The Seattle Times: Shoreline teen pointed gun at two, then shot woman who intervened

According to reporting in The Seattle Times,

A Shoreline teen was charged last week as an adult with second-degree murder, accused of fatally shooting a woman who attempted to intervene when he pointed a gun at a young female’s face, according to prosecutors.

Jaden Taylor, 16, was also charged with first-degree assault for firing a shot that struck a teenage boy in the abdomen and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, say the charges filed May 24. Arrested a day earlier at his family’s apartment, Taylor remains in juvenile detention in lieu of $2 million bail.

Article here 

THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY Meridian, Shoreview, Hamlin x2, Richmond Beach Saltwater Parks - come join forest restoration groups

THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

Meridian, Shoreview, Hamlin x2, Richmond Beach Saltwater Parks

We are now working in Meridian Park!

We will also be in Shoreview Park near the off leash dog park.

https://shoreline.greencitypartnerships.org/event/calendar/?start=2024-05-31&end=2024-05-31

https://shoreline.greencitypartnerships.org/event/calendar/?start=2024-06-01&end=2024-06-01

And as always, you can find us throughout the week working in many parks throughout Shoreline - find your park and register here: https://shoreline.greencitypartnerships.org/event/map/

No experience necessary. Just bring your enthusiasm. We look forward to restoring with you!

Contact Joy Wood at stewardship@restorationad.com with any inquiries about Green Shoreline Partnership.

Pride Flag raising at Shoreline City Hall Friday May 31, 2024

Hey Shoreline residents! Join us to celebrate raising the pride flag at city hall. This annual event is coordinated by the city’s Equity and Social Justice Program Coordinator. 

The flag raising will be at 3:30pm on May 31, 2024. Refreshments provided.

 

Come and share your pride with us.

 

Shoreline City Hall 17500 Midvale Ave N Shoreline WA 98133

 

Questions? mhale@shorelinewa.gov

Fill the Truck fundraiser at Echo Lake Elementary on Sunday, June 2, 2024

Grab all those bags of donations that you have been saving and take them over to Echo Lake Elementary School for the PTA's Fill the Truck Fundraiser.

This Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 9am to 12pm. Volunteers will unload your vehicle for you. Nothing larger than an end table, please!

19345 Wallingford Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133 

Most EPS foam containers banned from sale and distribution in Washington starting June 1

2021 state law ends era of clamshell containers, plates, bowls, cups, trays, and coolers made of expanded polystyrene. Photo courtesy Dept of Ecology

Your to-go box and other food service items will be changing starting this summer. Beginning June 1, restaurants, businesses, organizations, or other institutions will no longer be able to provide expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam coolers, cups, trays, bowls, or clamshell containers to customers.

Alternatives are available and already in wide use as most restaurants have already made the switch, however Washingtonians may still come across these items when they take food home from them.

The restrictions are the latest phase in a 2021 law that seeks to reduce the use of plastic products that frequently end up as trash and litter. The EPS food service product restrictions apply to anyone who sells or distributes EPS foam products. This includes retail, restaurants, coffee shops and drive-throughs, health care and correctional facilities, institutions, government entities, organizations, and schools.

“Single-use plastic foam products are cheap to buy, but their environmental cost is high,” said Peter Lyon, Solid Waste Management program manager for the Washington Department of Ecology, which is responsible for implementing the plastics law. 

“Expanded polystyrene is difficult to recycle and often ends up becoming litter. There are many alternatives available, so switching away from these materials should be an easy step for businesses and consumers.”

Items not included in the EPS foam ban are egg cartons, packaging for raw, uncooked, or butchered meat fish, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and fruit. Visit Ecology’s EPS ban website for a full list of banned and exempted EPS products.

Most EPS products do not get recycled because they are often not accepted in curbside recycling bins or at local recycling facilities in Washington. Ecology’s 2022 litter study estimated that 1 million pieces of EPS foam cups, bowls and clamshells, and 191 million pieces of other EPS foam products accumulate across state each year.

Restrictions start with education, but penalties are possible

Ecology intends to initially focus its efforts on educating businesses about the law and alternatives to EPS products, but the law includes penalties of $250 for the first offense, and $1,000 for additional incidents where businesses don’t comply with the restrictions.

Ecology has been working to inform businesses about the new restrictions for more than a year.

The public can submit reports of businesses not following the law through Ecology’s EPS Ban website.

Other ways Ecology works on the plastic problem

Washington is making aggressive efforts to improve recycling and waste reduction, thanks to a number of laws passed in recent years. 

In 2021, the Legislature passed a plastics law requiring manufacturers to use a minimum percentage of recycled content in their products. The law also restricted the use of single-use serviceware like plastic utensils, and restricted the use of EPS foam in products like takeout containers. 

Other recent laws have banned single-use plastic bags and exposed EPS foam blocks in docks. EPS packing peanuts were banned for sale and distribution in or into Washington stating June 2023.

15th Annual Garage Sale Day in the Ridgecrest Neighborhood on Saturday, June 1, 2024

15th Annual Garage Sale Day in the Ridgecrest Neighborhood on Saturday, June 1st!

Lots of great items for sale at homes all throughout the Ridgecrest Neighborhood throughout the weekend. 

Watch for sale signs!!!

There will also be a parking lot sale at the Tabernacle Baptist Church with an estimated 50 sellers - 8am until 2pm, 16510 8th Ave NE. 

Church members will be bbq’ing hot dogs. 

And Ridgecrest Neighborhood Association Board members will be at the parking lot sale. 

Stop by and say hello. 

See you Saturday!

Twin Ponds with cottonwood snow

Photo by Jo Simmons

If you are in the right place when the wind is blowing, you may find yourself in the middle of a cottonwood snowstorm as the fluff blows off the trees in large swirling clouds.

At Twin Ponds, it floats on the surface of the water for a while, probably until it rains.

--Diane Hettrick

Big Chicken’s Shoreline debut marks a full starting lineup in Washington for Shaquille O’Neal-owned brand

Establishing a stronghold of chicken enthusiasts that spans from Northern Snohomish County to Pierce County, Shaquille O’Neal-founded Big Chicken is set to open its sixth Seattle Metro location in the Shoreline Place shopping center, near the intersection of 155th and Westminster Way (15515 Westminster Way N).

The star-powered chicken concept began its BIG takeover of Greater Seattle’s dining scene with the opening of its Renton location in 2022, quickly adding locations in Mukilteo, Microsoft Campus in Renton, Tacoma and at the Climate Pledge Arena in the heart of downtown to its all-star line-up of restaurants.

Residents of Shoreline and surrounding areas are invited to their grand opening on Friday May 31, 2024.

This opening will be the fourth in the Northern Seattle Suburbs for hometown heroes and accomplished entrepreneurs, David and Lorri Jones, who were recently recognized as Franchisees of the Year by the International Franchise Association. 

Together, the husband-and-wife duo have owned and operated restaurants for more than 25 years in the Seattle area and have played an instrumental role in piloting new technologies for the emerging chicken chain. Guests who visit Big Chicken in Shoreline will be the first to take advantage of new kiosk ordering options for added speed and convenience.

“Lorri and I have decades of experience operating restaurants across the Pacific Northwest, particularly in the Puget Sound region where we live and have established our own concept, Blazing Onion Handcrafted Burgers. 

"Shoreline is a fabulous area and we’re confident that Big Chicken will bring a new level of BIG fun to the scene in addition to delicious chicken sandwiches, hand-crafted shakes and more,” said David. 

“We’re excited to kick off this new restaurant with a grand opening on May 31 and to continue bringing new locations to our communities.”

Offerings at the Shoreline location will include The Original Big Chicken sandwich (Big Chicken Sauce and pickles), Uncle Jerome’s Nashville Hot (Nashville Hot Chicken, lettuce, mayo and pickles), and The Ultimate (mac & cheese, crispy fried onions and roasted garlic BBQ aioli), along with the crispy crinkle cut fries and delicious ice cream milkshakes.

To learn more about Big Flavor. Big Food. Big Fun. in Shoreline, visit the Big Chicken website.

About Big Chicken

Founded in 2018, Big Chicken is backed by a dream team of partners; JRS Hospitality, an accomplished Las Vegas-based ownership group; Authentic Brands Group, a multinational, multi-billion-dollar brand development, marketing and entertainment company; and Hall of Fame basketball star Shaquille O’Neal. 

Big Chicken fuses O’Neal’s home-cooked childhood favorites with today’s trending flavors. From crispy chicken sandwiches and tenders to Cheez-It® crusted mac n’ cheese and hand-crafted ice cream shakes, each menu item tells a story all while offering guests an inside look into the life and personality of Shaquille O’Neal. 

Adaptive Pickleball is offered at the Shoreline YMCA, free with a Y membership.

If you wished you could play pickleball but you are too slow, too frail, handicapped in some way or you need two rebounds to catch the ball, this class is for you! 

We have loaner paddles and balls.

Just drop in every Thursday at 3:30pm!

Class is free with your Y membership.

The Dale Turner YMCA (The Y) is located at 19290 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133

Information about The Y and membership here

Camp Stitch-A-Lot Needlework Camp for Youth

Edmonds, Washington: Snohomish County Clothing and Textile Advisors offers Camp Stitch-A-Lot the week of July 8-12, 2024, at St Hilda St Patrick Episcopal Church, 15224 52nd Ave W, Edmonds, WA. 

The camp is put on by Snohomish County Clothing and Textile Advisors for youth ages 10 through 17. We offer beginning and intermediate sewing and needlework classes. 

This year's classes are Sewing 100 for beginners and Sewing 150 for those who have previously taken Sewing 100. 

In Sewing 100 students will learn hand sewing stitches and how to use their sewing machine. Projects include a needle case, a drawstring backpack, and a 5-patch pillow. Sewing 150 will build on skills learned in Sewing 100. 

Our Crochet Class is full, but a waiting list is available. Classes are $60.00. Students may only attend one class each camp and must provide their own sewing machine. For more information about the classes, times, and to register, visit our website and click on Camp Stitch-a-Lot in the menu bar.

The Clothing and Textile Advisors (CTA) volunteer program was started in 1983 by Joanne Ross, Extension Agent in Pierce County (WSU) to support the annual Sewing and Stitchery Expo. 

We are trained volunteers who provide clothing, textile and needle arts education to the public and are dedicated to reaching the community through our sewing expertise. We offer hands-on classes throughout the year, plus the summer youth program, Camp Stitch-a-Lot. 

For more information visit our website or contact Barbara Tunestam at info@snohomishcta.org 

Opening Friday: Move Over Mrs. Markham at The Phoenix Theatre in Edmonds

Opening this Friday May 31, 2024, it's Move Over Mrs. Markham by John Chapman & Ray Cooney directed by Eric Lewis.

This funny and fast-paced bedroom farce is super fun for everyone over the age of about 12 or 13. Cheeky and cute, with some saucy innuendo but no nudity.

"Move Over Mrs. Markham is set in a very elegant top floor London flat, belonging to Philip and Joanna Markham. The flat has been under renovation, and thus has been largely empty. Philip is a straight-laced publisher of children's books, and he shares an office with his partner, Henry Lodge, on the ground floor. 

"Reluctantly, Philip agrees to let Henry borrow his apartment for the evening to "entertain" his latest girlfriend. At the same time, Joanna Markham is persuaded by Linda Lodge to let her borrow the apartment, so she can entertain her lover. 

"What nobody knows is that the interior designer who had been decorating the apartment for the past three months has decided that this was the night he and the au pair girl would try out the new round bed! When all three sets of people converge on the apartment, expecting to find it empty, chaos and confusion ensue."

May 31-June 23, 2024

• Adults 54 & under $25
• ​Seniors/Students/Military $20

Tickets here

Produced with permission of Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French Inc

The Phoenix Theatre is located in Firdale Village near Shoreline at 9673 Firdale Ave, Edmonds, Wa 98020 in the middle of the second floor in the rear building. Free parking.

If audiences have questions ahead of the show just give us a ring 206-533-2000 or send us an email Phoenixtheatreinfo@gmail.com

Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Plein air

 

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter here

Richmond Beach Garden Tour

Photo courtesy Richmond Beach Garden Tour

Mark your calendar for the Richmond Beach Garden Tour on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 11am to 4pm.     

This year we have nine gardens on the tour with something for everyone. Six of the gardens are new to the tour this year and three are returning favorites. 

 

One garden has a collection of over 275 dwarf conifers and maples, mostly in containers. Another garden is a great example of what you can do in a small space. Each one is unique and beautiful.

The tour is free and coordinated by volunteers from the Richmond Beach Community Association

Posters are in businesses in many locations in Richmond Beach and Shoreline. Use the QR code on the poster for an interactive map. Paper maps available at the Richmond Beach LIbrary, Vault 177/ Spin Alley, Beach House Greetings and Sky Nursery.

And, finally, information is posted on the RBCA website

Four Shorewood school records fall at the WIAA State Track & Field Championships

Shorewood 2024 State track competitors and coaches
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

By Paul Villanueva

Shorewood was represented well at the State meet this past weekend at Mt. Tahoma High School in Tacoma on May 23rd - 25th, 2024.

The trip was a wonderful showcase of the talent from across the State as well as from our community. On extremely windy and sometimes sprinkling (story of the season) days the athletes competed with the best from around the state. 

Keiyu Mamiya with a monster kick, passed 4 competitors in the final 100 of the 800 meter state finals to finish 3rd - and break a 42 year school record. Photo by Todd Linton.

It was a tough field. The athletes competed well - all should be proud of their efforts, and all should be proud of the athletes representing Shorewood Track & Field. 

The girls team placed 17th in the entire State in the 3A classification and Shorewood boys team placed 19th. There were 51 scoring teams in girls 3A and 48 scoring teams in boys 3A.

Four athletes broke school records that had stood from 14 to 42 years.

Mila Fotinatos #6 placed 14th in the 200m. In the 400m she placed 6th while breaking her own school record from a couple weeks ago! previously from 35 yrs ago.
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools.

• Hanna Bruno - 800m (17th place)
• Lucy Eichelberger - 300m Hurdles (17th)
• Ava Enriquez - Pole Vault (2nd while breaking her own school record from last year's State meet!)
• Mila Fotinatos - 200m (14th), 400m (6th while breaking her own school record from a couple weeks ago! previously from 35 yrs ago)
• Emma Helstad - Long Jump (11th), High Jump (11th)
• Harper Lara-Kerr - 800m (18th)

Ava Enriquez placed 2nd in the Pole Vault while breaking her own school record from last year's State meet!. Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

• 4x100m Relay (Ava E, Mila F, Maddie Brouillard, Emma H) - 11th place
• 4x200m Relay (Jasmine Lumbera, Lucy E, Maddie B, Mila F) - 20th
• 4x400m Relay (Lucy E, Harper LK, Jasmine L, Hanna B) - 5th
• 4x100m Unified Mixed Relay (Sophie Schindler, Serenity Cruthird, Dennis Fresenius, Sened Tekle) - 3rd
• 800m Unified Mixed Sprint Medley Relay 100m-100m-200m-400m (Sophie S, Serenity C, Sened T, Dennis F) - 4th
• Max Billett - 3200m (17th)

Otto Erhart placed 15th in the 1600m and 10th in the 3200m while breaking a 14 yr school record!
Photo by Todd Linton

• Otto Erhart - 1600m (15th), 3200m (10th while breaking a 14 yr school record!)
• Luke Gillingham - 3200m (15th)
• Keiyu Mamiya - 1600m (7th while breaking a 42 yr school record!), 800m (3rd)
• Jaden Marlow - 110m Hurdles (12th), 300m Hurdles (13th), Pole Vault (10th)
• Hayes Stetler - 200m (12th), 400m (10th)
• 4x400m Relay (Hayes S, Avery Lagasca, Keiyu M, Aidan MacDonald) - 4th

What’s Happening this Week in Shoreline?

By Kate Ledbetter, Destination Shoreline

Whether you're looking to add to your tool collection, enjoy a scenic walk with neighbors, shop for fresh produce, or test your historical trivia knowledge, Shoreline has something for everyone this week. Add these events to your calendar:

Shoreline Tool Library - Spring Tool Sale
Saturday, June 1, 2024
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Shoreline Tool Library 16610 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133

We have thousands of extra tools, and we're selling them all! Categories of tools available include power tools, landscaping, hand tools, electrical, painting, plumbing, kitchen, building materials, and so much more! We will take ANY offer. All proceeds support the Seattle REconomy community and our tool libraries in NE Seattle and Shoreline.
Source

Shoreline City Walk - Interurban Trail and Echo Lake Neighborhood Walk - Free
Saturday, June 1, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Echo Lake Elementary School 19345 Wallingford Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133

Interurban Trail and Echo Lake Neighborhood Walk. Explore the northern section of the Interurban Trail, including Echo Lake and the Densmore Pathway. Walk is approximately 3 miles. Rated moderate. Meet on N 195th Street next to Echo Lake School.
Walk is approximately: 3 miles / 1.5 hours
Walk Rating: Moderate (some hills)
Meet at: Echo Lake Elementary School, 19345 Wallingford Ave N., Park on street and meet on N 195th next to the school.
Walk Leader: Dan
Source

Opening Day! - Shoreline Farmers Market
Saturday, June 1, 2024
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
BikeLink Park & Ride 18821 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133

Shoreline's community hub for farm fresh & local foods, flowers, baked goods, local honey, live music, food trucks, kids programming, and so much more. Join us every Saturday through October 5th, located at the BikeLink Park & Ride (corner of 192nd & Aurora, across from Sky Nursery).
Source

Shoreline Historical Museum - Historical Trivia Night
Saturday, June 1, 2024
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shoreline Masonic Lodge 753 N 185th St, Shoreline, WA 98133

Come to our Historical Trivia Night for food and shoreline area trivia to support the museum. Tickets are $50 dollars which includes food, drink, and trivia fun! Dress up to represent your version of history- come in a costume or come as you are. We are so grateful for this community and appreciate every donation. We hope to see you there!

Source

For more information and more upcoming events, visit the Shoreline events calendar on DestinationShoreline.com/calendar

To have your event included please email DestinationShoreline@gmail.com

Jobs: City of Lake Forest Park Records Management & Office Support Specialist part-time

City of Lake Forest Park

Records Management & Office Support Specialist

 (34 hours per week) 

$30.90 - $41.19 Hourly

eligible for benefits and paid time-off

Under the direction of the City Clerk, the Records Management & Office Support Specialist performs a variety of records management duties involving City files, documents and other materials and assists in the administration of the Municipal Services Department’s programs and services. 

This position develops and maintains records management policies/procedures and trains and assists staff on the City’s records management policies and retention practices. In addition this role assures the proper and timely disposition of records and provides information and assistance to City staff and the public on the identification, protection and recovery of City records.

Duties require strong customer services skills, considerable attention to detail, and the ability to be extremely organized to meet rigid deadlines with minimal supervision. Responsibilities have a significant impact on the department's operations, record keeping, and customer satisfaction.

Job description and application

Pottery sale Saturday in Shoreline

Local artist Diane Kallaway will hold a pottery sale on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 503 N 190th St, Shoreline WA 98133 from 9am to 4pm.

In the Garden Now: Wine and Roses Weigela

Wine and Roses Weigela

Story and photo by Victoria Gilleland

Weigela puts on a spectacular display of flowers in late spring. Hot pink funnel shaped flowers appear in clusters or singly on branches from the previous growing season. The bronzy purple foliage of this variety is very attractive when set against the green foliage of other garden plants. More sun produces a darker purple foliage and more flowers while shade typically makes for a bronze leaf color and fewer flowers.

To keep plants under control size wise and flower production up cut back branches that have bloomed after blossoms are finished. New growth will provide a good crop of flowers the following spring since weigela blooms on last year's wood. 

Plants typically bloom in May and June and may repeat summer into fall. 'Wine and Roses' adds rich color throughout the growing season!

For even more bloom power consider Weigela 'Sonic Bloom' which is supposed to have become available Spring 2024. 'Sonic Bloom' is supposed to produce more flowers over a longer period of time than other varieties. We'll see how this new variety does!

Olympic Ballet Theatre presents Summer Performance June 1, 2024 at Edmonds Center for the Arts

Ria Adachi in Summer Performance 2023, Into Dust Photography

Summer Performance

Featuring excerpts from the classical ballet “Raymonda” and a contemporary work “A Gentle Prelude” by Donald Byrd

June 1, 2024, at 7 PM
Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA)
410 4th Ave N, Edmonds, WA 98020

Edmonds, WA – Olympic Ballet Theatre (OBT) closes the 2023-24 performance season with an eclectic production showcasing the diversity of ballet styles. This annual production honors tradition and celebrates innovation, featuring excerpts from classical ballets by famed choreographers of the past and exciting works by contemporary choreographers of today.

The 2024 production of Summer Performance presents Raymonda Suite, excerpts from Marius Petipa’s famed classical ballet Raymonda, and A Gentle Prelude, choreographed by Donald Byrd, Seattle-based Artistic Director of Spectrum Dance Theatre.

Raymonda (Suite)
Choreography: Marius Petipa
Music: Alexander Glazunov
Premiere: Imperial Mariinsky Theatre, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 1898

Raymonda is a classical ballet in three acts known for its exquisite choreography and beautiful music. Set in the 12th century, this ballet tells the love story of the beautiful young countess, Raymonda, and her fiancé who saves her from being abducted by a Saracen knight. Olympic Ballet Theatre will present excerpts from this timeless ballet, showcasing the technical prowess of its dancers.

A Gentle Prelude
Choreography: Donald Byrd
Music: Duke Ellington
Premiere: February 29, 2000

A Gentle Prelude is a movement from Donald Byrd's evening-length three-act abstract dance work, "In A Different Light," that explores the lesser-known musical compositions of the great Duke Ellington. Ellington (1899-1974), who achieved success as a composer, orchestrator, bandleader, and pianist, is often considered the greatest composer in the history of jazz music and one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.

A Gentle Prelude focuses on the solo piano and small ensemble works of Ellington as opposed to his more well-known "big band" pieces. The dance is a work for 7 dancers who appear to be in an imaginary 1930s romantic ballroom, and it details different types of relationships among shifting groups of dancers. Solos, duets, trios, and quartets variously describe how people connect and miss making connections.

Ria Adachi in rehearsal for A Gentle Prelude, Into Dust Photography

TICKET INFORMATION

Summer Performance will be at the Edmonds Center for the Arts on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Tickets range from $24 to $45 and can be purchased here or the OBT box office 425-774-7570. 

For more information, contact OBT at dance@olympicballet.org or visit the Olympic Ballet webpage.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Donald Byrd is the Artistic Director of Spectrum Dance Theater in Seattle. Formerly, he was Artistic Director of Donald Byrd/The Group, a critically acclaimed contemporary dance company, founded in Los Angeles and later based in New York, that toured nationally and internationally. He is a Tony-nominated (The Color Purple) and Bessie Award-winning (The Minstrel Show) choreographer.

Throughout the 40+ years of his choreographic career, Mr. Byrd has created over 100 works for his companies as well as works for many leading classical and contemporary companies. 

This list includes Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, The Joffrey Ballet, The Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco), Dance Theater of Harlem, and many others. 

He has worked extensively in theater and opera, both in America and abroad, including Seattle Opera, San Francisco Opera, The Israeli Opera, New York City Opera, The New York Shakespeare Festival/Public Theater, Intiman Theatre, and Baltimore Center Stage. 

Mr. Byrd’s many awards, prizes, and fellowships include the Doris Duke Artist Award; Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts, Cornish College of the Arts; Masters of Choreography Award, The Kennedy Center; Fellow at The American Academy of Jerusalem; James Baldwin Fellow of United States Artists; Resident Fellow of The Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center; Fellow at the Institute on the Arts and Civic Dialogue, Harvard University; and the Mayor’s Arts Award for his sustained contributions to the City of Seattle.

ABOUT OLYMPIC BALLET THEATRE

Olympic Ballet Theatre is a professional ballet company presenting four classical and contemporary ballet productions during each performance season. 

Founded in 1981 and now under the leadership of co-artistic directors Mara Vinson and Oleg Gorboulev, OBT has become a mainstay of the north Puget Sound arts scene, regularly touring theaters in Everett and Edmonds. 

With the support of local patrons and organizations, OBT brings high-quality original and classical ballet productions featuring renowned and emerging choreographers. 

OBT offers audiences of all ages opportunities to experience the joy and magic of ballet with affordable ticket pricing, intimate venues, and a diverse repertoire of performances.

OLYMPIC BALLET THEATRE
700 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020 | 425.774.7570 | OlympicBallet.org

Transportation and Middle Housing discussed at the May 20 Shoreline Council meeting

The locations of three new projects added to the Transportation Improvement Plan are marked on a map

By Oliver Moffat

At the May 20 meeting, the city council approved a new Transportation Improvement Plan with some amendments, discussed Electric Scooter and Bike Sharing, and provided feedback on the Comprehensive Plan.

Every year, the city council is required to approve a list of transportation projects for the subsequent six-years. The city council made three amendments to the Transportation Improvement Plan before approval: an unfunded bike bridge to Edmonds over SR 104, proposed improvements to Firlands Way, and splitting the 185th project into separate east and west projects.

Regional bike advocates lobbied the city council to build a non-motorized bridge over SR 104 where a one mile gap in the Interurban Trail between Shoreline and Edmonds drives cyclists onto busy streets. The city council agreed to pitch in $40,000 to study the project but (given staffing shortages) the city did not sound eager to commit to yet another big bike bridge project.

One block to the east of the CRISTA retirement community and one block west of the new Canopy apartment complex is Firlands Way N. A citizen-initiated proposal could convert the road with 90 feet of city-owned right of way into a six acre, tree-lined pedestrian friendly public space. 

The proposal could be both a transportation project and a park project and bring badly needed open space to the rapidly urbanizing neighborhood near Aurora. The city council added a plan to study the Firlands Way proposal to the transportation plan.

After hearing safety concerns about 180th Street from residents in North City, council member Eben Pobee sponsored an amendment to separate the 180th and 10th Ave segments of the 185th corridor project into a distinct project called the “North City Light Rail Connector”. 

Largely symbolic, the name change doesn’t increase the priority or funding for the project, but raises the visibility of a smaller project that was previously buried inside a larger project.

 A screenshot shows council member Betsy Robertson saying “All those folks who don’t want to see the additional housing, they are all comfortably housed.”

Although it wasn’t on the agenda, the topic of what kinds of Middle Housing the city should allow came up while discussing the Comprehensive Plan.

Mayor Chris Roberts said he wants to “double down” and “embrace middle housing of all types” not just meet the minimum density rules required by state law. “I hope the planning commission brings back policies that give us the big version of what middle housing could look like in Shoreline. And then we can work with our affordable housing developers to say ‘okay, what do you need’ and how do we get really truly affordable housing in our city,” said Roberts.

Council member Annette Ademasu disagreed with the push for more middle housing. “I’m hearing from people out there… they don’t want to see corner to corner… townhomes. They would rather see more green space interspersed when we are looking at middle housing,“ said Ademasu.

“All those folks who don’t want to see the additional housing, they are all comfortably housed,” council member Betsy Robertson said in response. “And we have a housing crisis and we need to add more units. And Shoreline is committed to doing that,” said Robertson.

Syttende mai in Ballard celebrated with a parade, marching band and many flags

Marchers dressed in traditional regional clothing

Syttende mai - Norwegian Constitution Day - is a huge event all over Norway.

It celebrates the day that the The Constitution of Norway was signed on May 17th in 1814, declaring Norway to be an independent kingdom.

According to Wikipedia, It is the second oldest written constitution still in use.[2] Students spontaneously began to celebrate the day with parades.

Flags everywhere

Wikipedia states that "During World War II when Norway was under occupation by the Nazis, it was strictly forbidden for Norwegians to celebrate 17 May, participate in any procession, or to use the colors of the Norwegian flag on clothes. At the liberation on 8 May 1945, the Norwegian flag therefore became a strong symbol of Norway's freedom."

Marching band

Parades, marching bands, and an abundance of flags are hallmarks of the day.

Norwegians from all around Seattle are part of the celebration

Many Norwegians settled in Puget Sound, with concentrations in Ballard and Richmond Beach. (Remember Deadliest Catch? It returns this year for its 20th season. Many of the captains and crew members were from Richmond Beach.)

Ballard holds a parade every year for Syttende mai (May 17th) where marchers and viewers alike don traditional dress to celebrate the day.

In 2023, King Harald V came to Ballard for Syttende mail and while here, knighted Eric Nelson, the director of the National Nordic Museum in Ballard.

All photos by (Norwegian-born) Lene Ellingsen Carpp

Progress at Suni's

Suni's Express photo by CLH

The very popular Suni's restaurant in the North City business district was destroyed in an arson fire in January of 2023. (See article)

Suni's is a local icon, owned and operated by the same family for 45 years. Known for its good food and friendly staff, many customers know the owner, Chris Krykos, personally, both as a business owner and a neighbor.

Close up from photo by CLH

Chris swore that he would rebuild at the original site. 

In the meantime, he leased a space across the street in the former Nail Code location at 1504 NE 179th - next to Golden Bow Gifts and Flowers, and began construction on Suni's Express.

It will serve everything but burgers - the space is too small for a grill.

Customers go by and check on it and send in photos when there is a change (thank you readers!).

The sign on the door is notice of application for a liquor license.

--Diane Hettrick

Fare inspections at Link stations begin June 3, 2024

Fare Ambassador on Sound Transit train
Photo courtesy Sound Transit

Passengers will need proof of payment within fare paid zones as well as on vehicles

Sound Transit is introducing a new fare inspection process in which Fare Ambassadors will check passengers for proof of payment at Link stations. The first phase of the rollout will begin on Monday, June 3,2024. Fare Ambassadors will continue to conduct fare checks on board Link and Sounder trains.

Fare Ambassadors will conduct fare paid zone inspections within the designated fare-paid areas of Link stations, which may include station platforms. During the first phase, fare paid zone inspections will occur only on the 1 Line, at downtown Seattle stations at different times, and will be expanded in later phases.

Sound Transit relies on fare revenue to operate its services; the Sound Transit Board approved fare paid zone inspections as part of the updated fare compliance policy in 2022.

The new process seeks to increase fare inspections during peak ridership times and make it easier for Fare Ambassadors to help people obtain fares or services. Sound Transit expects platform checks to improve fare collection rates by enabling Fare Ambassadors to provide passengers found without proof of payment with options to pay rather than issuing a citation.

The first phase of the new program will run through August. During this phase, Fare Ambassadors will test several methods of platform inspections before the August 30, 2024 opening of the 1 Line expansion to Lynnwood.

When Lynnwood Link opens, Sound Transit expects heavy ridership and crowded trains during peak periods. Fare Ambassadors on platforms will be able to help new riders navigate the system and will ease the fare check process.

During the first phase of the rollout, Sound Transit will collect passenger feedback about the experience through an online survey. Survey results will influence refining the fare inspection process for the second phase, set to begin in September.

Sound Transit developed the new fare compliance approach in partnership with communities disproportionately impacted by the effects of fare nonpayment. The agency will track the program's performance to ensure equity goals and inspection targets.

More information on Sound Transit’s Fare Ambassadors and fare engagement here.

Art by Whitney Potter: Memorial Day

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2024 will occur on Monday, May 27.

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

--History.com

AXON displays up to date technology for police departments at demo in Lake Forest Park

AXON set up displays behind the police station in Lake Forest Park
Photo by LFP PD

By Pam Cross

The Axon Roadshow brought its product display to Lake Forest Park on May 23, 2024. Invited by the Lake Forest Park Police Department, the Axon Roadshow is a series of on-site product demonstrations where education, experimentation, and appreciation converge for public safety agencies. 

The Roadshow showcases Axon's latest technology, including body-worn cameras, TASER energy weapons, evidence management systems, and more. 

The events provide agencies with hands-on experience to explore how these tools can enhance their operations for their communities. The goal is to empower first responders with practical insights and solutions, creating a space where product specialists and cutting-edge technology come together for improved safety and efficiency.

When I arrived I was met by Sgt. Morris Parrish, Training Sergeant/PIO for the Regional Crisis Response (RCR) who spoke to me about the need to keep up with technological advancements. Unfortunately cost is always an issue.

We talked a bit about how the improvements in technology have made policing much safer for the officers. Lake Forest Park PD would like to upgrade all their TASERs to the TASER 10. The improvements are summarized in this photo of the brochure (that was in my pocket all day). He then introduced me to an Axon representative who talked about the latest in TASER technology.

Handheld Taser for 
personal protection

They even offer this small handheld TASER for personal protection.

AXON offers Virtual Reality (VR) Training in place of firing ranges. 

In just a few short minutes, users will improve their aim and accuracy. 

This method is showing great promise not only because of the fast learning curve, but because it requires a much smaller area to practice in. 

Rather than standing 20-45 feet away from a target, the officer in training looks at a screen through the VR headset in just a few feet of space like an office. 

The demonstration I saw was in a trailer. and the “trainee” was only a few feet away from the screen but perceived the “subject” to be much farther away.

“Comprehensive training modules help ensure that your officers are well-rounded and as prepared as possible should any routine scenario go awry. 

"The most comprehensive VR police training software should provide access to an extensive library of supplemental lessons officers can complete during downtime.”

(Source axon.com)

I wondered why the officer activating a TASER shouts out: TASER! TASER! TASER! before firing. 

Is it to alert the other officers? He said yes because the canister in the TASER is very loud and could be mistaken for a gunshot. And when the target falls to the ground after the loud sound, another officer might misinterpret it as a gunshot exchange with an injured target. 

The situations are difficult, especially at night. Officers may be shouting out contradictory instructions (get on the ground; show me your hands; put your hands on your head) and flashing red and blue light from the police vehicles add to the confusion.

Their body cameras (which are worn by both LFP and Shoreline Police) are automated to come on when they leave the police station so there is no forgetting to turn on your camera. This is particularly useful when someone they detained misremembers what happened during the interaction with the police officer.

We talked about the difficulty of policing in an environment of constant camera presence and people being detained stating '"I’m afraid of you" (because you are a man), or "I can’t breathe," or '"I need to go to the hospital." 

Some people will say anything to delay the ultimate trip to jail, they said. All the while the officers are striving to remain calm to de-escalate the situation and keep everyone safe. 

De-escalating techniques coupled with non-lethal choices such as TASERs mean less risk of injury or death to the officers and the members of the public.

I spoke with several representatives of Axon as I walked around and looked at the exhibits, including the state of the art cameras in police cars.

They have a license plate application that catches a plate that it “sees” and runs the plate and produces the report on the laptop screen. He demonstrated it for me on a nearby car (not revealing the report). The camera locked on to a license plate, cleaned up the image, and was ready to continue. This can all occur while the officer is driving.

Of course the police vehicles have camera views from the front and the back, and a view of the back seat as well. This is useful when the person being detained appears to go quiet and may be ill, or is thrashing around and trying to twist a seatbelt around their neck. The officer doesn’t have to take his eyes off the road and twist around to see what is happening behind his back.

This same camera is also linked to all other cameras in their network nationwide. While demonstrating, he pulled up a car camera from a PD in Alabama. It took a second at most and it was as clear as if the car was parked next to us.

Drone demonstration
Photo courtesy LFP PD

And Drones. Who doesn’t love them?

Small to large, drones make it easier to track a vehicle than trying to watch it from your car while speeding after it. 

They can be used to locate a suspect, or find a lost person in a wooded or congested area. 

A small drone can enter a locked building through a window and “see” if the problem has been resolved.

They are quick to deploy so you don’t have to wait for a helicopter to arrive.

They are compact and easy to keep in the trunk.

Car chases are computer controlled as well. The system sees if the chase is too fast for the current traffic. If it is, the chase is stopped because safety is the priority. Parrish said that officers will not chase at 110mph as YouTube would have you think. The reason they chase after people at all is to avoid everybody running away from a police officer.

At the end of the day, I learned a lot more about policing than what I see on YouTube. And that most of the focus is on keeping the everyone safe.