Community Work Party at Twin Ponds North Saturday, March 9, 2024

Sunday, March 3, 2024


You Are Invited To Join Us

Community Work Party at Twin Ponds North

Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 9:30am - 12:30pm

On March 9th, from 9:30-12:30, the Washington Native Plant Urban Forest Stewards will be hosting a community work party at Twin Ponds North.

We meet on the far NW side of the park, along 155th street, west of the parking lot.
Bring water, and a snack, and if you have them, gloves and hand pruners. We will have gloves and other tools, if you do not have them.

Please share this invitation with others, and if you have any questions, please contact us at northtwinpondsrestoration@gmail.com

We Welcome Everyone!


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8th grade King's girls basketball team makes it to the finals in 3A/4A tournament

1A King's team went all the way to the final game in 3A/4A league tournament. Next they go to the State tournament. Photo courtesy King's.

The 8th grade girls feeder team from 1A King’s, from Shoreline, who play in the 3A/4A WesCo League, went on a tear in the League playoffs making it all the way to the championship game, beating Shorecrest, Stanwood and Snohomish. 

They faced Mountlake Terrace in the final. Though they led most of the game, they ultimately lost 29-27 in a nail-biter.

A huge accomplishment for the King’s girls to battle the big schools in WesCo (out of the 17 team WesCo league, King’s is the only 1A school). 

They now go on to compete in the State Tournament, March 8-10, 2024 in Spokane, WA and look to win a state championship against the best schools in the state. 


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New bookstore to open in Ridgecrest neighborhood March 9, 2024

Ridgecrest Books

A new bookstore will open in Shoreline this weekend.

Ridgecrest Books a family run, new and used bookstore in the Ridgecrest neighborhood of Shoreline, WA. Located in the neighborhood business district at 512 NE 165th St, the store will celebrate its grand opening over the weekend of March 9-10, 2025.

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Public hearing for Fircrest nursing facility “Grudgingly Accepted” by some

The Fircrest plan calls for a new nursing facility to replace the badly outdated buildings like this one.
 Photo by Oliver Moffat

By Oliver Moffat

A stroll along the meandering pathways of the forested 65 acre Fircrest campus provides a quiet and peaceful break from the busy car traffic of 15th Ave NE.

Despite the peaceful setting, the future of the Fircrest campus has long been the focus of controversy with some advocates calling for the facility be closed while others seek upgrades.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has applied for a permit to proceed with the Fircrest School Master Development Plan - a twenty year plan for the campus. A public hearing on the plan will be held on Wednesday night March 6, 2024 at Shoreline city hall.

The plan calls for the demolition of aging buildings that have fallen into disrepair. In their place, new residential cottages, and a commissary.

The southeastern quadrant where the dog park is today will be redeveloped into commercial spaces. In the center of the campus, the historic chapel will be preserved and the plan calls for retention of as many significant trees as possible. A new public, forested trail will connect the chapel to Hamlin Park to the north.

A rendering from the Fircrest plan shows the proposed nursing facility that has drawn criticism 

A controversial 120-bed nursing facility is also planned that would replace the dangerously aging “Y buildings”.

Originally a Naval Hospital during World War II, the site was used as a tuberculosis sanatorium before Fircrest opened in 1958. By the middle of the 1960s Fircrest was home to over a thousand residents with mental and physical impairments. 

Since then, the population has declined to about two hundred residents thanks to advances in rights for people with disabilities that moved people out of isolated institutions and helped parents support family members at home.

Some of those residents now live in the Fircrest nursing facility in the northwest quadrant of the campus in six Y-shaped buildings dating from the 1960s. These structures do not meet current seismic codes according to the plan and virtually everything needs to be replaced including heating, plumbing and electric.

Current view of Fircrest from Google Earth shows the Y shaped buildings.

After decades of conflict between advocates, families and caregivers, the State Legislature tasked a workgroup to broker consensus between stakeholders and make a specific set of recommendations.

According to the workgroup report, most adults with developmental disabilities live at home with their aging parents acting as caregivers. As their parents age and are no longer able to care for them, they need long-term supportive care.

After listening to over 135 people including residents, parents, and caregivers, the workgroup made a series of twenty recommendations five years ago.

One of those recommendations was for the state to build a new 120-bed nursing facility replacement on the Fircrest campus.

To many disability rights advocates, Fircrest is a relic of a bygone age when people with disabilities were segregated from the community. Advocates including The Arc of Washington and Disability Rights Washington have called for shutting down the facility arguing that residents can receive better care within the community.

An alternative preferred by some advocates was a plan to build multiple 6-bedroom homes across the state that would site residents closer to their communities of origin while allowing them to live in a non-institutional home.

According to a follow up report published by the workgroup early this week, the Fircrest recommendation is still contentious with some while others have “grudgingly accepted” that the facility will be built; like it or not.

DSHS is also seeking a special use permit to build a new 48 bed behavioral health facility on the campus that would provide urgently needed capacity to serve people who have been involuntarily committed to receive mental health treatment in a secure environment for up to six months. The facility will have large spaces for activities, exercise and life skills instruction to help transition patients back into the community.

Some neighborhood residents have expressed concern over the development of the campus, preferring preservation of open space and historic buildings instead of new buildings and commercial space.

In September of 2023, the Naval Hospital Chapel on the campus was listed on the Washington State Registry of Historic Places. (See previous articles about the Chapel and Fircrest)

A locked gate separating Fircrest from Hamlin Park could be removed under the plan.
Photo by Oliver Moffat

According to the proposed plan, the chapel and its surrounding forest will be preserved and a new network of trails will connect the chapel to Hamlin Park to the north. Currently, access to Hamlin Park is blocked by locked gates, preventing Fircrest residents and caregivers from waking north into the 80 acre forested park. The plan also includes badly needed sidewalk and bicycle lane improvements along 15th Ave NE to the west and NE 150th St to the south.

A study in 2023 recorded 2,258 significant trees within the Master Development Plan boundary. It is unclear at this point which trees will be retained: the plan says a minimum of 60% of significant trees will be retained while city staff are recommending that 80% of trees be retained.

A map from the Fircrest plan shows the location of the proposed nursing facility and walking trails connecting the historic chapel to Hamlin Park.

On a typical Saturday afternoon, the noisiest thing on the peaceful campus is the Eastside Off-Leash Dog Area located in the southeast quadrant of the campus. The city currently has a month-to-month lease to use the site which is expected to end when dog parks at Ridgecrest Park and James Keough Park funded by the 2022 Park Bond open. According to the proposed plan, the dog park will be redeveloped into commercial or office space and will include publicly accessible open space.

The Fircrest Master Development Plan does not include the southwest quadrant of the campus where the COVID testing site was located during the height of the pandemic. 

A proposed amendment to the city’s Comprehensive Plan would rezone that parcel which is owned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). A bill (House Bill 2003) that would provide tax exemptions to incentivize affordable housing on DNR owned lands is on the way to the Governor’s desk after sailing through the House and Senate with broad bipartisan support in this year’s legislative session. State Representative Cindy Ryu has championed a proposal for an affordable housing development on the parcel.


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Job



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Rotary District 5030 to hold Lithium-Ion battery recycling collection event on April 20, 2024

Since 2022, Rotary clubs across the United States have been collaborating with Redwood Materials, the first U.S.-based battery recycling plant, to host collection drives yielding tens of thousands of pounds of cell phones, laptops, power drills, electric toothbrushes, and other rechargeable electronics. 

If materials are recovered from old products, society’s reliance on newly mined materials is significantly reduced.

Rotary District 5030 of the Greater Seattle area is holding an Electronics Waste Recycling Event for disposal of lithium-ion batteries and devices that contain them.

When:
April 20, 2024 from 10:00am to 3:00pm

Where:
Town Center at Lake Forest Park
17171 Bothell Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

Popular items to bring:
  • Cell phones
  • Electric toothbrushes
  • Laptops
  • Power tool batteries
  • Tablets
  • Wireless headphones
  • Any other rechargeable device with a lithium-ion battery
You may bring the entire item if it's difficult to remove the battery. Before dropping off personal devices, be sure to delete your data


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Owner of fish tender fined for fuel spill into Lake Washington Ship Canal

Coastal Navigator spilled diesel fuel into Lake Washington 
On February 2, 2023, the fish tender, Coastal Navigator, was receiving 35,000 gallons of diesel. 

Oil spill boom surrounded the operation, as required by Ecology’s regulations. 

An hour after the transfer started, crews observed fuel spilling from a starboard-side tank vent onto the main deck. 

The transfer was halted and crews deployed additional absorbent boom. 

By that time, some of the fuel had reached the water in the Lake Washington Ship Canal.

Subsequent investigation found the crew left a valve open to a tank they did not intend to fill, did not successfully close the scupper, and failed to test a high-level alarm. The company also failed to fill out and follow its oil transfer procedures, fueling checklist, and other documents.

Based on the investigation, Ecology is holding the company accountable for the spill and negligence for not following procedures.

This is the third time since 2001 that Coastal Transportation has had a spill. Each of those was caused by failing to close valves to tanks not intended to be filled. Ecology issued negligence penalties at the time of those prior events, which the company paid.

The Washington Department of Ecology is issuing a $22,000 penalty to Coastal Transportation Inc. for negligence in operations during a fuel transfer that led to diesel spilling into the Lake Washington Ship Canal in Seattle. The penalty may be appealed to the Pollution Control Hearings Board within 30 days.


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Washington State Patrol Trooper struck and killed by speeding vehicle on I-5 north of Marysville

WSP Trooper Christopher M. Gadd,
died in the line of duty.
Photo courtesy WSP
Trooper Christopher M. Gadd, 27 years old and a two-year veteran of the Washington State Patrol, gave his life in service earlier this morning when he was struck and killed by a speeding vehicle on I-5 approximately one mile north of Marysville.

Detectives with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office Collision Investigation Unit (CIU) are investigating a fatal crash in Marysville that resulted in the death of a Washington State Patrol trooper today.

Just before 3am, on Saturday, March 2, 2024 north county deputies responded to a serious collision on I-5 southbound at 136th Street NE. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a Washington State Patrol trooper was struck by a vehicle and passed away at the scene.

During the investigation, detectives determined the suspect vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed on I-5 south, veered off the roadway and struck the rear end of the trooper’s vehicle that was parked on the right shoulder.

After the initial collision, the suspect vehicle became disabled and a van traveling southbound collided with it. The driver of the van was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The five passengers in the van were not injured.

The suspect remained at the scene and was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center for an evaluation following the collision. A blood search warrant was approved and administered.

The suspect, a 32-year-old Lynnwood man, was arrested and transported to the Snohomish County Jail where he was booked for vehicular homicide.


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Brief sunset on a rainy day

Saturday, March 2, 2024

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Another dramatic sunset over the Salish Sea



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New playground dedicated for First Lutheran Preschool of Richmond Beach

New playground dedicated at First Lutheran Preschool of Richmond Beach
Photo courtesy FLPRB

First Lutheran Preschool of Richmond Beach is thrilled to announce the inauguration of its brand-new playground, made possible by the generous contributions of numerous donors and the success of various fundraisers. 

After nearly two decades of faithful service, the previous playground was due for an upgrade, and thanks to the collective efforts of our community, this vision has become a reality. 

The official dedication ceremony took place on Sunday, February 25, 2024 marking a significant milestone for our preschool. The joyous occasion continued as our eager preschoolers reveled in the opportunity to explore the new playground for the first time the following day.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the donors who made this project possible, as well as the invaluable support from local Boy Scouts troop 325 and community members who volunteered their time and effort to assist with the installation of the old and new wood chips. 
Their commitment to enhancing the learning environment for our children is truly commendable.

As we look ahead, registration for the 2024-2025 school year at First Lutheran Preschool is now open. If you are interested in enrolling or scheduling a tour for your child and becoming part of our nurturing community, please visit our admissions page for more information. We look forward to welcoming new families into our cherished preschool community.



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LFP Police promote officer Walker and welcome new officer Gouin

LFP PD Chief Harden and Sgt. Walker
Photo courtesy LFP PD

During a recent City Council meeting in Lake Forest Park, Police Chief Harden introduced two members of the team. 

Judge Grant administers the oath of office to new police officer Gouin.
Photo courtesy LFP PD

Officer Gouin, our newest academy graduate, and Sergeant Walker, a dedicated officer who has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant. 

Both officers were administered the oath by Judge Grant, with Officer Gouin officially joining the patrol ranks and Sergeant Walker assuming the new supervisory role of Sergeant.


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WSDOT installing new guardrails on NE 145th and 23 other locations

Safer guardrail. Photo courtesy WSDOT
It’s unrealistic to expect guardrails and barriers along our roads will never get hit, but we can help make them safer when crashes do happen. 

A new project to improve 24 guardrails and barriers across King, Snohomish and Whatcom counties begins in mid-March. 

We’re replacing materials along our guardrails and barriers at various spots along Interstates 5, 90 and 405, US 2 and State Routes 522 and 527, adding energy-absorbing equipment to improve safety during potential crashes.

Photo courtesy WSDOT
The new materials placed alongside some of our busiest on- and off-ramps facing oncoming traffic are designed to crumple to better absorb energy in the event a vehicle hits them. 

We’ll also replace the attenuators at the southbound I-5 exits to James St and NE 71st St in Seattle, adding an accordion-like cushion from nearby concrete barriers to help reduce a vehicle’s force in the event of a crash.

This important WSDOT project will impact the NE 145th on ramp to southbound I-5, which will be closed overnight on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 (11pm - 5am). The work is expected to take only one night to complete.

You can find updated project schedules on our social media accounts and our real-time Travel Center Map.


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Lake Forest Park Green Fair scheduled for March 30

Save the Date – the LFP Green Fair is Back…on March 30!

All are welcome and invited to attend this free event! Local organizations and businesses will be there to answer your questions regarding composting, recycling, reducing waste, natural yard care, water conservation, environmentally safe products, and more!

The fair is hosted at Third Place Commons (top floor) from 10:00am to 2:00pm March 30, 2024. 

Bring your friends, neighbors, and family and come on down for some fun, learn something new, and take home some giveaways!


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AG Ferguson request bill to help more than 35,000 Washington veterans access state benefits passes legislature unanimously


OLYMPIA — Today, the Washington state Legislature unanimously passed Attorney General request legislation sponsored by Rep. Mike Volz, R-Spokane, that will expand state benefits to more than 35,000 Washington veterans. It now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

Most of the Washington veterans affected by the bill, House Bill 2014, already qualify for federal benefits. Due to Washington state’s narrower definitions, they are unable to access state benefits.

The Attorney General Request legislation changes state law to ensure veterans who qualify for federal veterans benefits also qualify for state benefits. In addition, the bill ensures any veteran discharged solely for their sexual orientation or gender identity can qualify for state benefits after a review, even if they do not qualify for federal benefits.

Ferguson estimates the bill will allow more than 35,000 additional Washington veterans to access state benefits, based on census and other federal data. State benefits include things like admission to state veterans’ nursing homes, veteran preference in state job applications or down payment assistance for a new home.

Sen. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, sponsored a Senate version of the bill.

“If Washington’s veterans can get benefits from the VA, then they should be able to get critical benefits from the state they live in,” Ferguson said. “This simple and long overdue change will improve the lives of tens of thousands of Washington veterans. I appreciate Rep. Volz’s partnership on this bill.”

“This legislation is simply trying to define what the standard is to qualify for benefits and under what circumstances, said Volz. "Any service member with any discharge other than a dishonorable one should have access to all veteran benefits and programs.”

Washington law currently only offers benefits to veterans who were discharged from military service under a very narrow set of conditions. This disproportionately impacts veterans who are BIPOC; identify as LGBTQ and were discharged before the military ended its restrictive policies like “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”; survived military sexual assault or had mental health conditions like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Examples of state benefits
  • Washington state offers veterans benefits such as:Home ownership assistance
  • Admission to state veterans nursing homes
  • Hiring preference for veterans in public employment
  • Protection against discrimination due to veteran status
  • Free license plates for veterans with disabilities

More information here


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Nightly lane restrictions on NE 145th St (WA-523)

Continuing Sunday, March 3, Sound Transit will be performing waterline work causing nighttime lane restrictions on both eastbound and westbound NE 145th St (WA-523) from 3rd Ave NE to 8th Ave NE. 

The street will be restricted just east of 5th Ave NE on NE 145th St. 

This work will be performed at night to minimize traffic and community disruptions.

Have an after-hours construction concern?
Call the 24-hour hotline: 888-298-2395


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Shoreline police officer takes new assignment at Sound Transit

Officer Fenton transfers to Sound Transit
Photo courtesy Shoreline PD
From Shoreline Police

We congratulate Officer Fenton on his new assignment at Sound Transit as a K-9 handler! Officer Fenton carries on the family legacy as he takes on his new role. 

As a second-generation law enforcement officer, he witnessed firsthand the importance of public safety and the impact this profession has on the lives of others.

Officer Fenton has been a beacon of positivity and warmth in our department during his 5 years in Shoreline. His friendly nature and approachable demeanor have made him a trusted colleague and well-respected member of this community. 

Not only is officer Fenton kind-hearted, but he is also incredibly intelligent and has a sharp mind for problem-solving. We know that he will take these amazing qualities and his genuine desire to help others to his new role at Sound Transit!

We wish you the best Officer Fenton, we are proud of you, and hope you return to us one day, bringing your expertise and experience back to our community.

Join us in congratulating Officer Fenton in this exciting new adventure!


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Review: Ada and the Engine

Friday, March 1, 2024

Photo by Dale Sutton

Ada and the Engine, by Lauren Gunderson, currently playing at Driftwood Players in Edmonds. Directed by Eric Bischoff.

March 1-17, 2024 at the Wade James Theatre. Purchase tickets online or by phone at 425-774-9600

As the British Industrial Revolution dawns, young Ada Byron Lovelace (daughter of the flamboyant and notorious Lord Byron) sees the boundless creative potential in the “analytic engines” of her friend and soulmate Charles Babbage, inventor of the first mechanical computer.

Ada played by Guneet Kaur Banga
Photo by Dale Sutton 

Ada envisions a whole new world where art and information converge—a world she might not live to see. A music-laced story of love, friendship, and the edgiest dreams of the future. Jane Austen meets Steve Jobs in this poignant pre-tech romance heralding the computer age.

The huge golden gears that encompassed the majority of the stage were a constant reminder of the size of the engine and a metaphor for the space that the engine filled in Ada and Babbage's imagination.

While the math and the technical aspects of the engine were beyond my skill set, Ada and Babbage's enthusiasm for the subject was contagious.

Babbage, played by Sumant Gupta, Maary Somerville, played by Elizabeth A. Shipman, and Ada, played by Guneet Kaur Banga. Photo by Dale Sutton

The incredibly talented cast crafted a mathematical story in words and built the engine in the audience's imagination. The sounds, the sights, and the movement of the gears were vivid in my mind.

I really enjoyed Lord Lovelace's character growth - BJ Smyth did an excellent job of expressing the gamut of infuriating to sympathetic.

A particular scene I really appreciated portrayed the passage of time. The actors interacted silently on stage while correspondence between Ada and Babbage over time was projected on the screen at the back. Narration in the characters own voices read the letters where Ada shared news of her marriage, birth of her children and subsequent illness while Babbage engaged her intellectually. 

--Review by Kindle Carpp


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Gloria's Birds: Gertie's unfolded wings are something to behold

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

(Ring-billed Gull on the beach at Lake Washington)

--Gloria Z. Nagler


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Registration open for Spring Continuing Education classes and Summer Camps at Shoreline Community College

Spring Continuing Education classes and Summer Camps Summer Camps at Shoreline Community College are open for registration now.

Check the website and registration link for details and register: Shoreline Community College

Shoreline Community College is located at 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133.


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Eat a Jersey Mike's Sub in March and help Seattle Children's Hospital

Jersey Mike's Subs in Aurora Village

Seattle Children's Hospital is joining forces with 49 Jersey Mike’s Subs locations in the Seattle area for the 14th Annual March “Month of Giving” campaign to support local charities. During the month of March, customers will have the option to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar or donate $1, $3, or $5 when placing their order.

The Month of Giving campaign will culminate with Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants will give 100 percent of the day’s sales – not just profit – to Seattle Children's Hospital.

On Day of Giving, local Jersey Mike’s owners and operators throughout the country will donate their resources and every single dollar that comes in — whether in-store, online or through the app — to more than 200 different charities including hospitals, youth organizations, food banks and more.

This March, Jersey Mike’s hopes to exceed last year’s record-breaking national fundraising total of $21 million and help local charities striving to fulfill their missions and make a difference.

Since Month of Giving began in 2011, Jersey Mike’s has raised more than $88 million for local charities.

For a list of restaurants in your area, please visit our charity listing by state

Local restaurants

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Flags at Half-staff March 1, 2024

Flag Lowering - 3/1/2024 (Lance Corporal Donovan Davis)

Governor Inslee is deeply saddened by the death of United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Donovan Davis, 21, and directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff in his memory on Friday, March 1, 2024. 

Lance Corporal Davis and four other United States Marines died in the line of duty as the result of an aviation mishap on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Friday, March 1, 2024.

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

A memorial service will take place on March 1, 2024, at Chapel - NAS Whidbey Island.

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


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Shoreline Police Special Emphasis Team and K9 Quinn involved in another narcotics operation take-down

K9 Officer Quinn with drugs seized in the latest take-down
Photo courtesy KCSO

On February 29, 2024 the King County Sheriff's Office reported that last week, the Precinct 4 Special Emphasis Team concluded a several month-long joint narcotics operation with Homeland Security Investigations. 

The operation targeted a Drug Trafficking Organization responsible for distributing narcotics to White Center, Shoreline, Renton, Seattle, Marysville, Woodinville, Kirkland, Tulalip, Mt. Vernon, Des Moines, and Snohomish County.

Part of the drugs seized. Photo courtesy KCSO
The operation involved several warrants, and resulted in the following:
  • 71,000 M-30 Fentanyl Pills
  • 31 pounds of Methamphetamine
  • 2.76 pounds Fentanyl powder
  • 1.12 pounds of Heroin
  • $7047 cash seized
  • 1 car seized
Two individuals were booked into the Federal Detention Center (FDC) pending federal charges.

This operation could not have been possible without the collaboration of our partners at Shoreline Police Department SET, City of SeaTac SET, DEA-Tacoma, Burien Police Department, Skyway Patrol, KCSO’s Crime Analysis Unit, and our King County Sheriff's Office Communications Center.

Drugs kill, and we’re determined to collaborate with local and regional law enforcement partners to apprehend those accountable for distributing narcotics into our neighborhoods.

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WeatherWatcher: Snow in the forecast for the next five days

 
From the archives, Snow February 11, 2019 by Shorewood.
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Snow is back in the forecast, as mentioned in my previous weather reports this week. This weather pattern that is locking in for the next five days is bringing us a very cold upper atmosphere. There are a couple of small low-pressure systems that will swing by bringing us rounds of showers or steady precipitation.

We could see several rounds of snow accumulations, but it is not expected to stick to roadways in general. The accumulations we see are also not likely to survive daytime temperatures. Travel impacts are expected to be minimal, but it is possible for a passing shower to be heavy enough to turn roads white at times. 

Forecast: Pretty much is a showery pattern of rain or snow, or rain mixed with snow showers to be off and on from Friday morning all the way through next Wednesday. 

Snow levels are expected to vary between 300 feet and 1000 feet for the next five days. Showers could be strong enough to bring the snow level to the surface at times. Some of the showers could be thundershowers as well.

So far nothing major is in the weekend or next week beyond a hit or miss showery pattern. We could see some breezy periods as well with winds gusting up to 30 mph at times, especially in strong showers or thunderstorms.

Snow accumulations: The National Weather Service in Seattle is not expecting any snow accumulations. Many other models show several batches of 1-2 inches of accumulation intermittently through the weekend. Our best chances are Friday night into Saturday morning, and another round Sunday night into Monday.

Bottom line: This is a very early spring-like wet snow shower type of situation and is likely to only be exciting for a short time during some heavy showers. This forecast can easily change, so be sure to check back for updates. 
For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com


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Meet the osoberries of Hamlin Park and become a forest steward

Osoberry twigs in winter have prominent buds
ready to be the first to bloom at the Hamlin Park
restoration site - photo by Oliver Moffat
By Oliver Moffat

If you took a walk in Hamlin Park in February, you may have been surprised to see little white flowers blooming.

Although the climate has changed, osoberries have been blooming in early February in the Pacific Northwest for thousands of years.

The Lushootseed name is c’É™x̌Ę·É™dac, and is one of the earliest native plants to bloom flowers in our region - providing a vital source of nectar to hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators after a long winter.

Also sometimes called indian-plum, osoberries can be identified by their red bark and prominent buds ready to bloom in the winter.

Osoberry shrubs (Oemleria cerasiformis) are remarkably hardy and form dense thickets that make it one of our native plants that can compete with noxious weeds at the Hamlin Park restoration site. It likes disturbed, dry areas with sunlight which makes it particularly good for habitat restoration.

Osoberries fruiting in June in the Hamlin Park Forest Restoration Site are technically edible but not particularly palatable to humans - photo by Oliver Moffat

Although mammals such as foxes, coyotes, deer, and bear eat the berries, the berries have large pits and are not widely regarded as particularly palatable for humans.

Stewards with the Green Shoreline Partnership host work parties in parks across the city where volunteers can help expand and protect our public forests. Work parties are a great way to meet your human neighbors while also getting to know the flora who live in your neighborhood.

The Green Shoreline Partnership is training new stewards now. Neighbors can attend a training on Friday, March 29, 2024 from 3pm to 6:30pm at Shoreline Community College. More information and details are available at the Green Shoreline Partnership website.

The Hamlin Park stewardship team hosts work parties most Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings.


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Trail maintenance work in Hamlin Park begins March 5, 2024

A beautifully groomed trail in Hamlin Park
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Hamlin Park after 2019 storm
Photo by Seattle Poppy

Beginning Tuesday, March 5, 2024 and continuing for the next two months, Shoreline Parks will be engaged in trail maintenance activities in Hamlin Park. The maintenance work will include trail resurfacing, step reconstruction, and accessibility improvements. Please use caution around the work areas.

We have contracted with the Seattle Conservation Corp to complete this work. The Conservation Corp is a program that provides skill building opportunities for individuals who have had minor offenses or addiction recovery issues. The program seeks to educate, build construction skills, and provide employment opportunities while providing for the betterment of our public lands.

Funding for this work comes from the King County Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Levy. We use levy funding for a variety of park and urban forestry improvements, including trail maintenance and construction.


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Farivar's bill to eliminate statute of limitations for those who sexually abuse children passes House, Senate

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Rep. Darya Farivar D-46 Northeast Seattle
On February 29, 2024, the State Senate voted unanimously to pass House Bill 1618 addressing the impact of childhood sexual abuse and empowering survivors to seek justice.

The legislation eliminates the statute of limitations for recovery of damages because of childhood sexual abuse. 

It aims to unmask hidden predators, shift financial burdens from victims to perpetrators, and raise public awareness.

Representative Darya Farivar (D-Seattle), the sponsor of the legislation, shared that it “reflects a societal shift towards transparency and protecting children from sexual crimes.”

Farivar emphasizes the non-linear path to recovery, stressing the importance of empowering survivors to hold predators accountable. 

“This will fundamentally change the way Washington state handles childhood sexual abuse and force entities to come to terms with reality. The clock can no longer be run out and those who perpetrate the abuse, as well as those who allow it to happen, will be identified and held accountable.” added Farivar.

House Bill 1618’s vote from the Senate marks a pivotal moment in prioritizing justice and recovery for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. It now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

Rep. Darya Farivar, D-Seattle (46th Legislative District), represents northeast Seattle. She is the Vice Chair of the Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee, and a member of the Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry and Capital Budget committees.


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Washington State Alpha Delta Kappa's Alpha Delta Chapter 2024 scholarship for future teachers

ALPHA DELTA KAPPA is an international fraternal fellowship of women educators established to promote excellence in education, support worthy community programs relating to education and families, and encourage world understanding.

The members of the Alpha Delta Chapter, organized in Shoreline in 1963, fund this $1,000 scholarship. 

Applicants should be seniors in the Shoreline District or Edmonds-Woodway High School who, at this time, plan to pursue a career in education. Applicants must demonstrate good character, achievement in academics, and participation in community service.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST 

The following items must be emailed to alphadeltaadk@gmail.com by Friday, March 22, 2024.
Feel free to submit early. You will receive confirmation that we received it.
  • High School Transcript - Ask your high school to email a copy of your high school transcript to alphadeltaadk@gmail.com
You are responsible for emailing the following to alphadeltaadk@gmail.com as PDF documents.  
  • Applicant information
    • Your Name
    • Address
    • Phone (may we text you?) Email
    • Parent(s) Name(s)
    • Your High School
  • List of activities, honors/achievements, and service to the community
  • Essay - One page, double spaced essay of 200-300 words or less explaining why you would like to be a teacher and how your academic experiences, activities, and service to the community have contributed to your decision and preparation.
An Interview with members of the Alpha Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa will be arranged if you are a finalist.


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Waterfront Seattle now installing park amenities

Photo copyright Tim Rice for Waterfront Seattle

Waterfront Seattle reports that exciting developments are underway for the future park. 

We are working on installing park amenities including planters, plants, bike racks, benches, swings, drinking fountains and more! 

These will join the over 30,000 new native plantings which have found their home along the waterfront just this winter.

We've come a long way in constructing the park since we began in July 2022. We look forward to sharing continuing progress as we introduce new park elements for all to enjoy before the end of the year!


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Salomon bill to protect salmon from toxic chemical passes House, Senate

Sen. Jesse Salomon - 32nd LD
OLYMPIA – Legislation to protect salmon populations from a toxic chemical passed the House Thursday.

Senate Bill 5931 would designate all 6PPD containing motor vehicle tires a priority consumer product under the Safer Products for Washington Act, empowering the state Department of Ecology to do a review of tires containing the chemical and develop regulatory action.

6PPD is found in most, if not all, car tires. It has been used for over six decades to make the tires more flexible and slow their degradation. 

In 2020, research funded by the Environmental Protection Agency showed 6PPD-quinone — created when 6PPD reacts with ozone in the air — is the most common killer chemical for coho salmon. 

Studies have shown it can kill the salmon after only a few hours of exposure. The chemical makes its way into waterways through roadway runoff and has been found in many Washington rivers, streams, and the Puget Sound.

“6PPD is killing salmon and other aquatic wildlife at a concerning rate,” said Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline), who sponsored the bill. “We’re spending billions of dollars to remove culverts, restore habitats, and protect our salmon populations; we need to ensure we aren’t sabotaging our restoration efforts by ignoring this clear threat.”

6PPD is the second most deadly toxin to aquatic creatures ever studied. The Institute for Fisheries Resources and the Pacific Coast Federation of Fisherman’s Associations filed a lawsuit against tiremakers in 2023, alleging manufacturers violated the Endangered Species Act by using a known toxin.

The EPA also responded to a petition submitted by several Native American tribes calling for regulation, writing it is “necessary to initiate” risk management rulemaking under the Toxic Substances Control Act to “address the risk to the environment from 6PPD-

“Salmon have immense cultural, commercial, and economic importance to our tribal communities,” said Sen. Claudia Kauffman (D-Kent), a member of the Land Use & Tribal Affairs Committee and the Senate’s first Indigenous woman. “Tribes have already called on the EPA to address the deadly risk posed by 6PPD. We need to do our part in Washington to protect our salmon populations from this toxin.”

“In partnership with tribes and the USEPA, Washington state is doing groundbreaking research on 6PPD’s impact on salmon, installing stormwater retrofits to reduce its impact and developing safer alternatives to the chemical so we can ultimately end its use,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “I’m thankful to Sens. Salomon and Kauffman for their leadership on this important issue.”

“The progress we’ve made on salmon restoration has taken a lot of effort and a lot of funding. Now, the ubiquity of 6PPD threatens to undermine that work,” Salomon said. “Tiremakers have agreed to work with us to find a non-toxic alternative. With passage of this bill, we will be able to act quickly when a safe alternative becomes available.”

Having been slightly amended in the House, the bill now returns to the Senate for concurrence.

Sen. Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline, represents the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Seattle, Shoreline, Woodway, and unincorporated Snohomish County.


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Happy 19th birthday to Ridgecrest resident Basha Brownstein

Basha Brownstein, age 19, at the Barkery
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
By Ben Ford

Birthdays are a special day celebrated by most worldwide. 365 revolutions of Earth typically signifies that one single day you were brought into this life. 

However, if you're lucky enough to have that single day land on February 29th, then you have the unique privilege of being born on a leap year! 

Every four years one extra day is added to our calendar on February 29th to compensate for the change in our orbit.

Not everyone born on this day considers themselves "lucky." Just ask Ridgecrest resident, Barbara "Basha" Brownstein. 
"Growing up, everyone always felt sorry for me because I could only celebrate my birthday every four years."

For those of you who don't know who Basha is, she is hard to miss. She begins each morning rain or shine on a walk with her little dog Roo. 

Basha Brownstein with Roo celebrates her birthday with Dawn and Ben Ford, owners of The Barkerty in Ridgecrest. Photo by Steven H. Robinson

They pop in to the Barkery for a quick bite (for Roo) before hopping across 165th to Cafe Aroma for a coffee and a chat. Then the two finish up their typical loop through the neighborhood. As a two time cancer survivor, she works at Cancer Lifeline, sharing her wisdom with others. 

She has been a staple in the community for many leap years. Nineteen leap years to be exact. That's right, Basha will be a 19-yr-old on Thursday!

So if you see Basha and Roo strolling through Ridgecrest, give them a honk or a hello. February 29, 2024 was Basha's last day as a teenager. She is one special lady on one special day.


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