Shoreline Area News: September 2023

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Shoreline mom is a contestant on Amazing Race on CBS

Shoreline mom Chelsea Day (r) and her BFF Robbin Tomich
are contestants on the Amazing Race on CBS
Photo courtesy CBS

By Jamie Holter

If you are a fan of the Amazing Race on CBS, have we got news for you! We have a local mom, Chelsea Day, from Shoreline, who is in it to win it with her BFF from middle school in Redmond, Robbin Tomich.

Check out their promotional video here

We caught up with them for a quick convo between takes.

How did you and your best friend end up on the Amazing Race?

Sparkling personalities! It’s really a story of perseverance that is mind blowing. I would tell everyone about Robbin's story, losing her husband so quickly and having 4 kiddos to take care of and we thought we could share her story with millions of people. That was our initial inspiration for applying. Then to have the opportunity for an adventure of a lifetime. How could you say no!

Was it a casual idea or did you really have to plan and prepare?

Our interview process was 6 months, they really vet people! It was certainly not a walk in the park.

How did you two choose each other to do this? Was it like over drinks one night or something you just set out to do?

I was at Robbin's one day and we were both chatting about how strong we were and then we chatted about the Amazing Race and then -- time stopped, we locked eyes, light bulbs over our heads, we knew we had to give it a shot.

Was being on Amazing Race on your Life Bingo Card???

I guess I’ll say yes. And also that old adage “whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right”.

What is it like?

Like Hunger Games and a scavenger hunt around the world with a bunch of the greatest people in America. It was interesting to be with so many over the top big personalities. I wouldn’t usually consider myself a wallflower but in this case I might.

What was the biggest surprise for you?

I think there are extra obstacles that get integrated into the race, unexpected blocks in the road, very vague directions stuff like that… those extra challenges I’m sure make good tv but they were disorienting.

What were some of your strategies to survive on the show?

Rely mostly on our strength if given the opportunity between two tasks, be friendly with everyone, read the directions/rules multiple times. [editors note here: good advice for life, right?]

If someone asked you for advice about being on a show like this, what would you tell them?

Just make an authentic video and don’t give up. Lots of people on the show had applied multiple times.

You are from Shoreline….

I’m a long time resident and my kids are from Shoreline, Robbin and I are both from Redmond, I’ve lived here for 11 years, and my mom lives just a few houses up from me.

Living here, is there anything here that prepared you for this race?

Robbin and I went and jumped in the Puget Sound at Richmond Beach! Also, Orange Theory Fitness in Shoreline was a key part of getting me in the best shape of my life and started on this journey. (Writer’s Note: This is not a paid promotional announcement, but this writer can second the shout out for OTF in Shoreline…)

At the end of this, what are you most excited to share?

That I am just SO excited for my 81-year-old Jazzercising mother to watch the show. She’s my everything and circumstances have not been so great for her and bringing her some prime time joy is gonna be the coolest thing ever.

Last week, CBS announced the 13 teams competing on the milestone 35th season of THE AMAZING RACE, premiered on Wednesday, September 27, 9:30-11:00 PM ET/PT. The new season will feature weekly 90-minute episodes, right behind SURVIVOR.

In its biggest season yet, the race ups the ante, by starting with an unprecedented 13 new globetrotting teams who will set off on a 23,800-mile adventure around the world and visit a new country, Slovenia, known for its beautiful landscape and dramatic scenery.

Here, teams will fly in a gravity defying glider, 2,000 feet over Lake Bled, cross-country ski indoors and climb 1,110 steps to the top of Planica’s tallest ski jump, among other once-in-a-lifetime challenges.

We’ll be sure to track our favorite Shoreline resident and wish her all the best luck!!!!!!!!!!!!

Flags at half-staff for U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein

Flag Lowering - 9/29/23 (U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein)

Pursuant to the attached White House notification and 4 USC 7 (m), Governor Inslee hereby directs that Washington State and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff immediately, in honor and remembrance of United States Senator Dianne Feinstein.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on the day of interment.

Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.

Please email FlagRequests@gov.wa.gov if you have any questions about this flag lowering.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (l) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA)

Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell delivered a speech on the floor of the Senate honoring the legacy of the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)

“I want people to know the nation has lost a legislative giant. Women have lost a hero. And the Senate has lost a true colleague,” Sen. Cantwell said.

“For me, as a young member coming here more than 20 years ago, I was amazed and astounded at what I might call the polite pushiness of Dianne Feinstein. I don't know how she did it, but serving on the Judiciary Committee with her … when Dianne’s time ran out and somebody tried to cut in and debate her, Dianne had this way of saying, ‘Mr. Chairman, this is a really important point and I just need to make this point,’ and the chairman would let Dianne go on for another five minutes. And I thought, ‘how does she pull this off?’

"I’ll tell you how she pulled it off: because people knew she was serious about legislating. She was serious about working across the aisle -- and probably in my early days here forged the greatest impression of what working across the aisle was really all about.”

Video of Sen. Cantwell’s floor speech is available HERE, audio HERE, and a transcript HERE.

Sunrise in the morning fog

Photo by Mike Remarcke

Friday's sunrise was somewhat eerie but the day turned out to be mostly clear and sunny.

Friends of the Shoreline Library book sale contains valuable chess books and many $1 hardcovers

Friends of the Shoreline Library Book Sale October 13 - 15, 2023 at the Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline WA 98155 Sale will be held in the large meeting room.

This sale includes a large number of chess books -- some of which are quite valuable and will be priced accordingly. The rest of the collection will be priced at regular prices of $.50 for small paperbacks and $1.00 for large paperbacks and hardcovers.

Donations are welcomed. People can now donate up to five boxes/bags per week.

Three Jumbo ferries to be converted to hybrid-electric power

Jumbo Mark II-class ferries to be converted to hybrid-electric

Work has begun on the first of three ferries, the Wenatchee, to convert it to hybrid-electric power.

A $100 million contract was awarded to Vigor Marine who will conduct the work to convert the vessels at its Harbor Island shipyard in Seattle.

The $100 million contract covers the conversion of two Jumbo Mark II-class ferries to hybrid-electric power, with a fixed-price option of $50 million to convert the third vessel in 2025. The contract also includes planned replacement of the propulsion control systems, which will increase reliability and the lifespan of the three ferries.

Vigor Marine will modernize the ship’s controls and other outdated systems. These updates will improve reliability and help ensure these 22-year-old ferries serve our communities for decades longer.

The Jumbo Mark II vessels are the largest in WSF’s fleet and produce 26% of WSF’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions. They also serve the most densely populated urban areas in Central Sound.

Vigor Marine has started work on Wenatchee, expected to reenter service next summer. Vigor will also begin converting Tacoma in 2024, with the option to convert Puyallup in 2025.

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced that $44.6 million (15.4%) of the $290 million project cost of converting three Washington State Ferries to hybrid-electric propulsion systems will be covered by federal funding that has already been awarded.

“This announcement charts a course for our ferry system to be cleaner, more sustainable, and more reliable, using the world-class labor of Washington’s shipbuilders,” said Sen. Cantwell.

“Converting the fleet’s three biggest emitters from diesel to hybrid-electric power will drastically reduce emissions and fueling costs. Federal funding to improve our nation's transportation system and fight climate change made this milestone possible, covering a portion of the cost of modernizing these iconic ferries.”

Federal funding for the entire $290 million project is an estimated $44.6 million, 15.4% of the total cost.

Shorecrest boys varsity tennis vs Archbishop Murphy

Shorecrest varsity tennis
Photo by Coach Rob Mann

Boys varsity tennis 9-29-23

At Gateway Middle School

Shorecrest 4 Archbishop Murphy 3

Singles

Cole Balen (A) def. Sohum Vohra 6–1, 4-6, 6-3,
Ethan Welter (A) def. Peyton Caskey 6-0, 7-5,
Max Chinn (A) def. Spencer Berry 5-7, 1-0 inj.,
Thomas Linville (S) def. Dimitri Lewark 6-0, 6-2.

Doubles

Haakon Jakobsen/Indigo Vining (S) def. 6-0, 6-1,
Aaron Chen/Owen Watson (S) def. Nick Lewark/Ethan Tong 6-1, 6-2,
Zane Weber/Ben Feinberg (S) def. Juno Choi/Xavi Wilson 6-1, 6-0.

--Coach Rob Mann

Overnight I-5 lane reductions, ramp closures scheduled between Mountlake Terrace and Shoreline

As part of their ongoing Lynnwood Light Rail extension, Sound Transit will have multiple overnight lane and ramp closures along I-5 and SR 104 next week.

SR 104 is also Ballinger Way, NE 205th, 244th SW, Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds Way.

I-5 lane reductions

Up to three lanes of southbound I-5 between 220th St SW and SR 104 will close beginning at 8pm Monday, Oct. 2, through 1am Tuesday, Oct. 3.
The three right lanes of southbound I-5 between 44th Ave W and 228th St SW will close from 1 to 4:30am Monday, Oct. 2.
The southbound I-5 off-ramp to SR 104 will close from 1 to 4:30am Monday, Oct. 2.
The right lane of southbound I-5 between 44th Ave W and 220th St SW will close nightly from 8pm to 5am Monday, Oct. 2, through Friday morning, Oct. 6.
The two right lanes of southbound I-5 between 220th St SW and SR 104 will close at 10pm Tuesday, Oct. 3, through 1am Wednesday, Oct. 4. The SR 104 ramps also will close.
The three left lanes of southbound I-5 between 220th St SW and SR 104 will close from 1 to 4:30am Tuesday, Oct. 3.
The three right lanes of southbound I-5 between 44th Ave W and 220th St SW will close at 11pm Wednesday, Oct. 4, through 4am Thursday, Oct. 5. The 44th Ave W on-ramp and the 220th St SW off-ramp also will close.

Ramp closures

The southbound I-5 on-ramp from 220th St SW will close from 9pm Monday, Oct. 2, through 4:30am Tuesday, Oct. 3.
The northbound I-5 off-ramp to eastbound SR 104 will close from 8pm to 4:30am nightly Monday, Oct. 2, through Wednesday morning, Oct. 4.
The eastbound and westbound SR 104 on-ramps to northbound I-5 will close from 8pm to 4:30am nightly Monday, Oct. 2, through Wednesday morning, Oct. 4.
The northbound I-5 off-ramp to westbound SR 104 will close from 9pm to 4am nightly Wednesday, Oct. 4, through Friday morning, Oct. 6.
The northbound I-5 collector-distributor off-ramp to SR 104 will close from 11pm to 5am nightly Wednesday, Oct. 4, through Friday morning, Oct. 6.
The westbound SR 104 on-ramp to northbound I-5 will close from 11pm to 5am nightly Wednesday, Oct. 4, through Friday morning, Oct. 6.

Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Beef

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter can be seen here

Collision on 15th NE Wednesday sends three to the hospital

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

A T-bone collision on 15th NE at NE 188th on Wednesday, September 28, 2023 required vehicle extraction to get one of the drivers out of the vehicle.

The driver was seriously injured, but was in stable condition when transported to Harborview.

Two passengers were also taken to Harborview as a precautionary measure.

Proposals to return Grizzly bears to the North Cascades

Grizzly bears. Photo courtesy National Park Service

Grizzly bears would return to the state's North Cascades under proposals two federal agencies put forward Thursday.

Reintroducing the bears into the rugged area has been studied and debated for over two decades, with a previous effort falling apart during the Trump years.

The latest plan -- still in draft form -- includes two options that would both involve introducing about three to seven bears a year until grizzly numbers in the region rebound to 25 bears.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service are asking the public for input on their plan. While wildlife advocates were pleased to see fresh movement toward bringing the bears back, the plan is sure to draw criticism. One Republican congressman from Washington has already weighed in against it.

There are about 2,000 grizzly bears spread across pockets of the West outside of Alaska.

In the 19th century, there were an estimated 50,000 in the U.S. But their numbers dropped into the hundreds by the 1930s. They were listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1975 and retain that designation in the lower 48 states.

Public comment on the latest North Cascades grizzly bear plans is open until Nov. 13. More information on the proposal can be found here.

The full article is here

--Bill Lucia in the Washington State Standard

Two collisions on I-5 Friday

Photo from WSDOT camera

On NB I-5 just north of NE 145th St in Shoreline there was a collision blocking the right lane and the on-ramp to NB I-5 from NE 145th/5th Ave. Incident response, medical aid, fire assistance and state patrol responded.

Photo courtesy WSDOT

At a different time but same day, a collision partially blocked the I-5 northbound on-ramp from 220th St SW in Mountlake Terrace.

35th annual 177th Street Block Party takes time to celebrate organizer's 90th birthday

177th Street Neighbors. Organizer Nancy Phillips is center, wearing a bright yellow boa

Shoreline's 177th Street Block Party held its 35th annual event which "promotes safety and community building."

This event is organized by Nancy Phillips, with help from Dave and Peggy Geddes, along with many other 177th street neighbors.

Guys n grills

There were 85 tickets sold with more than 85 neighbors, family members and friends in attendance for the September 10, 2023 event.

A boisterous game

Block committee chair Nancy Phillips turns 90 this December and the neighborhood wanted to sing an early 'happy birthday Nancy' while everyone was all together.

Here's a brief video of the moment: IMG_2889.MOV

Opportunities for conversation

There were boisterous games, a lot of food, and time for conversations with neighbors.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the success of our 177th Street annual summer block party in Nancy's 90th year who has led our community for 35+ years.

--Lori Joubert

Friday, September 29, 2023

Shine on Harvest Moon

Photo by Barbara Twaddell

Thursday night's Harvest Moon.

We certainly have had interesting weather lately. It seems to change every ten minutes.

--Diane Hettrick

Fire on freeway blocks traffic at Northgate midday Thursday

Photo from WSDOT camera on I-5

A dramatic vehicle fire blocked the HOV lane at N 107th and I-5 at Northgate Thursday around noon. State Patrol and Seattle Fire were at the scene. Traffic was delayed but not blocked.

A ‘New Energy’ arrives as Executive Constantine unveils new colors for Metro’s electric fleet

Metro "New Energy" electric bus
Photo courtesy King County

King County Executive Dow Constantine unveiled one of Metro’s next-generation battery-electric buses wrapped in the new colors of the fleet today at Metro’s South Base.

Called “The New Energy,” the livery design is a mix of electric yellow and seafoam blue, is a visual representation of Metro’s commitment to helping combat climate change and will be outfitted on all the new vehicles joining the fleet.

Along with Executive Constantine, Metro General Manager Michelle Allison, King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, and Teague Livery Design Manager Katie Ryan, helped unveil the new design.

“For fifty years Metro has kept this region moving forward. And as we head into the next fifty years, every new Metro bus will carry with it the New Energy, a bold new look for our mobility network,” said Executive Constantine.

“With each bright new bus rolling down the street, we’re one step closer to that zero-emission fleet. It’s an exciting symbol of our progress and I can’t wait for everyone to experience the New Energy.”

The new design is the first major change for the look of Metro’s fleet since 2004 and is intended to be a visual reminder of the transition away from Metro’s hybrid (diesel-electric) buses to the zero-emission fleet.

Metro Rapid Ride fleet colors
Photo courtesy King County

There will be two separate designs: a color mix of blues, yellows, and greens across the top of Metro’s standard fleet, and the color purple joining the familiar red that represents Metro’s RapidRide fleet across the top of those buses. Metro’s original zero-emission fleet, the electric trolleys, will continue sporting purple.

"These new colors signal a new era for our beloved Metro Transit System,” said King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, chair of the Council’s Transit, Economy, and Environment Committee.

“They mean brighter futures from cleaner, quieter, sustainable coaches that will deliver healthier mobility for our riders and the communities we serve. I'm so proud of Metro and its team members who are bringing the future of cleaner, quieter transit service to King County and for their leadership in advancing King County's climate goals."

The new liveries will be phased in as the new battery-electric buses start going into service, which is scheduled to begin in 2025. The new design will be painted at the factory for new vehicles as they replace the hybrid fleet.

Shorewood girls golf coach named Coach of the Year by the Western Section of the LPGA

Val Patrick, front left, with her 2019 Shorewood team
Photo by Kristi Lin

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – August 25, 2023 – The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Professionals membership has selected the recipients of the annual section Teacher, Professional, Coach, and Junior Golf Leadership awards.

Each of the six sections of the LPGA Professionals — Central, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Western, and International — winners are selected by the Section Officers and Section Nominating Committee Chair annually in each of the four categories.

The 2023 LPGA Professionals Section Of The Year Award winners in the Western section are as follows:

Western Section

Teacher – Joanne Foreman
Professional – Mackenzie Mack
Coach – Val Patrick
Junior Leader – Kathleen Robinson

Val Patrick, Shorewood girls golf coach

Val Patrick is the current coach of the Shorewood girls golf team.

For her efforts in championing women’s golf in the region, and in particular her role as a leader and mentor of young and beginning golfers, Val Patrick of Everett, Wash. was named the Coach of the Year by the LPGA Professionals Western Section.

Val was nominated for the award by other LPGA Professional members. Having now received the award for the Western Section, Val will now be considered for the LPGA national award later this year.

Val Patrick, right, with 2023 Shorewood golf team

She has a long list of recognitions for her commitment to coaching.

In 2022 Val received the Operation 36 Coach Impact Award, and was named one of the Top 50 Coaches for Operation 36.

In 2021 and 2022, she was nominated for the Sandy LaBauve Spirit Award, which was named after the founder of Girls Golf LPGA-USGA and honors an individual who has gone above and beyond to inspire the lives of juniors through their passion and dedication to empowering girls through golf.

King County Archives awarded grant to digitize 200 archival items

King County Archives building

The Washington Digital Heritage (WDH) grant program for the 2023-2024 federal fiscal year was developed to support public, tribal, special, and academic libraries in carrying out a variety of digital initiatives focused on archival and special collections.

Proposals receiving priority consideration for award included those demonstrating: broad accessibility of project outputs to the general public; a desire to develop sustainable local digital programs; and adoption and/or dissemination of regional standards and approaches to digitization.

Thirteen libraries received awards for 2023-2024. Progress on the grant projects will run through August 31, 2024.

This grant was awarded by the Office of the Secretary of State, Washington State Library Division, funded by the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

The King County Archives was awarded $14,495

King County Archives will digitize at least 200 selected archival items from its collections and create an online exhibit about the developments of disability rights and services in King County government.

The exhibit will highlight how issues of freedom, race, justice, equity, and economic opportunity impacted those with disabilities in King County and Washington state.

King County Archives will hire student assistants to help digitize materials, a social media and graphic design contractor to help with promotion, a writing and editing contractor for the exhibit narrative, and a specialist from the University of Washington’s Center for Technology and Disability Studies to audit the exhibit to ensure it meets web content accessibility guidelines.

Through the work in creating the exhibit, King County Archives will also develop a set of best practices for creating accessible online exhibits. The project will be shared through social media, OER commons, and announcements targeted to King County employees and other information professionals.

The archives is located at 1215 E Fir St, Seattle WA 98122

Shorecrest tennis vs Mountlake Terrace 9-28-2023

Shorecrest boys tennis on a sunny day
Photo by Coach Rob Mann

9/28 SC v MLT Tennis

Shorecrest 4 Mountlake Terrace 0

At Mountlake Terrace

Singles

Sohum Vohra(S) Nick Barushka def. 6-0, 6-0,
Peyton Caskey (S) def. Owen Smith 6-1, 6-4,
Spencer Berry (S) def. Hai Ho 6-2, 6-0,
Ashton Johnson (S) leading Tyson Castaneda 6-3, 4-0 (DNF).

Doubles

Haakon Jakobsen/Indigo Vining (S) def. Brandon Vuong/Josh Bozick 6-0, 6-2,
Owen Watson/Zane Weber (S) leading Cyrus McMillion/Austin Toulouse 2-1 (DNF),
Ben Feinberg/Miles Garbaccio (S) leading Jayden Nguyen/Kaleb Wendt 1-0 (DNF)

Did not finish all matches due to rain storm.

--Coach Rob Mann

WIC can continue for two months beyond the federal government shut-down

The federal government will shut down at midnight on Saturday night (unless there is a last minute agreement, which does not seem likely).

One of the programs that may suffer is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC, which provides food aid for mothers and children up to 5 years old.

According to reporting the The Washington State Standard, the state's Department of Health, which oversees Washington's WIC program, said they have enough cash to keep the program going for at least a couple of months, even if a shutdown cuts off the normal flow of funding for it.

“We are not planning to institute any changes in the program at this time,” said Paul Throne, director of the department’s Office of Nutrition Services. “If we need emergency finding, we would work internally, and as needed, with the Governor’s Office and Legislature to identify possible sources,” Throne added.

He noted that, during a five-week shutdown that began in December 2018, the state avoided WIC cuts. About 130,000 people rely on the program statewide.

Three farmers market days left in Lake Forest Park

This Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 10am - 2pm, at the LFP Farmers Market, we welcome back our friends from the Lake Forest Park Climate Action Committee as Day Sponsors.

Be sure to take a minute out of your market visit to stop by their table and find out how they're helping the city meet its climate goals and how to play your part in reducing emissions.

We've just got THREE markets left, so the countdown is officially on. You don't want to miss a single week because it will be gone before you know it. See you at the market!

The market is held in the lower level parking area by City Hall at the intersection of Bothell and Ballinger Way NE.

Saint Dunstan's: What is Positive Masculinity?

This coming Sunday Saint Dunstan’s invites you to join us in a conversation about What is Positive Masculinity?

In the age of Barbie what does Kenough mean? (ok kidding) But seriously we talk about Toxic Masculinity, what is Positive Masculinity?

Whether you've seen the Barbie movie or haven't, a lot of people are talking about it, or buying shirts about it. It's everywhere, and with the rise of Kenough, the question is left...what does that mean?

How do we define positive masculinity? Saint Dunstan's is inviting you to come and join this conversation using the 3 Practice Circle method. Click here for a video explaining.

We'll be exploring what people think and be exceedingly curious to know more as we all wade through questions, we don't have the answer to, but will learn more about ourselves and our fellow travelers in this community.

At all Saint Dunstan's events ALL are Welcome, and no one is expecting anything from you if you bless us with your presence for however long you do.

Click here to RSVP on Eventbrite
Click here to RSVP on Facebook

Jobs: WSDOT Traffic Operations Technician (TT3)

WSDOT

Traffic Operations Technician (TT3)

Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$62,596 – $84,117 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Transportation Technician 3 to serve as a Traffic Operations Technician in Shoreline, WA. This position performs skilled tasks assisting the Traffic Operations Engineers with speed limit changes and pavement marking plan reviews.

The incumbent will perform traffic studies including Speed studies, Ball banking, Average Daily Traffic Volume (ADT), turning movement counts, peak hour, occupancy, pedestrian, travel times, vehicles classifications, and process field data for analytical use and constituent response. This position contributes to WSDOT’s mission by independently carrying out assignments which improve traffic safety.

Job description and application

Pulitzer Prize-winning author at Third Place Books on October 11, 2023

Third Place Books is thrilled to welcome Hua Hsu to our Lake Forest Park store!

Hsu will be celebrating the paperback release of his Pulitzer Prize-winning, staff-favorite memoir, Stay True.

Hsu will be joined in conversation by local author E.J. Koh, recently named "Most Influential" by Seattle Magazine.

Koh is the author of the memoir The Magical Language of Others and the forthcoming novel The Liberators.

October 11, 2023 at 7pm. Third Place Books, upper level Town Center LFP, intersection of Ballinger and Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park WA 98155.

Tickets required: thirdplacebooks.com

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Collision and shooting investigation in Lake Forest Park

On September 27, 2023, at approximately 9:11am, Lake Forest Park Police patrol officers were dispatched to a multi-vehicle collision in the 14700 block of Bothell Way NE.

As officers arrived at a chaotic scene, the call was updated to report shots may have been fired and an RV was seen fleeing southbound into Seattle.

A short time later, Seattle Police located the RV in the 13700 block of 27th Ave NE. The RV driver was located inside the RV, and despite life saving measures provided by first responders, he was declared deceased at the scene.

Preliminary investigation showed the parties involved had been attempting to recover their stolen vehicle when the driver of the RV attempted to use the RV to stop the recovery.

Shots were fired into the RV, which fled, striking several vehicles, in several locations, before coming to a stop in Seattle. The subject who fired at the RV was detained and all involved vehicles on scene were secured until search warrants can be obtained.

Anyone with information, including witnesses and any available video, is asked to contact the Lake Forest Park Police Department through Bothell PD dispatch, 425-486-1254. Reference case number 2023-07315

The investigation is active and ongoing with the assistance of the Coalition of Small Police Agencies (CSPA) Major Crimes Task Force (CSPA-MCTF), the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) and the Seattle Police Department (SPD). The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office was notified and responded to assist the investigators.

The Lake Forest Park Police Department is a state accredited police agency serving the citizens of the city of Lake Forest Park in King County, Washington. It is a partner agency in the Coalition of Small Police Agencies (CSPA) of King County.

What happens next depends on the eagle

Photo by Martin DeGrazia

Bog Whisperer Martin DeGrazia didn't say what happened after he took this photo.

Here's hoping that the eagle wasn't hungry.

Local resident graduates from Pacific University in Oregon

FOREST GROVE, Ore. (September 26, 2023) -

Deanna Taylor of Seattle graduated on Aug. 12, 2023, from Pacific University in Oregon with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.

Founded in 1849, Pacific University is a nationally recognized university offering undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, health professions and optometry.

Pacific serves more than 3,500 students with locations in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Eugene and Woodburn, Ore.

Scene on the Sound: Thomas G. Thompson

Photo by Jan Hansen

Who needs a weatherman or the research vessel, Thomas G. Thompson from the UW?

Tut, tut it looks like rain.

--Jan Hansen

Black Cat Ball Gala and Auction 2023 to support Purrfect Pals

Navi is ready for a furever home
Artwork by Constance Perenyi

Purrfect Pals

Please Join Us for the 25th Annual Black Cat Ball Gala!

Saturday, October 14, 2023 - Lynnwood Convention Center

3711 196th St SW Lynnwood, WA 98036

5:00pm - 9:30pm

Tickets here

This fun and festive Halloween-themed event will feature items for sale in a silent and live auction, a champagne reception, assorted appetizers, a cash bar and a delicious gourmet three-course vegan pasta or salmon dinner including wine.

Guests are invited to come dressed in formal/business attire or a costume.

Our 2023 auction will offer items and experiences for every taste and budget including cat beds, cat trees, toys and supplies, Pacific NW wines and wine tastings, artwork, antiques and collectibles, jewelry, relaxing getaways, home décor, electronics and more!

The Black Cat Ball is a Purrfect opportunity to finish your holiday shopping for friends and family members so be sure to bring your “nice list” with you!

All proceeds from the Black Cat Ball support the life-saving work that Purrfect Pals is doing for cats and kittens in our community. Our goal is to end cat homelessness in the Puget Sound region and we would love for you to be part of that mission.

Jobs: WSDOT Fish Passage Pre-Design Engineer (TTE)

WSDOT

Fish Passage Pre-Design Engineer (TTE)
Shoreline, WA- Northwest Region
$92,836 - $124,878 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Transportation Technical Engineer to serve as the Fish Passage Pre-Design Engineer in Shoreline, WA.

This position is critical in fostering a respectful and healthy work environment with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. This position reports to the Sno-King Project Development unit Engineering Manager.

The position is immediately responsible and accountable for the development and delivery of assigned pre-design phases for NWR Sno-King area fish barrier removal projects to ensure timely delivery of the court injunction mandated fish passage program, for oversight and implementation of contractual agreements with consultants, and eventually for providing design review support for design-build projects within NWR.

The Fish Passage Pre-Design Engineer will ensure effective and efficient implementation of region and statewide procedures to meet the objectives and performance of the region. This position is also the leader and supervisor of an integrated team of technical design professionals and consultant staff.

Job description and application

AP Computer Science A prep course at Shoreline Community College

AP Computer Science A prep course at Shoreline CC

The course is Part 1 of a two-semester 20-week course. The course meets once a week for 3 hours online each session and will cover 30 hours of online instruction and lab practice.

The course will support high school credit courses and will include individual programming projects. The course requires some homework and is based on numerous problem-solving exercises, labs, case studies, and mock exams.

The Part 1 will cover topics such as Strategies for Taking the Exam, data types, operators, input/output, control structures, classes and objects, inheritance and polymorphism, standard classes, program design and analysis.

The class is taught by Margaret Royzen, an experienced instructor whose students consistently pass the AP CS exam with grade “5” and win international programming competitions. For more details about the prep class, go to her website

Fee: $899.00
Dates: 10/8/2023 - 12/17/2023
Times: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Days: Sunday
Sessions: 9
Room: Room 1302

Register here: AP Computer Science A Exam Prep Class (campusce.net)

Lake Forest Park Garden Club October meeting with Daphne Legg of Wild Birds Unlimited

Daphne Legg of Wild Birds Unlimited

Lake Forest Park Garden Club

October 10, 2023 Daphne Legg with "Wild Birds Unlimited"

Daphne will be speaking to us about "Attracting Songbirds with Native Plants, Water, and Nesting Boxes (For those who don't like to use feeders)".

Daphne has done a lot of speaking on the topic of birds to the NW Flower and Garden Show, the Puget Sound Bird Fest, plus schools, garden clubs and other organizations.

She has worked at Wild Birds Unlimited as a Certified Birdfeeding Specialist for 28 years. In 2017 she was voted "Manager of the Year" for the Lake Forest Park store, out of 350 Wild Birds Unlimited stores nationwide.

General meeting is at 9:30 to 10:15am
10:15 to 10:30 refreshment/social time
10:30 to 11:30 guest speaker

We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at the LFP Town Center located at Ballinger and Bothell Ways NE. Upper stage area.

Novice and experienced gardeners are welcome. You may attend two meetings for free and then we ask that you join the club for the $35 a year membership fee. This helps pay for the great speakers we hire. We have a December Christmas potluck and also a summer Garden Party along with other activities throughout the year.

Shoreline Teen Center October activities

Shoreline Teen Center

(Richmond Highlands Recreation Center)

16554 Fremont Avenue N

Shoreline, WA 98133

South of Shorewood High School

More details here

Stabbing at 13400 Roosevelt Way NE

Stabbing in the 13400 block of Roosevelt Way N.

At 04:53am on Sunday, September 24, 2023, Seattle police officers responded to reports of a stabbing in the 13400 block of Roosevelt Way North.

Upon arrival, they found a male victim who sustained non-life-threatening stab wounds.

Immediate medical assistance was provided at the scene until the Seattle Fire Department arrived and took over.

The male victim was transported to HMC for his injuries. The suspect was identified but had fled the scene before officers arrived.

Sound Transit hosting online open house about potential changes to Link light rail fares and parking options

Photo courtesy Sound Transit

Agency invites the public to take a survey to provide feedback on proposals

Sound Transit has launched an online open house to inform the public and to ask for feedback about changes the agency is considering to Link light rail fares and its parking program. The website, which is available through October 22, 2023 includes detailed information about the proposed changes and the potential impacts to riders.

Sound Transit is considering two fare structures for Link light rail that it would recommend to the agency’s Board of Directors.

Under one proposal, fares would be based on distance traveled. Base fare increases of $0.25 or $0.50 are under consideration, resulting in fare ranges of $2.50–$4.50 or $2.75–$4.75 after light rail expands to Lynnwood, Redmond, and Federal Way.
Under the second proposal, flat fare rates of $3.00, $3.25, or $3.50 are under consideration.

The proposals may change as the agency learns more from community members. Sound Transit last increased Link light rail fares eight years ago. Currently, Sound Transit charges between $2.25 and $3.50 for adults traveling one way based on distance.

Sound Transit is also considering changes to its parking program.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency established a reserved permit parking area at the busiest lots and issued free reserved carpool parking permits and paid reserved single-occupant vehicle permits.

Permit parking was suspended in March 2020. Parking usage has been trending up in the last two years, and free carpool permit parking was re-started at the Tukwila International Boulevard and Northgate stations in 2022.

As Sound Transit prepares to open new Link light rail lines with 12 new and expanded park-and-ride lots in the next few years, parking is expected to regularly reach capacity.

Now is the time to plan for efficient use of parking areas, to ensure passengers have reliable access to parking, and to recover agency costs associated with park-and-ride lots, as called for in the voter-approved ST3 System Plan.

Sound Transit is considering a variety of tools, including adoption of daily fees, at some or all park-and-ride lots. Monthly permits and daily user fees can help Sound Transit manage the availability of parking, so passengers are more likely to find a space when they need one.

The online open house includes surveys where people can provide feedback on the various fare and parking options.

The link for the online open house is here.

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Child pornography investigation in Lake Forest Park

On September 27, 2023, detectives with the Lake Forest Park Police Department initiated an arrest and associated search warrant on a resident of Lake Forest Park for Child Pornography.

North Sound Metro SWAT (NSMS) served the warrant at the residence while the suspect was taken into custody.

Once the residence was secured, the ICAC Task Force, along with a Coalition of Small Police Agencies (CSPA) Major Crimes Task Force (CSPA-MCTF) Detective and a Lake Forest Park detective, took custody of the residence.

Multiple electronic items of evidence were seized and an initial investigation showed that several of the devices and found images were consistent with Child Pornography.

A 42-year-old male resident was booked into the King County Jail on charges related to Child Pornography.

The investigation is continuing with the assistance of ICAC.

The Lake Forest Park Police Department is a state accredited police agency serving the citizens of the city of Lake Forest Park in King County, Washington. It is a partner agency in the Coalition of Small Police Agencies (CSPA) of King County.

My Edmonds News: The story of Edmonds’ forgotten Starbucks

Our friends to the north, MyEdmondsNews.com have a fascinating historical article The story of Edmonds’ forgotten Starbucks by Brad Holden.

It was located in Old Milltown, a small shopping center in the heart of Edmonds that has been gone so long that I forget it existed.

I loved the place and went there often. I bought coffee at the coffee shop when the Starbucks name meant nothing. It was full of attractive small shops, historical photos, and a huge mill wheel. The wooden floors were uneven and creaky.

Slowly the shops closed and were not replaced. Finally the entire building was torn down. The lower level with shops accessible from the outside, still exists.

--Diane Hettrick