LFP City Council to hold Public Hearing for Tree Code on July 28, 2022 at 7:00pm

Sunday, July 24, 2022

Maple in Pfingst Animal Acres Park
Photo by Dan Short
City of Lake Forest Park
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022 - 7:00 P.M.

Proposed Code Amendments regarding Tree Canopy Preservation and Enhancement ("Tree Code")

The City of Lake Forest Park City Council has been reviewing proposed amendments to chapter 16.14 of the Lake Forest Park Municipal Code (LFPMC) code regarding Tree Canopy Preservation and Enhancement (Tree Code) for adoption under Ordinance Number 1245.

Amendments being considered include: 
  • amending the policy section by adding a statement regarding the importance of trees in mitigating climate change and explaining the particular importance of “Exceptional” trees;
  • the phrase “stand of trees” is replaced with the phrase “grove of trees” defined as a continuous grouping of trees of a certain size with overlapping canopies that occupy a defined amount of space;
  • amending the process for appealing an approved tree permit by not allowing the tree to be removed until the appeal period for a major tree permit has expired (14 days);
  • for removal of trees in critical areas, the proposed ordinance authorizes the city to require review by the appropriate professional but eliminates the mandatory requirement that a geologist or geotechnical engineer certify all permit applications on steep slopes, landslide hazard areas, or their buffers;
  • amends the “Tree replacement” section of the Tree Code and its use of native replacement tree species;
  • changes the assessment of tree canopy coverage from annually to once every five years;
  • the Ordinance does not currently propose, but it has been discussed, amendments to the threshold diameter of Exceptional trees.

The public hearing will be conducted during the City Council’s regular meeting on July 28, 2022. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm and the public hearing will commence thereafter. 

The public hearing will be held in person at the City Council Chambers and virtually. Instructions for how to participate in the virtual public hearing may be found on the agenda for the meeting. 

Written testimony will be accepted prior to the meeting and distributed to the City Council and verbal testimony will be accepted during the public hearing.

Written comments should be submitted to City Clerk Matt McLean at mmclean@cityoflfp.com no later than 5:00pm local time on the date of the hearing. 

Any person wishing to provide oral testimony at the hearing is encouraged to register via the Remote Public Comment Sign-in Form on the City’s Hybrid City Council Meetings webpage https://www.cityoflfp.com/615/Hybrid-City-Council-Meetings by 5:00pm on the date of the meeting. 

Persons who have not signed up on the online public hearing sign-in sheet will be called upon to raise their hand through the Zoom meeting webinar feature and will be added to the speakers’ queue by the City Clerk, to be called upon by the Meeting Chair or designee. 

A request to speak can also be made by phone directly to the City Clerk at 206-368-5540 prior to 5:00pm on the date of the meeting.

The agenda will be available here by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 25, 2022.

Matt McLean
City Clerk



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New ESL class starts August 2, 2022 at the Shoreline Senior Activity Center

We are excited to announce a NEW ESL class starting at the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center starting August 2nd.

Led by two experienced ESL teachers, the sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. There is no charge to attend this class.

Please call the Senior Center by Tuesday July 26 at 206-365-1536 to register

BEGINNING ESL READING CLASS Facilitators: Cathy Costa and Jane Sitko

This class will practice the English sound system for pronunciation, words and reading with grammar and vocabulary. It will also focus on simple sentence structure.
  • Day: Tuesdays / Thursday Time: 11:00am-12:00pm
  • Location: Craft Room Cost: FREE
  • Class start date: August 2 Registration deadline: July 26


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: T Rex

 
Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE



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Vehicle fire blocks southbound traffic on Aurora Saturday morning

Photo courtesy SDOT

Seattle Fire responded to a vehicle fire on Aurora at N 125th on Saturday morning at 6:30am July 23, 2022.

The incident blocked both southbound lanes, but was cleared two hours later. There was no mention of injuries.



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Swingin' Summer Eve provided dinner options, children's activities, and shade on a hot day

Saturday, July 23, 2022

All photos by Steven H. Robinson

Swingin' Summer Eve was held on Wednesday, July 20, from 5:30 - 8:30pm at Cromwell Park, 18030 Meridian Avenue N in Shoreline.

A good-sized crowd enjoyed the JHP Band...
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

A midweek festival featuring music from JHP Band, food trucks, hands-on activities, and a special safety emphasis with support from community partners was the order of the day.

but it must have been a very warm evening because the audience was all sitting in the shade.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Safety topics include emergency preparedness, bike safety, internet safety, as well as safety tips from fire and police agencies.  

This was a free event except the cost for food from the food trucks.



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Important message from Republic Services - place carts curbside no later than 6am on collection day

Collection will start at 6am next week
Republic Services has issued this message regarding collection during the week of July 25:

This is an important message from Republic Services, your Lake Forest Park trash, recycle and compost service provider. 

Due to the expected high temperatures forecast and our commitment to public safety, as well as our drivers’ safety, we will start one hour earlier on Tuesday, July 26, through Friday, July 29. 

Due to these conditions, we are asking that you please place your carts at the curb no later than 6:00am



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2022 Brewfest cancelled

Photo courtesy Humphrey's Farm
Statement from Brewfest organizers

We deeply regret that we will be cancelling the 4-Corners BrewFest 2022, postponing our 10th Annual Celebration for one more year.

Because of structural changes to businesses in general over the last couple of years, many of our beloved brewers are finding themselves in that widespread condition of being short-staffed, and either unable to participate this year, or stretched very thin. 

In addition, our own volunteer support has been difficult to muster.

Our Brewfest is, in our opinion, the  best because brewers get great exposure to an audience they would not ordinarily meet. 

They get real conversations with attendees rather than just serving a line. Attendees get a wide sampling of our amazing local brew offerings, face time with brewers, and a great outdoor afternoon in the most intimate BrewFest setting around. We are committed to that vision.

So, because we value both our brewers and our brewfesters, we will postpone one more year. 

If you purchased a ticket, you will get a full refund. If you paid by credit card through Eventbrite, you will see those charges refunded to your card. 

If you purchased through Beach House, we will contact you about how to return your check or where to send reimbursement if you paid cash.

Thank you all for your support and interest. We hope the world has shifted back into our favor next year, and we can celebrate together.



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Notes from Shoreline council meeting July 18, 2022

Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting
July 18, 2022
Notes by Pam Cross

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid manner with both in-person and virtual options to attend and participate.

Due to technical problems, the video link did not work properly but staff presentations were not affected.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Mayor Scully.

Flag Salute and Roll Call

Councilmember Mork attended remotely.
Councilmember McConnell was excused for personal reasons.

Approval of the Agenda
Agenda approved by unanimous consent.

Report of the City Manager, Debbie Tarry

July 12 through August 4
See full schedules at shorelinewa.gov/calendar

Tuesdays through August 2

Saturday July 23

Wednesday July 20

Public reminder


Council Reports

CM Mork attended the Regional Water Quality meeting. The Clean Water Guiding Principles were recommended to be updated.

Public Comment
Each speaker was allowed 2 minutes. Both in-person and remote attendees have an opportunity to speak. There were 9 written comments at the time of this meeting, the majority regarding 8(a) the Levy Lid Lift.

Building debris and refuse that was used years ago as fill needs so be removed from parks. There are very large pieces that require heavy equipment to remove.
Janet Way, Shoreline
Patricia Weber, Shoreline

Item 8(a) Levy Lid Lift
Mary Ellen Stone, Shoreline
Lisa Brock, Shoreline
Jeff Dairiki, Shoreline

Item 9(a) Transportation Master Plan
Kathleen Russell, Shoreline, on behalf of Save Shoreline Trees Advisory Board
Nancy Morris, Shoreline
Lee Kimes, Shoreline

Item 9(b) Westminster Park
Bill Franklin, Shoreline, Chair of PRCS/Tree Board
Andy Gregory, Shoreline
Nathan Hawkins, Shoreline

New apartments on Linden Ave N
Derek Blackwell, Shoreline

Wishing Debbie Tarry a happy and healthy retirement
Laethan Wene, Shoreline

Approval of the Consent Calendar.
The Consent Calendar was approved unanimously.

Action Item 8(a) Action on Resolution No. 492 – Providing for the Submission to the Qualified Electors of the City of Shoreline at an Election to be Held on November 8, 2022, a Proposition Authorizing the City to Increase its Regular Property Tax Levy Above the Limit Established in RCW 84.55.010 to Fund Public Safety and Community Services

Presented by Christina Arcidy, Management Analyst

The City Council directed staff to bring forward a Resolution to place a levy lid lift (LLL) replacement on the November 8 General Election ballot, which was discussed in detail at the June 13 Council meeting.




Many of the the City’s expenditures grow at a rate than higher than the Consumer Price Index (CPI). For example, Public Safety represents 34% of expenditures - the largest part of which is the cost of police services. The upcoming police expenditures will increase higher than the rate of inflation due to implementation of body-worn cameras, higher field costs, rising insurance costs, higher field costs and salary increases.

The King County Assessor’s office most recent figures estimate a 17% increase in Shoreline property values, instead of the 12% staff had used. And the current rate of inflation is estimated to be 10.14%. Council could reduce the LLL from $1.40 to $1.39. This would be the maximum rate that could be assessed, subject to annual levy increases up to the rate of inflation.

The replacement levy would go into effect on January 1, 2023, if passed by voters in the November 8 General Election.

From the staff report page 8a-3:

“In 2023, Shoreline residents will be impacted by the passage of the 2022 Parks Bond and increases to wastewater rates (which also includes increases in the King County Wastewater Treatment charges included in the wastewater rate) that Council will be discussing in late July.”

“The City’s current financial forecast projects potential budget gaps, where costs to maintain existing services will exceed revenue resources, to occur beginning in 2024 with a cumulative size totaling $37.050 million over the 10-year forecast period.”

DISCUSSION

Motion and second to approve main motion.

The staff report really spells it out and I appreciate the work that went into it. Without the LLL, we are limited by State law to a 1% increase. I think this should be addressed at the legislative level so we don’t have to continually ask the voters for increases in sales tax in order to provide the quality of services that our community expects.

Assessed value is one of the driving factors. What is the key factor to arriving at $1.39?
  • Reply: It’s both the assessed value and the consumer price index (CPI) going up. We were able to reduce by 1 cent and still be able to purchase the same goods and services that we outlined in a previous report.
We really don’t know what’s going to happen with property values and the CPI. But we do need to maintain our current level of services.
  • Reply: Correct, the rate can be adjusted as the other figures are updated. This is the maximum rate we are talking about.
Do we collect $15.2M now?
  • Reply: yes, at the current levy rate.
And the $1.39 rate will mean we will collect something like $5.2M more?
  • Reply: over the course of the 6 years, it will be about $15.2M surplus and that allows for no gaps in the 6 years of the levy.
  • Reply (Sara Lane): At $1.39 adjusted for the assessed valuation, we will be collecting $6.6M more in 2023 than in 2022.
So that gets us to about $21M annually instead of $15.3?
  • Reply (Sara Lane): Yes
Initially you have a surplus, so at the end you don’t have such a large deficit that you can’t overcome? Do we hold the surplus until the end?
  • Reply (Sara Lane): we try to balance the whole 6 years because we can’t accurately forecast the future. You could set a lower rate and anticipate that you would have a gap in the prior years and hold aside surpluses.
  • Reply (Debbie Tarry): When you come to the end of the 6 year period, you are collecting less revenue to pay for the expenses, then you have much bigger gap in revenue when the levy expires.
Are we making up a gap now?
  • Reply (Sara Lane): No. We had anticipated one because of the pandemic, but it did not materialize.
  • Reply: We have used past expenditures for different one-time essential projects or development as well as investments in technology and so forth. We don’t typically budget for these but we know that they will come up.
Where will the extra $6.6M that we’re going to collect (over 2022) go?
  • Reply (Sara Lane): Into fund balance and Council directs how it is used for one-time expenditures or reserved for future purposes.
Residents are faced with inflation, other bonds, increased valuations. There are things we would like to do but maybe can’t afford to right now. Is there a rate where we would have no reduction in current services and include RADAR?
  • Reply: That rate is $1.35.
Motion and second to adjust rate to $1.35.

This shows that we are responsive to the concerns of the community.

I like the higher rate - remember that we are setting the maximum. And this is a 6-year levy while our city is growing a lot and making some dramatic changes in some of our neighborhoods.

There is a deferral and exemptions of taxes program for “qualified” seniors and disabled through King County Assessor’s office. Assistance available through Senior Services.

VOTE to reduce rate to $1.35
Fails 5-1, with CM Mork supporting

Motion and second to adjust rate to $1.39
VOTE Passes unanimously 6-0

VOTE on main motion as amended to $1.39
Passes unanimously 6-0

Study item 9(a) Discussion of the Transportation Element and Transportation Master Plan Updates: Draft Project Prioritization

Presented by Nora Daley-Peng, Senior Transportation Planner

The City of Shoreline is currently updating its Transportation Element (TE) and Transportation Master Plan (TMP) to better serve the community’s current and future transportation needs. This is the seventh in a series of briefings to Council.

The TE/TMP supports all forms of travel – by foot, bicycle, skateboard, scooter, stroller, wheelchair, transit, motorcycle, automobile, etc. With the upcoming arrival of light rail transit, new and higher frequency bus service, new pedestrian/bicycle connections, and land use changes and growth, the TE and TMP updates provide an opportunity to further align transportation vision, goals, objectives, and policies with the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

Timeline, project milestones, achievements to date


There were 427 participants in our Outreach Series III. Survey results will be available soon on the project webpage shorelinewa.gov/tmp


Having clear, defined goals will help the city accomplish the transportation vision. We have developed a Prioritization Scorecard to measure the importance of potential projects, scoring them as high, medium, or low priority. Details of the Scorecard, list of projects and maps are available in the staff report.

DISCUSSION

Predetermined priority project on 145th, is there a timeline for this?
  • Reply (Natasha Walters): Could you be more specific on the location?
The West end by Westminster Triangle. What does predetermined mean?
  • Reply (Natasha Walters): We’re using a phased approach. This is a later phase - over 10 years from now. But you never know - you could get lucky!
How does this plan fit in with the Sidewalk Prioritization Plan and the general Transit Plan?
  • Reply: Since the City operates within a finite set of resources, it is important to develop a transparent, equitable, and data-driven process for prioritizing implementation of the transportation projects over the next 20 years. We came up with 175 projects. We had to look at overlapping priorities, or a layered look.
We had the Sidewalks ranked against each other. Now it feels like sidewalks projects are competing against crosswalk projects and transit projects etc. I don’t see how these projects work together.
  • Reply: The 2018 Sidewalk plan is about 75 miles of stand-alone sidewalk projects. What we are looking at in the TE and TMP is looking at the transportation network holistically. The sidewalks plan can be looked at as a prelude to the update of the TE and TMP.
The level of consideration, time and effort put into this really elevates Shoreline.

Is cost included as an element of the prioritization process?
  • Reply: We were not thinking of cost as an actual metric. We are doing a whole separate financial analysis of our expenses/revenues over the next 20 years and what we can afford.
Climate resiliency needs to be replaced with another term. Surface water is an effect of climate change but not something we can fix. The urban heat island is actually the only one that fits into climate resiliency. Getting people out of their cars is the best thing we can do for the environment. We don’t want climate to be our last priority, but a high priority.

End of discussion.

Study Item 9(b) Discussion of Potential Westminster Park Design Process

Sponsored by Councilmembers Ramsdell and Roberts
Sara Lane, administrative services director, introduced Nick Borer who is the new Parks Fleet and Facilities Manager.

The land purchased for Westminster Park had uninhabitable homes that have been demolished. The park has been cleared and graded as part of the demolition, and is being scheduled for periodic maintenance.

The request from Councilmembers Ramsdell and Roberts is for Council to reprioritize the order of projects in order to move the design and development of Westminster Park to 2022 or 2023 rather than the currently scheduled 2024 timeframe. This Westminster Triangle neighborhood does not have any developed parks and there are concerns about children playing in the streets so close to two arterials (145th and Westminster Way).

The Parks Bond that was passed by voters includes eight specific Park improvement/amenity projects as well as the following moving forward with design and permitting which includes Westminster.


If Council wishes to continue with the current plan, no change is necessary. If Council wants to reprioritize design and planning for Westminster Park, they should direct staff to amend the contract to delay one of the current Park Bond Improvement Projects and accelerate the Westminster Park design. In that event, staff recommends delaying Ridgecrest.

However, staff recommends that Council not change the current prioritization of Park Bond Projects.

DISCUSSION

I believe there are safety and equity concerns. Since 2017 Westminster has been mentioned in the PROS Plan stating the need for a park. As a result the property for the park was purchased. However, no improvements have been made to make it suitable as a play area. It has not been listed as a newly purchased park property that would make it eligible for park improvements in the bond. Why?
  • Reply (Sara Lane): We are considering it as part of that bond and it is programmed to begin in 2024. If the other projects move forward and we are able to get to it, it could be sooner.
Is there money available for design but not development?
  • Reply (Sara Lane): At this time we anticipate that there is money available for design. Our first priority is the listed eight projects that were part of the Bond measure. But there is $4.2M for newly acquired parks. That should be enough to design, and maybe begin some construction on some of the highest priority work. We won’t know until we’re done with the design of the eight priority parks. We won’t know until then if the $4.2M will still be available.
I would like these newly purchased properties to be usable to the public in some sort of way while we plan design.
  • Reply (Nick Borer): We have been in contact with a private company to try to sign a contract for them to do maintenance for at least the next three months to make it more accessible.
I am concerned about the safety issue. How can we make them usable by the public - not a formal design but access to the open space?
  • Reply (Nick Borer): That depends on the location and the current condition of the property. We have put a picnic table and a garbage can there.
  • Reply (Debbie Tarry): That is obviously something we need to continue to work on as we purchase park property.
We are purchasing property now because prices keep increasing and available park property is a limited resource. So we need to do it now, for our future, even if we are not able to develop it right now.

Not all parks have an active community advocating for improvements. If we are going to talk about equity, we need to apply the answer for one to apply to all, for the anticipated active use areas. It wouldn’t be fair to the other neighborhoods not to be given equal consideration.

I think we need to stick to the original schedule and not be reprioritizing any parks.

Tonight’s question is do we change the priority list? I’m not in favor of that. The bigger policy question is should we be doing this? Should we be buying properties when we don’t have funding in place to develop them yet? We’ve previously decided yes because we wanted to have land available and not spend all of our money on an exceedingly expensive piece of property when we could pick it up now for less. But the consequence of that is we have underdeveloped unutilized parks which are embarrassing to see. I’m comfortable with the pace we are working at so we have available land. And I’m very concerned about bumping Ridgecrest off their schedule. But we do need to make sure that previous decisions still make sense today.

Maybe going forward we can consider community contribution. Perhaps Westminster can use their neighborhood association volunteers to do some preliminary work.

There is no interest in bringing this back as an action item.
End of discussion.

Meeting adjourned



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Almost Antiques Guild at the Richmond Beach Library

Almost Antiques Guild at the Richmond Beach Library
Thursday July 28, 2022, 2pm
For adults

If you like collecting and collectibles, this is the group for you! Bring something to show and tell, and hear about what others are collecting.

Co-sponsored by the Shoreline Historical Museum and the Friends of the Richmond Beach Library.

Please register. Safety guidelines and current protocols followed.

https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/62be5bcd58568df72734f19a

The Richmond Beach Library is located at 19601 21st Ave NW, Shoreline, WA 98177


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End of Life workshops at Shoreline-LFP Senior Center

Photo by Abi Howard on Unsplash
END OF LIFE WORKSHOPS 
AT THE SENIOR CENTER

We begin our End of Life Information Series this month with three FREE workshops led by End of Life Washington Facilitators. 

Shedding light on options, choices and preparation can open plans of action that can suit you as an individual. Join us!
 
Workshop 1       Tuesday, August 2nd: 1:00-2:30pm
Advance Planning: How to Prepare for the Unexpected
 
Workshop 2       Tuesday, August 9th: 1:00-2:30pm
Overview of End-of-Life Choices: Medical Aid in Dying and Voluntary      
stopping Eating and Drinking
 
Workshop 3       Tuesday, August 16th: 1:00-2:30pm
Advance Directives. A one and 1/2-hour workshop where folks can bring their            
advance directives and ask questions to an EOLWA volunteer
  
Register at our front desk or call the Senior Center at 206-365-1536 to attend these FREE workshops.

The Senior Center is located in the southernmost building of the Shoreline Center at 18560 1st Ave NE #1, Shoreline WA 98155.



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Shoreline City Council adopts resolution placing levy lid lift on November ballot

On July 18, 2022 the Shoreline City Council adopted Resolution No. 492, which places a levy lid lift on the November 8 general election ballot. 

If approved by Shoreline voters, Proposition 1 would maintain current levels of police and community safety services, including neighborhood safety patrols; traffic enforcement in school zones and neighborhoods; and community crime prevention programs. 

It would also enhance the RADAR Program by adding mental health professional teams to provide 24/7 response with police to community members in behavioral health crisis. 

Proposition 1 would also preserve safe, well-maintained, and accessible parks and trails; playgrounds and play equipment that meet safety standards; playfields and restrooms; and preserve recreation programs for youth, adults, families, and seniors. 

Proposition 1 would continue funding for community services for seniors, youth, and individuals and families in need, including homelessness response services. The levy would also sustain the City’s code enforcement and customer response programs.

In 2010 and 2016, Shoreline voters approved six-year maintenance and operations levies to help fund basic public safety, parks and recreation, and community services. The 2016 levy will expire on December 31 of this year. 

Over the past six years (2017-2022) the consumer price index (CPI), which measures inflation, has increased more than 1% in most years. Some major city expenses, such as our contract for police services and the cost of road maintenance supplies, such as asphalt, often increase at rates even higher than CPI. 

Because the City is required to pass a balanced budget, we must absorb any cost increases, which typically means providing lower levels of service. This year’s CPI for the Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue region is 10.14%
.
The proposed maintenance and operations levy would restore the expiring 2016 levy. The City’s 10-Year Forecast projects that without restoring these funds, revenues will not be adequate to support the costs of current service levels. 

If Proposition 1 is approved, a homeowner with a median home value (in 2023 estimated to be $731,300) would pay an additional average of $30 per month over the six-year levy to maintain the above services.

Senior citizens or persons with disabilities may qualify for tax exemptions or tax deferrals. Contact the King County Assessor’s Office at 206-296-3920 or kingcounty.gov/assessor for information.

For more information on Shoreline Proposition 1 visit shorelinewa.gov/prop1.



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Scene on the Sound: The Nimitz

USS Nimitz photo by Jan Hansen
USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is an aircraft carrier of the United States Navy, and the lead ship of her class. One of the largest warships in the world, she was laid down, launched, and commissioned as CVAN-68, "aircraft carrier, attack, nuclear powered", but she was later redesignated as CVN-68, "aircraft carrier, multi-mission, nuclear-powered", on 30 June 1975, as part of a fleet-wide realignment that year.

The ship was named after World War II Pacific fleet commander Chester W. Nimitz, USN, (1885–1966), who was the Navy's third fleet admiral. Nimitz had her homeport at Naval Station Norfolk until 1987, when she was relocated to Naval Station Bremerton in Washington (now part of Naval Base Kitsap). 

Following her Refueling and Complex Overhaul in 2001, her home port was changed to Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego County, California. The home port of Nimitz was again moved to Naval Station Everett in Washington in 2012.

In January 2015, Nimitz changed home port from Everett back to Naval Base Kitsap.[6] With the inactivation of USS Enterprise in 2012 and decommissioning in 2017, Nimitz is now the oldest U.S. aircraft carrier in service, and the oldest serving aircraft carrier in the world.

Wikipedia article with sources here



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Around town: roof replacement for courthouse

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
The roof is being replaced on the Robert A. Wacker Memorial Building at 18050 Meridian Ave N in Shoreline. The building, which is adjacent to Cromwell Park, houses the Shoreline District Court.

Shoreline resident Wacker, who died in April 2003, was one of the longest-seated judges in King County and served as presiding judge of the county's district court in 1976 and 1977.



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City Light completes overhead line relocation project on 185th


Photo by Steven H. Robinson
By Diane Hettrick

On Saturday, July 16, 2022 Seattle City Light completed the third phase of an overhead line relocation project on N 185th, Utility poles were replaced as well.

Approximately 20-25 customers were notified that their power would be off from 8:30am for about 12 hours. 

Neighbors trying to watch the Mariners game were pleased when the power came back on around 2:30pm.

The outage encompassed the poles on the south side of N 185 St. from the first pole west of Wallingford Ave N to the second pole east of Corliss Ave.

Similar outages on the two previous Saturdays replaced poles and relocated lines in areas west of this section.

According to a City Light spokesperson, this project has been ongoing since June 2021 and these should be the last of the large outages.



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Roll over accident at N 130th and Aurora

Scene of collision. Photo courtesy SDOT


A collision on Aurora at 7pm on Friday, July 22, 2022 closed two northbound and two southbound lanes on Aurora between N 130th and N 135th.

Photo courtesy Seattle Police

Officers arrested a driver who crashed his car into another car, causing the second vehicle to flip over. 

No serious injuries were reported and the road was cleared within a half hour. 

The suspect driver will be investigated for DUI.



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Kota is a very good dog

This is Kota, who is a very good dog.

Kota works with King County and this week helped intercept the 46,000 fentanyl pills in this picture.

King county executive Dow Constantine says 
Thanks to everyone in the Sheriff's Office for their hard work in helping keep this poison off the street.


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Volleyball Advanced Skills camp starts Monday at Shoreline Community College

Volleyball Advanced Skills camp starts Monday at Shoreline Community College

For high school boys/girls in grades 9-12 who are competitive and want to get ready to play for a JV or varsity team. 
All skills level welcome! The focus is on preparing for high school tryouts and learning basic and advanced skills at a faster pace than our All Skills camp. 

Camp focuses on individual skills and team work. Campers will work with Shoreline College Head Coach A’Laisia Redden and team coaches.

7/25 - 7/28 - Monday-Thursday (4) - Fee: $150
A’Laisa Redden - Gr. 9th-12th (age 14-18) |
Location: 3000 Building, SCC Campus




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Jobs: One night job as Election drop box closer

King county elections
Drop box closer

Looking for a way to get involved with elections? We are hiring drop box closers for Election Night 8/2!

Pay is $19.99/hr. Training takes place next weekend and the position is for just a few hours on Election Night. 

If interested, apply today! 




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The art of construction

Friday, July 22, 2022

Photo by Jay Lindberg

Jay Lindberg is a Shoreline resident with an eye for photo composition. He's a construction worker with views that the average resident wouldn't have, like this one.



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U.S. Attorney Nick Brown: Voter intimidation is a federal crime

In response to signs placed at some ballot drop boxes in western Washington, U.S. Attorney Nick Brown issued the following statement.

“Voter intimidation is a federal crime and any attempt to harass or discourage citizens from voting at our state’s secure election drop boxes will be investigated and prosecuted in federal court, said U.S. Attorney Brown. 
“We recognize and revere the First Amendment right to free speech and political debate. But there is a time when protected speech turns into acts of intimidation or threats of violence. We will work with our law enforcement partners to investigate threats of violence, hate crimes, and any effort to intimidate voters or those tasked with ensuring free and fair elections in our state.”

Under federal law, it is a felony to intimidate or threaten other persons to discourage them from voting or for assisting others in voting. This crime is punishable by up to five years in prison. 

Federal law also prohibits bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. 

It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).

Through the primary and general election periods, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will have District Election Officer Seth Wilkinson working with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to investigate and respond to any reports of voter intimidation or threats. 

Assistant United States Attorney Wilkinson can be reached at (206) 553-7970 and ask to leave a message with the Civil Rights complaint hotline. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (206) 622-0460.



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Section of NE 175th will be closed overnight on Sunday for Sound Transit construction

Sunday, July 24, 2022 10pm to Monday at 5am Sound Transit will close both directions of NE 175th St from 5th Ave NE to the I-5 underpass, including the closure of both NE 175th St to Northbound I-5 on and off-ramps. 

The closure will be utilized for guideway construction as part of the Light Rail Lynnwood Link Extension project.

Local access will be maintained for residents.

One night is planned but multiple contingency nights have been added, in the case that the work becomes delayed



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Coffee with the LFP Mayor Saturday

LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson
Coffee with the LFP Mayor Saturday, July 23, 2022, 9:30am - 10:30am

Join Mayor Johnson for an informal chat, have a cup of coffee, and share what's on your mind.

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Shoreline Walks: Briarcrest Three Schools Walk Saturday July 23, 2022

Briarcrest Three Schools Walk on Saturday, July 23, 2022 10am - noon

Walk around the Briarcrest neighborhood and three Shoreline public schools, including the newest one and one of the oldest ones. Walk through two Shoreline city parks. Route is approximately 3.1 miles. Rated moderate for some rough trails. 

  • Walk is approximately 3 miles / 2 hours
  • Walk Rating: Moderately Easy
  • Meet at: Shorecrest High School, South Parking Lot, 153rd St, Shoreline
  • Walk Leader: Dan

SHORELINE WALKS
Explore neighborhoods, parks and trails on some of the best walking routes in our City. Designed for adults ages 50+ but open to all ages and abilities, each walk is led by a Volunteer Walk Leader and all walks are free. No need to sign up, just show up at the meetup location and we'll take care of the rest! Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome to join.

New walk leaders welcome: details here



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Space available at Children's Vacation Bible Adventures at Berean Bible

Over one hundred twenty children will begin the Vacation Bible Adventure at Berean Bible Church on Monday, and there is room for more.

Using the theme of Rocky Railway, kids ages 4 through 11 will discover ways to deal with life’s ups and downs. Kids participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, and enjoy snacks and crafts as they learn to look for evidence of God’s power at work around them.

Over 60 volunteers will look after and guide the children each day.

Vacation Bible Adventures begins on Monday, July 25, 2022, from 9:00am through 12:00 noon, and runs through Friday, July 29th.

There is no cost to families for their children to participate but donations to cover costs and support a mission project to start a children’s ministry in southern Africa.

Berean Bible Church is located at 2345 N 185th St at the corner of North 185th and 1st Avenue NE in Shoreline.

For additional information and to register your children, please go to: www.berean-shoreline.org/events/

Last-minute registrations are possible.


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Gloria's Birds: What duck, photog? I don't see any duck!

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

Great Blue Heron missed the Mallard flying by in Lake Washington the other day. Turns out it was fish, not ducks, the heron was seeking:).  

--Gloria Z. Nagler



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NUSHA: Camp United We Stand needs some help with their move

NUSHA has sent out the call for help needed to relocate Camp United We Stand, the only authorized encampment in North King County.

Help move CUWS to Shoreline Free Methodist 510 NE 175th St, Shoreline WA 98155 on Wednesday and Thursday, July 27-28, 2022. 

Please show up to their current location at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church 722 N. 145th St. Shoreline WA 98133 around 9am.

Any time you can give over these two days is appreciated!


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Tour de Terrace is back this weekend - parade on Friday night

Parade route
Come watch the Tour de Terrace Parade in Mountlake Terrace on Friday night, July 22, 2022, 6:45 - 8:30pm 

See celebrities, Classic Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show, amazing floats, drill teams, Mountlake Terrace High School Athletes, and so much more! 

And of course, the SeaFair pirates are on hand to “terrify” and delight the children!  

The entire Festival is a Friday through Sunday event.

Tour de Terrace is a Seafair sanctioned summer festival for Mountlake Terrace and neighboring communities, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to Mountlake Terrace each July. 

Presented by a small group of dedicated volunteers, this festival was created in 1993 to generate community spirit and pride. 

We invite families, businesses, and visitors to celebrate in this family-oriented, fun-filled festival.

The parade is on northbound on 56th Avenue West from 234th Street SW to Evergreen Playfield at 222nd Street SW in Mountlake Terrace. Many of the events are at the Evergreen Playfield.

Tour de Terrace has a pancake breakfast, street fair, live music, entertainment, car show, 5k fun run, beer garden and a fireworks show. 




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Neighborhood Climb Night at Uplift Climbing - and Climbing Demystified

 

We've got a neighborhood climbing night at Uplift on Monday, July 25, 2022 and would love to have y'all join us!

We're hoping to demystify the climbing gym a bit, and welcome folks in who may have been wondering for a while what our deal is

Shoreline resident Pam Stucky is an avid fan of climbing and would love to have you join her in the sport. 

Are you interested in learning more about bouldering / rock climbing now that Shoreline has our very own climbing gym? Are you a climber who hasn't been climbing lately? Do you want to find a way to add some fun exercise to your life? Do you want to expand your community?

Whether you're new to climbing or an old pro, join us Monday, July 25, 2022 at Uplift Climbing! 

Neighborhood Climb Night runs from 5 to 9pm, and for anyone more middle-aged interested in finding other middle-aged people to get on the wall with (whether you've done it before or not), join us at 6:30pm for the inaugural session of Midlife Rocks!

While the goal of Midlife Rocks is to get more middle-aged people climbing, people of all ages and abilities are welcome. Uplift will be offering half-price day passes from 5 to 9pm, and you can rent climbing shoes on site as well. Just bring yourself, comfortable clothes, and a desire to have and contribute to a great time for all!


Q/A:

Q. Do I have to be in great shape to climb?
A. Not to get started you don't! Sure, the better shape you're in the easier climbing will be. But to get started, you can come exactly as you are! That's one of the great things about climbing: it meets you where you are, and you improve at your own pace.

Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Wear comfortable clothes. (The gym is air-conditioned, so it's a great place to be on a hot night!) You can rent climbing shoes from Uplift. (Some people wear socks with their climbing shoes; many do not. You do you.)

Q: Climbing is potentially dangerous. Do I have to sign a waiver?
A: Yes. You will have to sign a waiver. Save time and do it in advance here: https://uplift.portal.approach.app

Q: Can I just come and watch?
A: Sure, but wear comfortable clothes anyway in case you decide to jump in! Also, to be in the gym around the climbing walls you need to sign a waiver even if you're not going to climb. https://uplift.portal.approach.app

Q: You said your new group is "Midlife Rocks." I'm not middle-aged. Can I be part of the community anyway?
A: Heck yes! 

Q: I don't know how to climb.
A: No worries. You can come and learn the basics. This gathering is intended to be non-judgmental and supportive. 

Q: Are you sure this is a good activity for middle-aged people?
A: Again I say: Heck yes! Climbing builds strength, balance, and flexibility, all of which are critical as we age. Plus, the climbing community is second to none, which is also critical, at every age.

Q: What's the address?

Q: When is this again?
A: The Neighborhood Climb Night is Monday, July 25, from 5 to 9pm; all y'all middle-aged people are invited to join me at 6:30pm! See you there!


"The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. It is connection." – Johann Hari

"Rock climbing may be the ultimate full-body workout. When it comes to training a diverse range of muscles, few exercises or workouts rival rock climbing and bouldering." Time magazine

"A bouldering gym built to serve rock climbers. No matter how hard we climb, we always try hard." Uplift Climbing, Shoreline


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LFP council passes resolution Prohibiting City Resources For Out-of-State Abortion Investigations

This past Thursday, July 14, 2022, the City Council of Lake Forest Park unanimously passed Resolution 1852, Prohibiting City Resources For Out-of-State Abortion Investigations. 

This resolution was sponsored by CM Furutani and Deputy Mayor Tom French.

CM Tracy Furutani presented the motion, 

Prohibiting Use of City Resources to aid out-of-state investigations, prosecutions, or other legal action against WA health care providers and clinics providing lawful abortion services and patients receiving those services

saying that it is a statement of community values "I'd like to think that our community believes in bodily autonomy, that women should not be subjected to laws from another state." 

The resolution was in response to the recent Supreme Court ruling which overturned the 50 year old Roe v Wade decision which legalized abortion and the laws passed in a dozen states which provide punitive measures for women, their helpers, and medical personnel, no matter what state they go to for medical services.

Furutani pointed out that both the governor and the county executive had made similar rulings, forbidding the Washington State Patrol and the King County Sheriff's Office from assisting in out of state investigations of abortions.

Deputy Mayor French stated that "many of us were stunned at the proceedings of the supreme court." He said that the resolution "may be symbolic but we as a community believe very strongly in women's reproductive rights and we will not sit by idly while their rights are infringed."

Another council member pointed out that this protects the many health care workers who live in Lake Forest Park. 

Several expressed concern that other states could impose their laws and values upon our residents.

"It is about a woman's right to her body - all decisions should be made by the woman and her medical provider."

The resolution was approved unanimously.

The final resolution as amended:

Section 1.  POLICY  . No City resources, including, but not limited to, facilities; supplies; and on duty time of employees, officers, contractors, or subcontractors shall be utilized for: a) investigating or detaining persons for performing or aiding in the support or the performance of an abortion within this state, or in procuring an abortion in this state, if the abortion is performed in accordance with the provisions of RCW 9.02.110 or any other applicable Washington State law, or b) cooperating with or providing information to any individual or out-of-state agency or department regarding the provision of a lawful abortion performed in the state. Provided, however, the above prohibition shall not apply if state statute requires the City to respond to inquiries from out-of-state entities or persons such as under Chapter 42.56 RCW, the Public records act


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