Inslee signs Trueblood fix to improve competency services

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Gov. Jay Inslee signed SB 5440 on May 15, 2023 to improve the state’s competency system

Criminal defendants have the right to remain silent, the right to counsel, and the right to a trial by jury. They also have the right to understand their charges and assist in their own defense. Some defendants with behavioral health issues or disabilities do not understand their charges. In those cases, defendants have the right to expedient competency evaluation and restoration before they face prosecution.

Since a 2015 decision in Trueblood v. DSHS, the state has invested significant effort to serve a rapidly-growing number of patients awaiting competency services. In his State of the State address this past January, Inslee called on legislators to help with further reforms to the broken system. On May 15, Gov. Jay Inslee signed SB 5440 to overhaul the competency system and reduce an impossible volume of referrals.

New Trueblood-related investments and policies will help more defendants break their cycle of involvement in the criminal justice system and begin a path to durable recovery.

The governor also signed HB 1134 to take the next step towards using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to establish a statewide crisis response system. The bill will increase the number of mobile crisis response teams statewide and create new behavioral health crisis centers to decisively respond to 988 callers needing immediate intervention.

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After the heat, a cool breeze

 
Photo by Janet Way

After the heat of the day, a cool breeze came in. The dramatic lightning storms were in the south and we got the cloud contrast and this peaceful view through the trees of Paramount Open Space.



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Learn about careers with Shoreline Fire

  • Introduction to Shoreline Fire Department
  • Overview of our hiring process and Recruit Academy
  • Career benefits and advancement opportunities
To register email careers@shorelinefire.com
Please include your name and date choice.

 

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How to keep your Apple Health coverage

Thousands of people who have health insurance through Medicaid (also known as Apple Health, in Washington) risk losing coverage in coming months.
 

Public Health—Seattle - King County and its partners in the community are leading an effort to help them take action in time.

For the past three years, more than 100,000 King County residents kept Apple Health coverage without needing to reconfirm their eligibility every year. 

Because of the pandemic, those requirements were suspended. That policy boosted Apple Health enrollment and helped lower the uninsured rate among adults in King County down to 6.9%, which is near the record low of 6.7%.  

Beginning this spring, many clients will need to verify that they’re still eligible for Apple Health. They will lose coverage if:
  • They don’t submit a renewal form
  • Their income is over the guidelines for Apple Health
  • The good news: There are options for people to keep health insurance coverage – if they act in time.



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Jobs: WSDOT Assistant Area Consultant Liaison Engineer (TE4)

WSDOT
Assistant Area Consultant Liaison Engineer (TE4)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$80,879 - $108,750 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is eager to hire a technical engineer to join our Northwest Region (NWR) Consultant Liaison Office in Shoreline, WA, a few minutes north of Seattle. 

This position will perform essential functions including but not limited to consultant contract administration, acquisition services, and assisting with project development and construction ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. 

In addition, this position will play a strategic role in developing and facilitating contract procedures in accordance with State and Federal regulations, as well as WSDOT Headquarters Contracting Services Office. 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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Echo Lake Neighborhood Church Walk May 20

Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church

Saturday, May 20, 2023, 10:00am
Echo Lake Neighborhood Church Walk

May is a great time of year to enjoy spring flowers and trees with their new foliage as you walk around the "churchy" Echo Lake Neighborhood. 

We will pass by six churches and through several park-like areas.
  • Walk is approximately 3.5 miles / 2.0 hours
  • Walk Rating: Moderate (some hills)
  • Meet at: Echo Lake Elementary School, 19345 Wallingford Ave N. Park on 195th Street, near the Echo Lake School Native Plant Garden.
  • Walk Leader: Donna

SHORELINE WALKS

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

For a full list of walks visit www.ShorelineWA.gov/ShorelineWalks


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Everyone headed to the beach

Monday, May 15, 2023

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

How to have it all - shade - beach - scenic view

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

The Edmonds Beach was full of people on Sunday for the first hot day of the year.



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Gloria's Birds: Happy Mother's Day

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

All mothers get a little overwhelmed sometimes…but we hang in there!

--Gloria Z. Nagler




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Governor signs housing bills

Gov. Jay Inslee signed legislation to remove obstacles to housing construction and another bill to help overcome the historic inequities caused by racist real estate covenants.

On Monday, May 8, 2023 Gov. Jay Inslee signed a slate of housing-related bills clearing obstacles to housing construction and righting a historic wrong related to housing discrimination.

As the state’s population has swelled, its housing stock has not, and prices have soared. To keep pace with expected growth, the state needs to build another million housing units by 2040. Inslee began the 2023 session with a call to “go big” on housing, and lawmakers responded by delivering smart policy and historic investments.

One new law, frequently referred to as the “middle housing bill,” essentially up-zones single-family lots in some cities to accommodate up to four units

Another law allows for more accessory dwelling units. New laws also consolidate permitting and streamline the design review process. Together, they will accelerate housing construction and improve inventory over time.

Inslee also signed a bill to establish a covenant homeownership account to assist homebuyers still harmed by the lingering legacy of racist real estate covenants

More than 40,000 covenants in effect as recently as 1960 excluded generations of people of color from owning property in communities across the state. An effect is a stark deficit in homeownership by people of color compared to their white neighbors with similar incomes.

The governor also signed bills to prevent landlords from raiding damage deposits over routine maintenance, and to afford tenants more say in eviction proceedings. Next week, the governor will sign a final budget including more than $1 billion over the next biennium to address homelessness and affordable housing.


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Destinations: U District Street Fair returns for its 52nd year May 20-21, 2023


The U District Street Fair returns for its 52nd year during the weekend of May 20-21, 2023 kicking-off Seattle’s summer event season with a 10 block-long arts and crafts fair that takes over University Way (a.k.a. “The Ave”). 

The two-day event will also feature free live music and performances, and over 40 food trucks and booths. This Seattle tradition regularly attracts over 50,000 visitors and now is accessible by link light rail which will transport visitors to the middle of the event at NE 43rd Street.

HUNDREDS OF ARTISTS, VENDORS AND SMALL BUSINESSES

The 2023 lineup has been confirmed with the largest roster of makers and artists the festival has seen in over a decade! Come meet these artists and shop along University Way during the following hours:

Saturday, May 20 from 11am – 7pm
Sunday, May 21 from  11am – 6pm


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Twin Ponds Community Garden Plant Sale May 19-20, 2023

PLANT SALE
TWIN PONDS FOOD BANK GARDEN

Friday 5/19 and Saturday 5/20
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

directly across the street from Aegis Senior Living

CASH ONLY

22 varieties of tomatoes
10 varieties of peppers
Squash and cucumbers
Tomatillos
Ground Cherries
Herb and flower starts
Dahlia tubers-limited

Please bring your own box or bag to carry them home!

#CommunityGarden #FoodBankGarden #GivingGarden #TwinPondsCommunityGarden #PlantSale #UrbanGarden


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Plan now for the June 3rd Richmond Beach Garden Tour

The Richmond Beach Garden Tour is on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 11am to 4pm. 

This event is sponsored by Richmond Beach Community Association and is FREE. 

There are nine amazing gardens on the tour this year, some old favorites and some new ones. 

Our garden hosts are getting ready for the event and hoping for a day of good weather. We finally got some sun this week and things are coming alive! 

You will see posters around the community and maps for the tour are available at the Richmond Beach Library, Beach House Greetings, Sky Nursery, Spin Alley/ Vault 177 and on the events page of the Richmond Beach Community Association web site 

Look for the QR codes on the posters for an interactive map and garden descriptions.


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Candidate filing week May 15 - 19, 2023

Candidate filing week - May 15 - May 19, 2023

Candidates looking to run for office this year will have the opportunity to put their name on the ballot during the filing week of May 15 through May 19, 2023.

King County Elections encourages all candidates to file online. Online filing opens at 9am on May 15 and is open 24 hours a day until 4pm on May 19. Candidates may file in person until 4:30pm.
  • In-person assistance is available for those who need it at King County Elections Headquarters in Renton
  • Candidates may file by mail. Mailed filings must be received no later than 4:30pm on May 19, regardless of postmark. 
  • Candidates and campaigns can call 206-296-1565 with questions or for help filing.

The final deadline to withdraw one’s name from the ballot is 4:30pm on Monday, May 22.

An updated list of candidate filings will be posted by noon and 6pm each day until the filing week ends. The list will be finalized following the withdrawal deadline.

There are many offices subject to election this year, including county and city level offices, school boards, and special purpose districts. You can find the complete list of offices subject to election in King County on our website.

Candidates can sign up for notifications by email or text to get alerts about deadlines and other candidate-related information.

Candidates looking for more information, please contact us at 206-296-1565 or election.services@kingcounty.gov.



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Annual Richmond Beach Community Garage Sale May 20, 2023


Annual Richmond Beach Community Garage Sale
Saturday, May 20th from 9am to 4pm

Multiple sales throughout the community (west of 8th Ave NW, 
between Innis Arden and NW 205th St)

From Aurora Ave N. head west on 185th St. Maps will be available online at Yardsalesearch.com and at

the Richmond Beach Coffee Company (1442 NW Richmond Beach Rd) starting Thursday, May 18th



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First wildfire team deployment of the season on Mother's Day


Story and photo from Shoreline Fire

Brush 161 was deployed Sunday, May 14, 2023 to the Kamilche Point Fire in Mason County as part of a Strike Team. LT Merrick, LT Lewis, and FF Katz left in the afternoon afternoon. They were joined by a brush truck from Redmond, two brush trucks from Zone 3, and another from Kitsap County.

This appears to be about a 41 acre fire and was 70% contained as of about 4pm Sunday. 

This was a VERY early request for something on the west side of the state, and even early for the state itself. We expect it to be a busy year with predicted weather conditions.


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Shoreline teams sweep the WesCo South Track and Field Championships

Shorewood Track and Field Wesco South Champions

There are seven schools in WesCo South. The last time the Shorewood boys won the team title was 2016 and the last time the Shorewood girls won the team title was in 2006 when they won 2001 through 2006. 

It was also a Shoreline sweep, with Shorecrest's 2nd place team finishes.

First team Wesco South honors (1st place out of 24 competitors and 8 place) go to: 
  • Aidan MacDonald (400m and 4x400m relay), 
  • Keiyu Mamiya (800m and 4x400m relay), 
  • Emma Helstad (Long Jump, High Jump, and 4x100m relay), 
  • Amelia Severn (800m, 1600m, and 4x400m relay), 
  • Ava Enriquez (Pole Vault - re-breaking her school record with a vault of 12'3"), 
  • Cary Tanaka (4x100m relay), 
  • Mila Fotinatos (4x100m and 4x200m relays), 
  • Maggie Mauney (4x100m relay), 
  • Olivia Wilde (4x200m and 4x400m relays), 
  • Jazmin Coleman (4x200m relay), 
  • Maddie Broulliard (4x200m relay), 
  • Hanna Bruno (4x400m relay), 
  • Molly McGeoy (4x400m relay), 
  • Avery Lagasca (4x400m relay), 
  • Luke Gillingham (4x400m relay)
Second team WesCo South honors (2nd place) go to:
  • Emma Helstad (100m), 
  • Avery Lagasca (400m), 
  • Hanna Bruno (800m and 1600m), 
  • Keiyu Mamiya (1600m), 
  • Max Billett (3200m), 
  • Jaden Marlow (110m Hurdles, 300m Hurdles, and Long Jump), 
  • Ava Enriquez (Triple Jump), 
  • Jazzi Zimmer (Pole Vault)
WesCo South Honorable Mention (3rd place) go to: 
  • Mila Fotinatos (200m), 
  • Molly McGeoy (800m), 
  • Max Billett (1600m), 
  • Otto Erhart (3200m), 
  • Andrew Pickett (Triple Jump), 
  • Beckett Tipple (Discus)
Head Coaches Paul Villanueva and Joel Reese

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Gloria's Birds: Wow, signed Capri the Black-capped Chickadee,

Sunday, May 14, 2023

photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

 if I'm not out hunting for food stuffs, I'm out hunting for nesting stuff!
 
(I'm always impressed by the hard-working lives of our fellow creatures.)

--Gloria Z. Nagler



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Politics: LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson to run for reelection

LFP Mayor Jeff Johnson
Lake Forest Park looks a little different than it did 12 years ago, and we’ve accomplished quite a bit. But there’s still a bit more to get done, and I’d like to see a few things through to completion.

Therefore, I’m excited to seek your votes one last time for Mayor of Lake Forest Park.

Working together, we’ve gotten a lot done in my two terms as mayor.
  • Our city has several new parks, including Five Acre Woods, Brookside Park, a reimagined Eagle Scout Park, and our exciting new future waterfront park.
  • We’ve made Lake Forest Park one of the top five safest cities in the State of Washington (according to several surveys).
  • We’ve added crucial culverts on Lyon and McAleer Creeks to improve water quality, flood mitigation, and fish passage.
  • We’ve assembled an excellent new leadership team, making it possible to survive COVID with no layoffs and minimal service disruption. (I would like to thank the entire staff for their sacrifice and dedication to the city with their willingness to take furlough days.)
  • Through the unpredictable economic landscape of the past few years, the city has maintained stable finances.
  • With our commitment to the environment, we created a new environmental task force, park board, and tree board.

In addition, my “Coffee with the Mayor” meet-ups, nights out against crime with our police force, and all the events we’ve brought back, like Picnic in the Park, Battle of the Bands, and Pet Parade, have blessed me with the opportunity to meet and get to know so many of you.

But there’s still much to do:
  • Complete more upstream culverts, including Ballinger Way and 35th.
  • Design and build the future waterfront park, giving all citizens a chance to enjoy Lake Washington.
  • We have many important decisions to make, including how to fund: road and park maintenance, our outstanding police department, and sidewalks.

Lake Forest Park has more challenges ahead, including minimizing the impact of Sound Transit, state zoning pressures, and how to remain safe and compassionate during these challenging times of rising crime, drug use, and homelessness. With so many wishes and wants from our diverse citizen base, there aren’t always solutions, but often compromises.

Our city remains a destination for people and families seeking a safe and friendly place to live, and I’d like to thank all of the people who have volunteered, run for office, and participated in making this the home it is for all of us.

Thank you for allowing me to serve. Let’s continue working together to move this city forward.

Mayor Jeff Johnson


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Continuing Education: Spring Wines to enjoy from around the Globe, including Natural Wines

Spring Wines to enjoy from around the Globe, including Natural Wines

Take a break from the everyday traditional wines to learn about Natural Wines. 

This broad category is confusing, but award winning sommelier Reggie Daigneault will give you some good information along with some exceptions in winemaking. 

You’ll find interesting flavors that will pair well with an array of foods. 

Bring your 21+ age friends for this engaging class after work to start off your long May weekend in style!

Dates: FRI 5/26/2023 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Room: Room 1522
Shoreline Community College - 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133
Fee: $49.00 includes wine and bites
Instructor: Reggie Daigneault

Register here


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ELNA: Be prepared, Be history, and Help Feed your neighbors


Echo Lake Neighborhood is happy to showcase the great place it is with a great trio of guests at our upcoming Tuesday May 16, 2023 meeting on Zoom @ 7:00PM

We have three great community leaders on our program.
  • John Slomnicki, from Shoreline Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) will give us an overview of how Shoreline communicates in the event of an emergency. The ACS is a group of volunteer amateur radio operators, trained to provide emergency communications in the event of disasters. The team also provides communications support for public service events such as road races, parades, and local fairs. Shoreline ACS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
  • Kenneth Doutt, Executive Director Ç€ Shoreline Historical Museum will be asking you to share your thoughts on the vision and direction of the Shoreline Historical Museum. Come and be a part of the future of the Shoreline Historical Museum.
  • Bennett Walker, Harvest Coordinator for the local non-profit City Fruit, will share information on how his organization feeds our neighbors with donated fruits and vegetables.  Do you have too many zucchinis? Bennett will tell you how and where to donate them.

So join us as we celebrate those who make us Shoreline Strong. 
See you May 16 at 7 PM

If you are not on our mailing list, email us at ELNABoard@gmail.com for the Zoom link to the meeting. Please include your address and phone number.


ELNA Board email elnaboard@gmail.com
Echo Lake Neighborhood Association (ELNA)
http://echolakeneighborhood.org
Like us on Facebook: Echo Lake Neighborhood
Message phone: ‭(206) 486-5712‬

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Shorecrest soccer earns state berth with win over Mountlake Terrace

Shorecrest boys soccer faced their most challenging games of the season in the District 1 playoffs, but prevailed to earn a place in the state tournament.

They beat Mountlake Terrace 3-1 on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Shoreline Stadium

According to an article in the Everett Herald,

The district tournament was a topsy-turvy journey for the Scots. Shorecrest was the No. 2 seed after losing just once during the regular season. However, the Scots faced a challenging path after being upset 2-1 on penalty kicks by Mountlake Terrace in their first district game, and a 4-0 loss to Edmonds-Woodway on Thursday meant Shorecrest had more defeats in three district games than it had in 16 regular season contests.

But in Saturday’s do-or-die contest, the Scots left little to chance as they grabbed control early. Shorecrest forced a series of corners in the early going, and it paid off twice. First, in the 10th minute, a corner from the right wasn’t cleared, and Haile poked the loose ball home from point blank to give the Scots the lead. Then just five minutes later it was a mirror image, as a corner from the left wasn’t cleared and Haile slammed it home again from close range to make it 2-0.




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Shorewood boys soccer takes District 1 title

The Shorewood boys soccer team scored a couple of goals in the last minutes of the game to take down unbeaten Mount Vernon for the District 1 Championship.

The game was played Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Shoreline Stadium.

According to a story in the Everett Herald, 

The formula for the Shorewood High School boys soccer team in the District 1 championship game was simple: win set pieces, put the ball into the mixer and try to take advantage of its height advantage.

It took 72 minutes, but eventually the formula bore fruit, and as a result the Stormrays can call themselves champions.




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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Happy Mother's Day

Saturday, May 13, 2023

 

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE


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King County Metro announces temporary service reductions

On Thursday, May 11, 2023 King County Metro announced temporary service reductions that will go into effect at the Fall Service Change, on September 2, 2023.

The primary reasons are a shortage of drivers and a maintenance backlog.

According to Metro:

These temporary reductions will match our schedule to what we are currently able to operate on a daily basis. 

This will mean a more reliable schedule for riders, instead of the daily cancellation of approximately 5% of our scheduled service.

In addition to customer impacts, Metro’s current schedule is not sustainable for its workforce. We are relying on many employees working overtime and high stress levels for our workforce that maintain vehicles and communicate these daily cancellations to customers.

While this is a challenging decision that we do not take lightly, it is fully informed by our conversations and engagement with communities, customers and our employees. In making these difficult decisions, Metro centered the following factors:

  • Maintaining overall service coverage across the county
  • Minimizing impact on routes with high Equity Opportunity scores
  • Minimizing impact on high-ridership routes
  • Minimizing impacts to students
  • Maintaining the frequent all-day network
  • Maintaining length of operating hours (span of service)
  • Minimizing/eliminating potential for crowding resulting from reductions
  • Operational factors

Based on these criteria, the Fall 2023 schedule includes
  • temporary service reductions to 12 routes (Routes 7, 10, 20, 28, 36, 73, 79, 225, 230, 231, 255, 345), 
  • temporary suspensions to 20 routes (Routes 15, 16, 18, 29, 55, 64, 114, 121, 167, 190, 214, 216, 217, 232, 237, 268, 301, 304, 320 and 342). 
  • Weekend reductions are limited to three routes (20, 28 and 73).

Many of these routes were selected because other transit service exists nearby, and 99% of boardings on fully suspended routes are at stops where other service will be available within one-quarter mile.

Seattle/Shoreline

Route 16 (suspended)
  • Along Greenwood Avenue N and/or Phinney Avenue N, use Route 5 to/from downtown Seattle.
Route 64 (suspended)
  • Between Lake City and Roosevelt, use Route 322 or Route ST 522
  • Along 35th Avenue NE, use Route 65
  • Along NE 65th Street, use Route 62
  • Parking is available at Green Lake Park and Ride
  • Between Roosevelt or University of Washington Stations and South Lake Union, use Link to connect with Route 8 at Capitol Hill Station
  • Between U District Station and South Lake Union, use Route 70
Route 301 (suspended)
  • Between Shoreline and Northgate, use Routes 346 or 348
  • Parking is available at Aurora Village Transit Center and Shoreline Park and Ride
Route 304 (suspended)
  • Between Shoreline and Northgate, use Routes 331, 345 or 348
  • Parking is available at Shoreline Park and Ride
Route 320 (suspended)
  • Between Lake City and Northgate, use Route 20
  • Between Kenmore, Bothell, Lake Forest Park and Lake City, use Route 372 or Route ST 522
  • Between Northgate and South Lake Union, use Link to connect with Route 8 at Capitol Hill Station or with Route 70 at U District Station.
  • Parking is available at Northgate Station

These temporary service reductions now will allow Metro’s workforce to better prepare for future service expansion by allowing Vehicle Maintenance to reduce maintenance backlogs, permit time for improvements in hiring and training processes to move forward, and reduce current pressures on workforce that could impact employee retention.

Additionally, we are continuing with our major community-focused Mobility Projects and planning our future Service Recovery community engagement work. These projects ensure communities throughout King County have the option to participate in developing our future transit service.

In the months leading up to September, Metro will continue to deliver the highest percentage of trips possible. We will use our Metro Matters blog and other channels, such as email, text and social media, to inform customers about service for the coming week as well as any day-to-day impacts.

Here is a link to the Metro Matters Blog post on the September service reductions

The Seattle Times published an article on the topic

County Councilmember Rod Dembowski called the reductions painful but needed, to get Metro on a reliable footing before more changes hit in 2024 to sculpt bus lines around Sound Transit’s new Northgate-to-Lynnwood train extension.

“We’ve received too many concerns from riders who are out waiting for a bus that doesn’t come,” he said.

A slow supply chain hinders local service, said Dembowski, who chairs the council committee overseeing transportation. “It takes nine months to get a radiator. The pandemic really shook the system, and I think we tried to come back too quickly.”


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Center for Human Services (CHS) presented awards to community partners at its recent gala

Ed Sterner, Tara Smith, City of Bothell

At its annual fundraising gala in April 2023, the Center for Human Services presented awards to the following:

Ed Sterner - Grace Cole 2023 Volunteer of the Year

Ed is a former Lake Forest Park councilmember, and Past President of Lake Forest Park Rotary. He has been active in Seattle Audubon Society, Mountaineers; Nature Conservancy; LFP Streamkeepers; LFP Stewardship Foundation. He is a current board member of CHS, NUHSA, and the King County Human Services Alliance.

Tara Smith, Managing Partner of Crux Consulting - Dorrit Pealy Award Winner 2023 for Outstanding Community Support by an Individual

City of Bothell - Dorrit Pealy Award Winner 2023 for Outstanding Community Support from an Organization/Business/Entity



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North Seattle power outage resolved

At 7:30am on Saturday, May 13, 2023 Seattle City Light reported that crews were responding to an outage in North Seattle affecting approximately 4,555 customers.

The cause was under investigation, and an estimated time of restoration was yet to be determined.

At 8:30am random stop lights were out from NE 125th to 155th between 5th Ave NE and 35th Ave NE

But the general outage was partly resolved and crews were working to restore the rest.

9:30am City Light reported that the issue, which was not specified, had been resolved and power was restored.


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The Garden Guy: Why Garden?

By Bruce Bennett

These past couple of years have given rise to a greater interest in gardening. And why not? We all needed something to do while hunkering-down and maintaining a suitable distance from our friends and the rest of humanity, whether it was caring for a half-acre designed backyard or a few well-placed shrubs on a fourth floor condominium Juliette balcony. 

When doing so, you probably didn’t notice the subtle changes in your world, but, they were there. Yes, there is always the obvious end-of-season benefit of fresh vegetables for those who have the space to grow them and herbs for those with less space but still a desire to garden; even houseplants for those limited by space and free time can reap some of the benefits of working with plants. “What benefits?” you ask...

Gardening has a positive impact on the environment. 

Let’s face it, the global warming discussions are wide-ranging and the problem is vast. 

What can a single individual do to ‘help the cause?’ 

Create or expand a greenery area around or in your home! 

It is a proven fact that plants have the ability to create more oxygen while they clean the air of carbon dioxide and other pollutants you breathe in. 

Plants and compost in the soil also hold on to carbon dioxide that would, otherwise, be added back to the atmosphere and create an even larger problem. 

And, let’s not forget the fact that properly placed plants can help to cool a home in the summer and keep it warmer in the winter. This equates to up to a 20% lower energy bill for you and less pollutants going into the atmosphere. How sweet of a deal is that!

Gardening creates a sense of self-satisfaction. 

Gardening can become more than just a perfectly mowed lawn or correctly clipped shrubs. 

The planning, plant searches and planting become a mix of science and art. 

These acts and their visual outcomes can certainly instill an increased sense of competence and pride in a gardener. 

This is especially true when a neighbor has a positive comment or asks what a particular plant is. 

Having the answer is worth the sweat and efforts of your endeavor. But, it is all so worth it.

Gardening is good for your mind and body. 

For the couch potatoes amongst us(we all know who we are), gardening is a great form of low-impact exercise. 

Bending and stretching while weeding and planting, walking while watering with a hose or watering can and simply being outdoors have been proven to help reduce weight and blood pressure, decrease depression and reduce stress while increasing brain activity and functions. 

Simply walking through differing garden colors and textures can create a feeling of calm and tranquility. That’s something we all want in our homes.

So, what’s stopping you from getting out and working on your own little green piece of heaven (and haven)? 

For so many reasons, we cannot afford to separate ourselves from the earth. Our ancestors knew this fact thousands of years ago. Perhaps, we just need to relearn part of their ancient wisdom and persevere. Happy Gardening! to you...

Do you feel the rumble of life beneath your feet telling you that Spring has begun and plants for your landscape and vegetable garden need buying?
 

What better place (with better prices) to do this than at the local plant sales in your part of town? 

In addition to beautifying your yard, you will be helping all of the non-profit organizations selling their plants to build treasuries which can be used to further educate their members, increase their community gardening projects and encouraging everyone to do a small part to improve climate change. It’s true – every little bit of effort helps.

If you have questions concerning this article or care to suggest topics of interest for future gardening columns, contact Bruce at gardenguy4u@gmail.com

Garden Guy Bruce Bennett
Contributing gardening columnist, Bruce Bennett
, is a WSU Master Gardener, public speaker and garden designer. 

If you have questions concerning this article, have a gardening question or two to ask concerning your own landscape or want to suggest a topic for a future column, contact Bruce at gardenguy4u@gmail.com



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Horizon View Park in the sunshine

Photo by Gordon Snyder

Horizon View Park is atop a high hill north of Town Center in Lake Forest Park. Address: 19845-20099 47th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

The park includes a large, covered water reservoir for Seattle Public Utilities. 

Located at the highest point in Lake Forest Park, Horizon View Park has meadows and fields for active recreation and remote areas for quiet contemplation. 

One paved pathway wanders through a wooded natural area. Another wraps around the reservoir of City of Seattle that is within the 8.4 acre park. 

The park is a great place to walk your dog, go for a jog, have a picnic, meet up with your team, take your toddler on a pretend train ride or play on the park‘s climbing structure.

Horizon View was originally a Nike missile site, It became a park and reservoir after being decommissioned in 1964. 

A railroad museum, once located nearby, gave the park its nickname "Choo-Choo Park." Though the museum no longer exists, the playground still has a play train.


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Public Disclosure Commission changing guidance on use of campaign contributions for a different race

The Public Disclosure Commission voted Thursday to issue formal guidance regarding candidates’ use of contributions received for a previous campaign for a different office.

Under RCW 42.17A.490, a candidate who solicits contributions for a state, local, or judicial office may not use any unspent contributions to seek a different office without first obtaining written approval from the persons or entities who contributed the money.

PDC staff previously advised candidates to seek permission and then report the funds as a lump-sum transfer, which is consistent with how transfers to a subsequent campaign for the same office are treated under a different section of law, RCW 42.17A.430.

When questions about that informal guidance recently were raised, the staff took the issue to the Commission for a decision.

During Thursday’s special meeting called to discuss the issue, the Commission backed an alternative interpretation of the existing law. Under the Commission’s interpretation, such funds authorized for transfer to a campaign for a different office should be attributed to the individual donors in the new campaign’s reports and count toward applicable contribution limits for the new campaign.

The Commission directed staff to advise campaigns of its interpretation and to return with a written proposal for formal adoption at the May 25 meeting.


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Deadline extended to May 19 for Open youth membership position on the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board

Brugger's Bog photo by Lien Titus
The deadline for applying to be a youth member of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board has been extended to Friday, May 19.

If you are interested, you can complete and submit your application online

If you would like to submit a paper application, you can pick one up from the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall and return it there after you have completed it.

Are you a Shoreline resident between the ages of 15 and 19? Are you looking for a leadership opportunity or community service hours? Do you want to help shape the future of Shoreline by having a say in the City’s parks, recreation programs, and events? 

If you want to gain experience in civic government and make a difference in your community, then become a member of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS)/Tree Board.

The City is accepting applications for one youth position to serve on the PRCS/Tree Board for the 2023/2024 academic year.

The Board consists of seven adult members and two non-voting youth members, ages 15-19 years. The youth appointed to this position has the option to begin their term in July or wait until September as their schedule allows. Per a recently adopted ordinance, Board members will be compensated at a rate of $50 per meeting.

The PRCS/Tree Board advises the City Council and City staff on a variety of issues related to parks, recreation, public art, special events, cultural services, and trees on public property. Topics may include park operation and design; programs and events; property acquisition; arts opportunities; and development of planning documents, rules, or regulations.

The Board meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from January through October and the first Thursday in December from 7:00 to 9:00pm at City Hall. Current Board meetings are held using a hybrid format allowing for either in-person or online attendance.

The youth of our community are users of parks, trails and recreational programs and their representation on the Board is encouraged by the City Council and welcomed by Board members and staff.

Completed applications must be submitted no later than 5:00pm on Friday, May 19, 2023. We will contact you after the deadline regarding the status of your application.

If you have questions, you can contact Recreation, Cultural, and Community Services Director Mary Reidy at 206-801-2621 or mreidy@shorelinewa.gov


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Continuing education: Spruce up Your Feet for Summer

Spruce up Your Feet for Summer

Shoreline Community College Continuing Education is offering a fantastic workshop to get your feet ready for their summer debut! 

You will make pampering products in this fun, hands-on class - a relaxing foot soak, exfoliating scrub, and using essential and fragrance oils, scent some organic body butter to moisturize those tootsies! 

Perfect gift for a child's teacher or yourself. For 14+ ages. All supplies included

Register here

Dates: Sat. 6/3/2023 from 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Fee: $49.00
Room: Room 9208, Quiet Dining Room
Shoreline Community College 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133

Continuing Education course catalog



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City of Kenmore partners with Lake City Partners Ending Homelessness

arian malek khosravi on unsplash.com
Kenmore's partnership with Lake City Partners Ending Homelessness is up and running thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. 

Anyone in the community that sees someone who is unhoused and in need of help can reach out to our two outreach specialists. 

They will connect with the person and make sure they have access to the resources and services they need to help them get back on their feet. 

Lake City Partners is looking forward to connecting and helping as many people as possible in our community. 

Feel free to contact them with referrals or for more information:



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Flags at half-staff 5/15/23 (Peace Officers Memorial Day)

Flag Lowering - 5/15/23 (Peace Officers Memorial Day)

Governor Inslee hereby directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff on Monday, May 15, 2023, in recognition of the annual Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Monday, May 15, 2023.

Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.

Please email FlagRequests@gov.wa.gov if you have any questions about this flag lowering.


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NWWS Presents 2023 Waterworks Online Membership Exhibition

NWWS Presents 2023 Waterworks Online Membership Exhibition
Top Winners Among 95 Magical Watermedia Paintings
Online exhibition runs now through June 30, 2023

The Northwest Watercolor Society (NWWS) Acting President, Deborah Roskopf, said of the 2023 Waterworks Online Membership Exhibition that artists begin with the same tools and a creative spark. In the finished result, “we see the magic of creativity.” 

NWWS is proud to present this year’s show of 95 magical watermedia paintings that runs now through June 30, 2023 at www.nwws.org.

Selecting the 95 watermedia paintings from 426 entries was juror David R. Smith, award winning watercolorist and signature member of the American Watercolor Society and National Watercolor Society. 

Smith, impressed by the quality and range of works submitted, was drawn by technical expertise and whether the painting held his attention and elicited an emotion.

First place to Janine Helton
for "Transported"
First place of $1,000 cash
was presented to Janine Helton for her 19”x13” watercolor, Transported. 

“This painting shows the amazing transparent qualities of watercolor,” Smith said. The drips give the painting a creative spontaneity as though the artist threw it together. 
“I’m impressed with the skill of the artist. Everything is deliberate to give it that Wow factor and she’s captured an expression that makes me wonder what the subject is looking at.”

Second place to Giovanni Balzarani for G.i.O.
Second place of $750 cash
went to Giovanni Balzarani for his 15”x22” painting, G.i.O. 

“This painting has control yet feels light to me with the stunning reflections, and how it moves from cool to warm. The detail shows a dedication to the painting.” Smith thanked the artist for “putting in the time.”

Third place to Denise Marshall 
Girl with Orange Umbrella
Denise Marshall was awarded $500 for third place
for Girl with Orange Umbrella. 

“I love this painting of wet on wet and more wet allowing blossoms and color to connect. The artist lets the medium work its magic. You get the feeling the artist had fun painting this piece.” Smith rewarded Marshall for “taking risks like this.”


Smith awarded thirteen other artists in cash and merchandise provided by NWWS patrons totaling over $10,000. 

He thanked the NWWS volunteers for all the detail work they put into the show and also the brave artists who entered and shared their talent ending with, “I love all of ‘em.”

The NWWS 2023 Annual Waterworks Online Membership Exhibition is available online at www.nwws.org through June 30, 2023. 

All of the magical watermedia artwork is for sale by contacting NWWS Treasurer Shirley Jordan at shirleylee136@hotmail.com. Of special note is that the artist receives 75% of the sales price.


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