The Seattle Times: Seattle man pleads guilty to stalking U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Congresswoman Jayapal (2nd from left) at ICHS
According to The Seattle Times, 

Brett Forsell pleaded down to misdemeanor stalking rather than the felony charge prosecutors originally filed. 
He was sentenced to 364 days in King County Jail.

Seattle police arrested Forsell outside Jayapal’s house a year ago and jailed him on suspicion of committing a hate crime
He was released four days later because police couldn’t say with certainty that he told the congresswoman to go back to India or that he had threatened to kill her.

King County prosecutors later charged Forsell with repeatedly harassing and intimidating Jayapal, who feared the man wanted to hurt or kill her
 
Jayapal represents the 7th district in the U.S. Congress, an area which includes all of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Edmonds, and most of Seattle.



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Salmon mural to be painted at Magnuson Park July 8-9, 2023 - volunteers welcome


A third salmon mural from Austin Picinich will be painted on July 8-9, 2023 at the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center at Magnuson Park 65050 NE 65th, Seattle WA at the south end of Magnuson Park.
 

Like previous murals, this will be painted in a “paint-by-number" format. The design will be outlined in advance and NEXT weekend, over the two-day weekend July 8 - 9, we’ll host 350+ volunteer painters. No art experience required!

BONUS: USGS Western Fisheries Seattle Laboratory is opening their doors so the public can tour -- only on Saturday, July 8th during Community Paint Day.

For more info and to sign up, go to Austin's Art Save Our Salmon Mural webpage.



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WeatherWatcher: High temps and wildfire smoke give way to cool down and clear out later in the week

Photo by Carl Dinse 7-4-2023

Right now we have a light layer of Canadian wildfire smoke hanging over Puget Sound.

Wednesday and Thursday will still be hazy with the wildfire smoke aloft. High temps will be in the mid 80’s both days.

Photo by Carl Dinse 7-4-2023

Friday we get our A/C back in the form of an onshore flow. We’ll cool back down to the mid 70’s for highs and the wildfire smoke aloft will clear out.

Saturday and beyond should be a decent week weather wise, with sunny skies, highs in the 70’s, and an onshore flow with no wildfire smoke.



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Wildfires: McEwan Fire in Mason County - evacuations underway


Mason County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the McEwan Fire located in Mason County, near the city of Shelton. 

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 4, 2023 at 4:30pm at the request of Fire Chief Jeff Snyder, Central Mason County Fire and EMS.

The McEwan Fire started on July 4, 2023, at approximately 1:52pm. This fire is estimated at 210 acres and growing. It is burning in grass, brush, and timber and is threatening homes, timber, and power infrastructure. 

Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.



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Fire at Artiste Apartments quickly extinguished

Response to Artiste Apartment car fire
Photo by Jennifer Klock

Shoreline Fire, South County and another fire department all responded to a possible car fire in the garage of the Artiste Apartment Homes building on Aurora Ave N across from Costco. 

Photo by Jennifer Klock

Photo by Jennifer Klock

Shoreline Fire quickly controlled the fire and will investigate further. 

--J Klock


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Edmonds fire may have been caused by fireworks

A stand of trees burns on an Edmonds street
Photo courtesy South County Fire
An Edmonds home was spared this evening due to the quick response of South County firefighters. 

Luckily the fire didn't extend into the home keeping damages to a minimum. Fireworks are suspected to have played a role in this fire.

Photo courtesy South County Fire

Firefighters survey the aftermath of the fire.


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Two women die in townhouse fire in Mountlake Terrace late Monday night

Photo courtesy South County Fire

“Dispatchers received multiple 911 calls around 10:20pm reporting large flames visible at the Lake Village Condominiums in the 22700 block of Lakeview Drive,” South County Fire spokesperson Leslie Hynes said. 

The townhouse where the two women resided was engulfed in flames when South County Fire crews arrived.

Nearly 50 firefighters were on scene at the peak of the fire, including personnel from Shoreline Fire. One South County firefighter suffered minor heat exertion and was treated at the scene. There were no other injuries.

Three townhouses sustained fire damage. Support 7 and Red Cross are assisting at least six displaced residents.

Fire investigators have not determined how the fire started. The investigation is ongoing.

Coincidentally, the fire occurred across the street from the Mountlake Terrace - Edmonds Chamber fireworks show at Ballinger Park. There is no indication that the two events were connected.


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Scene on the Sound: Yellow stuff in the water

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Lines of yellow stuff floating in the Salish Sea
Photo by Barbara Twaddell

Readers have commented on the long strands of yellow floating in the water off Richmond Beach.

The senior oceanographer at the Department of Ecology said this appears to be a Noctiluca bloom that has been observed in this region. Noctiluca is a dinoflagellate (type of plankton) the size of a millet grain and has been blooming in Central Sound and Whidbey Basin for a month.

Noctiluca blooms are generally not toxic to people and pets, but we do not recommend swimming in these blooms. 

The blooms appear orange in color and while decomposing can appear yellow in color, especially near shorelines.


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Destinations: The Pioneer Square Habitat Beach

The Pioneer Square Habitat Beach is located just south of Colman Dock on the Seattle waterfront and in easy walking distance from Pioneer Square and the stadiums. Photo credit Tim Rice.

The Pioneer Square Habitat Beach is part of a suite of marine habitat improvements implemented in conjunction with the first phase of the Elliott Bay Seawall Replacement Project and was designed with a special focus on encouraging juvenile salmon migration. 

When the existing waterfront was first developed, many of the native intertidal elements were lost including sloping beaches, crevices and vegetated hiding places for fish. Restoring the function of a natural shoreline and improving ecosystem productivity is an important goal of the Waterfront Seattle program and the new Waterfront Park.

Concurrent with the opening of the beach on July 1, 2023 Seattle Center will begin its new role as the City’s lead department for operations of a new Waterfront Park, with a dedicated grounds keeping and security team that will be on site and on hand to help maintain Waterfront Park spaces and to help keep them safe.

After the summer peak period, Habitat Beach will be temporarily closed this fall to accommodate the installation of indigenous artwork by the Washington State Department of Transportation. 

Meanwhile, the historic Washington Street Boat Landing, located beside Pioneer Square Habitat Beach, includes a beautifully restored space for an exciting future tenant. 

Friends of Waterfront Seattle will be working with a concessionaire on improvements through the fall and both the Boat Landing and the beach will be open and active by next spring.


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Continue your education with fun classes for the summer

Continuing Education classes are offered through Shoreline Community College

Check out the new summer brochure featuring an array of Continuing Education classes for adults and youth summer camps at Shoreline Community College. 

The quarter starts July 3rd and runs through August 26th. Peruse the brochure or go to Continuing Education | Shoreline Community College for more details and registration links!

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Scene on the Sound: Cruise ship meets the Nimitz on the Salish Sea

Two giants head toward each other on the Salish Sea
Photo by Jan Hansen

Story and photos by Jan Hansen

Yesterday evening the naval aircraft carrier CVN 68, USS Nimitz was headed south at the same time that the Norwegian Cruise Line Encore was on her way to Alaska. 

Norwegian Cruise Line Encore was on her way to Alaska
Photo by Jan Hansen

The Nimitz, 1040 feet in length, is one of the largest warships in the world; the Encore, 1094 feet in length, carries over 4,000 passengers.

Cruise passengers and naval crew were on the decks watching the spectable
Photo by Jan Hansen
They passed at the mid-channel buoy with cruise passengers and naval crew on the decks watching the spectacle. I, too, was on deck thoroughly enjoying the sight.


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After a concerning number of drownings this spring, King County officials urge caution at rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound

After a concerning number of drownings and close calls this spring, King County officials are encouraging the public to be cautious during Independence Day at rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound.

At least 12 people in King County have drowned so far this year after the total number last year nearly doubled from 2018. 

Black residents in King County – who have less access to pools and swimming lessons – are two-and-a-half times more likely to drown than white residents. Recent immigrants and people who are unfamiliar with the region’s colder, swifter waters are also at greater risk due to language and cultural barriers.

The nationwide shortage of lifeguards has increased risks at local lakes. Rivers are particularly dangerous this time of year because people are looking for ways to cool off but the water in rivers can still be extremely cold, which can cause even strong swimmers to quickly lose stamina and experience hypothermia.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in King County. Last year, 29 people drowned from preventable situations in King County, nearly twice the number of drownings that occurred in 2018.


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Hooray

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Gloria's Birds: Wait - What?

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

I'm not here to eat your precious Dougies, photog. I'm simply hanging out on the deck to catch a few rays.

(Barred Owls may be charismatic, but they're not credible:)

--Gloria Z. Nagler




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Wildfires: OIE Fire in Benton County at 1,300 acres and growing

Benton County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the OIE Fire located in Benton County, near Benton City. 

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 3, 2023, at 4:30pm at the request of Fire Chief Dennis Bates, Benton County Fire District 2.

The OIE Fire started on July 3, 2023, at approximately 1:15pm This fire is estimated at 1,300 acres and growing. It is burning in grass and brush and is threatening homes, crops, electrical distribution, and interstate commerce. No evacuations are in effect at this time, however shelter-in-place orders have been issued. The fire cause is currently under investigation.




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Seattle Police Human Trafficking Operation yields seven arrests on Aurora at 125th

An emphasis aimed at the buyers of victims of human trafficking netted seven arrests along the Aurora Avenue corridor last Wednesday evening.

Members of the SPD Human Trafficking Unit, with the assistance of the Major Crimes Task Force, General Investigations Unit, Narcotics, Community Response Group, and patrol officers from the North and East Precincts, conducted an undercover operation in the 12500 block of Aurora Ave N.

During the hours long emphasis, a total of seven men approached undercover officers posing as prostitutes and agreed to exchange money for sex acts. Arrest teams contacted each suspect and took them into custody without incident.

Each suspect was transported to the North Precinct where they were identified, processed, and released for patronizing a prostitute. Officers also impounded three vehicles as part of the operation.

The Seattle Police Department remains committed to allocating resources to respond to and investigate complaints of human trafficking, whether sex or forced labor. If you are a victim of human trafficking, resources are available to help you 24-hours a day.

For more information, visit the SPD Human Trafficking Unit webpage.


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Fireworks shows on the 3rd and 4th of July and then Tour de Terrace July 21-23

Monday, July 3, 2023

Tour de Terrace returns July 21-23, 2023

By Diane Hettrick

Some fireworks shows are open to the public, some are for private associations but they all can be seen and heard beyond their boundaries.

Mountlake Terrace will hold a public 3rd of July celebration in Ballinger Park 23000 Lakeview Dr., Mountlake Terrace. This year’s festivities will begin at 6pm and will include live music, a DJ and food trucks. A fireworks display over Lake Ballinger will be the highlight of the event when darkness falls at approximately 10pm. And it will be loud, so make sure your dogs are taken care of.

Then on the 4th of July:

On Lake Washington, Kenmore is holding a public show at Log Boom Park. (see previous article). Judging by reader reaction to the celebration marking the completion of the 81st Street Bridge, the sound of explosions will be heard throughout Lake Forest Park, Lake City and the east side of Shoreline. Be prepared! And you might be able to see the fireworks.

The Sheridan Beach Club is holding their annual party for their HOA members, including a fireworks show. The beach club is located lakeside at 165th. Eastside residents may be able to see the fireworks.

On Puget Sound the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring their kiddie and adult parades and fun runs. Instead of a fireworks show on the 4th, the Chamber is throwing in its lot with Mountlake Terrace for the 3rd of July fireworks.

Kingston 4th of July fireworks 10:15pm No one on the west side complains about noise from fireworks, even when Edmonds and Kingston had shows going on at the same time. This year it's just Kingston and they usually put on a good show. Find a vantage point and watch the show. They have fun events all day long. Here's some information - might be worth a ferry ride, especially if you walk on. 





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Mandarin in Shoreline Schools survives through Hua Zhang

Hua Zhang, a longtime Shoreline resident and Mandarin teacher
By Estelle Lee

In her 22 years of living in Shoreline, Hua Zhang has served the community as a dedicated teacher of Chinese Mandarin since 2006. That year, Hua started Shoreline School District’s first Mandarin program with classes and before and after-school clubs at Meridian Park Elementary School.

Since then, Hua has been key in expanding the education of Chinese language and culture to the rest of Shoreline. When Mandarin classes started at Shoreline middle and high schools in 2013, the district’s PIO Craig Degginger told Hua she “should be proud of the role [she] played in establishing [the interest in Mandarin] throughout the district.”

Hua presents at Ridgecrest Elementary School
Beyond schools, Hua has brought Mandarin to other community spaces for Shoreline area residents. For the King County Library System, Hua hosts weekly online Chinese story times (available here) that were in-person prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In the last two years, she has also shared Lunar New Year presentations for King County libraries and City of Shoreline staff on Zoom, when she could no longer dance for celebrators in person.
 
Chinese story time at Shoreline Library
Hua also adapted to the screen in Shorewood High School’s 2019-2020 Mandarin IV class. It was the last year of Shoreline’s secondary school Mandarin programs, canceled due to low enrollment. 

Hua shares stories from behind her computer screen

Hua began teaching that year when two previous Mandarin teachers at Shorewood had left for different jobs. It was difficult for the district to find someone who would teach for one year at a canceled Mandarin program. 

Luckily, Hua stepped in. “Over half Shorewood Mandarin IV students started Mandarin learning with me when they were [in elementary school],” she shared.
Hua shows her Mandarin IV students how to make dumplings
Thinking about her Shorewood students, Hua added: “The last Mandarin class for Mandarin IV students, I tried to smile at my students as [usual], but I teared like rain in front of students during the Zoom class. My heart was painful to say goodbye to those wonderful students … who have been so eager to learn more.”

Hua sends her Shorewood students a virtual message during online school
Unfortunately, similar online alternatives for Hua’s elementary before and after-school programs were difficult to replicate when COVID-19 sent students into lockdown. The children no longer had the face-to-face conversations necessary in practicing the complex language.

Hua teaching at Meridian Park pre-pandemic
With Shoreline’s programs stopped indefinitely at all levels, Hua began teaching Mandarin at North Seattle’s Lakeside School in 2022. There, she continued to incorporate her passion for Chinese culture — cooking dumplings, grinding ink from inkstone, making lanterns, parading under a dragon for Lunar New Year — into her curriculum.
Hua puts up artwork on Lakeside's walls
Hua's finished display at Lakeside Middle School
Not only did Hua introduce Lakeside students to cultural events that most had never participated in before, she touched hearts and inspired a deeper love for Chinese culture. 

One of her middle school students was unable to come to school for some time because of a sick relative. Still, a day after his loved one passed, he asked his mom to be rushed back to Seattle from out of town because he had been looking forward to Hua’s Lunar New Year dragon dance parade.

Lakeside middle schoolers get ready for their dragon parade
At Lakeside, Hua grew just as much as her students. She explained that she never felt like a teacher but “a freshman” with all that she learned. 

“In the first few months, I woke up at 3am every morning to explore and try new instructional techniques and create new modules and new curriculums for class,” she remembered. At the end of her time at the school, Hua even created a memory book as a gift for her middle school students.

Hua writes New Year Blessings to
Lakeside faculty and students during lunch
But this March, Hua’s popular Mandarin programs have finally returned to Shoreline -- at Meridian Park Elementary where her journey began. 

Hua credits the school’s PTSA volunteers who have been dedicated to supporting Mandarin classes since the beginning. 

“It has been my pleasure to work with Shoreline school kids again,” she said.
Hua with Meridian Park students at
this year’s multicultural festival 

With her Meridian Park programs back up and running, Hua has quickly immersed herself back into work with the elementary students. 

Her dedication was evident in Meridian Park’s multicultural festival earlier this month. 

Students sang and danced happily to Chinese rhymes and songs like “Two Tigers,” “Hello,” and “Listen to Me, Thank You!”
Hua walks her new Meridian Park students
to the school’s multicultural festival

Students perform “Listen to Me, Thank You!”

Besides Meridian Park’s principal and a class parent volunteer, Hua’s former student Liz Bennett stood by the end of the stage to congratulate the young performers. Liz found her passion for Mandarin in elementary school under Hua’s guidance when she did the same performance. 

For the past three years, Liz has continued to learn Mandarin herself outside of school.

Liz Bennett in elementary school performs with the group

Liz back at Meridian Park for this year’s multicultural festival

Liz is a testament to one of Hua’s chief teaching philosophies. Hua believes that students can better engage with Mandarin when introduced from a young age, during their most crucial period of language development. To encourage students toward a lifetime of learning Mandarin, Hua is currently thinking through an immersion Montessori Mandarin program for preschoolers.

 Hua with beginning Mandarin students

Though Mandarin is no longer offered in Shoreline middle and high schools, Hua has not lost hope for older students. She is determined to fight for the language in the Shoreline School District, no matter how many setbacks she expects. 

“I am like [the programs’] mother. I hope it survives the most,” Hua explained. “This is my persistent love and responsibility to Shoreline students, as well as the eternal belief and pursuit of sharing Chinese language, culture, and art in my heart. Even if there is only one child in Shoreline who wants to learn Mandarin, I will help.”


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WSP asks public help to find package thieves from truck rollover at Northgate

Packages spilled from Fed Ex truck rollover
Photo courtesy Washington State Patrol

We previously reported on an accident that blocked all southbound lanes on I-5 for hours. A semi taking evasive action to avoid a two-car hit and run accident just ahead of him, lost control and rolled his vehicle, blocking all southbound lanes of I-5 at Northgate.


The semi was a FedEx truck, loaded with packages.

After the collision, individuals were stopping on the freeway and stealing the packages that came from the truck. This was captured on video footage that came from the scene.

The Washington State Patrol is taking this crime of opportunity very seriously and is in the process of identifying the individuals that took part in the thefts.

WSP is seeking videos and information on the individuals that were involved in stealing these packages. Please email Trooper Johnson at Rick.Johnson@wsp.wa.gov

 

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Bridge Lessons: Ten Steps to Basic Bridge starts Monday, July 10, 2023

"Ten Steps to Basic Bridge" starts Monday, July 10, 2023 and runs on Monday and Thursday evenings through August 10. 

In this lesson series, you'll learn Bridge from the ground up using Standard American bidding with a couple of modern twists. This fast-paced series appeals to those with at least a little cardplaying experience, as well as players who want to get back into the game using modern methods.

When you complete this series, you will be ready to play Bridge in social games and in introductory Duplicate games. Seattle Bridge Center offers a Rookie Duplicate game on Tuesday evenings.

No partner needed -- you'll meet several new players along the way.

Lesson fees are collected on a pay-as-you-go basis. You can stop or return at any time. The cost is $10 per person per lesson, with discounts for players age 25 and under.

Classes are held at Seattle Bridge Center, 1539 NE 145th Street, Seattle WA 98125. We are a half-mile east of Interstate 5 at Exit 175 for NE 145th Street and share a parking lot with the QFC supermarket and Dollar Tree store on the southeast corner of 15th Ave NE and NE 145th St. If you are facing the entrance to the Dollar Tree store, turn to your right and you will be facing our front door. We have plenty of free parking.

This series begins Monday, July 10, 2023 and meets on 10 Monday and Thursday evenings through August 10, 2023. Each class begins at 7pm and runs until 9:30pm. We start right at 7pm to make the best use of your time. Our doors are usually open by 6:45pm or earlier. Light snacks are provided.

Please let us know if you're planning to attend the lesson series, so we can be sure to prepare enough copies of the lesson materials. Send an email to SeattleBridgeCenter@gmail.com to sign up for the lesson series.

If you'd like to watch a game of Duplicate Bridge live and in person, please join us Tuesday evenings for Rookie Duplicate, where spectators are always welcome. The game starts at 7pm; please arrive 10 minutes ahead of game time to get settled in.

The complete and current schedule for Rookie Duplicate games and the beginner lessons can be found by visiting SeattleBridgeCenter.net -- then follow the link for "Schedule and Results."

Questions? Want to register? Send an email to SeattleBridgeCenter@gmail.com and tell us to "Sign me up for the beginner series starting July 10"; or leave a message for David at 206-336-3428.



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Wildfires: Tunnel Five Fire in Skamania County


Skamania County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Tunnel Five Fire located in Skamania County, near the town of Underwood. 

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 2, 2023, at 1:45pm at the request of Fire Commissioner Dennis Seidman, Skamania County Fire District 3.

The Tunnel Five Fire started on July 2, 2023, at approximately 11:37am. This fire is estimated at 150 acres and growing. It is burning in timber and brush and is threatening homes. Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.


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Wildfires: Rest Haven fire in Yakima County near Selah - evacuations in effect


Yakima County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Rest Haven Fire located in Yakima County, near the town of Selah. 

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 2, 2023, at 3:45pm at the request of Deputy Fire Chief Mickey Gillie, Yakima County Fire District 2.

The Rest Haven Fire started on July 2, 2023, at approximately 1:35pm. This fire is estimated at 400 acres and growing. It is burning in brush, grass, and old growth and is threatening homes, Pacific Power trunk lines, and 911 communication towers. 

Levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.


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Srebrenica Commemoration Walk, hosted by Islamic Community of Bosniaks in WA and Bosnian Youth of Seattle

Srebrenica Commemoration Walk, hosted by Islamic Community of Bosniaks in WA and Bosnian Youth of Seattle

Sunday, July 9, 2023. Gather at 2:00pm (walk begins at 2:30pm)

Greenlake Trail, 7201 East Greenlake Dr. N, Seattle

Join the Islamic Community of Bosniaks in WA, located in Shoreline, for a commemoration walk for the 28th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide which occurred in Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 11,1995. 

Srebrenica history and war crimes committed. 
Email omladinskazajednicasabur@gmail.com for more information.


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WET N’ WILD SPLASH PARTY is coming AND it's FREE - July 15 at Sunset School Park

 

Wet n' Wild Splash Party Saturday July 15 - FREE

One of the joys of summer as a child is running through the sprinklers. Imagine the fun of multiple sprinklers, a giant slip n’ slide, water balloon launching, giant bubble blowing and more on a beautiful summer day in the park with families in your neighborhood.

The Richmond Highlands Neighborhood Association invites you to join the fun at the fourth annual Wet N’ Wild Splash Party on Saturday, July 15, from 3-5pm at Sunset School Park (17800 10th Ave. NW, Shoreline, WA 98177).

The event is free to all. Bring fun loving kids of all ages, your chairs and beach towels, and prepare to have a great time. No dogs please.

To volunteer or ask questions, email rhna.shoreline@gmail.com


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Defendant charged in connection with three robberies of cannabis stores – as many as ten robberies may be linked

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Seattle – An 18-year-old Seattle-area man, who was living at a SeaTac hotel, remains in federal custody for robbery, with a detention hearing next week, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. 

Caiden James Charlton was arrested Tuesday June 27, 2023, in connection with three armed robberies in May and June 2023. Charlton had his initial appearance yesterday and will appear for a detention hearing on Monday, July 3, 2023.

According to records filed in the case, Charlton is charged with the May 30, 2023, robbery of Herb’s House on NW 65th Street in Seattle; the May 30, 2023, robbery of Hashtag Cannabis on Nickerson Street in Seattle; and the June 10, 2023, robbery of Oz Cannabis on Stone Way in Seattle. 

In each of the robberies, surveillance video shows clothing, tattoos, and jewelry that has been linked to Charlton. Victims of the robberies noted distinctive face tattoos around Charlton’s eyes that were not concealed by his mask.

In each of the robberies, one of two intruders displayed a handgun and ordered the dispensary staff to open safes or empty the till. In addition to money, the suspects stole a large amount of marijuana products. In some cases, the safes at the dispensaries could not be opened due to time locks used to discourage robberies. In one case, the robbers stole the safe by detaching it from the floor.

The robbery crew would run to a getaway car after the robberies – two of the cars had been reported stolen.

According to the criminal complaint, on June 5, 2023, Charlton was arrested by Tacoma Police for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Photographs from the arrest indicate Charlton wearing clothing and jewelry associated with the robberies of the marijuana dispensaries. 

Charlton was released on bail June 9, 2023 – one day before the third robbery charged federally. Charlton may face federal firearms charges based on the Tacoma arrest, as well as eight guns found in his possession at the time of his federal arrest on June 27, 2023.

Law enforcement continues to investigate other robberies potentially linked to Charlton and his accomplices. This includes robberies in West Seattle, Edmonds, and Bellevue. 

In all, law enforcement believes as many as ten marijuana dispensary robberies may be linked to Charlton and a juvenile arrested in Bellevue following the robbery of a dispensary there. The juvenile was located based on a currency tracker that was included in the cash he stole from the Bellevue dispensary.

“Mr. Charlton’s prior arrest for similar crimes did little to dissuade his continuing criminal activities.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. 
“Fortunately, no one was killed during his violent robbery spree. Taking him off the streets may have saved lives of employees and patrons of the businesses he targeted and highlights the priority given to these types of violent crime. 
"I applaud the efforts of our agents and partners, including the Seattle Police Department, King County Sheriff’s Department, and others on the Safe Streets Task Force, to safely take him into custody.”

The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the FBI, the Seattle Police Department, and the Bellevue Police Department, as well as the King County and Snohomish County Sheriffs’ Offices.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin H. Becker and Elyne Vaught.


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