WeatherWatcher: Smoke clinging to the region

Tuesday, September 15, 2020


West Coast color satellite animated loop


Above: Sunday's animated satellite loop from the National Weather Service, showing all the active smoke plumes on the west coast. 

The forecast has changed: The bad news first. The smoke is not likely to clear out of the area until at least Thursday. The Puget Sound Clean Air agency has issued an Air Quality Alert that has been extended through Thursday evening. Levels of smoke in the air are Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy for all groups at this time and expected to remain that way through most of the week.

Smoke and its impacts on weather are not very well, if at all, anticipated by forecast models. The smoke on Saturday and Sunday was so thick that solar heating of the surface basically didn't happen. Instead the upper layers of the atmosphere warmed up, creating a temperature inversion that we normally only see during winter months.

Temperature inversions basically act like a dome, preventing any air mixing between upper and lower levels of the atmosphere. This has the effect of trapping all this smoke near the ground between our various mountain ranges.

As with many things this year, our optimism of smoke clearing out was destroyed when the storm we were expecting Monday night into Tuesday has changed direction and is now staying off shore. It is still getting close enough to set off some rain showers, but not enough for strong mixing winds to break up the temperature inversion.

What to expect: This smoke is going to linger for several more days. The storm system bringing us showers Tuesday through Thursday is slowly spinning off shore and expected to weaken as the week progresses. With little certainty the smoke might start clearing out by the end of the week but right now there is no solid indication on how this smoke layer will behave.

Isolated hit or miss thunderstorms are possible going into Thursday night and through Friday. Our chance of showers continues through Saturday, with a potential for a partly sunny Sunday. Temperatures are likely to stay below the 70°F mark through the weekend, with lows in the low to mid 50's.

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For current weather conditions and resources visit www.shorelineweather.com




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When the sun turns orange...

Photo by Jan Hansen

A much better view than the actual sun, wouldn't you say?

But wait, there's more!

Photo by Jan Hansen

The sky is still colored with smoke but it's easier to ignore when looking at the colors of the flowers.


Photo by Jan Hansen

And this beauty definitely smells better than the air these days! 

Thanks Jan, for sharing your garden and photographer with us.




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New Deputy Chief takes command at Northshore Fire Department

Northshore Fire Deputy Chief of
Operations Doug McDonald

The Northshore Fire Department announced the selection of Doug McDonald, a 29-year veteran of the fire service, as the Department’s new Deputy Chief of Operations. 

The announcement follows an extensive national search to fill the position. The application and selection process involved members of the Department’s administration, Northshore’s Local 2459 Union, and outside community partners from across the state.

“Deputy Chief McDonald is an effective administrator with the ability to bring innovation to the Northshore Fire Department,” said Interim Fire Chief Greg Ahearn. 
“His proven track record of passion and performance will be an asset to our leadership team.”

Deputy Chief McDonald has been serving as Operations Deputy Chief for the City of Bothell since June 2018. During this time, his position has been part of an Interlocal Agreement with the Northshore Fire Department for shared Deputy Chief services. 

Prior to his employment at the City of Bothell, Deputy Chief McDonald served 26 years with the City of Renton and Renton Regional Fire Authority. There he was promoted through the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, and Operations Battalion Chief for the North Battalion.

“I look forward to working with the dedicated members of Northshore Fire Department and the community it serves,” said Deputy Chief McDonald. “I have spent time over the last few months engaging with the Northshore employees, I have been impressed with the professionalism and talent within its ranks.”

Deputy Chief McDonald has his Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science and graduated from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Planning Course. In 2019, he graduated from the University of Washington Foster Business School - Seattle Fire Department’s Executive Leadership Academy.

Northshore Fire Department

Since 1942, the Northshore Fire Department has been providing comprehensive fire prevention, education, and emergency fire suppression services to the residents of the cities of Kenmore and Lake Forest Park. 

Northshore Fire Department has two fire stations, one in Kenmore and one in Lake Forest Park, and provides service to an estimated 36,000 people.



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Shoreline School Board seeks applicants for open Board positions

Monday, September 14, 2020

District 2 (green) and District 3 (orange) have vacancies.
Directors must live within the boundaries of the district they are elected from


The Shoreline School Board of Directors is welcoming interested community members to apply to be appointed to serve as school board directors in Director Districts 2 and 3

Directors for these two positions will be appointed through a selection process to include an application, an interview and a vote by current school board directors. 

The timeline for this process is as follows:
  • September 14: Applications available
  • October 14 at 5:00 pm: Applications deadline
  • October 24, 26, 28 and 29: Interviews with candidates selected for interviews
  • November 2: School Board votes on candidates
  • November 18-20: Selected candidates are encouraged to attend the Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) Conference. November 18 is New Board Member Boot Camp. The conference will be virtual and costs will be covered by the school district
  • December 7: Selected board directors are sworn in.
  • A schedule of this year’s board meetings can be found here. Please note that additional meetings, study sessions, and hearings are scheduled as needed.

Being a school board director is an incredible way to serve the students, families, staff and community of the Shoreline School District.

It does require a significant time commitment outside of meeting time to stay engaged with issues and the community, read board packets in preparation for meetings and attend professional development opportunities. 

These are unpaid positions but each board member may receive compensation of fifty dollars ($50.00) per day or portion thereof for attending board meetings and for performing other services on behalf of the school district, not to exceed four thousand eight hundred dollars ($4,800.00) per year.

Apply Online to be a Shoreline School Board Director

Printable Shoreline School Board Director Application

View School Board Director District Maps and Legal Descriptions

Resources which you may find helpful include:

This information and links are also available on the school board website HERE



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Third Place Books announces Teacher Appreciation Campaign


This fall, in gratitude to local teachers, who have worked with grace, aplomb, and the utmost creativity to support their students since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Third Place Books is running a Teacher Appreciation campaign for all greater Seattle educators. 

Third Place Books, which has three neighborhood locations in the Seattle area, will host a raffle for teachers to win a $50 Third Place Books gift card. This raffle is open to all educators in the greater Seattle area, and anyone (including teachers) can nominate an educator. 

Fill out the form to make a nomination, and tell Third Place Books why your rockstar teacher should win! The form will open on September 14, 2020 and close on September 30. Third Place Books will select 10 winners, and notify them by October 9, 2020.

Third Place Books will also issue a special 25% e-coupon to all teachers signed up for the store’s newsletter. This coupon is for one online purchase placed between September 20-27, 2020. 

Educators can sign up for the store’s newsletter to receive teacher-oriented updates and correspondence. They will need to select "LFP Elementary Schools," "LFP Middle Schools," or "LFP High Schools" to receive updates for this and other campaigns.

In conjunction with Third Place Books’ Teacher appreciation campaign, Honey Bear Bakery in Lake Forest Park is offering free cookies to teachers from September 14 through September 30! Just let Honey Bear cashiers know that you're a teacher! Supplies limited to one cookie per teacher per day.

“Teachers, we hope that these few tokens of our appreciation will help to brighten the start of the new school year,” said Niki Marion, Children’s Outreach Manager at Third Place Books. 
“We see your hard work and appreciate all that you do for your students and community every single day. Third Place Books loves you!”

For any questions, please contact Children's Outreach Manager Niki Marion directly at nmarion@thirdplacebooks.com or 206-366-3333.




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Call for Artists: 2020 6X6NW


Call for Artists: 2020 6X6NW – A Unique Community and National Art Exhibition

Virtual in 2020
Registration Deadline: September 18, 2020


The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is currently accepting submissions for 6X6NW, a community art exhibition featuring an estimated 800 original works of art.

Each artwork must be 6 x 6 inches and artists may enter up to 10 works of any medium (2D or 3D). There is a $6 fee to register. Registration is free for children 18 and under. Artwork must be received by September 18.

*To protect the health and safety of our community, and to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19, we will be moving 6X6NW online this year!*

Artists may submit up to 10 unique works. Please do not register until you have your works completed as we need titles for each piece. 

6 x 6 2019 Youth Artist Liam Crouch
Photo courtesy Shoreline - LFP Arts Council


Entries will be exhibited virtually on the 6X6NW website on October 2, 2020 and offered for sale to the public for $36 each. The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council will receive a 60% commission on any works sold and artists may elect to waive their 40% commission and contribute their work(s) as a full donation to benefit the Arts Council’s community arts programming and events.

The artwork will be available for the month of October for purchase.

Interested in taking pART? Registration and participation is open to all — no art background is required! For information and registration visit: https://www.6x6nw.org/register-6x6nw

$100 prizes will be awarded in several categories, including People's Choice, Sponsor’s Choice, and Director’s Choice!


Delivery / Drop Off
  • Options: Mail or Drop off at the Gallery at Town Center shop in Lake Forest Park.
  • Deadline: September 18. Please, no late entries! Earlier is better.
Mail address:
Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council
18560 - 1st Ave NE
Shoreline, WA 98155

Drop off Address:
Gallery at Town Center
17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park
WA 98155
(inside the Lake Forest Park Town Center - Lower Level)

In-person drop off is open during Gallery hours:
  • September 2-5 (12-5pm)
  • September 9-12 (12-5pm)
  • September 16-18 (12-5pm)

Thanks to our main event sponsor Jack Malek Broker and Realtor!

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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Win A Lakefront Overnight Escape – The TPC Awesome Auction-a-thon Continues



Could you use an escape from the challenges of the world? Couldn’t we all? This week’s TPC Awesome Auction-a-thon offers up a much needed break from the daily grind.

Beginning today at noon, Auction #4 in the Auction-a-thon features a Hyatt Regency Lake Washington Overnight Bed and Breakfast Escape package.

Spend a restful weekend evening away from the all the stresses of normal life – work, home life, news, politics. Whatever weighs you down, leave it behind for one blissful night of luxury right on Lake Washington, followed by a delicious breakfast for two.

The Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport is a beautiful modern property right on the bank of Lake Washington, surrounded by peaceful scenic beauty perfect to soothe the frenzied soul. And the hotel has implemented enhanced safety and cleanliness measures to ensure you can truly rest easy during your stay.

Each auction in the TPC Awesome Auction-a-thon is a fundraiser for Third Place Commons and the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market. The auctions take place on the Third Place Commons Facebook page and you can bid directly in the Comments section of the auction post, which will post at noon today and close Friday at noon.

Bid high on this great item to support the Commons through these very challenging times and to help both the Commons and the market to weather the pandemic. Your support will help ensure that both remain here for the community when the pandemic finally ends.

Plus you’ll get something wonderful that you just know you need! 

In other news, remember that the LFP Farmers Market is still open every Sunday, 10am to 2pm, until October 18th. And until the physical space can reopen, you can also find your Commons community online through Third Place Commons’ many free, online programs.

TPC At Home brings you weekly and monthly opportunities to connect with friends old and new through weekly French, Spanish, and German conversation groups, monthly Computer Q/As and book and movie clubs, and assorted stand-alone programs each month. Coming up, Every Vote Counts! A Two-Part Series on Democratic Process.

Everything is free and all are welcome. Check the Third Place Commons online calendar for specific event details and join in.

Third Place Commons, a community supported 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is celebrating its 20th anniversary of building real community in the heart of Lake Forest Park. In addition to presenting its largest program, the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, Third Place Commons now also fosters real community in digital space. To learn more, or to make a gift to support the market and the Commons, visit ThirdPlaceCommons.org.




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Shoreline Remote Learning Camps are free for qualifying families



The City of Shoreline is committed to supporting Shoreline families during the remote learning school year in a safe, structured environment that meets all COVID guidelines. 

Remote Learning Support Camps will be offered this fall at both Spartan Recreation Center and Richmond Highlands Recreation Center. Camps are offered for all Shoreline School District grades and focused on supporting the Shoreline School District schedule and teaching methods.

Registration is currently open and camps start this week.

Remote Learning Camp provides kids with a safe place to learn, socialize, and recreate in a small group setting. The Remote Learning Camps are aligned with, and designed to support, the Shoreline School District's educational day and therefore this program is limited to those students enrolled in the Shoreline School District. 

WIFI access will be available to connect personal laptop computers allowing students to participate fully with their classroom and teachers.

All camps are weekly registrations.

Free for qualifying families
  • Remote Learning Programs are free for qualifying families, which includes, those facing extenuating circumstances.
  • Please call the Spartan Recreation Center at 206-801-2600 to register. You cannot register online when requesting a fee waiver.
  • If you have applied and qualified for a scholarship in 2019 or 2020 you are eligible for a fee waiver.
  • If you have used up your scholarship funds already for the 2020 year, you will still be able to qualify for fee waiver for the Remote Learning Camps.

Payment plans are also available.

For more specific information on the Remote Learning Camps visit shorelinewa.gov/remotelearning. To register call 206-801-2600.




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Case updates September 12, 2020

Case updates September 12, 2020

United States
  • cases 6,467,481 - 240,602 new in the last 7 days
  • deaths 193,195
Washington state - *no death reports on weekends / holidays
  • cases 79,826
  • hospitalizations 7,081
  • deaths* 1,991
King county
  • cases 20,868 - 68 in previous 24 hours
  • hospitalizations 2,301 - 7 in previous 24 hours
  • deaths 743 - 0 in previous 24 hours
Shoreline - population 56,752 (2018)
  • cases 580 - 2 new in previous 24 hours
  • hospitalizations 101 - 0 new in previous 24 hours
  • deaths 61 - 0 new in previous 24 hours
Lake Forest Park - 13,569 (2018)
  • cases 64 - 0 new
  • hospitalizations 3 - 0 new
  • deaths 1 - 0 new



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Construction progress marks anniversary of Lynnwood Link extension ground breaking

Girders join Northgate Link to Lynnwood Link
Photo courtesy Sound Transit


One year after the groundbreaking event for Lynnwood Link Extension, the construction teams have made rapid progress on the project. Civil construction is already more than 15 percent complete, and the project reached a milestone last week when its southernmost girders were joined to the northernmost segment of the Northgate Link Extension project.

"Anyone who travels along I-5 has seen the remarkable changes to the landscape that we’ve been making as the project advances," said Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff. 
"The shape of the alignment becomes clearer with each passing day. The completed extension will be a game-changer for anyone traveling between King and Snohomish Counties."

Among the construction progress made to date:

  • More than 170 drilled shafts have been completed, leaving just 15 to finish.
  • More than 85 of the project’s 188 columns are complete.
  • More than 25 girder spans are finished.
  • The beginning of September, the southernmost girders were installed joining the Lynnwood and Northgate projects. Photos of the joining are available online. A time-lapse video of girders being erected in Lynnwood is also available online.

Photo courtesy Sound Transit


By 2024 Lynnwood Link and other extensions currently under construction will more that double the length of the region’s light rail system. After Lynnwood opens in 2024 riders will enjoy fast, frequent and reliable service between south Snohomish County, the University of Washington, downtown Seattle, the Eastside, Sea-Tac Airport and Federal Way. The extension includes four new stations serving Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline and Seattle.

Stacy and Witbec / Kiewit / Hoffman JV and Skanska Constructors L300 JV is executing the civil construction on the extension. The $2.9 billion project budget includes up to $1.17 billion from a Full Funding Grant Agreement executed by the FTA.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau executed a $658 million low-interest loan supporting the project. That loan was one of four loans captured in a Master Credit Agreement reached between Sound Transit and the USDOT at the end of 2016. The one-of-its-kind agreement should save regional taxpayers between $200 million and $300 million through lower interest costs.

Lynnwood Link light rail service is scheduled to begin in 2024. Commuters from the Lynnwood Transit Center will enjoy 20-minute rides to the University of Washington, 27-minute rides to downtown Seattle and 60-minute rides to Sea-Tac Airport. Trains from Lynnwood will also serve the Eastside and reach downtown Bellevue in 51 minutes.




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Community service hours waived for Class of 2021

The Shoreline School Board voted to rescind the community service hours requirement for the Shorecrest and Shorewood Class of 2021 at their September 10 board meeting.

This was in response to challenges in students’ ability to earn volunteer hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

They had previously been required to perform 40 hours of community service in order to graduate. 

The requirement will still be in place for the class of 2022.

As the high schools did for the Class of 2020, they will recognize students who do meet the 40-hour mark with a Community Service Certificate of Merit and will acknowledge students who have done a truly exceptional amount of service.

You can read the full resolution at Resolution 2020-15 Elimination of the Community Service Requirement for the Class of 2021.




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Gloria Nagler to teach class on macro photography for the Audubon Society

Sunday, September 13, 2020

Every day's a beautiful day when you're a Yellow Jacket, thought Yvette,


not without a little satisfaction. Took Yvette’s portrait at the community garden the other day.

--Gloria Z Nagler



Close-up critters in the time of COVID: Tips on bringing home better macro shots of our fellow critters and other garden denizens with Gloria Z. Nagler

Thursday, September 24, 7:00-8:30pm
Register here

$15 sliding scale fee; pay what you can*
Online registration closes the afternoon of the class. Please complete registration in advance.

Strolling through urban gardens, noticing, and then capturing photographs of our colorful insects and blossoms, is a grand way to spend time during this pandemic. Gardens are rarely crowded and generally peaceful places to be. Macro photography is the art of making photographs of tiny creatures and blossoms that are the same size as the subject is in the real world (1:1 ratio is the goal).

My target audience for this class is beginners and near-beginners. We will talk about setting up your camera for macro photography, potential subjects, how you decide what to include in the frame, and more. This is not a hyper–technical class: not about how cameras work, but about how to capture better macro photographs.

* If you are unable to pay a fee, please see instructions on the Classes page on our website (seattleaudubon.org) on how to request a fee waiver +before+ purchasing a ticket. Though the first couple of online classes were offered for free (with donation suggested), classes are now offered with a ticket price or with a pre-arranged fee waiver or sliding scale option.



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and here I thought the smoke was clearing out...

Friday, Sept 11


Marc Weinberg was interested to check out the difference in the amount of smoke in the area after two days, so he repeated an aerial shot he took on Friday, September 11, 2020 at 1:32pm over Shoreline Community College.

Sunday Sept 13


The second image was taken Sunday, the 13th at 5:32pm

Sunday I drove from Kenmore to Lake Forest Park and couldn't see the lake.

I saw a man walking his dog and another man with his baby in a stroller. Not really a good idea, folks. Not until the air clears.

-Diane



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Live readings of horror and the occult - with cocktail recipes



Barely Tolerable Tales
Friday, September 18, 7:30-9pm
Presented by The Cresswell Club 

We cordially invite you for a series of live readings throughout the fall season, pairing tales of horror and the occult with recipes for cocktails to mix and enjoy while you listen.

The Cresswell Club began as a series of Halloween and Walpurgis-Night ghost story readings with friends and family in New York City, and was continued by the Carpenter Brothers when they moved back to their hometown of Seattle. 

Cocktails: TBD

Register HERE. You will be sent a Zoom link to the session by 6pm the day of the program.
Video and call-in options available.



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Big and bold and beautiful




BIG and BOLD and BEAUTIFUL 
Indeed that is so true

It's plain to see that Buzzy Bee 
Can't get enough of YOU

Indeed you are MAGNIFICENT
So DAZZLING to the eye



And when the days turn Grey and Damp
I think that I WILL CRY

I'll want a view of YOU Boo Hoo
Next summer will have to do



grandma genie 

aka Jean Monce Bryant 

Photos by Wayne Pridemore



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Jobs: Grant writer for Chamber of Commerce

The Shoreline Chamber of Commerce is looking for an experienced Grant Administrator to work in an Independent Contractor capacity with us to distribute the funds from a grant we recently were awarded from King County (more about that to come, we need the Admin person first). The job starts immediately and duties would include:

A thorough understanding of the grant rules and regulations (we have everything in writing from the County)

Submitting all necessary paperwork to the County to receive the grant funds

Communicating with the Chamber Board weekly with a progress report

We need someone who has done this type of work before, especially helpful would be experience with a governmental agency

Resumes and cover letters can be submitted to Lorie Hoffman; director@shorelinearts.net




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Wayne Pridemore needs artichoke dip recipes


Story and photos by Wayne Pridemore

I had never seen an artichoke blossom until last week when I took these photos in my son's garden. I have never been a fan of eating fresh hearts of the plant dipped in butter, it seemed to be too much work for too little reward. I once tried canned artichokes, talk about a bland nothing.



Send me your favorite artichoke dip recipe and I will give it a go to improve my culinary appreciation of the plant. (Email Editor@ShorelineAreaNews.com - I want to see the recipes, too! Ed.)

I am sure that you are aware that the Green or French Artichoke is a variety of a species of thistle. The first guy to eat a thistle must have been very hungry! 



The flower head of the plant is a thing of beauty. It is a cluster of many budding small flowers called an inflorescence. The small bright purple flowers are about an inch long. Bees work their way straight down to the flower bases to collect the pollen. Next year I'm going to plant some in my garden just to enjoy the blooming of the plant.




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Our own London Fog - morning noon and night


This photo is looking north along the Puget Sound waterfront in Shoreline. Marc Weinberg's drone was about a 1/2 mile south of RB Saltwater Park.  You can just make out the pedestrian bridge over the rail tracks, upper right.

Current air quality conditions are UNHEALTHY and VERY UNHEALTHY for everyone.

The sun at noon Saturday
Photo by Mike Remarcke

Winds blowing from the west should begin to clear out the smoke by late Sunday or early next week. However, we may continue to see smoke enter our region throughout the week. Conditions are changing rapidly and the wind currents in Puget Sound have always been variable.

View of Puget Sound from Innis Arden - except for the view and Puget Sound
Photo by Jan Hansen

Did you know that what we are experiencing is the famous "London Fog"? Old London had so many factories belching pollutants into the air, that combined with their wet climate, the entire city was always shrouded in thick, unhealthy smoke. Nothing romantic about it at all.




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Author Talk-The Natural World of Winnie the Pooh


Author Talk - The Natural World of Winnie the Pooh


Tuesday, September 14, 10-11:30am
Join author Kathryn Aalto for a walk through the forest that inspired the Hundred Acre Wood of A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh books.

This remote program will include a lecture by the author and a chance to interact with her.

Ms. Aalto is an American landscape designer, historian, educator and New York Times Bestselling author based in Exeter, England.

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Recycling Collection event Lake Forest Park and Kenmore

The City of Lake Forest Park is again partnering up with the City of Kenmore for a combined Recycling Collection Event!

Take a look at the Event Flyer to view the full list of what you can and cannot bring.

Please be aware fees do apply for certain items.

The event will take place Saturday, September 28, 2020 from 9am to 3pm at the Northlake Lutheran Church, 6620 NE 185th St, Kenmore, WA 98028

Items you can bring:

Tires,* Propane Tanks,* Electronic Equipment, Scrap Metal,* Household Goods and Clothing, Cardboard, Porcelain Toilets and Sinks,* Lead Acid and Household Batteries, Mattresses,* Confidential Document Shredding (5 box limit), Clean Scrap Wood, Appliances, and Refrigerators and Freezers*.
*Fees apply

Please note: No flat beds or dump trucks allowed. We reserve the right to refuse over-sized, commercial, contaminated, excessive or unacceptable loads.



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Threatened with eviction? Rent Smart session Wednesday

Rent Smart - Order of Limited Dissemination

Wednesday, September 16, 2-4pm

In addition to the Solid Ground Tenant Counselors, a visiting attorney from the Tenant Law Center will be on hand to help with answering questions.

If you are currently living in King County and being threatened with eviction, contact the Housing Justice Project for legal assistance at 253-234-4204 or hjpstaff@kcba.org.

Register here before 1pm on September 16. You will receive a Zoom link at around 1pm on the day of the event.

Space is limited to 25 and only a few seats remain.



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A reminder of blue skies

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

It was only a week or so ago that Lee Lageschulte took this cheerful photos of sunflowers and blue skies in a Richmond Beach garden. We will get blue skies and flowers and mountains again.



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Becoming Washington: Who Came to the Northwest and Why

Saturday, September 12, 2020

Washington Territory 1866
Becoming Washington: Who Came to the Northwest and Why
Saturday, September 19, 
10:30am – 12 pm
KCLS Online Event

Presented by Janice Lovelace, PhD. 

What conditions existed for your ancestors to leave their homes and make a journey to the Pacific Northwest? 

Learn about the factors for immigration and settlement in mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries. 

Register HERE by September 18, 12pm.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Lake Forest Park Library.




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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Your vote


Just kidding folks!

The post office is ready, willing, and able to process your ballots.
Just don't wait until the last minute - or use a drop box for returns.




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Shoreline Planning Commission to review proposed amendments to Point Wells Subarea Plan

Richmond Beach Drive is the only road to Point Wells.
Photo by Diane Hettrick


On September 17, 2020, the Shoreline Planning Commission will review proposed amendments to the Point Wells Subarea Plan and Development Code regulations.

The proposed amendments are the result of the ongoing coordination between the Town of Woodway and the City of Shoreline. 

Both Shoreline and Woodway have identified Point Wells, which is in unincorporated Snohomish County, as a potential area for annexation. 

Each agency currently has an adopted subarea plan that details a vision and policies that would direct future redevelopment of the Point Wells subarea.

A joint work group with staff representatives from Woodway and Shoreline have been working since October 2019 to prepare a shared set of subarea plan policies and development regulations, which would be implemented upon annexation by either. Woodway and Shoreline established this unified approach through the Settlement and Interlocal Agreement (ILA) signed in 2019.

As outlined in the ILA, the amendments to the subarea plan and development regulations address requirements for future development within the subarea including, but not limited to:
  • Vehicle trip generation limits on Richmond Beach Drive;
  • A secondary vehicle access requirement through Woodway for any new developments exceeding 250 average daily trips;
  • Base building height of 45 feet west of the BNSF rail line, with provision for a maximum of 75 feet upon completion of a view analysis demonstrating public views from Richmond Beach Drive to Admiralty Inlet are not impacted;
  • Mandatory public access to the Puget Sound shoreline; and
  • Allowable land uses.

Consistent with the ILA, the Woodway Planning Commission will consider similar amendments that are aligned with those being presented to the Shoreline Planning Commission.

September 17 Shoreline Planning Commission meeting agenda, staff report, and draft amendments

The Planning Commission webpage also contains instructions on how to attend the virtual meeting and provide comment.

Following a public hearing, tentatively scheduled in October, the Planning Commission will issue a recommendation on the amendments for consideration and potential adoption by the City Council.



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Arts Council announces the 2021 Community Project Awards application

JHP Multicultural Festival


The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is Pleased to Announce 
the 2021 Community Project Awards Application


Do you need help presenting an arts event that serves your community? The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is here to help. Consider applying for a Community Project Grant. We promote experiences in the arts to enhance the quality of life in our community. Non-profit organizations or community groups that provide arts / cultural programming for the general public are welcome to apply.

We fund special projects, artists’ residencies, and performances that extend the group’s usual scope. Awards range from $250-$1500. Projects take place from January to November. An organization may only apply for one Community Project Grant in any one year.

Please visit our website to apply for a Community Project Grant!

Deadline to apply is 5pm, Monday, November 16, 2020.

Project dates: January - November 2021

For questions contact: Lorie Hoffman, Executive Director at director@shorelinearts.net

COVID-19:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Community Project Award, activities, and events must be done in safe and socially distanced ways according to the guidance and regulations put forth by the Washington State Department of Health and Governor Jay Inslee's Safe Start phased reopening plan.

If unforeseen changes happen to your programs or planned project because of COVID-19, the Arts Council will work with your organization to create an alternative plan.

The 2019 List of Awards
  • Dandylyon Drama, Musicals Season 2018-2019, $1,500
  • Edwin T Pratt Mural at Edwin Pratt Early Learning Center, $1,500
  • JHP Cultural and Diversity Legacy, Cultural Heritage Festival, $1,000
  • Shoreline Arts For Justice at Shoreline Community College, Artist Honorarium, $600
  • Shoreline Concert Band, Winter Concert with Special Guest Soloist $500



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Home sales in Shoreline during August 2020

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





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Wendel's Licensing in Shoreline

Photo by Cynthia Sheridan

By Cynthia Sheridan

Wendel’s Licensing and Service has been in operation for the past 40 years, moving in 2019 from inside Rite Aide at 13201 Aurora in north Seattle to a storefront near Marshall’s at 15813 Westminster Way in Shoreline Place. 

One reason for the move: Wendel’s is now conveniently located next to the new DMV office. 

Wendel’s is a privately owned, family business: a vehicle, and vessel licensing agency built on the cornerstone of friendly customer service, speed and accuracy. 

Next door, the Department of Motor Vehicles, a state-run operation, assists people with drivers’ licensing. 

Both the DMV manager and business owner Ben Wendel agree this is a perfect arrangement to better serve their customers; the two companies often send clients back and forth, in order to complete the registration and licensing process.

Another important part of Ben’s business is licensing vehicles for dealerships. Currently Wendel’s has ten employees waiting to serve you.

Store owner Ben Wendel is a third-generation member of the family-owned operation, where he has been employed since 1967. Having grown up in Woodinville and Bothell, he is especially proud of the mural he commissioned for one long interior wall of the new office space. 

Photo courtesy Wendel's

Artist John Osgood spent six full days creating this lovely tribute to Washington, featuring many local icons of our state, such as Sasquatch, Mount Rainier, Native Americans, Seattle sports facilities and mascots.

Wendel's Licensing is open Monday thru Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm and select Saturdays 9:00am to 1:00pm.

Some tasks can be completed online. Check out their website HERE.




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School Reopening Update from Superintendent Miner

Supt. Rebecca Miner
This update about the possibility of hybrid reopening of Shoreline schools was sent to families with students in Shoreline Public Schools on Friday


Dear Shoreline Schools families and staff,

As I look at the smoke-filled skies outside my window, my thoughts are with the many people who have been impacted by the terrible destruction the wildfires in our state and regions have had on so many communities. I hope you and your family are staying well during this time.

I also want to thank you all for our first seven days of remote learning (a few less for our kindergarteners). While there have been some bumps in the road along the way, our engagement rates are looking strong and school teams are reaching out to every family to see how they can support our students. Our progress so far this year is a testament to the incredible work and dedication of our staff members and the commitment and flexibility our students and families have shown in adapting to the challenges that remote learning can present.

I want to take a moment to provide a brief update on where we are with the possible return to schools and classrooms. I’m happy to report that King County’s COVID-19 infection rate has been trending down in recent weeks, which is very good news. We have moved from the HIGH range of over 75 cases per 100,000 residents over the past 14 days to the MODERATE range of 25-75 cases. The current King County rate is about 65. Please continue to follow public health guidelines to keep us on this positive trend.

Based on the Department of Health’s decision tree framework, we are now in a range where we can start to consider beginning hybrid in-person learning options for younger elementary students. Specific grade levels that will be given the option of in-person hybrid learning will be announced at least two weeks prior to opening. In discussions this week with Public Health-Seattle & King County, they have cautioned us that before planning an imminent return, we should wait two weeks from Labor Day to see if there is a spike in infection rates. This is due to the trend they saw this spring and summer with infection rates rising dramatically after holiday weekends. They noted that if we are able to stay at the moderate level, schools can begin a phased-in approach to in-person hybrid learning in early October. You can also read more about their recommendations for schools in their latest Public Health Insider blog post HERE.

I’m sure many of you are wondering how much notice you will have before the possible return to in-person school. As part of our agreements with our employee associations, we will provide staff with at least two weeks’ notice before implementing in-person learning. We expect that we would inform families shortly after staff are notified.

I also want to remind families they will have the option of having their child continue with remote learning when we move to hybrid in-person learning. We will be sharing more information about this option in the coming weeks.

To assist in our planning, we will be surveying families next week to gauge interest in participating in hybrid in-person learning when it is available.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Miner
Superintendent

(Updated) City of Shoreline Offering Remote Learning Camps, FREE for Families Who Qualify

The City of Shoreline is now offering their Remote Learning Camps for FREE for families who qualify. Payment plans are also available for families who do not qualify for free service. Learn more about the programs and available scholarships HERE. You can also find links and information on our Child Care Programs resource page.

(New) Health Curriculum Night Webinar on Sept. 22

Join us for our District Health Curriculum Night Webinar on September 22, 2020, from 6-7 pm to learn more about our health curriculum, ask questions and receive opt-out information. Registration is required. A recording will also be posted on our website for those unable to attend. Learn more and register here.

(Updated) Remote Learning Resources

We have added a Food and Meal Support page on our Remote Learning Resources site. This page has information on school district and community partner programs offering student meals and/or family food assistance. You can find this page, along with more information and resources related to remote learning, at www.shorelineschools.org/remotelearning.



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Dunn Gardens is OPEN

Dunn Gardens is open Monday - Saturday for one-hour private visits in keeping with recommendations from the Washington State Department of Health.

Dunn Gardens Photo by Jack Broom


We’re all mindful of the need to maintain social distancing, that said, we believe mental health is important as well, and what better place “to get healthy” than Dunn Gardens? We are currently offering two ways to visit The Gardens:

  • Private Member Visits: Members and up to four guests are encouraged to register for one-hour visits. Members are regularly sent a link to sign-up to have the place to themselves. This is a wonderful way to enjoy a picnic a little photography or painting, or just stroll to see the latest blooms.
  • Non-Members: Non-members can call or email the office to reserve a private one-hour visit. A maximum of four guests will be allowed at a time. Cost is $10 per person.

Protocol: We ask that guests adhere to social distancing and mask guidelines. Pets are not allowed in The Gardens.

Contact: Call 206-362-0933 or email info@dunngardens.org to book a tour or become a member.

Dunn Gardens is located at 13533 Northshire Rd NW, Seattle, WA 98177





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Smoke arrived as scheduled - drone views

Friday, September 11, 2020

Aerial photography copyright Marc Weinberg


It wasn't as bad a predicted, but there's still plenty of smoke in the air obscuring the mountains and filtering the sun.

Here are a few photos and drone images that contributors have sent in.

Marc Weinberg's 400 foot view looks up Aurora. The Alexan apartments on the left look like they are nearing completion. The smoke is not so thick by the Blue Bridges but looking to the north it is a solid looking cloud.

Screen shot from Kunal Grover's video


Kunal Grover took a drone video over Lake Forest Park and Kenmore Friday morning. The mountains are gone and there is only a bit of Lake Washington in view, even from several hundred feet up. You can see his video HERE

Photo by Carl Dinse

Carl Dinse's photo looks south from 195th, where the smoke seems more concentrated.





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Jazz Vespers Sunday


Jazz Vespers is back: this Sunday, the 13th, 5 - 6pm streaming live on Facebook


Months ago when the theme of climate change was selected for this Jazz Vespers event, we had no idea how relevant it would be. As we lift our thoughts and prayers for many who are suffering the impacts of the wildfires in the west, may these moments of music be a respite for our souls.

The program this Sunday looks to be fabulous! 

Welcome Clarence Penn, renowned jazz drummer, and Ike Sturm, classical and jazz bassist. Penn‘s strength is his diverse music repertoire as soloist, sideman, in large and small ensembles, and as a sought after music faculty member.

Sturm Is the Music Director for Jazz at Saint Peter’s Church in Manhattan. In addition to his leadership with the jazz programs at the church, Sturm is a composer and recently released an album with his band, Endless Field. Sturm uses music to promote environmental activism and awareness.

Join Sturm, Penn, Jean Chaumont and others this Sunday, 5-6pm, streaming live. The program will include a reflection by Kim Herbert, Youth Director, Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church.



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Elks drive-thru dinner Saturday features Center Cut Pork Chop

Dinner line at the Shoreline Elks
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Elks Drive-Thru Center Cut Pork Chop dinner on Saturday 9/12. This dinner will benefit the Elks Therapy Program for Children. The Emblem Club will be offering desserts, too.

Center Cut Pork Chop dinner $15 (includes potatoes and veggies)

Dessert 1 for $3 or 2 for $5

First come first serve. Cash/Check only. No RSVPs.
We start serving at 5:00pm, and stop when we run out of dinners! Get there early!

As a special thanks -- We thank those that participated in our June 6th Drive-Thru dinner -- with your help we raised $850 for the North Helpline Food Bank!




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