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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

4Culture Partying Like It's 5834! - Celebrating New Life

Last night, the supporters of 4Culture, the King County Cultural, Heritage and Arts Organization celebrated the passage of the Bill that ensures their survival in this challenging economic era. 

The party was held at the historic Paramount Theater in Seattle.
Ceiling and Chandelier at the Paramount
with "starlight pattern" projected for the party
The event was attended by hundreds of guests and performances by local groups entertained the crowd. Tom Douglas supplied refreshements. And a good time was had by all. Many guests left with a "thank you white rose" as a gift.

Many dignitaries who've helped make 4Culture thrive attended including KC Exec Dow Constantine and Congressman Jim McDermott.

Congressman Jim McDermott visits with guests
The congressman said that back in the day at the State House he
had been responsible for putting the original 4Culture
legislation forward.
Long Live 4 Culture!
Entryway of Paramount Theater


Monday, June 27, 2011

Jay Inslee Campaign for Governor Is Off and Running

So Jay Inslee is in. 
While virtually no one is surprised by this news, it is still exciting. 




I have seen Jay Inslee inspire hope many times before. He gave a beautiful tribute to his friend Rep Gabbrielle Giffords on the day she was shot last winter.  Jay Inslee has been a champion for clean energy and the environment for many years and wrote a book about his ideas for promoting is called
"Apollo's Fire". 

At a Legislative Caucus in 2004, I saw him electrify a room full of hundreds of Democrats. This was in the midst of the unpopular Iraq War, in which he had the courage to stand up and oppose it.

In a statement to supporters today he said this:
 I sincerely hope he can electrify the base like he's done before.

It will be exciting to have our local congressman become the leader of our state.  While Rob McKenna has some solid experience, he may not have the right touch to win the hearts of the King County and nearby voters. That will be the test.


Go Jay! 

Scenes from Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Arts Fest - The Arts Make Life Better!

Community Sand Mandala makes a great symbol for the
"Attitude of Gratitude" theme
"Attitude of Gratitude" was the theme of the Arts Fest this year. Visitors seemed grateful for the sunshine and for the fun arts opportunity. 

The Arts Fest is a great way to highlight the value that the arts and culture gives to our community. It's about education, entertainment, and the local economy. Every art, heritage or culture event brings people here to help local business. Many local businesses support the Arts Fest, such as the Alijoya at Thornton Place.
Kids Art Abounds at Arts Fest
Good Eats at the Fest. Spidey approves and chills! 
Spidey Chills Out
The Chris Roberts Family enjoyed the show.
Councilmember Chris Roberts and Heather Fralich and
son Clark, 5 mos old enjoy the Fest
And I always enjoy the Shoreline Historical Museum table.
Museum Diurector Vicki Stiles enjoys helping
folks appreciate history by offering "rubbings" art.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Redistricting - It May Happen Right Here

Councilmember Bob Ferguson sent out a notice on the "Redistricting" meeting coming up Wednesday, June 29th. 




Shoreline is now the bulk of the 1st Council District. Bob Ferguson is our Councilmember. 
Changes are already proposed and available here. Redistricting of the Council District is just one piece of the possible puzzle changes afoot. The Congressional and Legislative Districts may also change. 


Here is the meeting notice for the Council Redistricting talks:


Dear Shoreline Neighbor:

The King County Districting Committee recently released four alternative plans for redrawing County Council districts. Two of the four plans would change how Shoreline is represented at the King County Council by splitting the city between two districts. The plans are posted on the Committee's website at www.kingcounty.gov/districting.

The Districting Committee is hosting a public hearing in Shoreline to discuss the plans and gather input from the community:

Wednesday, June 29 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Shoreline City Hall Council Chambers 17500 Midvale Ave N Shoreline, WA 98133

Following community input and further study by the Districting Committee, the draft plans may be revised. A final district planmust be approved by the Committee by January 15, 2012.

If you have any questions or want more information, I encourage you to visit the King County Districting Committee's website at http://www.kingcounty.gov/districting.

As always, please feel free to contact me at (206) 296-1001 or bob.ferguson@kingcounty.gov. You can also find me on Facebook.

Sincerely,

Bob

Friday, June 24, 2011

Shoreline/LFP Arts Fest Starts Tonite with Gala

An Attitude of Gratitude is the Theme 

2011 Poster Art by 
Constance Perenyi
Shoreline/LFP Arts Council puts on an amazing show every year at Shoreline Conference Center.

Get in on the FUN!

• Support the Arts and you support our community.
• Support the Arts and you support innovation and creativity. Innovation is the way to economic recovery in our region.
• Support the Arts and Heritage and you help bring visitors to our community which supports our local businesses. 
• Support Arts and Heritage and you support education.
• Support the Arts and Heritage and you are guranteed a good time

Tonite's Schedule -

GALA for the ARTS



Notable Wines, Dinner and Auctions

Friday, June 24, 5:30 pm

Shoreline Room, Shoreline Center
18560 1st Ave NE

More Information

Saturday and Sunday -



Shoreline Arts Festival 2011

Artitude: Art with an Attitude of Gratitude

Saturday June 25, 10-7 pm &
Sunday, June 26, 10-5 pm

Shoreline Center
18560 1st Ave NE

More Information

Entertainment Schedule

Food!






21st Annual Shoreline Arts Festival

June 25 and 26, 2011
Saturday 10-7 and Sunday 10-5
ARTITUDE: Art with an Attitude of Gratitude

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council celebrates its 21st annual festival with the theme "ARTITUDE: Art with an Attitude of Gratitude." Please join us as we thank our communities for supporting the arts at the 2011 Shoreline Arts Festival. The arts inform us and bring us together, while creativity and technology go hand in hand in this digital age. There is something for everyone at this two-day community event.

Our cultural rooms will feature Pacific Islander and Chinese exhibits as well as the 15th Annual Philippine Festival. The Phillipine Festival features a variety of clothing, cultural items and demonstrations and of course dancing on the Shoreline Room Stage.

A culturally diverse line-up of acts perform on the Shoreline Room Stage each year, and this year is no exception.

Festival attendees will be able to explore the Juried Art Shows and the intriguing booths in the Artists Marketplace. Adjacent to the delicious offerings of the Food Court, the Showmobile Stage features popular bands and danceable music.

On Saturday, the Shoreline Auditorium will feature local children performing Missoula Children's Theatre's production of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."  Auditions will take place June 20 click herefor more information.

Art projects in the popular Children's Hands-on Art Arena will center around our Festival theme in unque ways.  We are excited to welcome back the Northwest Collage Society as they sponsor an exhibit and collage making workshop using recycled materials. The winning poems from our Fifth Annual Poetry Month Contest will be posted in Poetry Hall. The Festival Breakfast will be held at the Shoreline Senior Center both days from 8:30-noon.

The Festival runs 10-7 on Saturday and 10-5 on Sunday. The Shoreline Center is located at 18560 1st Ave NE. The Festival is free! We are always looking for volunteers to help with this fabulous event.To sign up to volunteer click here!

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture all of the arts in the community through programs and events, arts education, advocacy, and support for artists and arts organizations.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Bob Ferguson Fundraiser Last Night Hosted by Dow Constantine


The Summer Solstice at the Historic Coleman House in West Seattle was a lovely setting last night for a fundraiser for Attorney General Candidate Bob Ferguson, hosted by Dow Constantine at the home of environmental benefactor Maryann Tagney-Jones. 
Bob Ferguson visits with supporters 


Bob enjoyed the wonderful ambience of the site for the event and spoke with supporters. About forty-five supporters attended.
Rep Joe Fitzgibbon enjoys the wonderful spread
King County Executive Dow Constantine introduced Bob, as a fellow supporter of environment, justice and transportation.
Dow Constantine introduced Bob Ferguson and
guests and talked about Bob's record on
the environment and law and justice
Bob Ferguson talked about his time on the King County Council, his past campaigns where he famously doorbelled two entire districts to win. He now represents the 1st Council District which includes Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, part of North Seattle, Kenmore and beyond.
Councilmember Bob Ferguson,
Candidate for WA Attorney General
Bob spoke about his support for the new Transit Bill now before the Council, against Rob McKenna's lawsuit against the Health Care Act, his fight for Consumer Protection and support for environmental sustainability.

His recently announced opponent for Attorney General is Reagan Dunn who represents a district on the eastside of King County.
Fireplace Mantle and Painting in Livingroom

The house where the event was held is a wonderful story too. Environmental Advocate Marayanne Tagney-Jones and her husband David Jones, have been restoring this historic building for the last year. It is the home of Laurence Coleman, built by architect Arthur Lovelace in 1922. His Father, James Coleman,  built the Coleman Dock and the Puget Sound Navigation Company at the wharf on Elliot Bay and for whom the Coleman Pool was named.

foyer of the Colman House
Maryanne and David are carefully restoring the home and beautiful gardens.  Period furnishings and an eclectic collection of art and curios can be seen.  The event was beautifully catered and very enjoyable.
Lovely table decoration

Bob Ferguson is off to a good start on his campaign. I was pleased to be there as one of his constituents.
Janet Way visits with Clmbr Bob Ferguson

Seattle PI Story on Innis Arden Tree Debate AGAIN!

So, the Tree vs Views debate is happening again in Innis Arden. 
The Innis Arden Board and a few of their members, are determined to cut any tree, any time they want, regardless of the impact to others or the environment.  Now they want to cut a significant number of trees in the Bear Reserve. Other neighbors want to preserve them.


Shoreline and citizens have been working on these tree issues for many years.  This is just the latest in the skirmishes.  Many citizens would like to see a comprehensive tree ordinance like Lake Forest Park has passed. Th value of trees is undeniable, but the argument over how to protect them, and whether to work towards a better "urban forest canopy" is still being argued.


Now the Innis Arden Board has taken the city into litigation again over it. The latest hearing with the Hearing Examiner was postponed till August.

The Seattle PI, has a story yesterday laying out some of the issues.


Tree fight: Dispute pits Shoreline versus neighborhood

Updated 09:55 a.m., Monday, June 20, 2011


Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Tree-fight-Dispute-pits-Shoreline-versus-1429428.php#ixzz1Q1TjtFe6


Shoreline's prime-view neighborhood, Innis Arden, is fighting over trees again.
It's not surprising that the area, perched on a green slope overlooking Puget Sound, could become as conflicted about its trees as it is defined by them.

Within Innis Arden are 11 different "reserves" of trees set aside when the late William Boeing platted and began developing the area. Today homes seem wrapped in a giant quilt of green in the leafiest of leafy enclaves.

But trees have grown tall, shrouding views, residents want trees cut out of the way and another battle has begun. This time, it's between most of the neighborhood and the City of  Shoreline.

Last year the Innis Arden Club, the group to which neighboring property owners belong, decided it was time to cut 46 tree in the Bear Reserve, a grove of trees off Ridgefield Road filled with evergreens and maples, some towering 60 feet high. Neighborhood homeowners also jointly own the reserves.

The effort began, according to some residents, after half a dozen neighbors complained that the trees were blocking their views of the sound and the Olympic Mountains, a benefit the club has sworn to preserve as part of covenants on members' properties. Last year the club asked the city to allow cutting the trees to re-open views that were being blocked.

"We want to be good stewards of these reserves," said club president Mike Jacobs. "They're important to us."

But the city and some residents think the club is going too far. The city, noting that many of Bear Reserve's trees perch on steep slopes, wants to limit the club's tree-harvesting permit to 16 trees, as a protection against erosion and landslides.

"The 30 trees denied for removal are located on a very high hazard landslide area...or within the 15-foot reduced buffer and cannot be removed," said a city memo. A permit, issued March 7, said cut-down trees are to be taken out by hand, without use of heavy machinery, and that selected timber was to be left on the ground to enrich the soil of the  reserve.

There is also concern for the effects of the cutting on a small stream that courses intermittently through the reserve, though there is some dispute about whether it's a real stream or merely runoff from nearby streets. Club leadership is appealing the  permit.

Bear Reserve, the smallest grove of trees in Innis Arden "has some of the oldest and largest trees," said another resident, John Hushagen, an Innis Arden resident and a member of a group calling itself Friends of the Bear Reserve that agrees with the city's restrictions. "We want to preserve some of the large native trees in that one tiny area of the neighborhood, because we just can't get them back from planting new little  trees."

The issue is headed to a city hearing examiner sometime in late August. There have been lawyers working the issue from all angles, for the city, the club and for Friends of the Bear Reserve.

Alan Kohn, a member of the "friends" group and a biology professor emeritus at the University of Washington, said the mature trees store huge amounts of water during winter and that cutting 46 of them would allow millions more gallons of water to soak into the reserve soil, raising the risk of erosion in an area that has already seen damaging winter washouts.


Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Tree-fight-Dispute-pits-Shoreline-versus-1429428.php#ixzz1Q1TNUxAH

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Local Strawberries Are Finally In at Farmers Markets

It's Strawberry Time!  (Finally!)

Strawberry Salad by Naomi Kakiuchi
ph credit - Kakiuchi
Eat Fresh! 

http://www.seattlefarmersmarkets.org/ripe-n-ready

A beautiful salad recipe from Naomi Kakiuchi, Northwest Chef and editor of NuCulinary newsletter.
Naomi is a frequent chef in residence at Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets and many other places.  It can be made with all local ingredients, most available at local farmers markets.
www.nuculinary.com also on Facebook and Twitter.


facebook.com/nuculinary and twitter.com/wasabisister

I am sharing this weeks' favorite recipe. I made this for the City of Renton Wellness Lunch and Learn session this week. These associates are getting fit and growing their own veggies--a great corporate initiative and my role is to give them a little inspiration and answer their cooking and nutrition questions. It is a great staff and we had over 30 people learning and most importantly eating! All of the ingredients for my live cooking demo came from their Farmers Market just down the street from City Hall. A salute to them and their hard work!

Happy Sunday to those sacrificing and giving Father's out there including my own wonderful father Sam! All that you do and sacrifice is noticed and appreciated. Happy Fathers' Day! 

Building Community through Cuisine,
Naomi
Naomi Kakiuchi, RD, CD, CCP
Strawberries!


Farmers Market Delight!
With the cool weather it's been a little touch and go at the farmers markets, wondering which week will bring us the berries. But they're here now! After you get your fill of eating berries straight from the box, here's a sweet and tangy vinaigrette you can use them for. Homemade salad dressings cost less per ounce than store bought, are healthier for you, and taste much better and fresher too!

Mixed Greens with Nuts, Cheese and Berry Vinaigrette 
For Five Minute Vinaigrette:
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
6-8 large strawberries
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 
2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil or canola oil
Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste

Salad:
Local organic spring mixed greens
1 pint strawberries, quartered
Goat or Feta Cheese, crumbled
Hazelnuts, walnuts or almonds, shelled and chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs, mint, cilantro, etc
      In a blender, mix first five ingredients well. With blender running, remove feed cap and pour in oil in a slow, steady stream.  
      Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Store extra in the refrigerator. Thin with water if it gets too thick.
      In a large bowl, combine greens and herbs leaving a few springs for the garnish.  
      Toss lightly with dressing, 1/2 the strawberries, cheese and nuts.  
      For top, garnish with remaining berries, nuts, cheese and herbs. Perfect with a grilled steak or salmon fillet. 
Chef note: Interchange your ingredients as the season ebbs and flows. At the farmers markets, check out Holmquist Hazelnuts, for busy cooks, they have roasted nuts and you don't need to peel the skin. (Of Parmount Importance Editor's note: Try Appel Farms Fetas) or  Port Madison goat cheese for you goat cheese lovers. I am savoring the strawberries but just think of when the raspberries come in. Another fancy idea is to use candied nuts, yummy!