Shoreline Public Schools Foundation establishes SAFE fund to help keep kids in school

Friday, August 16, 2024

The Shoreline Public Schools Foundation and the generous donors who contribute to help enrich our schools contributed over $100K over the last school year, which funded 46 Engagement Grants.

For the 2024-25 school year, the Foundation is launching SAFE (Student Aid for Essentials).

SAFE is a new initiative with a simple and far-reaching goal: to keep kids in school by removing barriers for students who are living with a low income or experiencing a financial and/or family crisis.

The SAFE program will act as a lifeline, providing immediate help for basic needs and emergency support.

Below are a few examples of what the support will fund:
  • Gift cards for groceries, gas, and necessities
  • School supplies
  • Backpacks
  • Field trip fees
  • Class and activity fees
  • Transportation to services outside of school
Please consider donating to the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation to support local students who are experiencing the most need.


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WeatherWatcher: Chance of thunderstorms Saturday evening

 

From the archives: Lightning over Lake Washington from Log Boom Park
Photo by Carl Dinse, July 11, 2009

Every few summers we seem to get that one day, or night, or a week worth of active weather containing lightning in the area. 

The last major outbreak of lightning storms was September 7, 2019. This is typical weather for summers here in the Shoreline and Lake Forest Park areas. 

Sometimes we get it two or three years in a row and other times we go up to five years or so without one. Sometimes it is one evening and done, other times we get it spread out with breaks over the course of a week.

Starting Saturday afternoon or early evening, we will start a week of excitement in weather. Our biggest chance will be between 6pm and 11pm Saturday evening. Some showers and thunderstorms might still pop up overnight into Sunday morning. 

We also may see some windy conditions in isolated spots Saturday evening, with some isolated wind gusts that could reach up to 45mph, but it won't be a typical windstorm.

The winds will be short bursts, and isolated to thunderstorm activity areas. 

What can make them particularly damaging, though, is they can switch directions at any time and all our trees are in full summer foliage right now. I can't rule out scattered power outages with this event.

Once we get past the main event sometime Sunday morning, skies should start to clear. We'll be back to our normal sunny weather until Tuesday afternoon. 

Chances of showers return Tuesday afternoon and possibly a slight chance of thundershowers return Tuesday through Thursday. The threat of lightning in these showers should ease off completely by the end of next week.


For current weather conditions please visit www.shorelineweather.com


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Travels with Charlie: Neighborhood waterings

Photo by Gordon Snyder

A perfect summer day. Charlie and I hung out in our neighborhood.
Time for a little watering caught the sunlight…

Get outside and enjoy the small beautiful spots.

Cheers,
Gordon Snyder


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Feria Viva Latinoamerica August 24, 2024 in LFP


Feria Viva Latinoamerica
Saturday, August 24, 2024

¡SAVE THE DATE - SATURDAY AUGUST 24! ¡Come Together and Celebrate! Join the community in celebrating Latin American culture in Washington State at Feria Viva Latinoamerica 2024!


Immerse in a cultural festival filled with live music, a fashion show, delicious food, handmade treasures, community services, and more! Come with family and friends and enjoy a variety of mouthwatering dishes and discover unique handmade products from Latin America.

We'll see you on Saturday, August 24th, starting at 11am at the beautiful Animal Acres Park, Lake Forest Park. Get ready to dance and soak up the joy and good vibes at Feria Viva Latinoamerica 2024.

¡Come Together! ¡Collaborate and flourish! ¡Be Nice! ¡Be Happy!


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LFP “Legacy” business Ballinger Automotive closes

Ballinger Automotive. Photo by Lis Johnson
State plan to restore Lyon Creek culvert will cause traffic headaches
By Lis Johnson
 
One of LFP’s oldest businesses, Ballinger Automotive, closed its doors recently after just over 80 years in business, catching customers by surprise.

The closure was made necessary by the Washington Department of Transportation’s salmon recovery program. Ballinger Automtoive’s property includes a Lyon Creek culvert that is part of a $13 million state effort to restore salmon habitat and migration along the creek as it runs under Ballinger Way.

The project on the Ballinger Automotive property will cost close to an estimated $9 million of the funds set aside to local projects along Lyon Creek.

Ballinger Automotive had been in negotiations with the state for some time over the price offered for the property, but with the work slated to start next summer, the state exercised eminent domain, offering compensation of $124,000. The owner, Rob Ricker, is pursuing the matter in court, saying the price is too low.

Considered a legacy business because of its longevity, Ballinger Automotive had a loyal clientele, who valued its fair prices and good work.

The sudden closure came as a surprise to the many customers and neighbors.

The section of Lyon Creek that runs through the culvert at the edge of the company’s property will be replaced next summer and is part of a much larger statewide program potentially costing upwards of nearly $8 billion.

The culvert renovation at Ballinger Automotive will have a substantial impact on traffic when it gets underway next summer.

The state will take bids on the project this fall.

According to a project overview from the state, crews will replace the existing 6 by 4 foot box culvert with a 24 foot structure, with the potential to open more than 7.5 miles of habitat and migration for a variety of salmon and trout —although upgrades and improvements to other culverts will be necessary to achieve that goal.

The project is expected to start next summer and extend into winter.

According to the overview, there will be a four week closure of Ballinger Way at 35th Avenue NE for the removal of the existing culvert, during which time traffic will be detoured around the construction.

The state also expects a full closure of NE 185th for soil remediation and a partial closure of 35th Avenue E for the relocation of a sewer pipe. The overview says the timing of these closures has not yet been decided.

The closure of Ballinger Automotive and the statewide recovery program were the subject of a recent article in the Seattle Times. (the full article can be accessed here)

More information on the state project can be found on the program overview here.


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CRISTA welcomes the community to Summer Fest to celebrate its 75th anniversary

In the midst of celebrating its milestone 75th anniversary throughout 2024, CRISTA Ministries is preparing to welcome the community to its 60-acre Shoreline campus on Saturday, August 24, 2024 for “Summer Fest,” a free all-day family-friendly festival. 

The CRISTA Ministries campus, home to King’s Schools and the Cristwood senior community, is located at 19303 Fremont Ave N, blocks southwest of where 205th and Aurora connect.

CRISTA’s 75th Anniversary Summer Fest schedule includes:
  • 10am-5pm Kids Zone & Rock Climbing Wall hosted by CRISTA Camps & King’s Schools
  • 10am-2pm Classic Car Show hosted by CRISTA Senior Living
  • 11am-1pm Free Hot Dogs & Ice Cream (while supplies last) hosted by CRISTA Senior Living
  • 5-7pm Summer Night of Prayer & Worship hosted by SPIRIT 105.3 & PRAISE 106.5

Kicking off with a 75-car classic car show from 10am-2pm and concluding with a live concert from 5-7pm, Summer Fest activities are completely free to attendees throughout the day. 

CRISTA Senior Living will be offering complimentary hot dogs and ice cream to car show guests beginning at 11am. In the afternoon, several beloved local food trucks will be onsite with meals and beverages available for purchase.

CRISTA's main building
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Founded in 1949 at the site of the former Firlands Tuberculosis Sanitorium, CRISTA Ministries (originally known as King’s Garden) has grown into one of the largest non-profit organizations in the Pacific Northwest and one of the most diverse not-for-profit service organizations in the world. 

CRISTA’s five ministries serve the world in areas ranging from Christian education (King’s Schools, CRISTA Camps) to media (CRISTA Media) to poverty alleviation (World Concern) to senior care (CRISTA Senior Living). 

Collectively, the ministries of CRISTA reach millions of individuals each year in over 200 countries around the world. The shared mission of CRISTA’s ministries is to fearlessly declare the Gospel with Biblical truth and love, leading generations to follow Jesus.

Stated CRISTA Ministries CEO, Jacinta Tegman: “At CRISTA, we call ourselves a family of ministries. And an extended part of our family has been the city of Shoreline and surrounding cities that we have been proud to call our home for 75 years and counting. 
"We are thrilled at the opportunity to welcome families to our historic campus for a full day of fun on August 24.”

CRISTA’s 75th anniversary celebration will reach its peak on Saturday, November 16, with a Gala event at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. For more information about Summer Fest or the Gala, please visit crista.org. For media inquiries, please contact Ben Wilson at 206.546.7487 or bwilson@crista.net.


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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on September 13, 2024 for the Kruckeberg ADA-approved boardwalk through the Garden's forest

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden celebrates the completion of their ADA-approved boardwalk at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 5:30 - 6:30pm.

Gather for light refreshments with representatives from the City of Shoreline, our design and construction partners FORMA and Mithun, and the Kruckeberg and Shoreline community that helped to make this happen!

No registration required -- all we need is you and your feet (or wheels!)

ADA accessible pathway above the forest
Photo courtesy KBG

The boardwalk opened last week. There are trails throughout Kruckeberg but this is an elevated boardwalk down a steep hillside, suitable for wheelchair users as well as more able-bodied visitors.

"It's like floating through the treetops," said garden director JP Sauerlander.

Floating above the trees
Photo courtesy KBG

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden at 20312 15th Ave NW, Shoreline, WA 98177.
  • Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • March - October: 10am-5pm
  • November - February: 10am-3pm
  • Admission is free, but a donation is appreciated!

The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden is a living collection of native and rare plants that serves as a gathering place for the community to learn, be inspired, and feel connected to the natural world.


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King County Sheriff's Office takes down another drug trafficker

K9 Quinn. Photo courtesy KCSO
On August 7, 2024 Detectives from the Special Emphasis Team in Burien Precinct 4 (with an assist from the teams in Shoreline Precinct 5 and SeaTac Precinct 6) busted a major drug-trafficker, pulled many pounds of drugs off the street, and seized a firearm.

Search warrants served in Auburn and SeaTac led to the arrest in Auburn.

Naturally, Quinn the K-9 was key.

Seized:
  • 17.62 lbs of methamphetamine
  • 7.35 lbs of fentanyl powder
  • 6.42 lbs of cocaine
  • 68,000 M/30 pills seized
  • Over $44,000 in drug proceeds
  • 1 firearm
  • 1 vehicle
"Hard work pays off"


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King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed 125 felony drug dealing cases so far in 2024


Through the end of June, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has filed 125 felony drug dealing cases so far in 2024. 77.6% of those involved fentanyl and/or methamphetamine. Frequently, (32% of the cases) the drug dealing charges involved more than one kind of drug.

Of the 125 drug dealing cases filed so far this year, 17 of those cases (13.6%) also had a firearms-related charge.

According to the most recent data from Public Health — Seattle and King County, there have been 669 confirmed drug overdose or alcohol poisoning deaths through August in 2024. 

Our prosecutors will continue to prosecute the people who deal fentanyl and meth and other deadly drugs in our communities.

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Whisper Creek memorial sign replaced

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Whisper Creek footbridge
Photo by Dan Short

Whisper Creek runs along the northern border of the former Cedarbrook School  property and is a lovely fish-bearing, year-round creek. Portions of this creek have been restored by the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation.

Doug Clark and Josh Piano install a replacement sign.
Photo by George Piano
Working in conjunction with local citizens, a new foot bridge was built linking the Cedarbrook property with the bordering Lake Forest Park and Shoreline neighborhoods, and areas along the creek were cleared of invasive nonnative plants and planted with native vegetation.

When the work was complete, a plaque was installed, giving credit to the partnership that did the work.

Last year, the plaque was stolen.

Photo by George Piano

This year, stone mason and general contractor Doug Clark led the effort to obtain a new plaque, and this week Clark and Josh Piano installed the new replacement Whisper Creek Memorial sign.

--George Piano, Diane Hettrick

Correction: Doug Clark led the project to replace the sign.


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Family Day at LFP Farmers Market August 25, 2024

On Sunday, August 25, 2024 grab the kids and head down to Family Day at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market!

Every Sunday, 10-2, the LFP Farmers Market brings you a delectable assortment of fresh and locally produced fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and fantastic specialty items, plus gorgeous flowers to brighten your summer table. And on this special day, there’s even more to love for market fans of all ages!

We'll have live music all day courtesy of local music legend Dan Benson and friends on bass, piano and vibraphones - and youngsters will be enticed by the Bubble Zone where they can experiment with an assortment of bubble wands in different shapes and sizes and take home free bubble giveaways while supplies last. 

Between bubble blowing, kids can climb on and explore the Big Rigs that the City will have on hand!  

Family Day is presented in partnership with the City of Lake Forest Park, which will be there with environmental education and giveaways.  

It's going to be a memorable day at the LFP Farmers Market. 


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Nine minor party presidential candidates will appear on Washington's November ballot

Running for President - Nirvana co-founder
Krist Novoselić (right) of the Cascade Party
with his running mate James Carroll
OLYMPIA — Nine presidential nominations by minor parties and independent candidates have qualified to appear on Washington’s Nov. 5 General Election ballot.

Including nominees from the two major political parties, Washington voters will be able to choose from 11 pairs of nominees for president and vice president on the November ballot.

To qualify for the General Election ballot, a minor party or independent candidate must obtain 1,000 signatures from registered Washington voters who have not signed another party’s nominating petition. 

These voters must attend a state convention held in support of the party or candidate. 

Conventions may only be during a specific period, from the first Saturday in May to the last Saturday in July. 

Appeal of any qualification must be filed with the Thurston County Superior Court no later than five days after notification.

Ballot order of presidential tickets for the General Election begins with the two major political parties, listed in order of the most votes received in Washington’s last presidential election, under RCW 29A.36.161. Other candidates follow in order of qualification.

Minor party and independent candidates for president will appear on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot as follows, with the Presidential nominee listed first and Vice Presidential nominee listed second:

  • We The People Party; Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Nicole Shanahan
  • Green Party; Jill Stein, Samson LeBeau Kpadenou
  • Socialism and Liberation Party; Claudia De la Cruz, Karina Garcia
  • Socialist Workers Party; Rachele Fruit, Dennis Richter
  • Socialist Equality Party; Joseph Kishore, Jerry White
  • Libertarian Party; Chase Oliver, Mike ter Maat
  • Cascade Party; Krist Novoselić, James Carroll
  • Justice For All Party; Cornel West, Melina Abdullah
  • Independent Candidate; Shiva Ayyadurai, Crystal Ellis
Ballots will be mailed to registered voters statewide by October 18.

“Every election is a chance for every Washingtonian’s voice to be heard,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said. “I encourage all voters to use the state’s comprehensive system of trustworthy resources to participate in this election.”


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Puget Sound Energy breaks ground on new Operational Training Center


BELLEVUE, Wash. (Aug. 8, 2024) – Puget Sound Energy and development partner Trammell Crow Company, a global real estate development firm, are breaking ground on a new training facility, enhancing hands-on training for PSE field workers, first responders, engineers and project management staff.

When complete, electric and gas utility workers and emergency first responders will receive high quality training in one centralized location, under controlled environments with multiple conditions. 

The training facility includes classrooms, labs and outdoor training areas, featuring a simulated neighborhood to provide workers with real-life training experience, such as how to safely repair broken gas lines, approach downed power lines or replace power poles.

“This state-of-the-art training center demonstrates PSE’s commitment to a highly skilled workforce and culture of safety for PSE employees and our many partners,” said Ron Roberts, PSE’s senior vice president of Energy Resources.

Both professional and trade personnel will receive instruction on legacy and new systems to support the safe and reliable delivery of energy, with a focus on expanding skills to operate advanced technologies and infrastructure driven by grid modernization and the transition to cleaner energy.


“We are proud to have partnered with Puget Sound Energy on this significant project that will support the company’s growth for years to come,” Said Mike Nelson, Trammel Crow Company’s Seattle office market leader. 
“Our team looks forward to seeing this innovative training facility come to life and matriculate its first students in 2025.”

Images courtesy PSE


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Small Business Resources webinar August 21, 2024 on Zoom

The office of Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal will be hosting a virtual small business resources webinar on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 from 5:30-6:30pm PST. 

This webinar will feature representatives from the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Washington Microenterprise Association, and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Seattle District Office. 

There will be an opportunity for Q&A at the end of the presentation.

WHAT: Small Business Resources Webinar
WHEN: Wednesday, August 21st from 5:30 to 6:30 PST
WHERE: Zoom

RSVP HERE

Questions can be directed to Michael.Tanaka@mail.house.gov


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Shorecrest senior meets with State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti

Ally Miner with State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti

Shorecrest High School Senior and ASB Treasurer, Ally Miner, was invited by State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti to Olympia, WA. 

Ally met him at the Treasurer’s office to learn about the position and tour the vault and office. She gained insight into the day to day activities of the Treasurer with hopes to blend the experience into her future pursuits. 

Ally received the invitation for being elected Treasurer at Girls State this summer. Girls State is a leadership program for high school girls that allows them to learn about government and civic engagement through simulated state government.


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Kruckeberg Botanic Garden's annual Garden Party

Join us for a lovely dinner gathering and auction to support the Garden! Your presence will make a difference and help us grow together!

This year the Garden Party is hosted at The Innis Arden Clubhouse, 1430 NW 188th St, Shoreline WA 98177

Get ready for the online silent auction starting on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 10:00am till it wraps up on Saturday, September 28th at 5:00pm. If you can’t make it in person to the event, no worries, you can join the online auction at no cost. Just sign up and grab the “online bidder only” ticket.

Tickets here


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Jobs: WSDOT Appraiser (PAS4)

WSDOT
Appraiser (PAS4)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$67,608 - $90,854 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is eager to hire a real estate professional to serve as our next Appraiser supporting our Northwest Region (NWR), comprised of King, Snohomish, Skagit, Island, and Whatcom counties. 

This position will complete all types of property valuation assignments for WSDOT in compliance with Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and WSDOT rules and regulations. This position applies independent judgement and advanced technical knowledge to appraise/co-appraise complex/non-complex properties for surpluses, leases, and acquisitions as well as prepare Project Funding Estimates and Appraisal Waivers. 

The successful candidate appointed to this unique position will serve a vital role in support of WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality.

Job description and application


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LFP Police: Be cautious in school zones

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
A friendly reminder from Lake Forest Park Police:

The new school term begins in two weeks on Tuesday, August 27th. Please be aware that school zone cameras will be active Monday through Friday during the hours of 7:30am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 4:30pm.

On Wednesdays with early release, the camera times will adjust to 7:30am to 9:30am and 1:00pm to 2:30pm. Half Day enforceable times are 7:30am to 9:30am and 11:00am to 12:30pm.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
We kindly ask that you remain extra cautious when driving through school zones, keeping a sharp lookout for pedestrians and school buses. 

Be prepared for potential delays during drop-off and pick-up times.

We sincerely appreciate your patience and dedication to keeping our children safe. 

While we may not always be able to respond to social media posts, please don't hesitate to contact us at 206-364-8216 with any questions.


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School starts in two weeks

Shoreline Schools start classes in two weeks, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. (Where did summer go?)

Do you know anyone in your neighborhood, around the community, or in the area who hasn't yet enrolled their child for school?

Make sure they visit ssd412.org/enroll ASAP to get their child signed up.

The more accurate our enrollment numbers are, the better we can staff our schools to serve each and every student this year!

School offices are open to support families who may need help. Find office contact info here


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Jazz Walk 2024 provided music, food, and fun for an appreciative all-ages crowd

By Diane Hettrick
Photos by Mike Remarcke

The North City Business Association held its annual Jazz Walk on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

On the street two bands - Hook Me Up and Jazz Overdrive regaled the attendees, while food trucks and beer gardens offered food and drink.

There were activities for kids and no age restriction for face painting.

There was seating at the outdoor venues but if you were a teenager you could just pull up a convenient section of curb and take a seat.

Five blocks of 15th NE, from NE 175th to NE 180th were closed to traffic, so music lovers could wander from venue to venue without fear.

Inside the venues there were tables and chairs, food and drink for purchase, and favorite jazz performers. Pearl Django played the North City Bistro.

St. Mark's was a venue this year and opened their lot for parking. Shorecrest grad Stacy Jones and her band rocked the hall.

Bethel Lutheran hosted Marina Albero. Marina Albero was born in Barcelona and received her music training there. She performed in Spain with her family group. Since moving to Seattle Marina has been piano chair at Teatro Zinzanni and has been invited to present her music at the Ballard Jazz Festival, Earshot Jazz Festival, Marymoor Live, KNKX live studios and Jazz Northwest. 

The pride of Lake Forest Park Rotary, Greg Schroeder filled the cozy setting of the North City Lounge with music.

Greta Matassa has worked with top jazz musicians in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. In 2016 She was featured with bassist John Clayton’s group in a centennial tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. On Tuesday, she
entertained the dinner crowd at Sodam Chicken. 

Seattle jazz vibraphonist Susan Pascal has played four tours of Singapore and concerts, workshops and clinics across the United States. This night she was playing in the Easy Monkey Taphouse.

A soulful baritone reminiscent of greats from the past like Lou Rawls and Nat King Cole, Reggie Goings performed standards, blues, and original songs for the audience at North City Water District headquarters.



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Trumpet Vine - invasive but beautiful

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

 
Photo by Lee Wolfe

Our trumpet vine is in bloom and is attracting winged creatures including hummingbirds, assorted bees and hornets. 

It can be an invasive plant and bears watching if you don’t want it to take over the garden, but its beauty is undeniable.

--Lee Wolfe


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ShoreLake Arts is moving forward

ShoreLake Arts is celebrating its 35th year of supporting the arts and providing arts experiences in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. 


It is with great excitement that ShoreLake Arts looks forward to some upcoming changes. We have a new leader to help steward the organization forward, we are planning for a more visible and accessible location in the Ridgecrest neighborhood, and we are expecting continued expansion of our education programs and special events.

Laura James, Director ShoreLake Arts
ShoreLake Arts welcomes Laura James as our new Executive Director

Laura comes to us with deep roots in our community, a background in art, art education and private business and an unparalleled passion for ShoreLake Arts. 

Laura is an active member of the community with extensive volunteer experience in local schools. 

Laura filled in as ShoreLake Arts temporary Managing Director earlier this year. 

John Farrimond, our recent Executive Director, has found a new opportunity far afield and we appreciate his help during this transition time for us.

ShoreLake Arts will move to Ridgecrest business district

It is through Laura’s efforts that ShoreLake Arts is pursuing a move from the Shoreline Center to a storefront in the Ridgecrest neighborhood that will make us more visible to the community. The Ridgecrest neighborhood is accessible to both Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. The new location will be ShoreLake Arts’ operating office as well as occasional art class/pop up art location.

Gallery at Third Place Commons closes

And that brings us to another big change. We have closed the Gallery at Third Place Commons to bring all of our endeavors to one location. 

It is with great appreciation and thanks that we say goodbye to Gallery Manager, Lisa Palmatier. For many years she has curated artists to bring some wonderful artwork into our community for purchase. We also want to thank Barbara Angersbach and Jennifer Munson for all of their hard work in taking care of our customers. We will continue to carry links to artists and their work on our website and be your community resource for local artwork.

We are looking forward to the next 35 years. We expect many years at our new location in Ridgecrest and being a more visible and active partner in our community. Thank you for your continued support! 

For our current events or to get involved in ShoreLake Arts, please visit https://www.shorelakearts.org.

--Nancy Malek and Tracy Furutani, ShoreLake Arts Co-Presidents


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Swat

 




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July / August Accomplishments at Ching Community Gardens

By Londa Jacques

Even though our teams have been smaller lately due to the hot summer, vacations and family visits, significant progress is still being made at the garden every Saturday. 

Here's what our dedicated volunteers have accomplished at the Ching Community Gardens in the last few weeks...

July Highlights

On July 26, 32 14 and 15 year old students in the Lakeside Educational Enrichment Program (LEEP) came out to volunteer. They were a force to be reckoned with! 

The group had been well prepared and knew exactly what to expect when they arrived, thanks to the teachers, counselors, and Kathleen Lumiere's presentation at the school the day before. 

The teens formed six separate groups that tackled various projects. Two crews tackled the blackberries along the south fence, determined not to quit until they broke through to the property line. Maryn Wynne led the tire team on a trek to the northeast corner to pull out several tires and haul them 300 feet to the dumpster. 

Two more crews focused on cutting a wide swath of re-emerging weeds and blackberries for the new path. 

An eight-person crew dubbed the "tarp team" grabbed the tarps full of brambles and branches and hauled them up the driveway, calling out to their fellow team members as they went to avoid trip hazards along the way. It was clear that this was not their first team-building exercise of the summer.

When the crews broke for lunch they made a beeline for the cool, shady shed, planted themselves on their Dunn buckets, and dove into their backpacks and sack lunches. In 20 minutes, recharged, the crews were ready to go again! 

The teams had each set their own goals, and they were determined to achieve them. 

Special thanks to Mike Dunn and Dunn Lumber for donating the 40 new 5-gallon buckets.

After lunch about a dozen kids formed a bucket brigade, laying down the new wood chip path all the way to the clearing just before the bamboo clumps at the back of the property. They took turns carefully pitch-forking chips into their buckets, spreading them, raking, and stomping down the high spots, and filling in the low spots.

They quickly caught onto the "food forest" concept shared with them during their orientation. Branches of ripening blackberries were carried up to the table, the berries picked, washed and shared. 

The hundreds of apples that had fallen from the trees were picked up, put in buckets, and hauled to the dumpster, but not until many kids had sampled them, taken large bites, and declared them good! 

At the end of the day, the last group of teens waiting for transport returned to the back of the garden to the ripening Shiro plum tree, and gathered the golden delicacies to take home to share with their families, stuffing their backpacks or cradling them in slings made from their T-shirts.

Although these teenagers had been together in their summer program for only three weeks, it was clear they had bonded and formed close, inclusive, respectful relationships. With the day's work concluded, several students promised to return to help again.

August Triumphs and Challenges
  • True to their promise, seven of our LEEP student volunteers have returned to volunteer!
  • After months of searching, the water main has been found! 
  • A new hose bib has been installed, and with the help of 250 feet of hose, we were finally able to get water to most of the parched fruit trees.
We also discovered a 9th rose among the brambles, and have the outlines of the original rose garden that we plan to mulch and feed with bone meal to strengthen their root system as they go dormant for winter. 

Although spindly, having reached for sunlight through their weedy prison, all appear to be relatively disease free, and some have put out a bloom or two.

Alas, in early August, we arrived at the garden to find our tool storage unit cut and some of our pruning loppers, a bucket of safety goggles and other hand tools stolen. Disappointed, but undeterred, the work continues... with more security and sturdier locks.
 
Permitting on the house demolition is getting closer to completion, and with fingers crossed for a September - October demolition that is expected to take 3-4 weeks. At that point, fences will go up, and volunteer work will stop until the work is complete and the site is safe. 


Volunteer

Until then, the big push is underway to get as much done as possible every Saturday morning from 9am to Noon.

Our focus this week will be to complete clearing of the rose garden area and finally reach the persimmon tree that is still surrounded by invasives. 

Work parties have a capacity of up to 15 volunteers. Private weekday work parties and tours are also being booked now. Special requests should be made via email to info@digginshoreline.org

Sign up for a work party here  https://volunteersignup.org/T97CF. Parking is available in the nearby Shoreline Community College visitor lot at the south end of the campus.

Donate

Not able to volunteer? Donating to the garden is a great way to participate. 

Donate to Ching Community Gardens here
All donations received are exclusively for the support of Ching, managed by our fiscal sponsor, GROW.

With immense gratitude to our loyal volunteers and supporters,

Londa Jacques
on behalf of Diggin' Shoreline and the Ching Community Gardens Leadership Team

email: info@digginshoreline.org
Website: www.digginshoreline.org
Texts and messages: 206-437-9118


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Santa Fe Mexican Grill & Cantina closed by health department for insufficient refrigeration

Santa Fe Mexican Grill closed by Health Department

Public Health - Seattle & King County:

Santa Fe Mexican Grill & Cantina at 630 NW Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline, WA 98177

Closed: August 13, 2024 at 12 pm

Reasons: Imminent health hazard: Insufficient refrigeration to keep food safe

Status: Closed

Establishments are allowed to reopen after correcting the situation and a follow up from the health department.



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Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training starts on Thursday, September 12, 2024


The Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) is pleased to announce the next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training starts on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

The CERT basic curriculum teaches community residents how to prepare themselves, their families and neighbors for an emergency, disaster or other community incident. 

Regardless of your age, background, experience or capabilities, there is something you can do to help yourself, your family and your community. 

Classes are presented by trained CERT instructors in the areas of Fire Safety, Basic First Aid, Disaster Medical Operations, Light Search & Rescue, Utility Management, and overall preparedness.

CERT is for everyone! 

Topics are presented in an easy-to-understand, step-by-step process, with hands-on training to build your knowledge and skills. After some class practice, you and your classmates will participate in a disaster simulation to give you the opportunity to apply what you have learned and build confidence in your new skills and abilities.

The CERT course will be in a seven-week format:
After completing this CERT course, the opportunities do not end. 

Join us at NEMCo to become one of our CERT volunteers or community members who serve our Northshore community, police, and fire departments throughout the year by participating at community events and so much more. 

NEMCo also offers additional training in GMRS Emergency Radio Communications, amateur radio (ham) communications, Emergency Operations Center management, and its drone program, along with more specialized member training through our monthly training program.

For additional information about NEMCo, please check out our website: www.northshoreEMC.com.


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Jobs: Lake Forest Park Senior Planner

Tuesday, August 13, 2024


City of Lake Forest Park
Senior Planner
$42.53 - $56.70 Hourly

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.

Job description and application


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WSDOT Request For Proposal Development Specialist (TE3)

WSDOT
Request For Proposal Development Specialist (TE3)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$78,460 - $105,550 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 3 to serve as the Requests for Proposal (RFP) Development Specialist in Shoreline, WA. This position is critical in fostering a respectful and healthy work environment with focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. This position supports that mission by developing procurement schedules for design-build projects, collaborating with Project Development teams to set projects goals evaluation criteria, reviewing Requests for Proposals (RFP) documents, and facilitating the review and evaluation of Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) and Proposals.

Job description and application


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Jobs: WSDOT IT Application Development – Entry

WSDOT
IT Application Development – Entry
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$79,770 - $107,276 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a skilled and professional individual to fill a role at the IT Application Development – Entry level in Shoreline, WA. 

The Traffic Management Center (TMC) operates and controls integrated traffic management systems in one of the most congested and complex freeway networks in the country. The software group designs, programs, enhances, and maintains one of the most advanced transportation operations software suites in the nation that includes tolling, surveillance, tunnels, express lanes, public information, web services, and freeway control and operation. 

This software suite is operated in full or in part across the state. Programming principles are directed by laws and codes and set rates for toll revenue collection, support life and safety, and direct and advise travelers on routing. This position creates and maintains applications as part of the TMS Software Team.

This position helps deliver WSDOT’s mission through working with the software development and traffic management teams to develop, enhance, support, and maintain Traffic Management Systems (TMS) within WSDOT. The duties include requirements gathering, application design, coding, testing, deployment, and maintenance in an iterative and interactive style of development. This position fosters a respectful and healthy work environment with focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Job description and application


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