Jobs: WSDOT Design Project Team Lead (TE3)

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

WSDOT
Design Project Team Lead (TE3)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$76,179 - $102,475 Annually

Closing date: 4-14-2024

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 3 to serve as the Design Project Team Leader in Shoreline, WA. The Design Project Team Leader is responsible for delivering the assigned projects within scope, schedule, and budget while developing direct reports to become future leaders at the Department. 

The Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) mission is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality for people and businesses. The Design Project Team Lead has high impact to the success of WSDOT's mission. This position is critical in fostering a respectful and healthy work environment focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Job description and application


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Jobs: WSDOT Special Projects Engineer (TE3)

WSDOT
Special Projects Engineer (TE3)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$76,179 - $102,475 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 3 to serve as the Special Projects Engineer in Shoreline, WA. This position serves as the staff specialist responsible for developing, monitoring, and maintaining the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). 

The Special Projects Engineer for the Northwest Region Program Delivery team works directly with the NWR Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) - Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), and the Skagit, Island and Whatcom counties’ Council of Governments to evaluate and prepare the STIP documents for the NWR Highway Construction Program (HCP) for both short-range (STIP is a 4-year list of projects) and long-range (carry forward, new added projects) planning. 

This position proactively plans and coordinates the timely and complete submittal of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) development documents and amendments to the STIP/TIP as changes occur to the project scope, schedule, and budget. The Special Projects Engineer fulfills requests for project information through various reports to support management and delivery of the NWR HCP.

Job description and application


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Jobs: WSDOT Senior Facilities HVAC Specialist (MM4)

WSDOT
Senior Facilities HVAC Specialist (MM4)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$73,705 - $85,532 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Northwest Region (NWR) is currently seeking a highly skilled journey-level individual to fill the role of Maintenance Mechanic 4 (MM4) and join our Facilities Maintenance team in Shoreline. 

This senior specialist position will be responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and performing preventive maintenance on a variety of building systems, with an emphasis on HVAC, energy management and environmental control systems. The appointee of this position is expected to consider personal, co-worker, and public safety as first and foremost objective during the planning and performance of all activities in connection with work assignments.

Job description and application


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Jobs: WSDOT ITS Operations Engineer (TE3)

WSDOT
ITS Operations Engineer (TE3)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$79,807 – $107,355 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is on the lookout for an ITS Operations Engineer (Transportation Engineer 3) to lead the charge at the NWR Transportation Management Center (TMC). If you're passionate about keeping traffic flowing smoothly and safely, this role is tailor-made for you.

As the E3 supervisor, you'll oversee everything from day-to-day congestion management operations to planning analysis and define innovative operational solutions to design, construct, and implement the cutting-edge of the regions’ Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) program.

You'll be at the forefront of innovation, constantly seeking ways to enhance efficiency and optimize regional roadways. This position provides the opportunity to manage a dynamic team and play a pivotal role in training the next generation of transportation experts. Join us in shaping the future of transportation while fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect.

Job description and application


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Jobs: WSDOT Surplus Land Disposal Specialist (PAS4)

WSDOT
Surplus Land Disposal Specialist (PAS4)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$65,635 – $88,210 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Surplus Land Disposal Specialist (Property & Acquisition Specialist 4) to play a vital role in facilitating the disposal of surplus properties and easements in alignment with state and federal laws. 

This position operates with autonomy, coordinating with various stakeholders throughout the entire disposal process, from initiation to conclusion. Responsibilities include negotiating sales, estimating property values, and resolving complex real estate issues while upholding WSDOT’s mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options. 

With a focus on innovation, project investment, and organizational strength, this role contributes to WSDOT’s vision and values while fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

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Update: Poisonous Hemlock Removal postponed due to weather conditions

Flowers of the poison hemlock
Wearing gloves will protect you
Photo courtesy King County
Due to weather conditions, the Shoreline’s Grounds Maintenance team was unable to perform chemical treatment for poison-hemlock in March. 

Under our Integrated Pest Management policy, the use of chemical controls requires there to be no forecast of rainfall in the 48 hours following application. 

When conditions allow, the Grounds Maintenance team will treat in several locations, including the Richmond Beach and Innis Arden neighborhoods and at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park and James Keough Park.

Poison-hemlock (conium maculatum) is an acutely toxic weed. All parts of the plant are poisonous and are a hazard to people and animals. 

Eating the plant is most dangerous, but it can also be toxic to the skin and respiratory system. Even the dead canes of the plant can remain toxic for up to three years.


We have attempted to control known poison-hemlock locations over the last few years by removing the plants by hand but have failed to completely get rid of them. 
Due to the danger for people, pets, and wildlife, we need to use chemical controls to stop the spread of this plant.

Leaves of the poison hemlock
Photo courtesy King County

Learn more about how the City treats noxious weeds and stinging insects on the City’s website.

Treatment locations:

You can also read the poison hemlock fact sheet produced by the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board.

What to do if you find poison-hemlock

If you see poison-hemlock on City property, please use the Report a Noxious Weed form to report it to King County Noxious Weed Control.

If you see poison-hemlock on your own property and you would like help creating a weed management plan, email noxious.weeds@kingcounty.gov or call 206-477-9333.

If you plan to remove it yourself, always wear gloves and long sleeves. Take frequent breaks when working on removal. Dig or pull it up and discard in the trash (not in your green compost bin).


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Ivy kills trees

From the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation

What’s wrong with Ivy?

Originally brought to our area as a ground cover, English Ivy can be highly destructive to trees and overall forest health. It competes for sunlight and nutrients, can choke out young trees entirely, and makes mature trees more susceptible to collapse in storms due to added weight.

Removing English Ivy is a critical step in safeguarding our urban forest for years to come. For more information visit the website of the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board.

The Lake Forest Park Tree Board organized an Ivy Removal demonstration and work party to commemorate Arbor Day; see this article

The Stewardship Foundation will be there to support the event. We run volunteer work parties in our local parks for habitat restoration, including invasive removal and replanting with native species.

If you need some help getting started on your own property, we can help you learn how to remove ivy and other invasives. Contact us at info@lfpsf.org, and we will schedule an hour to work with you.


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Sen. Jesse Salomon and Rep. Lauren Davis town hall Wednesday, April 10 in Mountlake Terrace

Tuesday, April 9, 2024


In-Person Town Hall in Mountlake Terrace at 7:00pm. This is your opportunity to hear post-session updates, ask questions, and share your thoughts on what legislators should focus on during interim.

Good legislation comes when you share your voice with your legislators. We need to know what is working, what isn’t and how we can make your life – and the lives of all Washingtonians – better! 
You’re our eyes and ears in the community, and your thoughts mean so much to all of us. We can’t wait to see you there!

WHO: Sen. Jesse Salomon and Rep. Lauren Davis
WHAT: 32nd Legislative District Town Hall
WHEN: April 10, 2024 @ 7:00pm

If you can’t attend the town hall, you can always reach out to Sen. Salomon via email at Jesse.Salomon@leg.wa.gov or Rep. Davis at Lauren.Davis@leg.wa.gov


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Beauty in Bloom

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Would someone like to identify this pretty creature?



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Team Pronto secures World Championship Qualification despite adversity


Team Pronto, a resilient and determined robotics team composed of Shorewood and Shorecrest students, faced formidable challenges at the recent District Championship Event this last weekend. 

Despite statistically having one of the most challenging schedules among the 50 competing teams, Team Pronto showcased their tenacity and skill, maintaining a remarkable 15th place ranking in the district.

Despite encountering minimal support from alliance partners, Team Pronto's robot, affectionately named 'Sparkles,' continued to demonstrate exceptional performance throughout the event. 

Their perseverance paid off as they secured a spot at the upcoming World Championship, scheduled to take place in Houston from April 16-21, 2024.

Now, with their qualification secured, Wes Proudlove and the team are gearing up for the journey ahead, where they will be accompanied by 11 students and 'Sparkles' to represent their community on the global stage. The team acknowledges the significant logistical and financial planning required for this endeavor.

"We are incredibly proud of our team's resilience and determination," said Veronica Cook, mentor at Team Pronto. 
"Securing a spot at the World Championship is a testament to our hard work and dedication. Now, as we prepare for this exciting opportunity, we are reaching out to our community for support to ensure that every team member can participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience."

To support Team Pronto's journey to the World Championship in Houston and contribute to their success, donations can be made at their official website


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Shorewood tennis sweeps Shorecrest and North Creek

Shorecrest Scots and Shorewood Stormrays

Shorewood hosted Shorecrest in a cross-town tennis match, and won 7-0.

Shorewood swept all singles and all doubles to gain the win. Shorewood improved their overall record to 5-0 and WesCo South record to 1-0.

Last week Shorewood traveled to play North Creek High School, a KingCo 4A tennis power. WesCo South doubles champs Mari Brittle and Alex Mignogna led the sweep with a 6-0, 6-2 win

WesCo South tennis 
04 / 05 / 24
at Shorewood
conference match
Shorewood 7 Shorecrest 0

Singles
  • Rylie Gettmann SW def. Lily Haessler SC 6-0, 6-0
  • Carlota Garibay Romero SW def. Zoe Greenweig SC 6-0, 6-0
  • Emily Lin SW def. Megan McMullen SC 6-0, 6-0
  • Rachel Li SW def,. Ally Miner 6-1, 6-3
Doubles
  • Mari Brittle / Alex Mignogna SW def. Mia Halset- Thayer / Katahara Stewart SC 6-0, 6-2
  • Emma Okamura / Emilia Garibay Romero SW def. Talla Gates / Brittany Morales SC 6-0, 6-0
  • Amelia Uran / Emma Nelson SW def. Walker Temme / Neena Mercado SC 6-1, 6-1
Coach: Arnie Moreno SW and Rob Mann SC


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Softball: Shorewood vs Shorecrest April 8, 2024

Photo by Chris Stuvek

Softball Shorewood vs.Shorecrest
at Meridian Park
4-8-2024
Shorewood 9 - Shorecrest 8


Photographer Chris Stuvek says that it was a great game, with Shorewood taking an early 7-0 lead, but Shorecrest battled back and tied it 8-8. The game went into extra innings, with Shorewood winning on a walkoff hit by Avery Grutz in the bottom of the 8th inning.

Photo by Chris Stuvek

Pitcher(s) and Catcher(s)
 
Shorecrest: 
  • L. Johnson
  • L. Atherton (catcher)
Photo by Chris Stuvek
Shorewood: 
  • Ellie Van Horn, 
  • Emma Kellum (5), 
  • Van Horn (7)
  • Lillian Perrault (catcher)

Photo by Chris Stuvek

Highlights

Shorecrest: 
  • S. Telling 3-5 (4 RBI)
  • O. Jorgensen 1-4 (2B)
Shorewood: 
  • Avery Grutz 3-5 (2B) - Game winning hit
  • Ellie Van Horn 2-4 (3B)
  • Addie Olsen 2-2
  • Paige Petschl 1-4 (2B)
Photo by Chris Stuvek

Upcoming schedules

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Shoreline Cooperative Preschool kid and baby gear sale April 13, 2024


Shoreline Cooperative Preschool is holding a kid and baby gear sale on Saturday April 13, 2024 from 10am to 1pm at 510 NE 175th Street (Shoreline Free Methodist Church). 

Enter on the lower level from the circular driveway. Come find great deals on gently used clothing, gear, toys, books, and more, all supporting a local non-profit preschool.

Shoreline Cooperative Preschool is one of seven co-op preschools that are part of Shoreline Community College's parent education program. It is a play based preschool serving Shoreline area families of children 18 months to 5 years old.


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”The ART of Community” on display at Red Sky Gallery through April


”The ART of Community” is a collaboration of paint and clay with Carol Ross paintings, and Karen Abel sculptures. 

These dwellings will be on display through the month of April. 

Join us Saturday night, April 13, 2024 from 4:00-7:00pm for the Artist’s reception at the Red Sky Gallery, 17171 NE Bothell Way in Lake Forest Park center, upper level.


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Seattle Genealogical Society workshop April 13, 2024: Finally Get Organized

Genealogist Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal
Seattle Genealogical Society
Finally Get Organized (Classes and Workshops)
Saturday, April 13, 2024
1:00pm to 2:30pm
Zoom at home or attend in person at SGS library

The SGS Library is located in Suite 302 at the Good Shepherd Center 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Seattle WA 98103.
"Finally Get Organized: Conquer the Clutter Using Your Natural Learning Style" presented by Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal.

Have you tried organizing your family history documents, photos, and digital files, but you just can’t find a system that you can stick to? 

Start organizing according to your natural learning style! 

This talk will help you identify your specific learning style and will share brain- and research-based organizing strategies for each style. Learn how you learn so you can finally get organized with the right system for YOU!

To view at the library, register here. (Available only if 2 or more people register in advance. Call a friend.)
Registration is optional, but it helps us know how many seats will be needed, and it allows us to notify you in case of elevator outage or unexpected closure. Elizabeth will be presenting via Zoom. Library attendance is for social and research purposes.

To view from home, register here.
After registering, you will be able to join the meeting immediately from the registration window. If you register in advance, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Speaker: Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal is a professional genealogist who writes, lectures, and consults on a variety of topics. For 35 years, she has made it her goal to research, preserve, and share her family stories. Elizabeth is the author of the family history lifestyle blog Heart of the Family™, and her mission is to help others make the past part of their present.

To make a $5.00 donation for a program you enjoyed or plan to attend, Donate here.

List of classes and interest groups here


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Spring Fling at Ballinger Thriftway April 27, 2024 for vendors with samples of food and drink


Spring Fling at Ballinger Thriftway will feature local vendors coming to bring you product samples.

Spring Fling is going to be a fun opportunity to explore new local products and vendors. As you travel the isles and meet our wonderful local vendors, you will get to taste some of the best Washington curated products.

Mark your calendar for April 27, 2024 from noon to 4pm for Food, drinks and fun!

Ballinger Thriftway is located in Ballinger Village at 20150 Ballinger Way NE, Shoreline, WA 98155.


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Jersey Mike's Seattle locations raise $415,000 for Seattle Children's Hospital

Jersey Mike’s thanks its outstanding customers nationwide for their generous support during the 14th Annual Month of Giving this March which raised a record-breaking $25 million!

In the Seattle area alone, $415,036 was raised for Seattle Children’s Hospital. 

A portion of every purchase during March, as well as cash donations, wne to Seattle Children's. 

On March 27 Day of Giving, 100% of every purchase went to Children's.

A complete list of charities and money raised nationwide is available here by state. Every area chose a favorite charity. The 49 Seattle stores contributed to Seattle Children's Hospital.



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Kenmore Police wear body cameras

Body camera. Photo courtesy Kenmore PD
As of March, all Kenmore Police Officers are equipped with body worn cameras.

As part of an extensive implementation project by the King County Sheriff’s Office, Officers working patrol will have their assigned camera activated in most situations when interacting with the public. 

In-car video cameras are being phased in as older vehicles are replaced.

Body worn cameras are valuable tools in promoting transparency in law enforcement. They document objective information for every police contact as they occur. 

While they do not provide every possible angle or vantage point, the audio and video from these cameras serve as important documentation

Kenmore contracts its police department from the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO), as does Shoreline. Lake Forest Park has its own department 


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Temporary traffic revision from 1st Ave NE to NE 155th St

No left turn from 1st to 155th
Photo courtesy Parkwood Neighborhood

Thanks to the Parkwood Neighborhood Association for the photo and explanation of this traffic revision.

Heads up - the city made a traffic revision at the intersection of 1st Ave NE and 155th St so that left turns are no longer allowed from 1st Ave onto 155th St. 

Please plan to use an alternate route such as Meridian Ave. This traffic revision is temporary to address higher traffic volumes from the 145th St closure. The intersection will allow left turns again after the closure is over.


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Gloria's Birds: "Sorry to eat and run, photog", said Ruby.

Monday, April 8, 2024

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

(Not really. The Red-breasted Nuthatch's professional career is ALL about eating and running...well, OK, flying:)

--Gloria Z. Nagler


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Missoula Children’s Theatre Summer Camp will be in Edmonds July 29-Aug 3, 2024 - register on April 17 at noon

Missoula Children’s Theatre Summer Camp will be in Edmonds July 29-August 3, 2024

Online registrations will open on a first come/first served basis on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 12:00pm

2024 Registration Price: $140 per student (+optional add-ons)

Students entering 1st grade (in Sept. 2024) through 12th grade are eligible to participate

Rehearsals will be held at the Wade James Theatre in Edmonds

The time is simply long ago and the place is the magical, mythical Sherwood Forest. Our hero, Robin Hood, and his Merry Band of colorful characters seek the help of the Foresters, manage to waylay the Aristocrats and set out to rescue Maid Marion and Marion’s Maid. 

Prince John tries to stay calm as his Sheriff, guards and horsemen botch Robin’s arrest thanks to the aromatic Skunks. Wacky humor and an original score add to this fresh new look at a legendary outlaw in a legendary time.

Click Here for MCT Camp Info!


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LFP residents: Take the community survey for the Comprehensive Plan periodic update

The City of Lake Forest Park’s decennial Comprehensive Plan periodic update is under way. 

The active update effort is required by state law to address recent legislative changes, new King County Countywide Planning Policies (CPPs), and the Puget Sound Regional Council's (PSRC) VISION 2050

Collectively, there are new requirements and policies that change the ways we plan for housing, address the needs of vulnerable residents, and incorporate climate planning. 

As a member of the Lake Forest Park community, we value your insight and ideas about the city. The city is conducting a community survey and your responses to the short series of questions will help guide planning efforts. 

Please participate in this survey and indicate what does or does not reflect your impressions of Lake Forest Park and your hopes for the city's future.

Click here to take the survey until April 17.

Sign up here to receive Comprehensive Plan Updates by email or text.

Here is the link to view Planning Commission agendas.


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Celebrate Earth Day all month long in Lake Forest Park

Celebrate Earth Day all month long in Lake Forest Park


Climate Town Hall

Saturday, April 13, 10-12
Third Place Commons stage

Meet with the state legislators from the 1st District
A panel discussion on the climate initiatives and the upcoming challenges with Q&A to follow.

Recycle Lithium-Ion Batteries
Saturday, April 20 10m am-3pm


Drop off batteries at Lower Level of the Town Center
17171 Bothell Way NE

Recycling Styrofoam and plastic bags
Saturday April 20, 10 am to noon


Drop off Styrofoam and plastic bags 
at Lake Forest Park City Hall
17425 Ballinger Way NE

Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation Community Parks Clean up
Saturday April 20, 9am-2pm

Meet at Whispering Willow Park. 

Teams will go out to community parks. Pick up trash, pull invasives 

For more Info: Contact organizer, Brian Saunders or the Stewardship Foundation at info@lfpsf.org

LFP in Action Book Club

Wednesday. April 24, 5:30-7pm 

Meet near the stage at Third Place Commons 
Everyone welcome. 

This month the group is reading section 1 of At Home on an Unruly Planet by Madeline Ostrander. The book is available at Third Place Books in the book club section. 

Twenty percent off if you mention the book club.

Lake Forest Park Tree Board Ivy Out
Saturday April 27, 9-noon


Learn how to remove ivy and then join the removal party. Celebrate Arbor Day by helping trees. For more information click here.


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Driftwood Theatre's The Savannah Sipping Society opens May 3, 2024

The Savannah Sipping Society
By Jones Hope Wooten
Directed by Joe Goins

Rehearsals are underway and the set is being built for EDP's upcoming comedy, The Savannah Sipping Society!

Please join the Driftwood Players May 3-19 at the Wade James Theatre 950 Main Street, Edmonds WA

In this delightful, laugh-a-minute comedy, four unique Southern women, all needing to escape the sameness of their day-to-day routines, are drawn together by Fate—and an impromptu happy hour—and decide it’s high time to reclaim the enthusiasm for life they’ve lost through the years. 

Over the course of six months, filled with laughter, hilarious misadventures, and the occasional liquid refreshment, these middle-aged women successfully bond and find the confidence to jumpstart their new lives. Together, they discover lasting friendships and a renewed determination to live in the moment—and most importantly, realize it’s never too late to make new old friends.

Note that some dates are already close to sold out, so don't wait to book your tickets!

May 3 - 19, 2024
  • Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm, 
  • Sundays at 2pm*
  • *Saturday matinee performances have been added on 5/11 and 5/18
TICKETS: 
PURCHASE TICKETS!


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Poem: Seeds for Thought


Seeds for Thought

Here is a seed. Inside is a tree,
A melon, or flowers perhaps waiting,
Waiting to stretch up to the sky,
And down into soil.
How does it manage these mystery maneuvers?
What kind of language spoken
That we can see but not hear,
The message of a recipe
Unbroken year to year?

Somehow it is programmed to come forth.
How did this get set in motion?
And not only to grow,
But reproduce the notion.
Who told it and gave it the power
As if it could think,
Awaken and follow a blueprint when tapped
With the right conditions.

How has a seed been given
The power do you suppose
Of listening for its cue?
What do you propose
Is the background
Of this profound miracle?

Vicki K. Westberg, Mar.24, 2024


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Celebrating 30 years of Amtrak Cascades passenger rail service and looking to the future

Two new Amtrak engine to be built by Siemens
Rendering courtesy WSDOT

OLYMPIA – Amtrak Cascades passenger rail service celebrated its 30-year anniversary on April 1, 2024. On this date in 1994, the Washington State Department of Transportation and Amtrak launched a single daily roundtrip between Seattle and Portland. This train supplemented the nationally funded long distance and regional service that had operated in the Pacific Northwest since Amtrak was formed in 1971.

Today the state-funded Amtrak Cascades system serves 18 cities in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. Since its inception in April 1994, Amtrak Cascades has carried more than 18 million passengers. Its most popular stops along the 461-mile route include Seattle’s King Street Station, Portland’s Union Station, and Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, British Columbia.

“This 30-year milestone was made possible through the collaborative efforts of many partners, communities, elected officials and our valued passengers,” said Jason Biggs, director of WSDOT’s Rail, Freight, and Ports Division. “We’ve progressed significantly over the last three decades to meet the growing population and economy of our region, but today we reflect on where it all started.”

Train interior. Image courtesy WSDOT

Six months after the first train left Seattle, the service further expanded in October 1994 when the Oregon Department of Transportation and Amtrak added a daily train between Eugene and Portland. In May 1995 the service grew further to include trips between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. 

Since that time, Washington and Oregon have worked together to schedule more daily trips. Today there are a total of 12 daily trains between Seattle and Portland; four between Portland and Eugene; and four between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. 

In 2024, WSDOT anticipates ridership on Amtrak Cascades to approach one million passengers annually.

“We’re thrilled to see so many people continuing to ride and support Amtrak Cascades over the years,” said Suzanne Carlson, administrator of ODOT’s Public Transportation Division. 
“As a regular Amtrak Cascades rider, I know how important this option is for all of us. We are fortunate to have an environmentally friendly, relaxing way to travel – and that’s going to become even more important as we look to grow and improve our service in the Pacific Northwest.”

Image courtesy WSDOT

As Amtrak Cascades looks toward the future, Amtrak and the states of Washington and Oregon are introducing a new fleet of state-of-the art trains that are scheduled to debut in 2026. 

The new trains, funded through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, are part of a nationwide transformation designed to revolutionize the passenger rail experience. 

The first Amtrak Airo trains will go to the Amtrak Cascades service in the Pacific Northwest. Both Washington and Oregon also are developing Amtrak Cascades service development plans to add more frequent and reliable daily service in the years ahead. WSDOT’s preliminary plan is available for comment through April 18, 2024.

“Today we pause to remember that it all began as a strategic decision to invest in passenger rail service by visionary leaders in the 1990s. We honor their foresight,” said Biggs. “We are grateful for the support received from so many people and organizations over the past 30 years and look forward to the decades ahead for even greater advances for passenger rail in the Pacific Northwest.”

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Spring blossoms

Sunday, April 7, 2024

Photo by Lee Lageschulte
Trees are bursting with blossoms. I'm not sure what kind of tree this is but it looks like my pear trees. It seems like there will be a lot of fruit this year.

At my house the raccoons, birds, worms, and compost bins will be very well fed.

--Diane Hettrick



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King County Housing Authority preserves 54 units of affordable rental housing in Shoreline

Henry House is now a KCHA property

Purchase of Henry House in Richmond Highlands supports long-term housing stability

Shoreline, WA - King County Housing Authority (KCHA) finalized the purchase of a multifamily apartment community in the Richmond Highlands neighborhood of Shoreline WA, preserving 54 units of rental housing, 39 of which are subsidized through federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) project-based subsidies, as an ongoing affordable option for individuals and families.

The KCHA purchase of Henry House strengthens affordability protections and preserves access to federal subsidies for current residents.

The Henry House property, located at 351 NW Richmond Beach Road, is situated on a 1.55-acre parcel and includes 54 units ranging from one-bedroom to family-friendly three-bedroom units. KCHA closed on the property March 29, 2024, at a purchase price of $9.95 million.

KCHA purchased the apartment complex amid rising rents and concerns that private ownership may have jeopardized the preservation of federal subsidies on the site, creating a risk that lower-income residents could be pushed out. KCHA ownership ensures housing stability and access to federal support for current and future residents.

Henry House is surrounded by residential single-family homes, condominiums and apartment communities. The property includes on-site parking, laundry facilities, patios, and balconies. 

Bus stops on NW Richmond Beach Road, directly in front of Henry House, serve Route 302 and 348, which provide access throughout Shoreline and to Seattle. 

Henry House is in Shoreline School District and is within a 1.5-mile radius of several good schools and is within walking distance to numerous parks including Hillside Park, Innis Arden Reserve, Richmond Beach Saltwater Park and Shoreview Park.

“We are pleased to support the Shoreline community by preserving the affordable housing at Henry House and supporting current residents,” said KCHA Executive Director Robin Walls. 
“KCHA is dedicated to preserving and expanding the region’s supply of affordable housing. We are pleased to support the Shoreline community in working towards that goal, and we know how important it is to support current residents with continued federal subsidy. We are doubling down on programs we know are working to help residents stay in their neighborhoods.”

KCHA, a mission-driven organization established under state law, assists more than 23,000 households on a daily basis. 

The Authority, whose service area includes all of King County outside of the cities of Seattle and Renton, administers rental housing assistance, develops and manages affordable housing, provides support services to low-income residents, and works closely with community stakeholders to address local priorities such as ending homelessness, improving educational outcomes for the region’s low-income youth, and assuring that disabled and elderly households can live with dignity.

CORRECTION: Henry House is on Richmond Beach Road but actually in the Richmond Highlands Neighborhood. It is in the area referred to as 4-Corners where four neighborhoods meet.


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Seattle Wind Symphony returns to Shorewood PAC for 'out of this world' concert May 11, 2024


Seattle Wind Symphony is returning to Shorewood Performing Arts Center (PAC) 17300 Fremont Ave. Shoreline WA 98133 for their final regular concert of the season - May 11, 2024 at 7:30pm. 

The program features music inspired by space and other worlds - featuring the world premiere of a new work by Dr. Daniel Barry called "Beneath the Heavens," as well as "The Planets" by Gustav Holst (all 7 movements - a rare occurrence!). 


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Team scores from track and field meet at Shoreline Stadium Thursday, 4-4-2024

File photo by Wayne Pridemore

Thursday's track and field meet at Shoreline stadium included 
  • Shorecrest, 
  • Kamiak, 
  • Cedarcrest and 
  • special guest Sitka, Alaska.



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Walk for Water 2024 supports Path From Poverty


Support the Shoreliners - Walk for Water 2024

Shoreline Chamber of Commerce member Gina Cantara, a Managing Broker with Windermere Real Estate/Shoreline is captaining the Shoreliners team for the Walk for Water 2024, taking place on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 10:00am PDT. 

The walk supports Path From Poverty, a non-profit organization (and Chamber Member) that supports women's group projects in Kenya providing:
  • Business and leadership training
  • Clean, safe water, in the form of 10,000L rainwater catchment tanks
  • Solar power, including panels, chargers, and utility packs
  • Education scholarships
Cantara is excited to join the walk, stating, "I can think of no better way to support women/mothers on Mother’s Day weekend that live without easy access to clean, drinkable water." 

Adding, "Our walking route is approx. 5 km/3 mi. This is the average women and their daughters walk daily just to retrieve water they must carry back to their village and then boil to make it safe to ingest."

Cantara invites all Chamber Members and Shoreline community members to join the walk or pledge to support the Shoreliner team in their efforts.


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For the Birds: Happy Morning Chorus

Communal bathing

Story and photos by Christine Southwick

American Robins start singing their lovely cheery songs just before dawn and can be seen running across lawns and curbs, suddenly stopping and tilting their heads looking for their tasty worm meals.

When you really look at robins, you’ll see that they are pretty birds, with black stripes on a white throat, and white feathers around the eyes. Females are paler than males, and juveniles have spots on their buff breasts.

Juvie learning that leaves aren't food

Robins are one of the first birds most people learn to recognize, and their size is often used as a reference, as in, “Larger than a chickadee, smaller than a robin.”

Even though we see robins all the time, chances are they aren’t the same ones. Most here in the winter go further north to breed, and the ones who breed here probably came from Oregon or California. Even its name, Turdus Migratorius, recognizes this songbird’s short-distance movements. American Robins are members of the Thrush family.

Robins are social and feed in small flocks, with larger flocks at night, and when migrating. In addition to worms, they eat volumes of beetle grubs and caterpillars. Robins watch vigilantly for predators like cats or hawks, and you can often see a robin on guard duty while others are bathing.

Female gathering mud for nest building

The female makes the nest, coating it with mud and grass before laying three to five blue eggs in a tree or under an eave. Jays, crows, squirrels, and in some places, snakes, like their eggs. Both parents loudly and boldly protect their eggs and their fledglings until they can forage on their own. Even so, less than 25 % of each year’s broods survive to see their first November.

The worm that didn't get away

Cats, crows, hawks, window strikes and the pesticides that poison the worms and berries Robins eat, take their tolls. The average lifespan of American Robins is two years, but some have lived to 10-13 years.

Stop using insecticides and harsh fertilizers, provide a shallow birdbath and plant a crabapple or serviceberry tree, and your will be rewarded with these lovely American Robins.

When you hear cheery morning singing, take a minute to watch the early bird running across your lawn, grabbing that early worm. It will bring a smile to your face.


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