Waitlist for the NEMCo Community Emergency Response Team Class in March

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

The Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) is offering a free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class on March 4, 5, and 11, 2023 from 8:00am to 5:00pm, at Fire Station 51 in Kenmore 7220 NE 181st Street Kenmore, WA 98028.

While the class is currently full, you may still fill out the application and, if there are any cancelations, they will notify applicants based on the order received. Anyone not able to get into the March class will be notified first when the next class is scheduled.

The CERT Program provides information on local hazards and community training on basic preparedness for events that include earthquakes, windstorms, snow events, floods, landslides and more.

Classes are presented by trained CERT community members in the areas of Fire Safety, Basic First Aid, Disaster Medical Operations, Light Search and Rescue, Utility Management, and overall preparedness.

CERT is for everyone! Topics are presented in an easy to understand, step-by-step process, with hands-on training to build your knowledge and skills.

After a little practice, you and your classmates will participate in a disaster simulation, giving you the opportunity to use the training and apply what you have learned, and building confidence in your abilities.

The class is free and attendance at all three classes is required to receive your certificate.

For more information and to register for the waitlist, please visit the NEMCo announcements page.


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SAGE event this Friday at the Shoreline Teen Center


SAGE, or Sexuality and Gender Equality, is the name of the drop-in club at the Shoreline Teen Center.

This month’s activity is Valentine making with movies and chocolate! 

The Teen Center opens at 2:30pm on Friday, so come early for games, snacks, sports, and more. The event will begin at officially at 4pm with our first movie starting then! 

See you in the Shoreline Teen Center café room to chat, make valentine’s day cards, laugh at fun rom coms, and fill your belly with chocolate!

Like all teen center event, it is 100% free for all 6th through 12th grade youth.

Email Mary, who runs this club, at mhale@shorelinewa.gov with and questions. Or you can DM us on Instagram @ SHORELINETEENPROGRAMS

More about SAGE and their events here:

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Museum of Pop Culture’s 22nd Annual SOUND OFF! 21-And-Under music showcase includes Shoreline band

MoPOP from Google maps
SOUND OFF!
February 25, March 4 and 11
at MoPOP

The Pacific Northwest has a wealth of young musical talents who, with support and opportunities, can expand their creative horizons and might even become the next Northwest sound. 

MoPOP’s Sound Off! gives these up-and-coming artists mentorship from industry leaders, entrée into an artistic community invested in their growth, connections with peer musicians, and the chance to showcase their original music in MoPOP’s iconic Sky Church venue.

This years’ three live showcases raise the bar for an all-ages show with a first-class experience at MoPOP for performers and the audience alike. Plus, you get the unique opportunity to see these young artists’ natural creative gifts while supporting their personal and professional development.

Shoreline band Pilot Seat will play at MoPOP
One of three bands in Showcase #1 on February 25, 2023 is Shoreline band Pilot Seat.

Pilot Seat is a group of three friends with a shared passion fusing together indie/alternative pop and psychedelic rock to create a bright, clean, melodic yet raw sound. 

Pilot Seat has been playing together since 2021 with the goal of releasing an album, having people dig their material and growing a larger audience, and have been accumulating a strong fanbase playing shows throughout the greater Seattle area.
  
WHEN:

February 25, March 4, March 11, 2023
Doors at 7pm / show at 8pm PT

Showcase #1 — 2/25/2023

KING ZAAE; Pilot Seat; defsharp; lavenderhayez

Showcase #2 — 3/4/2023
MidPak; Zari Alexandria; Podesta; Wyatt Silva

Showcase #3 — 3/11/2023
Stargazy Pie; Fight Milk; Cherry Ferrari; Sadie Hale

WHERE:

All showcases in MoPOP’s Sky Church 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

TICKETS:

Suggested donations: $25 for adults and $5 for youth. 

To attend the live showcases at MoPOP, we ask that guests make a donation to support this work, which increases community access to our programs. Contributions to attend this event support youth development programs like Sound Off! by eliminating participation fees, securing professional mentorship, and more. Even if you can’t attend, you can still make a gift to support our community!

More information here

ABOUT MUSEUM OF POP CULTURE (MoPOP)

MoPOP is a leading-edge nonprofit museum in Seattle, dedicated to the ideas and risk-taking that fuel contemporary pop culture. 

With a mission to make creative expression a life-changing force by offering experiences that inspire and connect our communities, MoPOP reaches multigenerational audiences through our collections, exhibitions, educational programs and community partnerships. 



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Firefighters Clayton Feis and Ted Tanner successfully complete probation with Shoreline Fire

New Shoreline firefighters Clayton Feis (left) and Ted Tanner
Firefighters Clayton Feis and Ted Tanner successfully completed probation Tuesday, February 7, 2023 with Shoreline Fire. 

New Firefighters begin their first year with Shoreline on probation while they complete extensive training and tasks to learn the job and earn the rank of Firefighter.



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Reflective Sky

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Photo by Lee Wolfe

A brief reflective sunset on Sunday evening created a lovely and unusual spectrum of colors over the Olympics. 
- Lee Wolfe


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March Home Improvement Workshop is almost full but April 25 and May 23 have lots of room

No appointment needed to talk to vendors
who will be there from 6-8pm
Do you have a home improvement project in mind, but need some guidance to get started? 

Is it a house remodel/addition, subdivision of property, driveway alteration, site drainage change, deck replacement/ repair, or tree project? 

The City of Shoreline is offering three free workshops this spring to help with your potential project. Take advantage of staff resources in a more relaxed setting in the evening.

Technical reviewers will be available to help with questions regarding your house, property, land uses, and streets along with Shoreline City requirements and permit information. 

Depending on the scope of your project, you can meet with up to three technical reviewers. 

Note: Meetings with technical reviewers are only open to Shoreline property owners.
March 28 appointments available as of 2-3-23
The March 28th Home Improvement Workshop is almost full with just a few civil engineer and plans examiner slots available (zoning planner slots are full). However, there many appointments available for April 25 and May 23, 2023.

Register here

This year the number of vendors has been increased to include a few new industries. Residents are welcome to visit the vendors from 6pm to 8pm with no appointment needed. 

Residents can also attend the Permitting 101 session at 7pm. (no appointment needed) to hear a discussion on general residential permitting in Shoreline.

If you have any questions, please contact Jarrod Lewis at (206) 801-2521 or jlewis@shorelinewa.gov


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Shorewood Girls Wrestling Sub-Regionals 2-4-2023 - entire team advances to Regionals

A jubilant Shorewood wrestling team celebrates after every member qualifies for Regionals 

Story and photos by Clark Norton

The Shorewood Girls’ Wrestling team began their postseason this past weekend with the Sub-Regional 1.2 tournament. Hosted by Marysville-Pilchuck High School, the tournament took place Friday night and all day Saturday February 3-4, 2023. 

The Stormrays faced off against 19 other schools from the WESCO 3A and KingCo 3A leagues.

Top row L-R Libby Norton, 2nd @100lbs, Finley Houck, 1st @105lbs, Fiona Blair, 5th @115lbs
Second row L-R Ellie Van Horn, 4th @125lbs, Abby Tveit, 4th @135lbs,  Cora Morgan, 2nd @155lbs

Each of Shorewood’s ten wrestlers needed to place in the top six of their respective weight classes to advance to the Region 1 tournament next week, and keep their hopes of making it to the state tournament alive. 

Every Stormray rose to the occasion and punched themselves a ticket to next weekend.

The tremendous effort and grit shown by the whole team did include some standout highlights.

L-R Izzy Crave, 5th @140lbs Aly Fellores, 6th @140lbs
Sophomores Izzy Crave and Aly Fellores both had to win multiple win-or-go-home matches.

L-R Kiana Yoshimura, 2nd @170lbs Abbi Chishungu, 3rd @170lbs
Freshman Abbi Chishungu almost upset her own teammate Kiana Yoshimura in the 170 pound semifinals before bouncing back and taking 3rd place. 

Fellow freshman Finley Houck, who was one of four Shorewood wrestlers to make the finals, brought home a 1st place medal to add to her stellar season.

The girls team, the whole team, will compete next Saturday at Snohomish high school. Wrestling is scheduled to begin at 10am



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Night work with intermittent lane closures on I-5 at NE 130th over two weeks

Starting as early as Monday, February 6, 2023 Sound Transit will be performing night utility work along I-5 near NE 130th St overpass. This is in support of the Lynnwood Link line.

The work will happen at night, due to I-5 lane restrictions. This work will be performed for seven nights over two weeks at this location.

When:
  • Week 1 - Monday, Feb. 6, through Thursday, Feb. 10, from 9pm to 5am the following mornings. Right lane closure on southbound I-5 at NE 130th St.
  • Week 2 - Tuesday, Feb. 14, through Thursday, Feb. 16, from 9pm to 5am the following mornings.
    • Right lane closure on southbound I-5 at NE 130th St.
    • Left lane closure on northbound I-5 at NE 130th St.


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Shoreline resident makes the Dean's List at Chapman University

Orange, California - Feb. 1, 2023 - Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at Chapman University has named Isabel Brown of Shoreline to its fall 2022 semester Dean's List.

The requirement for joining this select group of students is a grade point average of 3.6 or higher in at least 12 credits of residence course work taken for a letter grade.

Isabel is the daughter of Jeff and Michelle Brown of Shoreline.

Crean College undergraduate and graduate programs emphasize learning science by doing science, relating new research findings to patient care, and connecting classroom learning to real-world applications and 21st Century problems.



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Free program from Humanities Washington about the eruption of Mount St. Helens

Eric Wagner
Come join the Sno-King School Retirees to hear about our local epic event: the eruption of Mount St. Helens on Thursday, May 18, 1980.

The program, from Humanities Washington, is free and open to the general public.

Thursday, February 16, 2023.

Doors open at noon for refreshments and Program is at 1pm. Edmonds School District ESC, 20420 68th Ave W, Lynnwood WA 98036

Our presenter, Eric Wagner is a writer and biologist. He holds a PhD in biology from the University of Washington, where he studied penguins. He is the author of three books, including After the Blast: The Ecological Recovery of Mount St. Helens.

Update: added date of event

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Saint Dunstan's monthly Prayer Lab Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Monday, February 6, 2023


Saint Dunstan’s the Church where All are Welcomed, Fed and Loved is having their Monthly Prayer Lab this Wednesday February 8, 2023 at 6:45pm.

This month’s offering is Centering Prayer, which is a form of Christian meditation and prayer that is based in ancient traditions and practices. Centering prayer is truly simple, and yet after more than ten years of a daily practice, I am still learning, going deeper, and making new discoveries.

This Prayer Lab will offer the experience of Centering Prayer. You will be led through a simple process, and then we will spend some time in prayer and meditation. Afterwards, we’ll have a chance to talk about the experience. You can RSVP on Eventbrite or Facebook. Come and be Fed.

Saint Dunstan's is located at 722 N 145th, Shoreline WA 98133.



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Diggin' Shoreline Tool Sharpening and Fruit Tree Pruning event Saturday, February 11, 2023

Grab your rusty tools and join us for our annual hands on tool sharpening and tree pruning event! This fills fast, so you'll want to reserve your space right away.

Sorry... no email RSVPs this year via email. Our email system is currently down and won't be restored in time for this event. We hope to have it working again soon.

Simply call or text 206-437-9118 to reserve your space, and be sure to let us know how many are in your party. Questions also gladly answered.



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Shoreline Firefighter Aiden Noel successfully completes probation

Shoreline Firefighter Aiden Noel

Shoreline Firefighter Aiden Noel successfully completed probation today. 

"Aiden was one of our first cadets!"

New Firefighters begin their first year with Shoreline Fire on probation while they complete extensive training and tasks to learn the job and earn the rank of Firefighter.



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A Community Effort to Support Twin Ponds Park North


Community Work Party at Twin Ponds North
Saturday, February 11, from 10-noon

On February 11, 2023 from 10am to noon, the Washington Native Plant Urban Forest Stewards will be hosting a community work party, at Twin Ponds North.

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

Please bring gloves, hand pruners, water, and snack. We will have tools on site to help with the plantings.

Contact us with any questions at northtwinpondsrestoration@gmail.com

All Are Welcome!



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Gloria's Critters: I don't see those greener pastures you humans are always talkin' about, photog

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

(Denise the Douglas' Squirrel was a curious sort...)



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Poetry: The Bridge

Railroad Bridge photo by Danielle Roth

Poem: The Bridge

Let’s meet on the bridge.
A place to see new views,
As you walk look down
And see the raging river waters
Or a peaceful stream
Either one coming from
Its place of beginnings
To its final destination.

As you walk, look down.
There! You see the water
Bouncing over rocks,
Curling over driftwood,
Reflecting the cloudy sky
Or glistening in some sunlight.
Listen to it talking,
Intimate messages.

Now look to the sides.
Opened up to you
New views, vistas left and right.
Look up and feel the air
Lift and fluff your hair.
The clouds are always changing
The waters come and go
And we’re freshened by the flow.

No matter the weather
We are strong together.
Whether tranquil streams
Or troubled surges,
The bridge is a bond
And a freedom to understand.
Take my hand and
Meet me in the middle.

Vicki Westberg, Jan. 17, 2023

Correction: Photo is by Danielle Roth
Addition: The photo was taken at Railroad Bridge Park in Sequim WA which is on the Olympic Discovery Trail and now maintained by the Dungeness River Nature Center. It spans the Dungeness River in Sequim.

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Big Chicken coming to Shoreline

Big Chicken coming to Shoreline

According to reporting in The Seattle Times, sports legend Shaq O'Neal's Big Chicken restaurant chain will be opening a location in Shoreline this year.

The restaurant, which serves chicken sandwiches and tenders, already has a location at Climate Pledge Arena for Kraken games. They have expanded to The Landing in Renton. Next is Shoreline and Mukilteo.

The Shoreline location will be at Shoreline Place, 15300 Westminster Way.



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Weigh in on King County Regional Homeless Authority's 5 Year Plan


The King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) is drafting its 5 Year Plan.

You can provide feedback in their survey until February 8, 2023.

Survey here: 
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/8faaa73923904cd3814865de200db997

Add your voice about this major policy and massive public investment - for, against, or something in between!

There are links to the documents and summary on the KCRHA.org website. It takes 10-15 minutes to complete the survey, including the reference documents.

The Seattle Times ran a comprehensive article on January 26, 2023 with additional information https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/ending-homelessness-in-king-county-will-cost-billions-regional-authority-says/



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City of Shoreline accepting applications for Parks and Tree Board - February 10th deadline

Brugger's Bog photo by Lien Titus
Apply to join the PRCS Board! 

The City of Shoreline is now accepting applications for four volunteers to serve on the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree (PRCS/Tree) Board. 

Three vacancies are for full four-year terms, and one vacancy will be completing a term ending in March 2025. 

The new term will begin with the April 27th meeting.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board (PRCS/Tree Board) meets on the fourth Thursday of the month from 7pm to 9pm. January through October and the first Thursday of December.

The City Council appointed PRCS/Tree Board members must live, work, or own property in Shoreline. Per a recently adopted ordinance, Board members will be compensated at a rate of $50 per meeting.

Those interested in being considered must complete a Shoreline Community Services Application. Completed applications must be received by the City Clerk’s office no later than 5:00pm on February 10, 2023.

Diverse candidates encouraged to apply!

Update: added meeting time and date information

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Shorewood boys wrestling does well in district tournament and advances 11 wrestlers to Regionals

From left: Milan Johnson, 2nd @ 285lbs, Hunter Tibodeau, 1st @ 220lbs, Jonathan Burkholder, 2nd @ 145lbs, Isaac Van Horn, 1st @ 145lbs

Story and photos by Clark Norton

The Shorewood boys competed in the WESCO South tournament on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Shorecrest High School. The district tournament is the first step of the postseason, with Regionals next week, and then the State tournament February 17 and 18, 2023 at the Tacoma Dome.

The Stormrays wrestled tough and advanced 11 wrestlers to Regionals.
Top row, from left: Masa Taura, 3rd @ 126lbs, Eli Jeppsen, 3rd @ 106lbs, Matt Burns, 3rd @ 195lbs. Second row, from left: Finn Bachler, 4th @ 120lbs, James Nottingham, 3rd @ 138lbs, Mak Kanzler, 3rd @ 160lbs

Owen Mulder, 3rd @ 113 lbs
Highlighting the day were league champions Isaac Van Horn at 145 pounds and Hunter Tibodeau at 220 pounds. 

The happiest surprise was 145 pound sophomore Jonathan Burkholder upsetting multiple opponents as he made a run to the finals before falling to Van Horn and ending in 2nd place.

In addition to a 3rd place team finish, Senior Hunter Tibodeau was also honored at the WESCO South Outstanding Wrestler of the Year.



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Sunrise in Lake Forest Park

Sunday, February 5, 2023

 
Photo by David Walton

Photographer David Walton says of this photo: 

"In cloudy times a beautiful sunrise can cheer one up. I caught this sunrise earlier this week (Thursday) on my morning walk in Lake Forest Park. 

"Looking southeast, you barely can see a glimpse of Mt Rainier too!"



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Lake Forest Park - notable police incidents as of January 26, 2023

Congratulations to Officer Juan Robles and Officer Scott Benjamin.
Both officers have reached their one-year probation period!

Lake Forest Park Police Department 
Notable incidents 1-26-2023

Officers responded to Kenmore to assist with a Bank Robbery. Our officers quickly located a suspect closely matching the description provided, however due to the suspect wearing a mask, the victim was unable to make a positive ID. The subject was immediately released. 

Officers were dispatched to a transient causing a disturbance at Albertsons. The subject was described as “rambling” as he approached people entering the store. Officers were tied up on a hit and run traffic accident at the time of this call. Upon arrival the subject had left the area and was unable to be located. 

Officers located a severely damaged vehicle parked on the side of the road. The vehicle had struck several trees and became undrivable. Officers determined the vehicle was reported stolen and the license plate on the vehicle was also reported stolen from a different vehicle. No driver was located. 

Officers were dispatched to a subject drinking alcohol in the bathroom at the Ross department store in Town Center. The subject had also been in verbal confrontations with employees and customers. Subject escorted from and trespassed from Ross. Same subject later contacted at Rite Aid “huffing” a can of duster. Subject was then trespassed from the entire mall area. A short time later the same subject was reported to be exposing himself to customers around the Starbucks. The reporting party did not want to assist further. Subject was then observed getting on metro bus towards Seattle.

Officers responded to stolen vehicle report. Victim stated their vehicle was stolen overnight. 12-gauge shotgun with 150-200 rounds and 150, 9mm rounds were in the trunk of the vehicle. Vehicle located later that day in Bellevue, undriveable, with bullet holes in windshield. The weapons have not been located. 

Officers responded to mall for an unwanted subject. Caller reported a subject was attempting to bathe in the bathroom on the lower level and had flooded the area. The subject was contacted and determined to have been recently arrested for burglary. Subject trespassed from mall property. 

A victim reported sending nude photos of himself online. The recipient of the photos then demanded money to not publish photos publicly. The victim sent money, and the subjects demanded more. The victim was advised to shut down his accounts. The suspects are believed to be based in a foreign country. 

LFP Crime Watch volunteers reported seeing a male acting suspiciously at Horizon View Park. Officers and a Navigator made contact and discovered the subject was homeless with several medical issues. The Navigator then spoke with the subject offering him resources. 

A subject ran up behind an officer as he was sitting in his vehicle. The subject screamed obscenities at the officer and demanded “his money back”. Subject likely has some mental health issues. Subject walked away from contact without further incident. 

Officers responded to a shoplift of clothing from Rite Aid, subject described as 6’04” wearing a camo hat and a Hawaiian shirt. The suspect was easily located at Nektr Juice Bar and taken into custody. Officers indicated the subject may have mental health issues. The subject had been contacted in the past, on several occasions. He was issued a citation for theft and released. 

Officers have recently had multiple contacts with a subject well known to them for over 15 years. The subject resides in a group home within the city. This subject had been moved from his previous group home due to multiple incidents of violence and criminal behavior. He has recently moved back into the city and continues to cause issues within the group home. 

Officers located a vehicle in the mall parking lot with stolen license plates. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle once it left the parking lot. The driver was determined to be the legal owner of the vehicle, however he also admitted to stealing the license plates that were on it.


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King Conservation District voting underway now until February 14, 2023


King Conservation District
Board of Supervisors Election Under Way

King Conservation District is holding an election for Seat #3 on the Board of Supervisors. Voting began January 24, 2023 at 8:00am and ends February 14, 2023 at 8:00pm.

The following individuals are running for Position #3 (alphabetical by last name):

King Conservation District includes all registered voters in King County (excluding the cities of Enumclaw, Federal Way, Milton, Pacific, and Skykomish that do not participate in the district). 

Visit kingcd.org/elections for details.

Read the Candidate Statements

LWV® of Seattle-King County Candidate Forum

League of Women Voters® of Seattle-King County held a candidate forum via a Zoom on Thursday, January 26, 2023. Click the youtube link to watch it now.


KCD Board of Supervisors Appointed Position

KCD will also have position #5 up for appointment by the Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC). This is an appointed position selected by the WSCC. Applications for the appointed seat will be accepted by the WSCC January through March of 2023.




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Local restaurant robbed at gunpoint twice

Nara Chinese Restaurant

By Diane Hettrick

Nara Chinese Restaurant, 15033 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133, has been hit by violent robbers twice in the past few months.

The Kim family, Insuk and Young Jin Kim, have owned and operated the popular restaurant for 16 years. After the most recent robbery they took only a day to recover and reorganize the ransacked restaurant. They were back in business the next day.

They had a surveillance system but after two robberies, they are upgrading to equipment that takes high resolution pictures and putting new locks on their restaurant.

Their daughter, Nara Kim, asked for community support for her family, and set up a GoFundMe page which raised enough money to cover their expenses. The page is no longer accepting donations. 

She wrote a heartfelt account of her distress at being far away at school, and unable to help her parents. (see her reports here

Besides the Nara Chinese Restaurant at 150th and Aurora, Shari's at 15252 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133 was also recently robbed. Police are confident that the robberies are not related and are continuing to work all three  cases.

Although the fundraiser is closed, Nara says you can still help her parents. "If you are feeling like going out in the near future for food, I ask that you consider ordering from our restaurant to support my parents."

The restaurant, open from 5pm to 2am, accommodates dine-in, take-out, and delivery through multiple services - GrubHub, Seamless, UberEats, Postmates. Food is served until 1am and the bar is open until 2am.

They serve a full Chinese menu but also have dishes from Korea, and Japan.

They apparently do not have their own website, but the menu and prices are listed on the delivery services' webpages (GrubHub, for example)



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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Figure Drawing

 
Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE



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County Council votes to send $1.25B Crisis Care Centers levy to voters

Saturday, February 4, 2023

King County Council
At their meeting on January 31, 2023, the King County Council voted to send a $1.25 billion behavioral health levy to voters for consideration on an April special election ballot.

The proposal, which would raise the funds through a property tax levy spread over nine years, would fund:
  • creation of five regional crisis care centers, 
  • the preservation and restoration of residential treatment beds, 
  • growth of the behavioral health workforce pipeline, and 
  • provide immediate services while centers are being constructed. 

In 2024, the levy will cost the owner of a median-valued home about $121.

With council approval, the proposal will now appear on the April 25, 2023 special election ballot.


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Gloria's Birds: Millard the Mallard thought his audition as hood ornament model went well...

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler
 
I agree. He's splendid!

--Gloria Z. Nagler


Previous photos by Gloria Z. Nagler HERE


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Sistah Scifi to launch network of Sistah Scifi Book Vending Machines at Black and Native American owned coffee shops across the country

Started in 2019, Sistah Scifi is the first Black owned bookstore focused on science fiction and fantasy in the United States, as validated by the American Booksellers Association.

Oakland, California, January 30, 2023, Sistah Scifi hosts virtual and in-person watch parties, book clubs, and Sistah Scifi Wine Down Wednesdays. Past guests have included Omar Epps and Sheree Renee Thomas.

Sistah Scifi launched a crowdfunding campaign on IFundWomen to raise funds to launch three Sistah Scifi Book Vending Machines in Black-owned cafes in Seattle and Oakland this February in honor of Black History Month. 

Supporting Sistah Scifi’s IFundWomen campaign is a great opportunity to bring Black and Indigenous authors to the forefront of the science fiction and fantasy literary genre. 

Backers of Sistah Scifi’s crowdfunding campaign can select from a bevy of perks, such as curated Black and Indigenous speculative fiction playlists and watchlists to marketing packages for Black and Indigenous science fiction and fantasy writers.

The inaugural Sistah Scifi Book Vending Machine will launch Saturday, February 4th at Oaklandia Café x Bakery. Oaklandia’s founders, Latorra and Carlos, are a Black and Latin couple that are fourth generation Oaklanders. 

On Friday, February 10th, the next Sistah Scifi Book Vending Machine will launch at Mixed: Coffee and Community. Savannah Jackson, founder of Mixed, describes herself as a mixed kid - half Black and half Ecuadorian - who loves mixing drinks, mixing cultures, and bringing people together. 

The third Sistah Scifi Book Vending Machine will launch Saturday, February 11th at Black Coffee Northwest. Darnesha Weary and her husband Erwin, both Seattle natives, opened Black Coffee Northwest to provide proactive and innovative community building through youth leadership development while serving the best cup of coffee in the city.

Sistah Scifi, the first Black owned bookstore focused on science fiction and fantasy in the United States as validated by the American Booksellers Association, is excited to work with coffee shop owners to realize Sistah Scifi’s vision to double the number of science fiction and fantasy titles by Black and Indigenous authors on the New York Times Best Sellers list by launching a national network of Sistah Scifi Book Vending Machines. 

This would make the discovery of Afrofuturism and Indigenous Futurism books as easy as buying a candy bar.

During a recent interview, Isis Asare, the CEO/Founder of Sistah Scifi, made these comments, “Sistah Scifi goes beyond the transactional -- it’s a movement that fulfills a need for readers to find and discuss science fiction and fantasy infused with Black and Indigenous culture by Black and Indigenous creators. 
"Whenever we recommend a book on social media, we always add the option to check the book out from the local library.”

She goes on to say, “We understand if our Sistah Scifi Siblings – some of whom read over 100 books a year! – check most of them out from the library or spread their purchases between several indie bookstores or get free eBooks from a large online bookseller. 

"We also know that our Sistah Scifi Siblings will make it a point to schedule quarterly purchases from us, pay for events even when we list them for free, and tell ALL their friends and family about how much they love Sistah Scifi.”

About Sistah Scifi: Founded by Isis Asare, Sistah Scifi is a cauldron of all things Afrofuturism; Black mysticism, science fiction noir, and traditional voodoo; casting spells to uplift literature written by Black and Indigenous women.

For complete information, visit: https://sistahscifi.com/


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Edwin Pratt Day of Remembrance


All photos by Steven H. Robinson

On Monday, January 30, 2023 the Shoreline Police Department hosted a Day of Remembrance for Civil Rights Leader and Shoreline resident Edwin T. Pratt.

Pratt, Executive Director of the Seattle Urban League, was assassinated in front of his Shoreline home January 26, 1969.

Shoreline Chief of Police Kelly Park

The program, held in the Shoreline council chambers on Midvale, began with opening remarks from Shoreline Chief of Police Kelly Park.

Shoreline Mayor Keith Scully

Shoreline Mayor Keith Scully made remarks and read a proclamation from the city naming January 30, 2023 as the Edwin T. Pratt Day of Remembrance.

Sarah Haycox, who led a successful campaign to name the Shoreline Schools Early Learning Center for Pratt, read a letter from Edwin Pratt’s daughter Miriam who was unable to attend as she had recently been released from the hospital.

Jean Soliz (left) and Sarah Haycox
Jean Soliz, next door neighbor, babysitter, and friend of the Pratts, spoke about his life.

Larry Gossett, Seattle Civil Rights leader and former King County Councilmember, spoke about his association with Pratt. 

Larry Gossett

Others in attendance included Seattle artists Al Doggett and Esther Ervin, and Linda Taylor from the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle.


Adjourning to the flag pavilion adjacent to the council chambers, Sarah Haycox and Jean Soliz lowered the flag to half mast.

Refreshments and a social gathering followed the closing remarks.

From left: Jean Soliz, Sarah Haycox, Larry Gossett (seated) Al Doggett, Esther Ervin, Chief Kelly Park, Asst Chief Loi Dawkins from Edmond Police, Sgt Scott Fitchett from Shoreline Police

Asst Chief Loi Dawkins from Edmond Police and Sgt Scott Fitchett from Shoreline Police organized the remembrance ceremony which will be held each year.

Al Doggett created the portrait of Edwin T Pratt that now hangs in the Edwin Pratt Early Learning Center. He provided an archival print of that portrait that was displayed at the event. 



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Training new recruits with live fire

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

As part of their academy with new recruits, Shoreline Fire trained with live fire Friday, February 3, 2023 at 145th and Corliss Ave N. 



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Sno-King School Retirees donates $500 to The Works

L-R: Andrea Petrusky (Co-Chair The Works), Alison Buss (Co-Chair The Works), Bonnie Stieber, and Cathy Webb (SKSR Vice-President). Photo courtesy The Works
For the third year in a row, the Sno-King School Retirees association donated $500 to The Works, the Shoreline PTA Council clothing room.

The Association has donated annually to three organizations, located in the three school districts where their members taught.

Besides The Works, they also donate $500 to the Northshore Foundation for their Homeless Student Services and to the Washington Kids in Transition which serves the Edmonds School District.

All three organizations benefit the children in each school district.

Washington Kids in Transition benefits homeless students.

The SnoKing School Retirees also do a service project. "When we started out we helped to buy snack items for Washington Kids that they received on their school bus when being delivered to the place they were staying," said Board Member Jim Siscel. 
"Then we did a service project on a Saturday stuffing the snack bags. This snack bag project is not happening now after Covid. So this year the money will be used to purchase summer time art supplies. We will put the supplies together on a Saturday in April."

The $500 comes from their membership dues, donations at meetings and individual members.


Correction: names in photo caption were in the wrong order

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New Shoreline Firefighter Chris O'Dougherty

Chris O'Dougherty, Shoreline Firefighter
From Shoreline Fire

Please help us congratulate Firefighter Chris O’Dougherty who successfully completed probation today. 

Our new Firefighters begin their first year with us on probation while they complete extensive training and tasks to learn the job and earn the rank of Firefighter. 



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For the Birds: A Winter Warbler, if you plant for them

Yellow-rumped Warbler in winter plumage.
Photo by Peggy Bartleson
By Christine Southwick

Hearing an unfamiliar “chip” from several birds, I stopped what I was doing and looked around. 

Imagine my surprise and delight to spot several Yellow-rumped Warblers flying out for bugs and using my suet feeders. 

Hocking for bugs, these little somewhat winter-drab warblers were moving around from tree branch to bush branch, and back, occasionally catching a bug on the wing. 

What a show, after I finally focused my binoculars on a couple. 

I also used the Merlin app to ID their chipping calls to confirm my identification.

Our area has two forms of the Yellow-rumped Warbler: the mostly year-round Audubon Yellow-rumped Warbler, and the mostly passing-through in the winter-time Myrtle Yellow-rumped Warbler. 

Photo by Yukari Yoshioka at Grace Cole Park
in Lake Forest Park
The Audubon form has a yellow throat, and the Myrtle form has a white throat (easiest distinguisher)

Warblers have two distinct plumages, called “alternate plumage”. 

This adaptation provides them with bright breeding plumage in the spring, and a duller easier-to-hide winter plumage when there is less foliage in which to conceal their yellow markings.

In the spring these brownish warblers with their colored throats and some white on their wings (Audubons usually have more than Myrtles), turn into smart-looking black, charcoal gray with white patches, and bright yellow rumps (which are often hard to see in the winter plumage).

Photo by Yukari Yoshioka at Grace Cole Park
 in Lake Forest Park
Because of their ability to feast on a wide variety of food, these yellow-rumped seem to be holding their own, population-wise, if we humans don’t poison all the bugs they eat.

They eat spruce budworm, bark beetles, weevils, aphids, caterpillars and other larvae. 

In the winter they eat bugs, fruits and berries like juniper and dogwood berries, including being the only birds that can digest wax myrtle berries. 

This is one of the reasons these warblers can stay so much farther north than most other warblers.

Bird baths during the summer
Photo by Chris Southwick
During winter times they also eat weed seeds, and come to feeders that have sunflower seeds, small fruits like raisins and blueberries, peanut butter, and suet.

Pesticides and herbicides are bad for the earth, our own breathing, and for all the birds and amphibians that rely on bugs to survive. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird Trends has found a sharp decline in American Robins, which rely on ground bugs and worms.
 
Plant native shrubs for the birds, especially warblers like these yellow-rumped, and put out suet and seeds. Add some liquid water, and your yard will be a welcome oasis year round.



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