Large turnout of families for Aaron Crawford concert at Animal Acres

Photos and text by Jerry Pickard

Wednesday was a beautiful evening for a concert. Aaron Crawford and his band were playing at Animal Acres and everyone enjoyed his music. The weather was mid seventies and clear. Aaron and the group played a large selection of music with a little something for everyone.

The Robertson family of Lake Forest Park were enjoying the music and the evening.

The concert was part of a series sponsored by the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council.

The next concert is August 6 when the six piece Bluegrass Band - The Weavils –  plays in Richmond Beach Library Park.

Special City Council meeting Friday

City Council Meeting

Friday, August 1, 2014 – Special Meeting 9:00 a.m.

As required by RCW 42.30, the Open Public Meetings Act, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Shoreline City Council will hold a special meeting on Friday, August 1, 2014. 

The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. and is scheduled to conclude at 9:30 a.m. It will be held in Council Chambers at Shoreline City Hall, located at 17500 Midvale Avenue N, Shoreline, WA 98133. 

The purpose of this meeting is to Adopt Ord. No. 697 Amending the Budget to Increase the Appropriation in the Equipment Replacement Fund and Waiving Council Rule 3.5 and Authorizing the City Manager to Sign a Purchase Agreement for a Parks Bucket Truck and Chipper Box.

Link to full Agenda

Comment on Agenda items

Van accepting ballots in Shoreline Saturday, Monday and Tuesday

Voters can leave their ballots for the Tuesday, Aug. 5 primary election at a drop-off van Saturday, Monday and Tuesday at the Shoreline/Aurora Square Shopping Center, 15505 Westminster Way N., Shoreline. (Upper lot)

The van will accept ballots Saturday and Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, Election Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voters also can leave ballots at 24-hour drop boxes at the Lake Forest Park City Hall or nine other sites around King County.

Heidi Thaut to serve as interim principal of Highland Terrace Elementary

Heidi Thaut, interim principal
Highland Terrace Elementary

Heidi Thaut has been selected as interim principal of Highland Terrace Elementary for the 2014-15 school year., Superintendent Rebecca Miner announced. 

Former principal Mike VanOrden has left Shoreline to accept an administrative position in the Lake Washington School District.

Heidi is excited to be returning to Washington state after spending the last four years as director of extended learning opportunities for the Marana Unified School District in Arizona. She previously worked for 10 years in the Marysville School District in Snohomish County, first as principal of two elementary schools and later as director of categorical programs. She also taught for seven years in two elementary schools in Edmonds.

As a principal in Marysville, Heidi was selected by the superintendent to mentor her fellow elementary principals and was also awarded Educator of the Year by the PTSA. As a member of the Marysville Rotary, she received the Paul Harris Fellow award for developing positive relations between the school district and community.

Heidi graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in English and also received her teaching certification and masters in Education Leadership from UW.

Shoreline resident earns scholarship from WWU

Western Washington University student Colleen O’Toole King, daughter of Sheila and Clarence King of Shoreline, has accepted a $1,000 J. Ruth Kelsey Merit Scholarship for the 2014-2015 academic year. The scholarship is awarded to a student whose experience in the student practicum demonstrates potentially outstanding teaching skills.

King graduated from Shorewood High School in 2011 and is expected to graduate from Western in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Art Education. She hopes to become a high school art teacher after graduation.

Western Washington University is located in Bellingham, Washington.

Plan for traffic jams

Harmony, at WSDOT, provided the following list of events which could create traffic challenges this weekend - other than the Blue Angels, Seafair, express lanes going against you, construction projects and all the other fun things about driving in Seattle.

Events to note

Before you head out to enjoy wherever your plans take you this weekend and into early next week, check out some events that could slow you down if you don’t plan ahead.

Friday, Aug. 1 

Santana - The Corazón Tour, 7 p.m., White River Amphitheater 

Sunday, Aug. 3 

Seattle Storm vs. San Antonio Silver Stars, 6 p.m., KeyArena 

Tuesday, Aug. 5 

Mariners vs. Atlanta Braves, 7:10 p.m., Safeco Field 

Wednesday, Aug. 6 

Mariners vs. Atlanta Braves, 12:40 p.m., Safeco Field 

Thursday, Aug. 7 

Seattle Storm vs. Atlanta Dream, 7 p.m., KeyArena 

Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox, 7:10 p.m., Safeco Field 

Friday, Aug. 8

Lady Gaga, KeyArena (TBA) 

Mariners vs. Chicago White Sox, 7:10 p.m., Safeco Field

Use your gardening skills to help feed hungry neighbors and friends

Food bank garden and shed

Twin Ponds Food Bank Garden Needs Volunteers

Twin Ponds Food Bank Garden grows fresh, organic vegetables for Hopelink Food Bank, Shoreline. 

In 2013 we donated 1425 pounds of food. Our goal for 2014 is 3000 pounds and we have 935 pounds to date!!

Our food bank garden consists of 17 beds, each full of food that needs watering, weeding and harvesting. The Food Bank Garden within the Twin Ponds Garden is entering its heavy harvest period.

We pulled over a hundred pounds last Sunday and Monday, and left more to harvest. 

If you have a spare hour, we meet Sunday evenings from 5-7-ish and Monday mornings from about 10:00 until 11:30am or so.

We love to meet new people, teach and learn new skills, connect with our community, and grow food -- and we could really use your help! 

Our garden is located at the south end of Twin Ponds Park, across the street from Aegis Shoreline: 14900 1st Ave NE, Shoreline.

You can email for more information

Check out our web page.

Bus cuts announced

Corrected 08-01-2014 8:30pm

Local route cuts:

• 331 Shoreline Community College to Aurora Village TC to Kenmore P/R - evening hours cut
• 306X and 312X - It appears that these routes are shortened to go from Lake City to downtown and all the runs to and from UW Bothell, Kenmore and Lake Forest Park are cancelled

King County Metro Transit will move forward with a first round of Metro service cuts Sept. 27, canceling, reducing and revising dozens of bus routes.

Service will be canceled on 28 routes and another 13 will be reduced or revised. Riders should visit the Metro website to review the September cuts and reductions and begin to assess daily travel plans for later this fall.

Sept. 27 service changes
(* – potentially revised in two phases)

• 28 deleted routes: 7X, 19, 47, 48X, 61, 62, 139, 152, 161, 173, 202, 203, 205X, 209, 210, 211X, 213, 215, 243, 250, 260, 265, 280, 306X, DART routes 909, 919, 927, 935.

• 13 revised routes: 27*, 30*, 200*, 204, 208, 212*, 236*, 238*, 249*, 312X, 331, DART routes 903, 931.

• 6 route adjustments: No-cost route scheduled adjustments or revisions also are posted online: Routes 24, 48, 49, 122, 178, 201.

• Routes to continue under agreement with the City of Seattle: Night owl routes 82, 83, 84

There were no changes to the Rapid Ride routes.

New shellfish safety map shows risks in real-time

This is a screenshot with information about Richmond Beach
For the live map go to the link

A new online shellfish safety map gives shellfish harvesters an up-to-date look at biotoxins, pollution, and bacteria levels at public beaches or on their private property. Beach names, nearby landmarks, and specific addresses are searchable to help provide real-time information on shellfish safety risks.

The new shellfish safety map was developed to provide current information about areas where water quality conditions and public health risks are evaluated by the Department of Health.

Shellfish filter water and may retain harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxins that can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea when eaten. Some can even be life threatening. The health risk for eating raw shellfish increases during the summer.

People can lower their risk of getting sick by following the three C’s of Shellfish Safety: check, chill, and cook.

Check the shellfish safety map to see if any warnings or closures are in effect, and look for warning signs posted at the beach. It’s also important to check the Department of Fish and Wildlife website to verify that harvesting is allowed.

Chill shellfish as soon as they’re harvested, and keep them cold until they’re cooked.

Cook shellfish to an internal temperature of 145 F. Thoroughly cooking shellfish kills vibrio bacteria. Cooking doesn’t destroy biotoxins, so checking for restrictions is the best defense.

The Recreational Shellfish Program evaluates pollution conditions around public-access shellfish areas and restricts harvest areas when necessary. More information on shellfish safety is on the agency website.

Shorecrest Cheer earns awards at Cheerleadership Camp

2014 Shorecrest Cheer Team

Front row: Meghan Foust, Lauren Rutter

Second Row: Sunnah Rasheed, Jasmin Thongchanh, Evyn Mar, Keira Tolbert

Third Row: Cami Jones, Elizabeth Holmdahl, Abby Seliga, Alysia McGlashan, Natalie Wilder

Back Row: Bailey Rutter, Hallie Magill-Williams, Annique Nyman, Delancey Miller, Taylor Ancheta, Natalie Merkley

Shorecrest Cheer just returned from NCA Cheerleadership Camp held at Central Washington University (CWU) in Ellensburg, WA.

Shorecrest Cheer and Shorewood Cheer together
 at NCA Cheerleadership Camp 2014

They earned the very special "Herkie T.E.A.M" award that is given to the one squad that shows true team spirit, unity and leadership throughout the week.

They also were awarded a "Stunt S.A.F.E." certificate for displaying excellent technique in safety and spotting while stunting and earned several ribbons and a spirit stick to take home to Shorecrest. 

In addition to these team awards, a few individuals were recognized as well.

Shorecrest Cheer Team Captains Lauren Rutter and Meghan Foust
with the NCA Cheerleadership Camp awards

Lauren Rutter was chosen to receive the individual leadership award and the following cheerleaders were acknowledged by being "All American Nominees" for their superior cheerleading techniques: Lauren Rutter, Meghan Foust, Cami Jones, Taylor Ancheta, Natalie Merkely, Alysia McGlashan and Natalie Wilder. 

Their coach is Amy Delich.

“Tweet Smart” during emergencies

Social media has become the tool of choice for sharing life events, from mundane things like family dinners to major, life-changing, emergencies.

Seattle-area law enforcement agencies are asking you to “Tweet Smart” during emergencies, to help public safety responders keep you safe.

“Please don’t tweet about the movements of responding police officers, or post pictures,” said Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste. “Sooner or later we’ll have an emergency where the suspect is watching social media. That could allow an offender to escape, or possibly even cost an officer their life.”

The agencies’ concern began to grow after watching events in Moncton, New Brunswick and Portland, OR.

“We watched these incidents as they unfolded on social media. In both cases, there was real-time information posted by individuals that could have compromised officer safety,” said Chief Bret Farrar of the Lakewood Police Department.

Along with not posting information about police movements, posting pictures can also put officers at risk.

“If it’s safe to do so, go ahead and take pictures of our deputies in action,” said Kitsap County Sheriff Steve Boyer.  “We’re very proud of the work they do. We’d simply ask that you wait to post those pictures until the emergency is over.”

In fact, pictures posted after the emergency can help investigators determine what happened as the event unfolded.

Here are some suggested dos and don’ts for the use of social media in emergencies.

1. Do get to a safe place and call 911 if possible. Live telephone calls to dispatchers are law enforcement’s best source of real-time information in an emergency.
2. Do feel free to let family and friends know you’ve reached safety.
3. Do feel free to warn friends if you have first-hand knowledge of a developing emergency.
4. Don’t tweet or post about the movements of police, or post pictures of officers. Even what seems like vague information could be used by a criminal familiar with the area.
5. Don’t endanger yourself to get a picture, no matter how compelling.
6. Don’t spread rumors. If you’re not sure, don’t post, tweet or re-tweet.
7. Do feel free to tweet about the response and post pictures after the emergency is over. 

Although the term is “Tweet Smart,” the advice applies to whatever is your preferred social media platform. 

Shoreline City Council meeting for Aug 4 cancelled

Shoreline City Council August 4, 2014 Meeting Cancelled

As required by RCW 42.30, the Open Public Meetings Act, you are hereby notified that the Monday, August 4, 2014 Shoreline City Council meeting has been cancelled.

The next meeting of the Shoreline City Council will be held on Monday, August 11, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. (Special Meeting) and 7:00 p.m. (Business Meeting) at Shoreline City Hall.

New Artistic Director at Seattle Musical Theatre

Roy Arauz, Artistic Director
Seattle Musical Theatre

Seattle theatre veteran Roy Arauz has been appointed as Seattle Musical Theatre's new Artistic Director.

According to Board President Mark Nihart, "Roy's passion for musical theatre, his commitment to Seattle's unique arts community, and the breadth of his experience as a director and producer are qualities that embody Seattle Musical Theatre's mission and dedication to professionalism and artistic growth."

Roy has worked with ArtsWest, Balagan, SecondStory, Driftwood, and many other local companies, directing and choreographing musicals like Annie, The Music Man, South Pacific, Fiddler, The Fantasticks, and A Little Night Music.

This August, he will make his directorial debut at Book-It. He has served as the Vice President of the Redwood Theatre, reviving the theatre and earning it the Redmond Arts Award for Service to the Community. Since then, he founded his own company, Arouet, which produces critically acclaimed plays.

Seattle Musical Theatre 2014-2015 Season

Three, four, or five show season subscriptions now available for $30 per show. Order online or call 800-838-3006.

1. MAN OF LA MANCHA - September 9-28, 2014
2. THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW - October 10-17, 2014
3. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF - November 7-23, 2014
4. SWEET CHARITY - February 13-March 1, 2015
5. A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM - April 10-26, 2015

The theatre is located in Magnuson Park at 7120 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115.

Save this: Ten days of Celebrate Shoreline events

August 7 - August 17th Celebrate Shoreline is a ten-day infusion of festivities designed to spark celebration and community spirit every year on the City's birthday. Arts al Fresco  (Aug 7) kick-off for Celebrate Shoreline combines Piano Time, the Sculpture Stroll and a Gallery opening at City Hall and the Park at Town Center across the street. Live piano music, swing dancing, new artwork inside and out, food and fun and you are invited!  Free! Register now for the sixth annual Celebrate Shoreline Soccer Classic.  (Aug 8-10)   Ages 11-13. Jazz Walk  (Aug 12) features some of the area's best jazz players. Get your tickets now. The Youth and Teen Sk8 Competition (Aug 15) takes over the Connie King Skate Park for a day of fantastic boarding. Celebrate Shoreline's signature Festival (Aug 16) celebrates its second year at beautiful Cromwell Park. Check the Festival Schedule for a sneak peak at this year's lineup. FESTIVAL ATTRACTIONS: Roving Entertainment            Face Painting Gymnastics, Martial Arts       World Dance Party  Pony Rides                            Petting Zoo Lego Area                             Bubble Play Area Hands-On Area                     Hi Striker Carnival Game  Community Booths              Emergency Vehicles for Touring Beer/Wine Garden               Rootbeer Garden Robo Surfer                          Last Leaf Productions Play Inflatables                             and MUCH More! Get your hands in the sand at the annual Sandcastle Contest (Aug 17) at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. This year also involves a run/walk event with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. Watch the Richmond Beach website for more information. For more information

Live and local this weekend

Here's where to find live music this Friday and Saturday

in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park

Third Place Commons

Family venue - 3 restaurants

17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155

206-366-3302

Live music is free

Friday, August 1 - 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Little Bill and the Blue Notes

A Third Place staple, and one of the Northwest’s first Rhythm and Blues groups (1959!).

Saturday, August 2 - 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Chris Stevens and the Surf Monkeys

Scorching blues feeling with the technical excellence of top flight jazz, the Surf Monkeys keep a firm footing in the blues while stretching the boundaries with ultra cool spy themes, reverb drenched surf twang and Chris’ own “blues on the edge of jazz” originals.

Darrell's Tavern

18041 Aurora Ave N - central Aurora

206-542-6688

Free pool all the time

Friday, August 1 - 8pm $7 cover

Woodshed

Red Heart Alarm

Sons Of Palmer

Saturday, August 2  - 9pm $7 cover

Burley Mountain

Soul Wreckers

Krista Blackburn

North City Bistro and Wine Shop

All ages all the time

Jazz venue - Cover charge

1520 NE 177th St in North City

206-365-4447

Serves Small Plates, Entrees, and Desserts 4:30- 10:30pm

Friday, August 1 - 8:30-10:30pm - $8 Cover

Trish Hatley with Darin Clendenin Trio

Vocalist Trish Hatley is one of the most beloved and enduring figures on the West Coast music scene today. With her easy sense of swing, beautiful tone and innate sensitivity to the lyric, she effectively balances technical mastery and genuine accessibility, making her extremely popular among jazz fans wherever she plays.

Saturday, August 2 - 8-10:30pm - $5 Cover

The Wiretappers

The Wiretappers play a great cross section of Americana, Traditional Country and even some Bluegrass to round out the evening. They will be joined by their good friend and multi-instrumentalist, Larry Chung, up from San Fran and playing Fiddle, Banjo, Pedal Steel and whatever he picks up. 

Photos: Black helicopters at Richmond Beach

Photo by Frank Kleyn

One of the things that people love about living on the west side of Shoreline, or hanging out at Saltwater Park, is that you never know what is going to come sailing by or flying by.

Photo by Frank Kleyn

And sometimes people have cameras at the right time to capture these images. Frank Kleyn was at Saltwater Park on July 29 at 1pm when these two military transport helicopters flew slowly along the shoreline above Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.

Shoreline piper competing in Glasgow International Piping Festival in Scotland

World Pipe Band Championships and Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival, Glasgow, Scotland, August 11-17, 2014.

Alexander Schiele, Shoreline Community College student, and long-time member of the Northwest Junior Pipe Band, will be competing with his band in the World Pipe Band Championships August 11-17 in Glasgow, Scotland.

The biggest piping festival in the world, the festival features over 200 events enjoyed by 50,000 spectators, with 8,000 performers from 150 nations.

Alexander Schiele, Piper

Alexander Schiele started life as a piper at the age of 8 with the Northwest Junior Pipe Band of Shoreline, where he became Pipe Major after four years. After just seven years of playing, he was appointed Pipe Major of a combined Grade 3 band from Shoreline and Vancouver, Northwest / White Spot United Pipe Band.

He also joined the elite Grade 1 band Dowco Triumph Street from Vancouver, and enjoyed a successful trip to Scotland with both bands in 2011. At the World Championships Northwest White Spot United won fifth prize in the highly competitive Juvenile grade, while Dowco Triumph Street won the Grade 1 qualifier and came sixth in the final medley competition to finish 9th overall.

Dowco Triumph Street have remained in the top ten in the world ever since, including an eight place in 2012. Alexander's first performance with them was at the curling events at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band

He is an accomplished solo player, and was selected to perform a solo and duet on the band's 2012 CD "With Purpose". He studies music at Shoreline Community College, and gives back to the Shoreline community where he began his musical journey by assisting the Northwest Junior Pipe Band.

In addition to helping Dowco Triumph Street better their already strong World Championship record. Alexander is also competing in the famous Pipe Idol competition for young solo pipers. Now in its 10th year, Pipe Idol is one of the most popular fixtures of the Piping Live! festival, and last year the final was live-streamed around the world. Alexander is competing in Heat 1 on Monday, August 11am at 3pm local time at the National Piping Centre Street Cafe in Glasgow, Scotland.

Alexander will be a worthy ambassador for Shoreline to the global audience flocking to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, Piping Live!, the World Pipe Band Championships and the year of Homecoming Scotland.

Ronald Wastewater Assumption Committee of Elected Officials Meeting Thursday

Ronald Wastewater Assumption Committee of Elected Officials Meeting

Thursday, July 31, 2014 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Shoreline City Hall, Conference Room 104

Meeting Materials

Members of the Committee of Elected Officials include:

• District Commissioners Robert Ransom and Gretchen Atkinson
• Councilmembers Doris McConnell and Chris Roberts

Times endorses Democratic State Rep. Kagi for re-election to 32nd District position

Our news partner, The Seattle Times, has endorsed Democratic 32nd District State Rep. Ruth Kagi for re-election.

In a Sunday editorial, the Times editorial board called Kagi “an easy endorsement for another two-year term in Olympia.

“She has served in the state Legislature since 1999, and from the beginning she has been a leader on issues for the state’s youngest constituents and struggling families. 

“Kagi chairs the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee, where she is a strong, effective voice for child-sensitive foster-care reforms, family-support services and early learning. She is also on the Appropriations Committee. 

"She is well aware of the revenue tensions to fulfill the school-funding issues at the heart of the state Supreme Court’s McCleary ruling. Kagi has not compounded the issue of adequate school finance by signing onto an expensive, controversial initiative to reduce class size."

The Times noted that Kagi is rated “outstanding” by the King County Municipal League, while her Republican opponent, Alvin Rutledge, is rated “not qualified.”

See the full Times editorial here

Kagi and Rutledge are alone on the Aug. 5 primary ballot with both certain to qualify for the November general-election ballot.

The 32nd Legislative District includes Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, Lynnwood, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County, and parts of Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace.

Director of Public Health – Seattle / King County stepping down

David Fleming, MD

King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray today said they will begin the search for a new director of Public Health – Seattle / King County, after being notified by Dr. David Fleming that he is stepping down as Director of Public Health effective Aug. 11. Fleming has agreed to stay on during the transition on an interim basis as County Health Officer.

“I’ve been honored to serve as Director and Health Officer for more than seven years. After a lot of thought, I’ve come to the realization that my personal plans and needs don’t allow me to make the long-term leadership commitment that this organization now requires,” said Dr. Fleming. “As a department, we’re going through an enormous transformation in response to budget challenges and changing community needs. My highest priority is that the department has the long-term, stable leadership that will be needed to implement and see these changes through.”

Under an interlocal agreement that merged the city and county health departments in 1951, Public Health – Seattle and King County serves both the County and the City. The County Health Officer has the statutory duty of protecting and improving the health and well-being of all people in King County.

The Executive appointed Patty Hayes, Director of the Community Health Services Division in Public Health, to serve as interim director of Public Health beginning Aug. 11. Hayes has worked in health care and public policy as a nurse, academic, consultant and administrator in both the public and private sectors for more than 30 years.

There are no public health service clinics or laboratories located in Shoreline or Lake Forest park, but the Washington State Public Health Service Lab is located in Shoreline.

Computer Class: Advanced BiblioCommons Library Catalog Thursday

Learn about managing your library account and BiblioCommons settings in My KCLS, advanced searching, using your Shelves and Lists, and how to participate in the BiblioCommons community. 

The class is taught lecture style rather than hands-on. Participants will meet in the small meeting room of the Shoreline Library from 4-5pm Thursday, July 31, 2014

Call 206-362-7550 to register.

Burke Avenue block party raises funds for teen cancer victim on her 14th birthday

Please join our block party! We will have live music thanks to Houseballs and Chris King and The Gutterballs!

Outside the Box will be joining us with healthy paleo grub. Frost will have a table with cupcakes. 

We have crafts, face painting, hair extensions, silent auction, and all sorts of fun activities for all!

The party will be on Burke Ave North between 189th and 190th - the street will be closed to vehicles.

We are hoping as many people as possible can donate $14 in honor of Ahmie on August 2nd. 

This is open to everyone, please bring your friends and enjoy the day with us!

For those out of town please click here.

Richmond Beach Runners go for a bike ride Wednesday evening

Gasworks Park/Lake Union Bike Ride

Wednesday night, July 30, the Richmond Beach Running Club will have a bike ride at 6:30pm. 

Participants will meet up at Gasworks Park parking lot. They will ride the Burke-Gilman Trail around the Fremont and UW area, and ride the Lake Union trail around the west side of the lake. Then take Fairview Ave. north up the east side of the lake, which is a pretty quiet residential street near the shore of Lake Union.

If you don't have a bike consider renting one. 

Regulars should note the time change from last week from 6:45pm to 6:30pm. Everyone invited!

Running Club Facebook page

Former Shoreline Schools Superintendent is new Interim Superintendent for Seattle Schools

Larry Nyland
Schools Administrator

The new interim superintendent of Seattle Schools once held the same position for Shoreline Schools.

Larry Nyland, former Shoreline resident, was named interim Shoreline Schools superintendent for the 1997-98 school year after MAK Mitchell left the district. Although he was a popular administrator, terms of his contract did not allow him to be considered for the permanent Shoreline job, which went to Marlene Holayter.

During one year as interim superintendent in Shoreline, Nyland helped:

• Develop renewed trust and relationship with labor groups.
• Win voter approval for renewal of local tax initiative to support schools.
• Create a district focus on school improvement around literacy

Nyland was given the 1998 Red Apple Award by the Shoreline PTA Council.

He went on to be superintendent of the Marysville School District, helping that district to recover from the wounds of a bitter teachers' strike which had divided the community and the school board. After nine years at Marysville where he raised the graduation rate from 50% to 72%, he retired to form an education consulting firm.

He was named to the Seattle job on July 18. His contract will be ratified by the Seattle board on August 20.

Bust your Buns in Richmond Beach August 17

Lamont Thomas "The Running Man" will be the Master of Ceremonies for the 2nd annual Bust Your Buns run on Sunday, August 17, 2014 as part of Celebrate Shoreline.

The two mile "Beach to Bluff" run in Saltwater Park features flat to steep running paths. The run starts at 7am with the run planned from 8 - 9:30am.

10am concessions and health talk - and 11am the Sandcastle Building Contest with food, music, and fun!

No fee, no pre-registration necessary.

Corrected 07-30-2014 8:23pm

University of Washington Bothell ranked best in state by Money magazine

The University of Washington Bothell has been ranked number one in the state of Washington in terms of value and quality, according to a new study by Money magazine. The magazine studied 665 colleges on 17 measures including education quality, affordability and career earnings.

Money also ranked UW Bothell No. 10 in a category of the “top 25 best public colleges,” and 37th overall in a list of the best 50 colleges in the nation. The University of Washington Seattle was also listed as one of the top 50, with a ranking of 47.

In the same study, UW Bothell was ranked No. 7 in the category of “colleges that add the most value.” In this category, Money noted UW Bothell “dramatically outperforms its peers on graduation rates and alumni financial success factors.”

UW Bothell and UW Tacoma were established 25 years ago to provide expanded access to the affordable and exceptional University of Washington education experience.

“This is great recognition of the exceptional education that UW Bothell is providing our region and the nation, and a testament to the excellence of our faculty and staff,” says Bjong “Wolf” Yeigh, Chancellor of UW Bothell.

The Money findings confirm a study published in February by the Center for Higher Education Reform that identified UW Bothell as one of 19 colleges in the nation that score well on measures of access, affordability and success.

About UW Bothell: With more than 40 undergraduate and graduate degrees, options, certificates and concentrations, UW Bothell emphasizes close student-faculty interaction and critical thinking. UW Bothell builds regional partnerships, inspires change, creates knowledge, shares discoveries and prepares students for leadership in the state of Washington and beyond.

SWEL Timebank potluck picnic on Sunday

On Sunday, August 3, 4pm -5:30pm at Hummingbird Hill Park, 1000 Edmonds St. Edmonds, SWEL Timebank will hold their Summer Potluck picnic.

Hosted by SWEL Timebank "Exchanging Gifts through Time". Everyone is welcome, whether they have been involved with SWEL or not.

What is a Timebank?

A Timebank doesn’t bank money, it tracks your time. Time YOU spend sharing your talents and skills with your neighbors and time they spend sharing with you.

How Does the SWEL Timebank Work?

Timebanking helps neighbors enjoy the necessities and the niceties of life by exchanging time instead of dollars. All services are valued equally.

The Internet-based system called Community Weaver introduces SWEL Timebank members to each other, facilitates the exchange of services, and keeps track of the hours exchanged. This online database makes it easy to see what skills and services your neighbors have to offer, and what services they need, so you can match your skills and needs with others in the Shoreline, Woodway, Edmonds, and Lake Forest Park communities.

Stories at the Bridge Friday

Coffee at The Bridge

Stories at the Bridge Coffee House, Friday, August 1st, from 7-9

Friday, August 1st, from 7-9, join the storytellers at the Bridge Coffee House for a summer evening of stories.

Both storytellers and listeners are welcome in the friendly, inviting Story Circle. Tellers may tell a traditional or personal story for adults of eight minutes or less.

Please support the Bridge Coffee House’s generous offering of their space by purchasing drinks or treats! The Bridge Coffee House is located at 2150 North 122nd Street, Seattle, WA  98133.

"We look forward to seeing you next week!" Questions? Contact host Cynthia Westby.

Seafair Impaired Boating Emphasis begins August 1st on Lake Washington

Beer Boat
Photo from CollegeHumor.com

The Washington State Patrol and cooperating agencies are preparing for the annual Impaired Boating Emphasis, August 1-3, 2014, as part of the Seafair activities on Lake Washington.

City, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies will converge in an effort to improve water safety through impaired boating enforcement.

The WSP Mobile Impaired Driving Unit (MIDU), temporary detention facilities, and prisoner support vehicles will be available to assist in the processing of boaters suspected of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) or other crimes involved with unsafe usage of watercraft.

Boating Under the Influence is similar to Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in that the per se legal limit is .08, or under the influence and/or affected by drugs. New BUI laws that went into effect last year include:

• Makes BUI a gross misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $5,000 and 364 days in jail.
• Law enforcement can now require operators, suspected of BUI, to take a breath or blood test.
• Officers now have authority to issue citations to vessel accidents they did not witness and hold negligent and reckless boaters accountable.

Blue Angels mean bridge closures

Blue Angels
Photo courtesy WSDOT

Seafair activities swing into full gear when the U.S. Navy Blue Angels jets fly over Lake Washington, July 31 – Aug 3.

During the daytime practice flights and air show, WSDOT is required to close all lanes and several ramps of I-90 between I-5 in Seattle and Island Crest Way on Mercer Island for the safety of both drivers and pilots.

Drivers should plan ahead give themselves extra time to reach their destination during the closures. You can find more information about the closures on the WSDOT blog.

New horse in town - stainless steel horse at City Hall Park

New sculptures in City Hall Park

Photos by Wayne Pridemore

Caball Fuerto by Jesse Swickard

On Thursday  July 24 nine new sculptures were added in the City Hall Park between Aurora Ave and Midvale on the Interurban Trail.

Vuelo De Aves by Jesse Swickard

Two of the works are by Jesse Swickard who lives near Portland, Oregon in the town of Sherwood. Swickard creates large sculptures for cities all around the Northwest.

It took a crew of three and a piece of equipment
to install the sculptures

The sculptures are a horse and an eagle, which were made for this show. Both are for sale by the artist.

The artist, left, personally oversees the installation

The horse is made of stainless steel and is Caball Fuerto - Spanish for Strong Horse. The bird sculpture is called Vuelo De Aves. 

Swickard says, "Nature is very much in our lives. In this display I am trying to show this and teach people not to forget about the impact we have on nature." 

Home Girls: real estate market was busy in June

By Nan Skinner

June was a busy month for the real estate market in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. A whopping 96 homes were sold while only 35 homes stayed on the market.

The median sale price was $382,950; the highest and lowest sold price for a home was $2,005,000 and $150,000, respectively.

The average price per square foot was $221.26; average original list price was $434,933; average list price was $426,092; and, average sale price was $438,056.

Most homes sold for more than the asking price. The average number of days on the market was 33; longest and shortest time on the market was 349 and 1, respectively.

Of the 35 homes that were active in June, the average original list price was $722,124 and the average current list price was $709,239. The highest and lowest current list price was $3,900,000 and $295,000, respectively.

These homes had been on the market for an average of 44 days at the time I ran the report. The longest and shortest number of days on the market was 224 and 11, respectively.

It is still a seller’s market. 

Crime in Shoreline A-Z: People are still falling for the old scams

Shoreline Police Station
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Crime in Shoreline A - Z

7-7-2014 to 7-14-2014

Every week - death investigations, suicide attempts, domestic violence, violent people with mental issues, suicide attempts, arrest warrants, drivers with suspended license, credit card identify theft, runaway kids, wandering seniors, well-being checks, natural deaths, driving violations with DUI drivers, tracking sex offenders, stolen cars left on streets - and here's the rest:

A - Warn grandma: Victim believed that the person calling her was actually from her bank - gave personal information which was used to defraud her

Alcohol / Drugs - Female sent to detox after found extremely intoxicated at 155th and Aurora / Naked and drunk at 170xx 14th NE

Assault - Assault and attempted kidnapping at Shoreline Motel / Person attacked with an umbrella in Hillwood Park

Burglary, residential - Home under construction at 190xx 20th NW / Tools taken from home under construction 177xx 14th NW / Vacant home was vandalized 16xx N 190th / Pry tool used on back window 167xx Ashworth / Forced entry through back door 176xx Ashworth / Attempted at 160xx 28th NE / 3xx N 163rd stole wallet from inside home / Vacant apartment at Highland Square

Burglary, commercial - 7-11-14 Ballinger Whidbey Bank robbed / window broken to gain access to Echo Lake Elementary School

Car prowl - Used large rock to break car window 160xx Ashworth / 16xx N 199th vehicle ransacked / Smashed car window to get purse hidden in vehicle at Saltwater Park

Cars and parts stolen – Truck stolen from 150xx Wallingford / Vehicle stolen from 157xx Ashworth and other vehicles prowled / License plates from 7xx N 165 / Truck from 190xx Wallingford / Car stolen from Chuck Olson lot

Fire - Tree fire on NW 195th - male was seen sitting under the tree, smoking a cigar / 7-8 juveniles set a recliner chair on fire in Hillwood Park after hours

Found - and turned in to police from various locations - backpack with coin collection, 2 wallets, ID, assorted credit cards / At different times, two people who had wandered from group homes

Fraud - Victim believed that the person calling her was actually from her bank - gave personal information which was used to defraud her / Resident caught by email phishing scheme / Forgery for medication at Ballinger Rite Aid / Resident sent money to caller claiming to be police seeking cash for fake jury summons warrant / Counterfeit $100 at Walgreens / Tried to buy groceries at North City Safeway with bad check and fraudulent ID

Larceny, public places - Theft from locker at 24 Hour Fitness / Tools stolen from Shoreline Community College / Shoplifting: Fred Meyer (5) but suspects identified as part of organized theft ring targeting Fred Meyer / Aurora Safeway (2) alcohol and lottery tickets / Radio Shack on Aurora / Wallet stolen at North City Tavern and cards used

Mail theft - Theft of mail, medicines from 13xx NW 198th / Mail from 5 households found at bus stop on Dayton / Mail stolen from 20xx NW 199th found in Edmonds / Mail from locked boxes at 157xx Greenwood found in Edmonds / 182xx Evanston - got passports, left junk mail / 182xx Evanston, stolen mail in driveway

Suspicious - Vehicle parked in garage of new construction - likely prowled but registered owner is in jail / Contacted a known body work scammer in the Home Depot parking lot 

Trespass - Male trespassed for stealing cookies from Starbucks on Aurora / Police trespassed male who was inside a closed construction site on N 152nd / Male using heroin in men's room at Aurora McDonalds / From Bartells for suspicion of shoplifting / Trespassed for making a scene at Walgreens, voluntarily went to detox

Vandalism, parks, schools - Graffiti at Innis Arden Reserve, Twin Ponds

Vandalism - Broke vehicle window at Public Health Lab parking

Z  - Tell grandpa: Resident sent money to caller claiming to be police seeking cash for fake jury summons warrant

For other weeks of Crime in Shoreline, see the Features section on the front page.