Want to help clean up Ronald Bog? Work party this Saturday!

The Meridian Park Neighborhood Association will be hosting a work party at Ronald Bog, this Saturday, September 13th, to clean out some of the blackberries and other invasive plants that clog parts of the park. To help, come down to the Bog between 9 am and noon on Saturday, and bring work gear – remember that those blackberries are sticker-laden, so you'll want to wear jeans or heavy pants and definitely bring gloves. Also useful would be tools like wheelbarrows, rakes, and so on.

As this ongoing cleanup of the bog continues into fall, the association will be planting more native plants and encouraging the wonderful variety of wildlife that is attracted to natural spaces. Have you noticed the turtles that often come out to sun themselves on the logs at the water's edge? There are even reports that blue herons have been spotted there!

If you'd like any more information about the cleanup project, please contact Dick Decker at 206-542-1552, or Mark Tomboulian at 206-546-3261.

Car show at the Shoreline Historical Museum

These photos were taken Saturday June 21st, in the parking lot of the Shoreline Historical Museum. they call it: "The History of Racing on Aurora"

It's the Shoreline Historical Musuem's annual outdoor 'Golden Wheels' exhibit of local historic race cars.

This was the first thing on display, right at the front of the lot.

It didn't really seem to fit the theme.

Spinning yarns, no doubt

Groovy old skool controls

The Mighty Solar Midget

Cute, eh?

John Zink Special

This sign is describing the car in the next photo

William Clay Ford's midget race car

This little guy has 3 wheels (only 1 in the back) and is covered in leather!

Link to: Golden Wheels Fraternity

Link to: Shoreline Historical Museum

Link to: all posts about Shoreline Historical Museum

Update: Will they ever finish putting up this building?

This was taken on April 27th, 2008

This was taken on June 21st, 2008

Also taken on June 21st, 2008

It's been almost 2 months since I posted a photo of this building under construction at Midvale and 185th (right near Bartell's and the police station)

This morning, Velvet commented on the original post:

"I drove by this building in training yesterday and there were some men doing something to the outside...

It's the first time in months I've seen any workmen at all. Perhaps there will be progress soon?"

Upon learning that there had been some work going on, I decided to go back and take another picture to compare "then and "now". The results are above. I have to say, although it doesn't look exactly like it did 2 months ago, it sure doesn't look a whole lot different either.

Maybe they've been working on the inside.

Link to: earlier post about this building

Pez for Pets (!) on sale in Shoreline

I'm not saying I think this is a good idea. I'm just sayin' - they now make Pez dispensers for your dog. "Pez for Pets" is much larger than a normal Pez dispenser, and dispenses dog treats. Have things finally gone too far in the world of Pez? (answer: yes)

Anyway, these things are on clearance sale at Walgreens in North City for only $4.99

Your dog wants Pez!

Safeway billboard: unfortunate timing

Noticed this billboard today in Shoreline near the intersection of 175th & 15th, just west of the Safeway grocery store. They may be wishing they'd used a photo of cucumbers, or red peppers, or cabbage. Pretty much anything but tomatoes. Oh well, just an unfortunate coincidence. And yes, I know not all tomatoes are under suspicion. But still, it caught my eye and seemed like a bit of unfortunate timing.


Link to: US FDA webpage about salmonella outbreak in tomatoes

Link to: tomatoes unwelcome in compost bins

New public art coming to Echo Lake park

I noticed this a couple of days ago at Echo Lake park.
"What is that?" I wondered.

Perhaps a giant potsticker?


Here's a view from the other side.

Nope, not a giant potsticker after all.
By golly, it's art!



And a close up of the artist's concept.

I sent a note to Ros Bird with the City of Shoreline to see if he she could give me any further information about the project. Here's a slightly edited version of his her response:


Stuart Nakamura is the artist on this project having been selected through an open call and jury process about a year ago. Funding for the $20,000 commission is through the City of Shoreline’s 1% for Art Program and a City of Shoreline Neighborhood Mini-Grant to the Echo Lake Neighborhood Association. The installation will include seating as a place to reflect, read, chat with friends and view a bit of the lake, and will be visible from the trail as well as other parts of the park. It will be bermed in the back and have a couple of small lights embedded for nighttime security as well as ambience. Other materials are concrete, granite and steel. If the weather cooperates we expect the artwork to be completed in July.


Link to: More info about Stuart Nakamura


Link to: Another page about Nakamura, including photos of some of his other work.

Update on Off-Leash Dog Park(s)

The City of Shoreline has updated their website with new information about the "Off-Leash Dog Areas (OLDA) Pilot Project" There were 38 sites looked at originally as possibilities for off-leash dog parks in Shoreline. Those 38 sites were whittled down to 14 that met the necessary criteria, and then further whittled down to the 6 "most promising" sites. And it looks like the city is considering multiple off-leash dog parks in Shoreline.

The 6 sites chosen as "most promising" are at the following locations:

• Richmond Beach Saltwater Park
• North City Park
• Aldercrest Annex
• Hamlin Park
• A parking lot at Shoreline Community College
• Open Space at Metro Transit's North Base
  

The "OLDA" study group will take public comment throughout the summer of 2008 on these proposed sites, select pilot sites, improve those sites as needed and actually implement the pilot sites (for a 12 month test phase) in the spring of 2009.

The City's website has lots more information and links to pdf files with maps of the sites in question, as well as a FAQ sheet, history of the project, and more.

Link to: The City's webpage with updated info about the project

ALERT: No Tomatoes in Composting Bins

Currently posted to the City of Shoreline's website (as of June 16 2008):

"No Tomatoes in Composting or Recycling"

Due to the presence of salmonella in some of the tomato supply, put raw red tomatoes and products containing them in the garbage, not in the curbside yard waste and food scrap collection cart, backyard composting bin or worm bin until further notice.

Click here for more information from the US Food and Drug Administration about the salmonella warning for tomatoes.

Link to: City of Shoreline

Shoreline Public Library - An appreciation

I've always been a big fan of my local public library. Usually, when I move to a new town it's one of the first things I make a point of locating. Since the summer of 2000, the Shoreline Public Library has been my local public library. And it is lovely.

Perhaps you're already a library lover like me. If so, right on! If not, there are some compelling reasons to get and use a library card.

As you may have heard over the past few years, the library is not just about books anymore. Oh no! While books are still the mainstay of the library, you can also borrow movies and music, magazines and newspapers. What with everything getting more and more expensive these days, the library might be a great option for helping save some cash. And our Shoreline Library has dozens of computers available for public use. The computers are chock full of useful software, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, Powerpoint, and of course, web browsing software with free internet access. And check this out - you can print up to 70 pages per week - for free! 70 pages, on a high quality laser printer. Sure, it only prints in black and white, but still. That's a lot of free ink and paper (cha-ching!). And if you bring your own laptop computer, the library offers free wifi to the internet. No coffee purchase required! :)

There she is!

Children's books to help teach your kids a foreign language!

Be careful. The children's section is full of little monsters! :)

You can't see it, but it's there: free wifi

Dozens of computers free to use

Why pay for magazines? Borrow them from the library!

Lots of movies to choose from

Any kind of music you like, they have it here for you to borrow

Books in many foreign languages

The library also offers all kinds of events, classes and programs for people of all ages, including Story Times for kids, help with taxes during tax season, computer classes, English language conversation skills, and more. They even offer video game get-togethers for teens!

Link to: Shoreline Public Library

Review of Kittyhugs Baking Company

Sonya has contributed the following review of Kittyhugs Baking Company in the North City area of Shoreline. Thanks Sonya!

Kittyhugs Bakery is an inconspicuous shop located just off 15th in North City; it's so inconspicuous that you've probably driven past it hundreds of times without knowing it was there. It's in the generically ugly building on 179th that houses "Dinner's Ready," and it's hard to spot unless you happen to drive past on a day that Kittyhugs has put their a-board sign out by the street. That's how we found it, and the name and logo were so intriguing that we decided to stop in one Saturday.

As it turns out, we came on one of the best days to visit Kittyhugs, because they're only open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays, and even then, I'm not entirely sure what their hours are. But the lady who welcomed us was friendly and chatted a bit, explaining that they bake breads and pastries for local supermarkets, like Thriftway. She showed us a selection of very tempting baked goods that were available for purchase that day, and while it's now been long enough that the exact names of what we bought have left my memory, I remember that we enjoyed every bite. We felt like we'd stumbled on some secret pastry hoard of treasure there in North City.

You can read a little about Kittyhugs at their website, kittyhugsbaking.com -- it's a little out of date (the "Specials" section shows a menu from Summer 2007), but you can get an idea of what's offered. Try not to drool on your keyboard as you read it. There's even a section for diabetic alternatives: standard goodies but with Splenda.

You can call Kittyhugs at 206-361-5740 to talk about custom-made yummies, according to the site; it sounds like they'd bake you up a batch of pies or cookies for your next party, though I'm not sure how that would work. The whole coffeecakes on the menu I picked up that day range from $10 to $20, which seems quite reasonable for a custom-made cake. Fancier stuff, like the "Mary Ann cake with Lemon Curd and Blueberries" (don't know what that is, but it sounds good!) runs in the $22 to $35 range. And the selection of gourmet cheesecakes, with flavors like pumpkin, orange brandy, and green tea, are $27.50 for a 9-inch cake. The menu I have may be outdated, since it's been a while since I've been there, but if you call or drop by on a weekend, I'll bet they'll supply you with a new one. And I think, after looking at it again, that I need to stop by next weekend too!

(review contributed by Sonya)


Thanks, Sonya, for the great review! I'll be checking that place out.

By the way, if you look at the About Us page at their website, you'll learn why the place is named Kittyhugs. You'll also learn about another, much scarier name, that was considered! I'm glad they went with Kittyhugs. That's a sweet name.

Update: I went by Kittyhugs today and learned that they're currently open to the public on Fridays from 3-7 and on Saturdays from 9-2 BUT there will be no weekend sales this coming weekend, June 20 & 21.

Link to Kittyhugs Baking Company

Link to Sonya's Blog for things, images and whatnot

And if you would like to contribute something to this blog, feel free to email me.

What are they building at Echo Lake Park?

What is this thing?

I just happened to be driving past Echo Lake park this afternoon and noticed that something weird-looking is being built there. I'll investigate and have more details soon.

Link: Shoreline parks webpage

Link: All posts about Echo Lake Park

How can this blog be made better?

First of all, thanks for reading this blog. And extra thanks to all of you who leave you thoughts and feedback in the comments sections. "Ronald Bog" is made more valuable and useful by every person that contributes.

So I ask you: what would you like to see here? I've been posting things that I find interesting and that I think other people might be interested in, and it's been working out pretty well (I think). But if there's something in particular you'd like to see here, let me know! Anything Shoreline related is welcome. Restaurant reviews? Information about local parks? More coverage of local government? More Shoreline history? Entertainment options? More photos?

You probably have ideas I haven't even thought of. Please leave a comment with your ideas. Let me know how I've been doing and how I can do better. I would really appreciate it!

Also, if you ever have an idea or a contribution, please send it to me. I'll post your reviews of local businesses, ruminations on life in Shoreline, commentaries, photos, etc. What'd'ya got? Send it along!

A dog park in Shoreline?

This Thursday evening (June 12th, 7pm) there will be a "public presentation" concerning the recommendations of Shoreline's Off-Leash Dog Area Study Group. Find out which sites the group has identified and what their recommendations are.

I won't be able to make it to the meeting, but if you do go, please send me a note to let me know what happened and what was talked about. I'd love to be able to post something here about the results of the meeting. Thanks!

Where: The Shoreline Historical Museum
When: Thursday, June 12th at 7:00pm

For more info:
Contact Maureen Colaizzi at (206) 546-0232 or email mcolaizzi@ci.shoreline.wa.us

More info about this project is here: City of Shoreline

Ronald Pl. N., History under your feet (or tires)

Have you ever noticed the little curvy piece of road that connects Highway 99 with N. 175th St? It's more or less between Aurora Rents and TOP Food and Drug, just east of the intersection of Highway 99 and N 175th. Well, a brochure I got at the Shoreline Historical Museum has this to say about that:

"The last remaining exposed piece of the North Trunk Road curves in an arch across 175th, connecting with Aurora Ave. N. (Highway 99) on both ends. The original road was brick-paved in 1913. The road was straightened and widened in 1928, in preparation for the new national highway, and paved shortly thereafter. The remaining curve was left in place, a reminder that Judge Ronald dug that section of the road with his own hands."

Wow! Judge Ronald must have been exceedingly industrious. No wonder so many things around here are named after him (including this blog, since it's named after Ronald Bog, which is also named after Judge Ronald).

According to the Shoreline Historical Museum's website: "The Ronald School (which is where the museum is housed), established in 1906, was named after Judge James T. Ronald, a prominent area attorney, Mayor of Seattle in 1892 and 1893, and King County Superior Court Judge from 1909 to 1949. Many places in Shoreline came to be named after him, such as: Ronald Methodist Church, Ronald Voting Precinct, Ronald Place (the brick road), Ronald Sewer District, Ronald Bog, Ronald Station, Ronald Neighborhood, and Ronald Room at the Shoreline Center."

By the way, I think that brochure must have been printed before the Walgreen's was put in, because Ronald Pl. N. no longer seems to connect to Highway 99 on both ends. It seems to be just that one little bit that's left now.








Link to: more information about Ronald Pl. N.

Shoreline Mayor Cindy Ryu on the Radio

KUOW's Phyllis Fletcher produced a radio story yesterday about local real estate developers and government officials working out ideas for regional planning by playing a game called "Reality Check." Shoreline Mayor Cindy Ryu is part of the story. The story aired on 94.9fm KUOW yesterday. Here's the lead and a link to the text and audio...

How do you look at the whole region of Puget Sound, and plan for the future? First you get a big map, and some LEGOs. Then you play a game that real estate developers and government officials have played in cities all over the country. Seattle is the latest to give it a try. It's called "Reality Check." And it happened yesterday (April 30th) at the University of Washington.

KUOW's Phyllis Fletcher has more.

Which restaurants deliver to Shoreline?

Sara from North City says:

"I have a suggestion for a question on Ronald Bog. What are good restaurants that deliver to Shoreline? All I have so far are Suni's and Black Pearl, but there must be more..."

Sara's right - there must be more!

Post your suggestions in the comment section.

Tulips in the sun at Ronald Bog park

The sun shone on Shoreline this afternoon!
The tulips were so happy they obscured the sign. :)

'Clean Sweep' Recycling Event on May 3rd

It's time for spring cleaning! On Saturday, May 3rd, Shoreline residents will have the chance to unload a wide variety of stuff all in one convenient location. A few items require a nominal fee, but many will be taken off your hands for free. Batteries, yard waste, fluorescent lightbulbs, old porcelain fixtures, clothes, furniture and more will be accepted free of charge. Some items, such as certain large appliances, TVs and computer monitors require a fee to be paid.

This is happening from 9am - 3pm on Saturday, May 3rd at the Park and Ride at Aurora Ave. & N. 192nd St.

You should receive a flyer in the mail.
You can also get more info and download a copy of the flyer here.

If you have further questions, call the City at 206-546-1700

Possible changes to Metro bus route #373

Metro is proposing a change to bus route 373. The upshot is that the bus would run down 5th Avenue instead of I-5 between 175th and 145th. There would be only three stops on that leg of the journey. Metro says the change would "improve schedule reliability."

I ride the 373 and I like this idea. I've often wished the bus went down 5th Ave instead of I-5, so that I could get off at the Shoreline library after work, then walk home from there.

What do you think? Your feedback is requested by Ted Day at 206-684-1304 or ted.day@kingcounty.gov by Friday, May 9th.

If you ride the 373, feel free to comment on this post. I'm curious what others think of the idea.

Photos from Shoreline's Natural Yard Care event

A few photos from the Natural Yard Care event yesterday (April 19th, 2008) at Central Market in Shoreline. I wasn't there long, but there seemed to be a decent turnout, despite the crazy weather. For more information about any of these organizations, click on the link below the photograph.

The official banner


The long view

The City of Shoreline

Master Recyclers and Cleanscapes

King County Noxious Weed Control Program

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden

King County’s Master Recycler Composter program