Home Improvement appointments and Vendor Fair April 23 and May 21, 2024

Saturday, April 13, 2024

March 2024 Vendor Fair
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline
City of Shoreline Home Improvement Workshop and Vendor Fair 2024
Tuesdays: April 23, and May 21, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Shoreline City Hall Lobby, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133
Free parking in City Garage behind City Hall

Free presentation on Middle Housing and personal appointments with city staff will again be offered at events at Shoreline City Hall.

Almost two dozen vendors were available to talk to people
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

The appointments are specific to Shoreline properties but the vendor fair is open to all. There are a number of appointments available on April 23rd, particularly in the late afternoon/ early evening. The May 23rd event has many openings right now.

The first event, on March 26, was very well attended. 

Go to shorelinewa.gov/homeimprovement for more information and to make an appointment with City staff to ask specific questions about your home/property, neighborhood, or City permit information. 

Contact Jarrod Lewis, 206-801-2521 or jlewis@shorelinewa.gov with any questions.


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Shoreline’s homelessness plan: “Maintain Current Level of Service” while city comes up with a plan

Back row from left: Councilmembers John Ramsdell, Betsy Robertson, Annette Ademasu, Eben Pobee, Keith Scully Front row from left: Mayor Chris Roberts, Deputy Mayor Laura Mork

At the Monday, April 8 meeting, the Shoreline city council approved a housing and human services plan that recommends continuing to “Maintain Current Level of Service”. 

City staff will study the problem, clarify metrics, and “explore or pilot innovative human service programs” potentially paid for with a property tax levy.

A chart from the 2022 Resident Satisfaction Survey shows that residents want the city to do more about homelessness
As previously reported, in survey results, Shoreline residents want the city to prioritize homelessness and earlier drafts of the plan faced criticism.

The final draft approved by the council on Monday still faced questions from Council members.

The fifty-four page study found that residents want the city to do something about homelessness and the housing affordability crisis.

The plan recommends the city “Maintain Current Level of Service” while continuing to study the problem and said “affordable housing and homelessness solutions require more resources”.

Mayor Chris Roberts questioned why the plan lacked details on specific housing types needed. “But what we don’t have right now… what I’m hearing… we don’t know how many three bedroom units… we don’t know how many ADA accessible units… the city needs,” he said.

A picture of “three circles and a triangle” approved by the city council will direct staff on housing and human services priorities
Deputy Mayor Laura Mork questioned what metrics the city would use to measure outcomes. In reference to a graphic showing three circles and a triangle, she asked, “would the funding on the next slide allow you to make that more concrete?”

City staff told the council they will identify target outcome metrics and continue to study what can be done.

Council member John Ramsdell questioned why the city hasn’t done more. “there are cities in Washington State that have less than a quarter of our population that have housing authorities,” he said.

One recommendation in the plan was for Shoreline to “explore or pilot innovative human service programs” potentially paid for with an affordable housing tax levy.

In the 2020 resident satisfaction survey and again in 2022, residents told the city that addressing homelessness should be its top priority. And residents rated the city’s response to homelessness as the service they were most dissatisfied with. In the 2022 survey, 55% of residents said homelessness should receive the most emphasis by the city while 50.3% of residents said they don’t want property taxes to increase.

Voters in some cities in Washington State have approved property tax levies to fund affordable housing. Since 1986, Seattle has had a housing levy and in 2023 the levy was renewed by voters. Vancouver voters approved an affordable housing property tax levy in 2016 and voters renewed the levy again in 2023. First approved by voters in 2012 and expanded in 2018, Bellingham has an affordable housing levy.

Some affordable housing levies have not been approved. A housing levy campaign in 2017 failed in Jefferson County. Tacoma has attempted to institute a property-tax levy for affordable housing in 2001 and 2005 but has failed in both cases.


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Invasive plant removal at Richmond Beach Community Park April 19 and May 14, 2024

Invasive plant removal at Richmond Beach Community Park (adjacent to the Richmond Beach Library) on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 10am to 12pm.

This event is the first of its kind at Richmond Beach Community Park, and coordinated through the City of Shoreline Forest Steward Program. 

We are seeking volunteers to help us at our inaugural work party from 10am to 12pm on Friday, April 19th. We will begin clearing the ivy that runs alongside the stairway up to the park. 

Visitors will see work ongoing throughout the year, as we aim to remove invasive plants, mulch the area, and plant new native plants this fall! 

If you can't make it on April 19th, you will have a second opportunity at 10am on Tuesday May 14th.

Please RSVP to Rachel at rachelmiller811@gmail.com so we can provide tools for all volunteers.


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Reminder: Shoreline Short Short Film Festival this Saturday April 13, 2024


The Shoreline Short Short Film Festival aims to support emerging and developing filmmakers in Washington State and encourage appreciation for the art of filmmaking in our community.

12 films have been selected to participate in the Festival. These films will be screened at the Shoreline Community College Theater on April 13, 2024.

The best of the best will take home cash prizes and a campy Sasquatch Award!

Date: Saturday 4/13/24
Time: 6:30-10:00pm
Location: Shoreline Community College Theater, 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133
Admission: $20-50
Caution: films may contain adult content

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Echo Lake Neighborhood celebrates Earth Day with five events over three days

Friday, April 12, 2024

The Echo Lake Neighborhood Association (ELNA) is going all out for Earth Day. 

They have cancelled their usual 3rd Tuesday Zoom meeting this month.

Instead, for this year’s Earth Day weekend, ELNA is hosting five interactive events, each consisting of a featured speaker followed by a "Bioblitz" gathering.

A Bioblitz? What’s that?

A bioblitz is a communal citizen-science effort to record as many species within a designated location and time period as possible. The first BioBlitz was held in Washington, D.C. in 1996. Approximately 1000 species were identified at this first event.

Download the iNaturalist app (not the Seek option; 'Connect with Nature' on iPhone) to your phone (you can do that now) and set up an account if you do not already have one. Our local events are part of the "City Nature Challenge 2024 - Seattle-Tacoma" project. (There are helpful hints on the Registration page)

When you are in one of the parks choose a plant and take a photo, following instructions on the app. 

The schedule is as follows:

Friday, April 26, 11am, at Shoreline Park, 9030 1st Ave NE

Joy Wood of Green Shoreline Partnership,
"Forest Health and Ecological Restoration"

Saturday, April 27, 10am, at Densmore Pathway (188th between Ashworth and Densmore)

Marla Tullio, 
"Birds and plants of Shoreline's Densmore Pathway"

Saturday, April 27, 11am, at Echo Lake Park 19901 Ashworth Ave N

Ann Michel, 
“Flora, Fauna and Rainwater: the Future of Echo Lake”

Sunday, April 28, 10am, at Shoreline Park, 9030 1st Ave NE

Sara Cammeresi, 
"Native and Invasive Plants at Shoreline Park"

Sunday, April 28, 1:30pm at Midvale Gardens (southeast of 192nd & Midvale)

Derek Creisler,
"Workshop on Weeds - the Midvale Gardens project, its history, and where do we go from here"


In addition:
  • Light refreshments will be available
  • Rain - cancels / does not cancel please check each event listing for details in the link below
  • Everyone is welcome
Benefits:
  • An after-covid in-person community gathering with no covid threat due to it being held outdoors
  • A reason to get outdoors, connect with nature, and connect with members of our local community
  • Learn about plants and animals in our local community
  • Work in pairs, in small groups, or individually to gather photos (a wonderful way for a family to spend time together)
  • Differently-abled (wheelchair, walkers, etc.) individuals can participate as the activity is not athletic. All locations are near paved city trails and have paved trails within the site (Densmore Pathway has a gravel path).
  • You will be helping to create records of the biodiversity in our area
Register and get more information here

We look forward to celebrating Earth Day weekend with our community at these events!


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Tulips are starting to bloom in the Skagit Valley

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

The tulip fields are starting to bloom in the Skagit Valley. More fields should be in bloom next week.


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Ivy removal and gardening party in Woodway Saturday


Ivy Removal & Gardening Party!
Saturday April 13, 2024 from 8:30-11:30am
Woodway

Join your neighbors to help Woodway’s parks thrive! Volunteers will be removing ivy from Woodway parks on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Supplies & equipment will be provided. Please wear closed-toed shoes!

Volunteers will also be maintaining the flower beds at Town Hall.

Meet at Town Hall @ 8:30am. Volunteers will be working until 11:30am. Families welcome!

Please email us with any questions: tcashman@townofwoodway.com or awestover@townofwoodway.com.


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Let's try again: How to navigate a traffic circle

Courtesy Anchorage Police Department

This graphic is compliments the Anchorage police. Apparently we are not the only ones struggling with this concept.

At least we have lane lines. In Paris, traffic ten abreast traverses the Place de l'Étoile. This traffic circle surrounds the Arc de Triomphe at the intersection of ten two-way and two one-way streets. It has no lane markings.

--Diane Hettrick


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Did you witness an accident and confrontation at 175th & Meridian Tuesday afternoon?

Hua with her students
On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Mandarin teacher Hua Zhang was headed for her 3:25pm class at Meridian Park Elementary.

She was stopped at a left turn red light at the intersection of 175th and Meridian when her car was hit from behind. That driver immediately drove off, but then had to stop for another light.

Hua ran to his car to tell him that he damaged her car and she needed his insurance information. His response was to push her away and drive off again.

A parent who was near enough to hear the crash saw that another person was recording the incident. If you are that person, please contact Editor@ShorelineAreaNews.com

Hua is often in these pages with her teaching, artwork, and dancing. She was only able to get a blurry photo of the hit and run driver who assaulted her.

I'm hoping that we can help her.

--Diane Hettrick


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Sen. Salomon funds First-in-the-Nation Ibogaine Study


Ibogaine is a naturally occurring plant medicine derived from the iboga shrub. It is the only substance in the world known to allow a person to substantially reduce most of the withdrawal symptoms from opioids. Not many people have heard of ibogaine treatment, which is available in Mexico and Brazil, but initial studies have shown it to be a cheap and startlingly effective treatment option for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).

If this is the first time you’re hearing about ibogaine, I recommend this Ted Talk as an excellent way to learn more about its potential. Current treatment options are mostly relegated to long-term rehabilitation centers and medication-assisted therapy, where a person struggling with heroin or fentanyl dependence is prescribed a safer alternative opioid, such as methadone or buprenorphine. 

Studies have shown ibogaine to be 30% more effective than buprenorphine while exhibiting fewer side effects. In research undertaken at UC San Diego, 30% of participants maintained their sobriety a year after their ibogaine treatment. (While this may sound like a low number, the sad truth is this is a very high success rate for a treatment approach for this type of addiction).

As exciting as these numbers are, the direct lived experience of those who overcame OUD using ibogaine treatment is what motivated me to work on directing state funds toward ibogaine research. When the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Commission considered using addiction relief dollars for ibogaine research, many came forward to speak in support.

“I consider my life pre-ibogaine and post-ibogaine,” said Paria Zandi, a family therapist from Los Angeles. “The best way I can explain it is that Ibogaine gave me a fresh pair of eyes with which to see the world and myself; this year I’ll be ten years sober.”

“I tried every traditional treatment that was out there,” said Jessica Blackburn, who described multiple unsuccessful attempts at sobriety through rehabilitation centers using buprenorphine and methadone treatment before successfully achieving sobriety with ibogaine. “My first treatment gave me years of freedom. I no longer felt powerless, and I’ve never felt powerless since.”

This medicine shows real promise as another tool for treating opioid addiction, but since this does not require taking pharmaceuticals on a long-term basis, there has not been much interest from pharmaceutical companies to invest in the research that would bring a drug to market through traditional means. 

The responsibility falls to us, and this year’s budget directs $250,000 to establish the nation’s first state-funded study into the use of ibogaine therapy for those suffering from opioid addiction.


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State Parks co-hosts Washington Coast Cleanup on April 20, 2024

Coast Cleanup April 20, 2024 on
ten ocean beaches
OLYMPIA – April 10, 2024 – As a proud member of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will co-host the annual Washington Coast Cleanup on April 20, 2024

This year’s event will take place at ten state parks: Cape Disappointment, Fort Flagler, Fort Townsend, Fort Worden, Grayland Beach, Mystery Bay, Ocean City, Pacific Beach, Shine Tidelands and Twin Harbors.

In partnership with Washington CoastSavers, Parks puts on three beach cleanup volunteer events a year – and there is always more work to be done. 

In 2023, 1,923 volunteers picked up 133,249 pounds of marine and firework debris off our beaches. That’s equivalent to the combined weight of 10 adult elephants.

During the Washington Coast Cleanup, Parks also works with Washington Surfrider and the Grassroots Garbage Gang to bring in volunteers to support this effort.

On arrival, participants volunteering at a Washington state park will check in at one of these locations:
  • Long Beach: 
    • Bolstad Ocean Beach Approach (OBA), 
    • Seaview OBA
  • Central Coast: 
    • Ocean City OBA, 
    • Chance A La Mer OBA, 
    • Bonge Ave OBA
  • Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca: Shine Tidelands 
    • Chimacum Corner Farmstand: Fort Flagler, Mystery Bay
  • Port Townsend Marine Science Center: 
    • Fort Townsend, 
    • Fort Worden
Volunteers should dress for variable weather conditions, wear sturdy footwear and pack a lunch with plenty of water. Upon check-in, participants will receive supplies to help them pick up debris. However, volunteers are encouraged to bring reusable gloves. The check-in station also serves as the dumpster location for marine debris after collection.

Visit CoastSavers.org to learn more about the Washington Coast Cleanup, view a list of all participating beaches and pre-register for the event.  A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access on state-managed lands on April 20.


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AG Ferguson announces DNA collection from more than 2,600 serious offenders

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced this week that more than 2,600 serious criminal offenders provided their DNA to law enforcement after previously failing to do so as required by law. 

As a result of Ferguson’s lawfully owed DNA project, these samples are now in a national DNA database critical to identifying perpetrators of unsolved rapes, murders and other violent crimes.

Washington requires many offenders convicted of sex offenses and serious violent crimes to provide their DNA as a term of their conviction. Ferguson’s office is working with local law enforcement across the state to collect these DNA samples from sex offenders, violent offenders and individuals convicted of serious felonies. 

The samples are added to the national Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), which investigators and prosecutors use to solve serious crimes and bring justice to victims.

When DNA is collected at a crime scene, it is tested by the state’s Crime Lab and checked against the national database. When it returns a “hit,” or a match to evidence already in CODIS, this can help identify serial rapists, link cases across the country, shed new light on cold cases and provide answers to crime victims and their families.

DNA evidence can also exonerate individuals who were wrongfully convicted.

In short, collecting lawfully owed DNA from qualifying offenders helps solve more crimes — here in Washington and across the country.

The Attorney General’s Office estimates thousands of violent offenders are living in Washington with an obligation to provide their DNA. This estimate is based on initial data from the Department of Corrections, followed by an extensive verification process designed to identify and locate offenders who still owe a sample. Ferguson’s lawfully owed DNA project aims to stop these offenders from slipping through the system.

Since the project launched more than four years ago, law enforcement has collected 2,681 DNA samples from violent and sex offenders and entered them into CODIS. This has resulted in 97 “hits.”

Ferguson launched the lawfully owed DNA project in October 2019, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice and local law enforcement.

More information here


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Melodic Mandarin - Exploring Chinese through Song and Verse for children


This course uses the mediums of song and poetry to discover Chinese language and culture through interactive activities. 

Whether you're a beginner eager to learn Chinese in a dynamic and engaging way or an intermediate learner looking to deepen your linguistic and cultural proficiency, Melodic Mandarin offers a stimulating and enriching learning experience for all. 

Ages 10-15 years. There is a break between 4/22-26. With Shoreline CC's visiting Chinese Scholar Fei Ke.

This class is part of the Continuing Education program at Shoreline Community College.

REGISTER HERE


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Now Hiring: Third Place Commons Executive Director

Third Place Commons is currently seeking a highly qualified individual to lead the organization as the next Executive Director.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the overall health of the organization, working with the Board of Directors to employ short- and long-term strategies that will strengthen and position the organization for the future.

Specifically, this position will manage and host events taking place in the Commons and on the Commons stage and will oversee the coordination and implementation of the annual Lake Forest Park Farmers Market. 

The Executive Director must have strong operational, budgetary, and management skills, but also must be skilled in community engagement and be able to successfully build strategic and collaborative partnerships with area organizations, businesses, and city agencies. 

In addition to management of day-to-day operations and programs, the Executive Director will create community-focused marketing and outreach, conduct fundraising, oversee donor management, and engage regularly with the public.
  • Position Classification & Schedule: This is a full-time, salaried, overtime-exempt position. Work schedule is flexible and fluctuates depending on meetings, events, and farmers market schedule. Some weekends and evenings required.
  • Onboarding Process: The selected candidate will benefit from onboarding support, resources, and training materials provided by the outgoing Executive Director to facilitate a smooth, successful transition.
Full applications must be submitted by Monday, April 22, 2024 for guaranteed consideration.

Visit the Third Place Commons jobs page to review the full position description, including detailed responsibilities, requirements, salary, benefits, and how to apply.

Third Place Commons is a community-supported 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which has been fostering real community in real space for over twenty years through the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market and hundreds of free events each year. Third Place Commons is located at 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, Washington 98155. Learn more at ThirdPlaceCommons.org.


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Jobs: WSDOT Communications Consultant 5

WSDOT
Communications Consultant 5
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$72,525 – $97,511 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Communications Consultant 5 to lead strategic communications efforts for the Northwest Region. Reporting to the NWR Communications Manager, this position will spearhead communications initiatives related to maintenance, operations, traffic, and emergency response. 

As a key spokesperson for the agency, the consultant will collaborate with major stakeholders to innovate and pioneer communication strategies aligned with WSDOT's mission. Additionally, they will play a crucial role in emergency response efforts, potentially serving as the primary Public Information Officer in the Transportation Management Center during EOC activations while also ensuring that all region PIOs are crisis-trained and prepared to respond effectively.

Job description and application


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Jobs: WSDOT Materials Documentation Engineer (TE2)

WSDOT
Materials Documentation Engineer (TE2)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$62,596 - $92,836 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 2 (In-Training) to serve as the Materials Documentation Engineer in Shoreline, WA. This position documents and oversees materials compliance for active construction projects. 

This includes processing Request for Approval of Materials (RAM), tracking material testing frequencies, and ensuring proper acceptance of all construction materials used in a construction project. This position contributes to the organizational mission by ensuring all materials are approved and accepted prior to being incorporated into a construction project, and that all sampling, testing, and inspection criteria are met and acceptable for contractor payments.

Job description and application


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Jobs: WSDOT Review Appraiser (PAS5)

WSDOT
Review Appraiser (PAS5)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$70,679 – $95,047 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Review Appraiser (Property & Acquisition Specialist 5) to play a critical role in supporting our mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options. 

This expert-level position is responsible for developing the scope of work, evaluating suitability, and recommending payment for appraiser consultants. Additionally, the incumbent will provide technical expertise, training, and oversight for appraisal division personnel, ensuring compliance with state and federal rules for acquiring the right of way. 

While assisting in acquisition projects as needed, the primary focus will be on leasing/surplus projects in collaboration with our Property Management and Regional Transit Coordination Divisions. Join us in shaping the future of transportation while fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Job description and application


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Jobs: City of Lake Forest Park Senior Planner


City of Lake Forest Park
Senior Planner
Salary $42.53 - $56.70/hour
Plus overtime and benefits
Apply online by Friday, May 3, 2024

Under the direction of the Community Development Director, the Senior Planner is responsible for a variety of complex and professional current or long-range planning duties including administering zoning, subdivision, shoreline, and environmental regulations; provides interpretations and assure that land use proposals comply with environmental impact requirements under SEPA and other environmental legislation; administer environmental, land use and zoning processes; develop land use policies; inform the public, land developers and others regarding code requirements; perform lead duties and provide work direction on planning projects as assigned; develops staff reports and makes presentations before the Planning Commission, Tree Board, Hearing Examiner, and other public forums, as required. 



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Gloria's Birds: Might that be lunch scraps on the beach there, photog,

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

or just more of your darn photo equipment?!?

(Vigilant American Crow cruising Lake Washington)

 --Gloria Z. Nagler


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Live Music and Belly Dancing at Indian Spice Bistro in Shoreline April 20, 2024


Indian Spice Bistro celebrates the art of belly dance with live music from George Sadak and Bahaa Sadak on April 20, 2024 starting at 8:30pm

FREE to dining guests - Reservations Recommended
Call 206-829-8945 for reservations

Indian Spice Bistro is located at 14553 Bothell Way NE, Shoreline WA 98155


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"Brick Wall" sessions at Sno-Isle Genealogy Society

Genealogy Library at Heritage Park
Are you out of research ideas to find an elusive ancestor? 

Sno-Isle Genealogy society is offering researchers another opportunity to get help with their "brick wall" problems.


To make a reservation call 425-775-6267 to leave a message in a clear voice. 

Your call will be returned later to confirm your appointment (if we can understand the message). 

Margaret Summitt is an experienced researcher who can direct your research efforts in the free 40 minute session. If the 4 sessions are filled you will be placed on a waiting list for the next "brick wall" day.



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Shoreline School District public hearing May 2, 2024

Shoreline School District will be holding a public hearing regarding our application for the Indian Education Formula Grant Program (Title VI). 

The Title VI program is designed to meet the unique cultural, language, and educational needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students and ensure that all students meet challenging academic standards.

The public hearing is the opportunity for all stakeholders to meet our Parent Council and hear our goals for Shoreline's 2024-25 Title VI program.

Shoreline School District Title VI Public Hearing
May 2, 6:00-7:00pm
North City Learning Center (Briarcrest Elementary)
816 NE 190th St, Shoreline WA 98155

For more information about Title VI Indian Education Formula Grants, click here. For questions about Shoreline's Title VI application, please contact Sadrina Dorn at sadrina.dorn@ssd412.org.


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Learning to press leaves & flowers

Garden Exploration with Kathy Anderson: Flower Pressing

A fun class for anyone who loves art and the environment! Extend the beauty of every season by learning to press leaves & flowers! 

Find and preserve the beautiful treasures in your yard and use these unique elements in card-making and other crafting. Includes a hands-on activity! (children 10 or older welcome with an adult)

Supplies all included to take home flowers and botanicals for gifts and cards.
This is a Continuing Education program of Shoreline Community College


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Dept of Ecology: A record year for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Washington

Photo courtesy Dept of Ecology
According to the Washington state department of Ecology, 2023 was a record year for electric vehicles.

Registrations jumped 43% and sales accounted for about 20% of all vehicles sold

Manufacturer data and newly available industry sales data show EVs and plug-in hybrids accounting for about 20% of all vehicles sold in Washington last year-- the highest percentage to date! That's more than double the national sales average of 9.5%.

In 2023 Washington had the second-highest rate of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle sales in the nation, right behind California. Which state came in at number three? Oregon. The West Coast is way ahead of the rest of the nation when it comes to plugging into zero-emission transportation.

Since nearly 40% of Washington's greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector, these stats are welcome news. And we're adding to the momentum with a policy that requires increasing sales of zero-emissions vehicles


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Only in This World

Photo courtesy Walmart
1. Only in This World - do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.

2. Only in This World - do drugstores and grocery stores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.

3. Only in This World do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet Coke.

4. Only in This World - do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.

5. Only in This World - do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in Packages of eight.

6. Only in This World - do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.


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First-half property tax payments are due on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 for property owners who pay taxes themselves and not through a mortgage lender

First-half property tax payments are due on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 for property owners who pay taxes themselves and not through a mortgage lender. We encourage you to pay your taxes online using our safe, secure eCommerce system.

If you have already paid your first-half property taxes, please disregard this message.

Taxpayers can receive services via:
Other helpful links:
Payment options: 
  • Taxpayers are encouraged to pay online using our safe, secure eCommerce system. Watch the video for easy to follow instructions.
  • eCheck payment ($0.55): An eCheck is an online version of a physical check that is deducted directly from your checking account. When you make your online tax payment from the treasury website, you authorize the bank to electronically withdraw funds from your checking account for the amount of your tax payment. The convenience fee for an eCheck transaction is $0.55.
  • Visa Debit Card payment ($3.50 flat fee): Debit card transactions are limited to Visa cards only. Debit card payments are processed immediately through your banking institute and a flat fee of $3.50 applies.
  • Credit Card payment (2.35% of the total amount charged): Credit card payments can be made with VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. All credit card payments are processed immediately and 2.35% is charged to your card, for the amount paid.
  • Note about transaction fees: a transaction fee (convenience fee) is charged by our payment processor. King County does not receive any part of the transaction fee.
  • Payments by Mail: If you wish to mail in your property tax payment, mail your payment to King County Treasury, 201 S. Jackson St., #710, Seattle, WA 98104. You can also use the grey return envelope that was enclosed with your 2024 tax statement.
  • In Person: 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday through Friday at the King County Customer Service Center in downtown Seattle, 201 S. Jackson St., 2nd Floor.
  • Taxpayers may also drop off payments at the secure drop box during limited hours only: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. Dropbox is located at the Northwest corner of the King Street Center, located at 201 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104.
--King County Treasury

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Public Health offers 20% discount on life jackets to King county residents

Hello, King County residents! You have until September 30, 2024 to take advantage of a 20% discount on a range of life jackets that meet the US Coast Guard standard. 

It’s a great opportunity to enhance your water safety.

To claim your discount, follow these simple steps:
  • PRINT THE COUPON: visit kingcounty.gov/watersafety
  • SHOW IT ON YOUR PHONE: Alternatively, you can display the coupon on your phone when you visit any Big 5 Sporting Goods location in Washington.
Stay safe in the water!


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Traffic revision 4-20-2024 for signal pole repair


Upcoming Intersection Closure Alert - 4/20/24

Where: N 175th St and Fremont Ave N
When: April 20, 2024
Start Time: 7-8 am
Duration: 10-12 hours

The City of Shoreline discovered a deteriorating wood signal pole at the intersection of N 175th Street and Fremont Ave N, necessitating urgent repair. 

To ensure public safety, King County and City crews have announced plans to close the intersection to replace the pole on Saturday, April 20, 2024. This date coincides with the Shoreline School District spring break, aiming to mitigate some of the potential traffic impacts.

We understand the inconvenience this closure may cause, and we appreciate the public's cooperation as we address this important safety concern.


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Travels with Charlie: Late to the Spring Bloom

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Photo by Gordon Snyder

Nice day for great clouds and colors. Blooms and buds are popping everywhere except this gorgeous Late Bloomer near Fircrest…

Give it a few warm days and it will be vibrant.

Cheers,
Gordon Snyder


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Rainbow Bingo at the Senior Activity Center Friday April 12, 2024

RAINBOW BINGO

Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center
holds our monthly fundraiser RAINBOW BINGO
with hostess Sylvia O’Stayformore!

Friday, April 12, 2024

Games start 7pm, doors open at 6:30pm
southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus
Free parking

Participants can expect ten (10) rousing rounds of bingo, complete with prizes and a few musical numbers!

Cost: $20 Admission and $10 at the door for your bingo cards.

The $20 Admission reserves your seats and includes the evening’s entertainment and loaded nachos.

Register online or Call 206-365-1536 if not registering online.

$10 Bingo cards must be purchased at the door by cash or check as required by the Washington State Gambling Commission.Bingo is a 21 and over event.

Cash bar will serve beer, wine and Jell-O shots.


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"A Castle Appeared" Mural Art Workshop at Richmond Beach Library April 20, 2024

"A Castle Appeared" Mural Art Workshop

Saturday April 20, 2024, 11:30am or 12:15pm

A Castle Appeared in an Unknown Land…when we creep closer we realize it is not deserted. Who lives here? Are they friendly? Maybe dragons and unicorns spin about, or Knights and princesses? Bats, eagles, trolls, giants…secret chambers? Dreamy readers in the meadow?

Come help us create art to decorate our Magical Castle Kingdom! All kinds of materials will be provided for your creations that will populate the new library mural. After the display period, art will be returned to the participants.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Richmond Beach Library.

Ages 5 and older, tweens, teens and adults.

Please register everyone in your group, including adults and attend only one session, 11:30am or 12:15pm.


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Shorecrest tennis vs Meadowdale 4-9-2024

Shorecrest tennis team
Photo by Kristi Lin

Shorecrest tennis
4-9-2024
At Meadowdale HS
Shorecrest 4 - Meadowdale 3

Singles
  • Katelyn Wycoff (M) def. Lily Haessler 6-1, 6-3; 
  • Zoe Greenzweig (S) def. Emie Shepherd 6-1, 7-5; 
  • Megan McMullen (S) def. Grace Gilman 0-6, 7-5, 6-1; 
  • Ally Miner (S) def. Aki Sano 2-6, 6-2, 6-1
Doubles
  • Angela Tan-Kristen Neri (M) def. Lauren Kajimua-Sophie Schmitz 6-2, 1-6, 6-2; 
  • Mia Halset-Thayer Katahara-Stewart (S) def. Emily Nong-Jenna Vanderpoel 5-7, 6-2, 6-1; 
  • Alexis Nguyen-Helena Prayago (M) def. Walker Temme-Neena Mercado 5-7, 6-2, 10-7


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: It's Tax Time




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Washington laws aim to detect cyber attacks and protect election workers

Ballots ready to be counted
Photo courtesy King County Elections
As the 2024 campaign season heats up, new laws are taking hold in Washington to protect election workers and boost security of ballot counting statewide.

One increases criminal penalties for harassment of election officials. 

Another requires counties to install certain security measures on election equipment and allows the Secretary of State to certify results in situations where counties don’t.

Combined with a third law to curb the number of rejected ballots, Washington lawmakers seek to bolster public confidence in the conduct of elections amid the continuing spread of misinformation and cyberthreats.

“(We) recognized the need to do all we can this cycle to protect the integrity of the entire system,” said Rep. Mari Leavitt, D-University Place.

Leavitt authored House Bill 1241 making it a class C felony for a person to threaten election officials with injury through words or conduct. Someone convicted under the law could face up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. Gov. Jay Inslee signed it March 26 and it took effect immediately. Previously such behavior carried a lesser penalty of a gross misdemeanor.

The new law also allows election officials and family members living with them to enroll in the state’s address confidentiality program, which allows a Washington resident to use a public mailing address different from where they reside, if they are a victim of domestic violence, trafficking or stalking.

Leavitt, who calls election workers “the heroes of democracy,” recounted how former state elections director Lori Augino received threats following the 2020 election.

And, last November, several counties were forced to halt ballot counting when envelopes containing an unknown white powder – later identified in two counties as fentanyl – arrived in their election offices.

The bill “sends a clear message that we value the commitment of election workers to conduct fair, nonpartisan elections and that any threats made to dissuade or endanger election workers in doing their job will be met with significant consequences,” said Snohomish County Auditor Garth Fell, who attended the bill signing last month. 

His office was named in a lawsuit that falsely claimed uncertified voting equipment was used to manipulate ballots in 2020.

Cybersecurity improvements

The other major election bill for the 2024 cycle comes in response to a handful of Washington counties opposing use of a cybersecurity device known as an Albert sensor that is designed to alert election officials to potential hacking attempts against their networks.

Under Senate Bill 5843, which takes effect in June, each of Washington’s 39 counties must install “an intrusion detection system that passively monitors its network for malicious traffic” around the clock.

“It is unfortunate that we can’t get all of our counties to voluntarily use this tool to protect our democracy,” Inslee said when he signed the bill March 13. “But this is a consequence of this age of conspiracy theories and disinformation about our elections.”

The law also says when a county canvassing board refuses to certify results of an election without cause, the Secretary of State “may examine the records, ballots, and results of the election and certify the results.”

Inslee said the language is a result of “ongoing, persistent and continuing disinformation” spread by former president Donald Trump and his followers “ever since he lost in 2020.”

Voter signature protections

The third law focuses on reducing the number of ballots rejected because the voter’s signature on the return envelope does not match the one on file for them.

Historically, most ballots are processed without incident. Even among ballots that are challenged for signature discrepancies, 60% are fixed and counted before the election is certified, research shows.

One recent study did find a disparity in rejection rates among counties. And another analysis found voters of color, particularly Hispanic and Asian voters, had their ballots rejected at a higher rate than white voters.

Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, sponsored Senate Bill 5890 to beef up education efforts for voters to understand how they can resolve issues with their ballot, such as a mismatched signature. It also requires letting voters know that their signature on the envelope will be compared with the one when they registered.

And it establishes a work group to come up with a uniform design for ballot return envelopes for counties to use in 2026.

Fell said matching the signature on the return ballot envelope with the one registration system is “an important safeguard of our vote-by-mail system.”

Valdez’s bill “ensures greater consistency among county signature review practices and more opportunity for voters to ensure their signature can be confirmed and their ballot counted,” Fell said.

--Jerry Cornfield, Washington State Standard


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Shoreline Chamber to meet at Town & Country Market for coffee & pastries on April 23, 2024


Join the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce for our Good Morning Shoreline series!

April's event is sponsored and hosted by Town & Country Market, located at 15505 Westminster Way N, Shoreline, WA 98133 on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 7:30am PDT

Please arrive a few minutes early to embark on your adventure through the secret “back rooms” of the market! Look for the Chamber Event sign at the main entrance. You’ll be greeted there and shown the way to the Shoreline Room, where coffee and pastries will be provided.

Be sure to register so we can plan appropriately.

Agenda:

  • 7:30-8:10 AM Announcements and Networking. Be prepared to speak for about a minute about your business and how we can help.
  • 8:10-8:30 AM Featured Member Presentation, as available.

Please note: There are stairs to climb on the way to the conference room, so please reach out ahead of time if you'll need accommodations. If you don’t see someone from our group when you arrive, ask any T&C employee to direct you to the Shoreline Room.

While you’re there, consider making a suggested donation of $5 at the event to support the Chamber.


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WA529 student art contest

Washington students can win a $529 boost to their future education
Enter the annual WA529 Art Contest through May 1 

Olympia—For the third year, Washington College Savings Plans (WA529) is giving Washington students the chance to turn their artistic inspiration into winnings! 

The 3rd Annual WA529 “What is your Dream Job” Art Contest is open through May 1. Students can enter for a chance to win $529 toward their future education goals in a WA529 GET or DreamAhead account.

To enter, students should create a work of original art depicting their future dream career. Entries will be judged based on creativity, unique style, artistic talent, and skill in portraying the student’s “Dream Job”. Two students in each grade level Kindergarten through 12th grade will be selected to win.

  • All K-12 students attending a public or private school in Washington State are eligible to participate.
  • Entries are accepted online only, through May 1, 2024
  • Winners will be determined and notified on May 29, 2024 (National 529 Day). 
  • To read the rules, enter, or see a gallery of entries and winning artwork from the Contest’s first two years, visit 529.wa.gov/art-contest.

GET opened in 1998, and for 25 years has helped families cover more than $1.4 billion in educational costs. More than 65,000 students have used their GET accounts to further their education in all 50 states and around the globe. 

GET is one of two college savings options offered by Washington College Savings Plans (WA529). WA529’s 529 savings plan, DreamAhead, is a nationally recognized investment-based 529 plan launched in 2018 to help Washingtonians save toward the full cost of college.

Washington residents who want to help a student save for future education costs can open a GET or DreamAhead account online at 529.wa.gov with no enrollment fee. The website also offers details, charts, planning tools, and answers to questions. 
  • The GET contact center is ready to help at 800-955-2318 or GETInfo@wsac.wa.gov
  • For questions about DreamAhead, the DreamAhead contact center can be reached at 844-529-5845.

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