Holiday decorations in North City, Shoreline Washington 2008

Shoreline's North City business district is decorated for the holidays. Here are a few photos I took today.

Giant candy cane at Shoreline Water District office

Shoreline Water District

Lamppost banner of an evergreeen tree with stars

Old timey lantern with evergreen boughs

Do you have photos of holiday decorations in Shoreline? Send them to ronaldbogblog@gmail.com

Happy Thanksgiving Shoreline! What are you thankful for?

On this Thanksgiving Day, what are you thankful for? Just a few of the things I'm thankful for include my friends and family, my health, the ACLU, musicians, artists, writers, and coffee.

Here are a few other things I'm thankful for (all are links):

The Shoreline Public Library

Richmond Beach Park

The Crest Theater

Public Art

Freedom of Speech


What about you? What are you thankful for today?

Turkey Day Fun Run in Shoreline: Thanksgiving morning at Richmond Beach

Run, jog or walk for Hopelink on Thanksgiving morning. Event t-shirts are available by pre-order only. Registration and t-shirt order forms are available at Spin Alley (1430 NW Richmond Beach Road).

What: Turkey Day Fun Run
When: 11/27/2008 8:30 AM
Where: Richmond Beach Saltwater Park
Why: to support Hopelink Foodbank
More info: call Sheri at (206) 542-9147

From Hopelink's website:
Since 1971, Hopelink has served homeless and low income families, children, seniors and people with disabilities. Hopelink’s mission is to promote self-sufficiency for all members of our community; we help people make lasting change.

Link to Hopelink

Link to Spin Alley

Is there a jail in Shoreline's future? Maybe.

Map of proposed jail site in Shoreline



Some info from the City's website:

King County has announced that after 2012 there will no longer be space to house Shoreline’s or any other local cities’ inmates in the County’s facilities. This is due to the County’s projected increase in the felony population.

Consequently, all cities that contract with the county must replace those jail beds. Rather than plan for dozens of small, inefficient jails, Shoreline joined other cities in North and East King County to address the problem, with the five largest cities (Shoreline, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond and Seattle) leading the group. The feasibility study by a consultant showed that building and operating one large jail was more cost-effective than two small jails. For Shoreline, the difference in cost would potentially be over $1million per year.

One of the six sites is in Shoreline at 2545 NE 200th Street. Three sites in Seattle, one in unincorporated east King County, and one in Bellevue are the remaining five sites.

The Shoreline site was identified because the property is large enough, publicly-owned and available, does not require any parties to be displaced and is near regional transportation

There will be a public forum about this from 6-9pm on Thursday, Dec. 11 at Shoreline Community College.

Link to more information at the City of Shoreline's website

Link to "6 sites under consideration for new WA jail" (KING 5 News)

Link to "Proposed new jail sites stir up controversy" (KOMO News)

Link to North/East Cities Municipal Jail Planning website

Link to Comments / Questions form


What do think? Are you for a jail in Shoreline? Why or why not? Feel free to chime in and share your thoughts with your neighbors via the COMMENTS link below.

Someone thinking about moving to Shoreline wants YOUR opinion

"Richmond Beach Totem" by J Kraemer via Flickr

Here's a message we got from Lee, who's thinking about possibly moving to the Seattle area. Please share your thoughts about Shoreline in the COMMENTS section.

I just have a few questions. I am wanting to relocate to the Seattle area. Not for work, I just have wanted to live there for a long time. I love the outdoors etc. Hiking, kayaking, snow skiing. I arrived back in the U.S. after 4+ years in South America. What can you tell me about Shoreline? I am wanting to do a career change. I'm an accountant, but I think I am going back to school to become a nurse (I think I may take a CNA course in Shoreline). I have been to Seattle twice, don't really know the area that well. I am completely open to where I live. Just give me your thoughts on the pros and cons of Shoreline in contrast to other areas of Seattle.

Thanks,
Lee


Let's all be good neighbors and help Lee out. Whaddya say? What do you like best (or least) about Shoreline? Don't be shy. Let's all share our ideas - it'll be fun to see what everyone has to contribute! Just click below where it says COMMENTS. You can also see what other people have said.

Lee thanks you!

Improvements to Ronald Bog Park and Meridian Park School

Meridian Park School

Meridian Park School

Ronald Bog Park

Ronald Bog Park

As you may know, Meridian Park Neighborhood Association (MPNA) has had many weeding and landscaping work parties at Ronald Bog Park. More than 40 yards of invasive blackberries were removed from Ronald Bog park in late August. You can now see the water, turtles, frogs, ducks, and other birds on a daily basis. Approximately 100 appropriate plants and trees have been planted at the bog. That project is being led by Master Gardener Dick Decker.

There have also been monthly work parties at Meridian Park School with the neighborhood association and the PTA working together. This has resulted in most of the flower beds being weeded and the 6 beds in the parking lot weeded, barked and planted. That project is usually lead by David Drummond and Bob Pacunski and aided by members of the Meridian Park Neighborhood Association under Chairperson Gretchen Atkinson & her board. The MPNA wrote the grant that paid for all of the plants going into both the Bog and the School.

Now there is an expansion of the Ronald Bog project being carried out by Eagle Scout Candidate Victor Casarez. He and 14 other scouts and adults started removing blackberries from the north end of the lake below the bus stop shelter. They will be there again this Saturday from 9am to noon. Once the blackberries are removed that group will also be planting trees and native plants, many of which will be furnished through the neighborhood association.

(This information was sent to us by Gretchen Atkinson. Thanks Gretchen!)

Link to see more photos of the work being done at Ronald Bog Park

Link to see more photos of the work being done at Meridian Park School

Music at the Hotwire Coffeehouse tonight!

If you have some free time and would like to see a free show this evening, check out the singer-songwriter showcase at Hotwire Coffeehouse. It will feature five musicians each playing a short set of about 30 minutes each, and starts at 7:00 pm. Kids are welcome, and the Hotwire offers great coffee, wi-fi, comfy chairs, and a great atmosphere for listening to music.

One of the artists, Kristy Cameron, is a local musician who plays a mix of urban folk, Americana and acoustic music on her guitar, banjo and mandolin. She is joined by singer-songwriters Jennifer Spector, Steve Bucklew, Steve Mason and Lisa Marshall.

For more information about Kristy's music, you can visit her MySpace page, or take a look at one of her performances here on YouTube.


Link to Hotwire's home page.
Link to Kristy's MySpace page.

Holiday Crafts Market,Sat. Nov. 22nd from 9am-4pm

Handmade crafts will be on sale Saturday, November 22, 2008 from 9am-4pm at the Spartan Recreation Center (at Shoreline Center: 18560 1st Ave. NE). Sponsored by Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services.

According to the City's website "The Spartan Recreation Center gymnasium will be transformed into a winter wonderland of gorgeous gifts."

Link to City of Shoreline webpage about this event

Shoreline Town Hall Visioning Meeting November 19th 2008

From the City of Shoreline's website:

Nearly 400 people came to at least one of the 18 “Shoreline Community Conversations” held in October to provide valuable input about a preferred Vision for Shoreline’s future. Shoreline City Council and Planning Commission are hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 19, beginning at 6:45 p.m. to share a summary of what the community had to say and will provide an opportunity to continue the conversation directly with members of the City Council and Planning Commission.

The Town Hall Meeting will be held in the Shoreline Room of the Shoreline Conference Center, 18560 1st Avenue NE.

For more information, contact David Levitan at dlevitan@ci.shoreline.wa.us or (206) 801-2554.

For more information about the Visioning Process including a summary of community comments and the agenda for the Town Hall Meeting, visit the Vision page.

Link to more information about Shoreline Visioning Process

Construction at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, November 2008

A couple of days ago I went down to Richmond Beach Park. It was late morning, overcast and foggy. Here are a few photos of what's going on down there. The old bottles were pretty cool to look at. I suppose they must have been excavated by the construction workers. I hope they were found by a bottle collector. If you click on the link below (to see more photos) you can see a close up of one of the bottles that I thought was particularly interesting.

Link to see more photos of Richmond Beach Park under construction

Link to City of Shoreline webpage about this project

Shoreline street view contest

So, folks, we have a winner in our contest. How do we know, without posting the entrees for you to vote on, you ask? Simple: we got only one entry. So here we present our winner.

Congratulations Alisha for finding this image, titled "Fireball under 155th Street Bridge."
You're our winner! Please email us your mailing address using the same email you sent the photo with, and we'll send you your prize, a $10 Starbucks Card!

Tennessee Williams "Out Cry" on stage in Shoreline Nov 7-23

Detail of the poster for the show

A Tennessee Williams play called Out-Cry is on stage now through Nov 23rd at the Do North Theater in Shoreline WA. 

Here's a quote from the brownpapertickets website:

Tennessee Williams called Out Cry "my most beautiful play since 'Streetcar'".  Out Cry is so compelling, and so deeply affecting, that soon the audience is no longer sure where the play stops and real life takes over. In the end unanswered questions linger, but, with them, overtones of larger truths reveal deeper meanings that are brought into golden light at last.

When: Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm

Where: 17517 15th Ave NE, Shoreline WA

Cost: $15.00

For reservations: email do.north@live.com or call 206-325-4161

Link to buy tickets online

Google's Street View - my Shoreline finds

As you may know, we're conducting a contest for readers of the Ronald Bog blog to find interesting photos of Shoreline using Google's Street View feature. So far, we've received only ONE entry! And the contest ends tomorrow. So what are you waiting for? It's fun! As an example, here are a few scenes I found. I'm ineligible for the contest, of course, by maybe these will inspire you. And remember - you could win a $10 Starbucks card!

Construction site of Shoreline's new City Hall

That building that's been taking so long to build!


The beautiful view from the top of Richmond Beach park

You still have time to enter the contest if you want. Think about what you know about Shoreline and where you think you might find an interesting view - then go find it!

We'll take submissions through midnight tomorrow (Friday the 14th of November)

Link to more info about the contest here.

Happy hunting and Good Luck!!

Christmas Trees coming to Shoreline? Already!?

Christmas is still 6 weeks away, yet they're already setting up to sell Christmas trees! This photo of a chain link fence with a "Rosie's Trees" banner on it was taken today (November 13, 2008). This is being set up in the parking lot of Shoreline's Goodwill store, at the intersection of 15th and 145th.

What do you think? Is it just me, or does it seem a little early for this? If you buy a Christmas tree, when do you usually get yours?

Fundraiser to benefit HIV/AIDS orphans in Kenya: Nov. 15th

The Bazaar for Africa will feature NW arts and crafts, African Crafts, new & pre-owned treasures, raffles, 2009 Entertainment Books, food and more. 

Saturday, Nov. 15th from 10am to 5pm at 15555 15th Ave NE.

 
All proceeds will benefit HIV/AIDS orphans in Kenya. This particular project focuses on vocational training and micro-loans. 

Do your holiday shopping and help others at the same time! 

Call Mary for more information 206-363-2628

Reminder: "Street View" contest ends on Friday, Nov 14th!

Get your submission in by Friday.

You could win the coveted $10 Starbucks card! :)

Click here for more details.

Video of first-time voters being interviewed in Shoreline

This video is from KCTS 9. This is how it is described: "Shoreline, Washington: Firsttime voters and faculty are interviewed at Shorecrest High School".

Sports Card and Memorabilia show today in Shoreline

Today (Nov 9th) in Shoreline Washington: The 37th annual convention of the Washington State Sports Collectors Association. The event is at Meridian Park School from 9am-3pm. Two bucks to get in - kids under 7 get in free.

Here's a quote from the WSSCA website:

Tired of going through Beanie Babies, Comics, Coins, Pokemon/Magic cards at shows? Want to see just great sports collectibles - both current and vintage. Then THIS is a show you need to attend. This show offers a great opportunity for collectors to bring in items to sell or trade. Dealers can also give you an idea of the value of your items.

Photo from last winter's show

Photo copyright 2007 WSSCA

Link to more information at WSSCA's website

About the mural at the Shoreline WA Police Station

Sharon Cook of the Shoreline Police Department sent me the following information about this painting outstide of the Police Station:


About 10 years ago, King County had work force training programs for disadvantaged high school students. The program ran each summer and students were placed in various positions throughout the County. The County provided a supervisor and the students had the opportunity to learn various skills. The City of Shoreline had a team of about 10 students who interviewed City staff, researched our area and did these paintings. The folk art paintings were done on sheets of plywood. Several were placed at City Hall in the basement in the window wells. The painting at the police department is the only one actually done outside and then the bench in front of the painting was done by a group of Eagle Scouts (senior boy scouts).

Pretty cool huh?

Link to all posts about public art in Shoreline WA

Learn about mushrooms at Hamlin Park on Sat Nov 8th

Do you like mushroom hunting or want to learn more about it?

Tomorrow at 2pm naturalist from Seattle's Camp Long will be leading a "Fall mushroom walk" through the woods at Hamlin Park in Shoreline WA. The event is for ages 8 and older and costs $7.

For more info and to register: 206-684-7434

Link to register online

Link to map of Hamlin Park

Photo by lovecrafty via Flickr

Flooding possible today & tomorrow

The official word from Snohomish County, King County, and the City of Seattle, is that we could be in for some flooding over the next couple of days. Lots of rain expected, etc. Links below to official information.

Link to info from City of Seattle

Link to info from Snohomish County

Link to info from King County

Batten the hatches!

Google's "Street View" comes to Shoreline - CONTEST!

Ronald Bog park on Google Street View

Google has now added the Street View feature to the Puget Sound part of its Google Maps site, giving us the ability to look at local areas online as if we were standing there in person! The fleet of Google camera cars cruised around the greater Seattle area over the summer, and now the data is available for us to see. To look at the street view of any area, go to Google Maps, and click on the "Street View" icon in the upper right corner. Streets with Street View will show up in blue. To see the actual street view, just click wherever you want on those streets.

It's potentially hours of fun, looking for your house or workplace. Here at the Ronald Bog blog, we've decided to hold a little contest, complete with a prize which you, the readers, will vote on!

Here's how to enter: in Google's Street View, find the most interesting image of Shoreline, take a screenshot, and email it to the address you will find under "Contact" at the top of the blog. Or, you can click here to email us.

We'll take submissions until Friday, November 14th, and then we'll post all the submissions for you to vote on. The winner will receive an actual prize(!) (nothing extreme, but something you can use).

You might be asking yourself, "What could be interesting about shots taken from a car?" Well, you'd be surprised. Here and here are galleries of some interesting shots taken by Google cars, including topless sunbathers, a giant pumpkin, and even a Roman soldier. I can't promise that Shoreline will be as interesting, but I found a few fun views:

The Crista Ministries building; looks like the Google Car drove all the way up the driveway.












Remember the Swingin' Summer Eve festival we blogged about? The car caught it setting up one day!











Here's the 155th Street boundary to Shoreline:











Ok, folks! Go see what you can find! You might even see yourself, or someone you know! Send us those screenshots and we'll post them here on the blog to vote on!

Link to Google Maps Street View

President Elect Barack Obama

Congratulations Shoreline! We'll soon have a new President. A "skinny kid with a funny name" (to quote the man himself). Yes indeed, this coming January, Barack Obama will become the next President of the United States and the first African-American President in the history of this country.

Based on our poll here at the Ronald Bog blog, Shoreline was dramatically pro-Obama. Our poll indicated 88% for Obama; 11% for McCain.

Oh, and in case you're interested, the 7-11 coffee cup poll called it for Obama as well. :)

Link to: 7-election.com

If you have comments, well, that's what the COMMENTS section is for. Make your voice heard.

One day Shoreline poll: Who gets your vote?

A quick anonymous poll here to gauge where Shoreline folks and readers of the Ronald Bog blog stand on the Presidential election. Make your choice over there on the right-hand side of the page. It's anonymous, free and fun! Wheee!

UPDATE: Our poll closed at 8pm on election night. The results? 88% for Obama, 11% for McCain.

Of course, you still need to cast your actual vote as well.

Link to King County Voter Guide - locate your polling place, confirm your registration, and create and read a voter pamphlet to learn more about the issues on your ballot.

ALSO: If you went to a polling place in Shoreline today, please tell us what it was like in the COMMENTS section below.

And if you have polling place photos to share, send them to ronaldbogblog@gmail.com

Sara sent this photo of her polling place,
Bethel Lutheran Church, this morning.

Thanks for sharing!

Halloween Kitties!

Proud Gramma Sue sent a few Halloween photos to share.  "Itty bitty black kitties, Jasmine and Trinity." 

            

Hope everyone had a fun Halloween!

If you care to share your photos, or if you just want to let us know about something Shoreline related, you can email us at ronaldbogblog@gmail.com

Fun With Anagrams(or "Amusing Wharf Ant")

An anagram is a word or phrase created by rearranging the letters in another word or phrase. For instance, the letters that comprise "Starbucks" can be rearranged to create "crab tusks." I just discovered the Internet Anagram Server, a website that takes the word(s) you input and displays anagrams for them.

Here's a fun little quiz for you. The following are anagrams of Shoreline related words and phrases. See how many you can figure out by unscrambling the letters.

1) Sheer Lion
2) Bold Organ
3) Marry You
4) Tiny Torch
5) Secret Hatter

Okay, once you're ready to see the answers, click below where it says COMMENTS

And when you've got a minute, why not discover some of your own and post them in the comments section as well?

Link to the Internet Anagram Server

City of Shoreline has new website & new web address

The City's website has a new look
and a new web address (URL)

The City of Shoreline has a new, totally redesigned website. I've poked around it a little bit and so far I like what I see. It seems a lot more user-friendly than the 'old' design. And it's a lot prettier! Take it out for a spin - you might learn something new about Shoreline while you're there.

IMPORTANT: The site has a new URL, and (as of 8am, Nov 1st) the old one no longer seems to be functioning at all. So if you've bookmarked the old site, you get nothing, and Google is still returning the old (non-functioning) address.

I'm surprised they haven't kept the old URL at least for awhile and had it auto-forward to the new URL. At any rate, the new URL is http://www.shorelinewa.gov/

Link to Shoreline's new website

Shoreline off-leash park pilot sites selected

Wednesday night, October 29th, the City of Shoreline held a public presentation announcing the two off-leash pilot sites selected by the Off-Leash Dog Area (OLDA) study group and approved by the Park Board on Oct. 23rd.

OLDA made their presentation including history of the project, the process and criteria they used, and their final recommendations (see below). The public then asked questions and made comments. Comment forms and a copy of the presentation will be posted on the City's site soon.

The two pilot sites are:

1. Richmond Beach Saltwater Park (South End) - originally the north end by the dunes was also proposed but only the south end has been selected for a pilot site. It is proposed that this site will be timed use. The timeframe that this site will be open for off-leash use has not yet been determined but it is likely to exclude the summer months.















2. Shoreview Park - this site was not one of the original "six most promising sites" selected because the SCC Greenwood lot was proposed. There have been ownership issues that prevent us from pursuing the Greenwood lot, so OLDA took a closer look at the Shoreview site (formerly used as parking for SCC and referred to as "the pit"). It is accessible from the Shoreview Parking lot by the tennis courts and also from the SCC parking lot. This will be more of a traditional style dog park.

Next Steps: The pilot sites will be presented to the City Council at their next meeting (Dec or Jan - date has not yet been determined) and environmental studies are currently in the works. City Councilmembers Janet Way and Doris McConnell were in attendance at the public presentation. If all goes well, Shoreview may open in Spring of 2009 and Richmond Beach in Winter of 2009.

Shoredog members were also present at the meeting and encouraged people to join their mailing list and become involved in their organization which will be the stewards of these sites. Shoredog will be hosting a field trip to the two sites on Sat. 11/22 at 11am, meeting in front of the Central Market Food Court.

Link to Shoredog site here.
Link to Ronald Bog Blog's other posts about the off-leash park project here.