Duwamish Plaque Dedication at Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

The plaque is embedded in the earth on the Shoreline UU Church grounds,
in a place where everyone can see it.

By Susan Storer Clark

The rain let up just long enough on Sunday, October 11, 2021 for about 40 members of Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church to dedicate a plaque recognizing the fact that the church stands on the ancestral lands of the Duwamish people. About 40 more members of the congregation joined on Zoom.

Reverend Thomas Perchlik led the short dedication service, which included reciting the words on the plaque: “We acknowledge that we are on the unceded ancestral lands of the Duwamish people, who are still here. Let us all honor and bring light to their ongoing and ancestral heritage.”


Part of the inspiration for the plaque came from Edie Loyer Nelson, a longtime member of the congregation who is also an elder in the Duwamish tribe. She says the phrase “we are still here” is important to the descendants of the Duwamish who chose to stay on their ancestral land, rather than go to reservations with members of other tribes if they were eligible to do that. 

While some of the other tribes are now federally recognized, the Duwamish are not.

The plaque is also the result of work centered in the congregation’s Social Action Committee. Jo Moore, who worked on getting the plaque produced and dedicated, says she had been conscious of Nelson’s connection with the tribe, but had always thought that they were centered by the Duwamish River. 

After an exhibit (she thinks it was at the Shoreline Historical Museum) she realized that there had been villages in Lake Forest Park, near where her family lived.

Ken Workman, a fifth-generation descendant of Chief Si’ahl, addresses congregants in Lushootseed and English, thanking them for dedicating the plaque.

Ken Workman, a prominent member of the Duwamish tribe and a 5th great-grandson of Chief Si-ahl, or Seattle, gave a prayer of thanks in Lushootseed. 

Lushootseed is the language used by the Duwamish and other Coast Salish tribes. He thanked the congregation for the plaque, saying the dedication was “important to us, that you, too, recognize that we are all part of nature, a fundamental precept of the Duwamish nation. 

One of the central principles of Unitarian Universalism is “respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.”

In a short interview after the dedication ceremony, Workman emphasized the presence of the Duwamish people in present-day Shoreline, saying they’d pick up their canoes from Lake Washington, and go through Shoreline gathering berries and shellfish, and then go catch salmon in Puget Sound. 

In the Sunday service preceding the dedication, Reverend Perchlik urged the congregation to follow through on the commitment to bring light to the Duwamish heritage, through education, visiting the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center, and possibly paying Real Rent to the Duwamish tribe.



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ShoreLake Arts and Artspace ask you to come dream with us - Thursday at 5:30pm on Zoom


Arts Center and Affordable Housing Public Meeting: Explore the possibilities for creating a new arts center in the Shoreline Area, including studio/performance spaces, affordable housing for artists and a home for ShoreLake Arts.

When: Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 5:30pm

Where: Virtually on Zoom

RSVP: Reserve your spot in this open meeting through Eventbrite

Backstory: If you haven't heard yet, ShoreLake Arts has been hard at work researching the need and positive impact of opening an arts center in Shoreline (North King County). 

We're excited to share what we learned from the focus groups and to hear from you! We'd love to have you join us for this public meeting to explore the idea further.

Questions? Feel free to Email Quinn at director@shorelakearts.org



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Adventures of an Icebreaker: Working with scientists above the Arctic Circle

Healy in Baffin Bay. U.S. Coast Guard photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

From breaking ice and performing other Coast Guard missions in the high latitudes to conducting oceanographic research along the Davis Strait in Baffin Bay, 

Near Baffin Island above the Arctic Circle. 
U.S. Coast Guard photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

Healy crewmembers see some amazing sights during this deployment!

Healy’s crew has been supporting a team of international scientists by deploying equipment near Baffin Island above the Arctic Circle, a region scientists don’t always have the opportunity to study due to its remote location.

U.S. Coast Guard photos by Chief Petty Officer Matt Masaschi.

Scientists collect data from a host of instruments and extract water samples from Baffin Bay for environmental change research.



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Conversational ESL offered at Senior Center starting October 19

 
Conversational ESL will be offered at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center beginning Tuesday, October 19, 2021 from 10 - 11am.

Classes are free to members and non-members alike.

The Senior Center is located in the southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155.



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Case updates October 11, 2021

Delta variant
As of October 11, 77.6% of Washingtonians 12 and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 71.4% of people 12 and older are fully vaccinated.

United States 
  • Total cases  44,401,209 - 52,327 new
  • Total deaths 714,243 - 527 new

Washington state 
  • Total confirmed cases 608,185 - 7,407 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 37,957 - 339 new   
  • Statewide ICU occupancy by COVID-19 patients - 27.7% 
  • Total deaths 8,062 - 40 new  

King county 
  • Total confirmed cases 147,960 -  1,566 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 8,213 -  59 new   
  • Total deaths 1,926 -  6 new  

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases 36,421  - 402 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 1,757  -    12 new 
  • Total deaths 482 -   2 new  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases 3,209 -  25 new    
  • Total hospitalizations 240 -   1 new   
  • Total deaths 109 -  0 new    

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases 488 - 2 new 
  • Total hospitalizations 21 -    0 new
  • Total deaths 5  - 0 new


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Shorecrest tennis sweeps Archbishop Murphy 7-0

Zaid Khan

Story and photos by Rob Mann, SC Coach

The Shorecrest team came out ready to play despite the threat of rain the entire time. Zaid Khan’s forehands reached another level today with increased power and precision. Despite his crazy forehands, he faced a formidable opponent with great defense. Somehow, Zaid found himself down 1-5 in the 2nd set, but he was determined to not drop the second set and miraculously climbed his way out of deep hole to take the set 7-5.

Matthew Gardiner

Matthew Gardiner
started the first set really tight and dropped the first set in a close tiebreaker. He remembered to just relax and accelerate his racquet, which led to a lopsided victory in the second set with score of 6-0. With the radar showing that the courts will be covered in rain in the near future, the coaches agreed to play a ten-point tiebreaker in lieu of a 3rd set. The tiebreaker was close, with Matthew prevailing 12-10.

Indigo Vining

Indigo Vining
split sets with his opponent today, dropping the first set, then winning the second yet. He won his second set, by striking the ball more cleanly and using heavy topspin to keep the ball on the court. He carried that momentum into the super-tiebreaker taking an early 6-0 lead. His opponent fought his way back, but in the end Indigo was able to secure the victory with a score of 10-6.

Connor Wakefield

Connor Wakefield,
who is really a doubles specialist, played singles for the first time for Shorecrest and he crushed it. He dominated by hitting the ball deep on the court and getting to the net early.  His opponent left him many short lobs that he was able to put away.  He was the first to finish winning 6-2, 6-1.

Calvin Rice and Owen Pierce

The dynamic duo of Calvin Rice and Owen Pierce, who usually play singles, played doubles today to get ready for the postseason. It was a close match, but in the end they won with great serving, touch volleys, and punch volleys to the open court.

Sohum Vohra and Spencer Berry

Sohum Vohra
and Spencer Berry had a dominant performance on Court 2 soundly beating their opponents by keeping the ball in play. 

Parker Mina and Ronin Crawford had a lengthy match, but prevailed with hitting solid cross court returns and taking the net early as a team so that they could finish points with solid volleys.formidable

Shorecrest Varsity Boys Tennis
WESCO 2A/3A/4A

Date: 10/12/21 Opponent: Archbishop Murphy Location: Gateway MS

Score: SC: 7 Opponent: 0 SC Overall Record: 6-6

Singles
  1. SC: Zaid Khan 6-3, 7-5 W Opponent: Cole Balen
  2. SC: Matthew Gardiner 6-7(4), 6-0, 12-10 W Opponent: Ethan Welter
  3. SC: Indigo Vining 3-6, 6-4, 10-6 W Opponent: Sam Mulliken
  4. SC: Connor Wakefield 6-2, 6-1 W Opponent: Zach Cuda
Doubles
  1. SC: Calvin Rice/Owen Pierce 7-5, 6-3 W Opponent: Sean Balen/Patrick Kenny
  2. SC: Sohum Vohra/Spencer Berry 6-1, 6-0 W Opponent: Andrew Davenport/Lochlan Shevlin
  3. 3 SC: Parker Mina/Ronin Crawford 6-3, 6-3 W Opponent: Josh Navula/Max Chinn


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Northern Lights in Puget Sound

Screen shot from Skunk Bay Weather video

By Diane Hettrick

I've been hearing about the Northern Lights being visible recently in the continental United States but was startled to see they were visible in Puget Sound.

Greg Johnson has a weather station called Skunk Bay Weather at the tip of the Kitsap Peninsula, complete with video camera. He gets some amazing shots but this video of the Northern Lights is my favorite.

Here's what he said:

Just an awesome show last night. It heated up and slowed down and then heated up again. It even kept going even after it clouded over. Here is a video of the full night.

Best viewed here: https://www.skunkbayweather.com/NL101121.mp4


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With Prop 1, voters decide the future of sustainable funding for walkways, safe connections, parks, and recreation in LFP

On Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 1pm, Third Place Commons invites you to the Lake Forest Park Prop 1 Pros and Cons Forum. More information here. Register here

~~~~~~~~~

By Luanne Brown

Voters in Lake Forest Park (LFP) will be voting on Proposition 1 in the upcoming election on November 2, 2021. The ballot measure says:

November 2, 2021 General and Special Election


The full wording of Resolution No. 1810 can be found here.

What are the main points of Resolution No 1810?

The issues surrounding Prop 1 are complex, but when distilled to its essence, it can be summarized as follows:

The City wants to permanently increase that portion of our property taxes that is paid to Lake Forest Park, which is 9 percent of your total King County tax bill. These additional funds will add up to $2 million dollars yearly which will give the city the ability to pay the debt on $20 million worth of Bonds used to raise money to fund projects identified by the City through the Safe Streets study and the PROST Plan (Parks, Recreation, Open Spaces, Trails) as well from citizen input.

Who determines how this money will be used?

The Council is setting the rules for that now and will discuss and vote on this question at the Thursday, October 14th meeting.

The Parks Board, under the rules the Council is developing, will provide citizen input on priorities and there is also opportunity for public comment at Park Board meetings and City Council meetings.

Why is this issue coming up now?

According to Deputy Mayor and Councilmember Phillippa Kassover, the City Council began discussing the need for a new source of revenue, prior to the pandemic, to fulfill the Safe Streets and PROST plans.

“We were not able to follow through in 2020, as the Governor’s emergency orders required cities to prioritize essential services for several months. Council began discussing these needs again in Spring of 2021, following our completion of the Town Center code. 
"Due to inflation and the Bond market variabilities, the longer the city waits to secure a new stream of revenue to accomplish the priorities in the Safe Streets and PROST plan, the more expensive these projects will become, and the less the city will be able to accomplish.”

Why not do a bond without a levy lid lift?


According to Kassover, the City administration has warned that simply selling bonds to cover construction costs is not a feasible option, as under the current budget the city would not have the resources to pay the interest on the bonds, hire additional staff to develop the detailed plans and estimates required for the bond sale, nor operate and maintain new facilities if they were built. That is why the 2021 Council discussions focused on a levy lid lift as the best option.

Why are additional property taxes necessary to pay for these improvements?

Unlike many surrounding cities, LFP does not have a significant commercial tax base to rely on for money to fund these improvement projects. So, if residents of LFP want better roads, sidewalks, and parks, we will have to pay more in property taxes to fund and maintain these improvements.

Why not write grants or use REET (real estate excise tax) funds to pay for these improvements?

Kassover says that the City has had some success writing grants and has raised money for culverts but was not successful in finding funding for sidewalks. 

“If we look at all the letters and emails that we get from citizens, setting aside the town center issues, the number one thing we hear about from our citizens is safety. The fact that someone could lose their life because our streets are unsafe affected us deeply as council members. 
"We have also applied to the U. S. Department of Transportation, Safe Routes to School program but there we compete with other cities. Also, for some grants, you must have matching funds which we don’t. And our REET funds are already spoken for.”

Why does this levy lid lift have to be permanent?

This aspect of the resolution has strong convictions on both sides, making it the most contentious point of argument.

The Pro

From the City Council’s point of view, leaving the levy lid lift open-ended ensures that the City can make and maintain street improvements and operate and maintain the new park the City creates. They see it as a positive and responsible decision that means they won’t have to defer maintenance or ask citizens for more money down the line to pay to keep these improvements in good condition.

The YES FOR SIDEWALKS SAFE STREETS AND PARKS group says on their Facebook page that, 

“the reason the council decided to leave this levy open ended rather than suggest a specific number of years is to ensure that the funding would always be available for operations and maintenance of our new park improvements and new sidewalks and safe streets infrastructure.

"Council wants to avoid the burden incurred by taxpayers when cities do not plan for maintenance of the assets. Deferred maintenance leads to significant decline in the function and value of physical assets and requires enormous amounts of money to eventually repair or rebuild.”

They compare what they've done to the actions of a responsible homeowner who must budget for maintenance and repairs as well as pay for the mortgage. In other words, not only do we have to pay for something, we must take care of what we pay for it. This obligation continues even after the bonds are paid for and this maintenance cost is expected to increase over time.

This group has gone with a ‘MINI Filer’ designation with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) where no campaign reporting is required. However, Kassover, who serves as treasurer, says they have raised $3500. Their top four contributors have each contributed $500. Their names are Stacie Johnson, Semra Riddle, Lois Lee, and Francois Pondemer.

The Con

Jeff Snedden, the major contributor to the opposition group, says that if this permanent aspect of the levy lid lift were not there, that he would vote ‘yes’ on the proposition. Steven Plusch, Chair of this ‘vote no’ effort agrees. “If it had been a limited term, we (our group) wouldn’t be here.”

Plusch says their group supports safe streets and parks but there is a better way to go about getting them, which warrants more study. 

Sneddon adds, “This (proposition) shouldn’t have been put on the ballot. It should have been studied more. We should have had a better understanding of the priorities across three different very important things the city is facing: parks, streets, and the development downtown.”

However, on their website, this group states that “This type of permanent levy lift is unprecedented.” That is not true, according to Diann Locke, a Levies and Appeals Specialist with the Property Tax Division of the Washington State Department of Revenue. 

Instead, she says, “From my experience as an auditor, I have seen many taxing districts with voter approved permanent lid lifts.” The State allows the governing body to set those terms and red lights do not automatically flash when they encounter one in an audit.

The ‘vote no’ group, Neighbors for A Sustainable LFP 2021, according to the PDC has, as of 10/11/21 raised $13,774.06 from 18 individuals and three businesses, including $100 of small contributions from undesignated sources. Their top four donors include: Sneddon ($5000), Jack Tonkin ($3000), Donald Nibouar ($2000), Plusch ($1000).

​How much will our taxes increase if Prop 1 passes?

Currently the City gets 9 percent of our King County property taxes to pay for City services. The cost to the taxpayer will increase only on the part of their taxes that are paid to LFP, not their total King County tax bill. When the percentage increase is cited without the qualification, that it is 61 percent of 9 percent, it is an untrue statement.

The “vote no” group has, on more than one occasion, not properly qualified their use of the 61 percent figure. 

One of those times being in the Statement in opposition to the levy on the King County Election website, where it says, “There are better ways to fund them than permanently increasing property taxes 61 percent...” 

Another time they cited this figure without accurate qualification is on their homepage, under the headline "Excessive" where they say, “Prop 1's 61 percent increase is far and away the largest tax increase ever proposed in Lake Forest Park.” 

It is not clear that it is 61 percent of a much smaller number relative to the total amount paid of property tax paid by property owners in LFP. When this was brought to the attention of Sneddon and Plusch they say it was an unintentional error and cited the lack of time they had to prepare their opposition. These errors are exceptions as there are additional cases where they have properly qualified that figure.

Example of the impact of the levy lid lift on one household

In this example:
  • A homeowner has an assessed property value (according to the County Assessor) of $624,000.
  • In 2021, the King County Property Tax Bill for this property is $7055.
  • Of that amount 9 percent or $610 per year comes back to the City of LFP.
  • Under the new levy, that amount will increase $372 for a total property tax of $7427 ($7055 + $372)
  • If Prop 1 passes, $982 ($610 + $372) will be the new amount coming to the City.
  • Now the homeowner who used to pay 9 percent, will pay 13 percent for an increase of 4 percent in the tax that goes to LFP.

Additional pro and con statements

Pro: Council Member Lorri Bodi, on Nextdoor

“The ballot measure is complicated. It's capped to raise a flat $2M per year (permanently) with no adjustment for inflation, so as mentioned the revenue will decline in real spending power over time. The levy rate is not locked in, but will likely also decline over time, to raise just the $2M.

"The levy could provide a revenue stream for construction bonds if that’s the best bang for the buck. Once sidewalks and recreation facilities are built, the funds will be used for maintenance and repair of the new improvements. Even the initial priority list for sidewalks and recreation totals about $12-19M based on 2018 costs. Sidewalks and other improvements are expensive.

"We have tried but been unable to fund these community-recommended improvements for public enjoyment and safety through grants or other means. Even the sidewalks to schools which are "shovel ready" have been rejected more than once. Prop1 makes clear that the funds are absolutely dedicated and can’t be used for other purposes, even by a future Council. 

"There will be a public annual implementation plan to identify upcoming priority projects, timelines, and costs. The community Parks and Recreation Board will partner with the Council on setting these implementation plan priorities and public engagement. There will also be an annual report on what was accomplished, for accountability to the community."

What do people who oppose the resolution say?

On their website, opponents to the measure claim without supporting details that “there is a better way” to do this. “I’ve seen nothing about prioritizing the studies and making choices about what a city of 13,500 plus people can afford,” Sneddon says. He says it is, “a real serious issue that has not been addressed.” But Sneddon also wonders, “Are we overreaching? Are we spending too much money?” He also believes that “not in every case is government doing the right or best thing for the community."

And with regard to the new waterfront park, Sneddon indicates that people who aren’t eligible for membership in the two private waterfront parks that already exist currently have the option to go to Log Boom Park, Matthews Beach, or other beaches within easy commuting distance from Lake Forest Park.

What does the future hold for Lake Forest Park?

The City of Lake Forest Park wants to invest in their community long term for safer streets, more sidewalks, and improved parks, including a new waterfront park.

On November 2, 2021 voters in LFP will have the opportunity to choose whether they want to fund projects that will provide additional sidewalks for safer walking, calming methods to address increased traffic in and through the city, and improved park amenities. Or not.

Whatever your choice, make your voices heard and vote.



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Shoreline Council Candidate Eben Pobee

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Ballots will be mailed October 16, 2021 for the November 2 general election.

Eben Pobee is running unopposed for Shoreline City Council position 5, currently held by Susan Chang, who is retiring at the end of her term.

Eben Pobee
Eben's statement

Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Ghana; Master’s in Business Administration, Concordia University

Occupation: Finance Manager, EPOBS Solutions; Consultant, B-Construction UG. (Previously with Pierce County, Pierce Transit and Novanta)

I’m running to give my neighbors the opportunities that Shoreline has provided me and to give voice to the overlooked and underserved.

I’ve been blessed to live the American Dream here in Shoreline. I’m inspired by my family and driven by a commitment to public service with honor and integrity.

Our greatest responsibility is to build a better city for the next generation. As a community leader, husband, and father of three, I ask myself: how can we accommodate growth, while honoring our environment and the needs of our community? Shoreline’s decision-making process should be easier to understand so that everyone can provide input; I believe this will guide the city to develop implementable recommendations that reflect community input.

I pledge to listen to your concerns, research the issues, be a consensus-builder, and make decisions that benefit the people and businesses of Shoreline.

Endorsements: Senator Salomon, Representative Davis, Deputy Mayor Scully, Councilmembers Chang, McConnell, and Robertson, and many of your friends and neighbors.



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Halloween House

Photo By Seattle Poppy
 
This Halloween House is on 12th Ave NE in the vicinity of NE 170 - NE 175th.

Send in your Halloween photos to Editor@ShorelineAreaNews.com




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Shoreline Council Candidate Chris Roberts

Ballots will be mailed October 15, 2021 for the November 2 general election.


Chris Roberts
Chris Roberts
is the incumbent in position 7, running unopposed.

Chris' statement

Every March, the City Council meets to set the city’s goals for the year. I am always impressed by the dedication of our staff to our city and by the progress that is made every year to implement those goals and make our city a better place to live and work. 

In just the past 12 months, we provided CARES Act funding directly to local businesses, adopted our city’s Housing Action Plan, and completed infrastructure improvements on Westminster to help revitalize Shoreline Place. 

We filled in the sidewalk gap on 1st Ave NE just north of Shoreline Park, received grant funding for the 145th St Corridor and the 148th St non-motorized bridge, planted 64 new trees along 9th Ave NE, and began implementing our priority environmental strategies. 

We are implementing our city’s diversity and inclusion program, holding several virtual discussions and workshops about building an anti-racist community, and are working with multiple community organizations to strengthen Shoreline’s RADAR program. 

I know there is much more we need to do to make sure that our city works for all residents. We ought to invest in acquiring and developing park space in all of Shoreline’s neighborhoods. We should complete sidewalks surrounding our city’s elementary schools so everyone can walk safely to school. We should prioritize green building design and update and continue to implement our city’s climate action plan.

I am confident that we will come together to meet the challenges that arise in our city. We are residents of a city that is generous, tolerant, and passionate. When we come together, I know that we will continue to build a city we all are proud of.

I would appreciate your vote this November.



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Shoreline Council Candidate Laura Mork

Ballots will be mailed October 15, 2021 for the November 2 general election.

Laura Mork is running unopposed for Shoreline city council position 3, currently held by Mayor Will Hall, who is retiring from the council at the end of his term.

Laura Mork
Laura's statement

My family and I have lived in Shoreline for 25 years, with my son and daughter going through Shoreline Schools, and I as a long-time volunteer. I am an engineer with decades of managerial experience in the private sector. 

I believe that input coming from people of diverse backgrounds and experiences strengthens quality decision-making. I plan to bring my experience to City Council and I will listen and learn from other people’s unique perspectives.
 
I am running for City Council to provide community oversight for the infrastructure changes necessitated by the Light Rail stations and population growth; things such as sewers, sidewalks, and public places. 

My focus will be on cost-effective solutions that support our environment and community. My years of work on both the Ronald Wastewater and Shoreline Planning Commissions highlighted the importance of community input as well as the importance of considering alternate solutions.
 
Our City’s Park system needs to be improved. All neighborhoods should have parks that are easily accessible. Green spaces and trees provide many environmental benefits, and are good for our mental health. My vision for a walkable community means that people who want to walk, can safely do so, whether it be a local business, a park, or in a neighborhood.

I believe Shoreline must be responsive to the needs of residents now and in the future. As a city council member, I will strive to find the solutions that will move our community forward as a great, sustainable place to live and do business.

I believe in community, and have a strong sense of place. Place is where we live, where we listen to each other, where we feel safe and have many things to do. Place is where education is valued, diversity is a strength, and residents respect governance.

But a community such as this doesn’t just spring up and last indefinitely, it requires constant care. Each of us must vote, support our local businesses (so that our tax dollars stay in town), and volunteer as needed to ensure this care. Each of us must participate.
 
I humbly ask for your vote to serve on the Shoreline City Council.



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Shoreline Council Candidate John Ramsdell

Ballots will be mailed October 15, 2021 for the November 2 general election.

John Ramsdell is running unopposed for Shoreline City Council position 1, currently held by Keith McGlashan, who is retiring at the end of his term.

John Ramsdell
John's statement

I hold a passionate belief that good government strives to engage its residents in open dialogue, one that actively listens and collaborates to solve problems that impact our lives.

The Shoreline City Council will make decisions during the next four years that will determine what our community will look like 25 years from now. Public input will play a critical role in determining the best path forward for our community.

My neighbors, city staff, current Council, and campaign volunteers know me as the person who successfully initiated and shepherded Shoreline's recent purchase of a private lot to be developed into a public park. 

For 25 years as a licensed mental health professional, I have provided specialized assistance to thousands of King County’s most vulnerable citizens, including elderly adults in crisis, individuals with disabilities, people without homes, and foster children. 

As an Employee Assistance Program clinical account executive, I currently provide and manage services to over 80,000 employees in over 200 companies, non-profit organizations, small businesses, native tribes, school districts, and municipalities in the Pacific Northwest.

The challenges our community will face will be daunting. Affordable housing, equitable access to public open space, structural racism, police reform, and public safety are a few of the many issues that the Council will tackle. Members of the Council have played and will continue to play an essential role in mitigating the effects of global warming. 

It will be necessary to approve ordinances that will eliminate our dependency on fossil fuels, encourage the use of public transportation and provide economic incentives to prevent urban sprawl. Our future as a species depends on it.

I am excited to start my term on the Council in January with a very talented group of colleagues. I hope and expect that my education, including advanced degrees in public administration and psychology, professional and volunteer experiences, will prepare me to be a councillor that Shoreline residents will proudly call their own.

For more information about my campaign, to volunteer or to donate, please go to www.electjohnramsdell.com.



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Mountains to Sound Greenway acknowledges and commemorates Indigenous Peoples' Day

Today, Monday, October 11, the Mountains to Sound Greenway acknowledges and commemorates Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Since time immemorial, Salish peoples have lived, traveled, shaped, and cared for the lands and waterways in what is now known as the Mountains to Sound Greenway.

To this day, tribal members continue their unbroken chain of stewarding the landscape.

The best place to learn about tribes and tribal heritage is from the tribes themselves. Here are links to the tribes with whom the Greenway Trust is consulting to develop the Greenway National Heritage Area management plan. We encourage you to learn more about each one.


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Sno-Isle Genealogy will help you knock down your "brick walls"

Sno-Isle Genealogy Library
Photo from Google
Sno-Isle Genealogy society is offering researchers another opportunity to get help with their "brick wall" problems this Saturday October 16, 2021 at its Research Library, 19827 Poplar Way, Heritage Park, Lynnwood. 

To make a reservation call 425-775-6267 to leave a message. Your call will be returned later this week.  Caroll Budny is an experienced researcher who can direct your research efforts. The free 40 min. session is an "in person" appointment.  


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It wouldn't be Halloween without a dragon

 
Photo by Seattle Poppy


This dragon lives on 12th NE, south of NE 175th




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Community dining returns to the Senior Center

 
In person lunch has returned to the Senior Center!

Arrive at 11:35am and go straight to the dining room - check in as you enter. Suggested donation $4/person.

COVID-19 protocols:
  • Bring your proof of vaccination card
  • Only 32 guests may attend each day - first come, first serve
  • 4 people per table, including members of the same household
  • Masks are required in the Center; they may be taken off at your table while you eat.


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New show at ShoreLake Arts Gallery features Ben Groff and Lee Harper



Ben Groff and Lee Harper
October 6 - November 13, 2021

ShoreLake Arts Gallery is exhibiting a selection of works by Oil Painter Ben Groff and Photographer Lee Harper. See these works and the creations of other local artists during gallery hours: Tuesday – Saturday, Noon to 5pm. You can also view and purchase art in the online shop!

The ShoreLake Arts Gallery is not-for-profit and features changing art exhibits on the walls every 6 weeks, as well as jewelry, ceramics, glass and more by over 100 local artists.

Ben Groff
Artist Bio

I was born in Pennsylvania, growing up there and among the little hills of Rockland County, New York. I moved to Seattle after college, later to Lynnwood, and have lived here ever since, enjoying a long career as a nurse at Virginia Mason Hospital. My interests have included hiking, mountaineering, and world travel, from which I draw most of my images. However my deepest concern has always been pan-artistic, spanning music, photography, art, and literature; I have been a fiction writer with many published stories. I am married with two grown children and one lovely granddaughter.

Artist Statement

From an early age, I drew pictures in pencil, continuing into my mature years. When I finally came to painting in oils, this emphasis on clarity of line and form carried on into the new medium and I found myself to be by nature a realistic artist. But realism must never be an end in itself; rather the brush must adapt itself to the object and the object to the brush so that a deeper sense of the reality of the scene can emerge. Above all I seek to work with heightened color and light to express the spiritual essence that I find in that sudden, transitory moment of illumination the image contains, making it permanent.

www.bengroffoilpaintings.com

Lee Harper
Artist Bio

My foray into the world of photography began with taking daily snaps on my iPhone as a way to combat the rainy and dark Seattle winters. Next was my “gateway camera”, a point and shoot. From there it was game on and I was addicted!

In 2017, I completed the Summer Intensive Program at the Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Montana. I try to get out as often as I can, sometimes to my front yard, and sometimes for further adventures, like watching the snow geese in Skagit.

I fell in love with the art of printing. Watching my art come to life is as enjoyable as taking photos. I got sick of buying cheap frames to put my art in, and decided I would print and mount my photos on wood. A friend offered to cut the wood for me, allowing me to make art of all sizes. The smallest are 2 inches square, and are my favorite to make. It’s like shrinky dink art!

I have exhibited in several group shows at community art galleries, and individual shows at local coffee shops, bars, and eateries and festivals in Seattle and on Camano Island. This past summer I participated in two pop-up art walks in Phinney and Broadview. It was so much fun to share my art with my neighbors (from a safe distance of course!). Art makes me happy and photography helped me keep my sanity during the pandemic.

Artist Statement - City Critters

I enjoy taking photos of city critters – squirrels, crows, pigeons, turtles and more. They are curious, brave, scrappy and resourceful. And they make me smile. Given their city environment, they are often pretty used to people, and make great subjects. I like doing intimate portraits of them, with a focus on their eyes, their little paws, or their beaks. Most of the animals in this show live in Seattle – at the beach, the Ballard Locks, my front yard, or other local natural areas. I hope you enjoy the city critters and that they make you smile too.

Instagram: @leeharperphotographer

Visit our website to view their art!

The ShoreLake Arts Gallery is a program of ShoreLake Arts and is located inside the Town Center in Lake Forest Park on the lower level. 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155.

ShoreLake Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to cultivate creativity and inspire our community through the arts. Established in 1989.



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Fall colors

 
Pin oak photo by Douglas Cerretti

A wonderful example of fall colors displayed by this Pin Oak (Quercus palustris), a variety of Red Oak located at the Edmonds Veteran Plaza, Edmonds, WA. It's breathtaking.

--Douglas Cerretti



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Shorecrest tennis vs Arlington

Owen Pierce photo by Rob Mann

Shorecrest Varsity Boys Tennis
WESCO 2A/3A/4A
Date: 10/11/21 Opponent: Arlington Location: Arlington HS
Coach Rob Mann

Zaid Khan photo by Rob Mann

Score: SC: 5 Opponent: 2 SC Overall Record: 5-6

Indigo Vaning photo by Rob Mann

Singles

  1. SC: Zaid Khan 6-0, 6-1 W Opponent: Cooper McBride
  2. SC: Owen Pierce 6-0, 6-2 W Opponent: Braden Dahlgren
  3. SC: Indigo Vining 6-1, 2-6, 8-10 L Opponent: Grant Cramer
  4. SC: Sohum Vohru 6-0, 6-3 W Opponent: Riley Beam
Spencer Berry and Thomas Linville photo by Rob Mann

Doubles
  1. SC: Matthew Gardiner/Connor Wakefield 6-0, 6-1 W Opponent: Cadyn Sava/Tyler Uffens
  2. SC: Parker Mina/Ronin Crawford 6-7(2), 4-6 L Opponent: Aaron Nichols/Eli Weber
  3. SC: Thomas Linville/Spencer Berry 7-5, 6-3 W Opponent: Dawson Ford/Isaiah Christoffers
Sohum Vohru photo by Rob Mann




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Register now for Prop 1 Pro and Con Forum on Saturday, 10/16

On Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 1pm, Third Place Commons invites you to the Lake Forest Park Prop 1 Pros and Cons Forum.

The forum will explore the intentions and ramifications of Prop 1 from both sides of the issue. First, a member of city staff will present the factual parameters of what is proposed. Then three representatives from the Pro side and three representatives from the Con side will share their perspectives.

Following presentations from each side, the audience will have a chance to ask questions of both sides.

This nonpartisan program will be moderated by Chelsea Jordan, Voter Service Co-Chair on the Board of League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County, who recently moderated the LFP City Council Candidate Forum as well.

Don’t miss this nonpartisan event examining one of the most discussed issues of this election season. Register here for the Lake Forest Park Prop 1 Pros and Cons Forum.

Third Place Commons – a community supported 501(c)3 nonprofit organization – has been building real community in the heart of Lake Forest Park for over 20 years. In addition to presenting its largest program, the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, Third Place Commons now also fosters real community in digital space with TPC At Home programs.



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Shoreline Police: Once. Twice. Three times, you're in handcuffs.

He wanted his puffy jacket
On Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 2:39am, we received a call of a possible burglary in progress in the 14500 block of Aurora Ave N in Shoreline.
 
A bar employee told dispatchers that a male had jumped the fenced patio outside the bar and was now yelling and banging on the back door. Fearing for their safety, she and another employee stayed in the basement until police arrived.

When deputies arrived they located the male, who was immediately detained. The male was intoxicated and uncooperative. When asked for his name, the male refused to give it but added that he had been in the bar earlier and thought he left his coat inside. He described it as a "black puffy jacket."
 
Deputies asked bar staff if they could check on the man's jacket. An employee soon found the coat and brought it out to the male, who confirmed the jacket was his.

The bar staff told deputies they wanted the male formally trespassed since he was aggressive and had scared the employees. A deputy completed a criminal trespass form and gave the bar a copy.

Here's where it gets good: After explaining the trespass to the male, the deputy asked him to sign it. Of course, he refused, so the deputy gave him a copy of the form anyway and told the man he could not come back to the bar for a year.
 
The male refused to leave the property, so the deputy explained that he needed to go or be arrested for trespassing. The male again refused to leave and insisted the deputy show him the property lines. The deputy told him he needed to walk to Aurora Ave N to get off the property.

The male, not believing the deputy, refused to walk away. Moments later, after he'd been told three times to leave the property, the man found himself wearing a nice pair of handcuffs.

The male was transported and booked into the SCORE (South Correctional Entity) jail for Criminal Trespass in the First Degree.
 
As a reminder, we do not show suspects' faces until they have been formally charged.

--King County Sheriff's Office



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North end Makerspace opens in Pinehurst

Monday, October 11, 2021


We are excited to announce the Grand Opening of our new makerspace in North Seattle on Saturday October 23rd, 10am to 10pm and Sunday October 24, 2021, 12pm to 6pm.

We will be open to the public during both days with various events, tours, and tool demonstrations planned.
 
For those out of the loop, we are a 501c3 nonprofit run entirely by volunteers. Our new makerspace is located in the Pinehurst neighborhood of North Seattle at 12317 15th Ave NE. (Just get on 15th NE and drive south).

We would love it if you could stop by! Learn more using one of the links below.


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Shoreline Fire offering CPR class

This coming Wednesday, October 13, 2021 Shoreline Fire is hosting an American Heart Association CPR class, starting at 6pm at headquarters station 17525 Aurora Ave N. (Note that you can only enter the site from southbound Aurora).

If you need a certification card, it’s $50 cash or check. If you do not need a card, it’s free!  

Please come learn how to save a life!

Sign up by calling into headquarters at 206-533-6500.

The fire department is looking to teach one class a month for the next few months. 

Covered in the class: Adult, Child and Infant CPR/AED and choking.



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Photo: Sometimes the view is the tree

L-R Venus, Giant Sequoia, Crescent Moon
Photo by Barbara Twaddell


The evening star, one of nature's giants, and the romantic fantasy of the crescent moon line up against the backdrop of a perfectly fading sunset.



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Monday is Indigenous People's Day



Watercolor by Whitney Potter in honor of Indigenous People's Day, October 11, 2021.



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AAUW Seattle and Edmonds SnoKing sponsor a Humanities Program on Native American Contributions to Democracy

Fern Renville will speak on Native American 
contributions to democracy on Nov. 13 on zoom
American Democracy’s Indigenous Roots and Future will be presented by Fern Naomi Renville of the Humanities WA Speakers Bureau, November 13, 2021 at 10:30am via zoom

The program is sponsored by the AAUW Seattle and Edmonds SnoKing Branches.

Benjamin Franklin learned the principles of federalism from Native Americans and helped write these principles into the U.S. Constitution. 

American Suffragists were fascinated with Native American matriarchal power and invited Native American women leaders to speak at their conferences. 

Join storyteller Fern Renville as she shares stories both mythic and personal that reframe and highlight the history, present, and future of Indigenous female power and leadership in America.

Renville is a Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota, Omaha, and Seneca-Cayuga storyteller, theatre director, and playwright. The program is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required at:

Calendar | American Association of University Women - Seattle Branch (aauw-seattle.org)

For more information, contact AAUW Seattle at programs@aauw-seattle.org



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Gloria's Insects: My chartreuse carapace is complemented by this panther pink petal, doncha think, photog?


(I agree with Sid the Shield Bug, aka Stink Bug...well chosen, Sid!)

--Gloria Z Nagler



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Help plant native trees and shrubs in Twin Ponds Park on Nov 6 and Nov 13

Weeding at Twin Ponds Park

Help is needed to restore a healthy urban forest habitat in an area much degraded by the peat mines that occupied Twin Ponds Park for most of the past century. 

Areas denuded of native trees and shrubs were covered by stands of blackberry and other invasive weeds which crowded out any indigenous plants, destroying any chance of having a natural habitat of mutually supportive plants and animals.

Student earning service hours by digging out blackberry roots

Trained stewards and community volunteers, including Shoreline high school students earning community volunteer credit needed for graduation, have worked for over four years cutting down weeds, digging up deeply embedded roots, and continuously following up as weeds return. 

A large area bounded by the soccer field on the north, First Avenue on the East, a bridge over Thornton Creek on the West and the parking lot to the South has been planted with native trees, shrubs and groundcovers which provide a healthier habitat for all types of wildlife.

This brother and sister are loading mulch

New plantings in the wetland areas along Thornton Creek are thriving.

Now at the end of a very successful year of safe outdoor work during the pandemic, a large area across from the Community Garden is ready for 200 plants.
 
This year the work is supported by the "Green Shoreline Partnership", made up of the Shoreline Park Department and Forterra, a nonprofit organization sponsoring urban forest restoration in western Washington.

These three dug a hole 9 feet by 3 feet and 3 feet deep to get rid of blackberry roots

Please join volunteers wishing to make an impact on the environment in their own community. You could not only make the park beautiful but will establish an improved habitat for all wildlife.

Neighbors walking in the park will enjoy the spring blossoms on the shrubs and will appreciate your work.

To register go to : (or just start with step 4)
  1. Green Shoreline Partnership
  2. For this event click the red tab "Volunteer at a Restoration Event" (there are 2 tabs)
  3. Use the filters on the right side of the page to choose Shoreline and then Twin Ponds Park
  4. Choose "South Twin Ponds Park Saturday Work Party" 11/6/2021 or 11/13/2021
  5. Select volunteer button (Join this event)
  6. Sign up on the volunteer page
OR IF YOU PREFER:
  • just email Sarah Fulton, fultonsarah45@gmail.com to indicate that you wish to help out on November 6 or November 13.


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