High risk of Sneaker waves on the coast
If you plan to visit our ocean beaches this holiday weekend, be sure to leave plenty of space between you and the water.
Sneaker waves can create a sudden, life-threatening situation.
I think that every region in the United States has its own hidden danger. The kind of thing that doesn't happen often so it's only talked about when things go wrong. The kind of thing that locals know about but visitors don't.
Alligators, quicksand, tidal bores, etc. Ours is "sneaker waves."
I've forgotten the explanation from the oceanography class I took but basically they are a single wave that is disproportionately big compared to all the other waves coming in.
Sometimes it's a wave that just keeps on coming and sometimes it's a monster that goes high and far.
I had a friend who, when she was 12, had gone to the ocean with her family. She brought along a friend. The two girls were standing on the driftwood logs that pile up against the sand dunes. They were far from where the waves were hitting the beach.
And suddenly there was water over their heads. When the water receded, my friend was alone.
Sneaker waves occur at particular times of the year and seem to be more prevalent on Oregon beaches, where they post warning signs.
Sneaker waves occur at particular times of the year and seem to be more prevalent on Oregon beaches, where they post warning signs.
If you are pulled out to sea by any wave or have difficulty getting back to the beach, the usual advice is to swim parallel to the beach and let the current carry you. Eventually you will end up on the beach.
Tags:
safety
Teen Health Hub offers teens answers to their health questions
Teen Health Hub WA was created with and for Washington young adults so they can find the answers they are looking for.
Credible, compassionate, and here when you need it from the Washington State Department of Health.
Shoreline Continuing Education classes for Winter 2024 are open for registration
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| Not just pickleball! |
The new Winter 2024 brochure with class details is out now!
Shoreline Community College Continuing Education offers classes and workshops in arts, crafts, sports, plus music lessons and opportunities to perform - check out the brochure
Read more...
Did you buy Litti City and Litti Pritti Dress-up Playsets and Prextex Slime Eggs? They've been recalled
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| These toys have all been recalled |
Litti City and Litti Pritti Dress-up Playsets and Prextex Slime Eggs have been recalled due to violations of Federal phthalates and lead content bans.
They were imported by Perch, Amusty and Bingo Deals (Recall Alert)
Shorecrest coaches name top athletes of Fall sports season
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| Quinn Whorley, Alan Bruns, Gus Hamilton Photo courtesy Shorecrest Athletics |
From Athletic Director Alan Bruns
At the Winter Pep Assembly on Tuesday we announced the top athletes of the Fall sports season. Varsity athletes from each Fall sport are nominated by their coaches and then all of the SC coaches vote to determine the two winners. Congratulations to these fantastic athletes!
Quinn Whorley (Junior, Girls Swim)
Quinn Whorley (Junior, Girls Swim)
She was 1st Team All-League in each of her four events; set two school records - one in the 200 Medley relay with Owan, Miranda, and Aila (it was also District meet record) and the other in the 500 Freestyle, which was previously set in 1996; Qualified for State in all 4 of her events, and finished a team best 4th in the 500 - the best finish for SC swim since 2005
Gus Hamilton (Senior, Football)
Gus Hamilton (Senior, Football)
Gus earned 1st team All-League honors as a tight end and was named as the 2023 Offensive MVP of the team; He had over 200 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns this season, was a key blocker offensively, a major piece of the defense as a safety, and also the punter and kicker for the team; he was described as the "pulse" of the team.
Read more...
Fatal assault in Bitter Lake neighborhood
Friday, December 22, 2023
Seattle Police responded to a report of a fatal assault in the Bitter Lake neighborhood.
Officers arrived around 1:00am on Thursday, December 21, 2023 in the 14100 block of Linden Ave N and located a deceased 24-year-old man on the sidewalk.
Seattle Fire responded and confirmed the man deceased at the scene.
Police are still investigating the circumstances that led up to the fatal assault.
Crime Scene Investigation unit responded to process the scene for evidence. Homicide will be leading the ongoing investigation.
If anyone has information, please call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.
Read more...
Officers arrived around 1:00am on Thursday, December 21, 2023 in the 14100 block of Linden Ave N and located a deceased 24-year-old man on the sidewalk.
Seattle Fire responded and confirmed the man deceased at the scene.
Police are still investigating the circumstances that led up to the fatal assault.
Crime Scene Investigation unit responded to process the scene for evidence. Homicide will be leading the ongoing investigation.
If anyone has information, please call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.
Follow-up to death on NB I-5 at 185th
King county police report that the death on I-5 Thursday evening December 21, 2023 (see previous article) was the result of a woman who either jumped or fell off the NE 185th overpass onto northbound I-5 where she may have been struck by a vehicle.
Police responded to a 911 call at 6:14pm to the King County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center reporting a person who either jumped or fell off the NE 185th Street overpass onto northbound I-5.
She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
KCSO Major Accident Reconstruction Detectives were called to the scene to investigate the incident.
The King County Medical Examiners has identified the victim as a 28 year old Shoreline resident.
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| Map of incident from WA State Patrol |
Further information revealed that a vehicle struck this person, pulled over and then left the scene northbound on I-5.
Witnesses described the vehicle as a boxy, silver compact vehicle that would have front end and undercarriage damage.
WSP detectives are seeking anyone that has in car video or any other information that would help identify the vehicle that was involved.
Please contact Detective Early at Todd.Early@wsp.wa.gov
Tags:
police,
suicide,
traffic accident
The shortest day, the longest night
We've made it through the long, dark nights and now minute by minute the days will be longer every day. You can tell the difference even when there's no sun.
Light at 4pm - thank goodness - and bah humbug to all those 'experts' claiming that standard time is better for us somehow. I want my Daylight Saving Time!
--Cranky Editor
Tags:
daylight saving time
Workers busy planting thousands of trees along light rail extension
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| Young Western Red-Cedars, Douglas Firs, and Incense Cedars await planting near the I-5 pedestrian overpass at 185th St - Photo by Oliver Moffat |
By Oliver Moffat
Workers are busy planting trees along the Light Rail line in Shoreline. Sound Transit is landscaping as they finish the tracks by planting some of our region’s best known and most beloved native trees including Western Red-Cedar, Incense Cedar, and (of course) Douglas Fir.
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| A young Western Red-Cedar is ready to be lifted into position for planting near the I-5 pedestrian overpass at 185th St. Photo by Oliver Moffat |
According to a worker on site, it’s a tricky job getting the young trees into place and involves hoisting with a fork lift.
As part of the Lynnwood Link Extension tree replacement program Sound Transit is planting thousands more trees than have been removed for the project.
So far they’ve planted thousands of trees along the five miles of track between the Northgate Station and the 185th street pedestrian bridge over I-5.
Sound Transits website shows the scope of the number of replacement trees to be planted.
Tags:
sound transit,
trees
Molbak's Garden + Home store to permanently close
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| Molbak's Garden + Home |
Molbak's, the beloved garden store in Woodinville, has announced that they will be closing permanently after they were excluded from redevelopment plans for a "Garden District" in Woodinville.
The Seattle Times published a lengthy report
Molbak Family Statement
We know this is incredibly difficult news for our employees and their families and the many other friends of Molbak’s throughout our industry, the Puget Sound, the country and the world.
The Gardens District was an exciting plan for our future and our opportunity to remain in Woodinville for decades to come. A new Molbak’s was supposed to be the heart of the project. To not be able to realize that vision is heartbreaking to us.
Our roots run deep. We can’t say enough about the amazing Molbak’s team, our loyal customers, our supportive vendors and the many community partnerships we’ve made over the years.
Family businesses are special. We’re grateful for the opportunity to share the passion for horticulture, floriculture and community that Egon and Laina began in 1956 and nurtured and grew in Woodinville for 67 years.
Thank you for your place in our family’s business. While Molbak’s may be coming to an end, the work we have all done together will last in the hearts, friendship and professional relationships we all share.
-Egon Molbak, 98 (founder)
-Jens Molbak (owner)
-Ellen Molbak Welsch
-Kirsten Molbak Paterson
-Heidi Molbak
The family promised more information in January.
Molbak Family Statement
We know this is incredibly difficult news for our employees and their families and the many other friends of Molbak’s throughout our industry, the Puget Sound, the country and the world.
The Gardens District was an exciting plan for our future and our opportunity to remain in Woodinville for decades to come. A new Molbak’s was supposed to be the heart of the project. To not be able to realize that vision is heartbreaking to us.
Our roots run deep. We can’t say enough about the amazing Molbak’s team, our loyal customers, our supportive vendors and the many community partnerships we’ve made over the years.
Family businesses are special. We’re grateful for the opportunity to share the passion for horticulture, floriculture and community that Egon and Laina began in 1956 and nurtured and grew in Woodinville for 67 years.
Thank you for your place in our family’s business. While Molbak’s may be coming to an end, the work we have all done together will last in the hearts, friendship and professional relationships we all share.
-Egon Molbak, 98 (founder)
-Jens Molbak (owner)
-Ellen Molbak Welsch
-Kirsten Molbak Paterson
-Heidi Molbak
The family promised more information in January.
Wally Webster to be featured speaker at tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 15, 2024
| Wallace “Wally” Webster II |
The event is produced in partnership with the Edmonds Waterfront Center and with major funding from the Hazel Miller Foundation. General Admission tickets are $15.
Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite
A Beloved Community – Morning Program for children and families will take place from 9:30am to 11:30am also on January 15th at the Edmonds Waterfront Center. Admission to the Morning Program is free and will feature local performers in addition to a variety of fun activities specially designed for children and families. The 2023 January morning event saw more than 750 participants.
Both Morning and Evening Programs are designed by the Edmonds, WA. non-profit LEVL team to inspire Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community – a local living environment free of hatred, injustice, and poverty.
Webster's personal story of “Reclaim the Dream” became embedded deep in his soul at a very young age.
“I was a nine-year-old boy in Alabama when Emmett Till was murdered in a racist attack August 1955 in Money, Mississippi. It shocked the nation and traumatized the community where I lived just 70 miles away,” the retired Bank of America executive said.
The longtime community activist and leader has since dedicated more than 40 years of his life elevating the quality of life of marginalized communities and building bridges between the 'haves' and 'have-nots.'
Webster, the 2023 recipient of the Snohomish County NAACP Carl Gipson Lifetime Achievement Award, currently serves on the Edmonds College Board of Trustees; the Lynnwood Public Facility District Board of Directors and a member of the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team (SMART).
He is also a founding voice of ACCESS (Association of Collective Community Engagement for Safety and Security), a non-profit recently created to address some of the root causes of youth violence, as well as fill gaps in how it is handled.
For a sixth straight year, returning performances by Pacific Northwest renowned Gospel, R&B and Jazz vocalist Josephine Howell and her Band will be highlighted with a special performance of her favorite songs.
Robert Taylor Jr., an Edmonds author, mental health advocate and highly sought-after national speaker, will again serve as a co-host of the event. The Greater Everett MLK Celebration Ensemble also will be featured in the program with special opening and closing performances.
Our inspiration comes from Dr. King who said ‘By its very nature, hate destroys and tears down; love creates and builds up.’ We can never lose focus of this higher goal of “love creates” and our program is designed to lift that value up in song, storytelling, and dance,” Griffin said.
He continued, “It is a message we need right now as hate is increasingly showing its ugly face and destructive ways in churches, synagogues, mosques, airplanes, schools, social media and in public gatherings usually associated with fun and celebrations. As Dr. King has taught us, ‘Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.’”
Nigerian citizen pleads guilty for defrauding Washington state
Tacoma – One of two Nigerian citizens who resided in Canada, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft for defrauding pandemic unemployment benefit programs in multiple states, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.
Sakiru Olanrewaju Ambali, 45, was arrested in February 2023, in Frankfurt, Germany, as he traveled back to Canada from Nigeria. Ambali was detained in Germany and was extradited to the U.S. last August. Prosecutors will recommend a sentence of five years in prison when Ambali is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert J. Bryan on March 14, 2024.
In his plea agreement Ambali admits he and codefendant Fatiu Ismaila Lawal, 45, used the stolen identities of thousands of workers to submit over 1,700 claims for pandemic unemployment benefits to over 25 different states, including Washington State.
In his plea agreement Ambali admits he and codefendant Fatiu Ismaila Lawal, 45, used the stolen identities of thousands of workers to submit over 1,700 claims for pandemic unemployment benefits to over 25 different states, including Washington State.
In total, the claims sought approximately $25 million, but the conspirators obtained approximately $2.4 million, primarily from pandemic unemployment benefits.
When state unemployment security became aware of the scam, they shut down all claim applications while they worked to verify the ones they had and scrutinize new claims. This meant that many Washington residents were left with no financial resources.
As part of his plea agreement Ambali has agreed to make restitution of $1,035,107.
The co-conspirators allegedly submitted claims for pandemic unemployment benefits to New York, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, California, Washington and some 19 other states.
The co-conspirators allegedly submitted claims for pandemic unemployment benefits to New York, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, California, Washington and some 19 other states.
Using 13 Google accounts, they filed some 900 claims. The co-conspirators also allegedly established four internet domain names that they then used for fraud – creating some 800 different email addresses that were used for fraud. Between March 2020 and December 2021, Ambali admits he personally submitted at least 620 claims for unemployment benefits that paid more than $1 million.
Additionally, between 2018 and 2021, Ambali used stolen personal information of eight U.S. citizens to try to claim tax refunds totaling more than $40,000. The IRS caught most of the fraud.
Ambali also attempted to use the stolen American identities for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to defraud the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA caught most of the fraud and paid only $2,500.
Ambali and his co-conspirators had the proceeds of their fraud sent to cash cards or to “money mules” who transferred the funds according to instructions given by the co-conspirators. They also allegedly used stolen identities to open bank accounts and have the money deposited directly into those accounts for their use.
Lawal was arrested in Canada in February and is pending extradition.
The National Unemployment Fraud Task Force provided a lead on this case to the investigative team in Western Washington. The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG). Also contributing to the investigation were Washington State Employment Security Division (ESD), the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Small Business Administration (SBA).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cindy Chang of the Western District of Washington. DOJ’s Office of International Affairs is assisting.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.
Read more...
Additionally, between 2018 and 2021, Ambali used stolen personal information of eight U.S. citizens to try to claim tax refunds totaling more than $40,000. The IRS caught most of the fraud.
Ambali also attempted to use the stolen American identities for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to defraud the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA caught most of the fraud and paid only $2,500.
Ambali and his co-conspirators had the proceeds of their fraud sent to cash cards or to “money mules” who transferred the funds according to instructions given by the co-conspirators. They also allegedly used stolen identities to open bank accounts and have the money deposited directly into those accounts for their use.
Lawal was arrested in Canada in February and is pending extradition.
The National Unemployment Fraud Task Force provided a lead on this case to the investigative team in Western Washington. The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG). Also contributing to the investigation were Washington State Employment Security Division (ESD), the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Small Business Administration (SBA).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cindy Chang of the Western District of Washington. DOJ’s Office of International Affairs is assisting.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.
Fatality collision on I-5 in Shoreline Thursday shuts down freeway north of NE 175th until midnight
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| Traffic back up from NB I-5 closure Photo courtesy WSDOT |
Shoreline Police report that the Major Crimes and Major Accident Response and Reconstruction Unit (MARR) is investigating a fatality collision on I-5 northbound in Shoreline.
All lanes of northbound Interstate 5 were blocked in Shoreline from NE 175th to NE 205th. In addition, NE 185th was closed from 5th to 8th NE.
State patrol, medical aid, incident response and fire aid were on scene.
Traffic was diverted off northbound I-5 at NE 175th St.
The incident was first reported at 6:30pm and the lanes were reopened at midnight.
Read more...
Traffic was diverted off northbound I-5 at NE 175th St.
The incident was first reported at 6:30pm and the lanes were reopened at midnight.
Tags:
traffic accident
New Frontier Technologies offers $750 as challenge-matching gift for Ridgecrest Neighborhood fundraising for Hopelink
Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association is still collecting non-perishable food but we now have some Great News!
“New Frontier Technologies” has stepped forward with $750 as a challenge- matching gift.
Your cash donation to the Hopelink Food & Fund Drive will now go twice as far.
That means every dollar you donate from now until the end of the day December 31st goes twice as far.
- Donate $5: Hopelink gets $10.
- Donate $10: Hopelink gets $20.
- Donate $50: Hopelink gets $100!
This special gift will help us to to reach our goal of raising $1,300 (or more) for Hope Link.
A big thank to all for supporting RNA’s effort to make a real difference for those in need.
And a huge thank you to New Frontier Technologies which provides technology strategy, security and support to businesses with five or more employees throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho & California)
Read more...
Tags:
food drive,
neighborhoods
Edmonds Police warn school community about man who followed ballet students and entered Edmonds school
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| Surveillance photo as published by David Rose Q13 |
The suspect was arrested at the Frances Anderson Community Center in the Edmonds Bowl and
was booked into the Snohomish County Jail.
He was released and potentially will be charged with a misdemeanor.
Edmonds Police statement:
'Additional investigation and new information have made it clear that the
community should be aware of this incident.
"The investigation began on October 9th of this year when the suspect approached and lingered amongst a youth
ballet class that had just released the dancers into the hallway.
'The juvenile victim entered the dressing room, and
the suspect followed behind her, closing the door behind them. He committed a non-injury misdemeanor assault of
touching the child, but investigators determined that there was also evidence of sexual motivation.
'The suspect was
also observed walking toward a group of juvenile dancers waiting in the hallway. He stood next to them as they knelt
on the ground. He then quickly dropped to his knees and put his face down next to one of the juvenile’s feet as if
sniffing them.
'Police were notified, responded, reviewed surveillance footage, and initiated an investigation. EPD
detectives were also involved with the case. As a result, probable cause was developed to arrest the suspect for
Unlawful Imprisonment and Assault 4 with Sexual Motivation.
'Information was distributed to the staff of the Frances
Anderson Center, and EPD proactively began a search for the suspect.
On October 17, 2023, the suspect returned to the Frances Anderson Center and was recognized by employees. EPD
officers responded within minutes and located him outside of a classroom area.
'He was arrested without incident
and transported to Edmonds PD, where he declined to speak with detectives. The suspect was booked into the
Snohomish County Jail. After a prosecutor review, the charges were amended to include the misdemeanor only. The
suspect has since been released pending the judicial process."
Within the last 10 days, the same suspect started appearing at local schools. Surveillance footage caught him on camera inside the Edmonds Heights School, located on the campus of the former Woodway High School in South County.
Assistant Superintendent Greg Schwab shared he was spotted sitting at a table in the library.
"We were able to very quickly issue a criminal trespass to this individual," said Schwab. "We have since taken the step of circulating this individual’s photo with all our school community."
Detectives are continuing their investigation. They want to speak with anyone they believe may have had a similar interaction at or near the Frances Anderson Center and did not report it. You can contact Edmonds Police at 425-407-3999 and reference case (23-21633).
Police did not release the man’s name saying he is innocent until proven guilty.
Tags:
police
Gingerbread ferry
Thursday, December 21, 2023
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| Gingerbread ferry and photo by Lauryth O. Johns Courtesy Washington State Ferries |
Washington State Ferries reports that a frequent rider recently got in the holiday spirit and made a gingerbread ferry!
Lauryth O. Johns designed the boat, which includes gingerbread, M&M’s, candy canes, chocolate chips & gumdrops.
There's even a car deck, loading dock & road going to the rest of Lauryth’s decorations!
Tags:
food,
transportation
King's High School retires jersey of NBA player Corey Kispert in pre-game ceremony December 20, 2023
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| Corey Kispert speaks to the crowd during his jersey retirement ceremony at King's. Photo by Wayne Pridemore |
NBA sharpshooter Corey Kispert returned to the King's High School campus in Shoreline on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 for a special ceremony in which his iconic #24 jersey was retired prior to the Knights’ boys basketball game versus Bear Creek.
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| Corey with young fans. Photo by Wayne Pridemore |
The sold-out game and ceremony took place at Mike Martin Gymnasium 330 N 190th St, Shoreline WA 98177 on the CRISTA Ministries campus.
Kispert was a four-year letterman at King’s from 2013-2017, and was an integral part of 1A state championship squads in both 2015 and 2016. He joined his former teammates in a halftime ceremony honoring the back-to-back title teams.
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| Corey and Jenn Wirth Kispert. She is a basketball player he met at Gonzaga. They were married in July of 2023. Photo by Wayne Pridemore. |
After graduating from King’s in 2017, Kispert went on to a stellar four-year career at Gonzaga University in Spokane with coach Mark Few. During his senior season in 2020-2021, Kispert was both a preseason and end-of-season selection to the Associated Press All-American First Team, recognizing the five best players in the country.
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| Kispert's #24 jersey now hangs on the wall of the Mike Martin gym at King's Photo by Wayne Pridemore |
He went on to lead Gonzaga to the national championship game and a 31-1 overall record while capturing the Julius Erving Award as the nation’s top small forward.
Kispert is currently in his third season with the Washington Wizards after having been selected as the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Following the December 20 ceremony and game at King’s, Kispert will be back in action tonight when the Portland Trail Blazers host the Wizards at the Moda Center.
Read more...
Tags:
basketball,
people,
sports
Jobs: WSDOT Property & Acquisition Specialist 5
Property & Acquisition Specialist 5
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$70,679 – $95,047 Annually
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Property & Acquisition Specialist 5 to play a pivotal role in our mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options.
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$70,679 – $95,047 Annually
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Property & Acquisition Specialist 5 to play a pivotal role in our mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options.
This position leads the charge in managing and securing WSDOT properties, ensuring fair market value in sales and leases, and expeditiously disposing of surplus property. With a focus on eliminating hazards and public nuisances, the incumbent collaborates with the Property Management Supervisor to oversee and enhance the team's performance. Motivated by WSDOT's values, this role actively promotes inclusion, practical solutions, and workforce development, contributing significantly to a respectful and diverse work environment.
Job description and application
Read more...
Job description and application
Tags:
jobs
Richmond Beach Congregational Church will offer two chances to celebrate Christmas Eve
- 5pm - A Service for All Ages: A celebration with joyful Christmas carols, sacred story, contemporary words, and a family-friendly take on candlelight sharing. The service will be led with the help of RBCC youth and young adults.
- 10pm - Candlelight Service: A service with scripture, carols, and candlelight, with guest musicians.
Three tai chi classes offered winter quarter at the Shoreline Senior Activity Center - registration open now
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| Mary Newbill, tai chi instructor |
Wikipedia explains Tai chi as "an internal Chinese martial art practiced for self-defense and health.
"Known for its slow, intentional movements, tai chi has practitioners worldwide and is particularly popular as a form of gentle exercise and moving meditation, with benefits to mental and physical health."
The Shoreline Senior Activity Center offers three classes: beginning, continuing, and "playful"
Tai Chi Players
We are excited to announce that we’re bringing back Tai Chi Players, taught by Mary Newbill. This is a playful class, where you can enjoy the movement of Tai Chi with no need to memorize a form.
This class is in addition to Mary’s Beginner Tai chi and Continuing Tai Chi classes. Mary Newbill has studied Tai Chi for 50 years, and has taught since 1980. She is a retired school teacher, and now practices therapy and energy work.
Tai Chi Players is our latest addition to over 60+ programs we are offering this winter quarter, including Clogging, Driftwood Sculpture, Beginners Fly Tying, many styles of Yoga, and more!
Day: Tuesday - Time: 1:30pm–2:30pm
Starting date: Tuesday, January 2, 2023
Member $40/Month 5 classes @ $8
Non-member $60/Month 5 classes @$12
Beginner Tai Chi - CLASS IS FULL
Join instructor Mary Newbill for Yang Style Tai Chi for health and fun! Tai Chi strengthens our Chi, or life force, building muscle, balance and health.
Slow, relaxed movement coordinated with breath becomes meditation, improves posture and flexibility, and elevates mood while reducing falls for seniors. Medical research reports improvement in joint pain, arthritis, and many diseases.
Day: Thursday - Time: 1:00pm–2:00pm
Member $32/Month 4 classes @ $8
Non-member $48/Month 4 classes @$12
Continuing Tai Chi - spots left as of 1/4/24
Completing and refining the form with Qi Gong, with warm ups, partner work and Water Form.
Day: Thursday - Time: 2:00pm–3:00pm
Read more...
Member $40/Month 5 classes @ $8
Non-member $60/Month 5 classes @$12
REGISTER HERE: Tai Chi Players
Beginner Tai Chi - CLASS IS FULL
Join instructor Mary Newbill for Yang Style Tai Chi for health and fun! Tai Chi strengthens our Chi, or life force, building muscle, balance and health.
Slow, relaxed movement coordinated with breath becomes meditation, improves posture and flexibility, and elevates mood while reducing falls for seniors. Medical research reports improvement in joint pain, arthritis, and many diseases.
Day: Thursday - Time: 1:00pm–2:00pm
Member $32/Month 4 classes @ $8
Non-member $48/Month 4 classes @$12
Class filled up immediately - registration closed
Continuing Tai Chi - spots left as of 1/4/24
Completing and refining the form with Qi Gong, with warm ups, partner work and Water Form.
Day: Thursday - Time: 2:00pm–3:00pm
Start date: January 4, 2024
Member $32/Month 4 classes @ $8
Non-member $48/Month 4 classes @$12
Member $32/Month 4 classes @ $8
Non-member $48/Month 4 classes @$12
REGISTER HERE: Continuing Tai Chi
More information on these courses and the rest of our programs can be found online at ShorelineLFPseniorcenter.org/activities/classes
Registration is filling up for our January and February classes so please register as soon as possible.
Ordinance could drive Metro Access Bus Base from Ridgecrest neighborhood - litigation ongoing
By Oliver Moffat
The future of the Metro Access bus base in the heart of the Ridgecrest neighborhood is unclear. The owners offered to sell the site to King County Metro. The city issued a code violation which was appealed and litigation is ongoing.
The city is proposing an ordinance that would drive the base from Ridgecrest to some other location. The city says they offered to help Metro find another location but Metro says services for disabled and elderly riders could be disrupted because there is nowhere else for the base to go.
In another display of the complex growing pains Shoreline faces, the last agenda item of the final City Council meeting of 2023 was an update on the city’s efforts to drive the Metro Access bus base from the Ridgecrest neighborhood to another location.
Proving again there is no such thing as simple issues in local government, representatives of the two Alaskan Native tribes who own the bus base property claimed in public comments the city’s actions will harm their members - many of whom live in poverty.
Metro’s previous public comments have warned the city’s actions could disrupt services for disabled and elderly passengers in the Shoreline and North King County region because there is nowhere else for the bus base to go.
The property at the southwest corner of NE 165th and 5th NE includes a 24,000 square foot building on a two-and-a-half acre lot. Longtime Shoreline residents might remember the property as the Cascades Bingo Hall across the street from the Crest Cinema and Café Aroma.
According to King County property records, the current owners purchased the property ten years ago in 2013 and local news at the time reported that the current tenants signed a ten-year lease for the property. City leaders at the time welcomed the bus base because it would bring good paying jobs to the neighborhood.
The site is currently used as a bus base and maintenance garage by King County Metro’s Access Transportation which provides accessible vans for the elderly and anyone who has a disability that prevents them from riding traditional buses and trains. The base is operated by MV Transportation, a subcontractor.
According to city staff, the current code governing transit bus bases is an out of date relic from a bygone era that does not align with Shoreline’s comprehensive plan and vision for the coming decades.
Much of Shoreline’s municipal code has not been reviewed and updated since before the city first incorporated nearly 30 years ago in 1995. A lot has changed in three decades and now the Planning Commission and the City Council are working to update the code.
In July of 2023, the City Council adopted a temporary moratorium blocking new bus bases until January of 2024. The City Council is reviewing a proposed ordinance, which, if enacted, would disallow bus bases in the Ridgecrest neighborhood while allowing bus bases in other areas of the city.
In July of 2023, the City Council adopted a temporary moratorium blocking new bus bases until January of 2024. The City Council is reviewing a proposed ordinance, which, if enacted, would disallow bus bases in the Ridgecrest neighborhood while allowing bus bases in other areas of the city.
The city also issued a code violation order against the bus base claiming the owners had not secured proper permits when the base was established. That order has been appealed by Metro and MV Transportation, the subcontractor that operates the base.
According to public comments from King County Metro, the site is essential for its paratransit operations and would be exceedingly hard to replace because of its unique size and location.
In response to emailed questions, Eric Bratton, the city’s Communications Program Manager, said “The City is in no way trying to push this service out of Shoreline. In fact, we have offered to work with Metro and MV Transportation in support of their efforts to find a new site…. There will definitely be places within our community where a transit bus base could operate with the new code changes.”
According to public comments from King County Metro, the site is essential for its paratransit operations and would be exceedingly hard to replace because of its unique size and location.
Because there aren’t a lot of big, vacant parking lots in the region available for sale, King County Metro says the proposed zoning rule not only would place thousands of disabled riders in jeopardy, but it would also hurt the good-paying jobs of the drivers and maintenance staff who have worked at the site for more than a decade.
According to public comments from Black Brandt LLC, who are the owners of the property, the possible sale of the property to King County Metro was the impetus for the city's actions against the bus base. The owners of the property are Alaska Native Corporations who manage investments on behalf of 50,000 Alaska Native indigenous shareholder members, many of whom live in poverty.
According to public comments from Black Brandt LLC, who are the owners of the property, the possible sale of the property to King County Metro was the impetus for the city's actions against the bus base. The owners of the property are Alaska Native Corporations who manage investments on behalf of 50,000 Alaska Native indigenous shareholder members, many of whom live in poverty.
Profits from the investment directly support education, welfare, cultural programs, burial assistance and other needs of tribal members who have lived in remote western Alaska since time immemorial.
In written public comments, the owners said that when the city learned the owners had decided to put the property up for sale, the council suddenly moved to block the sale by passing an emergency moratorium on permits allowing property to be used as a bus base.
In written public comments, the owners said that when the city learned the owners had decided to put the property up for sale, the council suddenly moved to block the sale by passing an emergency moratorium on permits allowing property to be used as a bus base.
These actions, the owners said, have potentially devalued the property and blocked their ability to sell it, thereby injuring their tribal members.
City staff showed the council a draft proposal of the new zoning law along with maps showing where bus bases are currently located in Shoreline and where, if the law is passed, bus bases would be allowed.
Councilmember Chris Roberts questioned why the School District’s bus base would not be impacted by the zoning change saying, “the principle, I would presume, would be the same...
The council has limited some discussion of the ordinance to executive sessions which are not held in public because of possible litigation. State law allows the council to hold executive sessions that are closed to the public when discussing issues such as buying or selling property, personnel matters, litigation or pending litigation.
Read more...
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| Maps from a staff report show where bus bases would be allowed if the city passes the proposed ordinance. Notably excluded is the current Metro Access bus bases in Ridgecrest. Full sized maps can be found in the published staff report. |
Excluding the Shoreline School District’s bus base by Ridgecrest elementary, there are currently two bus bases in Shoreline: Metro’s North Base along I-5 by the King County solid waste transfer station and the Metro Access van site in the Ridgecrest neighborhood.
Maps shared by city staff showed a patchwork of sites where bus bases would be allowed if the zoning rule was enacted along Aurora Ave, Bothell Way, and Ballinger Way. The existing Metro North Base on I-5 would also be allowed, but notably, the Ridgecrest site would not.
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| Councilmember Chris Roberts raised concerns about the proposed ordinance |
Councilmember Chris Roberts questioned why the School District’s bus base would not be impacted by the zoning change saying, “the principle, I would presume, would be the same...
"I have concerns about this ordinance,” continued Roberts, “I think that we need to be careful about pushing uses out of the city, and out of established places where there are established businesses… And I would recommend this coming back with conditional uses for other areas of the city.”
The council has limited some discussion of the ordinance to executive sessions which are not held in public because of possible litigation. State law allows the council to hold executive sessions that are closed to the public when discussing issues such as buying or selling property, personnel matters, litigation or pending litigation.
Bratton, the city’s Communications Program Manager, said the city cannot comment on ongoing litigation.
Stay tuned… more details and public debate should emerge in the new year when the temporary ordinance expires and the city must take action. City Council meeting agendas, minutes and videos are posted online. The public can attend regular council meetings online and in person at City Hall on Mondays at 7pm.
Stay tuned… more details and public debate should emerge in the new year when the temporary ordinance expires and the city must take action. City Council meeting agendas, minutes and videos are posted online. The public can attend regular council meetings online and in person at City Hall on Mondays at 7pm.
Tags:
metro,
transportation
Sounder trains available for NHL Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park January 1, 2024
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| Sound Transit train Photo courtesy Sound Transit |
Seattle sports fans can score a hat trick on travel time, parking, and gas by taking Sound Transit’s popular Sounder trains to the NHL Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park, featuring the Seattle Kraken hosting the Las Vegas Golden Knights, on New Year’s Day 2024.
Special Sounder service is in addition to New Year’s Day Link light rail, ST Express, and King County Metro service to and from Lumen Field.
The special service will be available Monday, January 1, 2024 for the 12:00pm faceoff of the NHL Winter Classic.
The inbound N Line train from Snohomish County departs Everett at 9:45am with stops in Mukilteo and Edmonds, arriving at King Street Station at 10:44am.
The return train for the N Line in the direction of Everett departs King Street Station approximately 45 minutes after the end of the game.
An online schedule of the Sounder trains to NHL Winter Classic are available here
More holiday schedule information is available here Link light rail runs every 10 minutes on New Year’s Day and serves 19 stations including Northgate, Roosevelt, University District, University of Washington, Capitol Hill, downtown Seattle, and SODO. Link’s Stadium and International District stations are a short walk from the stadium.
Many ST Express and King County Metro buses also drop off passengers near the stadium. Link and ST Express bus schedules are available here. King County Metro bus schedules can be found here.
Regular fares apply for all Sound Transit services. Rail riders can avoid the post-game ticket vending machine lines by purchasing a Day Pass at their originating station. One-way tickets and Day Passes can also be purchased with the Transit GO Ticket app.
Another way to skip lines at ticket vending machines is by getting an ORCA card. Cards only cost $3 for adults, plus whatever amount a rider chooses to load in the card’s E-purse or the cost of a pass that is good for unlimited transit trips.
ORCA LIFT fares are available for low-income adult passengers. Regional Reduced Fare permit holders are seniors age 65+ and riders with disabilities.
ORCA works on trains, buses, and ferries throughout the region. More information is available here.
A few additional reminders for a smoother trip:
The special service will be available Monday, January 1, 2024 for the 12:00pm faceoff of the NHL Winter Classic.
The inbound N Line train from Snohomish County departs Everett at 9:45am with stops in Mukilteo and Edmonds, arriving at King Street Station at 10:44am.
The return train for the N Line in the direction of Everett departs King Street Station approximately 45 minutes after the end of the game.
An online schedule of the Sounder trains to NHL Winter Classic are available here
More holiday schedule information is available here Link light rail runs every 10 minutes on New Year’s Day and serves 19 stations including Northgate, Roosevelt, University District, University of Washington, Capitol Hill, downtown Seattle, and SODO. Link’s Stadium and International District stations are a short walk from the stadium.
Many ST Express and King County Metro buses also drop off passengers near the stadium. Link and ST Express bus schedules are available here. King County Metro bus schedules can be found here.
Regular fares apply for all Sound Transit services. Rail riders can avoid the post-game ticket vending machine lines by purchasing a Day Pass at their originating station. One-way tickets and Day Passes can also be purchased with the Transit GO Ticket app.
Another way to skip lines at ticket vending machines is by getting an ORCA card. Cards only cost $3 for adults, plus whatever amount a rider chooses to load in the card’s E-purse or the cost of a pass that is good for unlimited transit trips.
ORCA LIFT fares are available for low-income adult passengers. Regional Reduced Fare permit holders are seniors age 65+ and riders with disabilities.
ORCA works on trains, buses, and ferries throughout the region. More information is available here.
A few additional reminders for a smoother trip:
- Riders using an ORCA card should remember to tap on and off at Sounder and Link stations.
- Parking is available at all Sounder stations, as well as the Northgate Link light rail stations.
Tags:
sound transit,
sports
Gloria's Birds: Hermione hurried off for some last-minute holiday shopping...
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
(Probably a Sharp-shinned Hawk because of the squared-off tail, rather than a Cooper's Hawk with a rounded tail.)
Bird folks are telling me this is a Cooper’s Hawk, and they may well be right!
--Gloria Z. Nagler
Tags:
birds,
gloria nagler
Create driftwood sculptures at Senior Activity Center
| Driftwood sculptors in class Photo by Dana Theordorson |
Driftwood Sculpture (No Registration Deadline. Drop-ins Welcome)
This is where you can work to create beautiful sculptures while enjoying one another’s company during the creative process.
- 2nd and 4th Tuesday - Time: 1:00pm–3:00pm
- Member $6 per meeting
- Non-member $9 per meeting
- Instructor has basic tools available for $25
- Class is Ongoing
- Registration is Ongoing
Call the Senior Activity Center at 206-365-1536 for more information.
The Senior Activity Center is located in the southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus, facing NE 185th. 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155
Heidi Daniel to become new King County Library System executive director
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| Heidi Daniel named Executive Director of King County Library System |
ISSAQUAH, WA — December 19, 2023 — The King County Library System (KCLS) Board of Trustees has selected Heidi Daniel to become KCLS’ new executive director. Following a nationwide search after Lisa Rosenblum’s announcement to retire, the Board of Trustees voted to extend an offer of employment to Daniel at the board meeting on December 13. Daniel accepted the offer, and she will begin her leadership role on March 11, 2024.
"Our search firm and committee conducted a rigorous interview process, with input from a diverse panel of staff, trustee and community stakeholders, to find KCLS’ next executive director,” stated KCLS Board of Trustees President Harish Kulkarni.
“Daniel emerged as the most qualified and competitive candidate. She will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and an impressive track record of innovation and community service to KCLS."
Daniel joins KCLS from the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland where she has served as president and CEO since July 2017. Under Daniel’s leadership, the Pratt became one of the first fines-free public libraries on the East Coast.
Daniel also oversaw the completion of the Central Library renovation, and helped spearhead plans for a new Park Heights Library, the Pratt’s first new building in more than 15 years. She helped launch the library’s Office of Equity and Fair Practices, steered the organization through the start of the unionization process, led new and innovative public service strategies through the historic COVID-19 pandemic, and kickstarted a new Master Facilities Plan to help ensure the Pratt’s ability to serve generations to come.
Prior to working at the Pratt, Daniel served as executive director of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County in Youngstown, Ohio for nearly five years. Daniel, the 2015 recipient of the Ohio Librarian of the Year award, oversaw 15 library branches throughout Mahoning County, worked on several major building projects and spearheaded innovative new services, including a Pop-Up Library and the circulation of mobile Wi-Fi hot spots.
The daughter of a factory worker, Daniel’s parents did not go to college, but used the library in her Michigan hometown to impress upon her the importance of education. Daniel earned her bachelor's degree in women’s studies at DePaul University and her master’s degree in library sciences at Texas Woman’s University. She began her career in children’s and teen programming in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Houston, Texas before moving into library administration.
About the King County Library System:
Prior to working at the Pratt, Daniel served as executive director of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County in Youngstown, Ohio for nearly five years. Daniel, the 2015 recipient of the Ohio Librarian of the Year award, oversaw 15 library branches throughout Mahoning County, worked on several major building projects and spearheaded innovative new services, including a Pop-Up Library and the circulation of mobile Wi-Fi hot spots.
“I am deeply honored to take the helm of the King County Library System,” said Daniel. “I’ve been impressed with KCLS, its staff and the Pacific Northwest. KCLS is nationally known for its excellence, commitment to community and welcoming atmosphere, and I am thrilled to build upon its foundation while moving KCLS into the future.”
The daughter of a factory worker, Daniel’s parents did not go to college, but used the library in her Michigan hometown to impress upon her the importance of education. Daniel earned her bachelor's degree in women’s studies at DePaul University and her master’s degree in library sciences at Texas Woman’s University. She began her career in children’s and teen programming in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Houston, Texas before moving into library administration.
About the King County Library System:
Founded in 1942, the King County Library System (KCLS) is one of the busiest public library systems in the country. Supporting the communities of King County (outside the city of Seattle), KCLS has 50 libraries and serves nearly 1.6 million people.
Richmond Beach, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and Bothell are King County Libraries
In 2022, residents checked out 7.9 million digital eBooks and audiobooks through OverDrive, making KCLS the second-highest digital circulating library system in the U.S. In 2011, KCLS was named Library of the Year by Gale/Library Journal.
Read more...
Fire board of commissioners will meet January 18, 2024
As required by RCW 42.30, the Open Public Meetings Act, you are hereby notified that the Board of Commissioners of the Shoreline Fire Department has rescheduled the time for the January 18, 2024 Board meeting from 5:00pm to 4:30pm to accommodate the Department’s promotional pinning ceremony.
Notice posted by: Beatriz Goldsmith
Executive Assistant
December 19, 2023
Read more...
Tags:
fire
Jobs: WSDOT Facilities Services Coordinator
Facilities Services Coordinator
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$53,953 - $72,525 Annually
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is eager to hire a customer service professional to serve as our next Facility Services Coordinator at our Northwest Region (NWR) Regional Headquarters in Shoreline, a few minutes north of Seattle.
Read more...
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$53,953 - $72,525 Annually
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is eager to hire a customer service professional to serve as our next Facility Services Coordinator at our Northwest Region (NWR) Regional Headquarters in Shoreline, a few minutes north of Seattle.
The NWR Facilities Office supports WSDOT staff and the traveling public by providing safe, inclusive, and practical workplaces and public spaces. As the Facility Services Coordinator, this position supports the NWR Facilities Office’s mission through the support of operational management for primarily the NWR Regional Headquarters building.
This position will also provide regionwide support to the Facilities Office for various activities related to access control, service contracts, WSDOT’s modern work environment initiative, and other related efforts.
Job description and application
Job description and application
Tags:
jobs
Shoreline PTA Council is proud to announce its 2023 Mental Health Grant Winners
The Shoreline PTA Council Mental Health Committee has awarded $5000 in funding to school staff to support mental health initiatives for the 2023-24 school year.
This is the first year for this type of grant in the Shoreline School District which aims to promote mental health initiatives in schools by funding staff to implement things such as social-emotional curriculum, positive behavior interventions and supports and professional development for staff.
There was a large number of applicants with wonderfully creative ideas for improving student and staff outcomes.
The selection committee awarded grants to the following individuals:
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| Dominic Sickich, Counselor at Ridgecrest Elementary |
★ Dominic Sickich, Counselor at Ridgecrest Elementary, to implement an approved Social-Emotional Learning curriculum to all students.
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| Heather Toothaker-Shichkich, Counselor at Syre Elementary |
★ Heather Toothaker-Shichkich, Counselor at Syre Elementary, to train all the staff on trauma informed practices and creating a safe school environment.
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| Erika Longley-Sundgren, Psychologist |
★ Erika Longley-Sundgren, Psychologist, to train all staff at Lake Forest Park Elementary about trauma informed practices.
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| Teresa Osborn, Counselor at Highland Terrace Elementary |
★ Teresa Osborn, Counselor at Highland Terrace Elementary, to implement an approved Social-Emotional Learning curriculum to all students.
★ Joanna Freeman, Librarian at Ridgecrest Elementary, to buy 20 picture books for students around mental health topics.
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| Bethany Ibach, Teacher at Parkwood Elementary |
★ Bethany Ibach, Teacher at Parkwood Elementary, to implement an approved Social-Emotional Learning curriculum to all students.
The PTA Council is grateful to be able to support our staff and educators with this new grant program and hopes to continue it for many years to come.
This Council supports the local unit PTAs within the Shoreline School District by providing information, training, resources and opportunities to network with each other, giving them the tools to be successful child advocacy organizations.
The Mental Health Committee started a couple years ago out of the need to support student and family mental health in the Shoreline School District.
The Mental Health Committee started a couple years ago out of the need to support student and family mental health in the Shoreline School District.
The committee goals are to educate, advocate and support each other for better mental health outcomes. Success will look like students, staff and families talking openly about their mental health and knowing where to find help.
The committee’s work has been recognized for its outstanding community leadership and service of education by the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) and as a nominee for Outstanding Human Service Program by North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA).
You can learn more about events, resources and support group meetings at shorelinepta.org/mental-health or emailing mentalhealth@shorelinepta.org
Read more...
The committee’s work has been recognized for its outstanding community leadership and service of education by the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) and as a nominee for Outstanding Human Service Program by North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA).
You can learn more about events, resources and support group meetings at shorelinepta.org/mental-health or emailing mentalhealth@shorelinepta.org
Tags:
health and wellness,
pta
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