Public hearing in Lake Forest Park regarding acquisition of forested land adjacent to Five Acre Woods

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Property adjacent to Five Acre Woods available for purchase
by City of Lake Forest Park
The City of Lake Forest Park invites the public to provide their comments at the upcoming Special City Council Meeting on August 29, 2024. 

The primary agenda item for this meeting is the consideration of Resolution 24-1962, which involves approving the Purchase and Sale Agreement for acquiring property located at 19001 40th Place. 

The agenda for the meeting can be found here.

This 2.43-acre property, located adjacent to Five Acre Woods Park, offers a unique opportunity to preserve a significant urban forest area. 

Purchasing and preserving this property will provide several benefits, including:
  • Expansion of Green Space: The acquisition would expand Five Acre Woods Park, providing more recreational space and enhancing public access to nature.
  • Environmental Preservation: The heavily treed property consists of a second-growth forest, which contributes to local biodiversity, supports wildlife habitats, and helps maintain an ecological balance within the urban environment.
  • Sustainable Development: By preserving the property as a natural area, the City can ensure that the land is not developed by private interests, thereby maintaining the community's character and integrity.
  • Community Health and Well-being: Increased access to natural spaces has been shown to improve mental and physical health, making this acquisition a valuable investment in the well-being of Lake Forest Park residents.
We encourage all community members to attend the meeting and share their thoughts on this significant opportunity to preserve and expand our parkland. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our community spaces.

Meeting Details:

Date: August 29, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ATTENDING THIS MEETING VIRTUALLY:

Join Zoom Webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82544268482
Call into Webinar: 253-215-8782 | Webinar ID: 825 4426 8482

HOW TO PARTICIPATE WITH ORAL COMMENTS:

If you are attending the meeting in person, there is a sign-in sheet located near the entrance to the Council Chambers. Simply fill the form out, and the Mayor will call your name at the appropriate time. Oral comments are limited to 3:00 minutes per speaker and are not being accepted via Zoom.

The meeting is being recorded.

HOW TO SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS:

Written comments will be submitted to the Council if received by 5:00 p.m. on the meeting date; otherwise, they will be provided to the City Council the next day. The City Clerk will read your name and subject matter into the record during Public Comments.

For more information, please contact City Clerk Matt McLean at 206-364-5440 or mmclean@cityoflfp.gov.


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Kenmore Police would like to chat with this person...

Kenmore Police say "We would like to chat with this person, who believes that tagging our beloved Log Boom Park with spray paint is acceptable."

If you know him, contact Kenmore Police Non-Emergency Line: (206) 296-3311.


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Shoreline Schools start classes Tuesday August 27, 2024

By Diane Hettrick

This is the first time in years that school has started before Labor Day. 

The last time it happened a lot of families were caught flat-footed. They had made vacation plans, assuming they would have Labor Day weekend before school started.

I talked to one mom who had planned her wedding for the end of August.

Don't assume that people have seen the notices. Mention it to anyone with school aged kids and particularly to people who are new to Shoreline or have kindergartners.



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Travels with Charlie: Invasive Blackberries are being removed

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

The recent hot weather had sent us to more shaded spots for our wanderings. Charlie and I had a chance to visit Horizon View Park on this perfect afternoon.. Over the last couple of weeks, fantastic progress in the park!

Photo by Gordon Snyder

A Great Surprise as we walked the path above the Playfield…
The massive amounts of Invasive Blackberries are being removed. These were huge impenetrable patches.

This area was covered 6 to 8 feet high. I always picked a few ripe summer berries when we walked by, but no way you could walk into it to pick more.

The Blackberry vines had completely taken over the shoulder areas that surround part of the court. It’s off to the right.

Photo by Gordon Snyder

No way anyone, other than a rabbit, could get thru any of it. Now look. Charlie is checking it out.

This area was totally inaccessible. Only that green path around the court wasn’t blackberry territory.

Photo by Gordon Snyder

Heading away from the court… More Blackberry bushes have been removed as you walk by the court.

Photo by Gordon Snyder

And, wandering along, a huge area down the slope from the path is being cleared.

Photo by Gordon Snyder

Next comes the hard part… Keeping the Blackberries from coming back over the next few seasons.

Keep up the good work.

Cheers,
Gordon Snyder


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Designing the Northwest Garden - free class from North City Water September 18, 2024

Whether you are starting with a bare yard or trying to give your existing landscape a northwest vibe, this class has all sorts of advice and tips for you.

Designing the Northwest Garden
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
6:30–8:00 pm
at North City Water District
1519 NE 177th Street in Shoreline
FREE

Northwest native plants—ranging from vine maple, flowering currants, oregon grape, and salal, to sword ferns, oxalis, and wild strawberries—require less care and are amazing for attracting wildlife, birds, and pollinators. This class will focus on sustainable landscapes that are people and wildlife friendly, and help you learn how to "plan it before you plant it."

Class is free, but you must register to attend.

Contact in advance by email to customerservice@northcitywater.org or call the office at 206-362-8100.

About The Presenter

Greg Rabourn’s passion for native plants collided with his dislike of mowing many years ago. He has been practicing and promoting native plant and low maintenance landscaping techniques ever since. 

Greg was a weekly guest for the Greendays Gardening Panel, on KUOW, 94.9 FM. He was also co-host of KCTV's natural yard care TV show. 

Greg currently works for King County's Department of Natural Resources and Parks as a Community Stewardship Specialist and Project Program Manager for Watershed Stewardship.

Learn More about Native Gardening


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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Math




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What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? August 21 – August 27


By Kate Ledbetter, Destination Shoreline
 
What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? 
August 21 – August 27, 2024

From Fix-It Night at the Shoreline Tool Library to a Wild Adventures Concert for the little ones, there's something for everyone this week in Shoreline. Dive into hands-on workshops, groove to live music, and celebrate with the community at CRISTA Summer Fest. Don't miss out on the Shoreline Farmers Market and a fun-filled Back to School Game Day! August 27 is the first day of school for Shoreline Public Schools.
Keep reading for more details or visit https://www.destinationshoreline.com/calendar.
 
Fix-It Night at the Shoreline Tool Library
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Shoreline Tool Library
Bring your broken household items for a night of fixing and community building at the Shoreline Tool Library! It’s time to start collecting all those items around the house that need to be fixed but you don’t know how. We are having a fixing night at the new Shoreline Tool Library. We will help you fix and learn to fix your broken tools, lamps, toys, furniture, appliances, and any other broken items that you can carry in on your own. We encourage you to help as much as you can and enjoy the community of reuse!  If you are excited about fixing and want to help out with this event or other fixing opportunities we are looking for more fixers. Sign up to help out at this event below or join our list of fixers by sending us an email at ShorelineTL@seattlereconomy.org. 
 
Wild Adventures Concert
Thursday, August 22, 2024
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Shoreline Library
Have you ever met a saber tooth tiger? How close would you get to a king cobra? Join Mikey the Rad Scientist on a whirlwind musical adventure through time and space, exploring ecosystems and the creatures that live there. Sing, dance and celebrate our unique and wild world! Sponsored by the Friends of the Shoreline Library. Ages 1 to 8 with adult. Registration not required. 
 
Herbal Salve and Balms Workshop
Thursday, August 22, 2024
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
Making herbal crafts is a fun and easy hobby to dive into. In this workshop, you will learn how to make herbal salves and balms, using commonly available garden herbs. Participants will leave with the tools to create their own herbal ointments, and become familiar with ways to incorporate them into their daily lives. Class price/fee includes an herbal salve and lip balms to take home. Fee course; registration required.
 
Shoreline Farmers Market
Saturday, August 24, 2024
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
BikeLink Park & Ride
Shoreline's community hub for farm fresh & local foods, flowers, baked goods, local honey, live music, food trucks, kids programming, and so much more. Join us every Saturday through October 5th, located at the BikeLink Park & Ride (corner of 192nd & Aurora, across from Sky Nursery). 
 
CRISTA Summer Fest!
Saturday, August 24, 2024
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
CRISTA Ministries
On August 24, 2024, we would be honored to host you and your loved ones at CRISTA Family of Ministries to celebrate 75 years in the greater Shoreline Community. 
10:00 AM—5:00 PM: CRISTA Camps rock climbing wall and free Kettle Corn Kid’s Zone with Bouncy Houses, Lawn Games, and Arts & Crafts  
10:00 AM—2:00 PM: Classic Car Show with CRISTA Senior Living with FREE Ice Cream and Hot Dogs from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM 
5:00 PM—7:00 PM: Prayer & Worship Night with SPIRIT 105.3 and PRAISE 106.5 
Food trucks and designated lawn areas for picnicking are available.
 
Back to School Game Day
Saturday, August 24, 2024
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Shoreline Library
Play a variety of video, board and card games! Bring friends and challenge them to a game of chess or play Smash Brothers on a big screen. Try Battleship or Jenga! All ages welcome. Registration not required.
 
First day of school grades 1-12 - Shoreline School District
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Shoreline Public Schools
 
For more information and more upcoming events, visit the Shoreline events calendar on https://www.destinationshoreline.com/calendar
To have your event included please email DestinationShoreline@gmail.com.

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Backyard Birds: Fence sitter

Photo by Lee Wolfe

This little one enjoyed a convenient perch for reaching the blossoms. Hummingbirds have been very busy in our garden recently.

--Lee Wolfe


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Family Day at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market this Sunday, August 25, 2024

Join the family friendly festivities this Sunday, August 25, 2024 with Family Day at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market!

We’ll have live music with local favorite Dan Benson on string bass with Andy Roben on piano (10 a.m. to noon) and Kevin Boyd on vibraphones (noon to 2pm). Each duo will play a fabulous selection of jazz, Latin, and popular songs that Family Day attendees of all ages will enjoy!

Be sure to bring the kiddos 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! Kids can also color salmon, climb on and explore the Big Rigs that the City will have on hand, and take home environmentally friendly giveaways.

Of course, you’ll always find the best, freshest and most delicious locally grown and produced fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, sweets, baked goods, adult beverages, coffee, savory snacks, hot foods, cool treats, beautiful flowers, and unique specialty items at the market.

A good time will be had by all, so don’t miss Family Day at the LFP Farmers Market this Sunday from 10am to 2pm!

Co-presented in partnership with the City of Lake Forest Park and with generous support from 4Culture.

The Lake Forest Park Farmers Market is a program of Third Place Commons, a community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The market takes place every Sunday, 10-2, and is located in the parking lot at the Town Center at Lake Forest Park, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155.


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North City Neighborhood Association to host Shoreline North / 185th station opening Friday August 30

In 10 days, Sound Transit is opening the 1 Line Extension to Lynnwood with four new stations: Shoreline South/148th, Shoreline North/185th, Mountlake Terrace, and Lynnwood City Center. 

Each station will have a unique opening event to kick off the Labor Day weekend, featuring night markets, food trucks, and entertainment. All events take place 4 – 8pm and will be produced by local community groups, with sponsorship from Sound Transit. (Sound Transit event link)

North City is excited to have the Shoreline North station in its own backyard and is throwing a party to celebrate! Join the fun, and "Let’s Get Moving!"

Enjoy a vibrant mix of dance and music with performances from Shorecrest and Shorewood Hip Hop teams, Mak Fai Lion Dance, and BOOTS, a lively ‘60s Go-Go Dance Party. 

Keep the energy up with DJ Kurt Bloch and Emcee Troy Nelson from KEXP. Head to the upstairs deck for bike and scooter demos from Lime, plus free helmet giveaways. 

Indulge in a variety of eats at the Food Village, featuring food trucks and local vendors, and explore the marketplace on the main plaza with goods and information from public agencies, nonprofits, and local artisans. For more detailed information, see the North City Neighborhood Association webpage.

It's a family-friendly party to kick off your holiday weekend and discover the new station!

About the North City Neighborhood Association

North City is one of 14 Shoreline neighborhoods, created at the city’s founding in 1995. Through the neighborhoods program, the City supports neighborhood associations to facilitate residents working together to improve their community and neighborhood.

Neighborhood volunteers create a sense of community in their neighborhoods by organizing social events, coordinating Shoreline Watch activities, implementing Neighborhood Mini-Grant projects, planning speakers, and sharing information through newsletters, websites, and social media.

Mark Notermann
North City Neighborhood Association Chair/Communications Director



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Apply to be a member of the Governor's Committee on Disability Issues & Employment

OLYMPIA - If you are interested in disability justice and want to influence state decision makers, apply to become a volunteer member of the Washington State Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment (GCDE).

The GCDE is recruiting a new chairperson and new members. The application deadline is September 13, 2024.

The committee has 25 members, all appointed by the governor. Each serves a 3-year term with the possibility of being appointed to a second 3-year term.

Gov. Jay Inslee will appoint new members to serve terms starting the first part of 2025.

Committee members can live anywhere in Washington. They must meet one or more of these criteria:
  • Have a disability.
  • Have a family member with a disability.
  • Provide services to, or be an advocate for, people with disabilities.
  • Work alongside others in the disability community to bring awareness and passion to projects that impact people with disabilities statewide.

GCDE members serve on subcommittees that work on a variety of projects, such as community outreach and an employer awards program. New members are asked to serve on one or two subcommittees that most interest them.

Find application instructions, and information about member qualifications and responsibilities on the GCDE Become a member page.

Go to the Employment Security Department (ESD) website to learn more about GCDE and its current members. ESD provides administrative support to the GCDE.

Questions?
Contact Membership Program Coordinator Elaine Stefanowicz, 360-890-3774.


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Sound Transit fares changing August 30, 2024

ORCA card machine
Photo courtesy Sound Transit
Link 1 (Lynnwood to Angle Lake) and Link 2 (serving the east side)  Line fares changing August 30
$3 flat fare for adult passengers will replace distance-based fares

Starting Friday, August 30, the regular adult fare for Link light rail will be $3. This flat fare will replace Sound Transit’s distance-based fares, which range from $2.25 to $3.50. One-way fares for the T Line in Tacoma will remain $2.

Also starting August 30, the price for an Adult ORCA day pass will drop to $6 from the current $8 as part of a six-month promotional period. Under this ORCA promotion, the price for a reduced-fare pass will drop from $4 to $2. 

The ORCA LIFT program is unchanged, and youth 18 and under continue to ride free.

The change to flat fares will simplify Link travel by eliminating the need for passengers using ORCA cards to tap off when they complete their trip. Link 1 Line and 2 Line passengers will only need to tap before entering the fare-paid zone. 

Sounder train passengers will continue to tap on before boarding and tap off when they exit.

The Sound Transit Board approved the move to the new $3 flat fare for Link 1 and 2 Lines in December 2023 following public and passenger engagement about the proposed change, and after considering the potential impacts on ridership, equity and the agency financial plan.

"After months of careful consideration, the Board has decided on a simple, flat fare to help boost ridership in the post-pandemic era, facilitate seamless regional integration, uphold our commitment to equity and maintain financial responsibility.
"These changes will enable daily commuters, occasional riders and visitors to easily and confidently rely on transit to get around," said King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair Dow Constantine.

Fares on Link have not changed since 2015. As the system expands, distance-based fares would become more complicated with some fare rates reaching $5 or more. The new flat fare is simpler and will position Link fares to integrate better within the regional transit system.

“Moving to a flat fare will make it easier for people to take Link light rail at a time when we expect many new riders with the imminent opening of the 1 Line to the Lynnwood City Center Station, the completion of the 2 Line to downtown Seattle and the expansion of service to Federal Way,” said Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman.

The change to flat fares coincides with the opening of the Lynnwood Link Extension on August 30. This extension to the 1 Line will add 8.5 miles and four new stations, including the first ones in Snohomish County. Link 2 Line service to Downtown Redmond is expected to open early next year, followed later in the year by the rest of the 2 Line. The Federal Way extension is set to open in early 2026.

 Information about fares and how to ride here.


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Why is Aurora Avenue crime concentrated in Seattle, not Shoreline?

Photos of the newly completed Aurora Corridor 2015
Courtesy City of Shoreline

By Diane Hettrick

There's no question that the northern stretch of Aurora in Seattle - from 105th to 145th - is the wild west. Drive by shootings, pot shop invasions, pedestrians on the sidewalk hit by cars, drug deals. There is prostitution but the crime seems to center on gun battles between pimps.

The Seattle City Council is considering tackling the problem by declaring it a 'no prostitution' zone. And they can't help but notice that all those problems stop at the city border and are non-existent in Shoreline.

This article by Amy Radil in KUOW.org discusses this and interviews Shoreline Police Chief Kelly Park, Capt. Tim Meyer, and Jim Hammond, Shoreline's intergovernmental relations manager to find out what Shoreline is doing right.



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Gloria's Insects: We've got a deal, said Sylvia the sweat bee (Green Metallic!) to Adam the flying ant

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Green metallic sweat bee and flying ant
Photo by Gloria Z. Nagler

You take the smaller blossoms, leave the biggies to me! 

(Don't think I've ever seen so much pollen on so many legs! Go, Sylvia! 

Seen in Seattle park last week. And l am not 100% certain on species i.d.)

--Gloria Z Nagler


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Shoreline Library Resource Fair Thursday, August 29, 2024

Shoreline Library Resource Fair
Thursday, August 29, 10:00am – 2:00pm

Social service providers will be available to help connect attendees with resources such as healthcare, education, legal clinics and more! 

Participating agencies may include: 

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Jobs: North Helpline Operations Coordinator

North Helpline
Operations Coordinator
$73,000 year with benefits
Full time

North Helpline is hiring an Operations Coordinator. 

The primary responsibility is to ensure successful operation of our facilities as well as the Grocery Rescue program. 

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Answers to readers' questions about the Shoreline North light rail station

Shoreline North 185th Station
Aerial photo by David Carlos
By Diane Hettrick

In anticipation of the opening of the light rail stations on August 30, 2024, readers have sent in a few questions regarding the Shoreline North station at 185th.

I asked Erik Ashlie-Vinke, Government & Community Relations Director – North Corridor and here are his responses.

1.  Will the station be ready by the August 30th opening date?

Yes the station will be ready for opening on North Shoreline.

2.  Are there elevators at the station?

There are elevators at the station.

3.  When we are on Link 1 Line and getting off at the 185th Station are there going to be buses people can catch? I am in a wheelchair and need to get to Aurora Transit

Erik contacted Metro with this questions and this is their response:

“The long-term stops have been closed due to Link construction. I asked our bus stop folks and they are looking into whether there is a safe place to put temporary stops for Aug 30-Sep 13. The currently active stops are not close to the station. So the answer is, “Metro is looking at using temporary stops closer to the station, if it can be done safely, before service changes to use the station’s bus loop starting on September 14.” 

Otherwise, the following bus service at Shoreline North/185th will be available with the September service change:

King County Metro
Community Transit
Of those three routes, the Metro 348 and CT Swift Blue Line will provide connections from Shoreline North/185th to Aurora/99.

Metro should update in the next week on whether or not they are able to bring the 348 to Shoreline North/185th before opening day.


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GardenGuy: Planting an Autumn Vegetable Garden

By Bruce Bennett

It’s August already! How did that happen? It seems it was only a few weeks ago that I was watching my spring bulbs emerging to brighten a slate-gray early spring landscape. Now, you may think August is not the best of times to plant anything new in the way of perennials and shrubs, but, what about an autumn veggie garden. 

Let’s reconsider that idea. Think about the positive side of the positive side of this endeavor: the soil is already warm, many vegetables enjoy cooler temperatures and this year’s seed packets are probably on sale, whether online or in the stores. 

When you think about what your piece of real estate costs and the reduced amounts of water you’ll need for irrigation, you can’t afford NOT to use your veggie garden as much as possible and, remember, autumn gardening increases your garden usage by, at least, 30%. The cost of all those new fresh veggies you didn’t need to purchase can go toward paying your October property taxes!

Chard. Photo from creativecommons.org
You are probably seeing bare spots of soil that have already been harvested in your planting beds. But there are any number of veggies that can still be late-planted to fill those gaps and get you through the autumn and winter weather. 

In general, vegetables that grow best in cooler weather are leafy greens, root crops and members of the cabbage (Brassicas/Cruciferous) family. They can all do well in our USDA Zones 7 – 9 late-season gardens. Think about adding beets, carrots, endive, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, mustard greens, peas, radishes, turnips, spinach Swiss chard and oriental vegetables like Chinese cabbage and Bok choy. 

And, there are more. All can be planted in August for autumn and winter harvesting. In addition, garlic can be planted as late as two to four weeks before the first frost and harvested the following summer. 

Shallots can be planted after the first frost. Don't plant earlier because any top growth they may send up will be impacted by early autumn frosts. 

The other great things about an autumn garden include the benefits of fewer plant-damaging pests and diseases around, fewer weeds to challenge your backs and knees and that warm soil surrounds you. Plus, the autumn rains mean you won't need to water as frequently, if at all. Some crops even taste better when subjected to some light frost.

Lettuce and kale.
Photo from Pexels.com
Believe it or not, I think my autumn crops of lettuce, mesclun and Swiss Chard are better tasting than the ones I harvest in spring. 

Also, multicolored stemmed ‘Bright Lights’ Swiss Chard backed by ‘Red Sails’ Kale, makes a decorative planting whether or not you decide to eat them. 

I have had similar good results with fall plantings of Brussel sprouts which tend to be more tender and sweeter. Okay, I understand that Brussel sprouts are not for everyone’s tastes, but, there are plenty of other nutritious alternatives that can grace your plates and stews. 

When shopping those on-sale seed racks, choose veggie varieties that are touted as ‘shorter or fewer days to harvest’, ‘for cooler temperatures’ and ‘cold hardiness and quick maturity’. 

Being a good gardener also means being a good researcher. Read the fine print on the seed packs!

Image from pixabay.com
According to the WSU Extension, the average date for the first fall frost in western Washington is right around November 10. 

So, you have quite a bit of growing time left for vegetables that are planted in August. Spinach and other greens can even be planted in September. 

All the vegetables listed above can easily survive light frost if provided with some kind of protection, and some can even make it through all the way the cold winter weather. 

Remember that the warm Summer weather which often follows the first frost is some of the best growing weather of the year for cool weather plants When you hear about an impending frost, consider tossing a spun floating row cover (AKA Remay) over the new seedlings. Even plastic sheeting or old bed sheets can do the trick.

Frost can make your vegetables taste better.
Image by pexels.com
When planting seeds for your fall garden, keep in mind that growing conditions are different for summer plantings:

*Rains are usually still infrequent but heavier. Provide constant soil moisture for good germination and to get your plants well established.
*Plant seeds deeper than in the spring so they will be in a moister and cooler layer of the soil. It is also a good idea to shade newly emerging seedlings until most have germinated and matured to the point of having true leaves and/or the weather has cooled.
*Expect longer growing times. As temperatures drop, germination and growing times may increase. You might need to add a week or two to the expected time your harvests.
*Think about adding mulch to the growing beds. Mulch is an excellent autumn vegetable bed addition. It helps keep soils cool when falls are unseasonably warm and, then, insulates plant roots when frosts and cold weather do arrive.
*At the end of your extended growing season, or prior to the next traditional spring planting, remember to add your soil amendments. Compost and slow-acting organic fertilizer are beneficial for most planting beds to feed the plants, improve soil texture, feed the soil microbes and better retainment of moisture. Consider loosening the soil a bit if it became compacted over the previous growing season.

These easy steps can add a new gardening experience (and a tasty one at that!) to any gardener’s repertoire of horticultural skills. Could you be the only house or condo on the block who can still say, “Why, yes, this is from my over-producing garden.” in the months of December or January. Show the neighbors that you are ‘the one’ to talk to about their gardening questions and bask in the glory of the autumn sunshine. 

Happy gardening all!

Additional Reading
Forkner, Lorene E. Guide to Vegetable Gardening in the Pacific Northwest. 2013. Portland, OR: Timber Press.
Taylor, Lisa (ed). Maritime Northwest Garden Guide. 2014. Seattle, WA: Tilth Alliance.
Thorness, Bill. Cool Season Gardner. 2013. Seattle, WA: Skipstone.

GardenGuy Bruce Bennett
Contributing columnist, Bruce Bennett, is a WSU Certified Master Gardener, Certified Professional Horticulturalist and lecturer. If you have questions concerning this article, have a gardening question or two to ask concerning your own landscape or want to suggest a topic for a future column, contact him at: gardenguy4u@gmail.com.

Previous GardenGuy columns can be seen here.


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Shorenorth preschool story time and book fair at Ridgecrest Books Thursday August 22, 2024


Ridgecrest Books is partnering with Shorenorth preschool for a story time and book fair this Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 11am. 

Everyone is welcome.

The Shorenorth teachers will read for the kids and 20% of the purchases made in tandem with this event will go back to the preschool as a credit to spend on books for the school.

This offer extends to Sunday August 25th.

Ridgecrest Books is located in the Ridgecrest business district at 512 NE 165th St, Shoreline WA 98155.



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‘Operation Safe Transit’ initiative focused on transit and transit locations

To deter and respond to security challenges, Metro more than doubled the number of Transit Security Officers, expanded their areas and routes, and moved to 24/7 coverage. They are adding more Metro Transit Police officers, too. Photo courtesy Metro Transit

King County Executive Dow Constantine and the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) announced four arrests as part of a larger public safety initiative to make transit safer, combat crime, and provide behavioral health supports and resources, particularly along the transit corridor in downtown Seattle.

The larger initiative, known as “Operation Safe Transit,” was launched by KCSO on May 1 as a pilot program focused on targeted work on transit and at transit locations such as bus stops and station platforms.

The enforcement completed on Wednesday is an example of the type of efforts Operation Safe Transit includes and resulted in arrests of four individuals, three of whom are known drug dealers. The fourth suspect had a warrant for assault. Deputies also recovered drugs and two handguns, one of which was stolen.

Operation Safe Transit leverages years of experience and knowledge from security officers, co-response teams, and law enforcement to effectively increase public safety and combat crime. 

The Seattle Police Department, King County Metro, Sound Transit, and other partners are collaborating with KCSO on this initiative. At the request of KCSO, the King County jail has made exceptions to bookings for misdemeanor crimes committed in the transit system since the operation began in May.

“Public safety requires a multi-faceted approach, with agencies, branches of government, and jurisdictions working in concert, and that is the approach we are taking to challenges at or near transit facilities in downtown Seattle,” said Executive Constantine.
“Seattle streets host Metro bus stops and Sound Transit rail stations, and we are building seamless collaboration across local governments, departments, and agencies to ensure those stations, stops, and streets are clean and safe.”

“We recognize how the situation in this part of downtown is affecting the public, as well as employees and we are taking every step possible to help improve safety in this area,” said Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindal. 

“The ultimate goal here is to abate crime and fear of crime on our transit system. We are doing whatever we can to remove potentially threatening and harmful situations and take the most dangerous people off the streets, the trains, and the buses. We want our message to be clear – if people don’t behave lawfully, there will be consequences.”

Transit riders will see increased police and security presence around Third Avenue, the King County Courthouse, Metro bus stops, and the downtown transit tunnel. Bike teams from Metro Transit and Sound Transit will also play a significant role, as their visibility often serves as a crime deterrent.

Over the past year, Metro has successfully implemented several key strategies to improve safety on transit. The agency engaged with thousands of people through the Safety, Security and Fare Enforcement (SaFE) Reform Initiative, and heard a clear desire for an increased safety presence and appropriate support for community members in need.

Metro’s “Care and Presence” approach includes more than doubling the number of transit security officers to 170, establishing a group of 17 Metro Safety Ambassadors to assist riders, and coordinating with King County’s Department of Community & Human Services to deploy a team of 14 behavioral health specialists. Since its launch, the behavioral health team has made over 7,621 contacts and responded to 396 crisis or de-escalation events.

“Communities have made it clear to us that there is a need for both security and compassionate support for those who need it,” said Metro General Manager Michelle Allison.
“Based on what we heard from you, we developed an approach to keep riders safe that focuses on ‘Care and Presence.’ We have more than doubled the number of Transit Security Officers and added Metro Safety Ambassadors to engage with riders. We also deployed Behavioral Health Specialists, who provide de-escalation, resources, and support.”

Aside from Wednesday’s work, Operation Safe Transit has resulted in 82 arrests. Half of those came from deputies who viewed criminal activity directly and made arrests in real-time. This operational work will continue to ensure those who live, work, and visit downtown see and feel the enhanced public safety impacts.


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WeatherWatcher: Thunderstorms leave behind a trail of scattered power outages and small tree limbs

Sunday's storm
Photo by Jan Hansen

This was probably one of the best forecasted thunderstorm outbreaks for this region. Overall Western Washington received around 3,300 lightning strikes. Rainfall in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park was a little variable by a tenth of an inch or two at various personal weather stations. Winds were also gusty as expected, leading to some power outages, whereas lightning caused some power outages as well.

At the Echo Lake/North Ridge station we recorded 0.92 inches of rain over Saturday and Sunday. No need to water the lawns for about a week now. Saturday was the bulk of the rain at 0.78 inches.

It was windy as well, with gusts Saturday night peaking around 30mph, and Sunday’s isolated storm at about 5pm had wind gusts recorded at 35mph but could have easily been stronger near the treetops. The isolated storm on Sunday also brought another round of scattered power outages.

We are not done with the potentially stormy weather. Monday brought us a little break with just a few light showers in the evening. The possibility of thunderstorms returns Tuesday afternoon and evening. This time around, the chance is down from 30% to only a slight chance.

The threat of some showers remains with us Wednesday, with another slight chance of a thunderstorm Wednesday evening. Chances of showers, but without thunderstorms, continues Thursday and into Saturday night. We start to dry out Sunday afternoon and evening with a return to normal sunny weather come next Monday.
 

For current weather conditions visit www.shorelineweather.com


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August recipe from Town & Country Market: Mason Jar Ice Cream

Monday, August 19, 2024

Mason Jar Ice Cream
Town & Country Market
Mason Jar Ice Cream

Shake your way to homemade ice cream with this easy-peasy recipe! Simply shake your ingredients in a jar and freeze. Such a fun summer treat! Great for the kids and summer parties. *Requires 2-3 hours to freeze.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Prep Time: 5 Minutes (2-3 hours to freeze)
Yield: 1 serving

INGREDIENTS
8 ounce mason jar (or similar)
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon sugar
¼ teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt

Mason jars, a few ingredients, and optional toppings
for a do-it-yourself ice cream delight!
From Town & Country Markets

PREPARATION


STEP 1
Add cream, sugar, vanilla and salt to a jar. Add any mix-ins if using.

STEP 2
Shake jar for 3-5 minutes until mixture doubles in volume and resembles thick batter.

STEP 3
Freeze jar for 2-3 hours until ice cream resembles soft serve. Shake jar every 30 minutes while freezing if possible.

Options

Optional Mix-Ins:
  • Sprinkles
  • Crushed cookies
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Chocolate fudge
  • Caramel
  • Fruit jam
  • Peanut butter
  • Nutella
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Chopped peanut butter cups (or other candy bar)
  • Chopped fresh fruit (strawberries, peaches, raspberries)

Shoreline Town & Country Market is located on the upper level of Shoreline Place, at 15505 Westminster Way N, Shoreline, WA 98133. All ingredients are available there plus a lot more!



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Wayne Pridemore: Lights in the sky but not in the house

Photo by Wayne Pridemore in Richmond Beach

Lots of lightning and thunder over our bedroom deck. This is my favorite kind of photo shoot, the action came to me.

View from Richmond Beach Saturday, August 17, 2024
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

The only problem was that a nearby transformer was hit and we lost power overnight.

City Light workers replacing transformer
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Sunday morning Seattle City Light came to the rescue and changed out the transformer and we had electricity with a flip of the switch. 

City Light to the rescue
Photo by Wayne Pridemore
Life is good.

--Wayne Pridemore


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144,000+ WA Seniors to see their prescription drug costs drop as Feds flex negotiating power granted by Inflation Reduction Act

Biden administration announces price cuts of 38%-79% on 10 key drugs
that will save U.S. seniors $1.5 billion next year

EDMONDS, WA – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) celebrated the Biden Administration’s announcement of lower prices for the first 10 prescription drugs selected for negotiation with drug companies under provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

“Prescription drug costs continue to be one of the biggest expenses for American families. This historic law allowed the federal government and Medicare to go toe-to-toe with Big Pharma to negotiate the prices of prescription drugs for the first time,” said Sen. Cantwell.
“As a result, 10 common prescriptions that more than 144,000 Washington seniors rely on will be significantly more affordable, meaning $1.5 billion in savings for Americans on out-of-pocket costs, in addition to savings from other IRA prescription drug provisions, while saving taxpayers billions more.
"And we’re just getting started – the next round of drugs to be negotiated will be announced soon."

By giving Medicare the power to negotiate with drug companies on the prices they charge for prescription drugs, the IRA saves money for seniors, while saving money for taxpayers and reducing the federal budget deficit. 

In 2026, once the new, lower prices take effect, Americans enrolled in Medicare Part D who take these medications are estimated to save $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs. Moreover, according to the Congressional Budget Office, the drug pricing provisions in the IRA will reduce the federal deficit by $237 billion over 10 years.

Data released by the Department of Health and Human Services shows in 2022 more than 144,000 Medicare enrollees in the State of Washington needed the 10 drugs announced for price negotiation. 

Together, those Washingtonians spent about $67.6 million out of pocket to access those important medications in 2022.

The 10 drugs included in this round of negotiations are among the most popular – and expensive – medications taken by people on Medicare. Prices for many of these drugs have soared in recent years, far exceeding the rate of inflation – doubling, tripling, or even more in some cases. For many of the patients taking these drugs, they will need them for the rest of their lives. The savings will only grow over time.

Prices will be negotiated for even more prescription drugs in the future, with the next 15 drugs to be selected for negotiation to be announced by February 2025.

Seniors in Washington state are also saving money on their health care in other ways thanks to money-saving improvements to Medicare in the IRA.

For example, in 2024, approximately 288,000 Washington state seniors are saving an average of $240 each year thanks to the IRA’s $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs and broader coverage of important vaccinations.

More details about cost savings associated with the IRA’s health care improvements are available HERE.

Sen. Cantwell is a leading voice for reducing prescription drug costs. In addition to her support for the drug negotiation provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, Sen. Cantwell has pushed for passage of her bipartisan Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act.

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have the power to dictate how much people pay for their prescriptions, how they can access their prescriptions, and even what type of treatments people can receive. Just three PBMs control nearly 80% of the prescription drug market.

Sen. Cantwell’s legislation would increase drug pricing transparency and hold PBMs accountable for unfair and deceptive practices that drive up prescription drug costs at the expense of consumers.


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