. Well played Nichole, well played.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!



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Buy a toy for a child in need through Tim's Sharing Tree in Lake Forest Park

LFP Rotary President Robin Roat with
this year's Tim's Sharing Tree
Photo courtesy LFP Rotary

The tree is accepting unwrapped gifts until Friday, December 20. 2019.

Helpline and the Center for Human Services appreciates your generosity.

The Lake Forest Park Rotary Club's Tim's Sharing Tree is in the lower lobby of Town Center at the intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE.

This is an annual tradition that brings holiday cheer to many homeless and unfortunate youth in our area.

Tim's Sharing Tree is simple.

Stop by the tree and pick a gift idea with the name, age, and interests of a child or teen, purchase a gift for them and bring the new unwrapped gift back to the tree where a Rotary Volunteer will make sure it is delivered.



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Dark web fentanyl dealer kept his money in a Shoreline bank

A 40-year-old Seattle man was sentenced this week in U.S. District Court in Seattle to seven years in prison for selling thousands of doses of fentanyl on various encrypted websites, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran.
 
Matthew Witters was a leading seller of fentanyl on AlphaBay and Dream Market between 2015 and 2017. 

In December 2018, law enforcement seized $1.1 million in cryptocurrency, cash and other funds Witters admitted were the proceeds of his drug trafficking. 

At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour ordered forfeiture of those funds, and noted Witters sold “an enormous quantity of an extremely dangerous drug.”

According to records filed in the case, Witters came to the attention of law enforcement when his contact information and dark web monikers were discovered in residences connected with drug trafficking in Oklahoma and California. Witters’ sales on AlphaBay ended when law enforcement shut down the site in July 2017.

Witters was arrested December 10, 2018, and the following day law enforcement executed a search warrant for a safe deposit box Witters leased in an (unnamed) Shoreline, Washington bank. 
Inside was more than $165,000 in currency, a variety of suspected controlled substances, mailing labels and stamps and a loaded Glock 27 pistol.

Witters has been in custody since his arrest. On June 13, 2019, Witters pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Prosecutors agreed to cap their sentencing recommendation at ten years in prison.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Neal B. Christiansen and Thomas M. Woods.



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Soccer: Shorewood Girls team wins academic award at WIAA 3A State Championship

Shorewood Girls Soccer - scholar athletes
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Pictured, Back row, from left:

J.V. Coach Leslie Cox, Alana Walton, Olivia Pritikin, Jadyn Smith, Grace Kamila, Mercy Haub, Morgan Manalili, Varsity Coach Dan Faires

Front row, from left:

Teagan Aw, Elie Goett, Hannah Alexander, Jill Anneberg, Lilia Pate, Katherine Grutz

Not pictured: 

A.D. Joann Fukuma, Heather Campbell, Shea Mertel, Rachel Shoop, Alexa Cominos, Kaitlyn Manalili, Gilana Wollman, Sarah Sanderson, Jazmin Coleman, Kayla VandenDyssel, Cary Tanaka, Riley Walton

~~~~~~~~~

Shorewood High School’s Girls Soccer team won a trophy in Sparks Stadium at the WIAA State Tournament on November 23, 2019. 

Not the champions trophy they were hoping for, but nonetheless the 2019 Academic State Champions - a wonderful surprise, and a proud achievement as true scholar-athletes. 

Representing Wesco 3A, Shorewood’s Varsity team finished the season 6th in the league, with a record of 9-5-0, qualified for District 1 playoffs, but did not make the State tournament this year. 

Shorewood’s JV team finished the season 4th in the table, with a respectable record of 8-4-1.


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Photo: The otter's dinner

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Photo by Martin DeGrazia

This is a Ronald Bog otter, calming enjoying his / her dinner in spite of the camera held by Otter Whisperer Martin DeGrazia.

The otters and cormorants at Echo Lake appreciate the state of Washington for stocking the lake with trout but they don't stock Ronald Bog. 

However, there's enough fish to keep the otters happy.



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February 29th Leap Day Dinner Fundraiser for Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation

The Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation (LFPSF) invites you to a Leap Day Dinner Fundraiser at the Lake Forest Park Civic Club on Saturday, February 29, 2020. 

The featured guest speaker, Lori Mason Curran of Vulcan Real Estate, will present “Making the Case: Sustainable Design and Green Infrastructure.” 

She will dispel the myth that going green is unprofitable by sharing how Vulcan develops commercial properties using innovative sustainable design.

Fundraising activities will include a live auction and raffle. This year’s theme is It’s Not Easy Being Green in keeping with LFPSF’s promotion of sustainable green development.

Proceeds from the event will help LFPSF continue to support these important environmental advocacy initiatives:
  • Mobilizing the community and legal defenses to defend against threats to community environmental standards,
  • Fostering public awareness and involvement of potential development plans for Lake Forest Park Town Center and the environment and quality of life,
  • Recruiting and managing volunteers to remove invasive plants from area parks, plant native species, and repair streamside habitat,
  • Conducting research to restore Kokanee salmon to our streams,
  • Salmon in the Schools- a program to rear salmon in elementary schools that includes a visit by a Native American storyteller on salmon release day.

Tickets for the salmon dinner and auction will go on sale in early January. 
Save the date, February 29th, for a fun and informative community event with dinner, dessert, wine, raffle and auction and some surprises too!

LFPSF is seeking sponsors and auction donors. If you would like more information, please contact info@lfpsf.org or 206-361-7076.



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A holly, jolly evening Thursday for the Edmonds Art Walk

Tuesday Sands is the featured artist of the month
showing at Kelnero



Join us for a holly, jolly Art Walk Edmonds this Thursday, December 19, 2019 from 5 - 8 pm and revel in the artful atmosphere while you find unique gifts for every art lover on your list.

One of a kind gifts of art can be found at Art Walk stops throughout the town.

Nicola Davies' elegant, imaginative grapevine wreaths at Windermere Real Estate (210 5th Ave S) are the perfect finishing touch for your holiday decor.

There will be plenty to choose from at Edmonds Bookshop (111 5th Ave S), where booksellers turned artists Jane Lopez-Santillana (knitwear), Elaine Mattson (Edmonds and holiday cards) and Michelle Bear (paintings and collages) will have their creations on display.

Cole Gallery (107 5th Ave S) and Gallery North (401 Main St) will also be showcasing new paintings and sculptures and more from a variety of artists - some perfectly sized to fit under the tree!

Don't forget to stop in at Kelnero (545 Main St) for a cocktail and to see this month's Featured Art Show. Tuesday Sands is a mixed media artist from the Pacific Northwest working in photography, salvaged wood, paint, encaustics, collage, metal, and more.

We'd like to give a very AWEsome welcome to new Art Walk stops this month: Bay Equity Home Loans (111 Main St) will be featuring paintings and wood carvings (masks) inspired by Pacific Northwest Formline Design by Dave Horsley.

Kenmore artist Staci Thompson Adman’s paintings will be showcased at Crow (114 4th Ave N).

Do you remember the story about the lovely mural by Geraldine Noble that was uncovered while Crow was going through renovations? Come see a panel of it at Rebekah's Boutique (404 Main St).

Music, read-a-louds, floral art, pottery, photography, painting....you can find it all in downtown Edmonds this Thursday night!

Download the map, and plan to come celebrate the season at Art Walk Edmonds.

Art Walk Edmonds is  FREE community event held monthly throughout the year, rain or shine. Every Third Thursday from 5 to 8pm galleries, merchants, neighbors and friends join in celebrating the arts and cultivating local vitality by hosting local artists, demos, food and music.



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Dealing with a dementia diagnosis: Transitions and how to cope - Wednesday at Callahan House



At Aegis of Callahan House, we understand how difficult navigating a loved one’s diagnosis of dementia can be.

Our Life Enrichment Director and art therapist Jael Weinberg, MA, LMHCA is hosting a free, 3-part seminar series to help provide you with important tools and support.

This series can assist you in figuring out what steps you need to take in order to cultivate the best quality of life for yourself and your loved one.

Come join us on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 from 6 - 7:30pm

Aegis Living Callahan House 15100 1st Ave NE Shoreline 98155

Please RSVP 206-417-9747.


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For the Birds: The local Bush Flitters

Female Bushtit emerging from top hole of nest
Photo by Elaine Chuang


By Christine Southwick


First one brave little bird flits across open space from a tree to a nearby shrub, and calls for the others to follow, which they do one or two at a time, accompanied by flock-wide encouragement.

This delightful spectacle is the typical movement of a foraging flock of Bushtits.

These tiny gray birds with brownish foreheads have long tails, and they each weigh about the same as a nickel.

They flit around the edges of western forests with open canopies and into shrubby suburban areas. Their range has expanded into the mature forests which have become fragmented by developments.

Bushtit looking for bugs in cherry blossoms
Photo by Elaine Chuang


Bushtits travel in gregarious groups up to 40 birds, communicating all the time, searching twigs and leaves for their meat meals of spiders and tiny insects. With their upside-down probing, they almost best the acrobatic chickadees, which sometimes join the Bushtit winter flocks.

It is a real treat to see your suet feeder covered with these little puffs of fluff, chattering away, never quite still. If you see any with white irises, you have spotted the females.

Their nests are a marvel, looking like a foot-long windsock hanging vertically from a tree fork anywhere between 3-100 feet up. The outside of their nests is made of spider webs, moss and lichen, with fur, feathers, and plant materials inside.

Both parents claim a loose territory and make their nest for 4-10 eggs, with two openings: one on the side near the top, and one at the bottom. Sometimes there may be a family helper, usually a male. Bushtits can have up to two broods a year but will abandon a nest if they are disturbed before eggs are laid.

Typical Bushtit mob on winter suet
Photo by Lyn Topinka
(Find female on front left side)


An interesting fact is that an entire Bushtit family will sleep in the nest until the young has fledged; after that they sleep on branches and will huddle together for warmth in the wintertime.

Bushtits have territorial feeding routes, often arriving regularly at specific bushes in the summer; that schedule may change a little the winter, but they are still around.

So, when you hear the twittering of a flock of Bushtits, go stand where you can watch them as they crowd the backyard fountain or suet feeder, constantly moving about, seemingly in friendly agreement. We humans could learn sociability from the diminutive Bushtit.



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Rotary: Party like it's 2019

Ed Sterner, Allison Reagan, and Kim Anderson
Photo courtesy LFP Rotary


Lake Forest Park Rotary held their Holiday Dinner on December 4, 2019 at the Inglewood Golf Club, organized by Janice Strand.

Guests had a sit-down dinner in a great location with impressive decorations inside and outside.

Robin Roat, left, and friends
Photo courtesy LFP Rotary


Thirty-five members and guests wore their holiday attire. Green and red were prominent and some vestments had electric light enhancements.




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Mayor Johnson to speak at Rotary Wednesday

Monday, December 16, 2019

Mayor Jeff Johnson will be guest speaker at LFP ROTARY on Wednesday, December 18, 7:15am at LFP Presbyterian Church, 17440 Brookside Blvd NE, Lake Forest Park 98155

Photo: Mayor Johnson helps kick off the Get Up and Go 5k Pajama Fun Run’ to support Children’s Hospital sponsored by LFP Sheridan Guild.






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New Car Seat Laws go in to effect January 2020


New car seat rules go into effect in January

*Children up to age 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat

*Children ages 2-4 years must ride in a car seat with a harness (rear or forward-facing).

*Children 4 years and older must ride in a car or booster seat until they are 4'9" tall.

*Children up to age 13 must ride in the back seat when practical.


Your child is in a car seat, but is it installed correctly? Nearly 60% aren’t. Be sure. Find a car seat inspection station near you.



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Photos: Christmas ships

Photo by Lee Lageschulte


Many of the ships in the Edmonds Harbor decorate for Christmas.




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January 2020: Programs for Children and Families at the Shoreline Library

Shoreline Library
345 NE 175th St
Shoreline WA 98155



Shoreline January 2020

Children and Families


Evening Pajamarama Family Story Time
Monday, January 6, 13 and 27, 6:45pm
Ages 3 to 6 with adult, families welcome.

Enjoy stories, rhymes, songs and surprises especially for preschoolers and their families. Each week, end Story Time with a simple craft or other fun activity. Jammies and teddy bears welcome!

Toddler Time
Tuesday, January 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10am
Ages 2 to 3 with adult.

Enjoy interactive rhymes, songs, and short stories, just right for busy toddlers! We will begin with hand stamps, and Story Time will start promptly at 10:05am. Social time with books, blocks and more follows.

Infant and Young Toddler Time
Tuesday, January 7, 14, 21 and 28, 11am
Newborn to 24 months with adult.

Bring your babies and bounce along to fun rhymes, familiar songs, and a story or two in this short program. It is never too early to start your child on the road to reading! Stay afterward for a social playtime with other families.

Preschool Story Time
Wednesday, January 8, 15, 22 and 29, 10:30am
Ages 3 to 6 with adult, siblings welcome.

Books, rhymes, stories and songs just for preschoolers! Each week we will celebrate a different letter of the alphabet. This is a great way to get your child ready to read!

Baby Story Time
Wednesday, January 8, 15, 22 and 29, 12pm
Newborn to approximately 12 months.

Bring your young babies (prewalkers!) for rhymes, songs and baby fun. Social and playtime follows.

Planning for Tomorrow
Wednesday, January 8, 3pm
Ages 9 to 13.

Presented by Kelly Anderson, AlaskaUSA Federal Credit Union.

Through discussion and activities, learn ways to use responsible money habits to achieve your goals!

Register online beginning December 26.

Club del Libro Familiar en Español / Family Book Club in Spanish
Wednesday, January 8, 4:30pm

¡Únanse al Club del Libro Familiar en español! Un programa de lectura en español para niños entre 5 y 10 años acompañados de sus familias. Aprende a través de discusión y actividades divertidas. Analiza historias, enriquece tu vocabulario y desarrolla el pensamiento crítico y las habilidades de comprensión en español.

Join the Family Book Club in Spanish! A reading program in Spanish for children ages 5 to 10 accompanied by their families. Learn through discussion and fun activities. Analyze stories, learn new vocabulary, and develop critical thinking and comprehension skills in Spanish.

Second Wednesday of each month / Segundo miércoles del mes, 4:30-5:30pm
  • January/enero 8 Lola. Junot Diaz
  • February / febrero 12 Tejedora del arcoíris Rainbow weaver. Linda Elovitz Marshall
  • March / marzo 11 La sombrerería mágica. Sonja Wimmer
  • April / abril 8 Mamá the Alien Mamá la extraterrestre. René Colato Lainez
  • May / mayo 13 Let’s Salsa. B. Ruiz-Flores, Lupe

STEMACA’s Programming Workshop!
Saturday, January 11, 2:30-4:30pm
Ages 8 to 13.
Presented by Sahana Sasikumar, STEMACA.

Learn the basics of programming with board games and hands-on projects! This programming curriculum includes a set of challenges at multiple levels to reinforce your learning. While you are having fun playing, learn and practice key programming concepts! All equipment provided.

STEMACA is a nonprofit organization with a passion to promote problem solving and coding skills among young girls and tweens.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Shoreline Library.

Registration required online or call the library beginning December 28.

Chess Club for Kids and Teens
Sunday, January 12, 1-3pm
Wednesday, January 29, 3-4:30pm
Ages 6 and older, tweens and teens.

Join the club! Play chess, learn chess, or teach chess to others. Drop in to enjoy a casual and fun atmosphere with snacks provided. All skill levels are welcome! We will have chessboards and teen volunteers able to teach those who want to learn.

Snacks provided courtesy of the Friends of the Shoreline Library.

Spanish Story Time/Cuentos En Español Para Niños
Thursday, January 16, 23 and 30, 11am
Ages 3 t 6 and families.
Stories, songs and activities in Spanish! For children who speak Spanish and those interested in the language.

Viernes, 16, 23 y 30 de enero, 11am
Para niños de 3 a 6 años de edad con sus familias y/ o cuidadores.

Este es un programa de 30 minutos de cuentos y canciones en español. Este programa es para niños que hablen español y aquellos interesados en el idioma.

Chinese Story Time/中国故事
Friday, January 17, 24 and 31, 1pm
Presented by Hua Zhang.
Family program, all ages welcome.

Enjoy stories, culture and activities in Mandarin Chinese. For children who speak Chinese and those interested in the language!





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Seven swans a swimming...

Seven swans a swimming ...
minus four
Photo by Gloria Z Nagler

OK, only three. But still. 

These are probably Trumpeter Swans, here for the winter, though could be Tundra Swans. Hard for an amateur to tell at this distance:)

--Gloria Z Nagler



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Heroes' Cafe for veterans on Tuesday



Veterans are invited to the Heroes' Café on December 17, 2019 at the Verdant Community Wellness Center in Lynnwood at 4710 196th St SW, next to Applebees.

9am to 1pm with lunch served at 11am.

Heroes' Café is a monthly gathering for all veterans to focus on fostering positive outreach, interaction, and welfare within their neighboring community.



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Criminal Squirrel Orchestra to perform holiday show at Aurora Borealis Dec 21

Sunday, December 15, 2019


Looking for holiday season family fun? 

The CRIMINAL SQUIRREL ORCHESTRA is performing its "Holiday Show" at Aurora Borealis, at 167th and Aurora, on Saturday, December 21, 2019.

Their show is ALL AGES as is their material. They will play three sets, starting at 7:30pm to accommodate families.

It will be held in the club area downstairs. No cover but you can reserve a table here.

Criminal Squirrel Orchestra

At 10pm, the venue becomes 21+ and those under 21 have to leave, giving the adults a chance to rock out without embarrassing their children.

The show is the same and includes a fan favorite "I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas".

We are a band that plays mostly original material, and the covers we play are NOT done in the style of the original recording. 
(We believe that if people want to hear the original recording they can play it at home. We like to think we're giving people a reason to leave their homes.

The music is very dance-able, with an emphasis on fun. 
No one leave our shows wondering how many years of therapy it took to exorcise our demons. The songs are fun, mostly up-tempo, with great vocals! 

The lineup includes:
  • Dexter Carlson aka "Pinball Jones" : Guitar and lead vocals, and principle songwriter
  • Ray Krome aka "Woody The Hoarder" : Bass and vocals
  • Jeff Carolus aka "Lefty:" : Lead Guitar and vocals
  • Keith Lyons aka "Tickles" : Drums, COWBELL and vocals

There will be an UGLY SWEATER CONTEST, with prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.




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Fatality collision on N 175th under I-5

Photo by Leslie


A three vehicle fatality collision on N 175 directly under I-5 in Shoreline was called in at 5:11pm on Sunday, December 15, 2019.

Shoreline Fire responded and found a male driver died at the scene. His female passenger, who is in her early 40s, was transported to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition.

Another driver was transported for precautionary reasons.

King County Sheriff's Office responded and called in MARR.

The King County Sheriff’s Office Major Accident Response and Reconstruction (MARR) Unit is responsible for responding to all fatal and critical injury collisions in our jurisdiction.

According to a driver at the scene the vehicles were a Red Mustang, some kind of Dodge Ram Conversion Van and a 3rd vehicle small SUV or sedan (dark grey or silver?)



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Photos: Three little birds

One little robin
Photo by Mary Igl


Rise up this mornin,
Smiled with the risin sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,


Two little robins
Photo by Mary Igl


Sayin, this is my message to you-ou-ou:
Singin: don't worry about a thing, worry about a thing, oh!
Every little thing gonna be all right. don't worry!
Singin: don't worry about a thing - I won't worry!
Cause every little thing gonna be all right.

--Connie Talbot

Three little robins
Photo by Mary Igl




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Movie night at American Legion Post 227

Attendees vote on which os 12 choices they want to see
Photo by Jerry Pickard


On Friday evening, December 13, 2019 American Legion Post 227 hosted a free movie night for members and guests.

Attendees were given a selection of twelve movies to choose from. When the vote was over, "Aviator," a movie about Howard Hughes, was chosen.

Members had a table of snacks, as well as
a popcorn machine.
Photo by Jerry Pickard


Free snacks, popcorn, pop, coffee and tea were provided by the post.

The popcorn machine was kept busy until everyone had their fill.

As the movie started there were twelve attendees and two more arrived after the movie had started. The movie was two and a half hours long. Commander Fischer suggested a shorter movie next time, possibly a comedy. A fun time was had by all!




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Photos: Christmas decor


Photo by Seattle Poppy

A magical creature for a magical time. This house is on 10th NE.

Photo by Seattle Poppy

Frosty the Snowman looks happy - probably because he doesn't melt! Also on 10th NE.



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Transportation Commission to recommend next steps on road usage charging to Legislature


The Washington State Transportation Commission will take action next week on policy recommendations to the Washington State Legislature on whether and when the state should consider implementing a Road Usage Charge (RUC) system as a possible replacement to the gas tax.

The commission will take final action at 1pm Tuesday on its findings and recommendations related to whether and when a RUC system could replace the gas tax to fund roads and bridges.

A RUC is a per-mile charge drivers would pay for the use of roads, as opposed to paying by the gallon of gas. 

Because gasoline is taxed by the gallon, as vehicles become more fuel-efficient or switch to electric power, gas tax revenue is expected to decline by as much as 45 percent by 2035. In 2012, the Legislature directed the commission to assess the potential of a RUC to replace the gas tax.

The final RUC report will detail the results of a 7-year-long assessment of road usage charging and a pilot project that involved more than 2,000 drivers statewide in a live test of RUC. The commission will consider the work of the RUC steering committee, results and findings from the test-driving phase of the pilot project, input from the pilot participants, and input from the public, as they finalize recommendations and next steps. The commission will submit the report to the governor, Legislature and the Federal Highway Administration in January 2020.

Also on Tuesday, the commission will receive an update on current traffic and revenue data for all tolled facilities, including the State Route 99 tunnel. 

Commissioners will hear the findings and recommendations from the lead consultant who conducted an analysis of congestion pricing in downtown Seattle. Congestion pricing is a charge drivers pay when they enter the most congested areas at the busiest times. Commissioned by the transportation network company Uber, the study considered whether charging all drivers could be an alternative to direct taxes or licensing limitations imposed on transportation network companies.

Tuesday afternoon the commission will continue its ongoing examination of the policy issues related to vehicle automation. John Niles, co-author of a book on autonomous vehicles, will discuss the potential effects on communities and public safety of shifting 50 percent or more of today’s privately owned and human-operated vehicles to automated vehicles.

On Wednesday, the commission will take action to adopt its annual report to the Legislature, which includes a number of recommendations on transportation policy and funding. 

Commissioners also will hear briefings on policy topics including, development of Vision 2050, the Puget Sound Regional Council’s newest long-range plan; an update to the Washington State Department of Transportation’s state plan for passenger and freight rail; and, a study underway by WSDOT’s aviation division to evaluate the potential for using electric aircraft in passenger air service.



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Captain Ed Barnes retires from Shoreline Fire after 34 years

Shoreline Fire Captain Ed Barnes
retires after 34 years on the job

On December 15, 2019 Captain Ed Barnes will work his last shift of an over 34 year career as a Shoreline firefighter.
Barnes started his career as a part-time firefighter with Shoreline Fire Department in 1982 and was hired full-time in November 1985.

 In October 1996, he was promoted to the newly created position of Fire Apparatus Technician. 

Two years later, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and spent 10 years in that role. Over the past 13 years, Ed has served as a Captain riding the ladder truck at Station 65. 

Ed was a key player in the development of Shoreline’s Technical Rescue Team and served as the TRT Coordinator for several years.

In May of 2006, Ed received the Chief’s Award for his assistance during the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Ed’s passion and commitment to training new firefighters is unparalleled. He has mentored and lead numerous firefighters as a shift officer and while serving in the Department’s Training Division. 

Ed has also spent many years serving on the department safety committee, where his dedication to emergency responder health and safety is second to none. He has been a great role model, father figure, friend, and mentor for decades. Ed’s leadership and mentorship will be missed by us all.



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Zero Waste Washington educates LFP Rotary at Dec 11 meeting

Zero Waste Washington presentation


On Wednesday morning, December 11, 2019, speaker Heather Trim from Zero Waste Washington spoke to the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park to explain ZWW's mission to make systematic changes that have lasting impacts.

This means they work on laws and programmatic changes rather than focusing on individual behavior change.

L-R: President Robin Roat, Program Chair Mark Phillips,
speaker Heather Trim, and Secretary Larry French.
Photo courtesy LFP Rotary


Zero Waste envisions a just and sustainable world where society responsibly produces, consumes and recycles. Achieving Zero Waste plays a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It saves natural resources.

Less waste means less plastic pollution and fewer toxic chemicals in our environment.

Zero Waste Washington protects people and our natural world by advocating for products designed and produced to be healthy, safe, and continually recycled and reused. "We are the public’s voice for zero waste."

The Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park meets weekly for breakfast at the Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church. Visitors are welcome.



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Jobs: City of Mountlake Terrace

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Recreation Leader I - Youth Programs

This three-quarter time position is a Recreation Leader I responsible for assisting with various youth programs: arts and crafts, games, sports, special events and leisure activities for kids aged 3-5. This position reports directly to the Recreation Programmer and Coordinator. The candidate is required to possess terrific organizational skills, leadership, and responsibility.

Work hours/locations are subject to change, but will typically be:

Monday- Friday 9am – 4pm
Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion

Job description and application



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Suspect in custody after critically stabbing ex-boyfriend in Lake Forest Park

Early Saturday morning, The Lake Forest Park Police Department received a 911 call reporting a stabbing at a residence in the 4700 block of NE 192nd Place in Lake Forest Park. 

Officers arrived and found a 19-year-old victim suffering from multiple stab wounds to his chest. The suspect is his 19-year-old ex-girlfriend who was taken into custody without incident.

The victim was taken to Harborview Medical Center with life threatening injuries and is in critical condition with multiple stab wounds.

The Coalition of Small Police Agencies (CSPA) Major Crime Task Force (MCTF) was called and activated. WSP crime lab responded to assist with processing the scene and a King County Prosecutor responded to assist.

Heading the investigation are Lt. Zanella and Det. Troxell with the help of three MCTF detectives.

At this time, it appears the suspect gained access to the residence through the slider door and ambushed the victim in his bedroom. The victim’s parents were home during the incident and called 911.

The suspect was interviewed and is cooperating with detectives. The suspect was later booked into King County Jail on charges of Assault 1st Degree and Burglary 1st Degree. The investigations unit is serving warrants related to this incident.

There is no threat to public safety related to this incident.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Lieutenant Diego Zanella at (206) 957-2850 or dzanella@cityoflfp.com or Detective Teschlog at (206) 957-2861 cteschlog@cityoflfp.com while referencing incident number 2019-05815.



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Photos: Christmas decor

Photo by Seattle Poppy

There seem to be a lot more decorations this year than in previous years. Probably because of the LED lights - you can afford to power them and you can be guilt-free for being energy efficient.

There's also a lot more whimsy this year. Dragons, unicorns, and now minions. And why not?

Photo by Seattle Poppy

Anything that makes you smile is worthwhile.





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Police confiscate guns from home of student who brought ammunition to Shorecrest - student is known to police for previous incidents

Police searching South Woods by Shorecrest High School
Photo courtesy KCSO


Thursday night, December 12, 2019, the Shoreline PD served an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) at the home of a 14 year old student who brought 200 rounds of ammunition to school on Monday.

Several rifles and handguns from the home were surrendered to police. All were locked in safes inside the house and registered to the teen's parents. The firearms were the same caliber as the ammunition that the involved students had in their possession on Monday.

This is not the first interaction police have had with this juvenile. There was a past incident with firing a weapon through a wall, that almost hit a neighbor; threats to obtain weapons and threats to harm.

That significant history is why the application for an extreme risk protection order was granted by a judge. 

Five specially trained dogs searched the school
grounds and surrounding area on Wednesday
Photo courtesy KCSO


At this point, no criminal charges have been filed pertaining to this incident and we have not uncovered any specific threats towards the school or students.

Shoreline Police have been working closely with Shoreline Public School's administration, the Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of the students.

KCSO conducted several thorough searches of the school and surrounding area, including South Woods, using five specially trained ammunition and explosives detection dogs. No additional ammunition or weapons were found.

The ammunition was discovered on Monday by school staff. Subsequent stories of threats and weapons were rumors. Kellogg Middle School was locked for a few minutes but was not otherwise involved.

Shorecrest High School was in lock down for several hours on Monday, then closed on Wednesday for the extended search. Nothing was found in either search.

The school district central office said "Please join us in extending our appreciation to all of our law enforcement partners and school staff for all they have done this week to investigate this matter and keep our school community safe."


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Taproot Theater at City Calvary chapel on Saturday - free admission


City Calvary Chapel is hosting Taproot Theater's production of a one act play called "SHOEMAKER'S CHRISTMAS" this Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 7:00pm.

Once upon a time, there was a gifted shoemaker and his wife. Hard times hit their village and the generous shoemaker gave away his last pair of shoes to someone in need. Left with just a few scraps of leather, the couple goes to bed uncertain of their future.

Overnight, as if by magic, their luck turns when a mysterious pair of shoes appears on their counter. But if the shoemaker didn’t make the shoes, who did?

Adapted from Grimm’s fairytales, Shoemaker’s Christmas is a humbly comedic reminder that spreading kindness and generosity is worth more than gold.

FREE admission and all are welcome.

The chapel is located at 15211 15th Ave NE, Shoreline.



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Putting the "Lake" in Lake Forest Park: City to acquire lakefront property for park

New park for Lake Forest Park
Photo from Windermere listing


By Tracy Furutani
Special to Shoreline Area News

The Lake Forest Park City Council approved the acquisition of two acres of waterfront property on Lake Washington for a city park. The site, located at 17345 and 17347 Beach Drive, is currently on the market for $5 million. This purchase would be the latest in a series of parkland acquisitions by the city over the last two years.

The environmental advocacy organization Forterra (formerly Cascade Land Conservancy) will hold the right to purchase the land for two years, during which time Lake Forest Park will marshal funds to purchase the property, according to city administrator Phillip Hill.

Half of the land’s price will come from the King County Parks Levy, which county voters approved in August, he said. The immediate cost to the city is a $250,000 opportunity fee, for which there will be a budget amendment proposed in January.

Council member John Resha introduced the park acquisition resolution, and he credited King County Council Chair Rod Dembowski for his assistance in this project. Local resident Mike Dee was also acknowledged for his role in gathering information.



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North City Water District rate adjustments for 2020

North City Water District Administration building
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

From North City Water District 

On Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at 3:00pm, North City Water District’s Board of Commissioners will be meeting to discuss proposed new water utility rates for 2020.

The City of Seattle owns and operates two watersheds—Cedar River and Tolt—which serve as the source of water for much of our region. North City Water District is one of 16 utility purveyors that purchases this water from the City of Seattle, representing approximately 20% of our overall operating budget.

In 2017, we and the 15 other purveyors worked for over 6 months with Seattle Public Utilities on their wholesale water rate study to determine reasonable cost increases, which would be implemented over a 3-year period beginning in 2018. The final agreed-upon increase was 16.5% — depending on the quantity of water used, and the time of year it was sourced — spread out over three years.

Despite this steady increase in the cost of our water, North City Water District was able to avoid a rate increase in 2018. In 2019, we were required to raise rates 4% across the board.

This year, after two years of working on our Water System Plan, along with a subsequent and comprehensive Cost of Service Study, we have identified that our overall operating budget needs to increase by another 4%.

However, we uncovered an interesting fact while doing the Cost of Service Study: our operational costs have shifted over time, in relationship to recent growth, as well as increased water conservation efforts.

Rates that Reflect Water Conservation

Because many of our customers are conserving water now, our Board of Commissioners wanted to recognize this with a new fourth rate tier for single family residences, which will collect revenues based on their water usage habits.

The new proposed rates for 2020 can be found here* and will be discussed at our Board of Commissioners meeting, which is open to the public, on December 17, 2019 @ 3:00pm in our main conference room at 1519 NE 177th Street, Shoreline, WA 98155.

RCW 57.08.005(11) authorizes North City Water District to fix rates and charges. If you would like to see more about our Budget or Cost of Service Study, click here, and/or fee free to call our office if you have questions at 206-362-8100.

*This link will open up a PDF document created with Adobe® Acrobat®. Most newer web browsers already contain the software to view and download this, however if you need it, click here to download it for free.

North City Water District serves east Shoreline and west Lake Forest Park.




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Scam of the day: Don't buy "insurance" from Aliera

THIS IS NOT INSURANCE
The Office of the Insurance Commissioner says:
Don't be fooled by internet-based Aliera and its attempts to sell what it wants consumers to think is insurance. 
It's not, and Aliera isn't a legit health care sharing ministry, which is why Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler isn't allowing them to sell in Washington.

When you have questions about insurance, check with the Office of the State Insurance Commissioner.



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Wrestling: A rough week for Shorecrest but they showed their mental toughness

Shorecrest Dual Meet Results vs Cascade High School and Jackson High School

A scoreboard captures wins and losses, but sometimes the scoreboard is not a true measure of a team's potential or an individuals' growth. 

Shorecrest lost contests to both Cascade High School and Jackson High School Thursday night by 6 points and 18 points respectively. However, there was still something special that happened on those mats.

It had been a rough week for Shorecrest High School Wrestling. The squad lost a dual meet to Mariner High School last week, its first debut of the season, with many of the athletes rusty from the off-season and not quite ready for competition. 

And then with a school lockdown on Monday and a school closure on Wednesday, there were missed practices and other various eligibility issues. However, despite some holes in the varsity line-up and emerging from a cloud of anxiety related to the lockdown, Shorecrest put its best foot forward.

New to the varsity line-up for the first time ever was Gauge Basile (Sophmore), who loves being on the team, but has not seen much varsity action. Despite his inexperience, he went out into the tough weight class of 138lbs and filled the spot for a team mate who was not eligible. The fact he was willing to make that effort, despite going against far more experienced wrestlers, inspired the rest of the team. 

Other wrestlers new to the varsity line up were Mathew Curtis (Freshman), Aiden Didio (Sophmore) and Connor Carrell (Senior) who showed a lot of effort and improvement last night. All three of these wrestlers deserve a "fire in the belly" award. Carrell in particular seems to have "Drank the Kool-Aid" this year as he has been going into the weight room every morning at 6:30am to work on his conditioning.

Another honorable mention is George Fernandez (Freshman), who weighs in at under 90lbs, but wrestled up to 106lbs to represent Shorecrest against David Fairwell of Jackson High School. Fernandez wrestled tough during his varsity match up and also was able to get some valuable JV experience in last night as well.

The bottom line is this: at its best the sport of wrestling teaches mental and physical toughness. Considering what these Shorecrest athletes went through at school this week, and from what I saw on the mat last night, these kids are definitely benefiting from those lessons.

- Sean Rhodes
Assistant Wrestling Coach, Shorecrest High School


Individual and team scores are listed below:

Shorecrest HS (30) vs Jackson HS (48)

106: David Fairwell (JHS) pinned George Fernandez (SC) 1:38
113: Thomas Rhodes (SC) pinned Maggie Telford (JHS) 3:30
120: Joseph Martinez (SC) pinned Isaiah Lyadnov
126: Andres Haugen (JHS) win by Forfeit
132: Matt Kastelle (JHS) pinned Matthew Curtis (SC) 3:24
138: Cris Wilson (JHS) pinned Gauge Basile (SC) 0:48
145: Kaiya Conway-Yasuyama (SC) pinned Larry Georger (JHS) 1:46
152: Charles Immendorf (JHS) pinned Aiden Didio (SC) 3:10
160: Trentyn Good (SC) pinned George Lansana (JHS) 1:20
170: Xavier Wilkening-Joly (JHS) pinned Trey Hill (SC) 1:41
182: Ian Mortensen (SC) pinned Evan Johnson (JHS) 0:50
195: Jesse Juarez (JHS) pinned Connor Carrell (SC) 1:03
220: Double Forfeit
HWT: Ian Gurr (JHS) pinned Jordan Glesener (SC) 2:00

Shorecrest HS (36) vs Cascade HS (42)

106: George Fernandez (SC) win by Forfeit
113: Thomas Rhodes (SC) win by Forfeit
120: Kevin Jacks (CCHS) pinned Joseph Martinez (SC) 5:15
126: Vinh Ngo (CCHS) win by Forfiet
132: Nam Ngo (CCHS) pinned Matthew Curtis (SC) 2:58
138: Jeremy Delop (CCHS) pinned Gauge Basile (SC) 1:44
145: Aiden Didio (SC) def. Carlos Garcia (CCHS) 10-5
152: Kaiya Conway-Yasuyama (SC) def. Connor Olson (CCHS) 8-6
160: Trentyn Good (SC) pinned Sebastian Gordon (CCHS) 0:53
170: Christian Pedro (CCHS) pinned Trey Hill (SC) 1:12
182: Ian Mortensen (SC) pinned Kirill Bredekin (CCHS) 1:00
195: Alan Garcia (CCHS) pinned Connor Carrell (SC) 4:48
220: Dimas Dingdell (CCHS) win by Forfeit
HWT: Jordan Glesener (SC) pinned Jesse Dinh (CCHS) 1:45



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Toy Drive reaches goal - thanks the community

Shoreline Firefighters thank the community
for supporting the toy drive
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire


WE DID IT! We are so grateful for the outpouring of community support to make this year’s toy drive a success!

On Saturday all 579 children who registered will receive gifts.

We are no longer accepting donations but if you have items to contribute our friends at Hopelink will still put them to good use in the community.

Thank You Everyone!

--Shoreline Firefighters


Hopelink Shoreline Food Bank and Emergency Services

17837 Aurora Avenue N.
Shoreline, Washington 98133
P: 206.440.7300

LEARN MORE
GET DIRECTIONS



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The City of Shoreline gets a community court

Friday, December 13, 2019

Community Court will be held at Shoreline City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

By Jamie Holter

On January 7, 2020, the City of Shoreline, in partnership with King County District Court and a long list of community partners, will open the doors on a new type of court for those who have committed low-level crimes, such as misdemeanor theft, drug offense, and property crimes.

Community court is an innovative approach that holds people accountable for what they’ve done AND addresses the underlying issues that contributed to their crime, issues like substance use, homelessness, and mental or behavioral health issues.

Research and recidivism statistics show that low-level offenders who get the help they need are less likely to reoffend.

It works like this: the person is arrested and identified by the Shoreline Prosecutor. The city defense attorney and other parties, including the King County District Court judge and the arresting officer, have the option of referring the suspect to community court.

If the person agrees, they receive a needs assessment and then go before a judge. The judge, with prosecutors and defense attorneys, decides what specific support the defendant needs and what classes he/she must take. The person is also required to complete community service.

If the program participant completes the required work, like attend substance use therapy for a designated time or gets specific medical treatment, charges are dismissed.

“These people are in our community before and after they are taken into custody,’ said Callista Welbaum, Therapeutic Courts Manager for King County. 
“They can either go to jail, get no help and be released back into our community OR they can get the help, succeed, and then be released back into the community.”

Data shows the entire community is better off if they get help because they are less likely to reoffend.

Community court will be open on Tuesdays from 1:30-3:30pm at City Hall.

“Sometimes the criminal justice system can seem like a revolving door,” said Shoreline Mayor Will Hall. “A handful of people getting arrested, going to court, going to jail, getting out, and getting arrested again. Once the cycle begins, it can be hard to break.
“For non-violent offenders with mental health issues, substance abuse issues, and extreme poverty, the system doesn’t work because it doesn’t address the root causes of the criminal behavior. If we can intervene and provide the right assistance at the right time, we can break the cycle and make our community safer.”

Here is the best part. It’s not JUST for court participants. Support is available to all community members at a Shoreline Community Resource Center that will operate in conjunction with community court.

Each week, at Shoreline City Hall, community partners will set up shop to help all comers. Here is a short list of services that will be available at this location.
  • DSHS programs
  • Job readiness, job searches, resumes, and temporary work
  • Mental health and substance use disorder help and support
  • Dispute resolution and civil legal matters
  • Going back to school: GED, HS, or college
  • Reduced fare bus passes (at Hopelink, across the street from city hall)
  • Emergency food and food bank info
  • Housing assistance and shelter referrals
  • Info about free cell phone services
  • Library cards and services

Not every service will be available every Tuesday. Once the schedule is set, the city will post it on the website and at the Resource Center.

The City of Shoreline will be the third community court to come online. The Community Court in Burien opened in February 2019. The Redmond court opened in April 2018. Both have managed hundreds of cases and provided thousands of service hours.


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