Lee always finds the flowers

Monday, February 12, 2024

February flowers

It doesn't seem to matter where she is or what the season, Lee Lageschulte always finds the beautiful blooms.



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Richmond Beach Blood Drive returns after four years - first date March 2, 2024

Richmond Beach Blood Drive Is Back! 

After exactly four years away because of the pandemic, the Bloodworks Northwest mobile unit returns to the Shoreline Fire Safety Center at the corner of Richmond Beach Road and 20th Ave NW.

The Richmond Beach Community Drive will be from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, March 2, 2024 and will resume regular visits on the first weekend of every other month. 

Please make an appointment at www.bloodworksnw.org or by calling 800-398-7888. 

Most healthy adults are good candidates for donating blood.

All potential donors are carefully screened for medications, travels and underlying health conditions that may result in a deferral to protect the blood supply. 

16 and 17 year olds may donate, with written permission from a parent or guardian. First time donors of all ages are needed; inviting and encouraging friends and family to donate together is the best way to expand the pool and have fun too. 

Donating blood takes only an hour. Blood donations help accident victims, people battling cancer and other pernicious diseases, people needing surgery, and scientists doing important medical research.

The Fire Safety Center is located at 1857 NW 195th St, Shoreline WA 98177

--Tom Petersen


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Fire academy recruits spent two days at live burns in Shoreline

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire
Shoreline fire recruits spent two days in donated houses in Shoreline learning about fire behavior.

The new recruits were working on "live fire" on Thursday and Friday February 8-9, 2024 from 8:30am to 2:00pm.

Thursday they were off 155th on 2nd Ave NE and Friday on 155th between 2nd and 4th Ave NE.

We are always training to be prepared for our communities' emergencies. 
Thanks for your understanding that this is necessary to teach and learn fire behavior to our new employees.

--Shoreline Fire 



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Stanford bill to protect solar power consumers heads to House

Sen. Stanford in the Washington Senate
Photo courtesy LSS

OLYMPIA – People planning on installing solar panels at their homes or businesses would receive added consumer protections under legislation passed unanimously yesterday by the Senate.

SB 6256 would prevent deceptive sales tactics, ensure that contracts are clear and contain all necessary provisions, require work be done by licensed electricians, and provide for enforcement under the state Consumer Protection Act.

“The solar industry is one of the cornerstones of a greener future in Washington state,” said Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), the bill’s prime sponsor. 
“As solar installations continue to grow, we need to ensure that consumers can be confident that the information they’re receiving is accurate and that the work they’re paying for is high quality.”

The Department of Commerce has heard complaints from customers who were promised unrealistic savings, said Stanford, and there is little that the department can do under current law. SB 6256 would give consumers protections against deceptive practices and ensure dependable installation.

The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

Sen. Derek Stanford, D-Bothell, represents the 1st Legislative District, which includes Bothell, Brier, Kirkland, Mountlake Terrace, Alderwood Manor, Cathcart, Clearview, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Maltby.


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Shoreline real estate market report January 2024

While the number of sales in Shoreline remained unchanged from 2023, the median price increased by almost 24% to $865,000 from $700,000. 

Low levels of homes available for sale are creating increased competition for buyers, with multiple offers becoming more commonplace.

--Lella Norberg, Shoreline Windermere


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Town & Country February recipe is a warm and friendly winter stew

Photo courtesy Town & Country

African-Style Peanut Stew with Chicken

A wonderfully warming stew with a wide array of flavors that come together on the backdrop of peanut butter. Your taste buds will be pleasantly surprised!

Warning: there is a lot of slicing and dicing!

Difficulty Level: Advanced
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 hr 15 Minutes
Yield: 6 Servings

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 green pepper, seeded and diced
2-3 jalapeño peppers, seeded, membranes removed, and minced
3 large cloves garlic, chopped
1 ½ tablespoons minced fresh ginger
2 ½ tablespoons curry powder
Salt and fresh-ground black pepper to taste
1 (28 ounces) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
2-3 cups chicken broth
1 medium red garnet yam or sweet potato, peeled and diced
¾ cup peanut butter

Long-grain white rice to serve

Optional garnishes: chopped tomato, cilantro, scallions, salted chopped peanuts, plain yogurt

PREPARATION

STEP 1
Heat oil in a heavy, 6-quart saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and brown. Remove from pan and set aside.

STEP 2
Add onion, carrots and both peppers. Cook for 8 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 2 minutes.

STEP 3
Make a well in center and add curry powder. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

STEP 4
Add salt, pepper, tomatoes, broth, yam and peanut butter. Stir to combine and melt peanut butter.

STEP 5
Return chicken to pan along with juices in bowl. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes. Serve over prepared rice, and top with optional garnishes if desired.

The Shoreline Town & Country Market will have the ingredients you need - and a lot more! Located at 15505 Westminster Way N, Shoreline, WA 98133 - look for the silo.


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Humanities Washington presentation in Mountlake Terrace February 17, 2024: “A Space for Black History”

A special presentation from Humanities Washington on a very timely topic:

“A Space for Black History”

Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 2:00-3:30pm

Across the country, efforts to suppress Black history in libraries and classrooms have taken root. Anger against “critical race theory” and “wokeness” has led to new laws prohibiting what can and cannot be taught to students of all ages, and what books can remain in libraries. 

Why are there efforts to limit this knowledge? Are some ideas just too dangerous? If so, how do we decide what those are as a society? Shouldn’t we have the freedom to think, to know, to aspire?

To counter some of these efforts, professor Luther Adams – Free Man of Color, uses Black thought, images, and poetry, as well as local history, to create an open space to ask questions about Black history and why it matters to all of us.

Luther Adams – Free Man of Color (he/him) is an associate professor of ethnic, gender, and labor studies at the University of Washington, Tacoma. 

As a student and teacher of Black history and culture, his work brings together the interdisciplinary study of urban, southern, labor, and religious history to understand Black culture and life. 

He is following up his first book, Way Up North in Louisville: African American Migration in the Urban South, 1930-1970, with a history of African Americans’ long struggle with and against police brutality. Adams lives in Tacoma.


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Medic One Foundation announces EMT scholarship opportunity - orientation on Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Medic One Foundation is partnering with North Seattle College to offer ten full training scholarships to future Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs.) 

There is a high demand for EMTs in King County and surrounding communities. 

EMTs are trained to provide emergency medical care and safely transport patients in various settings. 

Individuals with an EMT certification can go on to become firefighters, emergency room technicians, etc.

The scholarships are made possible through charitable donations to the Medic One Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives by improving pre-hospital emergency care. 

"The goal of these scholarships is to help remove financial barriers for individuals interested in pursuing a career in emergency medicine in Washington state," said Kim Martin, Executive Director for Medic One Foundation. "Thanks to the community's generosity, we can offer up to 30 scholarships this year."
Applicants can download an application here  

The deadline to apply for the scholarships is Friday, March 7, 2024. The training class will begin at North Seattle College on April 1. The scholarship covers 100% of the tuition and fees, books, supplies, and a small stipend to offset travel costs to and from campus.

Scholarship applicants are required to attend an informational seminar on Tuesday February 13, 2024.

Scholarship applicants must complete and pass the North Seattle College EMT entrance exam, which is offered on February 26 at 3:00pm and 5:00pm.

Learn more about the Medic One Foundation EMT Scholarship program here

Medic One Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives by improving pre-hospital emergency care. We fund extraordinary training for our region's paramedics and innovative research to develop new methods of pre-hospital emergency care that improve survival rates and patient outcomes. 

The Medic One Foundation is a major reason why Seattle and King County have a survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest that is among the highest in the world.


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Gloria's Birds: "Dagnabbit, Gus," said Gertie as she leapt out of his way, "you've GOT to work on your landings!"

Sunday, February 11, 2024

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

(Ring-billed Gulls make a splash on Lake Washington this week:)

--Gloria Z. Nagler



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Fudge sale at Senior Activity Center along with paper bouquets


Flowers and Sweets make the perfect gift for your Valentine

The Senior Activity Center has a limited batch of fudge in two flavors, Classic and Walnuts. They come packaged in white boxes with optional bag and ribbon.

New Spring designs from FreshCut Paper are in and on display in our lobby. These lovely paper bouquets are affordable, easily mailed and look beautiful for a long time.

Sales will be on February 12, 13 and 14, 2024.

You can swing by the Senior Center and pick up gifts during business hours at the Center. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center
18560 1st Ave NE - southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus
Shoreline, WA 98155
206-365-1536

Hours
  • Monday – Thursday -- 8:30am - 4:00pm
  • Friday -- 8:30am - 1:00pm

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In the Garden Now: It's Witch Hazel Time

Hamamelis Arnold Promise
Photo by Victoria Gilleland
By Victoria Gilleland

In fact it's been that time for many weeks. Before the end of December witch hazel shrubs in our area were full of plump flower buds and even open flowers. The deep freeze we experienced in January did not faze these winter blooming beauties.

The 'Diane' variety is red
Photo by Victoria Gilleland
Flowers that had already opened held their own during the freeze and unopened buds began to unfurl when temperatures climbed. This is one resilient shrub!

Not only are the bright yellow flowers of 'Arnold Promise' and the copper red flowers of 'Diane' a colorful addition to the winter garden, but they're fragrant and attractive to pollinators. 

Grown next to each other the flowers of the two plants compliment each other color wise. Growing Diane next to Arnold's yellow flowers makes Diane's red flowers show up much more in the winter landscape.

I'll have to admit that one of the reasons I love witch hazels is because of their flowers. I can't help but see each blossom as a colorful crinkly spider. 

They're so much fun! Ready to add a little Witch Hazel mischief to your garden?


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Youth story times at the Museum


Join us for a series of youth Story Times throughout the year, beginning on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 10am here at the Shoreline Historical Museum!

Free. Ages 1 - 8, with adult. 

During this hour, we will explore the history and lives of Orcas through stories, music, movement, and art. 

Shoreline Historical Museum Exhibits Building, 18501 Linden Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133


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Miyawaki Forest Program events in May, June, and September


The Shoreline Historical Museum has many exciting events coming up around the Miyawaki Urban Forest History Project that they would love to share with the community.

Save these dates and keep updated on events and other information through the "Miyawaki Forest Page".

The Shoreline Historical Museum and the adjoining Miyawaki Forest are located at 18501 Linden Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133.


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Hope the Salmon returns to Lyon Creek

Bringing Hope back to her found resting spot so that she could regenerate the creek
and surrounding environment.

By Sarah Phillips

On Sunday February 4, about 60 people stood on the edge of Lyon Creek and carefully placed juvenile salmon in a remote site incubator for the fourth time since 2021.

Juvenile salmon ready to be released into an
incubator in Lake Forest Park, Lyon Creek
Over 1000 coho salmon from the Issaquah hatchery will live in the gravel bottom tank until they leave the tank for Lyon Creek. 

The coho were raised by Jeff Jensen, a Lake Forest Park resident and UW faculty member. 

Dr. Jensen built the remote site incubator in collaboration with the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation and Trout Unlimited, and supported by a grant from King County.
LFP resident and UW prof Jeff Jensen, 
shares the life cycle of salmon, and the
potential for the return of kokanee (the
little red fish) to our creeks and streams.
The remote site incubator collects water from McKinnon Creek, passes it through a series of settling tanks and the gravel containing the eggs. 

Once the eggs have developed into fry, the fish can exit the incubator on their own through an exit pipe which extends to Lyon Creek.

Three years ago, when first releasing eggs into the incubator, the gathered group named a newly released egg, Hope. 

Last fall a local streamside family found a returning adult salmon in the stream. 

Jensen found it was in fact three years old -- Hope returned to Lyon Creek, her spawning ground. 

Her long journey in the stream, Lake Washington and after about a year and a half in the ocean was completed. She made her return.

A Coho Salmon named “Hope” returned to her
spawning site in October 2023. She was
three years old and 18” long.
Unfortunately, Hope when found, was dead and all of her beautiful eggs were unable to spawn. 

This is the fate of many returning salmon. 

Lately scientific research has told us that there is a chemical that leaches into the streams from the wear and tear of tires. 

Coho returning to streams have mortality when in contact with the chemicals. Fish that have been impacted swim in erratic patterns and then die.

How can we all protect salmon? Make our streams and creeks safer by reducing fertilizer. Encourage tire makers to change the chemical makeup of tires.


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Scene on the Sound: All Clear!

Photo by Jan Hansen

By Jan Hansen

Captains and pilots make news when things go wrong. Day after day they are making skilled decisions and maneuvers that keep their passengers safe. 

Photo by Jan Hansen

Yesterday the Washington State Ferry went south to give a wide berth to commercial traffic. 

Photo by Jan Hansen

She set a new course to get behind the tug's stern and, thus, provided another safe crossing. 

The passenger ferry from Seattle stayed south of the ferry to Edmonds. 

Photo by Jan Hansen

All clear.


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RESCHEDULED Salomon & Davis to hold February 20, 2024 Virtual Town Hall


Please join your lawmakers from the 32nd Legislative District for a town hall meeting from 7:30-8:30pm on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 streamed simultaneously to Facebook and YouTube. 

This is their chance to hear from you as well as update you on their work in Olympia on your behalf.

The 32nd district includes Shoreline, Woodway, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, and Northwest Seattle.

WHO: Sen. Jesse Salomon and Representative Lauren Davis

WHAT: 32nd District Virtual Town Hall

WHEN: 7:30-8:30pm on Tuesday, February 20

WHERE: Watch on Facebook and YouTube

Constituents are encouraged to submit questions in advance here

Town Hall originally scheduled for Monday Feb 19 is now Tuesday Feb 20

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Salomon prepares to move co-living housing bill through Senate

Sen. Jesse Salamon, D-32
OLYMPIA – Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline) announced Friday that he will begin work to pass HB 1998 through the Senate.

Salomon collaborated with Rep. Mia Gregerson (D-Bellevue) during the 2023-2024 interim to develop the bill, which would remove restrictions on the development of co-living housing. 

Each legislator then introduced the bill in their respective chamber.

“I have been interested in the co-living housing model for a while,” Salomon said. “The co-living model is a way to get affordable housing on the market without subsidies. That’s really hard to do in today’s overheated housing environment.”

Under the bill, co-living housing is defined as any residential development with individual rented, lockable units where residents share kitchen facilities with other units. 

If the bill is passed, cities and counties planning under the Growth Management Act would be required to allow co-living housing in any residential zone within an urban growth area that allows multifamily housing.

“It was very encouraging to see the bill pass unanimously in the House on Wednesday,” Salomon said. “I’m feeling very confident about our chances to pass this bill. Everyone in the Legislature knows how essential it is that we get more affordable housing on the market.”
 
The bill will be assigned to a Senate committee for public hearing in the coming days. Its progress can be tracked here.


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Shorecrest HS regional wrestling results

Shorecrest wrestlers at Region 3 Tournament. Photo by Jeremy Wylen

Congratulations to the Shorecrest High School state championship qualifiers at the WIAA 3A Region 3 tournament in Federal Way today:

132lbs - Avi Wylen - 3rd
138lbs - Kenneth Adams - 4th
157lbs - Peter Grimm - 3rd
1901bs - Carter Nichols - 4th

--Sean Rhodes


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Lunar New Year celebrated at Meridian Park Mandarin class

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Hua Zhang and her Mandarin language class at Meridian Park Elementary

It was the Eve of the Lunar New Year at Meridian Park Elementary in Hua Zhang's Mandarin class on Friday, February 9, 2024.

Student pose with a dragon which is used every year, not just the year of the Dragon

Saturday begins the Year of the Dragon and Hua's enthusiastic students, as usual, celebrated in style.

Hua's beautiful hallway display at Meridian Park

Hua does beautiful hallway displays for any school she teaches at. Her classes are clubs, apart from the regular school day. Students not only learn Mandarin, they learn cooking, art, and dance as hands-on activities.

--Diane Hettrick


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LFP in Action Book Club meets February 28, 2024

You are invited! Join us for our 2024 launch of the “LFP in Action Book Club.”

Connect with others in the community around climate and environment.

Wednesday February 28, 2024
5:30 - 7pm
LFP Town Center
Intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way NE

We will explore poems in the anthology "Dear Human at the Edge of Time: Poems on Climate Change in the United States" edited by Luisa A Igloria, Aileen Cassinetto, and Jeremy S. Hoffman Paloma Press, 2023. 176 pp.

This anthology was released alongside the 5th National Climate Assessment Report in 2023. You can read some reviews of it here.

There are a few copies in the libraries and LFP Third Place Books should have the anthology on the shelf with the other book club books soon. It will be above the label "LFP in Action Book Club".

More information, and to get on this book club mailing list, email Mimi at: miriam.bertram@gmail.com


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Holidays by Whitney Potter: Lunar New Year Saturday

 
Lunar New Year begins Saturday - the Year of the Dragon


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Jobs: WSDOT Interactive Engagement Manager (WMS1)

WSDOT
Interactive Engagement Manager (WMS1)
Shoreline, WA – Headquarters
$6,717 – $8,614 Monthly

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a dedicated and creative Interactive Engagement Manager who will be responsible for the management and operation of the department's social media platforms. 

The incumbent will plan, develop, and implement digital communication strategies to meet WSDOT's business objectives and agency's accountability and transparency goals. As an expert in social media tools and use, this position formulates and evolves WSDOT's social media strategy as the social media landscape continues to evolve over time. This includes providing direction and guidelines for social media use, growth of existing social media platforms, content creation and exploration of new platforms for potential inclusion in our suite of social media tools.

Job description and application


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Jobs: WSDOT IT Network & Telecommunications – Journey

WSDOT
IT Network & Telecommunications – Journey
Shoreline, WA – Headquarters
$83,260 – $111,976 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) Technology Services Division (TSD) is currently seeking a journey-level network and telecommunication professional to fill a vacancy located in Shoreline, WA. This position will provide professional technical support and systems administration for all networking devices and telecommunications systems in the Northwest Region (NWR). 

In this role, you will ensure reliable data and voice communications for employees, partner agencies, and public customers by administering and maintaining various network switches, routers, firewalls and central telephone systems, desk phones, softphone app for PC, Android and iOS, and voice and data circuits in a 24 hour/7-day environment. 

This position will also support the critical need of employees to connect to the corporate network and to communicate while carrying out their mission of operating and improving the state’s transportation systems and ensuring the safety of the traveling public. The IT Network & Telecommunications – Journey position will play a key role in securing network and telecommunication systems by monitoring, detecting, investigating, analyzing, and responding to security events. 

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining the security of WSDOT IT and OT assets, processes, and technology, and maintain a working knowledge of all related systems.

Job description and application


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Jobs: WSDOT Transportation Engineer 2

WSDOT
Transportation Engineer 2
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$69,035 – $92,836 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 2 to play a key role in preparing, processing, and archiving work order authorization packages for the sub-program manager. 

This position involves meticulously updating reporting systems to document action requests on work orders accurately. Additionally, the role includes the crucial responsibility of monitoring, maintaining, and updating project information in the Capital Program Management System (CPMS). 

The focus is ensuring project data, including scope, schedule, cost estimates, and expenditure aging, remains accurate and reasonable, utilizing information from diverse sources. Join us in contributing to the efficiency and accuracy of transportation projects with your expertise.

Job description and application


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Stanford bill funding more paraeducators in schools passes Senate

Sen. Derek Stanford, D-1
OLYMPIA – Public schools across Washington would be able to have more paraeducators in schools to better meet student needs, under legislation passed by the Senate today on a bipartisan vote of 37-11.

Senate Bill 5882 would increase the staff allocation for paraeducators in the prototypical school funding model.

“Paraeducators are crucial in our public education system,” said Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), the bill’s prime sponsor. 
“Paraeducators help students overcome barriers to education — whether from learning gaps, pandemic learning loss, or special needs. 
"They provide important one-on-one and small group instruction that tailors education to each student. I want all our students to have more of this support to help them succeed and excel.”

Many school districts are currently facing cuts, said Stanford, and this bill would provide funding to help solve problems while focusing on student needs, as recommended by the Staffing Enrichment Work Group.

The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

Sen. Derek Stanford, D-Bothell, represents the 1st Legislative District, which includes Bothell, Brier, Kirkland, Mountlake Terrace, Alderwood Manor, Cathcart, Clearview, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Maltby

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Senate passes Stanford bill to protect homeowners from losing equity

Sen. Derek Stanford, D-1
OLYMPIA – Borrowers entering home equity sharing agreements, in which homeowners sell part of their home equity to an investor, would gain protections against companies trying to take advantage of them, under legislation passed Thursday evening.

SB 5968 would regulate home equity sharing agreements under the Consumer Loan Act and task the Washington Department of Financial Institutions with developing rules for this industry.

Unlike a home equity loan or a cash-out refinance, home equity sharing agreements require a large balloon payment either when the contract ends or when the home is sold, whichever comes first. These agreements are currently unregulated and not included under the Consumer Loan Act.

“For most families, home equity is their largest asset and the main source of intergenerational wealth for the next generation. For such an important issue, we need some oversight and consumer protection safeguards,” said Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), chair of the Senate Business, Financial Services, Gaming & Trade Committee and the bill’s prime sponsor. 
“Home equity sharing agreements are often advertised as not being a loan, but when that big payment comes due, selling the family home is usually the only way out.”

SB 5968 now moves to the House for consideration.

Sen. Derek Stanford, D-Bothell, represents the 1st Legislative District, which includes Bothell, Brier, Kirkland, Mountlake Terrace, Alderwood Manor, Cathcart, Clearview, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Maltby.


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Midnight fireworks were unauthorized event

Illegal fireworks in North City. Photo by Mike Remarcke

By Diane Hettrick

The midnight fireworks Wednesday, February 7, 2024 in North City woke up the neighbors and terrified the dogs. Those within sight just assumed it was an authorized event that no one had told them about.

Those who heard the explosions could only wonder.

And apparently no one called to complain.

The fireworks show, which extended for some minutes, was not an authorized event. Person or persons unknown set up shop in the parking lot of the North City Water District 1519 NE 177th St, Shoreline, WA 98155.

When it was over, there was no damage, but a lot of mess, which water district staff had to clean up the next day.

The King County Sheriff's Office said that there were no reports and no officers were dispatched. The Shoreline Fire department reported the same.

The next day, the water district reported it but the police took no action, as there was no damage done.

There are no suspects and no investigation.


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With dwindling enrollment and budget shortfalls, a new Task Force studies elementary school closure

Assistant Superintendent Brian Shultz gets into the data (literally) with the Capacity and Closure task force at a recent Tuesday night meeting. Photo by Oliver Moffat

By Oliver Moffat

At its peak in 1959, Shoreline High School enrolled 1,900 students; but, due to dwindling enrollment and budget shortfalls the home of the Spartans was shut down in 1986.

On a recent Tuesday night, more than twenty parents, members of the community and school district staff gathered in the former school building to take on the difficult and possibly painful task of identifying which elementary school the district might close in 2025.

Once home to three high schools, five junior highs and nineteen elementary schools with nearly 18,000 students at its peak, the Shoreline School District has shrunk to just over 9000 students and is once again facing budget shortfalls. 

Shoreline has a long history of closing schools dating back to the end of the baby boom more than fifty years ago. The last time Shoreline went through this painful process was in 2006 when the district shuttered North City Elementary and Sunset Elementary.

The district’s handling of the 2006 school closures led to controversy. But this time, the district is hoping increased transparency and community involvement will help avoid the kind of rancor that has been seen in other districts across the state that are closing schools as a result of declining enrollment.


The district has assembled a task force called the School Capacity Review and Closure Consideration (SCRCC) which met for the first time on Tuesday night, February 6, 2024. 

The task force is chartered only with the job of making a recommendation about which school to close and will meet monthly to study data before presenting a recommendation next fall to the school board. 

The final decision on whether to close a school and if so, which one, will be up to the elected School Board and Superintendent Dr. Susana Reyes. The board and superintendent are empowered to make decisions such as this entirely on their own without consulting the community. The closure decision and any new school boundaries should be finalized in time for Kindergarten open enrollment in January of 2025.

Thick binders filled with data were placed on the tables in front of each of the task force members and district employees presented detailed statistics at the Tuesday night meeting.

Assistant Superintendent Brian Schultz told the task force that prior to 2020 the district was considering reopening North City Elementary. However, by 2022, budget shortfalls caused the district to make sudden deep cuts that prompted an outpouring of emotions from staff and community last year. And budget cut negotiations in the Spring of 2023 led to distrust and acrimony.

School board policy requires the district to hold liquid savings of between 4-5% of budgeted expenses and is the district’s key indicator of financial health. 

A slide from a January 8 Budget Advisory Committee Meeting shows the Shoreline School District’s declining funds

According to data shared at the January 8 Budget Advisory Committee meeting, the unreserved fund has been in decline from nearly 18% for the 2015-16 school year to 1.4% for the 2023-24 budget. COVID relief funds during the 2020-21 school year temporarily buoyed the budget, but it became clear the budget was in crisis when the indicator fell to 2.6% for the 2021-22 year.

Also presented to the task force was a Demographer Report commissioned by the district. Although the population of King County is projected to continue to grow, the birth rate has been declining since 2016, according to that report. In Washington State, school funding is tied to enrollment and districts are limited in how much money they can raise in local levies.

The task force will also consider the physical condition of each of the aging buildings and could factor the costs of necessary future building upgrades into the decision.

Another factor the task force will be considering this time around that was not considered in previous closure decisions is race, equity and the impact a school closure has on families in the community. 

In comments at the December 5 School Board meeting, Shultz said, historically, school closures have disproportionately targeted the most impoverished communities with the greatest needs and families of color.

This time, the district plans to proactively engage with the community, not just members of the community that have the time and resources to sit on committees, by using affinity groups, community forums and surveys. The task force will be using a Race & Equity Impact Decision-Making Tool to interrupt biases and think more broadly about all the people in the community.

Parents and other members of the community are encouraged to get involved and stay informed. The Strategic Planning Coalition meets monthly to draft the district’s first strategic plan. The Budget Advisory Team (BAT) meets monthly and receives detailed presentations on the districts budget. Parents can join their school’s PTA. And the public can attend regular School Board Meetings.


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Cascadia College and UW Bothell host Climate Author Night to showcase recent climate change impacts in America


BOTHELL, Wash - On February 20, 2024 at 5:30pm, please join the Sustainability Offices of UW Bothell and Cascadia College for an evening with Madeline Ostrander, author of ‘At Home on an Unruly Planet.’ 

The book covers climate change impacts on American families currently, ongoing, and in the recent past. It talks about adaptation, survival, and managing the climate crisis—something that is vitally important to sustainability and justice.

Ostrander's book comes at a critical time when climate impacts are impacting communities across the globe and right here in the US. She challenges us to look at the climate crisis as an immediate and urgent crisis with tangible impacts, as opposed to an abstract and yet-to-come event. 

Climate Author Night is at Mobius Hall on the Cascadia College campus 18345 Campus Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011 and has free admission for the public. 

In addition to hearing from Ostrander, attendees can connect with local climate action groups and learn about ways to get involved in their communities. There will also be time for book signing and refreshments.

Doors open at 5pm, and event begins at 5:30. Please register here

Cascadia College and UW Bothell’s joint campus hosts one of the largest wetland restoration projects on the west coast and is managed entirely pesticide free to support wildlife and climate action. 

Cascadia has various commitments on sustainability and hopes to work with the Bothell community on sustainability efforts. Learn more about the sustainability programs at www.cascadia.edu/bassp and www.uwb.edu/campus-sustainability/


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Frank Workman: A Story For This Super Bowl

Frank Workman
Photo by Wayne Pridemore
By Frank Workman

It was 20+ years ago, in the pre-Amazon days, and my old turntable had become obsolete. We needed something to play CDs, nothing fancy, and I went to the local Best Buy store for the first (and last) time.

I walked in and saw the store was huge. Music was blaring and colored lights were flashing on-and-off. It was very disorienting, to say the least.

Fortunately there was an employee near the door who must have sensed my bewilderment, and he asked what I was looking for. When I told him, he pointed in the general direction of the far corner of the store and said these words - “Go to the usher.”

“Hmmm”, I thought, as I ambled through the aisles. Best Buy has ushers.

I marveled at the inventive ways companies have of identifying their employees. I recalled how, when I was (ahem) assistant manager at Polly’s Pie Palace the geniuses in management decided to upgrade the title of the young guys who cleared off tables. They went from ‘busboys’ to ‘Customer Service Coordinators’. (It was probably a case of either giving them a ten-cent raise or a fancy-pants title.)

Garbage collectors have long ago been upgraded to ‘Sanitation Engineers’.

I was thinking of other places that have ushers. Ballparks and weddings, for sure. Theaters and playhouses, too.

I made it to the far corner and waited. And waited. Maybe five minutes. Not an usher in sight.

I went back to the front of the store, to see the guy who’d sent me to the usher. When I told him I didn’t see an usher back there, he laughed at me.

He pointed out various banners of entertainers that hung from the high ceiling. He explained that the banner in the far corner was somebody named Usher. As if I, then in my fifties, should have been expected to know the latest musical flavor-of-the-month.

To this day, if I’m in an unfamiliar store and don’t want to waste time wandering aimlessly, I will, at risk of violating the terms and agreements of my Man Card, ask for directions.

More often than not, that employee will walk me to the item I’m looking for. That’s a store that just earned my business.

By the way……did you hear who’s performing at halftime of the Super Bowl?


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Sunset clouds

Friday, February 9, 2024

Photo by Lee Lageschulte
 
Interesting clouds over the Olympics this week.

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Light winds aloft, so it was easy for convective clouds to form.



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Bothell espresso stand closed by Health Department

Beehive Espresso closed by Health Department
Beehive Espresso

Closed: February 6, 2024 at 3:15 pm

Reasons:
  • Imminent health hazard: Gross unsanitary conditions due to rodent infestation
Status: Closed


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32nd LD House Virtual Town Hall February 14, 2024 with Reps Ryu and Davis


Rep. Cindy Ryu, D-Shoreline, will be hosting a Virtual Town Hall along with Rep. Lauren Davis and we want to hear from you!

It's happening on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 6:30pm. 

You’re welcome to take this survey to ask questions ahead of time. 

During the event, tune in live from my Facebook page (you do not need an account to watch!) or YouTube
Hope to see you soon and learn more about what matters most to you.

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Sno-King School Retirees award four additional grants to Shoreline recipients

Each school year the Sno-King School Retirees, an organization of active and retired employees of the Edmonds, Northshore, and Shoreline School Districts, offers educator grants to its active members to facilitate their work with students, funding requests that promote active student involvement, enrich classroom experiences, provide atypical school experiences, and augment existing curriculum.

In addition to the eight mini-grants awarded to Shoreline School District employees in December, (see previous story) SKSR is awarding an additional four grants to SSD this February.

Briarcrest
  • Sadrina Dorn—Fidget toys and other sensory items for the school’s reset stations. (Dean of Students)
  • Beth Heinz—A classroom license for IXL math. (Title/LAP Intervention)
Lake Forest Park
  • Britt Harris—Whiteboards and dry erase markers for kindergarten classes. (Office Manager)
Syre
  • Katie Dawdy—Transportation for a Salmon Release Fieldtrip. (5th grade)
Since 1998, SKSR has awarded over $124,000 in educator mini-grants.


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Shoreline authors publish new children's book

Shoreline residents Brandi and Mike Konopinski are proud to announce their second children’s book has been released by Rainy Day Publishing

With FIFA World Cup 2026 games coming to Seattle this book is perfect to get your young readers ready for the beautiful game.

The Greatest Soccer Player In The Galaxy is an exciting and wonderfully illustrated book that follows our hero as she chases an out of this world dream. 

An empowering story that demonstrates a girl with a dream can reach the stars! 

Hard work, dedication, and a rhyming story are learning highlights in our book. 

With a fun plot that anyone can enjoy and illustrations that range from the soccer field to the moon our book is appealing for all young readers.

Available on the shelves of the Edmonds Bookshop, any library or bookstore can also order the book for you through their site or at the counter through IngramSpark’s catalog. Finally, it is available on Amazon Prime

Follow on Facebook or Instagram for updates.


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