Evan Smith on politics: Questions arriving for legislative candidates

Saturday, June 13, 2020

Evan Smith
Politics reporter

By Evan Smith

Questions are arriving for me to ask legislative candidates in the SAN’s “substitute forum.”

With no candidate forums in community centers and church basements between now and the Aug. 4 primary, we’ll run a substitute primary-election forum here.

We need more questions for the candidates from voters in the 32nd Legislative District (Shoreline) and the 46th District (Lake Forest Park).

I’ve already sent some general questions to each of the six candidates running for two state representative positions in the 32nd District and the four running for two spots in the 46th District.

Now, I’ll start sending your questions to the candidates. I’ll post their responses between now and the election,

If this were a traditional candidate forum, we’d hand out pencils and index cards for your questions. Here, we’ll just wait for your emails.

Send your questions to me at schsmith@frontier.com. Include your name and whether you live in the 32nd Legislative District (Shoreline) or the 46th District (Lake Forest Park, Kenmore).

The candidates:
  • Legislative District 32, State Representative Pos. 1-- 
  • Legislative District 32, State Representative Pos. 2--
  • Legislative District 46, State Representative Pos. 1-- 
  • Legislative District 46, State Representative Pos. 2-- 

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Picture perfect

Photo by Cynthia Sheridan

A field of daisies in the foreground support a lovingly framed arrangement of flowers in Lake Forest Park.

The photo was taken the first week in May and I do not believe the picture is still there - so it's a good thing that we captured it!





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Pop up drive-in movies in Shoreline begin June 20


Pop-Up Drive-In Series - Local Short Films Night
Saturday, June 20
Cars Park 8pm-9pm - Shorts Start 9:15pm
175th and Fremont Ave N


The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is excited to announce that the Pop-Up Drive-In Series has been greenlit and is cleared for Saturday, June 20th at Shorewood High School, bringing back a beloved tradition from our past. 

Enjoy safe social distancing this summer with our mixture of film series, from local short film talent, to old classics. All in the safety of your car.

The first night will consist of screening Washington made short films between 3-10 minutes in length. Revisit these crowd favorites and award winners from previous Shoreline Short Short Film Festival seasons, including a new short film titled The Claw produced by Sam Kelly, Jr. and Tony Fulgham from All is Well Studios and directed by Lael Rogers.

Tickets available now! $25 per car.

Movies will be projected onto a large screen, and an FM radio station will be created so that film-goers can tune in on their car radios.

The series will run from late June to early August. To ensure the community's safety, the evening is designed to comply with current state health guidelines. 

Drive in through the contactless entry system - before you arrive, grab take-out from local restaurants (Shoreline Area News list here) and settle in for a relaxing night watching film history masterpieces, or a mix of our most loved short films by our very own local talent.

And you can vote for your favorite filmmaker to win the People’s Choice Award!

All films are unrated and a select few contain adult/mature content (nudity and strong language). 


Film Lineup - Films Start at 9:15pm
  • Wilson’s New Laugh by Ty Minton Small
  • Tall Tall Trees - SeagullXEagle by Mike and Julia McCoy
  • Open Exhibition by Yan Zeng, Long Tran, Bobby McCallen, Toran Whitaker, Collin Anthony Hanks, and Tommy Tang
  • Infinity Hotel by Neely Goniodsky
  • Bottled Emotions by Zach Boone, PJ Hase, Bailey Wall, and Aidan Jereczek
  • Fat Boy by Bruce H. Bosley and Cody Jordan
  • When the Leaves Fall by Tommy Tang
  • A Dreamer’s Melody by Kendra Ann Sherrill
  • (in here) I Am God by Nima Forghani, Joseph Seuferling, and Byron Miller
  • Jimmy the Limo Driver by Brendan Hickey
  • Densha by Jack Collier
  • Funny and Fearless: Amin Lakhani by Deborah Tahara
  • The Claw by Sam Kelly, Jr, Tony Fulgham, and Lael Rogers
  • Lemolo - South of Sound by Chris Cunningham and Meagan Grandall

Mark your calendars for the other three Pop-Up Drive-In movie nights! 
  • July 11 (classic feature film), 
  • July 25 (classic feature film), and 
  • August 8 (local short films). 
All located at Shorewood High School.

This event is presented with support from Jack Malek of Windermere, Shoreline Film Office, Port of Seattle, City of Shoreline, Shoreline Public Schools, and individual donations from people like you.

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to cultivate creativity and inspire our community through the arts.



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Shoreline goes to the movies

Ken Winnick, consultant

By Cynthia Sheridan

It seems the three most important features needed for a community to develop its film industry are location, location and location. According to cultural entrepreneur Ken Winnick, Shoreline has many of these very desirable film settings.

Mr. Winnick is currently a consultant to the City of Shoreline, helping bring all aspects of the film industry to northern King County, a.k.a. “The Burbank of Seattle.”

As guest speaker at this week’s virtual Chamber of Commerce luncheon, he spoke glowingly of the great outdoor settings in our community and also the availability of significant structural settings: think Fircrest (medical), Community College (education), warehouses, parking lots and open fields.

Assisting in the presentation was Tony Doupé, Program Lead, Film and Theater Arts, Shoreline Community College and professional actor. Also contributing to the discussion was Dan Gildark, the producer on The Paper Tigers.

On the set of Paper Tigers


Recently, the old police station on 185th was used by a film crew for eight months, where they were able to do their post-filming production as well as the filming of the short film “Paper Tiger.”

The City of Shoreline has joined forces with the Shoreline Arts Council and Shoreline Community College to develop and enhance the film industry in our city including career opportunities for students, revenue for the city and continuing the promotion of the arts.

Production trucks at Fircrest 2018
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

In 2019 ten productions (short films, ads and other commercial products) were created in our neighborhoods. Each of these efforts has generated significant revenue for the city. Every production brings along 30 to 50 people who spend their paychecks and contribute to our community of the arts.

And now: it’s your turn to go to the movies with Shoreline’s Summer Drive-In Series

The Pop-Up Drive-In Series will begin Saturday, June 20th at Shorewood High School, bringing back a beloved tradition from our past.

Enjoy safe social distancing this summer with a mixture of film series, from local short film talent, to old classics. All in the safety of your car.

The first night will consist of screening Washington made short films between 3-10 minutes in length. Revisit these crowd favorites and award winners from previous Shoreline Short Short Film Festival seasons. $25 per car.

The Shoreline Film Office is an umbrella organization coordinating the filmmaking activities of the City of Shoreline, the Shoreline Community College, and the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Arts Council. These three groups work together to nurture and expand this exciting industry right here in Shoreline, and beyond.



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Kruckeberg Botanic Garden has reopened to the public

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
Photo by Wayne Pridemore


From Kruckeberg Botanic Garden


A huge thank you to our community for your continued support of the Kruckeberg Botanic garden and MsK Nursery! Your support through memberships, donations, and online store sales has buoyed us through this public health crisis and Garden closure.

Over the last two months, we have been working hard to stay connected with our communities. 

Check out our online learning resources for youth and adults on our website. Also, keep up to date with Garden news and events by joining our monthly eNewsletter and our new Youth Programming eNewsletter!

We are incredibly excited to announce Kruckeberg Botanic Garden and MsK Nursery are once again open to the public under new hours!

  • June: Tuesdays-Sundays 10am to 5pm
  • July and August: Saturdays-Sundays 10am to 5pm (due to summer camp activities)
  • September and beyond: TBD
Outdoor workshops and classes will resume in July, please see our website for more details.

Please note: Garden and Nursery guests are asked to wear masks in the nursery and upper garden as well as observe other posted COVID-19 safety protocols.



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Take a virtual trip to Brazil with Jazz Vespers Sunday



Are you ready for a (virtual) trip to Brazil? 

Sunday, June 14, 5 - 6pm, the Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church’s Jazz Vespers takes a virtual adventure to Brazil through its exotic and multilayered music.

With a theme of Joy Within, this performance will feature the following musicians:
  • Adriana Giordano, vocals, triangle and shakers
  • Roberta Valente, pandeiro (a hand drum that some call the unofficial national instrument of Brazil) and cavaquinho (a small Portuguese stringed instrument)
  • Alexandre Ribeiro, clarinet
  • Jean Chaumont, guitars

The evening’s program will provide some peaceful time to feed your soul, enjoy world class jazz, and reflect on current events with Ross McKeekin. 






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For the Birds: Number 1 bird killer is habitat loss

Wilson's Warblers are vanishing
Photo by Elaine Chuang

By Christine Southwick

Your gas tank light just turned on. You tried to fill up at a place you’ve used before, but the station was closed.

You know another place that’s miles away, but you should make it, barely. 

When you get there the gas station has been replaced by a strip mall.

Now what?

If you were an exhausted and hungry bird facing this scenario you would probably fall to the ground, unable to travel on.

If you were lucky you might find enough water, food, shelter, and predator-free space to recover and travel onto your breeding or wintering grounds. If not, you, and possibly your whole flock, would die, never to fly or sing again.

Loss of bird-friendly habitat is occurring throughout the US and Canada, and bird populations have declined approximately 3 billion birds in just the last fifty years. 

For example, half the Wilson’s Warblers have vanished, and a third of the Dark-eyed Juncos have been lost. Distances between resting and refueling stops have become so great that many birds traveling migration routes will die from lack of bird-friendly stopovers.

Pileated Woodpecker using dead tree
Photo by Doug Parrott


There are fewer big trees for birds to nest and perch in, and fewer fields for eating and raising their young. It is often hard for birds to find clean water, especially in the winter.

What can you do?

Keep or plant trees— especially trees with fruits and add evergreen trees for winter shelter. Make 20-foot snags from the bottom of a dangerous tree. Dead trees shelter many cavity nesters and secondary cavity users, and actually support more wildlife than many live trees.

MacGillivray's Warbler stopping in route for a quick drink and bath
Photo by Christine Southwick

If you must cover a ditch, offer water and shelter to replace what you took away.

Gardens should supply bugs to feed birds, salamanders, garter snakes, dragonflies. If you make your gardens too clean, they become sterile for wildlife. Native plants and mulched leaves will make your yard bird friendly.

Dark-eyed Junco
Photo by Christine Southwick 
Keep a small wild corner, with unmown grass and weeds.

Make a brush pile for shelter, hiding and escape routes for birds. Brush piles and brambles provide shelter during winter cold also.

When you change a landscape to suit your tastes, ask yourself how you can supply water, food, and shelter to our native birds. 

They will reward you with delightful song, fun ID activity, and a sense of pride that you are helping compensate for habitat lose.




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PTSA highlights the work of Dr. Brandon-Felder in the Shoreline School District

As an amendment to our previously published open letter, we’re writing to publicly apologize to Dr. Brandon-Felder for not highlighting her valuable work within Shoreline School District for the last four years.

We are proud to be part of a District that engages with issues of racism and inequality, and we know that would not occur without her tremendous leadership. 

Dr. Brandon-Felder has created and supported staff trainings, community forums, student enrichment and social justice conferences, and continues to keep our District focused on serving those who have been historically marginalized through unprecedented challenges of the current pandemic. 

She is recognized as a regional leader, and we are grateful for her passion and dedication to anti-racism and social justice. We are sorry and regret the harm done to Dr. Brandon-Felder and her department, as we only wish to support her as a Black leader as well as our Black communities in Shoreline.

We remain committed to amplifying the voices of Black students in Shoreline who are advocating for Ethnic Studies and to see more diversity reflected in school staff. Real institutional change is not accomplished by one person alone, but through all staff, from leadership to linestaff, redefining and reimagining what is possible.

2019-2020 Meridian Park PTSA Board of Directors

Gretchen Bjork Knudsen, President
Briana Bell, Secretary
Ann Yee, Co-Treasurer
Callie Steward, Co-Treasurer
Alex Hart, Vice President - Events and Family & Community Engagement
Mary Kate Horwood, Co-Vice-President - Clubs / Programs
Erika Botch, Co-Vice-President - Clubs / Programs
Nauko Grimlund, Membership Co-Chair
Laura Graven, Membership Co-Chair
Naomi Hillyard, Fundraising Chair
Suni Tolton, Grants Committee
Whitney Hardie, Art Docent Co-Chair
Nancy Buehler Jenkins, Communications: Website
Jiovanna Koceski, Communications: Cheetah Chatter



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Agenda item added to Shoreline council meeting to approve purchase of property

14534 and the lot immediately
south would be added to
Paramount Open Space
The following item has been added to the agenda for the Shoreline Council June 16th meeting:

Action Item 8(a)

Authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements for the purchase of two properties adjacent to Paramount Open Space Park, 14528 10th Ave NE and 14534 10th Ave NE

The proposed Paramount Open Space expansion would allow the preservation of existing trees, planting of new trees, expansion of wetlands, and improvements to streams. 

The City has the opportunity to acquire approximately one-third of an acre of property in two parcels for $1,114,000. Funding the acquisition will be the topic of the meeting. See online staff report for details.

There will be Public Comment following the staff report.

Details about making comments and viewing the meeting are HERE.




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Enat Ethiopian grocery store in Shoreline – an overdue visit

Photo from google maps

Phone: (206) 367-8387
Shoreline, WA 98155
Monday - Sunday: 10:00am – 9:00pm


Story and photos by Megan Kogut

For six months, I’ve been meaning to visit Enat Ethiopian, a newish grocery store on 15th Ave NE south of Hamlin Park. The Black Lives Matter march and strike on June 12 was my overdue notice. I visited the store and bought some groceries, and I of course had a good time, and here is my report. It is my hope that I inspire other locals who, like me, are too timid or stuck in a comfort zone that doesn’t normally include Ethiopian grocery stores, to try it too.

Enat Ethiopian is focused on providing a comprehensive selection of ingredients for making authentic Ethiopian dishes at home, including flours, spices, grains, and vegetables such as molokhia, which is like spinach but maybe even more nutritious.

The flour and grain aisle

The woman behind the counter was kind and friendly, with a gentle sense of humor. The place was clean, and everyone was wearing COVID-19 masks. I felt underdressed below the neck, however, since the other women in the store were wearing beautiful, colorful full length dresses.

If you weren’t already also focused on authentic Ethiopian dishes at home, you could find an Ethiopian recipe and take your grocery list to the store for a culinary adventure. Everything is clearly labeled, and the spice aisle is organized in alphabetical order. So even if you are unfamiliar with your ingredients, you’ll look like you know what you’re doing if you have your list.

The organized spice aisle

I just browsed for a few things to stretch my boundaries. Since I didn’t have a list, I forgot the besobela, which is similar to basil. But I bought a jar of niter kibbeh, a spiced clarified butter. I tasted the cinnamon in it right away, and the slight sharpness that followed was intriguing and pleasant. Niter kibbeh seems versatile and would work well with many recipes, as well as on toast with jam for breakfast.

I also found harissa in a squeeze bottle and locally made tahini in small and large jars, both of which I have been meaning to use more often in salads and sandwiches. I also bought some barley couscous, and a beautiful orange spice that I will put in the couscous, and do some research on while I eat it.

Their Ethiopian beer selection is very small and focused on lagers, but you won’t be able to find the three brands they carry in any other grocery store. I bought a six pack. They also carry an Ethiopian honey wine (made in California to style) and a large selection of soft drinks.

The store also sells injera, which is a huge, soft, sour, spongy flatbread used to pick up meat and stews like an edible tablecloth. Injera is made out of teff flour, so is practically gluten-free. They are sold in bags with enough bread to cover a typical dinner table.

My groceries at home

The injera are made at Enat Ethiopian Restaurant, owned by the same people and located about three miles south of the grocery store on 15th Ave NE and NE 117th Street. The restaurant is doing delivery and takeout, and getting five star reviews.



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Shredding event Saturday 10am to 3pm near Central Market

Friday, June 12, 2020



This shredding event is a fundraiser for a team that regularly participates in an American Cancer Society event.

It is, so far, the only local shredding event this year. We are not aware of any other events planned.

So if you have been using your time at home to clean out your files and you don't want to put documents with personal information in the recycling - this is your chance.

DKH


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Orange flowers perform in the garden

Photo by Mike Remarcke


I was flipping channels, as usual, and watched part of an interview with an apparently famous English landscape designer.

The interviewer said something about the flowers not lasting.

The designer said that flowers are a performance. They come on stage, dazzle you with their talent, and go offstage to be replaced by the next show - the seeds.

He said there is always theatre in the garden - a different show for every day of the year.

I think this performance should have an encore - but I guess it will, next year.

--Diane Hettrick



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Summer meals for ages 1 to 18 at Shoreline Library

Free Summer Meals

Mondays-Fridays, June 22 – August 28, 1-2pm at the Shoreline library.

Ages 1 to 18.

Nourish your body and brain while you read this summer. Grab a FREE lunch and be a Summer Reader!

This summer, HIP staff will distribute grab-and-go lunches from the lower West Parking Lot of the Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline 98155. 

Parents and caregivers can pick up lunch for their child; child(ren) do not need to be present. 

Meals will be provided for caregivers, too. Breakfast bags for the week will be available on Mondays, and weekend bags will be available on Fridays.

In partnership with Hunger Intervention Program.



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Tacoma woman arrested for allegedly setting five police vehicles on fire during Seattle protest

A 25-year-old Tacoma, Washington, resident was arrested this morning on five federal counts of arson for burning five Seattle P0lice vehicles parked in the area of Sixth and Pine in downtown Seattle on Saturday, May 30, 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. 

MARGARET AISLINN CHANNON was taken into custody without incident at her Tacoma residence today. 

She will appear on the criminal complaint in U.S. District Court in Seattle at 1:00pm June 12, 2020.

“This defendant was captured by multiple cameras using an accelerant, lit like a blowtorch, to start fires in five vehicles -- putting the public at risk and creating the very real possibility of a structure fire amidst the throng of people protesting downtown,” said U.S. Attorney Moran. 
“I commend the painstaking work of law enforcement using a variety of images to identify the defendant and locate her so she can be held accountable.”

According to the criminal complaint, investigators from the FBI, ATF, and Seattle Police Department reviewed various videos taken of the Saturday arsons, as well as videos taken at a protest Friday evening. CHANNON appears in videos from both days, and tattoos that she has on her hands and arms are clearly visible. 

Ultimately, investigators uncovered CHANNON’s various social media accounts which helped confirm her identity. Investigators determined she had listed addresses first in Seattle and later in Tacoma.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at CHANNON’s Tacoma residence and confirmed the distinctive tattoos. They also seized clothing and accessories that appear in some of the videos from the arsons.

“The number one mission of the FBI is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States. The First Amendment guarantees Americans the right to express their opinions and peacefully protest. What it does not provide is the right to invoke violence under the guise of free speech,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Raymond Duda of the Seattle Field Office. 
“In cooperation with our partners, we will work tirelessly to identify, investigate, and prevent individuals who are inciting violence, and coordinate with the United States Attorney's Office to address any federal violations.”


The case is being investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and the Seattle Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.



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Night work planned for east side freeway exits at SR 104

As early as Monday, June 15, 2020 Sound Transit’s contractor will continue night work on the off-ramp to westbound SR 104 and the off-ramp to SR 104 eastbound. 

Both the off ramps will be closed nights while this work is being done. 

Detours will be provided (see map). The contractor has obtained a Temporary Noise Variance to complete this work. 

This work is weather-dependent and may need to be rescheduled.

This is preparatory work for a temporary signal at SR104 and work for columns approximately from exit 177 to Mountlake Terrace. 

Work will potentially include mobilization / demobilization, electrical work, striping earthwork, drilling, concrete forming and trucking and related activities.




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Home sales in Shoreline May 2020

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




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Case updates June 11, 2020

Cumulative cases in King country.

Coronavirus Testing Update 

COVID-19 is spreading slower than before, but it is still spreading every day in King County. Testing for COVID-19 is an essential tool for stopping the spread of the disease and reopening Seattle and King County. 

Testing capacity is one of the indicators reviewed by the state in approving a county’s request to move to the next phase, and King County is not meeting the target for having enough people tested or getting folks tested quick enough. 

Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms should get tested right away. The list of possible COVID-19 symptoms has grown to 11 possible indications of the virus being present. 

Plus we know that people may carry the disease even if you are not showing symptoms, so people who have been in close contact with someone who has the virus should also be tested. 

More details about COVID-19 symptoms and testing can be found HERE

Case updates June 11, 2020

United States
  • 1,994,283 cases
  • 112,967 deaths
Washington state
  • 24,779 cases
  • 3,772 hospitalizations
  • 1,194 deaths
King county
  • 8584 cases
  • 1512 hospitalizations
  • 571 deaths
Shoreline
  • 381 cases
  • 87 hospitalizations
  • 57 deaths
Lake Forest Park
  • 33 cases
  • 2 hospitalizations
  • 0 deaths





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Collision Thursday afternoon on I-5 left one lane open

Crash at northbound I-5 at 185th


Sometime after 3pm Thursday afternoon a crash on northbound I-5 at 185th blocked the lanes. When WSDOT arrived they funneled all the traffic into the right lane and let people through.

NE 175th back up


The backup was two miles long.

Southbound lanes blocked by a different accident


At the same time, four lanes of SB I-5 at the Convention Center in Seattle were blocked for another crash.

WSDOT was asking for patience.

UPDATE: Shoreline Fire reports that "Surprisingly, no injuries reported."


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Shoreline Schools are deciding on how to open in the fall

Shoreline Public Schools headquarters
Shoreline Center
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools


This letter was sent to all Shoreline Schools families and staff on Thursday June 11, 2020:

Dear Shoreline Schools Families and Staff,

Earlier today, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) released their guidance for the reopening of schools in the fall. You can find a link to this document HERE.

In a press conference this morning and in written guidance, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal stated that schools will open this fall for in-person instruction. This will require new measures to protect the health and safety of everyone in our schools and work sites.

He stated, “This guidance is grounded in my belief that the most equitable opportunity for educational success relies upon the comprehensive supports for students provided in our schools with our professionals and the systems of supports we have built. We will do this together, keeping student and staff safety and well-being as our highest priority in the reopening.”

He added that counties in Phases 1 or 1.5 of the Washington “Safe Start” plan must receive approval to reopen from their local health authority. Changing health conditions in a county or region may cause a local health authority or even the Governor to have to reconsider this opportunity to open, but the primary planning of most districts should be a presumption of a fall opening.

We are in the process of reviewing the guidance that was released and will use it to develop our plan of action for the start of school, which is scheduled to begin on September 2 for grades 1-12 and September 8 for kindergarten. 

The guidance provides clear protocols we must adhere to and also allows for some local control and decision-making in some areas. Our team will review and consider all of the health and safety options available to us.

The health and safety of our community comes first, and we will be adjusting the way school works so that we can keep students, staff and families safe while also providing the best possible environment for teaching and learning.

Clear and transparent communication is a priority for us, and we will provide weekly updates to make sure you have the latest information regarding what the start of school will look like.

You can help us in this planning by taking the school reopening survey that will be sent to school families early next week. This short, 10-minute survey will provide us with valuable information about your thoughts regarding the start of school, as well as feedback on distance learning this year.

Public Information Office
Shoreline Public Schools
public.info@shorelineschools.org

Update: it was not the intention of the headline to imply that school would not open; rather that there is uncertainty over virtual vs in person school and options inbetween.

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Ask questions of legislative candidates at the SAN’s substitute forum

Evan Smith
Politics reporter

By Evan Smith

With no candidate forums in community centers and church basements between now and the Aug. 4 primary, we’ll run a substitute primary-election forum here.

We’ll provide you with a chance to ask questions of the legislative candidates seeking your votes in the 32nd and 46th districts.

I’ve already sent a couple of general questions to each of the six candidates running for two state representative positions in the 32nd Legislative District and the four running for two spots in the 46th district.

Now, I want your help. 

Send me a question to ask when I contact candidates next week. I’ll play the role of forum moderator, selecting and editing questions and combining them where possible.
 
I’ll present your questions to these candidates:

  • Legislative District 32, State Representative Pos. 1-- Shirley Sutton (Prefers Democratic Party), Keith Smith (Prefers Democratic Party), Cindy Ryu (Prefers Democratic Party);
  • Legislative District 32, State Representative Pos. 2-- Gray Petersen (Prefers Democratic Party), Tamra Smilanich (Prefers Non Partisan Party), Lauren Davis (Prefers Democratic Party);
  • Legislative District 46, State Representative Pos. 1-- Gerry Pollet (Prefers Democratic Party), Eric J. Brown (Prefers Republican Party);
  • Legislative District 46, State Representative Pos. 2-- Javier Valdez (Prefers Democratic Party), Beth Daranciang (Prefers Republican Party).

If this were a traditional candidate forum, we’d hand out pencils and index cards for your questions. Here, we’ll just wait for your emails.

Send your questions to me at schsmith@frontier.com. Include your name and whether you live in the 32nd Legislative District (Shoreline) or the 46th District (Lake Forest Park, Kenmore).

Unlike the traditional forums, we won’t serve refreshments. You’ll have to supply your own coffee and cookies.



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All Washington counties in re-opening; see what's allowed in King county

Ridgecrest Pub has outdoor and indoor dining
Make a reservation HERE


The information is updated and changes are frequent. If you need the most up to date information, the webpage is HERE

Every County in Washington state has now moved into Safe Start re-opening phases, with King County being the latest with a modified level 1 opening

The Gov. website offers an easy-to-understand graphic with explanation of what is included in each phase. (the print is too small to publish here)

What activities are allowed under a modified Phase 1 application:

Pending a business' ability to follow the State's public health guidance (linked below), the following businesses and activities are now permitted in King County with limits and requirements as noted.

Outdoor recreation

All activities may operate subject to Phase 2 guidance, part one, two and three. Requirements for professional sporting, and outdoor youth and adult recreation teams.
Modified Phase 1: miniature golf, putt putt golf, and staffed water recreation facilities (public and private) COVID-19 reopening requirements
Updated: Golf Restart Phase 2 COVID-19 requirements and recommendations

Fitness 

All outdoor activities may operate subject to Phase 2 guidance, which limits the occupants to no more than five people outside of a household (excluding the instructor).Indoor fitness studios may operate subject to Phase 2 guidance but is limited to one on one activities only.

Social gatherings 

Only allowed outdoors with five or fewer people outside the household.

Additional construction 

All activities may operate subject to Phase 2 guidance.

Manufacturing operations 

All activities may operate subject to Phase 2 guidance.

Real estate** (residential and commercial) 

All activities may operate subject to Phase 2 guidance with the exception that at no time may an office's occupancy be higher than 25% and indoor services are limited to 30 minutes.

In-home/domestic services 

All activities may operate subject to Phase 2 guidance.

In-store retail** 

All non-essential retail activities may operate subject to Phase 2 guidance with the exception that at no time may an establishment's occupancy be higher than 15% and indoor services are limited to 30 minutes.

Personal services 

All activities may operate subject to Phase 2 guidance with the exception that at no time may the number of customers be more than 25% the number capable of being served at any one time, or 1 person if it is a single bed/chair studio.

Professional services** 

All activities may operate subject to Phase 2 guidance with the exception that at no time may an establishment's occupancy be higher than 25% and indoor services are limited to 30 minutes.

Photography 

All activities may operate subject to Phase 2 guidance.

Pet grooming 

All activities may operate subject to Phase 2 guidance with the exception that at no time may an establishment's occupancy be higher than 25%.

Restaurants 

All outdoor dining activities may operate subject to Phase 2 guidance at 50% outdoor capacity with all tables and chairs maintaining 6 feet of distance. Additional or new outdoor seating would be allowed subject to maintaining 6 feet of distance between tables and chairs, as well as receiving a city permit as is typically needed. All indoor dining services may operate subject to Phase 2 guidance with the exception that at no time may the number of customers be more than 25% of the tables provided such tables and chairs are more than 6 feet away from each other.


*This does not apply to faith or religious gatherings which will continue to operate according to Phase 1 guidance by the State allowing up to 100 people outdoors, excluding staff.

**Real estate, professional services, and in-store retail businesses will be directed to provide signage encouraging indoor visits to less than 30 minutes. At no time may face to face interactions last longer than 30 minutes.



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Wednesday's sunset

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Photo by Mary Igl


The parking lot at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park is open. Starbucks is open. Time to go back and watch the sun set.




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King County judge to speak at Kiwanis virtual meeting

The North Central Seattle Kiwanis Club will hold a ZOOM virtual meeting beginning at 6:30pm on Thursday, June 18, 2020.

King County District Judge Joe Campagna will speak about the new Shoreline Community Court and Resource Center. The new court and resource center seeks to intervene in the cycle of persons who commit crimes, go to jail, finish their sentences, commit another crime, etc. etc. The goal of the intervention is to break the cycle and achieve a better outcome.

All Kiwanis members and members of the public are welcome to participate. Those who are not Kiwanis members can get instructions on how to access the ZOOM meeting by contacting Barbara Williams bandpwilliams@comcast.net

We hope that you will use this opportunity to hear a distinguished judge discuss a promising judicial concept.




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Letter to the Editor: A wonderful example of community policing

To the Editor:

I feel so fortunate to have lived in LFP for 45 years. No place is perfect, but I want to comment on our LFP police department, who demonstrate a wonderful example of community policing.  In addition to their other duties, they are present in a friendly capacity donating blood, serving salmon lunches at the farmer’s market, joining community groups (Chief Harden is a valued member of our LFP Rotary Club), and just plain showing up as community members themselves.

Please, when you exercise your right to protest against injustice and support Black Lives Matter, just remember that not all communities are the same. I hope you’ll remember to thank our police for the great job they do for us.

Allison Reagan
Lake Forest Park



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Jobs: WSDOT

Maintenance and Operations Manager 
(WMS Band 3)
Shoreline, WA. – Northwest Region

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking an experienced maintenance professional ready and willing to provide leadership, guidance, and support as the Northwest Region (NWR) Maintenance Manager for all northern maintenance operations, with area oversight ranging from Everett to Bellingham. 

As the Maintenance Manager, this position will oversee the operation and preservation of approximately one-half of the transportation infrastructure systems throughout NWR, managing a multi-million dollar budget and directing a staff of 240 employees.

This is a great challenge for a team minded person who thrives on being a leader and wants the opportunity to work with others knowing that what you do really does make a difference on our state highways and other WSDOT facilities. As the Maintenance and Operations Manager, this position requires a responsible, customer service oriented, safety-minded person to ensure delivery of maintenance operations. 

See link for more information, including details on how to apply: LINK


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Spring cleaning for marine rescue boat

Spring cleaning for marine rescue boat
Photo courtesy KCSO

It's never too late for some spring cleaning...

Last week, the Marine Rescue Dive Unit's patrol boat was hoisted and cleaned ahead of the summer boating season.

The King County Sheriff’s Office Marine Rescue Dive Unit (MRDU) deploys specially trained and equipped Deputies that are responsible for water-related law enforcement, investigations, rescue and recovery work.

Operational areas include Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish and other lakes, ponds and rivers throughout the unincorporated areas of King County, cities / towns that contract for service and any other jurisdiction that requests specific assistance.

Remember, always wear a life jacket and be aware the water is still very cold this time of year.



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Goodbye to Thomas Hunt Morgan Junior High

Demolition of the old Kellogg (Morgan)
Photo by Steven Robinson

Photo by Steven Robinson

The school building that was originally Thomas Hunt Morgan Junior High School is in the process of being demolished.

The building, which has been Frank B. Kellogg Middle School since 1986, is being demolished to make way for new athletic fields.

The Kellogg student body moved into the Morgan building, which had been closed, when Kellogg was heavily damaged by an arson fire. Kellogg was located at the site now called Aldercrest for another closed school.

When students are able to return to in person classes, Kellogg students will return to a brand new school .

The school is located at 16046 25th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155.



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Book review by Aarene Storms: Deep River

Deep River by Karl Marlantes

I grew up in a place that Annie Dillard described thusly:
God might have created such a plunging shore as this before He thought of making people, and then when He thought of making people, He mercifully softened up the land in the palms of his hands, wherever He expected them to live, which did not include here. (Annie Dillard, The Living)

Now, Karl Marlantes takes a swing at a story of life in the rough-and-tumble of early Washington State. His story centers on three immigrant siblings from Finland: Ilmari, Aino and Mattie.

Ilmari comes to America before the others, builds a home and works to survive and make a living. He, alone of the family, befriends Vasutäti, a Chinook tribal woman (who seems to be all alone in the world, her children having died of measles and the rest of the tribe ... just gone ... for some reason ... also, she can maybe do magic or something...), and he stays as separate as possible from the rapidly-changing modern world.

Ilmari is eventually joined by younger brother Matti who seeks financial stability with Scarlet O'Hara-esque fervor, and sister Aino, an ardent Marxist, whose political beliefs and actions led to imprisonment and torture in Finland. Aino soon becomes the focus of the story as she waves her socialist ideals in the faces of logger barons, rum-runners, and fish-cannery owners, with varying degrees of success.

As anyone who knows local history could have predicted, things go terribly wrong for our Finnish friends. There are logging accidents, fishing accidents, and several "massacres" between local capitalists and the union organizers. Medical science is primitive at best, and death is always nearby.

I grew up hearing stories such as these from the fishing families of my classmates, seeing pictures of tiny loggers cutting down gargantuan trees, learning about the early days of white settlement in my home state. This book tells some stories I already knew, and some that I didn't. To this day, when I ride my horse through the forest near my home, I see stumps bearing springboard cuts: remnants of the days when trees were cut by hand by a couple of guys with a cross-cut saw, hauled out of the woods on skid roads by oxen or horses instead of trucks.

It's not a perfect book, but book groups will enjoy discussing and arguing over many of the points.

Cussing, bleeding, death, sexual situations, torture, happiness, sadness, and fishing.


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

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



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What is Rotary? Find out at info session Thursday

Rotary Informational Meeting Thursday, June 11, 2020, 3pm, on Zoom

The purpose of the zoom session is to raise awareness of what rotary does in our community and beyond.

Are you curious about Rotary? What does it means to be a Rotarian?

This is purely informational, non-threatening, no pressure to join, answer questions, and a chance for us to tell you a couple of our rotary stories.

Email the LFP rotary President to get an invite to the zoom meeting by 3pm Thursday.
robinleeroat@gmail.com

www.lakeforestparkrotary.com
www.endpolio.org



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Local cooperative delivers members products to your door


New Day Cooperative Distribution is a home grocery delivery service owned by the businesses whose products they are sending out into the world, including Patty Pan.

By coming together with a central platform we get to bring you more local and organic goodness, and we get to share resources and collaborate as we build something with maybe a bit of optimism.

Lots of great food (and home/self care goods), in addition to Patty Pan favorites:

Here's the list of vendors, growing daily:

Bitty Bouquet Chubby Bunny Farm Equal Exchange Espresso Shoreline Growing Things Farm Haiti Coffee Hot Babe- Hot Sauce.com Kale Love - Eat Real - Living Proof Foods, LLC. Kathmandu Momocha Marge New Origin Foods Olsen Farms Olykraut Pinckney Cookie Cafe Seattle Urban Honey Seeking Kombucha TeffBar Zylberschtein’s

Head on over and show us some social media love: follow us @rethinkinggroceries on Instagram, and tag us in pictures - we love seeing our products in your kitchen!

Order HERE for home delivery in the Greater Seattle Area, as well as a pick up spot in Kirkland for Eastside folks.



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