Notes from Shoreline City Council meeting February 10, 2020

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Shoreline City Hall and Council Chamber
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Shoreline City Council Meeting
February 10, 2020
Notes by Pam Cross

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

Report of the City Manager Debbie Tarry

Join neighbors and other community volunteers to restore and improve Shoreline Parks. Volunteer work parties will be Saturdays and Sundays in February. This week work parties will be at Twin Ponds, Hamlin and Richmond Beach Saltwater Parks. Check the city’s online calendar for additional details.

Sunset School Park Playground is getting replacement playground equipment. To let the City know which of several options you like best, attend the public meeting on Wednesday February 12, 2020 from 7:15-8:00pm at Richmond Highlands Recreation Center. Online comment forms are also available at shorelinewa.gov/calendar

Middle School Night is Saturday February 15, 7:00-11:30pm at Richmond Highlands Rec, 16554 Fremont Ave N. This free event is for 7th and 8th graders and includes games, music, crafts, activities and food.

School’s Out Recreational Swim at the Shoreline Pool Feb 17 - 21 during Midwinter Break. Fee is $3 person and hours are 1:15 - 2:45pm.

Public Reminders

In honor of President’s Day, City Hall will be closed Monday February 17, and there will be no Council meeting. Spartan Recreation Center and Shoreline Pool will operate on regular schedules.

The Planning Commission will meet on February 20 at 7pm in the Council Chamber.

Council Reports

Deputy Mayor Scully attended the board meeting of the Continuum of Care (King County planning body that coordinates housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals). The timeline is now moving quickly. Later tonight we will be discussing what Shoreline can do. We should keep in mind that while we aren’t being asked to pay more towards the countywide effort, we aren’t necessarily going to get more services, at least in the short-term.

Councilmembers McGlashan and McConnell attended the SeaShore Transportation meeting. To keep up with Washington's transportation and road funding needs, a road usage charge (RUC) is being explored. The pilot program is done. You can view the results here

Councilmember Robertson attended the meeting of the Puget Sound Regional Councils Economic Development District Board. The discussion concerned the impact of development on housing, housing as a regional issue, locating housing near transit and services, the need for more affordable housing, and how to balance and connect jobs with housing.

Robertson presented best film award for the Shoreline Short Short Film Festival. The winner was Black Champagne by Jeremiah Williams. It is an animated musical video.

Public Comment

Note: When there are more than 10 speakers, the time limit is 2 minutes. This limit appeared to catch some speakers off guard. This is a reminder to prepare a speech for 2 minutes as an alternative to the usual 3 minute limit in the event there are more than 10 speakers. You can always provide a copy of your comments to the clerk for later distribution to Council.

Ginny Scantlebury, Shoreline, spoke in favor of Shoreline’s Community Court that started in January 2020. (Agenda Item 9b)

Lee Keim, Shoreline, commenting on the Master Development Plan, asked that the City stay with existing green building standards. (Agenda item 9a).

The following people spoke in favor of Save Shoreline Trees to retain the approximately 130 trees scheduled for destruction for new sidewalks on Dayton Ave N by the WSDOT building remodel.

Gayle Janzen, Seattle; Ann Bates, Shoreline; Kathleen Russell, Shoreline; Barbara Johnstone, Shoreline; Kara Pomeroy, Shoreline; Kristi Magee, Shoreline; Melody Fosmore, Shoreline; Evon Arraci, Shoreline; Janet Way, Shoreline; Robert Seidman, Shoreline; Ginger Hayra Gunn, Shoreline; Ann Lynch, Shoreline; Derek Blackwell, Shoreline; Richard Ellison, Seattle; Greg Spyridis, Shoreline; Arielle Simmons Steffen, Shoreline; Anna-Marie Murphy, Shoreline; Nancy Cole, Seattle

Laethan Wene, Shoreline, spoke against building on the Fircrest site.

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

ACTION ITEMS

8(a) Adoption of Ordinance No. 879 – Amending Shoreline Municipal Code Section 3.27 for Multi-family Property Tax Exemption Conditions Within the Shoreline Place Community Renewal Area

Nathan Daum, Economic Development Manager, made the presentation

At the Jan 27th meeting, Council discussed proposed Ordinance No. 879, which would repeal the 500-unit cap on the Property Tax Exemption for the Shoreline Place Community Renewal Area. Council will determine whether to increase the cap or remove it entirely. Council may consider increasing the cap to 1,688 which is the total number of units planned This is the only residential target area in Shoreline and in King County to have a limit.

Motion and second to approve Ordinance 879 per staff recommendation.

Discussion

We need affordable housing, but having a cap puts this one development area at a disadvantage.

On the other hand, Shoreline Place was supposed to be mixed retail/housing. The City had a difficult time getting agreement to include retail. Current zoning allows all residential. If we delete the cap, we could end up with 100% housing because building housing is more attractive with the Property Tax Exemption. There are lots of places throughout Shoreline for housing, but Shoreline Place was supposed to be a mix of uses where people can walk to retail.

Move and second to retain section 1 language but amend the number of units to 1,688.

We are trying to find a way for place-making, to make this a place we want to go to. Amending to a 1,688 cap allows the development to proceed. We shouldn’t need to beg and plead to get some commercial included. We need to fix the code for the future so commercial programs can pencil out.. Right now, without the Property Tax Exemption, we’ll get all high end housing and condos. We need affordable housing. The tax exemption as an incentive may not be the best way to go, but we shouldn’t start picking it apart project by project.

Nathan comments: we are at a very early stage of community development. Hopefully this project will happen as proposed and they’ll get the interest from the investment community. Housing is still very hot but retail is in transition into more of the restaurant and other small retail we are interested in having. We need the customer base to move in and shape the space. Once the momentum begins, there will be an opportunity to leverage that and explore some of these other code or policy changes as incentives for things we would like to see more of.

Is there a way to create a nightlife like Edmonds has?

Reply: We have the potential but we need a partnership of investors and regulations. Incidentally, the type of development in Edmonds probably wouldn’t be allowed today (dependent on street parking). Cities, including Shoreline, are moving back to walkable urbanism instead of large parking lots and large venues.

Vote:

Amend to 1,688 units fails 1-5 with Councilmember Chang supporting
Amend to delete cap passes 5-1

STUDY ITEMS

9(a) Discussion of Ordinance No. 882 - Amending Title 20 of the Shoreline Municipal Code Related to Master Development Plan and Special Use Permit Decision Criteria and Criteria for Essential Public Facilities and Repealing the Moratorium Established by Ordinance No. 868

Andrew Bauer, Senior Planner with Community Development, made the presentation.

The 6 month moratorium was enacted in response to renewed activity by the Department of Social and Health Services to submit a Master Development Plan for the Fircrest School Campus that may include the expansion of existing uses on the campus, new uses that would support persons with developmental disabilities, and the potential siting of an Essential Public Facility (EFP). This is the last Campus zone without a master development plan.

The Essential Public Facility (EPF) under consideration at Fircrest is a Behavioral Health Facility. Essential Public Facilities are defined by statute RCW 36.70A.200 and are typically hard to place facilities that nobody really wants in their jurisdiction or neighborhood. However they have to be somewhere, and the idea is to regulate them and mitigate their impact as best we can.

Proposed Ordinance No. 882 is currently scheduled to be brought back to Council for adoption on March 2, 2020.

Discussion

Although this has arisen from the Fircrest Campus Master Development Plan, these changes will apply to all campuses in Shoreline.There is no need to extend the moratorium. We are talking about “essential” public facilities and failure to move on this may prevent the City from exercising any control. This code will meet our needs without going too far in regulating a facility that is someone else’s business to design.

Is a Special Use Permit required because it includes an Essential Public Facility (EFP)?

Answer: Yes. If a Master Development Permit includes an EPF, then a Special Use Permit is required. If there is no Essential Public Facility, no Special Use Permit is needed.

Ordinance 882 will return as an Action Item on March 2nd.

9(b) Discussion of Recommendations Related to Council Goal 5, Action Step 9—Engage in an Analysis with Service Providers to Identify What Services and Processes Exist to Connect those Experiencing Homelessness and/or Opioid Addiction with Supportive Services and Identify Gaps that May Exist

Colleen Kelly, Community Services Manager, made the presentation

This is an update to Feb 2019 Council meeting when a number of gaps in services were identified for those experiencing homelessness and/or opioid addiction. Progress has been made in the last year: development of the Regional Homelessness Authority; Shoreline’s volunteer operated severe weather shelter opened this winter; availability of Local sales tax 1406 ordinance allowing Shoreline to claim taxes from the State that could be used for rental assistance for Shoreline residents through HopeLink; Department of Commerce grant to develop Shoreline Housing Action Plan; other collaborative opportunities related to affordable housing.

Right now King County’s most critical need is for a 24/7 year-round shelter / navigation center in North King County. It needs to serve Shoreline residents along with other North King County residents, but does not necessarily need to be located in Shoreline.

Currently nothing like this exists for single adults. It is difficult to locate a site for a 24/7 year round shelter and there is no site currently under consideration. We need to start a process with other cities in North King County to eventually identify a site so that funding can be requested. These inter-city conversations have not yet begun.

The greatest enhancement we can make is a comprehensive approach to outreach. This would entail a fully integrated staff position that can work in partnership with police, RADAR (an effort by the Shoreline Police Department to address the rights and needs of individuals with behavioral health issues and/or developmental disabilities), community court, and partner agencies.

Discussion

The navigation center is for single adults. What about youth? Do they need a separate facility?

Reply: Yes they do. King County is looking at options specifically for young adults between the ages of 18-24. We are waiting to hear if there is a need for a separate facility or if there are different strategies. Shelter is not necessarily identified as the best strategy for that age group.

We are a city of about 50,000. 85 people split among five cities is our current unsheltered population. That is not a big number and is something we should fix. Why “housing first” when everything else (mental health, opioid addiction) needs fixing too. Because if it’s someone without a house, going from a park bench to a tent to whatever, even with the best mental health assistance, if there’s no place to go, it won’t work.

Collaboration with police - what does SPD think?

Reply: Chief Ledford is very supportive of outreach, but putting a shelter in Shoreline is problematic because it might attract people from other cities. There are legitimate concerns so there’s a need to be upfront with the local community as well as law enforcement to solve, not create, a problem.

It is nice that we are moving forward, even if slowly. Staff did a great job of breaking down this overwhelming subject into individual bite-sized pieces.

9(c)Discussing the 2020 Federal Legislative Priorities

Presentation by:

Jim Hammond, Intergovernmental Program Manager
Jake Johnston, Johnston Group, our Government Affairs Consultant for Federal Issues.

I will begin by addressing Mayor Hall’s request for the status of affordable housing for the very low income on city owned property on 198th and Aurora. The operational partner, Community Psychiatric Clinic, was merged into Sound Mental Health which does not do the type of program we had contemplated. The project is back on track with Catholic Housing Services taking the lead on the project and operating it in a very similar way to its Patrick Place Apartments in North Seattle. The large amount of capital that Community Psychiatric was bringing from the sale of land in South Lake Union will still be attached to the project. We are waiting for a final schedule for the project but estimate a 9 month delay.

The role of the federal agenda is to give clear direction to City representatives, provide consistent information about City priorities, provide policy guidance for the dynamic legislative environments which, in turn, allows the City to take advantage of opportunities.

Our number one legislative priority is finding federal funding support and policy support for the city’s goals to redevelop its infrastructure. Infrastructure is too expensive to do at the city level. We particularly need funding for the NE 145th Corridor transportation projects (interchange, corridor, bike/pedestrian bridge). We have been looking at build grant money and unsuccessfully applied for the last 2. But we compete in a pool with every urban city in the country for the same amount of money. We are too small to compete against Chicago, Manhattan, Los Angeles and Miami. No matter what the economic benefits are of our project, we don’t have the population size to compete equitably in this program. But our delegation recognizes this and we’re seeing a growing recognition of the problem in the US House. Legislation has been introduced called the Build-Up program that will take 1/3 of the available funding for use in cities with populations between 10k and 75k. To provide some perspective on this, Congress has $1billion allocated to the Build program this year. We are currently looking for bipartisan support for the Build Up program. Shoreline competes very well for these grants (except for the size of our population).

There is of course more to the agenda such as support for community and economic development programs, strengthening federal tools for climate and environmental issues, preservation of municipal taxing authority, policies regarding equity inclusion and safety and enhanced tools for funding local needs

This will come back to Council for Consent in a couple of weeks

Council left the dais to meet for an Executive Session: Property Acquisition (20 minutes)

The Council may hold Executive Sessions from which the public may be excluded for those purposes set forth in RCW 42.30.110 and RCW 42.30.140.

Potential action may follow.

Council returned at 9:45.

Motion and Second to authorize the City Manager to authorize the city’s real estate broker to negotiate a purchase and sale agreement for the property located at 709 150th St, Westminster Triangle, and fund the initial acquisition through BAN (bond anticipation note).

This will satisfy our PROS Plan goals of maintaining our level of service for our parks which includes adding acreage for use by our growing population and a walking distance of no more than 15 minutes to a park from every household. The seller is committed to selling this property as an open space for Shoreline rather than to a developer. The City will look into ways to fund the potential purchase.

The motion passes unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 9:50pm.



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Photo: The moon has been posing prettily

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Photo by Mary Igl


The moon has been posing nicely for a couple of days, peeking coyly from behind trees, glowing in a halo of cloud and always showing her best side!



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Building Connections: “A Community starts by just saying ‘Hello’”

LFP Community members with Rex Hohlbein and Bernard Troyer


By Sally Yamasaki


On February 8, 2020 a group of Lake Forest Park neighbors visited the open house of Block House number 6 in north Seattle. It was a joyous and emotional occasion for all who participated in the day of celebrating, welcoming, and bearing witness to the new home the community built for Tony, who has been experiencing homelessness.


The BLOCK Project is part of Facing Homelessness that was founded in 2013 through the inspiration of Seattle architect Rex Hohlbein. One day in 2010, Rex befriended a person who was living homeless near his office in Fremont. This experience showed him that the stereotypes we often hold regarding those facing homelessness were the opposite of what he experienced. He began sharing stories in a Facebook group which eventually led to starting Facing Homelessness.

“Often when we talk about the homelessness crisis, we talk about those people over there. We need to change that. 
"It is not a homelessness crisis; it is a community crisis
"The moment you say ‘community crisis’ you include yourself in that, and that right there is the beginning of tearing down the ‘other’ and including community in the answer to the issue of homelessness,” said Hohlbein.



According to Hohlbein, “The power in humanizing homelessness is that it allows all of us to see the beauty of each person living on our streets, rather than fixating on the complexity of an issue that overwhelms us,” and can be as simple as just saying, ‘Hello’.”

With the BLOCK Project, neighbors need to agree for a homeowner to host a Block home in their backyard and the surrounding neighbors all need to be in agreement. The homes are a fully-equipped, 125 square foot, environmentally-sustainable home.



Lake Forest Park community member, Mike Dee, noticed that the stories about Tony and his amazing cooking skills touched a number of people at the event. Dee relayed the story. 

 “One time, a friend who met Tony at a shelter and then invited him to stay at his house asked Tony to go camping with him. 
Tony agreed and to everyone’s delight and amazement, on a little cook stove, Tony created a most sumptuous meal for them all. 
Evidently, before Tony became homeless, he would go to the various shelters and cook for the residents there.”

Another LFP resident, Dan Benson, said that he was impressed by the way the BLOCK Project was largely about community building by bringing people together as neighbors, businesses, and volunteers, and working together to enrich all of their lives. 



“On the surface it could look like Tony was the one who was receiving a ‘gift’ today, but when I heard the stories of the various people who were directly involved I saw how they were all equally touched by the opportunity to practice their common humanity,” according to Benson.

Julie Hungar, also of LFP, noticed the impact of community. 

“I was impressed with the love and the depth of community kindness evident in everyone from Tony, excited about his new home, to Rex Holbein and his staff, to the host and the other block hosts and everyone who came to support and learn more about the BLOCK Project.” Hungar continued, 
“I am also ecstatic about the potential of this project for the world, the brilliant ideas for scaling up and being green. This has tremendous promise.”



As a group of us stood around a table enjoying delicious Mighty-O donuts, coffee, and Rachel’s Carrot Ginger Beer, ‘I asked Tony if he will be moving his things in soon? 

 He replied, “Oh, yes!” I said, looking up at the rare sunny day we had, "it looks like you will have good weather to be moving in." Tony replied, “Any weather is a good day to be moving in.”

For more information about the BLOCK Project and Facing Homelessness, or how you can contribute, see the website.



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Photo: Giant shadowy bird over the Salish Sea

Giant bird over Salish Sea
Photo by Jan Hansen


A giant, shadowy bird was photographed flying over the Salish Sky yesterday.

It is unknown if the creature has any connection to the space ships which flew in from the north last week.

DKH



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Ben London will speak at Wednesday's Chamber Luncheon

Ben London at the Shoreline
Chamber of Commerce Wednesday
Ben London will be the featured speaker at the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce Luncheon this Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at the Aurora Borealis, 11:30am.

Ben London is a Seattle based music professional/recording artist who currently serves as Executive Director for Black Fret Seattle.

Prior, London held senior positions with Experience Music Project (MoPop), The GRAMMYS, Hewlett Packard and Northwest Polite Society.

London was the inaugural chair of the Seattle Music Commission and has served on boards including KEXP and the Vera Project.

London’s music has been featured in a wide variety of movies and television programs. He currently performs as a member of the Seattle band STAG.

Check out this article about Black Fret

Wednesday, February 12, 2020, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Aurora Borealis, 16708 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
Please enter from the lower entrance at the back of the building. Just look for our A-Frame Sign.

Register and pay online or email us at info@shorelinechamber.org and pay cash, check or card at the door.




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Roundabout planned for Ballinger Way

Ballinger Way at 40th Pl will be a roundabout
Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park
By Tracy Furutani

Though the proposed city of Shoreline roundabouts for the off- and on-ramps of Interstate 5 at NE 145th St has garnered more attention, there is a roundabout planned at Ballinger Way NE and 40th Place NE in Lake Forest Park slated to open around the same time.

Consultant selection and design will begin in the next few months, according to LFP City Engineer Neil Jensen, with property acquisition occurring later this year and into next year. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2022.

Ballinger Way NE is under Washington State Department of Transportation jurisdiction, but the city will be approving the design and construction of the roundabout, he said.

“It’s one of the most dangerous intersections [in Lake Forest Park],” said City Councilmember Tom French, who is a member of the Budget and Finance Committee which oversees capital projects like roundabouts. 
“We’re behind in safety improvements,” he said, adding that the city-commissioned 2018 Safe Highways report recommended a roundabout for this intersection.

Design for 40th Pl / Ballinger roundabout
Design courtesy City of Lake Forest Park 
The project’s design will be funded by a $650,000 earmark from the state Department of Transportation’s budget, though these funds are being temporarily held as the consequences of the voter-approved Initiative 976 are assessed.

The cost of construction will be covered by a $2.56 million state Transportation Improvement Board grant, pending City Council approval at their February 13 meeting.



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Wednesday Create and Make workshop - Light and Shadow Collage

Arts Council’s Create and Make Workshop: 
Light and Shadow Collage



Light and Shadow Collage, with Jess Graff

Create and Make Workshop
Wednesday, February 12, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

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

The art of paper-cutting is found in cultures around the world. Participants in this workshop will explore techniques for drawing with blades to create layered story-filled artworks from their imaginations. Techniques will include safe blade usage, drawing skills, and take participants from start to finish to create beautiful images that play with light, shadow, negative space, and story. Information about creating mini travel cutting kits will be included.

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

The workshop will take place on Wednesday, February 12, and is held from 6:30 – 8:30pm in the Shoreline/LFP Senior Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline, WA.

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

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




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A perfect Valentine's Day date - dinner, bingo, and karaoke



The Senior Center has taken care of your planning for Valentine's Day with a fun-filled evening.

An affordably priced dinner will start your evening. Beer and wine sales will help limber up your vocal chords for the karaoke - but make sure you stay alert for the bingo games.

It's probably a good idea to make reservations - call 206-365-1536 to reserve your table.

Doors open at 6pm. 21+

Bingo-karaoke with dinner happens every month, on the 2nd Friday. 




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Swift buses on 185th

Swift Blue Line
Photo courtesy Community Transit

As Sound Transit’s Link light rail expands north into Snohomish County, Community Transit is looking at possible upgrades to the Swift Blue Line to give more people easy access to and from the Link light rail and Swift Bus Rapid Transit networks. 

In 2024, the new Lynnwood Link extension will include a station in Shoreline at 185th St and I-5, less than two miles from the Swift Blue Line’s current southern terminal at Aurora Village Transit Center.

Community Transit is now considering options to extend the Swift Blue Line to connect to the Shoreline North/185th light rail station, as well as evaluating improvements to the entire Swift Blue Line corridor.

Your input will help us determine the direction of this project to ensure that it meets the needs of the communities we serve. Learn more and share your thoughts and ideas by February 27.




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Jobs: Shoreline Community College

Monday, February 10, 2020

Shoreline Community College is recruiting for the following positions:

Administrative Assistant 4 - Humanities
Date of first consideration: February 16, 2020

Job description and application


Manager of the Parent-Child Center (PCC)
Date of first consideration: February 23, 2020

Job description and application

Interested applicants may apply at www.shoreline.edu/hr for our full-time and part-time positions. It’s easy to search for open positions using the search bar and filtering tools.



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Jobs: City of Shoreline - seasonal

Extra Help - Grounds Maintenance Seasonal Laborer

Six 40-hr per week seasonal positions in the Public Works Department available.

Open until filled - First review February 24th

This is a seasonal 40-hour per week position. The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday with an occasional evening or weekend assignment. Schedule details will be worked out with selected applicant. Seasonal Laborers may work up to six months (1040 hours) during the vegetation growing season and weather sensitive street and surface water maintenance activities beginning mid-March/April through August/September.

This position performs a variety of semi-skilled maintenance and repair duties under the supervisory direction of the Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, Senior Grounds Maintenance Worker, or other full-time maintenance staff.



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Shorewood Booster Auction March 21st


Come enjoy a fun night of community and fundraising at Shorewood High School for the Shorewood Booster Auction! The auction directly supports the clubs, sports and activities of our high school students. 

Follow this link for more information about the event and to register:

This year's theme is "T Birds Forever!" Come dressed in royal blue, kelly green or wearing your Shorewood school gear. Prizes for theme-dressing participation. 
A full dinner event, with wine and spirits available and many great silent and live auction items to bid on at many different price points..

Early bird ticket price is $65

Ticket prices go up on Feb 29th so register today!



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Sports: voting for HeraldNet Athlete of the month

Ok - true confession. I tried to stuff the ballot box. Some polls will let you vote every day.

But alas, it didn't work.


Two of our student athletes are in the running for HeraldNet Athlete of the Month for January.

Basketball star Sydney Van Ness from Shorecrest and standout diver Issac Poole from Shorewood.

Right now, Monday, February 10, 2020 at 11pm, they are running very close - 381 to 335.

The poll is still open and you can vote here

--Diane Hettrick




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Message to Shorecrest and Kellogg families

The Shoreline School District sent out the following email to families of students at Shorecrest and Kellogg after Monday's closure due to threats left on school phones:


"Dear Shorecrest and Kellogg families and staff,

"We have an update to the threats that caused the cancellation of school today at Shorecrest High School and Kellogg Middle School.

"This morning, a threatening phone voicemail was discovered on a phone in our transportation department. The threat referenced Shorecrest High School. Additional messages were then found on phones at Shorecrest and Kellogg. Each of the calls came from the same phone number and were similar in content, with some referencing there would be a shooting at Shorecrest. It was difficult to tell whether they were referencing Shorecrest only or Shorecrest and Kellogg since multiple voicemails were also found on Kellogg phones.

"Shoreline Police and school administrators investigated the threats and identified the individual suspected of making the calls. Police have contacted the individual and determined that there is no ongoing threat or danger to any school.

"School will resume on a normal schedule tomorrow. All evening athletics and events at Shorecrest will continue tonight as scheduled; however all athletics and activities at Kellogg are canceled due to difficulty for some of Kellogg students to get back to their school to participate. The Prevention Night event at the Shoreline Center will also continue as scheduled this evening.

"Canceling school is never a decision we make lightly, but we felt it was necessary to give law enforcement the time they needed to investigate the matter and fully ensure the safety of students and staff.

"We always appreciate when safety and security concerns are brought to our attention as soon as possible for us to act on. If you ever have a safety or security concern, please do not hesitate to tell a school staff member or use our SafeSchool Alert tip line. The tip line can accept tip submissions through text, website, email or phone call.

"In terms of school discipline, the school district is not permitted by law to share disciplinary action. What we can share is that no student will be permitted on our campuses or to return to a campus if there is any safety concern. Our school district takes a very deliberate set of actions in conjunction with law enforcement, including a complete threat assessment process, to help guide our decision-making.

"We know that you, as parents and guardians, have helped your children through many difficult or scary issues throughout their lives. Each one is difficult. Here is a link to our webpage with tips about talking to children about school threats from the National Association of School Psychologists that you can use in having your own conversations with your child about their feelings. https://www.shorelineschools.org/Page/6944.

"If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school’s principal."



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Police determine no credible threat to schools

Shorecrest High School
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Police have identified and contacted the individual who left the threats on school phones at Shorecrest and Kellogg and determined that there is no credible threat.

The Shorecrest girls basketball game and other activities will go on as planned. Families are being notified of the details.



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School cancelled at Kellogg and Shorecrest after threatening messages left on school phones

No school at Shorecrest Monday
while police investigate threatening
phone calls
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Shorecrest High School was put on a two-hour delay, then Kellogg Middle School, after threatening messages were found on a school phone at each location on Monday, February 10, 2020.

The decision to cancel at both schools was then made to give police time to investigate.

Students were already on buses to Kellogg, so they were taken directly to the Shoreline Center and their families were notified to pick them up.

There were no threats to other schools, which were all running on normal schedules.

As of noon Monday, police were still investigating.

The Shorecrest girls basketball game scheduled for Monday evening will take place as scheduled 

Updated 1:30pm




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In The Garden Now... Penny’s Pink Lenten Rose

Penney’s Pink Hellebore

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

It’s Hellebore time! Those clumps of flowers you’ve spotted in neighborhood gardens could very well be the beautiful Lenten Rose.

My favorite hellebore, ‘Penney’s Pink,’ is in bloom right now. It produces large two to three inch pink blossoms on compact plants. Buds start out purple with flowers taking on pink then greenish tones as they mature. Not only are the blossoms striking, but the blue green leaves are touched with pink marbling making this a true winter garden standout!

The Lenten Rose gets its common name from the fact that it typically blooms around Lent and has buds and flowers similar to that of a single rose. There are dozens of varieties available in a host of colors including purple, red, yellow, green, lavender, white and pink.

Clumps of hellebores are upright and typically between 18 and 24 inches tall and wide. While many plants need more sun, part to full shade provides ideal growing conditions for the Lenten Rose. Grow it in a shady border or a container where you’ll see it in winter when it blooms.

We’re lucky to have these European natives growing in our gardens. They are striking!

Botanical Name: Helleborus iburgensis ‘Penney’s Pink’

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 25 years.



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Community Work Party at Twin Ponds North on Saturday


Community Work Party at Twin Ponds North
Saturday, February 15th, from 10am - noon


On February 15, 2020 from 10am to noon, the Washington Native Plant Urban Forest Stewards will be hosting a community work party at Twin Ponds North.

All are Welcome!

We meet on the far NW side of the park, along 155th street, west of the parking lot.

Please bring gloves, hand pruners, and water. We will also have gloves, tools, water, and snacks on site.

Contact us with any questions at northtwinpondsrestoration@gmail.com



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Wrestling: Shorewood boys second at subregionals

Devin Leach was the only wrestler to win his
match but the team came in second.

By Clark Norton

Shorewood wrestlers began their postseason journeys February 7-8, 2020 with the boys wrestling at Juanita High School and the girls at Chief Sealth High School. Both tournaments began on Friday afternoon and finished Saturday night.

The boys tournament was made up of the ten schools in the KingCo 3A and Wesco South 3A conferences.

The top five placers at each weight class advance to the Regional tournament next Saturday at Kelso High School against the best of the Greater Saint Helens League. 

As they have done all season the Thunderbirds relied upon their depth as they pinned their way to twelve wrestlers in the semifinals and at the top of the team scores by the end of Friday's wrestling. 

Saturday began with some heartbreaking losses and bright spots, too as Shorewood moved three wrestlers into the finals. In the consolation brackets the T-birds refused to give up. 

Although Shorewood only had one individual champion, Devin Leach at 152 pounds, they placed eleven competitors in the top five, and one more just missed advancing by taking sixth.

The whole team effort allowed the Thunderbirds to place second in the team scores, the best they have done in many years.

Girls at Chief Sealth
While the boys grappled at Juanita the girls had their own tournament at Chief Sealth.

Despite only having five wrestlers in the brackets they came in thirteen out of thirty-two schools.

Wrestling next weekend at the Regional tournament, hosted by Sedro-Woolley High School, will be sisters Cosette Lumsden, third at 105 pounds, and Sophia Lumsden, third at 110 pounds.

Direct link to the boys tournament results

Direct link to the girls tournament results

Subregional Tournament
@Juanita

Quincy Laflin, 3rd @ 113 pounds

Kai Layton, 4th at 120 pounds (not pictured)

Isaac Van Horn, 3rd @ 126 pounds

Curt Tanaka, 2nd @ 132 pounds 

Kody Carpenter, 4th @ 145 pounds (in blue)

 Devin Leach, 1st @ 152 pounds (photo above)

Cole Becker, 5th @ 160 pounds (far right)

 
RJ Buchheit, 4th @ 170 pounds (far left)

Hunter Tibodeau, 2nd @ 182 pounds (in blue)
Max Null, 3rd @ 182 pounds (not pictured)

Taejin Thongdee, 3rd @ 285 pounds (5th from left)
Milan Johnson, 6th @ 285 pounds (far left)

Girls wrestling team with coach Derek Norton in January
Kiana 2nd from left
Cosette 4th from left
Sophia 3rd from left
 
Cosette Lumsden, 3rd @ 105 pounds
Sophia Lumsden, 3rd @ 110 pounds
Kiana Yoshimura, 5th @ 190 pounds




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History in the balance for Shorecrest girls basketball

History is in the balance with Shorecrest girls fielding perhaps the best team in their history.

The team is 18-1 with their last game, also Senior Night, Monday night at 7:15pm at Shorecrest. The public is welcome to attend games and this is bound to be an outstanding contest.

If we win that game, we win the Wesco conference, with a head-to-head tiebreaker over Arlington (whom they beat 58-43 on Dec 20).

This would be the team's first regular season conference championship in 40 years. 

They would also set a new school girls basketball team record with 19 wins. They've only won 18 games one other time, in 1980-81, coached by Bruce Langley. 

Amanda Lee in 2018 game
Photo by Wayne Pridemore


Coach Carlos Humphrey would also move to fourth all-time in team wins with 54 (after only 3 seasons), passing former coach Jon Rasmussen (who now coaches Edmonds-Woodway).

The team is also currently ranked 4th in the state in the WIAA RPI ranking.

The team graduates four seniors after this year, all of whom have been essential to this team: Amanda Lee, Sydney VanNess, Maura Weaver, and Taylor Svendsen.

Lynnwood comes in 8-5, in 7th place in the conference. They're led by Nakia Boston, who leads the league with a 20.9 points/game scoring average.

The Wesco conference tournament begins on Friday, February 14, 2020. Shorecrest will host an undetermined team at 7pm.


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Collaborator to speak for Seattle author who died just before her book was published

On Thursday, February 13 at 7pm, collaborator Curt Colbert will lead a Tribute to Waverly Fitzgerald. Seattle author Waverly Fitzgerald died in December 2019, just before the paperback publication of her new Rachel Stern PI mystery, Hard Rain.

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


Tuesday, February 11 at 7pm
Catherine Fransson
Loving the Enemy: When the Favorite Parent Dies First

Fransson's memoir is the chronicle of her relationship with her demanding father throughout her life, until his decline in health in his late 90s. He was a man of few words and fewer overt affections. When her mother died before him, Catherine grappled with how to care for him in other than tense estrangement, but found deeper understanding in observing his personality day-by-day and in his stories of early deprivation. This memoir reveals how estrangement can be overcome with courage, time and an open heart.

Wednesday, February 12 at 7pm
Joe Ide
Hi Five: an I.Q. NovelI

One woman. Five personalities. Private investigator IQ is back to piece together a Newport Beach murder with an eyewitness who gives "people person" a whole new meaning.



Thursday, February 13 at 7pm
A Tribute to Waverly Fitzgerald
With Curt Colbert
Presented in Partnership with Puget Sound Sisters in Crime
Hard Rain

Join us as we celebrate the life and work of Seattle author Waverly Fitzgerald, who passed away in December 2019, just before the paperback publication of her new Rachel Stern PI mystery, Hard Rain, by Epicenter Press. At this event, her longtime collaborator Curt Colbert will read from her new book and talk about the special working relationship that he and Waverly had.

Saturday, February 15 at 6pm
Julie Tate-Libby
The Good Way: A Himalayan Journey

When 19-year-old anthropologist Julie Tate abandons her missionary group near Mt. Everest in Nepal, she embarks on a solo trek in the Himalayas. Battling an eating disorder and an upbringing riddled with fundamentalism, Julie's journey is a quest to understand the sacred mountains and people of the Himalaya, and a chance to rekindle her own faith. Told with honesty and humor, Julie's story chronicles her struggle to grow up and find a deeper faith, even when things fall apart.

Sunday, February 16 at 6pm
Douglas Farnell
The Snow Leopard and the Ibex

When the 2008 financial crisis threatens his small software company, Daniel Prescott scrambles for money. Shut out from local financiers, he seeks international sources of credit. But as he flies over the Black Sea, a more immediate threat arises, in this new thriller from a local author.



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Shoreline artist exhibits for second year in Birds of a Fiber Show at Fiber Arts Museum

Sunday, February 9, 2020


Black Turnstone, Winter Plumage
Constance Perenyi
Paper Collage


For the second year in a row, Shoreline artist Constance Perenyi has had a piece accepted into the Birds of a Fiber Show at the Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum in La Conner, WA.

From the artist: "This image is created with paper, many layers of paper from around the world. My work is most closely aligned with the Japanese practice of chigir-e, which means 'painting with paper.'"

The Birds of a Fiber Show is up through March 1, 2020 and has many wonderful pieces in a variety of media.



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Lake Forest Park Rotarians celebrate partnership with City of LFP with VIP Oscar awarded to Mayor Johnson

Mayor Johnson with Robin Roat, President of LFP Rotary


A Night at the Oscars, Gala and Auction for the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park, was held on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Inglewood Golf Club in Kenmore.

Mayor Johnson received a VIP Oscar for his leadership and dedication to our LFP community as Lake Forest Park Rotarians celebrated the partnership with the City of LFP.

Sponsors helped make the evening a huge success. 
See details of this year's sponsors HERE

PLATINUM SPONSOR $5000
Evergreen Health

BUSINESS SPONSOR $1250
A Better Day Salon
Paul Sundberg, Coldwell Banker Bain
Phoenix Construction
Robin Roat Wellness

INDIVIDUAL SPONSOR $1250
Charles and Nancy Anderson
Ed and Pam Belcher
Terrence and Claire Conway
Rob and Kim Entrop
Jon and Cory Jacobson
Jon and Nancy Magnusson
Frank and Terry Michiels
Allison Reagan
John and Sally Renn
Gordon Stephenson
Ed and Kathy Sterner
Mike and Kim Strand
Pat and Janice Strand
Mike and Kristine Villiott



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Serena hoped posing for her portrait in this vessel

Photo by Gloria Z Nagler

would remind the other squirrels that Serena had majored in the Roman Classical Period at Oxford...

--Gloria Z Nagler



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Three Shoreline businesses at the Seattle Home Show Feb 15-23

Compliments of Paul Lewing


From Carpool Karaoke to the Art Battle Tournament of Live Painting, there will be something fun for everyone when the Seattle Home Show, the oldest and largest consumer home show in the country, opens its doors February 15th-23rd at CenturyLink Field Event Center. 

Everything from free art and antiques appraisals to a special “Kids Zone” with activities just for children will be at the nation’s largest housing extravaganza, along with all the latest products and services for the home, during its annual nine-day run.

Three Shoreline businesses will be among the exhibitors:
  • All Seasons Sun Control
  • Irons Brothers Construction
  • Paul Lewing Custom Tile - booth 634

A gaming area complete with a Virtual Reality House, an Outdoor Living by Night display presented by Sleep Number created by London Design Build (including a wine and beer garden) along with the top trends for home and garden will be on display as “America’s Biggest Open House” kicks off its 76th annual run.

Tiny homes (particularly Attached Dwelling Units known as ADUs and Detached Dwelling Units known as DADUs) are big, multigenerational living is hot and technology in all aspects of the home from kitchen to outdoors abounds at the 2020 edition of the Seattle Home Show.

“The Seattle Home Show 2020 is a fun-filled event for people of all ages to see the latest trends and products for the home, all in a single location,” said Mike Kalian, executive director of the Seattle Home Show. 
“Homeowners and would-be homeowners can meet with and comparison shop among the region’s leading professionals in all areas of home design and improvement, both interior and exterior, while enjoying a variety of fun activities for all.”

Plenty of parking will be available at CenturyLink Field Event Center Parking Garage and T-Mobile Park Garage. Vehicles with four or more occupants can take advantage of “Four or More Park Free™” in designated lots courtesy of RSVP. Park for $5.00 with E-ticket purchase.

Seattle Home Show runs Saturday, February 15 – Sunday, February 23, 2020 at CenturyLink Field Event Center. Show hours are: Saturdays, Sundays and Monday 10 AM – 6 PM; Tuesday – Friday 11 AM – 6 PM. Admission is $13.00 Adults, $9.00 Seniors (60+) and Military, $3.00 Juniors (7-15), under 7 free. 

E-tickets are available for purchase online at www.SeattleHomeShow.com and E-ticket purchasers receive $5 parking for Seattle Home Show at CenturyLink Field Parking Garage and T-Mobile Park Garage. E-tickets are brought to you by BECU and Aqua Quip. “Too much to see, come back for free™”. Show visitors can register to return a second day for free.

The Seattle Home Show is sponsored by Master Builders Association and The Seattle Times. DISH Official T.V. Satellite Provider. Toyota Official Show Vehicle.




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Epic tale of Hawai'i comes to Bothell



Hālau o Keikialii will present Ka Wā Hula: Hula Through Time, in Bothell at the Northshore Performing Arts Theater, 18125 92nd Ave NE on the 22nd of February, 2020 for one stunning show at 7:30pm.

“We are excited to share the songs and dances that were passed on to us from generations before”, says Kumu (Director/teacher) Kawika Alfiche.

This prolific production will embark on a provocative journey to unveil history and stories of Hawai’i through hula, where the haunting chants, powerful dances, and lingering melodies will evoke the stories of prophecy, tragedy, and ultimately, the renewal of a culture once suppressed.

Viewers will bear witness to unspoken ways of old and stunning imagery as the performers engage in ceremony and recount the ruling forces of Hawaiian lands and skies and unmask the misconceptions that threaten the integrity of hula and Hawaiian Culture itself. 
With conviction and potent visual storytelling, Ka Wā Hula is bound to captivate.

Kawika Keikiali’i Alfiche has been teaching hula and educating the general public about Hawaiian culture for more than 25 years. Kawika has been a long-time advocate of the Hawaiian culture and is the Kumu (teacher) for Hālau Hula (hula school), Hālau o Keikiali’i and Director of the Kaululehua Hawaiian Cultural Center. Kawika is also a singer songwriter with four cds and four dvds released

Tickets are $42 for adult, $35 for seniors (62 & up) and military (with ID) and $15 for youth (17 & under)

TICKETS


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Home sales in Lake Forest Park during January 2020

The following are properties that sold in Lake Forest Park during the month of January 2020. Data compiled for the Shoreline Area News by the Shoreline Windermere office.





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Free Childhood Wellness Speaker Series


The Richmond Beach Community Associations presents Free Childhood Wellness Speaker Series. The speakers are experts in their fields and everyone is welcome.

On February 11, 2020 Cher Anderton will be speaking on emotional wellness in children and managing big emotions such as anger, sadness, anxiety, and joy. Cher has her Masters in social work and is in private practice in Shoreline.

At the February 18th meeting, Kelly Crouch of the Seattle Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force will speak about online safety, cyber bullying and growing awareness of the dangers children face online. This is great for families with pre-teens. Lots of information for parents to stay ahead of what your child may be exposed to.

The grand finale of our RBCA Health and Wellness series will be a February 25th discussion on Positive Discipline led by Julietta Skoog. Julietta is a nationally recognized school psychologist with Seattle Public Schools and co-founder of Sproutable, a company that creates video-based parenting tools. Positive Discipline teaches important social and life skills in a manner that is deeply respectful and encouraging for both children and adults (including parents, teachers, childcare providers, youth workers, and others).

All meetings begin at 7:00pm and are held in the lower level of the Richmond Beach Congregational Church located at 1512 NW 195 St, Shoreline 98177.



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