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| Martha (R) tells visitors at "Behind the Walls Tour" last spring about Fish Singer Built Green features |
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Martha Rose Construction Hosts Solar National Tour at Fish Singer Place
NATIONAL SOLAR TOUR AT FISH SINGER PLACE
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Lucky Update
Breaking News! Good news for Lucky the Dog!
According to KIRO News on the Dave Ross Show and Dogs Deserve Better spokesperson Kelly Page, "Lucky" the Dog is now freed from his basement prison in a Shoreline home and on his way to PAWS Shelter. There he will receive care and health assessments and soon a new home.
The "Dogs Deserve Better" spokesperson says there are over 350 similar cases statewide yearly, where dogs are being mistreated, chained up or needlessly penned.
Hooray for a happy ending for this Lucky Dog!
According to KIRO News on the Dave Ross Show and Dogs Deserve Better spokesperson Kelly Page, "Lucky" the Dog is now freed from his basement prison in a Shoreline home and on his way to PAWS Shelter. There he will receive care and health assessments and soon a new home.
The "Dogs Deserve Better" spokesperson says there are over 350 similar cases statewide yearly, where dogs are being mistreated, chained up or needlessly penned.
Hooray for a happy ending for this Lucky Dog!
Wood Ducks Showing Off at Thornton Creek Park #6
The Beaver Pond at Thornton Creek Park #6 is a haven for a myriad of creatures. One of the coolest seen there has to be the Wood Ducks with their beautiful plumage.
Ruth Williams and Don MacCall captured these images of the Wood Ducks displays.
Where is this lovely refuge? Right in the middle of North Seattle at:
Ruth Williams and Don MacCall captured these images of the Wood Ducks displays.
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| One Lucky Wood Duck overlooking Beaver Pond at Thornton Creek Park #6 |
8th Ave NE between 105th and 106th Sts.
So many critters use this place as a wildlife refuge. Of Paramount Importance has featured many examples this year including; fish, Great Blue Heron, Beaver, Racoons and many others.
The Beavers have engineered this place to their liking. It's a challenge sometimes to keep them from cutting too many trees and backing up the waters into the streets, but in the meantime, what an incredible
habitat they've created! What an education for visitors, young and old.
The Beavers have engineered this place to their liking. It's a challenge sometimes to keep them from cutting too many trees and backing up the waters into the streets, but in the meantime, what an incredible
habitat they've created! What an education for visitors, young and old.
It's a public park that needs a name. It is just downstream from the Thornton Creek Water Quality Channel at Thornton Place.
Enjoy!
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| Wood Duck Struts His Stuff photo credit-Don MacCall |
Lucky Dog May Catch a Break Soon
The Saga of Lucky has been continuing in Shoreline. "Lucky" is a poor little pup who really needs some better luck.
His owners left town several months ago, and left Lucky in the basement. The owners Ex comes over every few days to open a can of food and throw it in the back door. But poor Lucky is stuck there, living in a filthy mess.
The story has been covered by KOMO and KING 5 News, Dori Monson, Shoreline KOMO News blog and now Shoreline Area News as well. Animal Control, says they are waiting for a search warrant in order to get permission to rescue Lucky. They say that the owners have agreed to turn over the dog Today (Wednesday).
The news blogs are chock full of commenters, who are imploring the authorities to "DO Something!"
It defies logic for some of us, why the authorities don't take necessary lawful measures to rescue this poor defenseless dog.
Now an organization called Dogs Deserve Better is taking a stand advocating;
We hope today is the day Lucky will get his freedom and a new home and some love.
His owners left town several months ago, and left Lucky in the basement. The owners Ex comes over every few days to open a can of food and throw it in the back door. But poor Lucky is stuck there, living in a filthy mess.
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| "Lucky" courtesy of Shoreline KOMO News |
The story has been covered by KOMO and KING 5 News, Dori Monson, Shoreline KOMO News blog and now Shoreline Area News as well. Animal Control, says they are waiting for a search warrant in order to get permission to rescue Lucky. They say that the owners have agreed to turn over the dog Today (Wednesday).
The news blogs are chock full of commenters, who are imploring the authorities to "DO Something!"
It defies logic for some of us, why the authorities don't take necessary lawful measures to rescue this poor defenseless dog.
Now an organization called Dogs Deserve Better is taking a stand advocating;
"The dogs been in there for four years. Owners moved out 3 months ago. It's one of the worst cruelty cases we've seen in this state," said Kelly Page of Dogs Deserve Better.
We hope today is the day Lucky will get his freedom and a new home and some love.
Monday, September 27, 2010
2007 - Reviewing the Record on Shoreline Historical Museum
In King County an agency called 4Culture oversees
funding to historical and cultural assets.
In 2007 the following article was published which shows some of the public investment made in the Shoreline Historical Museum and the "intent" of the Museum to keep faith with the public to restore the Ronald School. This was always the underlying intent and Landmarking the building was also always the long term goal.
funding to historical and cultural assets.
In 2007 the following article was published which shows some of the public investment made in the Shoreline Historical Museum and the "intent" of the Museum to keep faith with the public to restore the Ronald School. This was always the underlying intent and Landmarking the building was also always the long term goal.
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| Shoreline Historical Museum in the Landmarked Ronald School |
Restoration of Ronald School Takes
Another Step Forward- (2007 report)
January 25, 2007 - The Shoreline Historical Museum in Shoreline has taken the next step in a quarter-century effort to restore the historic Ronald School, the oldest public structure in northwestern King County. The museum has completed work on the original wood cornice of the building's west side, which will bring the structure closer to a full restoration by the school's centenary in 2012.
Though the cornice work by itself seems minor, it is important to the long-term plan for listing as an historic landmark. The Museum, which owns the former elementary school, first proposed the building as a King County landmark in 1988. But major modifications in the 1950s and 1960s prevented its listing, so supporters embarked on a restoration effort. The first work was completed in 1994, and the project reached a milestone when the exterior portico and a balustrade were restored in 1998. Other work has included safety upgrades and disabled access improvements. The cornice work, funded in part with a $9,000 4Culture Landmark Rehabilitation Program grant in 2006, was finished in the summer of 2006.
Vicki Stiles, executive director of the Shoreline Historical Museum, says the project has reached a critical point. In 2007, the museum board plans to apply for status as a King County landmark, a state landmark, and a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. "The building is as close to its original condition as it's been in the past 40 years," she says.
And the project won't end there. Stiles says the next restoration phases include seismic upgrades, rebuilding the bell cupola, and replacing aluminum-framed windows with wood-framed windows. The estimated total cost of the project is approximately $3 million. Once completed, the Ronald School will be a centerpiece of the Shoreline community, Stile says.
For more information on the Ronald School and the Shoreline Historical Museum, contact Vicki Stiles at 206.542.7111.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
1912- What Happened the Year that the Ronald School Was Built?
Shoreline's Historically Landmarked Ronald School was built in 1912. It was a significant year in many ways.
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| Arts Service Station, Richmond Highlands Neighborhood - circa 1945 |
Now that the Shoreline Historical Museum is being uprooted and the Ronald School buildings integrity is threatened, let's look at the era it was built in, and think about its uniqueness in relation to our history and that era. Let's look at the year 1912 to get a better context on why this place matters.
In 1912 Judge JT Ronald, former Seattle Mayor donated the land that the current Ronald School and Shoreline Historical Museum occupies to build a grade school. It was on the western edge of his property, and near the soon to be developed Highway 99, now Aurora Ave North. Judge Ronald believed in education, but he also believed in commerce and opportunity.
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| The Ronald Interurban Depot at North 175th and Midvale, ca. 1915 Courtesy Shoreline Historical Museum |
History Link has the story:
A Stop Called Ronald
An early resident in the Shoreline community around the turn of the century was Judge James Ronald. Ronald purchased five acres of land for $100 from a friend who owed him money. Working on the weekends, he cleared his tract and planted cherry and apple trees. Improving the land came naturally to him, he claimed, having been raised in the Deep South.
Judge Ronald was a friend of Fred Sander, the man who built the Interurban. Ronald gave right-of-way through his property for Sander's rail line and offered to build a small station house if he could name it. Sander agreed, and after the station was built, Ronald gave him a sign reading "Evanor," named for Ronald’s daughters, Eva and Norma.
Shortly thereafter, Judge Ronald was riding the train. He got off at his station and was shocked to see that its name had been changed to Ronald. Not wanting to see his name in a public place, he confronted Sander. Sander informed Ronald that he'd promised to name the station "Evanor" but not to keep the name.
Said Sander, "This is my railway and I change names of stations when I please. I have changed it to Ronald and if you don’t like that name you can stay away and not see it!" The name further ingrained itself into the community a few years later when Ronald donated land for a school building. The name of the building? Ronald School, now (1999) home to the Shoreline Historical Museum.
.....................
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| Rogers General Store, Richmond Highlands -1912 courtesy of Shoreline Historical Museum |
Not the Scenic Route
By the 1930s, the Interurban had outlived its usefulness. America was turning automotive, and cars were the preferred method of travel. By 1939, the Interurban rails were sold for scrap metal and paved roads crisscrossed the community.
Aurora Avenue, or Highway 99, was originally a bumpy wagon-trail that closely paralleled the rail line. By 1912, it was paved with brick all the way to the county line. As the Interurban faded away, Aurora Avenue became the most heavily trafficked road in the community. Evidence of this can be seen today in the old motels and gas stations still located along the sides.
What else was go'in on in the world in 1912?
Here's a selection of events that took place in that year from
History Orb.com
http://www.historyorb.com/events/date/1912
Jan 17th - Robert Scott expedition arrives at South Pole, 1 month after Amundsen
Jan 18th - English explorer Robert F Scott & his expedition reach South Pole, only to discover that Roald Amundsen had gotten there before
Feb 8th - 1st eastbound US transcontinental flight lands in Jacksonville, Fla
Mar 12th - Girl Guides (Girl Scouts) forms in Savannah, by Juliette Gordon Low
Mar 29th - Capt Robert Scott, storm-bound in a tent near South Pole, makes last entry in his diary "the end cannot be far"
Apr 15th - Titanic sinks at 2:27 AM off Newfoundland as band plays on
Apr 16th - Harriet Quimby becomes 1st woman pilot to cross English Channel
Apr 20th - Fenway Park officially opens, Red Sox beat NY Highlanders 7-6 in 11
Jun 4th - Massachusetts passes 1st US minimum wage law
Jun 5th - US marines invade Cuba (3rd time)
Aug 7th - Progressive (Bull Moose) Party nominates Theodore Roosevelt for pres
Aug 24th - NYC ticker tape parade for Jim Thorpe and victorious US olympians
Aug 24th - Territory of Alaska organizes
Aug 27th - Edgar Rice Burroughs' publishes "Tarzan of the Apes"
Sep 27th - W C Handy publishes "Memphis Blues" 1st Blues Song, 1912
Oct 14th - Bull Moose Teddy Roosevelt shot while campaigning in Milwaukee
Oct 16th - Boston beats NY Giants, 4 games to 3 with a tie in 9th World Series
Nov 5th - Arizona, Kansas & Wisconsin vote for female suffrage
Nov 5th - Woodrow Wilson (D) defeats Theodore Roosevelt (Prog) and Pres Taft (R)
Dec 6th - China votes for universal human rights
Dec 7th - Bust of Queen Nefertete found in El-Amarna, Egypt
Meanwhile in a place that would become Shoreline, just north of Seattle, Judge JT Ronald kept working on making his home city a place for education, commerce and continued his service as a King County Superior Court Judge.
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| King County Superior Court Judge J.T. Ronald |
Friday, September 24, 2010
KC Landmarks Commission Decision on Richmond Masonic Lodge
Thursday night at their regular meeting held in Woodinville, the King County Landmarks Commission met and awarded "Landmarks Status" to the Richmond Masonic Lodge.
The Lodge was built in 1921-22 and the Masons held their first meeting there in 1922.
The Richmond Masonic Lodge has been home to the Masons, Eastern Star and has been utilized by many organizations such as the 32nd District Democrats and folk dancing groups, because of it's fine dance floor. It is located in the Richmond Highlands neighborhood.
The Lodge sought the Community Landmarks award to help preserve their building on Richmond Beach Road. There had been a proposal two years ago to develop the site where the lodge is located.
The property was up for sale and valued at over $1 million, because its location is considered part of the Shoreline Town Center area. But the proposal fell through because of the recession.
Also, the Landmarks Commission opted to hold a Hearing in the future on the topic of the Ronald School and Shoreline School District's "Certificate of Appropriateness" application to remove the rear wall and gut the interior.
The KC Landmarks Code was adopted by the City Of Shoreline and the Board was acting in this case at the behest of the City of Shoreline Landmarks Commission in its award of Historic Community Landmark for the Richmond Masonic Lodge building.
The Ronald School was designated as a Historic Landmark in 2008. In order for the Shorewood High School rebuild to incorporate the Ronald School, they need to have a Certificate of Appropriarateness".
The Ronald School was built in 1912 and has housed the Shoreline Historical Museum since the Bicentennial in 1976. The Shoreline School District has recently reached a settlement with the Shoreline Historical Museum Board, and is evicting them from the building they've occupied for 35 years in order to appropriate the building for it's new High School project.
The Lodge was built in 1921-22 and the Masons held their first meeting there in 1922.
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| Richmond Masonic Lodge built in 1921 photo credit-Steve Robinson courtesy of Shoreline Area News |
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| Marble Plaque Commemorates Lodge History at NE Corner of Building photo credit-Janet Way |
The Lodge sought the Community Landmarks award to help preserve their building on Richmond Beach Road. There had been a proposal two years ago to develop the site where the lodge is located.
The property was up for sale and valued at over $1 million, because its location is considered part of the Shoreline Town Center area. But the proposal fell through because of the recession.
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| Masonic Lodge Front Porch on Richmond Beach Rd |
Also, the Landmarks Commission opted to hold a Hearing in the future on the topic of the Ronald School and Shoreline School District's "Certificate of Appropriateness" application to remove the rear wall and gut the interior.
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| Rear Wall of Ronald School Includes Original Masonry and Wooden Shingles Elevator Shaft was added for ADA Compliance photo credit-Janet Way |
The Ronald School was designated as a Historic Landmark in 2008. In order for the Shorewood High School rebuild to incorporate the Ronald School, they need to have a Certificate of Appropriarateness".
The Ronald School was built in 1912 and has housed the Shoreline Historical Museum since the Bicentennial in 1976. The Shoreline School District has recently reached a settlement with the Shoreline Historical Museum Board, and is evicting them from the building they've occupied for 35 years in order to appropriate the building for it's new High School project.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Seattle - Urban Forestry Open House, Tonite
Seattle's Urban Forestry Commission is holding a special Open House TONITE (Tuesday).
The Urban Forestry open house TONITE, Tuesday 9/21/2010 starts TODAY at 5:30 in the Bertha Landres room at Seattle City Hall.
DPD (Department of Planning and Development) and others will be making presentations at 6:00 PM.
DPD has a Tree Ordinance proposal that is being shopped around. Ostensibly it is claimed to be for a better tree policy, but many tree advocates are skeptical. There is an existing "interim" tree ordinance in Seattle passed last year which actually protects Groves of Trees and many other types of trees. Experts say it is far superior to the current proposal which has only "voluntary" compliance tools such as incentives and not enough teeth to be effective.
Also there is a very substantive and lengthy article yesterday in the seattle PI.com
"City of Seattle hosts Urban Forestry open house"
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/427030_trees20.html
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| Huge, ancient Willow tree towers over Thornton Creek Park #1, Seattle photo credit-Janet Way |
The Urban Forestry open house TONITE, Tuesday 9/21/2010 starts TODAY at 5:30 in the Bertha Landres room at Seattle City Hall.
DPD (Department of Planning and Development) and others will be making presentations at 6:00 PM.
DPD has a Tree Ordinance proposal that is being shopped around. Ostensibly it is claimed to be for a better tree policy, but many tree advocates are skeptical. There is an existing "interim" tree ordinance in Seattle passed last year which actually protects Groves of Trees and many other types of trees. Experts say it is far superior to the current proposal which has only "voluntary" compliance tools such as incentives and not enough teeth to be effective.
Also there is a very substantive and lengthy article yesterday in the seattle PI.com
"City of Seattle hosts Urban Forestry open house"
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/427030_trees20.html
Lets get going Seattle and Shoreline and really create a better "Tree Infrastructure".
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| Trees Are My View |
Monday, September 20, 2010
"Shoreline School District is a Cult of Deception" said a Shoreline SESPA Worker.
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| SESPA Workers Demonstrate for Workplace Fairness |
Tonite's Shoreline School Board meeting was attended by approximately 100 Shoreline Education Support Professionals, teachers and other community members. They held a demonstration outside beforehand. About a dozen spoke to the School Board. Many told their personal stories, but many expressed exasperation at the delay tactics displayed by Shoreline School District Administration and no leadership from the School Board who sat stone faced throughout.
http://sespaunion.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html
http://sespaunion.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html
One worker admonished the SSD and Board stating that "The Shoreline School District IS a Cult of Deception!" There was a huge ovation from the crowd.
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| SESPA Workers demonstrate and are joined by WEA reps |
It is sad to say that this has been the attitude of the District on many issues in the last few years.
The newest outrage is of course the process now underway about the hostile eviction of the Shoreline Historical Museum and proposal to gut the 100 year old Landmarked Ronald School. The District has now succeeded apparently in strong arming the Shoreline Historical Museum Board and will evict them in the next few months.
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| SSD is Planning to "Gut" this Landmarked building to create their new facade |
The latest chapter begins this week. We were shocked to find out tonite that the the King County Landmarks Commission has already been meeting with Basetti Achitects. (Apparently, it's a cozy little relationship, between them and the "Architects Review Committee" of the Commission) and there is a full meeting of the Commission this Thursday. This is rather shocking, since there has been absolutely no
Legal Notice to anyone who is a "Party Of Record".
The School District is required to get a "Certificate of Appropriateness" to undertake changes in the Landmarked building. One would think that "gutting the building" would be seen as a significant change to require the Commission to have some pause before rubber stamping approval.
But since no one was made aware that this process was underway, how would they know anything other than what the Basetti Architects and Shoreline School District Administration want them to know?
Again, the Shoreline School District has shown they cannot be trusted with our tax dollars or our children.
Another chapter in the "Cult of Deception" Chronicles unfolds.
Legal Notice to anyone who is a "Party Of Record".
The School District is required to get a "Certificate of Appropriateness" to undertake changes in the Landmarked building. One would think that "gutting the building" would be seen as a significant change to require the Commission to have some pause before rubber stamping approval.
But since no one was made aware that this process was underway, how would they know anything other than what the Basetti Architects and Shoreline School District Administration want them to know?
Again, the Shoreline School District has shown they cannot be trusted with our tax dollars or our children.
Another chapter in the "Cult of Deception" Chronicles unfolds.
Pileated Woodpecker and Flicker Fledgelings at a Feeder Next to Thornton Creek
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| Young Flicker Fledglings Excited About Suet photo credit-Don MacCall |
Wildlife sighting from Ruth Williams and Photos by Don MacCall
in Victory Heights neighborhood. Ruth is Vice President of Thornton Creek Alliance.
-1.JPG) |
| Pileated Woodpecker on deck feeder photo credit - Don MacCall |
I kept hearing batches of starlings chirping in the fruit trees in the
morning. This seemed strange as the raccoons had cleaned out the fruit long
ago. Then, a few days ago, I happened to see that the chirping was actually
fledging flickers on the deck. I found two families of them squabbling over
the suet feeder. There were about eight including a few adults (parents?).
I managed to get three in this picture. They are extremely skittish and all
flew up at the slightest movement on my part.
Cheers!
Ruth
morning. This seemed strange as the raccoons had cleaned out the fruit long
ago. Then, a few days ago, I happened to see that the chirping was actually
fledging flickers on the deck. I found two families of them squabbling over
the suet feeder. There were about eight including a few adults (parents?).
I managed to get three in this picture. They are extremely skittish and all
flew up at the slightest movement on my part.
Cheers!
Ruth
Shoreline KOMO News-New Dick's Drive-in in North End
Shoreline KOMO News has the story today that Dicks Drive-in will be looking for a site for their first new store in the Shoreline/Edmonds/MLT/Lynnwood area.
Share: 
customers have spoken, and it's heading north.
With "north" taking about 46 percent of the total vote, the company
With "north" taking about 46 percent of the total vote, the company
said it is focusing its search for a new location within a 20-mile area
north of their original restaurant in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood.
The search area includes Shoreline, Lynnwood, Edmonds, South Everett
The search area includes Shoreline, Lynnwood, Edmonds, South Everett
and Mountlake Terrace.
Dick's said about 115,000 total votes were cast to help choose
Dick's said about 115,000 total votes were cast to help choose
the location for their first new location in 36 years.
The online poll was so popular that someone set up a computer
The online poll was so popular that someone set up a computer
voting site down. The company said it removed the fraudulent votes.
"This is an historic time for our family's small business," Jim Spady,
"This is an historic time for our family's small business," Jim Spady,
Vice President of Dick's Drive-Ins said in a news release.
"The outpouring of support has been overwhelming and humbling.
North received the most votes, and that is where we will now focus our efforts."
Spady said if the new Dick's in the north end is a success,
Spady said if the new Dick's in the north end is a success,
the next Drive-Ins will be in the south and east regions.
"We want those who voted South and East to know that we
"We want those who voted South and East to know that we
heard their voices also," he said.
Dick's hopes to have the new restaurant open in late 2011 or early 2012.
The company also held a contest for customers to create
Dick's hopes to have the new restaurant open in late 2011 or early 2012.
The company also held a contest for customers to create
20-second commercials for Dick's.
This article originally appeared on Edmonds News
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Update on Culvert Replacement on Thornton Creek
Chuck Dolan of Thornton Creek Alliance sends this report on TC Park #2 Culvert replacement by SPU (Seattle Public Utilities) at NE 105th.
Greetings,
(Additional late breaking update:
I was premature on beaver pond water level. With the nearly 2" of rain Friday and Saturday the (beaver) deceiver must have become plug as it is now out of sight under water. Also downstream at what I think is one of the new dams, a large willow has fallen over. It's crown is in parking lot of the apartment building and diverted the stream a bit to the south in a new channel. When I was by Sunday afternoon there was a chainsaw sitting out by the willow but no one immediately around and no cuts on willow crown.)
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| New Culvert "flying into place" on Thornton Creek at 105th NE |
Here a photo of the initial culvert piece installed at NE 105 St. The photo is unfortunately very low resolution, cheap cell phone on low setting. Also attached (I hope) is a photo of the creek returned to its newly restored bed including tons (literally) of LWD.
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| Large Woody Debris added as "structure" to creek channel as culvert is replaced |
The house and fence removal at 8th Av NE and NE 105th St looks GREAT! I visited Beaver Pond a day or so have the concern was expressed about the beaver dams upstream of 105 and saw they have been removed tastefully. Also the water level of Beaver Pond was down a bit but looked appropriate as the beaver deceiver was visible and functioning i.e. not plugged. Thanks to whom it may concern!
(Additional late breaking update:
I was premature on beaver pond water level. With the nearly 2" of rain Friday and Saturday the (beaver) deceiver must have become plug as it is now out of sight under water. Also downstream at what I think is one of the new dams, a large willow has fallen over. It's crown is in parking lot of the apartment building and diverted the stream a bit to the south in a new channel. When I was by Sunday afternoon there was a chainsaw sitting out by the willow but no one immediately around and no cuts on willow crown.)
Chuck
Friday, September 17, 2010
Shoreline School District Calls Out SESPA Union's Possible Job Action in Letter to Parents.
The Shoreline School District has sent a letter to parents warning them of possible upcoming job actions by the SESPA Union.
The Union has been in negotiations for several months and held an informational demonstration last month to emphasize the situation their members find themselves in. The Shoreline School District is threatening to cut the hours of these workers and reduce benefits. Meanwhile, administrators in the District have been given substantial raises by the School Board. Supt Walker was given an $8,000 raise and Dep Marcia Harris received a $10,000 raise.
SESPA stands for Shoreline Education Support Professionals Association and is an affiliate of WEA (Washington Education Association). They are the workers who provide
many services to students and the community at their jobs with the district such as Nurses, Crossing Guards, School Secretaries, etc.
The District is claiming that SESPA is planning a "sick out" next week, possibly on Wednesday.
The SESPA Blog does not have any statement as yet about a possible job action being planned.
Of Paramount Importance supports the SESPA Union in fighting for their members labor rights
and wish them luck and solidarity.
______________________________________________
The Union has been in negotiations for several months and held an informational demonstration last month to emphasize the situation their members find themselves in. The Shoreline School District is threatening to cut the hours of these workers and reduce benefits. Meanwhile, administrators in the District have been given substantial raises by the School Board. Supt Walker was given an $8,000 raise and Dep Marcia Harris received a $10,000 raise.
SESPA stands for Shoreline Education Support Professionals Association and is an affiliate of WEA (Washington Education Association). They are the workers who provide
many services to students and the community at their jobs with the district such as Nurses, Crossing Guards, School Secretaries, etc.
The District is claiming that SESPA is planning a "sick out" next week, possibly on Wednesday.
The SESPA Blog does not have any statement as yet about a possible job action being planned.
Of Paramount Importance supports the SESPA Union in fighting for their members labor rights
and wish them luck and solidarity.
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| SESPA workers held a demonstration last month at SSD Headquarters |
______________________________________________
September 15, 2010
TO: Shoreline Parents/Guardians, Community and Staff
FR: Shoreline Public Information Office
RE: Potential School Cancellation
As you may know, the District is currently engaged in the collective bargaining process with the
Shoreline Educational Support Personnel Association (SESPA). This association represents over 300
staff members, including nurses, security monitors,
paraeducators (1-1 student aides), crossing guards,
paraeducators (1-1 student aides), crossing guards,
mobility assistants, office staff and more. Since August 2010 this
process has been facilitated by a
process has been facilitated by a
professional mediator provided by Public Employment
Relations Commission (PERC). The next
Relations Commission (PERC). The next
mediation session is scheduled for September 30, 2010.
It has recently come to the District’s attention that
SESPA leadership is planning a possible district-
SESPA leadership is planning a possible district-
wide ‘sick-out’ or other job action for Wednesday,
September 29, or perhaps another date. Although a
September 29, or perhaps another date. Although a
job action brings up a number of issues for the district,
our most serious concern is that of student
our most serious concern is that of student
safety.
We value the contribution of all SESPA employees
to the educational environment of our schools.
to the educational environment of our schools.
Several positions are more difficult to fill with substitutes.
For example, one of the biggest challenges
For example, one of the biggest challenges
we face in Shoreline is that of substitute nurse coverage.
Unlike other school districts around us that
Unlike other school districts around us that
rely on “magnet” health sites where specialized
care is provided, Shoreline has a nurse at all schools
care is provided, Shoreline has a nurse at all schools
during all student hours. This allows most Shoreline students
with serious health related issues to
with serious health related issues to
attend their neighborhood school. Unfortunately, our
model makes it very difficult to cover the absence
model makes it very difficult to cover the absence
of all our nurses. We most likely will not be able to
provide 14 nurse substitutes on the same day.
provide 14 nurse substitutes on the same day.
Another serious concern for Shoreline is the support
for our special needs students who require 1-1
for our special needs students who require 1-1
adult support for health and safety reasons. Again,
our ability to obtain qualified substitutes for an
our ability to obtain qualified substitutes for an
excessive number of absences is a significant challenge.
As a result of our concerns, we feel that there
is a possibility that Shoreline would have to cancel
is a possibility that Shoreline would have to cancel
school if we determine that we cannot adequately
address the supervision, health and safety needs of
address the supervision, health and safety needs of
all our students. We hope that by providing you with
this advance notice, we will be able to minimize
this advance notice, we will be able to minimize
the inconvenience you will experience IF the District
finds it necessary to cancel school. IF school is
finds it necessary to cancel school. IF school is
cancelled, the student day will be made-up later
in the calendar.
in the calendar.
We apologize for any difficulty that this schedule
change may cause your family. We will keep you
change may cause your family. We will keep you
updated with information and District decisions
related to this issue on our website:
related to this issue on our website:
www.shorelineschools.org
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Shoreline Chamber Upcoming Events
Shoreline Chamber - Something to See!
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