Reminder: Concert August 17, 2024 with visiting musicians

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Saturday August 17, 2024 at 3pm, Shoreline U.M.C. 14511 25th Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155.

This is a reminder that we are hosting a concert by two world renowned performing artists. We are excited about this opportunity and hope for a wide participation from the community.

Please know that the concert will start exactly at 3:00pm, and people arriving late will be asked to wait in the wings until the first break to not interrupt the performers. 

The concert is free, but donations are appreciated. 

Please come enjoy this rare opportunity.


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Aurora in the sky over Shoreline

Monday, August 12, 2024

Aurora over Shoreline
Photo by Barbara Twaddell

An Aurora was actually visible from Shoreline. 

Photo taken at 11:19pm looking Northwest from Richmond Beach.

Thanks to Barbara Twaddell for capturing one for us.

"PERSEID METEORS AND AURORAS: The Perseid meteor shower peaks tonight, Aug. 11-12, with dozens of bright meteors per hour visible from dark-sky sites.

"The timing is great for northern sky watchers. The shower's broad peak coincides with the expected arrival of one or more CMEs, allowing photographers to catch meteors cutting through the aurora borealis. Full story @ Spaceweather.com.

--Spaceweather.com

Updated with time and place of photo


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New Chinese restaurants in Shoreline replace old ones

Two long-time Shoreline restaurants have closed but are being replaced with new ones.

The Black Pearl, next to Goodwill on 15th NE is a new establishment called Chen.s Shanghai.

Susan Westphal is enthusiastic about Chen.s.

Today I noticed for the first time that the Black Pearl on 146th and 15th Ave NE has new owners. It is now called Chen.s Shanghai. Always wanting to support new business ventures, my housemate and I went there for dinner tonight. Parking is horrid (as always) and we parked in the Goodwill parking lot. 

Inside has been refreshed (bright pink!) and is clean. We ordered combination fried rice, dry-fried green beans (spicy is an option but we declined), Special crispy pork with mixed vegetables and buns (to make sandwiches) and Xiaolongbao (meat dumplings). 

Way too much food for the two of us but we love leftovers. Don't let the pictures on the menu put you off. The actual food is much more attractive. It was SO GOOD!  We will be going back and hope others in the neighborhood support our new restaurant. They appear to be doing a bang-up UberEats business already.

Chen.s Shanghai at 14602 15th NE, Shoreline WA 98155. 10:30am to 9:30pm. Traditional flavors and dishes of Shanghai 

Photo by Patricia Hale

At Shoreline Place, the Super China Buffet has closed and will be replaced with Triumph Valley Restaurant

Patty Hale reports:


I spoke with Jern today, who will be the restaurant manager when the totally remodeled building opens about two months from now. Triumph Valley will have a full menu of traditional Chinese food. To get an idea of what will be served at this new Shoreline restaurant, check out the menu for their sister restaurant in Renton.

Triumph Valley at 15323 Westminster Way N, Shoreline WA 98133. Traditional Chinese cuisine


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Shorewood duo win at USTA Junior Tournament

Riley Boyd and Rylie Gettman win at USTA Junior Tennis Tournament
Photo by Leslie Boyd

This weekend local tennis athletes headed down to compete in a USTA Junior Tennis Tournament at the Boeing Employees Tennis Club in Kent.

Shorewood rising senior, Rylie Gettman, won the Girls 18 under division with a final win against Anika Nair (Sammamish) 6-2, 6-3.

In the Boys 18 under division, rising Shorewood junior, Riley Boyd, defeated Noah McNaughton (Curtis) 6-1, 6-2 in the finals.


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Reusable Materials Collection at Shoreline Transfer Station

Donate reusable building materials and tools on Fridays and Saturday at the Shoreline Transfer Station. Photo courtesy Second Use

Are you getting rid of reusable building materials or tools that are too good to throw away? Second Use is collaborating with King County to enable free drop-off of selected reusable materials just outside the Shoreline Transfer Station 2300 N 165th St, Shoreline, 98133 on Fridays and Saturdays, 9am to 5pm, starting August 9, 2024.

Cabinets, doors, windows, lighting, lumber, tools, hardware and high quality furniture in good reusable condition are among the categories of materials of interest. Materials need to be visually assessed for suitability before acceptance.

Second Use president and Shoreline resident Dirk Wassink says, “We are excited to offer residents of north King County a convenient location to drop off materials for reuse. 
"One of the important ways that we can save resources, build community resiliency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions is by reusing materials instead of throwing them away.” 

Second Use operates two stores full of reusable materials, in the SODO neighborhood of Seattle and in Tacoma.

Residents who want to check about materials before bringing them in can email shoreline@seconduse.com or call the collection station 206-423-2728 on Fridays and Saturdays. More information is available at www.seconduse.com.

Please note: The Shoreline Transfer Station does not allow residents of Seattle or Snohomish County to dispose of unwanted material at this facility.


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City of Shoreline and Shoreline Chamber of Commerce to honor Community and Business Leaders

The City of Shoreline and the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce invite the community to come together for a special event celebrating the leaders who make Shoreline a thriving, vibrant, and welcoming place for all.

On Friday, August 16, 2024, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, Shoreline City Hall will host an event recognizing the significant contributions of individuals who have had a meaningful impact on the community. The event will feature the presentation of two prestigious awards:

The City of Shoreline Community Champion Award: This award acknowledges and celebrates a leader whose contributions to the community make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who live, learn, work, and play in Shoreline.

Nathan Daum, Economic Development Manager for the City of Shoreline said, ""The Community Champion Award celebrates those who embody the spirit of Shoreline through their dedication and service. Their contributions uplift our community and inspire others to make a positive impact."

The Shoreline Chamber of Commerce Chamber Award: This award recognizes a Chamber member who leads by example, takes initiative, serves the Shoreline area through action and participation, inspires others to get involved, and promotes respectful and supportive communication.

“After stumbling on an old "Shoreliner of the Year” plaque in the Chamber office," said Chamber President Lara Grauer, "our Board of Directors was inspired to revive the tradition of honoring leaders in our local business community.
We have three deserving finalists: Jack Malek, Marlin Gabbert, and Kevin Barrett. I’m looking forward to celebrating all of them at our event on August 16th!”

Reception to Follow

A reception will follow the awards ceremony in the City Hall lobby and plaza, providing an opportunity for residents, businesses, city officials, and other community leaders to connect, celebrate successes, and strengthen community bonds. This free event is also an exciting way to kick off the weekend’s Celebrate Shoreline festivities.

Event Details:
  • Location: Shoreline City Hall - 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
  • Date and Time: Friday, August 16, 2024, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Register:
  • Space is limited, so be sure to register.
Don’t miss this chance to honor the outstanding leaders who make Shoreline a wonderful place to live, work, and play.


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Scene on the Sound: Off to Alaska

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

 Another giant cruise ship heads out to Alaska with thousands of passengers. 


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North City Jazz Walk Tuesday August 13, 2024 - all the details


Tuesday August 13, 2024
6-10:30pm on 15th Ave NE

1. What is going on here?

This is the 16th Annual North City Jazz Walk.
Street closes at 6pm on 15th Ave NE between 175th and 180th.
Jazz Bites start at 6pm and the music lasts from 6:30-10:30pm.

2. Where do I park?

Parking is free at the following locations:
  • Loyal Automotive: 1211 NE 175th St
  • North City Lumber 1221 NE 175th St
  • Laurel Cove Community 17201 15th Avenue
  • Center for Human Services 17018 15th Ave NE
  • Park ‘n Ride at Buddha Jewel Monastery 17418 8th Ave NE
  • Safeway *after 7pm* 17202 15th Ave NE
  • Saint Mark parish 18033 15th Ave NE
  • Street parking is also available: please do not block driveways.
IF you park within the street closure area you will not be able to move your vehicle until after the event closes at 10:30pm.

3. Is this event free?

You may stroll the street, grab an inexpensive bite to eat and hear two open to the public music venues OR purchase a bracelet and have access to seven additional indoor venues.

Bracelets are $30 until midnight 8/12 and $35 day of event.

4. Where do I buy tickets, how much does it cost?

Visit the website: www.northcityjazzwalk.org
Several North City businesses have tickets until Monday pm, for $30. Businesses in North City: North City Bistro, Chicken Sodam, Easy Monkey Taphouse, North City Lounge, and North City Water District.

Businesses in Shoreline: SL-LFP Senior Center, and Sky Nursery.

Tuesday at 6pm there will be two ticket booths on the street.
Tickets will be Available on the night of the event for $35 each.

Saint Mark ticket booth will accept cash or check, no credit cards.
You may pay with Cash, check or a credit card at the center booth.

5. What if I have a receipt for an online purchase?

You must exchange the receipt for a bracelet at one of the two ticket booths.

6. What time is the event over; when will the street reopen?

The event ends at 10:30pm. And street will reopen at 11pm.

7. Who is performing and where?

Visit the website at www.northcityjazzwalk.org
Pick up a brochure at any ticket booth.

Your ticket purchase helps support the artists and the event.


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Letter to the Editor: Statistics are misleading

To the Editor,

In your otherwise excellent August 10 article, "Brookside traffic cameras an "enormous success” says Lake Forest Park mayor despite "messy” bill and mistakes", I was disappointed to see some misleading statistics on race published for a second time. In the piece, the LFP PD are quoted as stating that, "although less than 4% of Lake Forest Park residents are Black, 12% of people who received a traffic ticket in the city were Black" 

As I wrote in my May 28 LTE, comparing those 2 statistics isn't meaningful as an indicator of bias and worse, is actually misleading; the percentage of LFP residents who are Black should be compared with the percentage of Black residents who received tickets.

Gay Armsden
Lake Forest Park



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Restoration work parties in Shoreline parks this week

Invest in the future of our city’s urban forest! Please join us for upcoming restoration work party events in Shoreline parks:

On Wednesday, 8/14 join us in Hamlin Park meadow.

On Saturday, 8/17 we will be in

No experience necessary! Just bring your enthusiasm.

Contact Joy Wood at stewardship@restorationad.com with any inquiries about the Green Shoreline Partnership.


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Jobs: WSDOT Assistant Financial Services Manager (FA5)

WSDOT
Assistant Financial Services Manager (FA5)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$69,312 - $93,240 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is eager to hire an accounting professional to serve as Assistant Financial Services Manager, serving as the agency expert regarding accounting and financial processes and procedures within Northwest Region. 

As the Assistant Financial Services Manager, this position will supervise the functions of Accounts Payable, Store Payable, and Expenditure accounting activities. The Assistant Financial Services Manager will play a vital role in WSDOT's successful delivery of WSDOT projects, maintaining public confidence and helping the public travel safely.

Job description and application


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Nightly lane restrictions on NE 174th St and King County Metro ramp closures

Starting Monday, August 12, 2024 Sound Transit will close the King County Metro northbound I-5 off- and on-ramp to NE 175th St and the right lanes of eastbound and westbound NE 175th St for site restoration work. 

This work is part of the Lynnwood Link Extension.

The work will be done at night, Monday August 12 through Thursday August 15, 2024, 8pm to 5am the next morning.

The right lanes of eastbound and westbound NE 175th St between Corliss and 3rd Ave NE will be closed (see maps).
 
Some bus routes may be affected. Please check the King County Metro website for details.

More project info: soundtransit.org/lynnwoodlink


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Annual Dahlia Show of Puget Sound Dahlia Assn. and the Seattle Dahlia Society at Sky Nursery August 24-25

Sunday, August 11, 2024

The Martin Kral dahlia, named for local resident, will be on display at the Annual Dahlia Show.

Annual Dahlia Show of Puget Sound Dahlia Assn. and the Seattle Dahlia Society at Sky Nursery August 24-25, 2024. 18528 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133. Free.
  • Saturday, August 24 (9am-6pm)
  • Sunday, August 25 (9am-4pm)
See thousands of lovely exhibition dahlias at America's largest dahlia show in the natural light of the large glass house at Sky.

The show will include my namesake Martin Kral (originated by Europe's most prolific dahlia raiser, Peter Haslhofer)

and also many other new varieties to be judged and awarded.


Updated with address and free entry

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Shoreline and Lake Forest Park oppose initiative to repeal Climate Commitment Act

A rendering from Shoreline’s website shows the planned 148th Street Non-Motorized bridge that is partially funded by funds from the Climate Commitment Act


At the Monday, August 5, 2024 meeting, the Shoreline city council unanimously voted to oppose Initiative 2117 that would repeal Washington state’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). 

And at the Thursday, August 08 meeting, the Lake Forest Park city council also voted to oppose the initiative. In doing so, the cities joined the Kenmore city council who also unanimously opposed the initiative.

Passed by the legislature in 2021, the CCA established a market-based program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by auctioning credits to polluters. The revenue from the sales are invested in programs to transition the state away from dependence on fossil fuels.

In 2023, the state collected $1.8 billion of which Shoreline received $10 million to partially fund for the 148th Street Non-Motorized Bridge project. 

Kenmore, like other cities in the state, expects to receive millions of dollars in CCA funds - including money for new sidewalks by Moorlands elementary school as well as funds for EV charging infrastructure and urban forestry.


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Shoreline fire crew on the Rim Fire has returned home

Rim Fire, Lassen County CA
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Shoreline Fire has several wildfire crews deployed to the various wildfires in the western United States.
 
Shoreline firefighters were assigned to the Rim Fire
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

These firefighters have special training in fighting fires in forests with uneven terrain and shifting winds that can suddenly bring a wall of flames down upon you.

Fire crews battling the Rim Fire in California
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

The photos are from the Rim Fire in Lassen County, California which started July 13, 2024 with a lightning strike. It burned over a thousand acres and is now %100 contained.

All Shoreline crews are safely home now.

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Op-Ed: Washington State Voters Need Accessible Voting Options


I am legally blind. I am unable to see the writing on a paper ballot. My options for voting independently and anonymously are limited.

In Washington, we have a vote-by-mail system. You get your ballot mailed to you. You mark your ballot, and you can mail it back or place it in a drop box. Visually impaired voters cannot vote this way.

For voters who are blind or have low vision, voting is not easy, and, at times, it is impossible.

There are some limited options.

You can choose a trusted person to fill out your ballot and help guide you to the signature line. However, there is no way to verify your choices were honored. Plus, your voting choices are not anonymous using this method.

You can go to your local polling center and use an accessible voting unit (AVU). This device will read to you the information on the ballot and allow you to make a selection on the computerized screen. The elections officials will then print off the ballot so that a paper ballot exists per Washington state law. 

All you need to do as a visually impaired voter is find a ride to your polling center during business hours, hope that someone in the office is trained to use the AVU and find a ride back home. 

Using Paratransit for transportation will likely take 3 or more hours round trip. Of course, you need to pre-schedule your ride at least three days in advance to vote since same-day trips are not possible. Paratransit is not like calling Uber.

In some counties such as King County, you can mark your ballot using screen reading technology on your computer. However, you then must print out your ballot, figure out where to sign it and then mail your ballot. Who owns a private printer these days?

Visually impaired voters in Washington state continue to be disenfranchised. We have submitted legislation to establish an accessible voting portal that was blocked by Common Cause, The League of Women Voters, Free Speech for People and representatives from the Secretary of State office. 

We have tried working directly with the Secretary of State to solve transportation issues, inadequate access to AVUs and other issues. We still have no resolution to our ongoing needs.

So, we are now making this issue public. We are asking you to help us move forward.

Are you appalled that in 2024, disabled voters are struggling to be able to vote as is our constitutional right? Send an email to secretaryofstate@sos.wa.gov. Let Secretary Steve Hobbs know that establishing an accessible voting portal for visually impaired voters tis the right thing to do.

If you want to reach out to members of the Washington Council of the Blind on this issue, please contact us atwcb.voting.issues@gmail.com.

We appreciate your support in this important voting year.

Judy Brown
Chair of Government Affairs
Washington Council of the Blind


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NW 190th St between 8th NW and Richmond Beach Rd marked for no thru traffic

Photo by Michelle Brown at 8th NW and NW 190th
Richmond Beach residents were puzzled to find "No thru traffic" signs at NW 190th St and 8th Ave NW. 

NW 190th at this location is a short, neighborhood street running between NW 8th and Richmond Beach Road.

The reason? 

Wayfinding applications like Google and Waze had been routing trips from Richmond Beach Rd to 8th Ave NW via NW 190th Street (and vice versa), presumably for the few seconds it saved in travel time by skipping the signal at 8th Ave NW and Richmond Beach Rd. 

Photo by Michelle Brown
This is not appropriate for all traffic given the grade and non-arterial nature of NW 190th Street. 

Residents and staff had witnessed high volumes of traffic and full sized semi-trucks using the street, which is not appropriate as a daily through traffic pattern given the street’s characteristics. 

While staff tried reaching out to wayfinding applications to have the routing removed, they received no response and the apps remained unchanged. 

Wayfaring applications have been steering traffic to NW 190th at avoid the light on 8th and Richmond Beach Road.

The hope is that these signs will allow the city to formalize the request to remove this as a routing option in the wayfinding applications.

--Diane Hettrick


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Emergency Rescue




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State Parks updating camping, moorage fees

Deception Pass photo by Wayne Pridemore

OLYMPIA – Aug. 8, 2024 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is updating its camping and moorage fees for 2025 to support its operations amid inflation impacts and rising costs.

The camping fee changes will take effect on May 15, 2025, and the moorage fee changes will take effect Jan. 1, 2025. Because visitors can make reservations up to nine months in advance, on Aug. 15, 2024, campers will see the new fees reflected when they make reservations for May 15, 2025, and beyond.

Under the new fee rates, standard campsite costs will increase between $3 to $5, partial utility campsite will increase $5 to $6 and full-utility sites will increase $6. This proposal does not change primitive site fees, which would remain $12, or roofed accommodation fees, which vary.

Daily watercraft launching fees will increase to a flat rate of $7, daily moorage per foot charges will increase to $1, daily moorage minimums and buoy moorage will increase to $23, annual moorage per foot charges will increase to $7 and annual moorage minimums will increase to $80.

The proposed change was presented at the April 10 work session held by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. Parks Director Diana Dupuis approved the proposal on April 29.

Understanding finances impact equitable access to the outdoors, the agency takes any fee increase very seriously. Since the last camping fee change, inflation has increased by more than 20 percent, while infrastructure maintenance needs have also increased. From fiscal year 2019 to fiscal year 2023, the agency’s utility costs increased by 37 percent.

Reduced-rate camping is provided to those eligible through five discount pass programs, equating to roughly 17 percent of the value of the camping we provide.

Background

Parks manages more than 6,400 campsites and 40 marine parks across the state, as well as more than 8,500 feet of moorage in Puget Sound. The agency is funded from a mix of state revenue and user fees, with user fee revenue making up roughly two-thirds of its operating budget. Parks depends on visitor fees to maintain camping and moorage infrastructure and provide a high level of customer service and recreational access.


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Remains of World War I Soldier to be buried in Lake Forest Park

Acacia Memorial Park Cemetery in Lake Forest Park

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The remains of U.S. Army Pfc. Charles McAllister, a Soldier killed during World War I, will be interred Aug. 21 at Acacia Memorial Park Cemetery, Lake Forest Park WA. Acacia Memorial Park Funeral Home will perform graveside services preceding the interment.

Pfc. Charles A. McAllister
A native of Seattle, McAllister was assigned to Company I, 3d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, American Expeditionary Force, U.S. Army, in France. 

He was reported missing in action July 19, 1918, and subsequently presumed killed in action during the 1st Infantry Division’s advance in the Aisne-Marne offensive in France.

In 2002 a French archeology company discovered two individual sets of what appeared to be WWI remains in the village of Ploisy, which the company turned over to U.S. government personnel. Years later, McAllister was accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency April 15, 2024, after his remains were identified through laboratory analysis.

The Past Conflict Repatriations Branch, under the Army Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Division at the U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky, plays a key role in the process of locating Family members of missing Soldiers from WWII, the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

The process begins with locating the Family member most closely related to the missing Soldier, known as the primary next of kin, followed by a request for Family reference samples or DNA, which are used as a main source in identifying remains.

Once a Soldier has been identified by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, the PCRB notifies and briefs the Family about the results of historical, forensic and DNA reports, benefits and the mortuary process including burial with full military honors.

Anyone interested in obtaining more information about the funeral and interment should contact the Army Casualty Office at (800) 892-2490 and/or Acacia Memorial Park Funeral Home, (206) 814-7224.

Updated with photo of Pfc. Charles A. McAllister


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Public Hearing - 2024 Periodic Update Draft of the Comprehensive Plan in Lake Forest Park

Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 7pm Public Hearing - 2024 Periodic Update Draft of the Comprehensive Plan

The City of Lake Forest Park’s decennial Comprehensive Plan periodic update is well under way, now halfway through its second year. 

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 and land use, transportation, 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's Planning Commission is holding a public hearing for the community on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 7pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall. 

The public hearing is an opportunity to formally provide public comment and feedback to the Commissioners on draft amendments to the Comprehensive Plan prior to their required recommendation to City Council. 

The Commission has reviewed the existing goals and policies in the adopted 2015 Comprehensive Plan and included draft amendments to each element in the Plan. 

This Fall, the City Council will receive the Commission's recommendation, review and consider the draft amendments, hold an additional public hearing, and take action to adopt an updated Plan.


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Workshop on heat pumps August 20, 2024 in Shoreline


Heat pumps heat AND cool your home. 

Learn more about these 2-in-1 appliances and how you can save up to $1,000 installing one at your home by signing up for Shoreline's FREE online workshop on August 20, 2024 from 7-8 pm. 

Heat pumps don’t just give you year-round heating and cooling for your home. They also filter indoor air.

Register today at ShorelineWA.gov/GoElectric.
 

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New look at future hybrid-electric ferries

New rendering of hybrid-electric ferry

Washington State Ferries has released new renderings of what the five hybrid-electric vessels will look like. 

On first glance they appear to be very similar to our current fleet. But if you look closely, you’ll notice large green boxes on the top deck. Those are the boat’s charging receptacles. 

Below deck, you’ll find a flexible hybrid propulsion plant that includes two diesel engines as well as two battery banks, powering two electric motors on each end. 

Other features include open-air passenger lounges beneath each wheelhouse and 47 more feet of length than our Olympic-class ferries, increasing vehicle capacity from 144 to 160. 

The cornerstone of our system electrification efforts, the vessels will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 76% by the year 2040.


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Dramatic sunset

Saturday, August 10, 2024


Photo by Lee Lageschulte

I saw part of this sunset and knew I'd get a photo from Lee. It was dramatic. 

The sunset colors change from minute to minute.

My view was a bright red sun in the middle of fiery sky, kind of a combination of these two photos.

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

I fear that this sunset has some wildfire smoke in it. I saw one notice that was threatening wildfire smoke in Puget Sound. Later I saw one that said we were safe from wildfire smoke for a while.

Be prepared, especially if members of your household have asthma. Have or make an air filter and have extra filters on hand. They sell out quickly when the smoke rolls in.

--Diane Hettrick


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Brush fires in Shoreline under investigation

Grass alongside the Interurban Trail was burnt.
Photo by Michael Winkelhorst

Shoreline Fire responded to brush fires along the Interurban Trail and Dunn Lumber on August 7, 2024. 

Grass was burned on one side of the Trail and on the other side, a number of trees lining the Sephardic Brotherhood Cemetery were burned.

Trees at the cemetery on 167th were also burnt.
Photo by Michael Winkelhorst

The cause is unknown and is under investigation.

Thanks to Michael Winkelhorst for the photos.

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Brookside traffic cameras an “enormous success” says Lake Forest Park mayor despite “messy” bill and mistakes


After Lake Forest Park turned on the traffic cameras on 178th near Brookside elementary all day in June, average speeds are down from over 30 miles an hour to less than 25 miles per hour. 
But the “no racing zone” law the city used to keep the cameras on was repealed in June. To comply with the new law, the city will now designate them “school walk zone” cameras instead. 
The city blamed “inaccurate” information and a “messy” bill for the mistake. Traffic fines generate $3.84 million per biennium in the city that is facing a budget deficit after repeated failed property tax ballot measures. 
The city’s Judge warned the council about the high workload caused by the tickets.


In June, the city of Lake Forest Park turned on the 178th traffic cameras by Brookside elementary 24 hours a day even when school is not in session.

At an August 5 city council meeting, Lake Forest Park Mayor Tom French said, “the average speed in the 178th zone prior to the installation of the 24/7 traffic cameras was over 30 miles an hour.” After 60 days, “it is down now to 24.3 miles an hour. It's below 25 miles an hour, so by any metric it has been an enormous success,” he said.

Currently, the city is only issuing warnings. But with the light rail station at 185th street opening soon, the city is worried 178th will see increased cut-through traffic and speeding.

“The reality is, we have people that are continually speeding through our community and putting lives at risk. And this is a an absolutely proven method to slow people down,” said Mayor French.

In December of 2023, Lake Forest Park added 178th to its list of designated no-racing zones and earlier this year, the city posted “no racing zone” signs along 178th, causing confusion for some residents.

A previous state law allowed cities to deploy traffic cameras in no-racing zones, and in April, the city council voted to leave the traffic cameras on all-day throughout the year whereas before they could only be active during school hours when Brookside elementary was in session.

A map from the city shows the locations of automated speed cameras
near Brookside Elementary on 178th street

Data on the street racing problem in Lake Forest Park is sparse. A public records request filed with WSDOT returned a total of ten crashes attributed to street racing in Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore since 2010 and a search on the Washington State Patrol’s website found only six street racing crashes in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park in the past ten years. In comparison, there were 1,785 crashes in Lake Forest Park alone over the last ten years according to the Washington State Patrol’s website.

The state law that previously allowed cities to use automated traffic cameras in “restricted racing zones” was repealed in June at the same time Lake Forest Park switched the traffic cameras to no-racing zone cameras. In public comments at an August 5 city council meeting, city attorney Kim Pratt, blamed “inaccurate” information received from Westlaw for the mistake.

“I have to admit I'm a little annoyed with the fact that they gave you poor information about this,” said council member Tracy Furutani.

“The legislature handed us… a very messy, messy bill,” said Mayor Tom French about the new state law that took effect in June. “It is sausage making. There's just no question about it,” he said.

The new law allows cities to deploy automated traffic enforcement cameras in school walk zones within a one-mile radius of a school. To comply with the law, Lake Forest Park will designate 178th near Brookside elementary a “school walk zone” instead of a “no racing zone.” The “no racing zone” signs will be replaced.

“Ultimately the problem we're looking to address is pedestrian safety. Especially for children but really for the community as a whole,” said council member Larry Goldman at the August 8th meeting. 
“I still think it's a bit of a weird shaped tool that the legislature has given us but ultimately, the school walk zone is the best tool for the job to address pedestrian safety,” he said.

“The spirit of in which we have been approaching this is, of course, is pedestrian multimodal safety. Full stop,” said Mayor Tom French. “100% of the net revenues that come from these traffic camera installations go right back into pedestrian and multimodal safety by state statute.”

The new state law requires cities who install new traffic cameras to spend revenue on traffic safety improvements and at least part of the money must be spent in low income neighborhoods. But that law doesn’t apply to cities like Lake Forest Park who had already deployed traffic cameras prior to the law’s passage. Lake Forest Park is allowed to direct revenue from the traffic cameras into their general fund.

“We need to make sure that we have additional sidewalks. We all know we need additional crosswalks,” said Mayor French. But a levy to pay for parks and sidewalks on the 2021 ballot was rejected by over 65% of Lake Forest Park voters and a property tax levy was rejected by 77.97% of Lake Forest Park voters in 2010. Now, the city is facing a “structural financial deficit” and is considering placing a levy on the 2025 ballot.

 A graph from the 2023 State of the Court presentation shows the number of traffic camera infractions issued in recent years in Lake Forest Park

According to the city’s budget, traffic fines will generate $3.84 million this biennium for the general fund and the city will spend $11 million (30% of the budget) on the city’s largest, single expense: the police department. Recently the city increased fines to $145 - the maximum allowed under the law.

Only 8.5% of the traffic camera fines were issued to residents of Lake Forest Park - the majority of ticket recipients were from out of town. According to the police department, although less than 4% of Lake Forest Park residents are Black, 12% of people who received a traffic ticket in the city were Black. And an equity analysis said the traffic cameras on 178th have the potential to disproportionately impact Hispanic and lower-income commuters.

A study commissioned by the city estimated between 350 to 470 vehicles per day will receive citations now that the cameras are always on - an increase from 44 per day last year when they were only on during school hours.

Drivers who receive a traffic camera infraction can attempt to dispute the ticket in the Lake Forest Park municipal court.

At the August 8th meeting, Municipal Court Judge Jennifer Grant presented the council with the annual State of the Court. She cautioned the city about the workload caused by more than 23,000 traffic camera tickets last year. “Each and every one of those tickets does amount to a significant amount of work,” said Judge Grant.

Council member Tracy Furutani told her, “we may be potentially adding another 10,000 infractions per year.”

When asked by council member Larry Goldman to name a particular challenge the court faces, Judge Grant said, “Staffing. I think is critical just to keep up with what we need to do to make things continue to run smoothly.”


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Edmonds Driftwood Players announces 2024 Scholarship winners

Edmonds WA – August 9, 2024. Following Board approval on July 31, 2024, Edmonds Driftwood Players is proud to announce our 3 scholarship recipients.

Daryna Ilyashenko is the recipient of the Ralph Eaton Technical Scholarship, 
Elizabeth Howlett is the recipient of the Theatre Arts Scholarship,
Josh Kretz is the recipient of the AC & Norma Gehrig Memorial Scholarship. 

Each will be awarded $1,000 payable to their school of choice.

The Ralph Eaton Technical Scholarship honors a long-time member who spent many hours designing and/or building sets and was our volunteer Technical Director for many years. It was created by his loving wife, Judy Anne Eaton, a longtime member and volunteer.

The Theatre Arts Scholarship has been a long-standing award established in 1988.

The AC & Norma Gehrig Memorial Scholarship was created by our longtime member, volunteer, past board director and office manager, Keith Gehrig to honor his parents.

Daryna Ilyashenko
Daryna Ilyashenko is a 2024 graduate of Meadowdale High School and is planning to pursue a major in acting and original works and minoring in costume construction at Cornish College of The Arts in Seattle. 

“Theater has helped me understand myself more, it has taught me my strengths and weaknesses. Due to this Theater community, I was able to grow through being vulnerable. I am so ecstatic to be able to continue my journey and acting at Cornish College of the arts and Seattle.”

"While balancing a lead role and being light crew head, Daryna also managed to keep up her stellar grades, work a part time job, and take care of her younger siblings. Talent is important, of course, and Daryna’s talents are plentiful: but what makes her stand out is her drive to pour her all into anything and everything she does."
 
-Jacqueline Meyners, Theatre Teacher and Director of Meadowdale Players


2022 Shorecrest graduate 
Elizabeth “Bobby” Howlett
Elizabeth “Bobby” Howlett is a 2022 graduate of Shorecrest High School who has completed her sophomore year at USC School of Dramatic Arts with an emphasis on acting for stage & screen, voice, and script analysis. 

She hopes to study abroad in London at the British American Dramatic Academy (BADA) for Spring semester and plans to graduate in May 2026. 

In her words: “Acting has become a way for me to embrace my uniqueness. I can better show empathy to others both as an actor and a person. This allows me to connect better with characters as an artist, and also collaborate with people with differing perspectives and opinions.”

"I was always delighted with Bobby’s approach to the work. Too often my students fail to wed their joy, freedom and sense of play with the rigor necessary to train in a field this demanding."
-Paul Urcioli, USC School of Dramatic Arts


Josh Kretz
Josh Kretz is a 2023 graduate of Meadowdale High School and has completed his freshman year at Western Washington University where he is working toward a degree in theater arts with a concentration in education with further plans to obtain a master’s in teaching. 

“My goal is to become a theater teacher, so I can educate students on the importance of Theater and give them an opportunity to find their voice and become their own advocate. It will also give me a chance to continue being an advocate for autism and to raise awareness and acceptance. I want to continue to work towards making the arts accessible to anyone and everyone.”

"As Marketing crew head, Josh has taken his work one step further, and has developed into an incredible leader. Not only does he delegate tasks, but he leads his team in bonding activities, gets input from each team member on important decisions, and works with each of them to create a powerful and effective marketing strategy. Josh has bloomed as a leader and advocate in the program."
-Jacqueline Meyners, Theatre Teacher and Director of Meadowdale Players

EDMONDS DRIFTWOOD PLAYERS is a volunteer based 501(c)(3) non-profit community theatre. We have been entertaining and educating our community since 1958, making us one of the oldest continually operating community theatres in Washington State.


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Mayor Roberts proclaimed Tuesday August 6, 2024 as National Night Out in Shoreline

Corinne McKisson,  Program Manager at Ronald  Commons, receives the Shoreline National Night Out proclamation from Mayor Chris Roberts. Photo courtesy City of Shoreline.

Mayor Chris Roberts proclaimed Tuesday August 6, 2024 as National Night Out in Shoreline. 

The proclamation was received by Corinne McKisson,  Program Manager at Ronald  Commons. Corrinne has made National Night Out an annual and much-anticipated tradition for residents of Ronald Commons. She creates a warm and welcoming environment for everyone in the community. 

National Night Out for Community provides an opportunity for Shoreline residents to connect with their neighbors. As our City changes and grows, those connections are even more important. 

The City’s goal for NNO is to foster a sense of belonging, whether participants live in single- or multi-family housing. Corinne has led the way in making this happen.


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Temporary closure of eastside dog park August 12 -26, 2024

The Fircrest Campus Facilities Department will be resurfacing the road along and leading into the Eastside Off-leash Dog Area on the Fircrest Campus.

If you are looking for a dog park during the closure, please visit Shoreline’s newest off-leash dog area at Ridgecrest Park or the Shoreview Park off-leash dog area:

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