Shoreline Area News: April 2024

Volunteers of America breaks ground for a community service center in Lynnwood

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Volunteers of America Western Washington marked a significant milestone in its journey towards creating stronger, more connected communities in south Snohomish County. After years of dedicated efforts in fundraising and planning, the highly anticipated groundbreaking event for the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center took place on April 18, 2024.

The facility will sit adjacent to Trinity Lutheran Church on a site purchased and donated by local author, writer, and Trinity Lutheran member Rick Steves.

In partnership with other organizations, like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County, it will become a hub of support for the local area including Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, and surrounding neighborhoods.

With an estimated annual reach of over 20,000, the center will play a crucial role in filling a service gap by offering accessible health and human services, educational programs, adult activities, and event spaces for meetings, celebrations, and fellowship.

The event also launched the community campaign, which invites individuals and businesses alike to invest in the final stage of the project through donations, volunteering, and engagement to shape the services and experience the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center will have to offer.

Speakers at the event included Rick Steves and former Washington State Representative Ruth Kagi.

Cinco de Mayo lunch and entertainment at Senior Activity Center May 8, 2024

Cinco de Mayo celebration at the Shoreline Senior Activity Center

with traditional Mexican food and entertainment

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 11:30am - 1pm

$5 per person - call 206-365-1536 for reservations

The Senior Activity Center is located at 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline 98155

the southernmost building on the Shoreline Center Campus

Teen activities in May 2024

Shoreline Teen Center

Richmond Highlands Recreation Center

16554 Fremont Avenue N, Shoreline WA 98133

South of Shorewood High School

More details here

Updates on the Shoreline Teen Center activities, events, and hours can be found at shorelinewa.gov/teens under the Teen Program Updates drop down menu.

Cartoon by Whitney Potter: It’s May Day

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter here

Bloodmobile in Richmond Beach on Garage Sale Day May 4, 2024

By Tom Petersen

While out hunting for treasures, consider leaving something special with Bloodworks Northwest!

Their mobile unit will be at the Fire Safety Center at the corner of Richmond Beach Road and 20th Ave NW, from 9am to 3pm, on Garage Sale Day, Saturday, May 4, 2024.

These are earlier hours than the last drive, in response to high demand for earlier appointments times.

Richmond Beach welcomed the return of regular blood drives after a four year pandemic absence with a huge response, "filling the bus" on March 2. Bloodworks hopes to see every bed full again, as the need for blood is still acute.

There were many first-time donors in March, and the hope is that they will return and establish the every-eight-week habit . . . and encourage others.

Prospective donors aged 16 and 17 are welcomed, with written parent permission.

Appointments are preferred and urged; go to www.bloodworksnw.org or call 800-398-7888. Walk-ups are accepted if there is an open spot; same-day, later-today appointments can be made online, by calling, or in person.

Jack Mitchell of The Evening Hatch to speak at the Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds May 14, 2024

Photo courtesy The Evening Hatch

Jack Mitchell, the founder and owner of The Evening Hatch outfitter and guide service, founded in Yakima in 1988, speaks at the Tuesday, May 14, 2024 meeting of the Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds.

The Evening Hatch offers guide services on the Yakima, Klickitat, Upper Columbia, and Peninsula Rivers as well as in Alaska and internationally.

The meeting is at the Lake Ballinger Center, 23000 Lakeview Drive, Mountlake Terrace WA 98043. The doors open at 5:30pm and the meeting starts at 6pm.

The meeting is open to the public.

For more information on Mr. Mitchell and the Evening Hatch visit theeveninghatch.com, and to learn more about OFF olympicflyfishers.com

Shorecrest tennis 4-29-2024 vs Monroe

Mia Halset photo by Zoe Greenzweig

Shorecrest varsity tennis

4/29/24 At Monroe HS

Monroe 6 - SC 1

Singles

Jaeda Boomars (M) def. Lily Haessler 8-4;
Zoe Greenzweig (S) def. Emiko Spengler 8-2;
Emergya Hartway (M) def. Lauren Kajimura 8-2;
Siena Garner (M) def. Thayer Katahara-Stewart 8-1

Doubles

Tanisha Segran-Maya Persons (M) def. Sophie Schmitz-Mia Halset 8-3;
Larissa Martina—Kayme Hartway (M) def. Brittany Morales-Talla Gates 8-0,
Elsa Jimenez-Layla Persons (M) def. Walker Temme-Ephrata Mengesha 8-0

Coach Rob Mann

Shorewood varsity softball vs Marysville-Getchell

Catcher Grace McLaughlin
Photo by Chris Stuvek

Varsity softball

4-29-2024 at Meridian Park
Shorewood vs. Marysville-Getchell
Shorewood 6 - M-G 4

Shorewood pitcher Emma Kellum

Pitcher(s) and Catcher(s)

Marysville Getchell: A. Shafer, E. Witter (3) and H. Kranz (catcher)
Shorewood: Emma Kellum and Grace McLaughlin (catcher)

Highlights

Marysville Getchell:

L. Balgos 2-4 (2B, 3B)
P. Johnson 1-3 (2B)
A. Shafer 1-4 (2B)
A. Allestad 2-4 (2B)

Avery Gruetz (SW) lays down a sacrifice bunt
Photo by Chris Stuvek

Shorewood:

Lillian Perrault 3-4
Grace McLaughlin 2-2 (3B)
Rose Gallagher 1-3 (2B)

Coach:

Paul Jensen

You may be eligible for a tax credit now

From Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal:

Reminder for WA State families — although filing season is over, you may still be eligible for a tax credit!

Click here to learn more: https://workingfamiliescredit.wa.gov/eligibility...

As our state funds its own working families tax credit, I’ll keep pushing for an expanded Child Tax Credit nationwide.

Sweep Away Hunger food drive at Shoreline City Hall

Today marks the start of the City of Shoreline Public Works department “Sweep Away Hunger” Food Drive!Now until May 15, 2024.

Donation Locations:

Shoreline City Hall, First Floor - 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133
Spartan Recreation Center – 202 NE 185th St, Shoreline WA 98155

In honor of the American Public Works Association (APWA) Public Works Week (May 19 - 25), the City is partnering with Hopelink, and the surrounding community, to hold a food drive with a mission to "Sweep Away Hunger.”.

Hopelink seeks to promote self-sufficiency for all members of our community by helping people create lasting change. By partnering with Hopelink, the City hopes to bring attention to Public Works and how it connects us all together. This food drive is focused on collecting non-perishable, non-expired food items.

If you would like to make a financial donation to Hopelink visit their website

LFP Salary Commission Public Hearing 5-6-2024 - Proposed Increases for Councilmembers’ Salaries

City of Lake Forest Park

PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
MONDAY, MAY 6, 2024 – 7:00 P.M.
Proposed increases for Councilmembers’ salaries

The City of Lake Forest Park Salary Commission has been reviewing the compensation of the Mayor and City Councilmembers. The Salary Commission is proposing no change to the Mayor’s compensation or benefits. The Commission is proposing an increase to the Councilmembers’ salaries from $600 per month to $700 per month for the remainder of 2024, with another increase January 1, 2025 to $800 per month.

A public hearing will be held to accept comments on the proposed increases, and the Commission’s draft determination will be available for review on the city’s website, www.cityoflfp.gov.

The Commission’s final determination is filed with the City Clerk. An increase in salary is effective on the next payday of City employees. A decrease in salary is effective for incumbent elected officials at the commencement of their next subsequent term of office.

The public hearing will be held during the Salary Commission’s May 6, 2024 meeting. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm, and the public hearing will commence thereafter. The public hearing will be held virtually and in person at the City Council Chambers. Instructions for how to participate in the virtual public hearing may be found on the agenda for the meeting. Written testimony will be accepted before the meeting and distributed to the Salary Commission, and verbal testimony will be accepted during the public hearing.

Written comments should be submitted to City Clerk Matt McLean at mmclean@cityoflfp.gov no later than 5:00pm local time on the date of the hearing. Any person wishing to provide oral testimony at the hearing is encouraged to register via the Remote Public Comment Sign-in Form on the City’s Hybrid City Council Meetings webpage by 5:00pm on the date of the meeting. Persons who have not signed up on the online public hearing sign-in sheet will be called upon to raise their hand through the Zoom meeting webinar feature and will be added to the speakers’ queue by the City Clerk, to be called upon by the Meeting Chair or designee. A request to speak can also be made by phone directly to the City Clerk at 206-368-5540 prior to 5:00pm on the date of the meeting.

Matt McLean
City Clerk
April 25, 2024

Salary Commission's Preliminary Decision Document - April 25, 2024

Guaranteed college financial aid coming to WA students on food assistance

Monday, April 29, 2024

By Grace Deng

Washington State Standard

Students from families on Washington’s food assistance programs will soon automatically qualify for financial aid to attend college.

That’s due to a new state law, House Bill 2214, that guarantees state financial aid for students enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP for short and sometimes called food stamps. The law calls for the automatic tuition aid to be available by the 2025-26 school year.

“If you’re looking for the one program that connects the largest number of low-income households in the state, it would be SNAP,” said Michael Meotti, executive director of the Washington Student Achievement Council, which introduced the idea to lawmakers.

HB 2214 is the first law of its kind in the country, Meotti said.

In Washington, SNAP is called Basic Food. Generally, a household must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to qualify. That’s $60,000 a year for a household of four.

For legal immigrants who don’t qualify for SNAP, the state runs the Food Assistance Program. Households in that program will also automatically qualify for college financial aid.

The funds will come from the Washington College Grant, which already allows the state to offer more need-based financial aid to students than anywhere else in the country.

A ‘game-changer’

Meotti called the law a “game-changer,” because it will allow students to start planning for their futures without having to worry about what will happen if they don’t win scholarships or qualify for financial aid.

“Washington has this hugely generous state financial aid program,” Meotti said, referring to the Washington College Grant. “We can tell you about it, but you won’t know if you’re getting it until the spring of your senior year in high school.”

High school students often give up on higher education early on, Meotti said, for reasons including the high cost of tuition. Meotti hopes guaranteeing financial aid will encourage more students to pursue college and see that it’s an obtainable goal.

Financial aid applications can also be complex and hard to understand, especially for first-generation students whose families don’t have a history of applying.

Washington officials want students to continue to apply for federal aid regardless if they will automatically qualify for state aid, but hope that guaranteeing aid will help remove the barriers that come with financial aid applications.

Guaranteed college financial aid coming for WA for students on food assistance How will it work?

Starting in 10th grade, students eligible for food assistance will receive one year of free college tuition. If the student is still enrolled in food aid programs by 11th grade, they’ll receive two years of free college, and so on, for upwards of three years of free college.

While the fourth year isn’t covered, Meotti said that students will be able to get a free ride if they apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA. By then, Meotti hopes students will have the resources they need to apply.

The Washington Student Achievement Council is still hammering out details of how the program will work. The council is also recruiting partners to help them figure out how best to reach students.

They’re also still trying to figure out how to make sure families know that the program isn’t too good to be true — Meotti pointed to how skeptical families are when they hear about free community college programs like Seattle Promise.

“We want to be very savvy about how to make sure we don’t stimulate that kind of reaction,” Meotti said.

Annual Richmond Beach Community Garage Sale - May 4

Annual Richmond Beach Community Garage Sale - May 4 from 9am to 4pm.

Multiple sales throughout the community (west of 3rd Ave NW, between Innis Arden and NW 205th St).

From Aurora Ave N. head west on 185th St.

Maps will be available online at Yardsalesearch.com and at the Richmond Beach Coffee Company (1442 NW Richmond Beach Rd) starting Thursday May 2, 2024.

Sponsored by the Richmond Beach Community Association.

Friendship Academy offers summer camps for age 14 and up with intellectual disabilities

Objective: Intellectual Developmental Disability Specialty Recreation for a safe, fun and social summer experience. Through a variety of theme recreational activities in the community and peer engagement, the program will offer confidence, camaraderie, and self-advocacy.

Rules: 5 hours, 5 days, 5 weeks; 7/8/2024 to 8/9/2024

Monday through Friday 10am to 3pm

10-10.30 welcome
10.30-12.30 activity one
12.30 - 1 Lunch
1 to 3 activity two

Two Weekly Themed Community Field Trips

Schedule subject to change
Requirements: Packed lunch, water, extra clothes (including hats, towel, sunblock), transportation to Friendship Academy

Players: Age 14 and Up

$545 a week and DDA Respite Allowed

Public Transportation pick up and drop off times

9:45 am – 10:15 am and 2:45 pm-3:15 pm

Participants must be independent.

Friendship Academy Summer Camp does not provide one-on-one supervision or personal care.
If personal care is required for toileting, mobility, feeding or behaviors, a caregiver is required and welcome to attend at no cost.

7/8 – 7/12 Music Week - Feature: MoPopsField Trip

7/15 – 7/19 NW Water Week - Feature: Sea Creature Expedition

7/22 – 7/26 Animal Adventure Week Feature: Woodland Park Zoo

7/29 -8/2 Sports Week- Feature: Baseball Game 7/30 12pm

8/5 -8/9 Movie Character Week – Feature: Regal Despicable Me 4 Movie

Please contact Brandy at Faad@friendshipadventure.org for registration. Players on a first come, first serve placement. Space is limited.

Friendship Academy is located at 1206 N 185th St, Shoreline WA 98133

It's True - zebras are loose on I-90

Photo courtesy Washington State Patrol

State Trooper Rick Johnson posted this photo of zebras on I-90.

He said "This is a first for me and all patrol troopers involved.

"Four zebras that were being transported got loose when the driver stopped to secure the trailer. He was going eastbound on I-90 to exit 32.

"The community has come together to help. One cornered, 3 outstanding."

Update:

Trooper Rick Johnson

@wspd2pio

#ZebraUpdate. The 4th zebra is still on the loose. This is being handled by the King County Regional Animal Services. More updates when I get them! Keep an eye out for a Zebra!!

Are you missing some pictures?

Stolen picture recovered
Photo courtesy LFP Police

Yesterday, LFP patrol officers recovered a stolen vehicle and found, just outside the car, two picture frames.

At this time, we don't know if there is a connection between the stolen car and the pictures left on the ground, but we would like to give the two items back to the owner.

Photo courtesy LFP Police

Please take a look at the pictures and send an email to Lieutenant Zanella if they are yours.

Thank you!

dzanella@cityoflfp.gov

Shoreline Invitational track meet Saturday, April 27, 2024 with 59 teams

Shorewood men came in 2nd in the 4x400 relay.
Hayes Stetler, Elijah Graves, Avery Lagasca, Keiyu Mamiya.
Photo by Todd Linton

Shoreline Invitational Track and Field meet

Shoreline Stadium.

April 27, 2024

Team Scores

Out of 59 teams, Shorewood ranked 10th in combined scores and Shorecrest was 46th.
In women's events, Shorewood was 19th and Shorecrest was 34th.
In men's events, Shorewood was 9th and Shorecrest was 46th.

Shorecrest's Taylor Christensen made the finals in women's javelin with a throw of 91' 8".
Photo by Todd Linton.

Individual results for every event can be seen here from athletic.net

In the Garden Now: President Roosevelt Rhododendron

Sunday, April 28, 2024

President Roosevelt Rhododendron by Victoria Gilleland

It's hard to imagine more colorful flowers than those of 'President Roosevelt' Rhododendron. The bright pink and red flower color seems more likely in some tropical locale, yet here it is flourishing in the Pacific Northwest. Yellow green variegation in the leaves adds to the color fest. It's a definite standout in the Spring Garden.

This rhododendron variety typically grows to 5' high and wide in 10 years. Provide heathy
soil, regular compost and water regularly to keep this plant happy. It seems to grow best in a part sun location. Too much shade and branches can become floppy.

Add a little color to your garden with a 'President Roosevelt' Rhododendron!

--Victoria Gilleland

LFP Mayor: Please take the time to slow down on our local roads

Lake Forest Park Mayor Tom French

From Lake Forest Park Mayor Tom French

Kindly do your part and set the tone on our streets for everyone, including those who visit our community. We all lead busy lives and sometimes we find ourselves running behind—this is not the time to speed on our roads.

The City Council just accepted a Safe Speed Study which will inform changes on our neighborhood streets, arterials, and connectors. This is part of a larger pedestrian and multi-modal safety program that we have been working on for more than two years.

In the coming months, watch for changes in speed limits on our roads. Smaller neighborhood streets will be reduced from 25 mph to 20 mph and to a uniform 25 mph on arterials and collectors.

The City has also made an application to the Washington State Department of Transportation for reductions in the speed limits on our two State Routes.

Tragically, each of the past several years, the number of fatalities on Washington’s roads has increased at an alarming rate. Last year was no exception with more than 800 fatalities setting a new record for the past 30 years. For context, the State of Washington has more than 100 cities and towns that have less than 800 residents. This alarming fatality number is equivalent to the loss of an entire small community.

Speed infractions and traffic volume in our two school zones continue to climb. Near Brookside Elementary in 2022 over 1.3 million vehicles trips were logged. In 2023, traffic volume was over 1.6 million vehicles logged or a 23 percent increase.

The two school traffic safety cameras on 178th reported a 14 percent and a 12 percent increase in violations over the previous year. The increases in the number of citations near LFP elementary were smaller, but still significant.

More alarming are the recorded speeds near schools: 137 of the citations in 2023 were for speeds more than 40 mph, with the top speed being 56 mph.

Also concerning are the 980 more citations that were issued for speeds between 35 and 39 mph.

These citations were issued when the warning lights on the sign were flashing and when children were present on the sidewalks and in the school area.

These trends are deeply concerning.

Please do your part and slow down -- our children and loved ones depend on all of us to keep them safe.

With respect,
Mayor Tom French

Jobs: WSDOT TMC Technician 3 Lead (TT3)

WSDOT

TMC Technician 3 Lead (TT3)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$65,577 – $88,123 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Traffic Management Center Technician 3 Lead (Transportation Technician 3) to perform advanced traffic management activities in the Northwest Region Traffic Management Center (TMC).

This critical role supports WSDOT's mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options while operating intelligent transportation systems. Join us in fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment while contributing to the enhancement of communities and economic vitality through effective traffic management.

Job description and application

Join Shoreline Community College for the opening of their new building

You are invited to the opening of the new Cedar building on the campus of Shoreline Community College. This event will take place on Thursday May 2, 2024, from 4:00-6:00pm

This building was designed specifically to deliver cutting-edge instruction in biology, chemistry, phlebotomy, medical lab technology, biotechnology, biomanufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and mechatronics; providing Shoreline Community College students with unparalleled resources for a state-of-the-art learning experience.

To learn more, we encourage you to view this short video.

The new building was named Cedar to honor the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific Northwest. The naming process was initiated as a collaborative effort with various tribes, including representatives of the Tulalip and Muckleshoot tribes, with a focus on engaging in meaningful conversations and respecting tribal perspectives.

The Cedar building is named after the prolific Western Red Cedar trees, x̌əpay̓ac in Southern Lushootseed, which are beloved by Pacific Northwest Tribal Nations.

Thank you to the donors who generously helped us build this building. Your support and generosity inspires us!

Shoreline Community College Associated Student Government, Bristol Myers Squibb, Seagen, Julia Calhoun, Don & Brenda Mallett, Harley & Michele O'Neil, Cheryl Roberts & Miller Adams, Bill & Mary Schneider, Scott Saunders & Irene Wagner, Shoreline Rotary Foundation, Ruth Kagi, Carl L Hossman Family Foundation, Ken & Pearl Noreen, AGC Biologics, Vince & Pamela Madden, The Estate of Laura Rogers, Chuck Olson Chevrolet Kia, Ed & Cindy Neff, Catherine & Karl D'Ambrosio, Jonelle Johnson, Shirley Lampkin, Tom & Pam Lux, Tony Doupé, Gidget & Dennis Terpstra, Clifford Frederickson, Doug Jackson, Jeffrey & Rachel King, Jim & Mary Rohrback, Wells Fargo Advisors, The Boeing Company, Schwab Charitable

Change your behavior to protect the lives of WSDOT workers on the highways

Work zone. Photo courtesy WSDOT

As a WSDOT traffic control supervisor, Ashley Jackson designs traffic plans to create work zones for projects on our state highways. Unfortunately, traffic control doesn’t eliminate the risk our crews face in the field. Ashley and all our crews need your help.

With Work Zone Awareness Month entering its final days of 2024, Ashley’s message to every driver:

Get off your phones while driving.
Don't drink and drive.
And, slow down and pay attention in work zones.

Read more about Ashley, her role in creating traffic control and some of the workers she’s helping to protect in this blog.

Shoreline Rotary to get tour of new building at Shoreline Community College on May 1, 2024

Join Shoreline Rotary for a Hybrid Rotary meeting - that means both on Zoom and In-Person - with coffee and donuts at the In-Person part on Wednesday morning, May 1, 2024, in the Quiet Dining Room in Building 9000, the Pagoda Union Building of Shoreline Community College, 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133.

Enter the Campus through the Main Gate off Greenwood Avenue North. Parking is available in the Visitor, Staff, and Student Parking Lots to your immediate left as you pass the bus stop and turn up the hill. Parking passes are currently NOT required.

The program will be a tour of the new building at Shoreline Community College led by the Shoreline Community College Foundation.

COVID-19 Policy: Although masks are now optional, our club policy is to encourage those who feel they need to continue to wear masks to do so, either inside or outside in groups.

You may arrive as early as 7:00am at the college location.

ZOOM Instructions

Shoreline Rotary Club Meeting
Time: Zoom will open at 7:15am (you may receive a message to wait until the "host" signs on).

Join Zoom Meeting following this link

Or, you can enter the following Meeting ID and you will be asked to enter the Passcode.

Meeting ID: 896 9854 5411
Passcode: 255516

Or you can call in on your phone and follow the instructions for entering the Meeting ID and Passcode:
+1 253 215 8782 US - local

Join the National Association of Letter Carriers May 11, 2024 to help Stamp Out Hunger

Stamp Out Hunger is happening Saturday, May 11, 2024.

Stamp Out Hunger, the nation’s largest single-day food drive known for its distinctive blue plastic bags, was created by the National Association of Letter Carriers in response to the need for food they saw in the community every day on their routes.

Here’s how it works:

A blue Stamp Out Hunger bag will be sent to your home in early May.
Fill the bag with non perishable food items and leave it by your mailbox by 8am for your postal worker on Saturday, May 11.

That’s it!

Food from this drive helps Food Lifeline fill the shelves of local food banks, shelters, and meal programs across Western Washington.

While one bag of food may seem small, a little goes a long way and Stamp Out Hunger succeeds every year, thanks to the donations of generous neighbors like you!

The Food Lifeline warehouse was located in Shoreline until it outgrew its space. Sometimes known as the "food bank's food bank" Food Lifeline can take in food in bulk or in very large amounts from farmers, manufacturers, grocery stores, and restaurants.

Thousands of volunteers help sort and repack this food, preparing it for pickup and delivery. Food Lifeline provides this food to 350 food banks, shelters, and meal programs across Western Washington.

Grand opening of East Link Light Rail Starter Line with ceremony attended by state senators and governor

Sen. Murray, King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci at the grand opening of the East Link. Photo courtesy Patty Murray

Bellevue, WA – Saturday, April 27, 2024, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, attended the grand opening of the East Link Light Rail Starter Line.

This new service will provide 6.6 miles of east-west connections between Redmond and Bellevue. The full East Link will open in 2025 and run 14.5 miles between Seattle and Redmond.

In 2013, Murray secured a $14 million grant under the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program that she created—which is now the RAISE grant program—for the East Link project.

Murray was joined at the grand opening ceremony by Senator Maria Cantwell; Governor Jay Inslee; Redmond Mayor Angela Birney; Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson; Goran Sparrman, Interim CEO of Sound Transit; Donny Stevenson, Vice-Chairman of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe; Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft; Beryl Tomay, Senior Vice President of Transportation at Amazon; Monty Anderson, Executive Secretary of the Seattle Building & Construction Trades Council; Paul Kincaid, Associate Administrator for Communications and Congressional Affairs for the Federal Transit Administration; and Claudia Balducci, King County Councilmember among others.

“Public transit is a top priority for people across Washington state, so it’s a top priority for me—and I’m proud to have fought for, and won, crucial investments in our state’s public transit system,” said Senator Murray.

“I have a long history with this project, and remember some pretty tough times a couple decades ago fighting alongside Joni Earl to ensure there was a future for Sound Transit—that future is here now, and it is so bright.

"I am so excited to be here today, and to be able to tell everyone we will no longer have to wait years for light rail to come to Bellevue—instead it will be here every ten minutes!”

Murray has long been a supporter of the East Link extension, attending the groundbreaking in 2016 after securing a $14 million TIGER Grant for the project in 2013.

Murray established the TIGER grants program in 2009, which later became the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program.

“Delivering the federal dollars to support Puget Sound’s incredible expansion of public transit has not been easy, but as long as I serve as the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee—it’s going to be a priority for the federal government,” Murray said.

Last summer, Murray announced a record nearly $133 million in RAISE funding for projects across Washington state—Washington was awarded the most RAISE grants of any state and received the most in total funding. Senator Murray notably helped secure $7.5 billion for the RAISE program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Hole in the clouds and rainbow from the sky

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Photo by Barbara Twaddell

Fun clouds today and possibly a Fallstreak hole usually caused by aircraft flying through a layer of clouds.

--Barbara Twaddell

Photo courtesy KC Air Support

The crew of the King County air support helicopter took a moment to share this unusual view of a rainbow.

Northbound I-5 ramp closed on NE 145th during the daytime next week

Northbound I-5 on-ramp from NE 145th St HOV lane closure

As early as Monday, April 29, 2024 Sound Transit will close the HOV lane on the northbound I-5 on-ramp from NE 145th St for landscaping. This work is part of the Lynnwood Link Extension.

Some bus routes may be affected. Please check the King County Metro website for details.

Monday, April 29, through Thursday, May 2, from 9am to 2:30pm.

Other area projects:

The City of Shoreline is working on Phase 1 of the 145th Street Corridor Project. This work is a seven-month closure of NE 145th Street between the southbound I-5 ramps and 1st Avenue NE.

For more information, visit: engage.shorelinewa.gov/145corridor

Contact us

Outreach specialist: c-jaybee.ragudo@soundtransit.org or 206-701-1469

Genealogy: What if you researched the wrong family?

Wickers Building at Heritage Park Lynnwood

Wrong Family: What if You Discover You Researched the Wrong Family is the topic of the May 1, 2024 meeting of the Sno Isle Genealogy Society which meets in the Wicker's Bldg 19921 Poplar Way, Heritage Park, Lynnwood, at 7pm

Drawing on her own research Gabrielle Hillgrove will tell how she discovered she wasn't researching her family when all the clues told her otherwise.

"Bright shiny objects" can be a distraction!

This is a hybrid meeting, come in person or join us on Zoom

HomeTechHacker: Unmasking the Dark Web: A Closer Look at its Functions and Dangers

By Marlon Buchanan

In the vast expanse of the internet, one realm remains hidden from regular browsing: the dark web.

Inaccessible through conventional search engines, it serves as both a sanctuary for private communication channels and a breeding ground for criminal activities.

Let's explore workings of the dark web, shedding light on its technology, legitimate uses, and the myriad dangers associated with navigating its murky depths.

What Is the Dark Web and How Does It Work?

The origins of the dark web are shrouded in mystery, but its significance in digital security conversations is undeniable. Originally employed by the United States Department of Defense for secure communications, the dark web now caters to users seeking anonymity. Utilizing a technology called "onion routing," it employs a network of nodes and darknets to encapsulate messages in layers of encryption, akin to the layers of an onion. This intricate process shields users from unwarranted surveillance and tracking.

Accessing this hidden part of the internet requires specialized software like Freenet, I2P, or Tor (The Onion Router), with Tor being the most popular dark web browser. Tor provides robust encryption layers and the ability to route internet traffic randomly through its relay networks, ensuring user anonymity.

Due to its unavailability on mainstream search engines, the dark web hosts unregulated websites operating without oversight, giving rise to both legitimate and illicit activities.

Is the Dark Web Useful?

While the dark web is synonymous with criminality, it also serves several legitimate purposes:

Anonymous Email Services: Offering encrypted email services for users exchanging sensitive information.
Circumventing Government Censorship: Providing a refuge for users in countries with oppressive surveillance measures.
Collaborating Anonymously with Journalists: Assisting whistleblowers in reporting cases of fraud, abuse, and corruption.
Securing Cryptocurrency Wallets: Offering services to enhance the anonymity of cryptocurrency transactions.

Despite these legal uses, the dark web is rife with illegal activities, prompting the question: are its benefits worth the inherent dangers?

The Dark Web and Cybercrime

The dark web is a breeding ground for various cybercrimes, including identity theft, credit card fraud, malware distribution, and scams. Darknet markets facilitate illegal transactions, with a global value of $1.5 billion in 2022. Illicit products sold include stolen data, granting scammers access to personal, financial, and even medical information.

However, the true dangers lie in the array of services accessible to cybercriminals:

Software Exploit Kits: Facilitating attacks on vulnerabilities in systems.
Ready-to-Use Malware: Including keyloggers, spyware, Trojans, and ransomware.
Botnets: Networks of private devices infected with malware.
Money Laundering: Enabling the concealment of illicit funds.

The dark web's illicit activities range from drug and human trafficking to more heinous crimes, making it a perilous space.

Navigating the Dark Web Safely

For those daring to explore the dark web, caution is paramount:

Avoid Unsecured Sites: Steer clear of unsecured sites, never divulge personal information, and refrain from downloading illegal content.
Use a VPN: Enhance privacy by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Keep Devices Updated: Reduce vulnerabilities by ensuring devices are up-to-date.
Refer to Directories: Use dark web directories to access genuine sites.

You can learn a lot more about staying safe on the Internet, including the dark web, by enrolling in HomeTechHacker’s Personal Cybersecurity Protection course or reading The Personal Cybersecurity Manual.

While accessing the dark web itself isn't illegal, engaging in the criminal activities rampant within it is. I urge you to prioritize safety, protect personal information, and abstain from downloading anything from dubious websites. The dark web may harbor valuable resources for some, but many of its benefits come at the expense of others.

HomeTechHacker Marlon Buchanan

Marlon Buchanan is a best-selling author, IT Director, and founder of HomeTechHacker.com, a website with free resources to help you make the most of your home technology.

If you have questions or comments about this article you can contact Marlon through his website or X (Twitter).

Previous HomeTechHacker columns can be viewed here.

Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Hi Tech

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE

Apply to be a youth member on the Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board

Are you between the ages of 15 and 19, live in Shoreline, and looking for an opportunity to play an important role in the Shoreline community?

Then we encourage you to apply for the youth position on the Shoreline Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services/Tree (PRCS/Tree) Board.

We are now accepting applications for one youth position to serve on the PRCS/Tree Board for the 2024/2025 academic year. Your perspective and input is an important part of the PRCS/Tree Board’s work and is encouraged by the City Council and welcomed by Board members and staff.

The PRCS/Tree Board advises the City Council and City staff on a variety of issues related to parks, recreation, public art, special events, cultural services, and trees on public property. Topics may include park operation and design; programs and events; property acquisition; arts opportunities; and development of planning documents, rules, or regulations.

The Board consists of seven adult members and two non-voting youth members. Youth members must reside in Shoreline and be between the ages of 15 and19 years. The youth appointed to this position has the option to begin their term in July or wait until September as their schedule allows. Per ordinance, Board members are compensated at a rate of $50 per meeting.

The Board meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from January through October and the first Thursday in December. Meetings are from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at City Hall. Board meetings are held using a hybrid format allowing for either in-person or online attendance.

If you are a Shoreline resident between the ages of 15 and 19, interested in serving your community and gaining experience with a city board, please complete and submit an online application. If you prefer a paper copy of the application, you can pick one up from the City Clerk’s Office, which is located in the lobby of City Hall. Once you have completed it, you can return it to the Clerk’s Office.

You must submit your application, either online or to the City Clerk’s Office, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 27, 2024. You will be contacted by Recreation, Cultural and Community Services staff after the deadline regarding the status of your application.

More Information:
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board
Recreation, Cultural and Community Service Director Mary Reidy
mreidy@shorelinewa.gov
206-801-2621

Affordable Housing 101 Virtual Lunch & Learn May 14, 2024

Affordable Housing 101 Virtual Lunch & Learn

Tues. May 14th (12-1 p.m.)
Register here

What is affordable housing and how can we ensure everyone has a place to call home in North King County?

Join us as we explore relevant concepts and terms and provide an overview of the regional housing landscape and needs in Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell and Woodinville.

Hosted by the North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) in partnership with Housing Development Consortium (HDC) and our city partners as part of Affordable Housing Week.

This series of education and advocacy events throughout King County highlights the role affordable housing plays in stabilizing our communities and creating momentum for investments and policies to ensure affordable, thriving and equitable communities.

Learn about other events here.

Questions? Email staff@nuhsa.org or call 206-550-5626.

Judge rules AG Ferguson challenge to Kroger-Albertsons merger will continue

Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s antitrust lawsuit to block the proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons can continue, a King County judge ruled today, rejecting the companies’ request to dismiss the case.

Ferguson asserts the proposed merger of the two largest supermarket companies in Washington state will severely limit shopping options for consumers and eliminate vital competition that keeps grocery prices low.

More information here

75th Anniversary of Ridgecrest Elementary is a massive family reunion

Standing room only at the Ridgecrest Elementary 75th Anniversary event

All photos by Steven H. Robinson

Ridgecrest Elementary School celebrated its 75th Anniversary on April 17, 2024 with a standing room only crowd.

The school choir sang as people arrived

Generations of PTA volunteers, students, teachers, administrators gathered in their home school to see if there was anyone they knew, and to reminisce about school days of the past.

Former PTA President Ellen Sullivan greets former principal Jim Schaffner.

Speakers included current principal Daniel Navidad and former principal Jim Schaffner, who led the school for 17 years. Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts, the music teacher, Joe Peterson, and students past and present added to the mix.

Rocky the Ram and friends

In the hallway Mascot Rocky the Ram posed with a couple of fans.

Displays of historical artifacts documented the 50th Anniversary celebration and notable events. Photos showed a new Ridgecrest.

The pictures on the wall are student artwork explaining what they love about Ridgecrest.

PTA volunteers were everywhere, selling tote bags and cookies.

The mood was happy and upbeat.

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