Town Hall with 1st Legislative District legislators Sunday, March 19, 2023

Saturday, March 11, 2023


Do you have questions about what the Legislature is doing about the economy, housing, the environment, or education this year? 

You’re invited to join your 1st District lawmakers for an in-person town hall at 1pm on Sunday, March 19, 2023. 

Rep. Shelley Kloba, Rep. Davina Duerr, and Sen. Derek Stanford will be there to answer your questions and report about the progress they are making on those issues -- and many more.

WHO: The 1st District delegation: Sen. Derek Stanford and Reps. Shelley Kloba and Davina Duerr
WHAT: Town hall with 1st District residents
WHEN: Sunday, March 19 from 1-2:30pm
WHERE: Cascadia College, Mobius Hall, 18345 Campus Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011

The 1st Legislative District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, Kirkland. Woodinville, Briar, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood (see map)



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Washington Family Engagement annual conference March 25 - 26, 2023

In collaboration with Washington State PTA, Washington Family Engagement is bringing national authorities in Family Engagement to our annual conference (March 25 - 26, 2023), "The Equity in Family Engagement." 

The plenary presenters include Dr. Karen Mapp, Harvard University; Dr. Ann Ishimaru, University of Washington; Dr. Ivan Duran, Highline District Superintendent; and more than ten local equity and family engagement experts.

We offer eight WA State-approved Clock Hours for K-12 educators or eight Inservice (STARS) training hours for Early Learning Educators.

It takes all of us—parents, schools, and community members—to create more welcoming, prosperous, and equitable schools for everyone.

To register and see the complete list of speakers and workshops, visit: https://waleadershipnetwork.org/equity-conference/

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Open house at St. Pius X School in Mountlake Terrace on Sunday, March 19, 2023

Students at St. Pius X School in MLT
St. Pius X School in Mountlake Terrace will host an open house on Sunday, March 19 from 12 - 3pm at the Farewell Gym in the school. 

The event will provide opportunities for families to meet school leaders and staff, explore classrooms and learn more about St. Pius School’s curriculum.

St. Pius X School is located at 22105 58th Ave W in Mountlake Terrace and serves students from 2-1/2 year-olds through eighth grade. 

The school is accepting students for the 2023-24 Academic Year. 

Please inquire here.


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Jersey Mike's Subs donates all sales on March 29, 2023 to Seattle Children's Hospital

Jersey Mike's Shoreline in Aurora Village

Seattle Children’s Hospital is joining forces with 46 Jersey Mike’s Subs in the Seattle-Tacoma area for the 13th Annual March “Month of Giving” campaign to support local charities. 

During the month of March, customers can make a donation at participating Jersey Mike’s restaurants.

The Month of Giving campaign will culminate with Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants will give 100 percent of the day’s sales – not just profit – to Seattle Children’s Hospital.

On Day of Giving, local Jersey Mike’s owners and operators throughout the country will donate their resources and every single dollar that comes in to more than 200 different charities including hospitals, youth organizations, food banks and more.

This March, Jersey Mike’s hopes to exceed last year’s record-breaking national fundraising total of $20 million and help local charities striving to fulfill their missions and make a difference.

“I would like to extend a personal invitation to you and your family to visit Jersey Mike’s Subs throughout the month of March, and especially on Day of Giving when 100 percent of sales – every penny – goes to help a great local cause,” said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO, who started the company when he was only 17 years old.

Throughout March, customers can make donations through the Jersey Mike’s mobile app or onsite. On Day of Giving, Jersey Mike’s restaurants will donate every single dollar that comes in – whether in-store, on-line or through the app.

Since Month of Giving began in 2011, Jersey Mike’s has raised more than $67 million for local charities.

Jersey Mike's Shoreline is located in Aurora Village, in the building between Costco and the Home Depot garden center off of N 200th

1289 N 205th St, Shoreline, WA 98133-3214
Open 7 Days: 10am - 9pm
Order by phone (206) 546-9050

For a list of participating restaurants in the U.S. visit charity listing by state.

About Jersey Mike’s

Jersey Mike’s Subs, with nearly 2,500 locations nationwide, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread — the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mike’s local communities is reflected in its mission statement “Giving…making a difference in someone’s life.” 

For more information, please visit jerseymikes.com or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/jerseymikes), Instagram (instagram.com/jerseymikes), and Twitter (twitter.com/jerseymikes.com).



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Jobs: WSDOT Northwest Region Communications Manager (WMS Band 3)

WSDOT
Northwest Region Communications Manager (WMS Band 3)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$108,960 - $139,692 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Communications Manager in the Northwest Region (NWR). This position is located in Shoreline, WA. 

This position independently develops and leads internal and external communications for WSDOT's Northwest Region. The Communications Manager proactively leads and coordinates short and long-term communications and community engagement activities involving other regions, mega projects, modes, and emergencies in the Northwest Region. 

This position is responsible for identifying issues, anticipating their potential consequences, and advising the agency's top executives on communications challenges and opportunities. The Communications Manager represents WSDOT in meetings with the Governor's office, elected officials, partner agencies, and influential stakeholders. 

This position also serves as the Northwest Region's primary strategic advisor for media, social media, and community engagement. The Communications Manager serves as information manager responsible for responding to significant emergency or crisis situations, including advising the Northwest Region Administrator, other WSDOT executives, and outside agency officials on public information strategies.

Job description and application


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Op-Ed: The Middle is Missing and We Need to Find It

By Donna Hawkey

There is a middle housing crisis, and Community Land Trusts (CLT) can help solve this problem in perpetuity.

I’ve lived in Lake Forest Park for over 25 years - yet, if I were to try to move here now, I could not afford it. 

I have seen smaller, more affordable houses torn down and million-dollar houses go up in their place.

From a demographic standpoint it means our community is becoming less diverse as millennials, workers such as teachers, social workers, and our own city workers are no longer able to afford to live in many of our communities.

Community Land Trusts (CLT) are one solution that allows one to afford a house and gain equity at the same time.

How? The land the house is on is not part of the cost of buying the house. As a result, the buyer only pays for the house, not the land. The house gains equity and in seven years on average a homeowner can sell their house and buy a new house at market rate. Unlike the traditional housing market, CLT homes remain affordable for every new buyer.

Want to learn more?

Tuesday March 14, 2023 at 7:00pm Kathleen Hosfeld, Executive Director of Homestead Community Land Trust will present to The City of Lake Forest Park Planning Commission. 

Homestead, a non-profit 501(c)(3), has been in existence for 30 years strengthening communities throughout the Puget Sound region by making housing dreams happen.

The March 14th Lake Forest Park Planning Commission meeting is a hybrid format for both in-person attendance and via Zoom. https://www.cityoflfp.gov/109/Planning-Commission

If you know of a property owner who could benefit from a possible tax incentive through a donation to a CLT please contact Kathleen Hosfeld at Kathleen@homesteadclt.org.



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Duwamish Tribe Cultural Preservation Officer consults with Shoreline Historical Museum re the Miyawaki Urban Forest History Project

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connected.
- Chief Seattle


The Shoreline Historical Museum is located at 18501 Linden Ave N, Shoreline WA

By Sally Yamasaki

The Shoreline Historical Museum is in the process of researching the feasibility of planting a Miyawaki Urban Forest in a portion of the open field adjacent to the museum’s buildings. This forest will become the “walls” for subsequent plans to incorporate local history. (see previous article)

Looking at the open field, one could think that the land belongs to the museum alone, however, just as Chief Seattle’s quote reminds us, nothing exists in isolation whether it be our environment or our history.

“If you are near a sacred site or an area where there is a medium to high probability of finding cultural artifacts, and the depth of excavation disturbs the ground in layers that contain peat or alluvium, then depending on the project, the Duwamish and other tribes might request an archaeological review or at least have an inadvertent discovery plan put in place for the earthwork contractor,” according to Nancy Sackman, Cultural Preservation Officer for the Duwamish Tribe.

Kenneth Doutt (Shoreline Historical Museum Executive Director), Nancy Sackman (Cultural Preservation Officer for the Duwamish Tribe), Sarah Phillips (Miyawaki Urban Forest History Project Volunteer).

Sackman came to the Shoreline Historical Museum for a site visit to help the museum learn about the impacts land disruption can have, and the steps it should take to make sure their Miyawaki Urban Forest History Project does not have a deleterious effect on the environment or history below the earth’s surface.

Sackman’s visit was a great reminder of the significance of the history of our past and how it is still very much present in our lives today.

The Shoreline Historical Museum is located at 18501 Linden Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133.

For more information on the Shoreline Historical Museum and how to get involved, visit: https://shorelinehistoricalmuseum.org, or call 206-542-7111



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Provide input on the City of Shoreline’s Urban Forest Strategic Plan and Forest Management Plan

Friday, March 10, 2023


The City of Shoreline is in the process of updating its Urban Forest Strategic Plan and the Green Shoreline 20-Year Forest Management Plan and we want to hear from residents.

Both plans provide guidance for the City’s Urban Forestry program.

We want to hear from residents as we work to improve the forestry and environmental health of our public lands. This includes the parks and open spaces managed by the City.

Visit the Urban Forest Strategic Plan webpage and fill out a short questionnaire on our urban forest restoration, maintenance, and tree planting efforts.

We will also host a public open house on April 13, 2023 from 7:00 to 9:00pm where you can find out more about the plans and provide input. You can attend the open house in person at Shoreline City Hall or you can attend via Zoom (Zoom link).

We last updated the Urban Forest Strategic Plan in 2014. This plan provides a broad, strategic overview of the goals for public land and park-related forestry issues within the city. The 20-Year Forest Management Plan is a companion piece that provides guidance for tree planting and open space restoration efforts on City-owned Park land.



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Worm moon and the end of winter

Worm moon photo by Lee Wolfe

This was the Worm Moon on Tuesday morning, March 7, 2023.

“The Worm Moon is the moon for March, and for some, it takes its name from the fact that earthworms begin to reappear around this time of year, bringing birds back out to feed. It signals the end of winter and the start of regrowth in nature.”

Photographer Lee Wolfe says "I’m all for the end of winter!" So say we all.



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New veterinary resource for local pet parents who need assistance

SAFe medical team

Seattle Area Feline Rescue (SAFe Rescue) is offering a series of monthly feline wellness clinics at its Shoreline location (14717 Aurora Ave N). These clinics support income-qualified individuals and families in the community by providing wellness care (including vaccination, microchips, flea treatment, and nail trims) for pet cats.

The clinic coming up on Monday, April 3, 2023 is currently accepting appointments for eligible clients. 

Interested parties can learn more and apply for services on the Rescue’s website: https://www.seattleareafelinerescue.org/community-wellness-clinics/.

"As we continue to see the cost of veterinary care surge across the country, it's been an ongoing goal of SAFe to have the ability to provide services for our low-income and unhoused neighbors,” said Dylan Shaffer, the Rescue’s Community Support Manager. 

“For many of these individuals, a visit to the vet is simply financially out of reach. Regardless of where someone may be in their life, their pets are a part of their family. 
"Being able to provide wellness care that meets the needs of our community ensures that all pets are able to continue to live happy, healthy lives in loving homes while easing the financial burden on their owners."


About SAFe Rescue

SAFe Rescue saves feline lives by taking in homeless cats, giving them the care they need, finding them loving homes, and supporting their human companions. SAFe Rescue believes each cat has inherent value and that humans and felines enrich each other’s lives. This bond builds compassionate communities with empathy for all living things.

Seattle Area Feline Rescue is currently located on the border of Seattle and Shoreline, at 14717 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133. 

SAFe is a non-profit, no-kill rescue, 501c3 #91-2041961. Each year, 1,400-2,000 felines, including seniors and special needs cats, find homes at SAFe as people searching for new friends visit SAFe's welcoming storefront Adoption Center.

SAFe primarily works with organizations from all over Washington state and across the U.S. to take in cats in need of care. An extensive network of community volunteers and foster families helps the rescue carry out its mission and save more lives.


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Lakeshore Garden Club meets Tuesday March 14, 2023

Lakeshore Garden Club will hold their Tuesday, March 14, 2023 meeting at 10am at the lower level of the Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church, 17440 Brookside Blvd. NE.


Bob Zimmerman will speak at Lakeshore Garden Club

Following a general meeting, the morning program entitled "The Siren Song of Species Rhododendrons," our speaker Bob Zimmerman (Owner of Chimacum Woods Rhododendrons Nursery) will talk about species rhododendrons.

The morning program ends at noon. You may bring a brown bag lunch: dessert and coffee/tea are provided.

The afternoon program begins at 1pm and is a member activity with greeting cards..

Please refer to our website at lakeshoregardenclub.com and mark your calendar for our spring plant sale, also held at LFP Presbyterian Church, on Saturday, April 29th, 10am to 3pm.



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Olympic Fly Fishers meet Tuesday March 14, 2023

Nate Brumley presentation March 14
The Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds welcomes Nate Brumley, on Tuesday March 14, 2023, from 6-8pm. 

A dry fly specialist, Nate will present “Stillwater Dry Fly fishing” via Zoom at the Mountlake Terrace Community Senior Center, 23000 Lakeview Dr, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043

Mr. Brumley is owner of Dry Fly Innovations and author of two dry fly books: "Addicted to the Rise”, and “Winter on a Dry Fly”. 

The meeting is open to the public and the doors open at 5:30pm. Join us. 

For further information, visit: olympicflyfishers.com


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New eagle nest at Ronald Bog

Eagles are nesting at Ronald Bog
Photo by Martin DeGrazia

A new eagle nest is being built at Ronald Bog Park in the large cottonwood on the north side of the water
 
This is the first year for this site. There have always been eagles around the Bog but this is the first nest.

Eagle pair at Ronald Bog
Photo by Martin DeGrazia

They are establishing their hunting territory. Ronald Bog is not known for its fish, nor is it stocked, as Echo Lake is.
 
Shoreline resident Mark Tomboulian says, "But there are are plenty of invasive non-native rabbits to feed on, and I saw one being taken up to the nest today.'  

Further, he warns, "Any outside small pet without supervision is a prey candidate, so good time for a warning about how outside cats and small dogs are at risk."

Ronald Bog is between I-5 and Meridian Ave N, with the north boundary at N 175th in Shoreline.
 

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Whitney Potter (and the State Fire Marshal) say: Change your clocks this weekend - it's Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 2:00am. The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind everyone that when changing your clocks, remember to test your smoke alarm at the same time.

The following safety tips are recommended:
  • Install smoke alarms in every sleeping area and test them at least once a month.
  • It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms so that if one alarm sounds, they all sound.
  • Alarms with strobe lights and bed shakers should be utilized for those with hearing disabilities.
  • Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for 10 years from the manufacture date, not the date of installation. 
  • If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
  • When changing a battery, follow the smoke alarm manufacturer’s instructions which specify which batteries must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if the wrong kind of battery is used.
  • In accordance to Washington Administrative Code 212-10, landlords are responsible for the installing and testing of smoke alarms prior to a tenant moving in. 
  • Once the tenant takes possession of the rental unit, the tenant is responsible for all maintenance and testing unless agreed upon prior to the tenant moving in. Failure of the owner to abide by the terms of any such agreement does not relieve the tenant of the responsibility to maintain the smoke alarm devices in a fully operational condition at all times.
For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-596-3929.



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Climate Action Shoreline: Interview with a Local Naturalist

By Diane Lobaugh

I love being involved in my neighborhood and city. There are so many good people that live and work and are growing up here. A city or community flourishes with good folks in government, but also with a lot of people, of all ages and backgrounds, that look out for their neighborhoods, schools, trees, people, streams, gardens, and wildlife.

This month I interviewed a wonderful woman who lives here in Shoreline, whose life is discovering and teaching about our natural world.


Julie Luthy photo by Diane Lobaugh

Meet Julie Luthy
. Julie has always been a naturalist and shares her love of the outdoors with people all around her. I met Julie through a mutual friend who knew about her work in our community. Julie became part of Climate Action Shoreline and helped write our brochure on daily climate actions.

“I encourage people to go outside and slow down, looking and listening carefully. Nature is dynamic and to notice the changes is a gift we give ourselves and to those we share it with.”

What lives in a tide pool?
Photo by Julie Luthy
Julie was born and raised in Wisconsin. She worked for nature centers, national parks and forests in Washington, Wisconsin, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Alaska. 

She moved to Washington State to work in Olympic National Park and attend WWU where she received a master’s degree in environmental education. She fell in love with the Northwest and has built her life here.

In Washington Julie has worked in city parks and schools. She currently works with preschoolers through 5th graders in and outside of schools. 

She loves leading students on walking field trips so they can learn about their own neighborhoods and can connect with what lives around them, their parks and streams and forests. 

Julie gives her students homework but not a due date. She says: “For the rest of your life I want you to notice plants blooming, worm castings, birds singing.”

Julie also teaches parents and teachers, encouraging us to slow down with children, and to share in their excitement of discovery. This will in turn encourage more close observation and can develop into a lifelong relationship with nature.

Local heron photo by Diane Lobaugh

Julie understands that young people need to feel a connection to the earth before we can ask them to save it. 

She says to let them love it first. And it is not necessary to know the names of everything we see. We can get outside, stop and listen, notice and start asking questions together. Who ate the seeds out of this cone? Who is that singing?

As a scientist Julie asks her students lots of questions and encourages them to notice and think. She asks her youngest students: what do worms, and potato bugs need to survive?

With 5th graders Julie explains the difference between weather and climate. And discusses global climate change, and the science behind it. 

She talks about watershed runoff, the wetlands around us and why we see changes. Julie asks her students what may be causing the changes. Her students work in groups to develop an environmentally friendly community. 

She asks them what they can do, today, to preserve the wetlands or protect the insects or not pollute the air. She also shares the climate action brochure to bring home.

Native Douglas squirrel photo by Julie Lothy
I love thinking about the many lives that Julie has touched, including mine. 

I imagine the circle of preschoolers watching Julie light up as she talks about potato bugs and how snake jaws work and how much she loves a Douglas squirrel that lives in her backyard.

Julie lives not too far from one of her schools, just through the trees. The teacher sometimes tells her students that Julie lives over there, pointing to the trees. 

Julie could read on their faces that they thought maybe she lives in the forest. I think she does… the land, the trees, the air and rain and plants and insects are her neighbors, her home.

Thank you, Julie. I am glad that we will see you in the neighborhood.

Diane Lobaugh (with Julie's help)
~~~
Past Shoreline Area News articles based on the pamphlet from Climate Action Shoreline: Start Over Every Sunday, Fossil Fuel Free Friday, Supportive Saturday, What is Climate?, Thinking about our World Community, Ending war is a climate issue. View them here



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Jobs: WSDOT Property Management Supervisor (PAS6)

WSDOT
Property Management Supervisor (PAS6)
Shoreline, WA. – Northwest Region
$69,741 - $93,756 Annually

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is eager to hire a real estate professional looking to advance their career into a leadership role and serve as our next Property Management Supervisor in support of Northwest Region (NWR) Real Estate Services (RES) Property Management program. 

The primary focus for this position is oversight, training, and technical assistance of all property management work for the NWR, assuring that the Property Management work is completed efficiently and accurately. These functions are highly technical and are required and regulated by Federal and State rules. 

As the Property Management Supervisor, this position will serve as a Subject Matter Expert for functions of Property Management and responsible for compliance to ensure the transactions meet federal and state laws/regulations. The successful candidate appointed to this unique position will serve a vital role in support of WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality.

Job description and application


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Jobs: WSDOT Preservation Subprogram Manager (TE3)

WSDOT
Preservation Subprogram Manager (TE3)
Shoreline, WA. – Northwest Region
$73,243 - $98,532 Annually

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Northwest Region (NWR) Program Delivery Office is eager to hire an engineering professional to serve as Preservation Subprogram Manager. 

The primary undertaking of the Preservation Subprogram Manager will be to manage and support the delivery and reporting of the projects within various programs in the region’s Highway Construction Program. 

This position is also responsible for supporting the program management functions for the I-405 and the Puget Sound Gateway Program, including Capital Program Management System (CPMS) updates and Work Order Authorization requests. The successful candidate appointed to this unique position will serve a vital role in support of WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality.

Job description and application


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Jobs: WSDOT Land Surveyor (TE3)

WSDOT
Land Surveyor (TE3)
Shoreline, WA. – Northwest Region
$76,731 - $103,224 Annually

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is eager to hire multiple engineering professionals to serve an integral role in support of WSDOT’s mission. 

As the Land Surveyor, the primary undertaking of this position will be to update and/or create new Right of Way (ROW) plans, determine right of way centerlines and boundaries, prepare survey records and documents, and occasionally mark WSDOT boundaries in the field or set monuments.

Job description and application


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Jobs: WSDOT Human Resources Consultant 2 (In-Training)

WSDOT
Human Resources Consultant 2 (In-Training)
Shoreline, WA – Headquarters
$47,052 - $71,484 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Human Resources Consultant 2 (In-Training) to independently provide HR support for the Northwest Region. 

In this capacity, this position provides advice and consultation on tasks of complexity within the classification, compensation, labor relations, reasonable accommodation, drug and alcohol, performance management, and training. 

This position directly supports the agency’s goal areas of Workforce Development and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to be an employer of choice and employ a workforce that reflects the many diverse communities we serve.

Job description and application


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It's tennis season and Shorewood is looking forward to a banner season

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Senior Lindsay Rand and senior Sophia Serwold
Captains Shorewood girls tennis
Photo by Arnie Moreno
Shorewood returns an undefeated championship team from 2022 that won 87 individual season matches and lost only 4.
 
The team is led by senior captains Lindsay Rand and Sophia Serwold. 

Shorewood returns four state qualifiers. 
  • Rand and Serwold in doubles and sophomore Rylie Gettmann, junior Emily Lin. 
  • Lin was Wesco South and District 1 2nd in singles. 
  • Rand and Serwold were Wesco South and District 1 doubles champions, 
  • Gettmann Wesco South and District 1 singles champion. 

Also returning are juniors Emma Okamura and Emma Nelson who placed second in Wesco South and 5th in District 1 doubles. 

The Shorewood tennis team is excited to start a new season and return the entire varsity lineup from last season. They understand that this is a new season with new challenges. 

Coach Arnie Moreno knows that every team they play this season will bring their best against Shorewood. 

Moreno feels that this team has the deepest talent he has ever had in his twenty years as head tennis coach for Shorewood.  

The team realizes that nothing is guaranteed and have to play their best every match.


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The Spitfire Grill opens in Edmonds March 17, 2023 - tickets on sale now

The Spitfire Grill
Music and Book by James Valcq Lyrics and Book by Fred Alley
Based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff

Edmonds, WA – Inspired by the hit 1996 film, The Spitfire Grill is a heartwarming and inspirational musical tale of redemption, perseverance, and family. 

A feisty parolee follows her dreams, based on a page from an old travel book, to a small town in Wisconsin and finds a place for herself working at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill. 
The Grill is for sale, but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town, so newcomer Percy convinces Hannah to raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars and the best essay on why you want the Grill wins. 
Soon, mail arrives by the wheelbarrow and things really start cookin’ at the Spitfire Grill.

Directed by Diane Johnston and featuring the double casted acting talents of Sarah Hooper and Rachel Ruby Squires (Percy Talbott), Vicki Wicks and Gina Wilhelm (Hannah Ferguson), Annelise Harlan and Rachel Mills (Shelby Thorpe), Jaret Miller and Michael McFadden (Caleb Thorpe), Justin Tran and Dov Matthews (Sheriff Joe Sutter), Natasha Thompson and Emi Faltinson (Effy Krayneck), David “DC” Dugdale and Bill Kusler (The Visitor).

The creative team includes Celeste Larson (Vocal Director), Joe Hinchy (Band Leader), Rhys Strohmeyer (Scenic Designer), Gwyn Skone (Lighting Designer), Arian Smit (Sound Designer), Nancy Johnson (Properties Designer), Rex Goulding (Asst. Properties Designer), Faye Mattingley (Costume Designer), Matthew Ircink (Stage Manager), Claudine Pruitt (Assistant Producer), Brian Fletcher (Production Supervisor), and Katie Soulé (Production Manager/Managing Director).

Effy and Hannahs

WHEN: March 17 – April 8, 2023 - Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. In lieu of an Easter Sunday performance, there will be an additional performance on Saturday, April 8 at 2pm. (15 total performances).

TICKETS: $28 General Adults (ages 19-59); $25 Junior/Senior/Military. Available online at www.edmondsdriftwoodplayers.org or by phone at 425-774-9600. Discounted tickets for groups of 10+ people are also available.

“The Spitfire Grill” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

Thank you to Beresford Booth PLLC Lawyers for sponsoring The Spitfire Grill, and special thanks to our Season 64 Sponsors: Rick Steves’ Europe, Windermere Real Estate Edmonds, and Templar Financial Services.

Edmonds Driftwood Players is a volunteer-based, non-profit community theatre with the mission to produce live theatre that entertains, enriches and engages the community. Established in 1958, it is one of the oldest operating community theatres in Washington State. Performances at the Wade James Theatre, 950 Main Street, Edmonds.



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Understanding the Fire Benefit Charge

Photo by Wayne Pridemore
By Cathy Goodrich

Communication is key to understanding how the Fire benefit Charge (FBC) is assessed, says Chief Matt Cowan, Shoreline Fire Department. 

Proof of that is in the number of appeals submitted by property owners after they received the revised notification letter in January. 

Cowan attributes the increase in appeals to the clearer description of the FBC’s purpose, how it is calculated, and the appeals process.

Specifically, revisions to the notification letter clarified the availability of a 10% discount for a structure equipped with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system. Cowan believes greater clarity in communication has resulted in the number of appeals increasing from 8 in 2022 to 51 as of March 3, 2023. 

Ninety-two percent were successfully appealed for sprinkler discounts. Two appeals were based on an incorrect understanding of how the square footage is calculated. Two former property owners received FBC letters because their property sales had not yet been recorded by King County.

The deadline for appeal of an FBC was March 6 at 4:00pm. For details on how to appeal, go to the department’s website or call 206-533-6500.

Prior to 2016, fire protection funding in Shoreline was based solely on a property tax called the fire tax levy. Chief Cowan introduced to the Shoreline City Council an alternative option of the FBC, permitted by statute, as a means of diversifying funding. 

The Council brought it to the citizens for a vote in 2015 which passed. As a result, fire protection funding was changed in 2016 to include both the customary but reduced-property tax, and the newly approved FBC. Cowan believes the combination of the FBC, and a property tax is a more equitable way to fund fire protection services for Shoreline residents. Funding based just on the size of a property does not adequately reflect the resources needed to fight a fire.

Unlike a simple property tax, the FBC considers both the size of all of the structures on a property (overall square footage) and each structure’s use (its risk). By doing so, the fee better reflects the firefighting requirements needed for a particular property. 

Generally, the harder it is to reduce the fire hazards to human life and property, the greater is the fee. In other words, larger and riskier structures will pay more than smaller and safer structures according to the Shoreline Fire Department’s January letter to property owners.

Examples of riskier structures are commercial buildings storing chemicals or other fire hazards and multi-story apartment buildings. A residence greater than 5,000 square feet will also pay more than a smaller residence which poses a relatively lower risk. Properties with no buildings will not pay a FBC although they will still owe the tax based on the property’s overall value.

Not every property owner pays the FBC. Certain exemptions apply including for federally owned property, certain schools, and religious organizations. 

Data from the Shoreline Fire Department, indicates about 265 exempt properties. Of those, about 230 are also exempt from the FBC. Another exemption exists for qualifying low-income seniors who may be eligible for a reduced fee. Answers to FBC Frequently Asked Questions are at the department website at https://shorelinefire.com/information/fire-benefit-charge/

Combined funding for fire protection also provides greater stability and flexibility for budgeting and forecasting, says Cowan. No longer tied to fluctuating property values with a rate capped by statute, the FBC includes factors more directly related to the benefits an owner may receive from fire services. 

Also, the FBC can be adjusted for projected cost of service. Each upcoming year’s FBC rate is approved by the elected Board of Fire Commissioners after the previous October’s public hearing. By statute funds collected by the FBC are limited to 60% of the operating budget.



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Humor: The early bird


 Humor by Margaret Hartley


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Senate passes Salomon bill to protect marine shoreline habitats

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Sen. Jesse Salomon
OLYMPIA – Legislation to help protect shoreline habitats in Washington passed the Senate with bipartisan support Tuesday.

Senate Bill 5104, sponsored by Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-32), (and co-sponsored by Sen. Derek Stanford (D-1) directs the state Department of Ecology (DOE) to conduct a survey of Puget Sound marine shorelines using new technology to better determine where to prioritize habitat restoration and protection actions.

By June 30, 2024, the bill requires DOE to conduct and maintain a baseline survey of Puget Sound marine shorelines using new technology to capture 360-degree on-the-water imagery. The on-the-water view would be similar to Google street view, with private information blurred. 

This data will be used to address limitations, help identify restoration sites and structures in bad condition, assist with orca recovery and assess shoreline changes over time.

“Washington is one of the most beautiful states in our nation, and we need to do everything we can to protect our ecosystems. An accurate and up-to-date shoreline survey will help us determine how to prioritize protection and restoration of our shorelines,” Salomon said. 
“We need to address the current information gaps in order to understand where critical habitat exists, where development exists and where restoration needs to happen.”

The survey to document and map existing shoreline conditions, structures and structure conditions must be completed by June 2025. The information from the surveys will be available to the public and incorporated into state geographic information system mapping and updated on a regular two-year cycle. 

The survey includes Puget Sound shorelines and related inland marine waters, including the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Hood Canal and the San Juan Islands.

“We are quickly running out of time in the race to save Puget Sound,” said Amy Carey from Sound Action. 
“Without baseline surveys, recovery and nearshore protection efforts have been missing a critical tool in the fight. This bill will change that, giving shoreline planners, nonprofits and other stakeholders the up-to-date information they need to recover the marine food web — including forage fish, marine birds, salmon and the endangered Southern Resident orcas.”

This bill is now headed to the House for consideration.



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Pediatric Skilled Nursing Facility opens in Shoreline March 23, 2023


Join us Thursday March 23, 2023 as we open Washington State’s very first Pediatric Skilled Nursing Facility—Bridges to Home, a program of Ashley House NW. 

This 15-bed care facility with a focus on pediatric care will help provide kids and their families a bridge from the hospital to home. There are two opportunities: 11:30am – 1:00pm with a 12:30 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and 4:30pm to 6:00pm. 

Refreshments will be served, and there will be tours, as well as the opportunity to learn how YOU can be involved.

RSVP:

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Executive Constantine proposes a new eight block civic campus in downtown Seattle

King county administration building
Photo courtesy King County
King County Executive Dow Constantine delivered his 2023 State of the County address to the King County Council Tuesday, March 7, 2023 that highlighted progress in the last year and continued work ahead, including the need for action in the state Legislature to avoid budget cuts this fall.

In his address, Executive Constantine launched the Civic Campus initiative, a proposal to reimagine the courthouse neighborhood, and proposed building a Sound Transit light rail station on the site of the King County Administration Building. 

He also urged the legislature to remove the 1% cap on the county’s primary funding source, and build statewide solutions to behavioral health.

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Shoreline Rotary annual fundraiser on March 18, 2023

This year's event is going to be amazing! The Lights, Camera, Auction committee has been hard at work to ensure we follow through on the rotary mission of service above self.

With your support in this effort, the rotary will continue to provide Scholarships to students in our community and assist with grants for Canopy Scholars.

Above all, we need you, our friends, and neighbors to make sure we are providing assistance to those in need for all of our projects, locally and afar.

Tickets: https://auctria.events/ShorelineRotary2023

--Kind + Company



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New Crisis Response Center in Kirkland to serve five North King County cities in a regional partnership

The cities of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Kirkland, and Bothell announce the siting of a new multi-service crisis response center dedicated to serving the behavioral health needs of community members across north and northeast King County.

The new crisis center will be operated by Connections Health Solutions, a national innovator in behavioral health crisis care. The facility will be located at 11410 NE 122nd Way in Kirkland’s Totem Lake neighborhood, conveniently located near Evergreen Hospital and Highway 405. 

The crisis response center will be the first of its kind in King County to provide a spectrum of care services, from walk-in mental health urgent care to continued stabilization of behavioral health or substance use crises.

“The new Connections crisis response center adds a critical element in the continuum of behavioral health care for community members in Kirkland and throughout the region,” said City of Kirkland Mayor Penny Sweet

“This new center complements the Regional Crisis Response Agency (RCR) announced in 2022, which will deploy Crisis Responders on some 911 calls for community members experiencing behavioral health crisis across the north county region. This announcement culminates a year-long effort by Kirkland and our north King County city partners to proactively address critical behavioral health needs in our communities.”


“The benefit to individuals in crisis, first responders, healthcare providers, and our community comes at a critical time, as the lasting impacts of the pandemic continue to be felt across our communities – and especially for those in need of life-saving behavioral health care,” said Shoreline Mayor Keith Scully.”

The “no wrong door” clinic will be open to everyone regardless of severity of need or insurance status, and care will be available 24/7 with no appointment required. Connections expects to open the new facility in Kirkland in 2024.


“We’re honored to partner with the cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline to provide immediate access to care and to connect the North King County community to a local crisis response center where high-quality treatment occurs and hope is restored,” said Colin LeClair, Chief Executive Officer for Connections Health Solutions. “We look forward to the ongoing collaboration between the five cities and all partners as we bring immediate and accessible care to those in need.”

“Connections has been serving communities for more than 30 years. Expertise and experience of that caliber matter in behavioral health crisis care and treatment,” said City of Lake Forest Park Mayor Jeff Johnson. “The positive impact of this center will be felt among families across the five North King County cities for generations to come.”
 
Connections’ effort to open the north King County facility is made possible, in part, by $21.52 million financial support from grants from the State of Washington and King County.

“Crisis stabilization centers are an effective and important tool in our state’s efforts to address behavioral health issues and reform approaches to behavioral health care and public safety,” said Governor Jay Inslee

“Our communities need a place where people in crisis can go to receive compassionate and focused behavioral health care. Programs like this that allow for first responder referrals decrease the use of jails and emergency rooms, which are not well-equipped to address these needs. I’m proud of the investments our state and our communities are making in these programs.”

“Providing a 24/7 place for people in crisis to receive effective care helps make recovery possible as part of a connected behavioral health system that provides people with the care they need when they need it in their communities,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine
“King County invested $11.5 million of state and local dollars toward this crisis center in Kirkland, and it’s the start of what we can achieve together when it comes to community behavioral health.”


“For too long, we have relied on our police officers, jails and courts to substitute for a missing behavioral health care system,” said King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski

“It’s an unfair burden on them, and unfair to our community. That’s why King County is proud to partner with the five North County cities in my district who are leading the charge to stand up the essential behavioral health response system our community needs. 

'This new facility builds on the work we have done in recent years to create the RADAR program, partnering with law enforcement to ensure an effective response to community health and safety needs. 

"We will now have a community-based care center to support our front-line mental health professionals in delivering compassionate and effective care to those in crisis, and enhancing public health and safety. I thank and congratulate all involved in this powerful partnership, and look forward to seeing its positive impact in North King County.”

Together with the national 988 Crisis Lifeline and the RCR (Regional Crisis Response) Agency, the new crisis response center fills a void of coordinated behavioral health care in King County by providing community members in crisis with three important resources: someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go.


The RCR Agency was formed in collaboration by the partner cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline to provide consolidated and standardized regional mobile crisis response services for the five-city region.

Learn more about the new crisis response center.

Find out more about the Regional Crisis Response Agency.


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Pajama Party at the Teen Center Saturday for middle school students


This Saturday, March 11, 2023 we are having a pajama party at the teen center! 

Picture a super cool sleepover but without the sleeping-over (we still close at 10:30pm). Hosted by recreation specialists Lauren and Mary, come wearing your coziest PJs, and prepare for an evening of karaoke, movies, nail art, arts and crafts, and more! 

This event is 100% free and open to all middle school students or students in grades 6-8th.

  • Location: Richmond Highlands Recreation Center, Shoreline Teen Center 16554 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133, South of Shorewood High School
  • Date: Saturday, March 11, 2023
  • Time: 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM
  • Free to 6th-8th grade students, no registration requires.

More about Middle School Night:

Calling all middle schoolers! Middle School Night happen every Saturday night, during the school year, at the Shoreline Teen Center. Join us on Saturday nights for sports, games, art, and food. Our staff run activities catered to Middle School aged youth and create a safe, supervised space for your youth to hang out with friends, meet new people, and have a great time!

Middle School night is on Saturday nights from 5:00pm -10:30pm. This is a free, drop-in program, no pre-registration required.

One Saturday a month there will be a themed event for Middle School Night, which will result in a higher number of youths attending. These events will have a combination of free Eventbrite registration and drop-in allowed, but if we reach maximum capacity, drop-ins arriving after we have reached capacity may not be allowed in until other youth have left so we don't exceed safe numbers in our facility.



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Letter to the Editor: Please take a moment to advocate for our kids

To the Editor:

Significant budget cuts are coming next year for the Shoreline School District Budget. It is undecided at this point if next year’s budget will be reduced by $13M or $19M. However, the scale of the cut is around 10% of our total budget. We need action from our parent community now.

We are still hoping that legislative action can help us decrease our potential budget cuts for Shoreline Public Schools next year. However, we are facing more deadlines as bills move to the floor. March 8th at 5 PM is the next big cutoff; this is the date and time by which bills must have passed the chamber in which they started to stay under consideration. We need to put pressure on our state legislators and senators. Increased state funding means our local levy money can be put towards other funding shortfalls and reduce the severity of our budget cuts in the years to come.

Please take the following action steps today, to help reduce the severity of budget cuts:

1) Write to State Legislators

To make it easy, the Shoreline PTA Council site has a sample letters to send to legislators. There are two buttons for sample form emails (one to house representatives, one to senators). There are a few places to insert the name of your child/ren’s school, how the cuts will affect your child’s education, and your name at the bottom.

(If you have already emailed in the past, THANK YOU. These are new, updated letters -- and each one helps.)

2) Call your State Legislators

Once you have written, you can call! You can make a difference by picking up the phone and asking your representatives to fund our schools.

1st Legislative DistrictSenator Derek Stanford: (360) 786-7600
Rep. Shelley Kloba: (360) 786-7900
Rep. Davina Duerr: (360) 786-7928

32nd Legislative DistrictSenator Jesse Salomon: (360) 786-7662
Rep. Cindy Ryu: (360) 786-7880
Rep. Lauren Davis: (360) 786-7910

Thank you so much for supporting our kids and our schools!

Maris Abelson
Shoreline Schools Parent



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Finnish President Sauli Niinistö pays historic visit to Washington state

Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and Gov. Jay Inslee shake hands to conclude a joint media availability on March 6. The president encouraged Washingtonians and Americans to sustain their support for Ukraine, and to guard for threats to democracy at large. "You do not need to be afraid, but you must always be awake," he said.

His Excellency Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of Finland, visited the Washington State Capitol on Monday, March 6, 2023. His address to the Legislature was the first by a foreign head of state in Washington state history.

The president’s visit included a greeting with Gov. Jay Inslee, a performance of the Finnish and American national anthems by the Finnish Choral Society of Seattle, and his remarks to a joint session of the Legislature. Niinistö and Inslee also led a bilateral meeting and hosted a joint media availability.

After the address, Niinistö and Inslee and their delegations met in the governor’s office for the bilateral meeting. The president and governor agreed to deepen the cooperation in the areas of telecommunications, climate change, and port modernization. 

Partnership between Finland and the state of Washington will continue, building on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2021.

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