Guidebook author will discuss hiking the Central Cascades on Tuesday at Shoreline Library

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Day Hiking the Central Cascades at the Shoreline Library 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline WA 98155 on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 6 - 7pm.

Enjoy a hiking tour of Washington’s Central Cascades with guidebook author Craig Romano
Explore trails along the US 2 corridor and more. 

Books will be available for purchase. Cash only please.

Registration not required.

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Tim Dellit named CEO of UW Medicine

Dr. Timothy H. Dellit has been at UW Medicine for 22 years
Photo courtesy UW

Following a national search, Dr. Timothy H. Dellit has been appointed to lead UW Medicine and the University of Washington School of Medicine, UW President Ana Mari Cauce and Provost Tricia Serio announced November 28, 2023.   

Dellit will serve as the CEO of UW Medicine, the Paul G. Ramsey Endowed Dean of the UW School of Medicine and the university’s executive vice president for medical affairs, positions he has held on an interim basis since July 2022.  

“Tim has proven himself to be a leader in the most difficult of times, including during the COVID-19 pandemic and as UW Medicine addresses the challenges caused by the changing healthcare landscape. He is an adept listener and communicator who is dedicated to serving all communities,” Cauce said. 

“Tim is also committed to advancing excellence and equity in education and our workforce and healthcare outcomes, all of which are core to UW Medicine’s mission to improve the health of all people.

“And even as someone who has more than two decades of service to UW Medicine, Tim still brings new perspectives. I’m so pleased that he’ll be the one leading our healthcare enterprise into a new era.”  



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Shorewood boys wrestling win against Kamiak and Marysville Getchell in double dual December 7, 2023

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Masa Taura with a podium finish in January 2023
Photo courtesy Shorewood wrestling
By Tricia Norton

It was a great night for the Stormray Boys Wrestling team at Kamiak on Thursday night, December 7, 2023. 

They went head to head with Kamiak and then Marysville Getchell. 

First the Stormrays took on Kamiak starting at 138 lbs. 

Captain Masa Taura started the match off right pinning Brian Flores in the second period. 

During the close match, Sky Klein, James Nottingham, Nathaniel Hernandez, Mak Kanzler and Brody Schmid all picked up their first wins (all by pin) for the dual season. 

Final score: Shorewood 42 Kamiak 39.

The team headed into the second match of the double dual ready for another win. Again it was a match with lots of pins, most by Shorewood. 

The match began with Rock Harris at 144 lbs. Harris and Sky Klein won with back to back pins. Then Getchell and SW traded pins with a win by Oli Dalan, Mak Kanzler, at 165 and 190. 

Once the Stormrays got back to the lighter weights, it was four straight pins for SW. Freshmen Finn Greenleaf, Emiliano Olivera, and Melyk Valencia as well as Eli Jeppsen, a sophomore, helped to clinch the deal for the Stormrays. 

The final win came as the match ended right back where the night started, with Masa Taura and another pin for the Stormrays. 

Final score: Shorewood 54 Marysville Getchell 27.

The Shorewood Junior Varsity squad also had their own dual against Kamiak and came out on top as well.

12/7/2023 Double Dual
Shorewood 42 Kamiak 39

@ Kamiak HS
Match began at 138

138: Masa Taura (SW) pinned Brian Flores 3:56
144: Isiah William (K) minor dec. Rock Harris
150: Sky Klein (SW) pinned Tison Cao
157: James Nottingham (SW) pinned Asher Hollow
165: Salhudeen Kakhat (K) pinned Oli Dalan
175: Nathaniel Hernandez (SW) pinned Rodrigo Gatico
190: Mak Kanzler (SW) pinned Simon Ross
215: Brody Schmid (SW) pinned Omar Mbowe
285: Jameson Sheonstrup (K) pinned Ben Jenkins
106: Topher Nelson (K) pinned Finn Greenleaf
113: Emiliano Olivera (SW) FF
120: Jonathan Trudsell (K) pinned Melyk Valencia
126: Gio Besson (K) pinned Eli Jeppsen
132: Max Debolt (K) pinned Matbeal Dinka

Shorewood 54 Marysville Getchell 27
@ Kamiak

Match began at 144

144: Rock Harris (SW) pinned Gabriel Gabaldon
150: Sky Klein (SW) pinned Caleb Monro
157: Ezra Steele (MG) dec. James Nottingham
165: Oli Dalan (SW) pinned Malachi Loveless
175: Samuel Gooch (MG) pinned Nathaniel Hernandez
190: Mak Kanzler (SW) pinned Salem Brady
215: Caiden Kelkenberg (MG) pinned Brody Schmid
285: Jaden Phillips (MG) pinned Ben Jenkins
106: Finn Greenleaf (SW) pinned Brock Brower
113: Emi Olivera (SW) pinned Jacob Turner
120: Melyk Valencia (SW) pinned Roman Ruiz
126: Eli Jeppsen (SW) pinned Lexer Porras
132: Jacob Hoot (MG) pinned Matbeal Dinka
138: Masa Taura (SW) pinned Gabriel Elder

Season Record: Shorewood 2-1

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LFP Rotary donates $1,325 in gift cards to North Helpline

(l-r) Allison Reagan, LFP Rotary Foundation treasurer, Stacy Brehman, Development Coordinator at North Helpline, Claire Conway, LFP Rotary president. Photo by Robin Roat

The Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park gave $1,325 in gift cards to North Helpline. 

Thank you to Lake Forest Park community members for your amazing donations. 

We are people of action…! JOIN US


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Reminder: LFP Library book sale Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 11am to 4pm

Lake Forest Park Library
Photo by Jerry Pickard

A big holiday book sale is scheduled for Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 11am to 4pm at the Lake Forest Park Library, 17171 Bothell Way N.E. in Lake Forest Park (lower lobby by the escalator).

There will be lots of children’s and teen books, fiction and nonfiction for adults, holiday books, cookbooks, and coffee-table books, all at very low prices.

Both used and new books are included, perfect for gift-giving and winter reading.

Prices start at one dollar (some at fifty cents) with specialty books marked up slightly; there will be further markdowns during the final hour of the sale. Proceeds help to support programs and events at the Lake Forest Park Library.

The book sale, sponsored by the Friends of the LFP Library, will take place inside the Library’s meeting room and also outside the library’s entrance. Call the library for directions at 206-362-8860.

The library is on the lower level of Town Center, by the escalator, intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way in Lake Forest Park.


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Winter Quarter continuing education classes at Shoreline Community College

Shoreline Community College Continuing Education has many affordable non credit, fun and informative classes scheduled for Winter quarter! 

Classes are a mix of on campus and on-line. Check out the catalog online and register today! 



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Shop Local at the Kenmore Pop! Shop on Fridays and Saturdays at the Hangar


The Pop! Shop winter market returns on Fridays (3pm - 7pm) and Saturdays (12pm to 4pm) through December 23 at the Hangar at Town Square in Kenmore 6728 NE 181st St, Kenmore WA 98028.

There are over 50 total vendors included in a rotating lineup of 10 vendors each day, so every market is a new shopping experience. 

The cozy indoor market features exceptional products, talented local artisans, and fun daily giveaways! 

Enjoy shopping downtown, then visit one of the many great surrounding eateries to make a day of it and support Kenmore's small businesses. Visit kenmorewa.gov/popshop for more info and daily vendor lineups.


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Wish List



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Jobs: WSDOT Senior Electrical Specialist

WSDOT
Senior Electrical Specialist
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$82,026 – $99,943 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is eager to hire a technical specialist to serve as our next Electrical Specialist. 

As an Electrical Specialist, this position will inspect and approve all electrical work done within Northwest Region (NWR) Right of Way by State contractors, local agencies, developers, and utility contractors working under permits and agreements. 

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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State receives two federal grants for passenger rail service

Amtrak Cascades, Cascadia High-Speed Rail programs receive funding
Photo courtesy WSDOT

OLYMPIA – The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced this week the award of grants for two Washington State Department of Transportation rail programs. The Amtrak Cascades and the Cascadia High-Speed Rail programs were each awarded $500,000 through the Corridor Identification and Development (CID) program.

With these awards, both programs are designated as national rail corridors and are now part of the federal funding pipeline for future intercity passenger rail projects. These initial $500,000 grants provide funding to develop scopes, schedules, and cost estimates for preparing a service-development plan for each corridor.

WSDOT submitted the Amtrak Cascades grant application in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Transportation. It will support preparation of an integrated service-development plan for both states that creates a blueprint for improvements over the next 20 years.

The Cascadia High-Speed Rail application supports planning for a separate rail corridor connecting Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., with hour long trips between each city. The Cascadia mega-region is experiencing considerable growth, with three to four million more people expected by 2050. By studying the viability of a high-speed train system, the region can determine the best ways to address transportation and other related quality-of-life issues for future generations.

“WSDOT is very pleased to receive federal support for both important passenger rail programs,” said Washington Transportation Secretary Roger Millar. 
“These two complementary systems would connect with one another to transport people efficiently, reliably and in environmentally friendly ways. We’re planning improvements for current rail passengers, as well as envisioning an even more robust system in the future.”

WSDOT also applied for a $198 million Federal-State Partnership grant from FRA to support the Cascadia High-Speed Rail program. This application was not funded in the 2023 federal funding cycle, as FRA chose to award funding to projects ready for construction. 

However, Washington, Oregon and British Columbia plan to move forward with the analysis using existing state and provincial funds and will continue to coordinate with FRA on federal funding through the CID program. 

Federal-State Partnership grants will be part of the CID funding pipeline in the future. As projects progress through the CID process, they will be eligible to access future Federal–State Partnership planning funds without having to reapply.


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Ferry system continues to receive funds from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Issaquah-class ferry passenger areas to be refurbished with federal funding
Photo courtesy WSDOT

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration recently awarded us with $4.8 million to revamp the passenger areas of our six Issaquah-class vessels. 

Cathlamet, Chelan, Issaquah, Kitsap, Kittitas, and Sealth were built from 1979 through 1982. 

The funding will extend the useful life of the aging boats for another five to ten years while new ferries are built. 

Last week, the FTA announced 13 grants totaling more than $220 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to ferry systems across the country. 

WSDOT received more than $50 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act over the past two years.


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Winter youth softball specialty clinics - pitching and catching



January 13th and 20th for ages 8-14 years. Participants bring your own catching gear, glove, water, and tennis shoes.

Questions: contact Coach Crystelle at 425-343-2273 or cfischer@shoreline.edu


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Armed repeat offender, who triggered lockdown in North Seattle neighborhood, sentenced to six years in prison

Photo courtesy Seattle Police
Seattle – A 42-year-old Seattle man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to six years in prison for possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. 

Pedro Fernandez Kent triggered a neighborhood lockdown in January 2023 when he fled police in North Seattle after a woman called to report he had assaulted her with a handgun and threatened to kill her. 

At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez noted that firearms coupled with drug dealing often lead to deadly results “Everyone recognizes first of all how dangerous the particular conduct was in this case…”

According to records filed in the case, on January 15, 2023, Seattle Police were responding to a domestic violence report in North Seattle when they spotted the distinctive car driven by the suspect, Pedro Kent. 

Kent attempted to flee from police, crashing his car into two curbs, rupturing the tires. Kent abandoned the car and ran into the yards of neighboring homes. Video from area cameras show Kent with a handgun in his hand as he ran into a backyard. 

Police converged on the area, alerting residents to stay in their homes with the doors locked. One couple called police reporting that the defendant appeared to be hiding in their backyard near Evanston Ave N and N 97th St. A K-9 officer helped take Kent into custody.

In addition to the gun Kent carried when he ran from the car, police located a carbine rifle in the car as well as distribution amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Kent also had a hatchet and a dagger in the car as well as scales and plastic baggies for drug distribution.

Kent was prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous King County convictions for burglary, theft, assault, and trafficking in stolen property.

The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 

On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


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Shorecrest student received YoungArts award for accomplishments in Musical Theatre

Friday, December 8, 2023

Logan Yao
Photo by Jeff Berryman
Logan Yao of Lake Forest Park, WA, from Shorecrest High School, has received a 2024 YoungArts award in Musical Theatre. 

Yao has been recognized for his caliber of achievement and joins nearly 700 of the most accomplished young visual, literary and performing artists from across the country, heralding the next generation of artists to watch. 

YoungArts award winners are selected through a highly competitive application, which is reviewed by panels of esteemed, discipline-specific artists in a rigorous adjudication process. 

2024 YoungArts award winners join a distinguished community of artists who are offered creative and professional development support throughout their careers. A complete list of the 2024 winners, all 15–18 years old or in grades 10–12, is available online at youngarts.org/winners.

“It is an extraordinary privilege to welcome these brilliant young artists into the YoungArts community,” said YoungArts President Clive Chang. 
“We’re honored to recognize and encourage these artists at this critical stage in their careers, and we’re looking forward to playing an active, ongoing role in what will no doubt be an incredible artistic journey for each of them.”

All YoungArts award winners have demonstrated exceptional technique, a strong sense of artistry, and an extraordinary commitment to developing their crafts. This year, winners were selected from more than 9,000 applications across 10 artistic disciplines – classical music, dance, design, film, jazz, photography, theater, visual arts, voice, and writing. Each award winner will receive a monetary award of $250.

For the duration of their career, Yao is eligible for exclusive creative and professional development support; microgrants and financial awards; presentation opportunities in collaboration with major venues and cultural partners nationwide; and access to YoungArts Post, a free, private online platform for YoungArts artists to connect, collaborate and discover new opportunities. 

2024 YoungArts winners also have the opportunity to participate in YoungArts Labs, all-expenses paid learning intensives with field-defining artists working in New York and Los Angeles.

As a YoungArts award winner, Yao joins a distinguished group of accomplished artists including Daniel Arsham, Terence Blanchard, Camille A. Brown, Timothée Chalamet, Viola Davis, Amanda Gorman, Judith Hill, Jennifer Koh, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Andrew Rannells, Desmond Richardson and Hunter Schafer.

The YoungArts competition is open to artists 15-18 years old (or in grades 10 – 12). For more information about becoming a YoungArts award winner click here.

About YoungArts
YoungArts — the national foundation for the advancement of artists—was established in 1981 by Lin and Ted Arison to identify exceptional young artists, amplify their potential, and invest in their lifelong creative freedom. YoungArts provides space, funding, mentorship, professional development and community throughout artists’ careers.


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Chef Dinner Tickets on sale for Shorewood Culinary Arts dinner Thursday December 14, 2023


Shorewood Culinary Arts is very excited to announce tickets are on sale for their 1st chef dinner of the school year. 

Please purchase your tickets by Tuesday December 12, 2023, there are only 57 seats available and they are going quickly. Please choose your seating option carefully. 

We offer general classroom seating and two smaller intimate private rooms. You may purchase as many tickets as you'd like. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Shorewood Culinary Arts is pleased to present Chef/Owner Wes Yoo for our first Guest Chef Dinner Series. These dinners provide an opportunity for students to work with highly acclaimed local industry chefs and are held periodically throughout the school year.

Buy your tickets now before they sell out


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North City Christmas Tree Lighting - good weather - good cheer

Santa sits below the switch to light the Christmas tree
while the elf held the treats

By Dan Dale
With photos by Steven H. Robinson

Christmas caroling, hot chocolate, and visits with Santa

On Saturday December 2, 2023 the 24th annual North City Tree Lighting took place hosted by Les Schwab in the North City Business District. 

Around the Sound community band

Supported by the North City Neighborhood Association and the North City Business Association, attendees were entertained by the Around the Sound Community Band as they awaited Santa's arrival.

Santa arrived in the Antlermobile

Santa and his elves arrived by the traditional North City Water District "Antlermobile" and fun was had by all. 

Glowing antlers and a beautiful blue tree shining over all

With a flip of his magic light switch, the tree was illuminated atop the water tower for all to enjoy throughout this Holiday season.


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1st Legislative District legislators to hold in-person meeting Monday at Kenmore Library


Sen. Derek Stanford, Rep. Shelley Kloba and Rep. Davina Duerr will be at at the Kenmore Library from 4pm to 5:15pm on Monday, December 11, 2023 for a community conversation.



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Teen Center winter-themed Yule ball December 16, 2023 for local 6-8th graders


December 16, 2023 the last weekend before winter break, come to the teen center in your best fit and enjoy a winter-themed ball inspired by the Potterverse Yule Ball!

Yule Ball for 6th to 8th graders
6:00pm to 10:30pm.
Richmond Highlands Recreation Center, 


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Seattle Police find missing woman

This notice was sent out on the Alert system on Thursday, December 8, 2023. 

Seattle Police and King County Sheriff are searching for Mary Nguyen, a missing 65 year old female with Alzheimer's. 

She was last seen near 145th and Aurora. She is 5'6" tall, with short dark hair, last seen wearing a gray short sleeve blouse and pants, and grey and white Nike shoes.

No update was issued on the Alert system but Seattle Police posted on their Twitter (x) feed @SeattlePD that she had been found.

ALERT King County is a regional public information and notification service offered by King County Emergency Management. ALERT King County helps you stay informed about potential hazards and threats that impact your area.

Register your physical address(es), email address(es), and phone number(s) to receive important safety information during an emergency. You can now register to receive alerts in different languages. Current language availability includes: English, Spanish, Japanese, Arabic, Russian, Korean, French, Portuguese, and Chinese. 



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Menorah lighting in Shoreline Sunday is open to the public

Menorah lighting at Shoreline City Hall
Photo courtesy Chabad Jewish Center

Chabad Jewish Center of Shoreline will hold a public Hanukkah menorah lighting event with a massive 9-foot menorah at Shoreline City Hall, on Sunday, December 10, 2023 from 4:30pm to 6pm.

The event will feature an array of entertainment for all ages including giant chocolate “Gelt Drop” performance by the Shoreline Fire Department Ladder Truck, as well as hot drinks and a selection of traditional Hanukkah foods.

Open to the public free of charge. Donations appreciated

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, begins this year on the evening of Thursday, December 7 and concludes the evening of Friday, December 15. 

It recalls the victory of a militarily weak but spiritually strong Jewish people, who defeated the Syrian-Greeks who had overrun ancient Israel and sought to impose restrictions on the Jewish way of life and practice. They desecrated and defiled the Holy Temple and the oil prepared for the lighting of the menorah – part of the daily service. 

Upon defeating their enemies and recapturing the Temple only one jar of undefiled oil was found, enough to burn for one day, but it lasted miraculously for eight. In commemoration, Jews celebrate Hanukkah for eight days by lighting an eight-branched candelabrum known as a menorah, adding another candle each night.


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Live Fire Training event Thursday in Shoreline

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire
Shoreline Fire held a Live Fire Training morning and afternoon on Thursday, December 7, 2023 for their crews and King County Investigators at 15420 2nd Ave NE.

They burn "clean" materials of wood pallets and hay. This training allows "real life" situations as opposed to burning in a training tower.

If you have a building slated for demolition, consider making it available to Shoreline Fire first for their training burns.


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Affordable Chinese language classes and art workshops at Shoreline Community College

Sign up for Chinese language classes and art workshops at Shoreline Community college in Winter Quarter 2024 with our Chinese Scholar, Fei Ke. 

Workshops are FREE for Shoreline students and staff, and $5.00 for the community age 8 and up! 

Chinese conversation and language classes are for middle, high school students and adults of all ages, and skill levels. 

For more information, contact Fei Ke at: fke@shoreline.edu. Register here: Arts, Culture & Music (campusce.net).


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Holiday Cheer with Seattle Surabaya Sister City Association and The Horizon School


The Seattle Surabaya Sister City Association (SSSCA) is partnering with The Horizon School preschool, located in the Richmond Beach Congregational United Church of Christ.

They are sponsoring a Holiday Cheer Event to celebrate the season with our unhoused friends in the area. 

The event is being held in the upper parking lot of the church at 1512 NW 195th St in Shoreline on Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 9 to 11am.

All are invited.


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Sew Thoughtful Sews Baby Quilts

Volunteers 
Photo courtesy Snoco CTA
The Snohomish County Clothing and Textile Advisors (CTA) invite those in the community who sew to join them in making quilts for babies. 

The quilts will be donated to the Lake Stevens Resource Center. LSRC is located in Lake Stevens and partners with Volunteers of America. The staff and volunteers empower people and strengthen the communities in need.

CTA members will meet from 10am to 2pm at the Cedar Valley Grange in Lynnwood on Friday, December 15, 2023 to sew the quilts. 20526 52nd Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036

Kits and patterns will be provided and you are the designer. Choose from the pre-cut cotton fabric squares for the colors and designs to make a one-of-a-kind quilt.

Bring your sewing machine and accessories, lunch and beverage. Hot water is available.


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Lake City homeowners wake to find strangers in their bedroom early Saturday morning

Photo courtesy Seattle PD
By Detective Judinna Gulpan
Seattle Police Department
 
Police arrived in the 2000 block of NE 135th St around 7:00am on Saturday, December 2, 2023 and spoke to the two robbery victims who were not injured during the incident.

It was reported the two victims, a 32-year-old male and a 31-year-old female, woke to a sound as four Black males entered their bedroom. Two of these suspects were armed with firearms. After entering the bedroom, the suspects yelled for them to get up and go to the living room.

The victims were kept in the living room by one suspect while the other three suspects ransacked the home. During this time, the suspects would bring items such as phones, computers, bank cards, etc. to obtain lock codes or pin numbers. The suspects also threatened to kill the victims multiple times.

These suspects were described to be four Black males in their late 20s-30s wearing masks and all black clothing.

Before leaving, the victims were told not to call the police, cancel any cards, or lock any electronic devices, or they would return to harm them. They left the home in the victim’s vehicle, a silver sedan.

Officers later located the stolen vehicle around 2:30pm in the 14300 block of 17th Ave NE. The vehicle will be processed for evidence.

Robbery detectives will be continuing the follow up investigations.

If anyone has information, please call the Seattle PD’s Violent Crime Tips Line at 206-233-5000.

Correction: the incident occured on Saturday, December 2, 2023

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WSDOT issues Request for Information to shipbuilding industry for hybrid-electric ferries

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Olympic class ferry design sketch
Courtesy WSDOT
Washington State Ferries announced that they have issued a Request for Information yesterday to the shipbuilding industry across the country as part of our effort to contract for five hybrid-electric Olympic-class ferries. 

Responses are due in January and will provide critical information for the Invitation for Bid that will be issued in spring 2024. 

Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a new law that allows us to solicit bids nationwide when building new boats. 




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Gloria's Critters: I'm as appealing as any Varied Thrush, photog

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

so why not lay off the birds for a while and focus instead on us mammals?

(Raelynn the Raccoon was adamant about wanting a portrait session, and so photog complied:)

--Gloria Z. Nagler


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City of Shoreline proposes protections for renters

The Shoreline City Council discussed proposed tenant protections on December 4th.
Photo by Oliver Moffat

The City of Shoreline is considering enacting stronger protections for renters. The proposed ordinance (no 996) would lengthen the notice period for rent increases, cap fees and security deposits, give tenants the right to payment plans, allow rent due date flexibility for tenets on government assistance, forbid landlords from requiring a social security number from applicants, and allow tenants to seek legal action in court.

At the December 4th Shoreline City Council meeting, over 20 people provided public comments and eleven written public comments were received. 

Some supporters of the measure commented that with the expiration of COVID era tenant protections, evictions across Washington state are spiking - contributing to homelessness. 

Critics of the proposed ordinance raised concerns that it would disproportionately harm small housing providers know as “mom-and-pop” landlords because it would increase cost and legal risks of owning a rental property. 

Supporters of the ordinance pointed to a recent case study from researchers at the University of Washington that found no evidence that Seattle’s strict tenant protection laws drove “mom-and-pop” landlords out of the rental market.

On December 11, the City Council will vote on whether to adopt Ordinance 996.

--Oliver Moffat

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2023 NUHSA Human Services Awards to be presented at public ceremony on December 13, 2023


The North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) is proud to announce its 2023 Human Services Award recipients and nominees! All have made a significant contribution to the health and welfare of our North King County community and have supported or advocated for a strong and accessible health and human services system, strengthening our community through their initiative and leadership.

Recipients and nominees will be honored at NUHSA's 2023 Human Services Awards celebration on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Shoreline City Hall 17500 Midvale Ave N.

To join this community celebration, please RSVP by emailing staff@nuhsa.org.

NUHSA’s Annual Human Services Awards have been celebrating the accomplishments of local individuals and organizations since 2008. 

NUHSA is an alliance of non-profit agencies, faith communities, city and county leadership, school districts and members of the community who advocate for a strong and accessible health and human services system in North King County, encompassing Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell and Woodinville. Through partnership and collaboration, 

NUHSA supports providers, funders and the community to enhance existing resources and build our capacity to effectively respond to community needs.

Human Services Champion

Bill Bear
A longtime Shoreline community member and advocate, Bill Bear is deeply invested in Shoreline and the health and well-being of its residents. He is a Celebrate Recovery and Shoreline Community Court Resource Center Navigator volunteer and a member of the Regional Crisis Response Agency (RCR) Community Advisory Board. He also leads Shoreline Community Care, an all-volunteer faith-based organization that has been helping Shoreline residents with rent and utility bills for over twenty years. Particularly during the pandemic, Shoreline Community Care played a vital role in distributing gas and grocery cards and other assistance. Bill also works with United Shoreline Organized Against Racism with The Peoples’ Supper, bringing about healing of divisions in Shoreline, and volunteers with the Power of One in a first-grade class.

Nominees:

Brittany Miles
Brittany Miles is an effective advocate for people with behavioral health conditions, and specifically for those who experience high-acuity crises. As a mother of a teen with early onset schizophrenia, she has tirelessly fought for system improvements and elevated the voice of individuals experiencing these systems. As a skilled writer, Brittany shines a light on how systemic racism and systemic failures have impacted people with behavioral health conditions, especially those with marginalized identities. Her work has appeared in the Seattle Times, PubliCola, Seattle Child and NAMI blog, and she serves on the Regional Crisis Response Agency (RCR) Community Advisory Board, which supports mental health crisis de-escalation. Brittany also serves on the Technology subcommittee for the Washington State Legislature's HB1477 implementation of the national 9-8-8 suicide prevention hotline and connection to care. She and her daughter live in Bothell with their feisty pet chihuahua.

Tanya Laskelle
Tanya Laskelle is the Family Support Department Director for the Center for Human Services (CHS), an area behavioral health and family support non-profit agency that strengthens the community through counseling, education and support to children, youth, adults and families. With local roots and over 20 years’ experience and leadership at CHS, she has been an extraordinary advocate for the health and well-being of youth and families and has been a persistent voice in urging increased funding for CHS and all north-end human services providers. Whether it is conversation with local, county or state officials and funders, Tanya’s clear, constructive messaging effectively makes the case for increased focus and funding for the human services infrastructure in North King County, and through her work, helps build the capacity to serve residents and create healthier, stronger communities.

Bryan & Christie Streit
Bryan and Christie Streit, owners of Woodinville’s Pizza Coop & Ale House, have been deeply involved in supporting families in need for many years, including hosting an annual fun run and a very popular annual golf tournament to help fill the Woodin Elementary Summer Food Bank; coordinate and provide gifts during the holidays with a Giving Tree; and host Shop with a Cop, giving local kids the opportunity to shop for holiday gifts at no cost to the child or family. Their compassion and kindness significantly affect the community, and through a newly established foundation, they are able to grow in their reach and impact.

Sally Yamasaki, Donna Hawkey & Michael Troyer
Over the last four years, Lake Forest Park residents Sally Yamasaki, Donna Hawkey and Michael Troyer have led a grassroots effort to explore Community Land Trusts (CLTs) as a viable tool for increasing housing diversity and affordability in Lake Forest Park and throughout our north-end communities. Working in partnership with Homestead Community Land Trust, this dynamic trio has presented to city planning commissions and city councils, hosted a very successful bus tour of area CLTs, and as active NUHSA members, provided a presentation during Affordable Housing Week. Through their advocacy, CLTs are now more broadly recognized as not only an option for creating permanently affordable housing, but also as a way to build generational wealth and stability and ensure families may live and work in the same community.

Outstanding Human Services Program

Northshore Nourishing Networks
In 2010, Nourishing Networks was created through Hopelink as an intriguing new model of engagement and action to address hunger. Local volunteer networks brought together people from diverse sectors and cultures to leverage resources and serve the community in new and deeply personal ways. In 2012, Nourishing Networks became an independent entity and now serves seven communities in north and east Puget Sound. Terra Droney and Elise Harris are the Conveners in Bothell/Kenmore and Woodinville. Through monthly virtual meetings, they connect dozens of volunteers and advocates with specific needs in the community - filling food pantries, assisting families in times of crisis, promoting human services events, and creating collaborative partnerships to address immediate and emerging needs in our community. Through the Nourishing Networks framework and with the dedicated local leadership of Elise and Terra, a strong web of providers and advocates has been created to effectively address hunger and other needs, such as diapers and school supplies. They have become the go-to place in Kenmore, Bothell and Woodinville to fill in the gaps and reinforce the safety net.

Nominees:

Shoreline PTA Council Mental Health Committee
Since its inception in early 2022, the Shoreline PTA Council Mental Health Committee has steadily raised awareness of mental health issues and resources within the school district and broader community and reduced negative stereotypes and stigma around mental health for families and students. Under the leadership of Missy Liu and an active Steering Committee, the group has created and distributed a comprehensive mental health resource list, provided education through in person and virtual speakers and community meetings, and created a grant program to promote mental health initiatives in the schools. The Committee has also advocated for increased mental health support and funding at the local and state level, and most recently, hosted a regionwide Mental Health Symposium that elevated student voices and shared resources. Success for this group is defined by a school culture where students feel safe when talking about their mental health and know how to seek solutions – and through its many efforts, the Committee has made great strides in achieving this goal.

Center for Human Services Board of Directors
With a recent study showing wage gaps of 30% or more between human services workers and those in non-care industries, the Center for Human Services (CHS) was the first in North King County to respond and significantly raise wages for staff. Last year, a $4.00 an hour salary adjustment was implemented for all positions, in addition to annual raises, and a $1,500 (net) bonus was provided for all employees. The Board of Directors and staff leadership then implemented another 6% raise per employee, plus an across-the-board bonus of $1,500. This fall, the Board approved an additional 5% raise across the board effective January 1st, beating inflation significantly. Turnover has reduced notably - from over 30% a few years ago to a rate now below 10% - and that is good for both business and for clients. As turnover falls, pay increases may no longer be largely covered by increased productivity, so increasing contract reimbursement rates will be critical in ensuring organizations can pay well enough to entice workers to stay in the human services sector. Regardless, the CHS experience demonstrates that adequate wages are essential in maintaining an effective service delivery model that reduces staff turnover, increases morale, and provides more stable, high-quality services for clients.

Lifetime Achievement Award Rob Beem (see previous story)


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Secretary of State certifies November Election

OLYMPIA — Secretary of State Steve Hobbs certified results from Washington’s Nov. 7 General Election Wednesday afternoon.

More than 1.725 million Washingtonians participated in the General Election, a 36.4% turnout of the state’s 4.829 million registered voters. 

Issues on voters’ ballots included local ballot propositions, city and county elected officials, and school and fire district positions.

This was the first General Election in more than 50 years without a statewide issue or race to be decided by all of Washington’s voters.

"It’s important that voters participate in these odd-year elections that give us the opportunity to focus on important local races and ballot proposals,” Secretary Hobbs explained. 
“While it can be a challenge to get voters’ attention for these local races, who you elect to lead your community affects your day-to-day life, and the ballot proposals on odd-year ballots decide important questions about funding and governance in communities across Washington.”

Washington’s next scheduled elections come early in the new year. Some jurisdictions will hold a special election Feb. 13, 2024, and the state’s Presidential Primary will take place March 12.

“I look forward to the opportunity to get more eligible voters registered and participating during the upcoming year,” Secretary Hobbs said. “Each year’s elections are important, and I hope that the attention on state and national offices in the 2024 election cycle leads to sustained civic involvement for many years to come.”

Washington’s Office of the Secretary of State oversees a number of areas within state government, including managing state elections, registering corporations and charities, and governing the use of the state flag and state seal. 

The office also manages the State Archives and the State Library, documents extraordinary stories in Washington’s history through Legacy Washington, oversees the Combined Fund Drive for charitable giving by state employees, and administers the state’s Address Confidentiality Program to help protect survivors of crime.


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Shorewood Wrestling Week 2 Recap

Shorewood junior Masa Taura makes his move against
Thomas Cooper of Woodinville. While Cooper prevailed, Taura
made him work for his victory in one of the most exciting
matches of the night. Photo credit: Isaac Liljegren
By Coach Trisha Norton

The 3A Shorewood Wrestling team hosted the 4A Woodinville Falcons on Tuesday December 5th for an inaugural Boys and Girls double dual. 

Announcer Maren Norton helped build a fun energy throughout the evening event. 

Unfortunately, Shorewood boys had a rough night against the experienced Woodinville team. 

Highlights included seeing the future of SW wrestling in pins by SW freshmen Emiliano Olivero and Melyk Valencia and sophomore Eli Jeppeson

Final Score: 17 to 58 Woodinville.

Shorewood junior Aly Fellores pins Emilia Roemer
in the first minute of their match on Tuesday.
Photo credit: Isaac Liljegren
On the Girls mat, SW dominated in the matches where they had wrestlers. 

Pins by sophomores Finley Houck and Abi Chishungu, and juniors Libby Norton, Aly Fellores, Izzy Crave showed how dominant the SW girls can be. 

Unfortunately, the girls gave up 33 points (mostly in forfeits) leading to a narrow 3 point defeat. 

Final Score 30 to 33 Woodinville

Girls:
Woodinville 33 Shorewood 30

*Match started at 155 lbs.

*155: Isabella Crave (SW) pinned Adela Aguirre-Maldonado (W) 2:14
170: Ellie Kashi (W) with minor decision over Cora Morgan (SW)
190: Abi Chisungu (SW) pinned Olivia Kjelstrup (W) :40
100: Double FF
105: Margarita Heredia-Jantz (W) by FF
110: Nicole Gracciidis (W) by FF
115: Finley Houck (SW) pinned Samantha Jaimez (W) 3:00
120: Libby Norton (SW) pinned Alina Popovciuc (W) :34
125: Casey Craig (W) by FF
130: Aliza Price (W) by FF
135: Michelle Venegas (W) pinned Eliana Van Horn (SW) :38
140: Alyjana Fellores (SW) pinned Emilia Roemer :35
145: Double FF

Boys:
Final Score: Woodinville 58 Shorewood 17

*Match started at 144 lbs

144: Josh Kraw (W) with minor decision over Rock Harris (SW)
150: Darsh Schenoy (W) pinned Sky Klein (SW) 2:03
157: Nate N with major decision over James Nottingham (SW)
165: Pierce Jones (W) pinned Oli Dalan (SW) 1:14
175: Chase Jones (W) pinned Nathaniel Hernandez (SW) 1:33
190: Landon Harlow (W) pinned Brody Schmidt (SW) :44
215: Gabe Porter (W) pinned Mak Kanzler (SW) 2:27
285: Elijah Wan (W) pinned Ben Jenkins (SW) 1:09
106: Payton Gill (W) pinned Finn Greenleaf (SW) :29
113: Emiliano Olivera (SW) pinned Charlie Bradley (W) :50
120: Melyk Valencia (SW) pinned Jesse Belavimino (W) :23 (-1 team point for unsportsmanlike conduct)
126: Eli Jeppsen (SW) pinned Keegan Chapko (W) 3:06
132: Cooper Kenefsky (W) with minor decision over Jared Lopez (SW)
138: Thomas Cooper (W) with major decision over Masa Taura (SW)


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Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting December 11, 2023

Monday’s Shoreline City Council meeting, 7pm to 10pm, will be held in the Council Chamber using a hybrid format where both in-person and online attendance is allowed. Public comment may be provided in writing, remotely, or in person.
Recognition of Outgoing Councilmember Doris Fujioka McConnell.

The agenda includes two Action Items and one Study Item.

Action Item (a). Action on Ordinance No. 996 - Establishing a New Chapter, Chapter 9.35, of the Shoreline Municipal Code Requiring Tenant Protections



Action Item (b)
. Action on Ordinance No. 997 - Amending Title 20 of the Shoreline Municipal Code to Update Transportation Level of Service (LOS) and Concurrency. 

Under the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA), Shoreline is required to ensure that the transportation system adequately accommodates planned land use growth – a requirement known as transportation concurrency. The City Council discussed this at their November 27, 2023 meeting. 

Cities must have a plan in place to provide an adequate transportation system. Strategies can include, but are not limited to, building bike lanes and trails, providing services such as e-bike or car share, or a combination of several strategies.The available capacity for transportation facilities would shift from current calculations of vehicle trip capacity to person trip capacity. This shift requires edits to the SMC which are in proposed Ordinance No. 997.

Study Item (a) Discussion of Ordinance No. 999 - Amending Chapters 20.20, 20.30 and 20.40 of the Shoreline Municipal Code to Establish Permanent Regulations for Major and Minor Fleet Bases. No action is proposed tonight as this item is presented for City Council discussion only.

The word “facilities” in the name indicates something beyond the actual service of the taxi, such as vehicle storage, repair, maintenance, and dispatch.

There are two (2) facilities operating in the City that meet the definition of Transit Bus Base.

  • The King County Metro North Base bus base is located and operating in the Meridian Park neighborhood, situated just west of I-5, where N 165th St dead ends. It was built before the City was incorporated. It is now designated a “public facility.”
  • The other transit base is operating in the Ridgecrest neighborhood at the southwest corner of 5th Ave NE and NE 165th St, with frontage extending south to NE 163rd St. It is being used as an Access Van storage, repair and dispatch site. The property consists of one (1) 2.58-acre parcel. It is located with the Crest theater to the north, a café, auto shop and homes to the east, and single-family homes to the south and west. The site was originally developed in the 1950s as a bingo hall and grocery store at various points. The site is zoned CB (Community Business) with a Comprehensive Plan land use designation of Mixed Use-2.

They did a review of neighboring cities to see what they did. However, most of them have commercial zoning districts or industrial zoning districts that we do not have, and those cities locate the bus bases there.

Staff will present the Planning Commission’s recommended development code amendments for newly defined Major and Minor Fleet Bases making sure they are in compliance with the City's Comprehensive Plan.


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