Beacon Magazine – Spring 2022

MAGAZINE The Beacon

INSIDE:

AREA POLICEHelp wanted: Do you have what it takes?

URBAN WILDLIFELearning to coexist

FINDING A HOME - LGBTQ+ students create safe spaces at their schools

Welcome to The Beacon Magazine

The Beacon Publishing team is pleased to present the spring edition of The Beacon Magazine.

In this issue, you’ll find a richness of stories from Beacon writers and contributors. They include in-depth reporting on police and service club recruiting issues. As well, we show how afterschool clubs have helped LGBTQ+ students reach acceptance, restaurants reviews, and colorful sketches of the three cities we cover – Edmonds, Mukilteo, and Mill Creek.

Although you can read the news daily online and in our print editions, we hope you’ll take some time to dig into stories that explore some of the issues affecting us all, as well as diversions and people that make south Snohomish County a great place to live.

We know times are tough for many, with the third year of COVID upon us and inflation and ever-rising home and rent costs stretching budgets. Through it all, we will continue to write about the issues that affect us all, both in our newspapers as well as in The Magazine.

As the Beacon’s managing editor, I’m excited to be able to guide The Magazine alongside a dedicated group of co-workers. It’s a new role for me at Beacon Publishing, and one I’m excited and ready to step into.

Stick around. We’ll have more great stories and photos for you in our July and November issues.

I invite your feedback. Email edmondseditor@yourbeacon.net.

– Brian Soergel, Managing Editor

Sunset & Main | An Illustration by Mack Benek

BRIGHTEN YOUR NIGHT & LIFE WITH THE BEAUTY & SECURITY OF OUTDOOR LIGHTS

With more than 150,000 outdoor lighting installations under our belt, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives has more than 20 years of design, installation and maintenance expertise.

The intersection of Main Street and Sunset Avenue is a busy one in Edmonds. There’s the trains, the ferry, the beginning of Edmonds’ restaurant and retail row. Plus, there’s the steady stream of residents and out-of-towners heading to Brackett’s Landing north and south to take in the glorious views – the ferry, Kitsap Peninsula and, on spectacular days, the Olympics and Mount Baker.

In the age of the great resignation, can police maintain the staff necessary to protect us?

Police in south Snohomish County are scrambling for recruits and lateral hires

Looking for a few good people

By Brian Soergel

“W

“W

e’re hiring.”

It’s the sign of the times. And not simply for employee-starved restaurants and retailers. You can hang that sign on the front door of local police departments.

Edmonds, Mukilteo, and Mill Creek are scrambling to fill positions, both laterally from other departments and through new hires out of the Criminal Justice Training Center in Burien.

Like restaurants and retailers, police cite COVID as a factor, but not a major one. More to the point is retirement – leaving at age 50 is an option – and calls for rethinking police departments after the George Floyd trial and subsequent riots nationwide, including in Seattle, as well as the stringent requirements of actually earning a badge.

Here’s a snapshot of police levels and recruiting efforts in Edmonds, Mukilteo, and Mill Creek.

All numbers cited were current through Feb. 2, and could have been updated before this article appears.

MUKILTEO

Unlike many officers where police service is a family tradition, Nathan Fabia is the first officer in his family. But he said he always knew why he wanted to join the force – to help people.

The Mukilteo Police Department has an abundance of young officers, but is always looking for more. From left: Officer Elizabeth Arno, 32; Officer Cooper Ponti, 24; Officer Nathan Fabia, 26; and Cpl. Mason Shoudy, 27.

Brian Soergel photo

“I thought being a police officer would best use my abilities to help the community keep people safe,” the 26-year-old crime prevention and public information officer said. “My wife encouraged me to ask questions, so I began speaking with people I knew were officers.”

Fabia, from Lynnwood but now living in Mill Creek where he worked for the City’s  Parks and Recreation program and spent much of his time working with various youth programs, was sworn in Sept. 4, 2018.

Not everyone can become a police officer. That’s a given. But Fabia has advice for those interested.

“I encourage them to keep asking questions. What really helped me was going on ride-alongs, and then continuing to ask questions if it’s something you’re even remotely interested in.”

Finding new officers like Fabia can be challenging. Mukilteo Police Chief Cheol Kang knows this.

“Every department’s had a number of folks who probably have been looking at different career fields,” he said. “So it’s not just natural attrition, but probably a higher rate, as well. We’ve definitely exceeded our usual or average attrition rate by almost threefold just in the past year. Our turnover in the past year was probably the greatest amount of turnover we’ve had since 2013.”

In addition, just joining the ranks as a rookie can be a long process. Factor in recruiting, screening, and training, and Kang said it could be 18 months to two years before officers are able to work on their own.

The department is budgeted at 30 officers, but is down about three officers. Even when fully staffed, recruits in training are of course

unable to provide police services.

“At any point in time, we are trying to hire individuals because the process takes so long,” said Kang, a 19-year veteran. “And then, oh, by the way, the fact is that everyone else is trying to hire, and so the background processes are even longer.”

Lateral hires are being offered a $15,000 hiring incentive to sign with the department.

Many officers retiring

At the other end of the equation are officers close to retirement, which can come as early as 50 with partial benefits and 53 with a full pension. Since 2020, Kang said about one-third of his department were in the window of retirement, an issue many law enforcement agencies face.

Putting retirement aside, Kang admits that COVID protocols and the defunding-the-police push over the past nearly two years have also affected police department retention.

“There’s been a few who have left, but haven’t gone necessarily to another police department. They just want to do something outside the world of law enforcement.

“It’s a consistent challenge across the country with regards to what’s being pushed out on

social media and the narrative that’s out there, but our community has been absolutely amazing with regards to their support for our staff here through the feedback, emails, and phone calls we get.”

Like in Edmonds, word of mouth has been an effective recruiting strategy for Mukilteo. But those who want to join the Mukilteo PD need to be a good fit, like any other police department.

“That’s part of our screening process,” said Kang. “ There are some that have been looking to get away, even from other nearby cities, maybe wanting a different culture. But at the end of it, some weren’t going to be a good fit for what our community was looking for, and ended up at different organizations, which is good for them.”

be a good team member,

So what would be the top quality for someone thinking of joining the Mukilteo Police Department?

“It’s someone who has a heart for the community and really wants to help people,” said Fabia. “Everyone here is united by that, the want and desire to help people. But we’re all different people. We don’t look the same. We learned differently. We handle things differently. But we all want to serve.”

EDMONDS

The Edmonds PD’s budget is for 58 officers, three of whom are command-staff level: chief and assistant chief, both of the latter which are vacant. There are seven more vacancies after that, al-

though Acting Assistant Police Chief Josh McClure said the numbers can fluctuate daily.

“We have a significant number of people who have retired in the last several months or plan on retiring in the coming months,” he said.

Two entry-level officers were hired to start Feb. 1 but, as McClure noted, it can take a full year before they’re able to patrol solo.

“Even if we hired seven of those people today, we will still have those vacancies down the road,” he said. “The other areas that we have vacancies are on our civilian side. Two of our six records clerk positions are vacant, and our executive assistant position is vacant.”

McClure said lateral hires, from other police departments, have been hit-or-miss since 2019, partly due to “a change in leadership and a little uncertainty,” referring to the retirement of Chief Al Compaan and the subsequent hiring – and not hiring – of Sauk-Suiattle Chief Sherman Pruitt. Michelle Bennett is now police chief.

“Laterals researching departments will look at those aspects and compare it to other agencies within the region,” said McClure. “So that’s been a challenge for us. We did have kind of a significant run of Seattle PD interest that either waned, or people didn’t make it through our hiring process.”

Like Mukilteo and Mill Creek police departments, Edmonds’ biggest recruiting tool for new officers is not through social

Brian Soergel photo Cpl. Brittany Harris, 29, of the Edmonds PD: “I would say that police work is kind of a calling.”

Brian Soergel photo

Officer Trevor Mitsui, 29, of the Edmonds PD: “I want to

and I expect my colleagues to be the same.”

Embracing

ForLGBTQ+students,afterschool clubsmeanacceptanceandcommunity

By Natalie Kahn

Editor’s note: Beacon freelancer Natalie Kahn immersed herself into LGBTQ+ culture at three local high schools as a way to better understand student experiences and the challenges they may be going through. In addition, she learned that Edmonds-Woodway, Kamiak, and Jackson all have supportive staff and clubs to help the students as they progress through high school life. Here’s what she discovered.

AAs throngs of teenagers pour out of the doors of Mukilteo’s Kamiak High School toward the bus loop and parking lots, a small group of students heads instead to an otherwise empty classroom.

They sit at a table in the center of the room, snacking on a large carton of rainbow Goldfish, chatting excitedly about classes and college acceptances. The buzz dies down as Charlene Yan, a freshman sitting towards the front of the room, turns the students’ attention to the whiteboard’s introductory questions.

While most of the students clearly know one another, one sitting quietly at the table is there for the first time, so the group goes around the table introducing themselves.

The students run down the standard list – name, grade, pronouns, and an icebreaker question – but unlike most school club introductions, the fourth question written on the list is “Sexuality (Optional),” which most of the group answers with little hesitation, with some also adding their gender identity.

Their responses span the letters that make up LGBTQ+ and beyond. Normally, these students might not be quite as quick to share this information at school, especially

Natalie Kahn photo

Members of the Kamiak Queer Straight Alliance club watched a slam poetry performance about being LGBTQ+. They then wrote their own poems about their feelings and experiences.

Sadie Kreutz photo

Sadie Kreutz, like other gay students, said the homophobia they experienced in middle school was worse than in high school.

with people they are meeting for the first time. But this isn’t your standard afterschool club. Here, being open and proud of identities that are considered outside the norm, is the norm.

Sienna Del Rio, a sophomore at Kamiak and the vice president of the school’s Queer-Straight Alliance (QSA), said being in the club gave her the opportunity to be herself and to talk about things going on in her life without fear of judgment.

When her mom told her about the group this past fall, she knew she wanted to join.

The nervousness she felt before her first QSA meeting was overshadowed by her excitement about being among a group of queer students like herself in a dedicated space for the first time.

“I walked in with pride,” she said.

Like all QSA meetings where a new member is present, that meeting also started off with the standard introductions. At the time, Sienna was still coming to terms with her sexuality, having realized that she was lesbian, not bisexual like she had previously thought.

As her turn to introduce herself drew closer, she was unsure of what to say. However, she told me that being in a supportive and understanding environment gave her the confidence to be honest and open with both her peers and herself.

When it came time for her to share her sexuality with the group, Sienna proudly said “lesbian.”

Inclusivity and understanding

“I saw my kind of people in GSA,” said Hayden Meyer, referring to her school’s Gay-Straight Alliance club.

A freshman at Jackson High School in Mill Creek, Hayden went to her first club meeting in the fall of 2021, a month into her first year of high school. She’s been going to the Wednesday meetings every week since, and some weeks she’ll go to the Monday meeting as well.

“It’s refreshing. People will use everyone’s correct pronouns, they’ll be accepting, they’ll be inclusive with how they speak.

It’s just really nice.”

Being part of an LGBTQ+ community at school holds unique importance for Hayden and the other students I talked to.

“I have friends who are super supportive and try to understand and be inclusive,” Hayden said. “It’s just harder because they’re

LGBTQ+ on page 28

Edmonds-Woodway High School photos

Members of the Edmonds-Woodway High School Rainbow Warriors say it’s comfortable to be among those with similar experiences. Right: A Rainbow Warriors poster celebrates inclusiveness.

The great outdoors: Learning to coexist with wildlife

By David Pan

AAsk people what they enjoy the most about living in the Pacific Northwest, and many will say they love the outdoors and being so close to nature.

After toiling away in the office (or home) for eight hours, many residents unwind by relaxing in their backyards, heading out to their favorite parks, or spending time hiking on nearby trails.

Nothing beats the spectacular sight of a deer on a warm summer evening.

But living in proximity to wildlife brings responsibilities and, to a certain extent, being outside means being aware of your surroundings – and what’s potentially lurking around your favorite hiking spot .

Coyotes. That’s what Mukilteo Park Ranger Ryan Fox said is the most common critter issue he talks to residents about.

The city has received reports of coyote sightings throughout town – in residential areas, in Japanese and Big gulches, near Paine Field, and even on the waterfront.

People in Edmonds and Mill Creek also frequently report sightings of coyotes in their cities, according to Tucker Seitz, a wildlife conflict specialist with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) office in Mill Creek.

Fish and Wildlife is the agency that cities typically call on to address many of the wildlife conflicts residents report.

From a distance, coyotes resemble a small German shepherd dog, though they have shorter, bushier tails, which almost drag on the ground. Coyotes’ muzzles are longer and narrower than dogs’. Adult coyotes range from 20 to 35 pounds, with males being slightly larger than females.

“We get a lot of calls on coyotes wandering in people’s backyards,” Fox said. “People also are seeing them more out in nature, in the Japanese Gulch and Big Gulch.”

Coyotes generally are not active during the day, he added.

But last May, a woman walking her dogs in Japanese Gulch encountered a coyote that attacked one of the dogs. The other dog fought

Bears often are looking for food when they enter urban areas. Residents are advised to safely secure their garbage cans.

off the coyote, and the coyote followed all three for a short time while they walked out of the gulch, the woman said.

Fox said the incident was an extremely rare occurrence.

“Most people know coyotes are usually skittish of people,” he said. “They don’t like

Peter Nuij photo

Divide by Zero – inset photo

As tempting as it may be, wildlife officials urge people not to feed deer or other wildlfe because of the potential for disease due to animals congregating in one area.

to be around them.”

It’s possible the coyote was a female with pups. Spring is often the time when coyotes have their young.

“When people come across a hostile coyote, it’s usually because they’re protecting their young,” Fox said. “I haven’t heard of any rabid coyotes. For them to come out and attack you is very unlikely.”

Washington had no documented coyote attacks on humans until 2006, when two children in Bellevue were bitten while their parents were nearby, according to the WDFW. Coyotes also had scratched and snapped at two people, and charged a third person in the same area. Wildlife officials speculated the coyotes’ unusually aggressive behavior likely was caused by people feeding them.

Food, whether it is a small animal or fruit, is certainly draw for hungry coyotes.

“They mostly eat small mammals, like squirrels, a lot of the time,” Seitz said. “If there are incidents with coyotes, a lot of the time it’s a function of food sources.”

Another issue: Bird feeders can attract squirrels. That, in turn, can attract coyotes.

“Predators follow the prey,” Seitz said. “Coyotes eat a lot of fruit. Having apple and fruit trees, and berries, increases the likelihood of coyotes in the area.”

Though it isn’t a pleasant topic to discuss, officials say pets who spend time outdoors are at risk.

Domesticated pets don’t have the instincts needed to survive, Seitz said. “They are not always on guard. Having cats outdoors is always going to be a potential conflict.”

coyotes.

“We’re not going to relocate them,” Fox said. “We’re not going to sedate them and transfer them. … There are so many of them. It’s a huge population. It’s more on trying to educate people on how to live with coyotes instead of trying to get them away from here. It’s just not going to happen.”

Coyotes in residential areas are just a simple fact of life.

“Every urban landscape has coyotes,” Seitz said. “They do a wonderful job of surviving in greenbelts and residential and commercial areas at night.”

In addition to coyotes, Seitz spends a lot of time talking about bears with Mill Creek residents. Bears are attracted to the woods in the Snohomish River Valley and the more rural environment.

“In the Mill Creek area, there are a lot of bear conflict issues,” Seitz said. “Mostly it’s just bears getting into artificial food sources. Bird feeders or trash cans are the main ones.”

Bears also love apples, and have been known to make a meal out of an apple tree.

“Some people will call and say a bear got into my trash can,” Seitz said. “Some are letting us know a bear is in the area. Sometimes people have an interaction – a bear is in their yard.”

Fox suggests owners bring their pets inside at night and not allow them to wander wherever they want.

“If coyotes see them, they’re going to go after them,” he said.

Coyotes also have been known to go after livestock, such as chickens, if they are not well enclosed and secured.

“It’s rare for them to take anything larger than a chicken,” Seitz said. If you run into a coyote, whether it’s in the backyard or out on a trail, officials recommend trying to make yourself appear big by waving your arms to let the coyote know you are not a prey.

“Slowly walk away. You don’t need to turn and run,” Fox said. “Make sure they’re aware you’re a human and start walking. Once they realize you’re not a threat, they’ll continue on and go on their own way.”

If residents see coyotes in residential areas, officials recommend shouting and even throwing stones at them. The idea is to make residential areas a place where coyotes don’t want to hang around.

“If they’re comfortable in that area, they’re going to come back to the area,” Fox said. “Do whatever you can to scare them away.”

People should not expect wildlife officials to come out and capture

The WDFW website says if a bear walks toward you, identify yourself as a human by standing up, waving your hands above your head, and talking to the bear in a low voice. Don’t throw anything at bears, who could interpret objects as a threat or challenge.

If you cannot safely move away from the bear, or if it continues toward you, try to scare it by clapping your hands, stomping your feet, yelling, and staring at the animal’s eyes. Do not run from the bear – and it’s not recommended to climb a tree, as bears are expert climbers.

If you see a bear in the backyard or a residential area at a safe distance, Seitz advises people to yell, clap their hands, bang a pot, or do something to make the bear feel uncomfortable and want to leave the area. Like coyotes, it’s not a good idea for bears to feel comfortable around people and houses.

Seitz works on long-term solutions, letting

people know why the bear is there in the first place, which is usually because of food.

He often suggests using bear-proof trash cans.

“They do a good job,” Seitz said. “They have a locking lid.”

As much as residents might want them to, wildlife officials likely won’t be coming out to trap bears.

“Removing a bear from this area is not a good long-term solution,” Seitz said. “They come back, and there’s always more than one bear.”

WDFW wildlife biologist Matthew Hamer said people have

Peter Nuij photos

Gary Haakenson photo

A harbor seal pup showed up at the beach at Lighthouse Park in Mukilteo. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said people should keep their distance from the pups and leave them alone.

Brian Soergel photo

Above: Mary McAllister holds a flyer she posted of her pomeranian, Ted, who was killed by a coyote in Edmonds. Right: Gary Haakenson took this nighttime image of coyotes prowling his house in Edmonds.

State wildlife officials say there are a lot of bear conflict issues in Mill Creek with the animal getting into food sources, such as garbage cans or bird feeders. If you run into a bear, identify yourself as a human by standing up, waving your hands above your head, and talking to the bear in a low voice.

lived with bears for a long time in the state without any major problems.

“Negative encounters are exceedingly rare,” Hamer said. “They’re just trying to feed themselves. They’re not out there looking to be aggressive against people.”

While some national news outlets reported an increase in the number of incidents between people and wild animals at the start of the pandemic, Hamer and Seitz said WDFW did not see any increase during that time.

“If there was any increase in calls, my personal opinion is, it’s not because the wildlife was moving into the area,” Hamer said. “It was because more people were home and had more time to observe wildlife. More of us are moving into areas where wildlife has always lived, instead of them moving into areas where we are.”

Often when people see wildlife, such as deer, in their backyard or near their homes, they are tempted to leave food or water for them.

Hamer said it’s not a good idea.

“It’s bad for deer,” he said. “We always recommend against feeding and watering wildlife.”

The food people provide, such as corn, might not be appropriate for wildlife and could cause problems.

Officials also do not want wildlife congregating in one area because of the potential for the spread of disease.

“We don’t want deer clusters,” Hamer said. “Just like social distancing, congregating means they are more likely to spread disease.”

For people who like to spend time near the water in Edmonds or Mukilteo, it’s likely they’ve seen baby seals. Most of the time they are just taking a break, Fox said.

“They don’t have as much energy,” he said. “A lot of the time people are concerned. They think the baby seals are abandoned.”

That’s usually not true, according to Seal Sitters, a volunteer group

Peter Nuij photo

Culinary Adventures

Old favorites and new discoveries

By Maria A. Montalvo

Getting stuck in a culinary rut is easy to do. We find a place or two that feel as comfortable as the sweatpants (or “soft pants” in hip lingo) that we got used to wearing during the pandemic.

And all of a sudden, we are eating at (or getting take-out from) the same restaurant every Sunday.

There is nothing wrong with that. Your reviewer is guilty of such behavior, but south Snohomish County is home to discerning foodies and comfort food aficionados alike, and our restaurants reflect that.

It’s time to dig in.

Mukilteo

In Mukilteo, the restaurants on the Mukilteo Speedway give the many view-ready places close to the ferry a run for their money. Depending on what you are in the mood for, you need only look out your car window to find a great option.

Most everyone who lives in Mukilteo knows the Red Cup Café, and for good reason. The Café sits on the hill overlooking Puget Sound. When you walk in, you immediately feel like you are in the neighborhood spot, where discussions of local politics and maybe just a little gossip is shared (there is even a table in the corner set aside for such talks).

The menu has the neighborhood vibe, as well, with breakfast options and a wide variety of sandwiches and salads for lunch named for local places or events. The San Juan

Maria A. Montalvo photo Red Cup Café in Mukilteo is a favorite for locals, who can also enjoy expansive Puget Sound views.

sandwich, with ham, is named after the legendary Pig War on San Juan Island – yes, it happened. Look up the Pig War and look up (to art on the ceiling) at the Red Cup Café. (facebook.com/RedCupCafe)

Within walking distance of the Red Cup are several restaurants worth trying, including Sully’s Pizza & Calzones and Cabernets & IPAs. Named after long-time resident and former mayor of Mukilteo Brian Sullivan, Sully’s offers hot focaccia sandwiches, calzones and pizza – of course –and plenty of wine and craft beers. (sullyspizza.com)

At Cabernets & IPAs, you’ll find an ever-changing inventory curated by the owner and sommelier Elizabeth Stewart. It has selections from around the world. It also has numerous small plates to select from, including deviled eggs, pickled hammers, pretzel and mustard, and – something you have to try – cocktail meatballs. A charcuterie board is popular, as are the antipasto and hummus plates. (cabernetsandipas.com)

When I first reviewed Brooklyn Brothers, a fellow East Coaster told me not to bother to go anywhere else for pizza – it is the best, they said. I have to admit, their pizza reminds me of the pizza place I loved as a kid in Philadelphia. It is difficult for me to decide here between my beloved cheese pizza and their signature NY combos.

They have all of the classics, calzones, and even Sicilian-style pizza (a thicker, rustic version) that everyone should try, along with classic Italian desserts like cannoli – the favorite of Clemenza in “The Godfather.” You will never be disappointed in Brooklyn with pizza (bbpmenu.com), and they have locations in both Mukilteo on the Speedway and in Mill Creek.

One of this reviewer’s all-time favorite spots in Edmonds, Taqueria Puebla, recently moved to Mukilteo. Edmonds’ loss, Mukilteo’s gain.

The original location on the Edmonds-Lynnwood border at Highway 99 and 168th has been serving phenomenal family recipes since 2019. You can now find Taqueria Puebla at 11700 Mukilteo Speedway #406, and I, for one, will be there regularly.

My original review heaped praise on the food, and each visit has been as good, if not better than, the first. It is family owned, by a couple and the wife’s two sisters, and you can feel the love in every recipe.

They are also wonderful members of the community, giving back whenever they can, so be sure to support this local restaurant that will make you feel like you are enjoying a fantastic meal in Mexico. For more information, go to taqueriapueblawa.com.

Edmonds

Edmonds is a town with a thriving restaurant scene – not Deadmonds anymore, and all that – and finding a fabulous meal is possible in a number of neighborhoods around town.

From the beloved downtown Bowl spots like Kelnero, Salt & Iron, and

In addition to coffee, Red Cup Café has a variety of food, including a Greek wrap. Churchkey Pub, to the treasure trove of spots along Highway 99 (Dumpling Generation, Sushi Moto, etc.), and 76th Avenue West (Romeo’s Restaurant & Pizzeria), the extensive variety of choices can give you a new eatery to try for a very long time.

Niles Peacock Kitchen & Bar along the waterfront at Salish Crossing was one of the most anticipated openings of 2021. It did not disappoint. Niles takes his specialty pizzas as seriously as he does his specialty cocktails, and you can tell he truly enjoys the science behind how to make things taste good – just ask him!

His pizza crust is chewy and crunchy, with a creative range of toppings, but you will only notice that when you can glance away from the creation of wild and delicious cocktails mixed behind the bar. Prepare to enjoy yourself. Niles Peacock Kitchen & Bar is located at 178 Sunset Ave. S. (nilespeacock.com)

Still in the Bowl, Barkada is one of those spots that brings joy into every aspect of your meal. Chef Brian Madayag creates some of the tastiest food around. The cocktails, especially the slushies, create a tiki-vibe that leads to satisfied smiles. Including mine.

It is the food, though, that consistently satisfies any craving you bring. It is a comforting, flavorful mix of Pacific Northwest, Filipino, Hawaiian, Japanese, and Guamanian cuisines that will have you visit and revisit. Barkada is at 622 Fifth Ave. South. (barkadaedmonds.com)

If Filipino food is what you are craving, you can also try LASA Sandwiches and Pearls. Lasa means “taste” in Filipino, but “taste” as in flavor, or to savor something, and every item on LASA’s menu is savor-worthy.

The chef-owner of LASA ensures every bite is a perfect one, which is why in all of my years reviewing restaurants, this one is among my most treasured finds – be sure to put this one into your regular rotation. LASA Sandwiches and Pearls is at 18009 Highway 99 (practically in Edmonds but officially in Lynnwood). (lasasandwiches.com)

There are two great restaurants in another Edmonds neighborhood, Perrinville, just across the street from each other at the corner of 76th Avenue West and Olympic View Drive: Bistro 76 and The Hook. They could not be more different, but you will leave

Maria A. Montalvo photo

Maria A. Montalvo photo

The LASA chicken sandwich is one reason why you should make this Filipino restaurant part of your regular rotation.

Discover Mukilteo’s

Clothing Sample Store

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both feeling satisfied and impressed with how much they care about your experience. Bistro 76 has a warm, homey setting, and the menu continues to tempt me to try new dishes every time we go, along with their famous donuts. (bistro76kitchen.com)

A few dozen steps away, you will find The Hook, a Northwest seafood joint, through and through. This modern take on the seafood restaurant you remember from your childhood is bound to make everyone in your family happy, with fresh fish and shellfish and an extensive menu for those non-fish lovers, and service as friendly as you will get. (thehookseafood.com)

Must-stops nearby: Mel & Mia’s for coffee and pastry, and Meadowdale grad Conor O’Neill’s The Cottage Bakery. O’Neill mills his own rye flour from Skagit Valley whole wheat and adds it to his bread, cookies, and pastries. He leavens his bread with his own proprietary levain, similar to a homemade sourdough starter.

Mill Creek

Dining opportunities in Mill Creek are especially diverse and spread out, and totally worth discovering. Don’t stop here, though; every shopping area in Mill Creek has a gem, whether it be Wasabi Bay for sushi, the original Toshi at Toshi’s Teriyaki, or BMG Thai Asian.

Indigo Kitchen & Alehouse was the perfect spot to stop after a weekend meeting that went long, so we were very hungry and wanted to enjoy something spicy and tasty.

From their famous margaritas, which I like with lots of salt on the rim, to the homemade guacamole, you know right away that this Northwest version of Mexican fare is one to keep on your list.

They have an extensive and thoughtful vegetarian and vegan menu, with dishes that are intentionally prepared to be tasty and complete, not just leaving something off. Be sure to try any of the tacos, but I am partial to the blackened fish tacos. (indigowa.com)

Elliot Bay Pizza started in Seattle, but its Mill Creek location (800 164th St. SE) is locally owned and beloved by its patrons. Its three-page menu features a great option for local pizza, pasta, subs, and more, but their calzones, oh my, they are works of art.

The crust was crispy, and the addition of ricotta to the cheese and

Maria A. Montalvo photo Saw Mill Café is all about comfort food. Grilled cheese, fries, and a shake, anyone?

By Brian Soergel

WWhat is your definition of a celebrity?

Is it someone who is well-known, whose grace and artistry have resonated in sports, on TV, in the movies, or even online?

Or is it someone who has built an empire? Become a local TV star? Passed important legislation nationwide? Made the Major Leagues?

All of those definitions apply to men and women from south Snohomish County, specifically in Edmonds, Mukilteo, and Mill Creek.

Here is a brief look at some of those local celebs. It’s a list that is by no means exclusive.

We’ll start by profiling one particular person in each city, and follow with capsule summaries.

MUKILTEO

Jesse Jones

What’s the familiar call to action when you think a person/business/corporation is up to no good? You know it: “Get Jesse!”

Although that urgent call is no longer used – Jones is now at KIRO TV, and KING 5 has trademarked the saying – many still feel the need to “call on” Jones when something seems awry.

Jones has lived in Mukilteo since 2006; he had lived in Tacoma with his wife, but said he tired of the soul-crushing commute into Seattle (“There’s always construction”) and the KING 5 studio.

“We just took out a protractor and spun it around Seattle,” he said. “We looked at Bellevue and other places. We just loved Mukilteo. It’s a small community with great people, awesome schools, and wonderful views. It was pretty much looking at two houses, and that was it.”

He and his wife, Kim, live near 92nd Street Park with their daughter, Cydney, who graduates from Kamiak High School this year.

“We love the beach and the gulch,” said Jones, who is invested in Mukilteo. “Our hearts are there, and our money’s there.”

He works out at Kelvin Thomas’s Studio 373, his investment advisers are in town, and he calls frequently

Our local celebrities

How many can you name?

Mukilteo resident and TV reporter Jesse Jones, one of the city’s most recognizable celebrities, stands with his hometown icon: the Mukilteo Lighthouse.

Brian Soergel photo

on Whidbey Coffee, Henry’s Donut, Tapped Mukilteo, and Cabernets and IPA’s.

“People see us there and treat us like family,” he said.

Just about every day, you can spot Jones at the QFC on Mukilteo Speedway.

“I love it there,” he said. “I know many of the people there by name. I make sure I walk through and say my hi’s to everybody. There’s actually a guy who works there – a skinny rocker named Jesse – and every time I’m in there, and he’s in there, I say, ‘One day we’re just gonna do a story and we’re going to say throw it to Jesse, and he is going to show up and do the story straight. And we’re not going to say anything.’”

Jones continues his gig regularly on KIRO, exposing scams and nefarious shenanigans. One of the most significant was his work on medical debt.

“Through viewers, and through our stories, we were able to eliminate upwards of $5 million of medical debt. That was big. Also, the story we did on Office Depot, where we found they were running a program to look at your computer to find computer viruses and malware. We alleged that it was rigged, and as a result of our story, the federal government stepped in and fined Office Depot $25 million.”

In a statement, Office Depot did not admit to wrongdoing, but said it wanted to avoid protracted litigation. Office Depot’s supplier, support.com, was ordered to pay $10 million.

“But I have to tell you straight up,” said Jones, “it’s not always about the amount of money – it’s about the principle. And if you start going around and chasing stories based on the dollar amounts that are returned, that can be problematic, because sometimes just regular people have regular problems.”

Jean-Luc Baker

Ice skater Jean-Luc Baker, who grew up in the Picnic Point area just south of Mukilteo and attended Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, won a spot at the 2022 Winter Olympics with his partner, Kaitlin Hawayek.

Way back in 2010, when he was 17, Baker and his partner, 14-year-old Joylyn Yang, both students at Kamiak, skated to win first place by more than 21 points in the Junior Ice Dance section of the Pacific Coast Sectional Championships in Los Angeles.

Jean-Luc was coached at Olympic View Arena in Mountlake Terrace and Comcast Arena in Everett.

Ron Watkins

Instead of being famous, some local celebrities are simply infamous. That applies to Ron Watkins, a 2005 Kamiak High School graduate featured on the HBO series “Q: Into the Storm.” The series strongly suggests that Watkins could possibly be the leader of QAnon – the “Q” himself – a far-right conspiracy group that makes false claims that Satanic, cannibalistic pedophiles operate a global sex-trafficking ring that conspired against former President Donald Trump to steal the 2020 election. Watkins denies the claim.

In October 2021, Watkins – the son of Jim

Watkins, who founded the alt-right website 8chan – announced that he was running as a Republican for the U.S. House seat in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District. The election is this year.

Andy Walken

Andy Walken starred in “A Christmas Story Live!” in 2017, seen by 4.5 million viewers on FOX. He didn’t have a small role – he was Ralphie, the young boy and lead character.

“I was born and raised in Mukilteo,” he told The Beacon in 2018. “When I first started acting in 2015, my mom and I would spend three months in California every winter looking for new acting jobs, but Mukilteo was always my home.”

Walken, now 15, has also appeared on TV in “The Kids Are Alright” and “Modern Family.”

You can currently see him as “Wheels” in the Netflix superhero story “We Can Be Heroes,” directed by Robert Rodriguez.

Heather Boushey

You may not recognize the name Heather Boushey unless you’re a political wonk.

She is  a member of President Joe Biden’s Council of Economic Advisers; it’s been reported that she would have been on Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential transition team if Clinton had won.

Boushey, an economist, grew up in Mukilteo and is president and CEO of the Washington Center for Equitable Growth. She has also worked as an economist at the Center for American Progress and the United States Congress Joint Economic Committee.

EDMONDS

Chris Ingalls

Few TV journalists have had the impact of Chris Ingalls, an investigative journalist with KING 5 TV who has lived in the Five Corners neighborhood for more than 20 years. His series on welfare fraud in 2010 led to sea changes locally and even at the federal level. In 2020, he focused on abuse in foster care, where he found that the foster care system in Washington, when a home could not be secured, forced kids to sleep in cars and office buildings.

One report led to potential harm.

Ingalls’ investigation into the Neo-Nazi hate group Atomwaffen Division – he reported several times on Atomwaffen’s firearms training camps in Washington state – led to a threatening letter from the group. Among other threats, the letter said members would pay him and his family a visit.

That never happened.

This January,  a fourth person was sentenced to prison for their role in their plot to threaten and intimidate journalists and advocates who worked to expose anti-Semitism.

Despite the challenges, Ingalls continues his reports while finding time to enjoy what Edmonds has to offer.

“We love the charm of Edmonds,” he said. “We love being near the water, and the people in Edmonds have always been fantastic. What’s not to like? The waterfront is a really special place. My wife is an avid walker, and she forces me – and I emphasize ‘forces me’ –  to go with her. We love walking down Main Street and seeing the mountains, the water.”

Like many who have lived in town who remembered when the city struggled to stay awake after 5 p.m., he said he enjoys the liveliness of downtown and its ever-growing dining options.

“We have an embarrassment of riches in Edmonds,” said Ingalls, who has three children with his wife, Stephanie. “I’m a steak guy, so I like Scott’s and Salt & Iron.”

But his favorite place may just be one close to home.

“We have a little secret here. If I had to pick one place that would show up in print, and my daughter doesn’t see me naming Five Corners Teriyaki, I’ll get slaughtered because she just loves it. Five Corners Teriyaki is a gem.”

Although most of Ingalls’ reports focus on wrongdoing, he manages to tune into local politics. Dare we mention the streateries, the temporary outdoor dining areas that have raised such a fuss?

“I don’t have a strong opinion about that one way or another,” he said, treading lightly. “I’m so torn by that. Because those things really did save downtown Edmonds to a certain degree during the worst of the pandemic. But I also understand the argument that business-

Chris Ingalls photo

KING 5 reporter Chris Ingalls of Edmonds is in the regional spotlight for his investigative reports. He frequently can be seen around town on walks with his wife, Stephanie, including here at Brackett’s Landing South at the ferry terminal.

Service clubs

adapt to changing environment

COVID-19 pandemic forced nonprofits to think outside of the box

By David Pan

SService clubs have faced many challenges in recent years. National organizations, such as Rotary or Kiwanis, saw their overall membership numbers decline.

But whatever challenges south Snohomish County service clubs faced in the past paled in comparison as the coronavirus arrived in the United States two years ago.

Suddenly, most every activity important to members was suspended.

In-person meetings? Canceled.

Service projects? Indefinitely postponed.

Public appearances at festivals? No longer allowed.

The lifeblood of service clubs – face-to-face contact with each other –was not permitted, for the health and safety of the community.

How would local clubs respond? Could they survive what seemed to

Federico, 7, selects a ball as a gift with volunteer Regina Smith and Rotary Club of South Everett/Mukilteo President Terri Stefnik during the club’s annual children’s holiday shopping event.

David Pan photo

be a never-ending international health crisis?

It wasn’t easy, and it required service clubs to adapt and change their approaches to attracting new members and retaining current members.

But the answer turned out to be a resounding “yes.”

Maggie Peterson, president of the Rotary Club of Edmonds, noted that some Rotary clubs in the region suffered membership losses during the pandemic.

Edmonds bucked the trend. The club added eight new members in 2021, bringing its total to 60.

“We’re one of the few clubs that grew during the pandemic,” she said.

Peterson attributes much of the growth to membership chair Brenda Carrithers and her efforts on social media. Edmonds Rotary – which sponsors such events as the new Oktoberfest and annual Photomarathon contest – found that keeping the community informed about the club’s different service projects was the best form of advertising.

“I think people are looking for positivity now,” Peterson said. “We are in such difficult times.”

Once-traditional avenues, such as information tables at local festivals, were discontinued, Carrithers said the club needed to find other ways to reach the public.

“We had to rethink how we were going to showcase what Rotary did to draw in members,” Carrithers said.

Though she knew little about Instagram, Carrithers soon learned all she could about the popular social media platform. Eventually, the Edmonds Rotary Club’s Instagram pages were filled with photos.

“We were trying to use the visual social media feature to showcase what Rotary does and give people a better understanding of what Rotary is,” Carrithers said. “We started hosting membership posts on Instagram. We had people contacting us. It was important for us to be out in the public, and to let them see what

we were doing.”

Shifting to Zoom in Mukilteo

The Kiwanis Club of Mukilteo felt the impact of COVID on its numbers, especially among its older members. The club shifted to Zoom meetings, which did not appeal to some.

Current board member Pam Taylor said the pandemic hit the club hard.

“When we went to online Zoom meetings, we lost a few members,” she said. “Some felt like it was too hard to interact, so they stopped joining the meetings. Our hardcore members stuck with it, and we learned to think outside

Students and teachers in Niani School in Wassu, Gambia, received a science lab, thanks to the Edmonds Rotary Club.

Edmonds Rotary Club photo

the box.”

Current Kiwanis Club of Mukilteo President Carolyn “Dode” Carlson agreed that some members struggled with Zoom and the lack of connection with other members.

“They can’t feel the positive energy of the group,” she said. “People are in boxes on the screen.”

With no in-person fundraisers, the club also turned to social media. In 2020, members used Facebook’s birthday fundraisers, where the public could donate money in honor of a member’s birthday. They raised more than $5,000.

“They’re inclusive,” she said. “They’re welcoming.”

The club launched its first-ever Coolest Pet in Mukilteo contest in 2020. That raised more than $12,000 in the first two years of the online event.

The loosening of COVID restrictions last summer did enable the club to host its annual salmon bake at the Lighthouse Festival, the largest fundraiser of the year, and also sell food at the Mukilteo Chamber of Commerce’s Music at the Beach concert series at Lighthouse Park.

The Mukilteo Kiwanis’ numbers are picking up, with the current membership at 43. Though the club has a strong social media presence, most new members find their way to the organization through a personal connection.

“New members usually come to us because of a friend who’s in the club,” Taylor said. “Or someone will see our club at one of our many fundraisers and want to join in on the fun. People are always telling us that they are looking for a way to give back to their community. Kiwanis is a great fit for anyone looking to give back.”

Carlson learned about the club through a friend of her sister’s. It didn’t take long for her to want to join other members on the club’s numerous service projects.

Mill Creek Kiwanis adapts

While the Mukilteo Kiwanis has been around for decades, the Kiwanis Club of Mill Creek is relatively new, having been chartered in 2017.

Mill Creek faced membership challenges during the first six months of the pandemic. The club had fewer new members, and some current members stepped back because they weren’t able to participate in community service projects.

Membership numbers rebounded in 2021. The club started with 20 charter members. It now has about 30.

“2021 was a good year,” board member and media relations coordinator Greg Elwin said. “New members joined the club. Inactive members became active again. For the first six to eight months of 2020, it was really tough. Nobody knew where we were going.”

The Mill Creek Kiwanis also shifted its activities online – beginning with monthly bingo nights on Zoom. Zoom visits with Santa were popular for families during the holidays.

As restrictions lifted, the club hosted outdoor, socially distanced shredding and electronics recycling fundraising events. Club members also helped with a spring cleanup at three city parks. The club was active on social media, creating a “weekly act of kindness” post to inspire people to help each other.

“When things were slowly opening up,” said Elwin, “we were able to engage the community by just being creative.”

More diversity in every respect

The days when service club members consisted of mostly retired folks are long gone.

Today, those involved in community service range in age from the young to the young at heart.

The 66 members of the Rotary Club of South Everett/Mukilteo range from the 20s to the 60s, with every age in between.

“We have a really nice blend of ages and of groups, as well,” said President Terri Stefnik. “That’s by design. We are trying to work on diversity and inclusion by age group, different ethnicities, and different occupations.”

When shifting to Zoom meetings and later hybrid offerings, the club was able to turn to members able to provide guidance and technical assistance.

“I’m not that technical,” Stefnik said. “I had help. A lot of the younger generation in their 30s and 40s, computers are their lives. We had the resources among our members. That’s the beauty of having a bigger club. You have someone who knows what to do.”

Even after returning to in-person meetings, the club continues to have a virtual presence for those who aren’t comfortable or unable to attend in-person gatherings.

“We run a Zoom simultaneous to in-person. It’s worked out well to have hybrid meetings,” Stefnik said.

Rotary is attracting younger members because the national governing body is evolving, Stefnik said. Past rules required members to attend a certain number of meetings a month, which often became an issue for younger members with children. The meeting requirement has changed.

“There’s no judgment on whether you can come at any particular time,” Stefnik said.

In her experience, Edmonds’ Carrithers said that people are motivated to become involved in projects they care about.

“Whenever someone has a passion, they’re going to make the time for membership,” she said.

The Mukilteo Kiwanis engages with high school students through two Key Clubs at Kamiak and Mariner high schools.

“They help us with our work in the city,” Carlson said. “We have a member and a faculty member advise them.”

The Edmonds Rotary recently welcomed its first LGBTQ couple to the club, and also has members from Vietnam and China.

“We are becoming more diverse,” Peterson said. “We have about 50-50 men and women. We have a few more women. We have really strong women in our club.”

The Kiwanis Club of Mill Creek hosted a Zoom visit with Santa for children during the pandemic. Kiwanis Club of Mill Creek photo

Kiwanis Club of Mill Creek photo

The Kiwanis Club of Mill Creek raised funds by hosting a shredding event where people brought sensitive documents to be safely disposed of.

Supporting the local community and beyond

It’s often said service clubs are the backbone of a community.

The Kiwanis Club of Edmonds, whose motto is “Serving the Children of the World,” frequently donates funds for school scholarships. Another important community event is its Citizen of the Year contest, which recognizes movers and shakers in town.

When you talk to volunteers, it’s clear they are benefiting just as much as those they are helping.

Stefnik has been a member of the Rotary Club of South Everett/Mukilteo for 15 years. She didn’t know what Rotary was all about until she joined.

“Once you’re in it, it’s so amazing,” Stefnik said. “You can really make a difference as one single person. You really can. … You have the synergy of other people and projects. You also have a district and international organization behind you. They provide guidance.

“You get what you put into it. We have so many projects. You can choose none of them or every single one of them, if you have the time.”

During the pandemic, the club supported those who were struggling by providing Thanksgiving food baskets for families in need and helping organize food distribution events at Lighthouse Park.

The club will be providing scholarships to graduating seniors in four high schools, including Kamiak and Mariner. Members

have helped implement and support food pantries at Voyager Middle School and Olivia Park Elementary School.

Those two schools have a high percentage of students who qualify for the free- or reduced-lunch program. The club also hosts an annual holiday shopping event for about 100 children, where it’s able to purchase gifts for family members.

Some of the Rotary Club of Edmonds’ service projects include scholarships for graduating high school students, Project Pride (electrical bill assistance for low-income individuals), Heartbeat for Wounded Warriors (support for returning vets), and the Edmonds Food Bank.

A favorite project of Carrithers is Trinity Place in Lynnwood, a housing complex for women and children in transition.

“We do things like yard care, and do things for children like making backpacks for children for school,” she said. “I’m pretty hands-on in the pantry. We have supplies for families such as diapers, bath towels, and dishes. Some people come with nothing to the program.”

The Edmonds and South Everett/Mukilteo Rotary clubs also support international projects in Bali (eyeglass), Gambia (a water project), Africa (disaster relief), and Honduras (water).

“What appealed to me about Rotary is the variety,” Carrithers said. “You can not only help the community, but across the globe. We have international projects, as well as

community-based projects that we work on.”

The Rotary Club of Mill Creek supports the Everett Public Schools Foundation, raised a record $144,043 in donated food and funds for local food banks in 2020, and prepared gift boxes for military members in Iraq.

The Mukilteo and Mill Creek Kiwanis focus much of their efforts on children, with high school scholarships, backpacks for kids, Leadership Launch (a mentoring program), and Ready Readers (kits with books).

“The most rewarding thing is when we deliver a bag of books to kids, and we see the response and expressions of gratitude and joy,” Elwin said. “It’s a great opportunity when you call a graduating high school senior and say, ‘We’ve got a scholarship for you. Way to go.’ That’s the reward. That’s what it’s all about.”

Resources

Rotary Club of Edmonds: edmondsrotary. com

Edmonds Daybreakers Rotary: daybreakersrotary.com

Rotary Club of South Everett/Mukilteo: portal.clubrunner.ca/810

Rotary Club of Mill Creek: millcreekrotary. org/

Kiwanis Club of Mukilteo: mukilteokiwanis.wordpress.com/

Kiwanis Club of Mill Creek: www.facebook. com/Kiwanisofmillcreek

Kiwanis Club of Edmonds: edmondskiwanis.org/ n

media, job board announcements, or even recruitment tools such as Interview Now, where applicants use a phone number or QR code to guide them through prescreening and written and physical tests.

“Entry-level wise, word of mouth is really our biggest recruiting tool. Our staff and the people we have hired help us the most,” McClure said.

That’s vitally important, as the number of qualified candidates is down industry-wide.

“Overall, we’re in the middle of the great resignation,” McClure said. “There’s a lot of people who are choosing not to work. We’re all fighting for the same applicants.”

Edmonds PD is not offering a hiring bonus, like Mukilteo and Mill Creek, but that could change.

‘Kind of a calling’

Two relatively new hires in Edmonds – both are 29 – say they are, of course, aware of issues and controversies the public may have about police departments. But they say they wouldn’t want to do anything else. They are poster material for new hires.

“I would say that police work is kind of a calling,” said Cpl. Brittany Harris, with the department since 2016. McClure said she’s been

immensely helpful with recruiting efforts.

“It doesn’t feel like a job,” she said. “I’m happy to go to work every day. And I’ve been given plenty of opportunities to grow and expand my career knowledge working here. I couldn’t picture myself in any other jobs, really.”

Harris acknowledged the past two years have been tough for police, with calls for defunding and state legislation that created new use-of-force standards and regulations on the reduction of police interactions that might result in a potential use of force.

“In general,” she said, “my mentality, and I think probably the overarching mentality of the police department, is that there’s kind of that saying that if the wind is blowing one way, you don’t fight against the wind, you just adjust your sails and continue to do the

best work you can do. And we’ve always been really supported here by both the staff and by the community.”

Trevor Mitsui agrees with Harris. He’s local, a one-time all-star baseball player at Shorewood High School on the same team as Major League Baseball star pitcher Blake Snell. In his three years with the Edmonds PD, he said he’s come to appreciate what type of officer would make a good fit in Edmonds.

“I always admire hard-working people,” he said. “And that’s honestly part of the reason why I chose to come here. Everyone here works their tails off. And with the new legislation statewide, officers should be flexible.

“I grew up playing team sports. Being a good team member is something that’s very valued to me. I want to be a good team member, and I expect my colleagues to be the same.”

Brittney Roy and Theodore Ojeda joined the Mill Creek Police Department in January. At right is Sgt. Ian Durkee, the public information officer.

City of Mill Creek photos

Residents still safe

No matter how many officers are on staff, McClure said – unequivocally – Edmonds residents are still safe.

“We always have our minimum salary requirements met. And with all of the uncertainty and all of the things that have occurred since late 2018 for us, I couldn’t be more proud of the continued professionalism of our patrol staff and our detective units that have faced constant, ongoing, evolving challenges, and continue to be nothing but professional and step up to each challenge. And, frankly, the community should be really proud of the officers.”

MILL CREEK

The Mill Creek Police Department’s recruiting and retention issues start at the top. On Dec. 8, Police Chief Jeff Young tendered his resignation after just one year.

He replaced acting Police Chief Scott Eastman in December 2020, who was a victim of budget cuts in October 2020 and who, in turn, had replaced former Chief Greg Elwin, who left after an investigation concluded he had engaged in “unbecoming conduct.”

Elwin got the job when Bob Crannell retired in October 2015 after being chief for 15 years. Stan White is now acting police chief.

Mill Creek is budgeted for 23 police officers, said Sgt. Ian Durkee, who has been with the department since 2007. A 24th position is for a school resource officer, whose salary is largely paid by Everett Public Schools.

The department number is currently at 16 available for patrol (subtracting three top-level positions), with the signing of two experienced officers, Theodore Ojeda and Brittney Roy, the latter coming from the Seattle Police Department after more than five years.

The Mill Creek Police Department is offering a $20,000 signing bonus for lateral hires from other cities.

“We got a lot of interest initially for lateral officers when we made some of our initial announcements on our Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as our YouTube channel. But that was in the early days of a lot of the vaccine stuff coming down. We saw a lot of interest from Seattle officers mainly,” Durkee said. “But that’s tapered.

“Our attention is kind of returning to entry-level candidates and seeing what’s available there. It’s just a difficult market for finding people who are either lateral or entry-level and interested in doing this job.

It’s definitely challenging.”

Durkee said the department doesn’t have any entry-level candidates currently at the police academy.

Academy behind schedule

Making things worse, the police academy is behind schedule.

“Their timeline for accepting starting new classes is pretty far out there,” Durkee said.

“I think the last I heard was about six months. So even if we were to bring on an entry-level candidate who needed to go to the academy, we would still be looking at an extended period of time before an academy class was open.”

One positive note: Durkee said the department has not lost a single officer due to Gov. Jay Inslee’s COVID requirements.

“The City isn’t pressing that issue,” Durkee said.

There’s no doubt that Mill Creek needs more police officers.

“There have been times where our shifts have been shortstaffed,” Durkee said. “Our minimum staffing is three officers. And there have been shifts where there have been only two officers working because there’s just no one else available.”

COVID has taken its toll, with several officers – even those vaccinated – having breakthrough infections.

“We’ve had officers working upwards up to nine or 10 12hour shifts with no days off. It takes a toll on people; it’s very difficult on your sleep cycle and your body in general. I can personally attest to how draining and difficult that is, and how you just don’t have as much to give. You’re constantly losing steam as you try to push yourself to work that hard.”

Low staffing levels can affect the level of service.

“It definitely affects our ability to provide services,” Durkee said, “when we only have two officers working, as we had quite a bit around the holidays with some of the COVID sicknesses that took out multiple officers at a time. It is just not safe staffing levels. With only two officers

There was good news in January. Following an extensive search, two new officers joined the Mill Creek Police Department.

Theodore Ojeda and Brittney Roy, both experienced Washington State Peace Officers, bring over a decade of combined experience to the City.

Ojeda joined the MCPD as a lateral officer from nearby Tulalip, and is looking forward to developing new relationships in Mill Creek.

Roy joined the MCPD as a lateral from the Seattle Police Department, with five years of law enforcement experience. Originally from Long Island, NY, she began her career with the New York City Police Department.

“The need for bodies in this job is going to be ever-increasing,” said Durkee. “And even in a place like Mill Creek where we’re not necessarily running from call to call, stuff can happen.

“We may experience a call load that’s less heavy than a place like Seattle. But we still have robberies, we still have physical domestic violence, we still have a lot of the same violent crime that happens all over our county or state or nation. We have to be able to still respond to those calls effectively.” n

es were hurt and had a problem with them. And I respect that.”

Rick Steves

Much has been written about Edmonds European travel expert, whose TV shows are seen worldwide, and his tours and travel books have helped thousands experience Europe on

TRAXX CELEBRATES 23 YEARS OF RACING THRILLS

ome pleasures you just never outgrow, like playing baseball, or dancing, or racing – fast.

The folks at Traxx know the feeling. They’ve been offering that thrill for 23 years at their Mukilteo raceway.

Adults and kids alike can race Traxx’s gas-powered go-carts.

“It’s a little gem,” manager Chris Kruse says. “You don’t have to go to Seattle to find some great fun.”

Traxx has been hosting racing enthusiasts so long it has become

a generational event. Kruse should know. He started working there 22 years ago at age 16. “A lot of our customers grew up with Traxx, and corporate events or just drop ping in, although reservations are recommended. While you’re wait ing your turn, there’s an arcade, snack bar, pool and other games. Learn more at www.traxxrac ing.com.

and off the beaten path.

Steves, who famously promotes the legalization of cannabis  – he’s chair of the board of directors for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws ( NORML) – is a fierce supporter of his hometown.

He speaks at service club meetings, urged his staff to volunteer during the pandemic, and was the philanthropic driver in creating the Edmonds Waterfront Center.

For his efforts, Steves was named the Kiwanis Club’s Citizen of the Year, and in 2021 was the grand marshal for the city’s July 4 parade.

“As a traveler, you can learn a lot about your home by leaving it and viewing it from afar,” he said. “And I know we have lots to be thankful for, and lots to be good stewards of.”

Although Steves’ business was hurt by the pandemic, as you might expect, he is now back to preparing tours again.

“We look forward to turning your European travel dreams into smooth, affordable, and safe reality in 2022,” he wrote on his website.

Anna Faris

Actor Anna Faris, like Steves, is a supporter of her hometown, where her parents still live.

In 2020, she donated $5,000 to the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce’s “Be an Edmonds Kind of Hero” campaign to help keep it running during the COVID pandemic.

Faris is a bona fide  movie star, with such films as “House Bunny,” “Scary Movie (1-4),” and “Overboard.” She starred in the TV sitcom “Mom,” hosts the popular podcast “Anna Faris Is Unqualified,” and wrote a best-selling book. She also created a card game called “Deal Breakers.”

Edmonds PD photo New Edmonds PD recruit Sindou Sanogo.

Rick Steves signs his name at the new Edmonds Waterfront Center. Steves was a major donor.

Edmonds Waterfront Center photo

In addition to being a TV and movie star, Edmonds’ Anna Faris hosts a popular podcast.

Faris is also the answer to a trivia question: Which Edmonds-Woodway High School graduate had a role in the series finale of “Friends”?

Before settling in L.A., Faris made an impression on one particular teacher at Edmonds-Woodway High School. That would be drama instructor Bruce Mindt. His first year at the school coincided with Faris’ senior year, 1994.

“Ironically,” he said in 2011, “the stuff I had her do was mostly dramatic pieces. She was exceptional, and I hadn’t seen her do comedy until I’d seen some of her films.”

Mindt said that when he auditioned Faris for her first role, he knew he had something special. Faris had already performed with Seattle Repertory and local community theaters. She even had a role – her official screen debut –  in a 1991 TV movie titled “Deception: A Mother’s Secret.”

Said Mindt: “She had quite a bit of skill by the time I saw her.”

Brett Davern

Like Anna Faris, actor Brett Davern is an Edmonds-Woodway High School graduate. His biggest starring role came with MTV’s “Awkward.” After making his big-screen acting debut in Chad Lowe’s “Beautiful Ohio,” Davern scored roles in numerous TV shows, including “CSI: Miami,” “In Plain Sight” and “The Deep End.”

Davern currently hosts “The Brett Davern Show” on Idobi radio with Katie Leclerc (“The Big Bang Theory,” “Switched at Birth”).

Rosalynn Sumners

Go down to Fifth Avenue South and you’ll see street signs designating it “Rosalynn Sumners Boulevard.”

The former Edmonds resident – she started skating at Sno-King Ice Arena in Lynnwood at age 7 – was a world-class figure skater. She was the World Junior champion in 1980, the U.S. National champion in 1982, 1983, and 1984, World champion in 1983, and won a silver medal at the 1984 Winter Olympics (the gold medal went to Katarina Witt).

She was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2001. Today, Sumners lives in Kirkland and Palm Desert, Calif.

Maria Cantwell

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) spends most of her time in Washington, D.C., but chances are you’ve run into her in town at the supermarket or speaking at official events, such as the Edmonds Waterfront Center.

It’s at the latter that a community room has been named for Cantwell’s mother, Rose, an integral part of turning the former senior center into an all-ages venue. In July 2017, Maria Cantwell accepted an invitation to help local divers celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Edmonds Underwater Park.

Ken Jennings

“Jeopardy!” champ Ken Jennings grew up in Edmonds and now lives in Seattle with his wife and two children. In addition to smashing the records for most wins in a row on “Jeopardy!,” Jennings now co-hosts the show with Mayim Bialik after the death of long-time host Alex Trebek.

He won more than $4.5 million on “Jeopardy!” and has written several books, including “Maphead” and “Planet Funny: How Comedy Took Over Our Culture.” In March 2021, Jennings spoke virtually at an Edmonds Center for the Arts fundraiser that was emceed by former Edmonds Bookshop co-owner David Brewster.

MILL CREEK

John Lovick

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State Sen. John Lovick (D-Mill Creek) is a fixture around Mill Creek – and in Olympia. Lovick, a Coast Guard veteran, is a retired Washington State Patrol trooper and former Snohomish County Sheriff and Mill Creek City Councilmember.

Lovick also served in the House from 1999 to 2007.

While in the House, Lovick sponsored the Primary Seat Belt Law, which boosted seat belt use from 81% to 97%. He also has helped reduce

Whether or not you make annual New Year’s resolutions, there is one every homeowner should prioritize: Don’t procrastinate!

That advice from Good Sense Electric has never been more important, following in the steps of the winter blast that forced homeowners to scramble as deep snow closed roads, temperatures plummeted and power outages caused discomfort if not danger to family comfort and health.

The Good Sense Electric crew is busier than ever with new construction projects. So smart

homeowners will be proactive on plans to install landscape lighting for the good weather months or a generator and new panel before next winter strikes. People considering jumping into the electric car market also need to prepare their home with an electrical system that can keep that car running. Whatever your electrical needs, Good Sense Electric has earned a reputation for trusted, affordable electrical services throughout Snohomish, Island and North King counties. Call 425-438-8738 or email goodsenseelectric@live.com.

Call (425) 438-8738 or email goodsenseelectric@live.com and we’ll make sure to get back to you right away! www.goodsenseelectric.com

Dave Schmidt - Owner

Wikimedia Commons photo

An icon in Mukilteo | An Illustration by Mack Benek

Tulalip master carver James Madison’s stunning 18-foot driftwood carving is an integral piece in the Mukilteo Lighthouse Park tour. It’s located on the spot where the Point Elliott Treaty was signed in 1855. The carving, installed in July 2012, reminds all that “Mother Earth” is always watching. The carving joins other Native American artwork, including a metal sculpture and sidewalk art Madison and fellow local artist Joe Gobin created for the park.

car thefts in the state by sponsoring legislation to create the Auto Theft Prevention Authority.

In 2020, voters returned Lovick to the House with 58% of the vote after winning the House seat in 2016. Late last year, he was selected to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Steve Hobbs, the state’s new Secretary of State.

Even with all his public service, Lovick may have received the most attention in his 70 years recently. That’s when he championed a bill for consideration in the 2022 short legislative session to make pickleball the official state sport of Washington.  “People want to get outside and play, and not have to wear a mask,” he said. “Sometimes we just need to have some fun things to do.”

A long-time resident of Mill Creek who has lived in Snohomish County for 38 years, Lovick is married to a retired teacher. He still volunteers regularly at the elementary school his children attended, and cooks many of his famous “John Lovick’s Deep-Fried Turkeys” for charity events.

Travis Snider

Travis Snider was a beast of a baseball player at Jackson High School, where he put together a memorable year in 2006. The senior led his team to an undefeated season and Class 4A state championship. He hit .500 and smacked 11 homers. Snider, now 34, announced his retirement from major league baseball recent-

ly after playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Baltimore Orioles. “Thank you, baseball,” he wrote on Twitter.

“You have given me countless relationships and experiences I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am so thankful that I got to live out my childhood dream and share it with the people I love and care about.

“I have contemplated this day for a while, but the time has finally come for me to hang up the spikes. … It is a beautiful struggle sharing a clubhouse with 30 other dudes going to battle 100+ times a year.

“I will miss that the most. But I am looking forward to being a more present husband, father, family member, and friend. ”

Snider’s eight-year major league line: 630 games, .244 average, 54 home runs, 212 RBI, and an on-base percentage of .311.

Travis Snider recently announced his retirement from baseball on Jan. 13, 2022.

Yahoo photo

meat filling made every bite a pleasure. I’d have that again and again. Their very personable service and attention to detail makes this a tempting option any night of the week (elliottbaypizza.com).

Is it OK to return again and again to a spot because of their made-to-order milk shakes prepared with Tillamook ice cream or to enjoy half-price Pie Thursdays? Of course!

The Saw Mill Café is synonymous with comfort, both in atmosphere and menu as one of seven area cafes with the same commitment to homestyle cooking, with breakfast and lunch classics prepared just as you would hope.

The cafe buzzes with happy customers throughout breakfast and lunch hours, and the 1940s diner-feel has a distinctly local and community-oriented vibe. (www. sawmill.cafesinc.com)

Enjoy yourselves as you satisfy your appetites at the many enticing restaurants around south Snohomish County. n

Brent Lillibridge

Like Jackson alum Travis Snider, Brent Lillibridge also played in the major leagues, for the Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees.  He was a super utility player, playing every position except pitcher and catcher. He is now owner of the training facility BASE By Pros, which has facilities in Lynnwood and Lake Stevens.

Brett McClure

Brett McClure is another distinguished athlete coming from Jackson High School. The gymnast won the 2003 Winter Cup Challenge at age 22. “My goal in practice and at competitions is not just to hit my routines, but to also stick my landings,” he told USA Gymnastics. “In practice, I won’t leave an apparatus until I stick at least two landings.”

McClure was a member of the 2001 World Championships Team that won an unprecedented silver medal. He also earned a pommel horse bronze at the 2001 Goodwill Games; earned the all-around silver medal at the 2001 U.S. Championships; and won the silver on high bar at the 2002 U.S. Championships.

At the 2004 Olympics in Athens, he was on the U.S. gymnastics team that earned a silver medal in the team competition. In 2017, he was named the USA Gymnastics’ men’s program high-performance director.

Pedro Ramsey Nijem

Here’s one more skilled athlete who attended Jackson High School. Pedro Ramsey Nijem was on the soccer, wrestling, and cross-country teams. It was wrestling where he excelled, as he was a mixed martial arts MMA competitor from 2008 to 2021. n

• Featuring Mukilteo Roasters Coffee

• Delicious local artisan pastries

• Toasted lunch sandwiches

• Frappes & Smoothies

Community-Oriented Vibe on Main Street | An Illustration by Mack Benek

Mill Creek’s Main Street in Town Center is famous for its wide selection of retail shops, not to mention a wide variety of dining options, such as the Sawmill Café. The café buzzes with customers throughout breakfast and lunch hours, and the 1940s diner feel has a distinctly local and community-oriented vibe.

nearly a year ago.

But none of it would matter if it weren’t for the customers who have supported the waterfront café through some of the toughest months ever. And for that co-owners Greg Goss and Haley Goldie are profoundly grateful.

featuring pics of people’s pooches.

The father-daughter duo and their team continue to brew delicious coffees using inter-

With or without Fido in tow, customers can find a home away from home at Waterfront Coffee Company. They’re at 101 Main St., Edmonds. Call ahead for even quicker service at 425-670-1400.

The baristas of Waterfront Coffee Co.

straight, so they don’t really get it.”

At Edmonds-Woodway High School, Jenae Jacoby has been a part of the Rainbow Warriors club since the club returned to in-person meetings. They said it’s been comforting to have people around with similar experiences.

Maria-Sophie Heidenreich has been on the Rainbow Warriors leadership team for two years.

“It’s about learning and having a place and a community for people to feel safe,” she said, explaining that this is important for LGBTQ+ students’ mental health.

Marcelo Del Prado, another Kamiak sophomore, had known the Queer-Straight Alliance existed, but it wasn’t until a few months ago that he considered joining.

“I had reached a discovery about myself and my sexuality,” said Marcelo. He says that this discovery, which was the result of a summer crush, led him to the QSA. “I wanted to get a better understanding of myself and meet new people.”

Social aspects

The social aspect of clubs targeted towards LGBTQ+ high schoolers is one of the biggest draws for students, who speak about the friendships and community they’ve found by being a part of them.

While these clubs’ weekly afterschool meetings tend to be fun and relaxed, they also allow for more serious conversations, and members will often ask for advice or vent about issues they are dealing with that are connected to their LGBTQ+ identities.

Many students say club meetings provide them a safe and understanding space to speak openly and reveal things about themselves that they don’t feel comfortable or ready to discuss outside of the club or with other friends, classmates, and family members.

One of these students is Karina, a freshman and member of Jackson’s GSA club. Karina (who asked to be referred to by first name only) told me they identify as trans and uses they/them pronouns. Partway through an interview, they asked to make a correction to something they’d said earlier, and changed the name they’d originally given me to “Karina.”

Fellow Jackson GSA member Hayden Meyer said that Karina lets her and the other GSA members call them by this name during club meetings. According to Hayden, Karina is currently at a point in their transition where they are nervous to come out due to fears that people would find it “weird.”

While Hayden and the other GSA members have been trying to reassure Karina, they still go by their birth name during the school day and don’t want their friends from GSA to call them Karina outside of the club meetings.

Trans identity

Karina confided that these same fears about what people would think are a large part of why it took them years to embrace their own trans identity. Karina also said that societal stereotypes and thinking about what being trans would mean for them, their fam-

ily, and the other people in their life created a “mental block” that prevented them from accepting this part of their identity.

Though Karina is grateful to have had a family that has supported and accepted them throughout their journey towards discovering and coming to terms with their sexuality and gender identity, their experiences in school and the treatment they have received from other students over the years has been far less positive.

In middle school, Karina says people saw them as a “stereotypical gay kid.”

They experienced blatant homophobia from classmates, including being called slurs in the hallways.

Karina, Hayden, and Sadie Kreutz, another member of the Jackson GSA, also told me that the homophobia they witnessed and experienced firsthand in middle school was more intense and direct than in high school.

Sadie, who is lesbian and uses both she and they pronouns, says that in middle school people she’d never met would yell at her and target her with homophobic slurs. Both she and Karina said that when teachers were told, little action was usually taken in response.

Even when students were punished, this didn’t stop them from continuing to use slurs and offensive language. Though the bigoted treatment that Sadie received from some of their middle school classmates made those years challenging for them, the community they found was an important source of support.

“I kind of found the LGBT section of my school, and found comfort in knowing I wasn’t the only one,” said Sadie.

“It’s a different type of homophobia here than it was at middle school,” she added, explaining how now, in her first year of high school, the homophobia is less overt and direct, but it is still undeniable.

Karina also feels the degree of discriminatory behavior is not as bad in high school as it was in middle school.

“People kind of mind their own business,” they said, but explained that this doesn’t mean that the issues don’t still exist.

Coming out to family

Many students use club meetings as a time to discuss issues they are facing at home as a result of their sexuality or gender identity. One Kamiak student spoke about her experience coming out to her family.

While her mom was supportive, she said her father’s religious and political views led him to be less accepting.

Meanwhile, during a recent Rainbow Warriors meeting at Edmonds-Woodway, I spoke to a sophomore who was attending the club for the first time.

They explained that while they would like to keep coming to the biweekly meetings, they aren’t sure if that will be possible because, in order to do so, they would have to tell their parents that they are in the club.

“To come here every week I have to come out to them.” Right now, this isn’t something they are comfortable doing.

Wendy Organ, a teacher at Jackson for over 20 years and who is in her third year as the adviser for the school’s GSA along with fellow teacher Kim Osada, says online school and club meetings created new challenges for students who do not have supportive families, or those who have not come out to parents.

“There were several of my students last year who could not attend GSA because they had no privacy, and they were not out with their parents,” Organ said.

Pushing for change

LGBTQ+ students told me that being a part of an accepting and inclusive community that embraces them for who they are is vital, especially when it comes to dealing with discriminatory, hurtful comments, and a lack of understanding and acceptance that they experience at school and, for some, at home.

“The people who I surround myself with have always been supportive of me, and I’ve been very lucky for that,” said Karina.

Amy Emond has been the staff adviser for the Rainbow Warriors club at Edmonds-Woodway since 2006. That’s when a student came to her saying that he needed a

Hayden Meyer says she has found acceptance in her school’s Gay-Straight Alliance Club.

Hayden Meyer photo

Business Directory

ADVERTISING/ MARKETING

Beacon Publishing, Inc.

Mukilteo Beacon

Edmonds Beacon

Mill Creek Beacon

728 3rd Street, Suite D

Mukilteo, WA 98275

425-347-5634

www.mukilteobeacon.com

www.edmondsbeacon.com

www.millcreekbeacon.com

AMUSEMENT

Traxx Racing

4329 Chennault Beach Rd

Mukilteo, WA 98275

425-493-8729

www.traxxracing.com

ARTS/EDUCATION

The Learning Connection

9999 Harbour Pl., Suite 104

Mukilteo, WA 98275

425-789-1770

www.tlcmukilteo.com

Sno-Isle Tech

9001 Airport Road

Everett, WA 98204

425-356-6660

www.snoisletech.com

AUTOMOTIVE

Blue Star Auto Salon

2615 W. Casino Rd #2G

Everett, WA 98204

206-380-4340

www.bluestarautosalon.com

BANKING

Coastal Bank

5415 Evergreen Way

Everett, WA 98203

425-257-9000

www.coastalbank.com

BARBERS

Mickey’s Hometown

Barbershop

Mickey Rounds 405 Lincoln Avenue

Mukilteo, WA 98275

425-347-2712

DENTISTRY

Mukilteo Smiles

4430 106th Street SW, Suite 101

Mukilteo, WA 98275

425-438-2400

www.smilesbythesound.com

uSmile USA

735 N. 185th Street

Shoreline, WA 98133

206-542-7000

www.uSmileUSA.com

ELECTRICAL

Blue Ribbon Electric

20032 82nd Avenue W. Edmonds, WA 98026

425-775-1966

www.blueribbonelectricinc.com

Good Sense Electric PO Box 421

Mukilteo, WA 98275

425-438-8738

www.goodsenseelectric.com

FLORIST

Barbara’s Floral

12809 Beverly Park Rd, A-29

Lynnwood, WA 98087

425-353-0644

www.barbarasfloral.com

HAIR STYLISTS

Mukilteo Clipper

Mukilteo, WA 98275

425-514-3394

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Le Visage Wellness

Center & Spa

4430 106TH Street SW, Suite 103

Mukilteo, WA 98275

425-493-6868

www.levisagewellness.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Abbey Carpet

2601 Colby Avenue

Everett, WA 98201

425-259-6088

www.everett.abbeycarpet.com

All City Fence

36 S. Hudson Street

Seattle, WA 98134

206-324-3747

www.allcityfence.com

Northlight Custom Builders, LLC

9800 Harbour Place, Suite 201

Mukilteo, WA 98275

425-977-9661

www.northlightcustom.com

LAUNDRY SERVICES

Laundry Genius

7807 Evergreen Way

Everett, WA 98203

425-375-7000

www.laundry-genius.com

MEDIA

Beacon Publishing, Inc.

Mukilteo Beacon

Edmonds Beacon

Mill Creek Beacon

728 3rd Street, Suite D

Mukilteo, WA 98275

425-347-5634

www.mukilteobeacon.com

www.edmondsbeacon.com

www.millcreekbeacon.com

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

HopeWorks

3331 Broadway

Everett, WA 98201

425-610-4931

www.hopewrks.org

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives

Everett, WA 98208

425-658-2050

www.outdoorlights.com

PET SERVICES

Camp Canine

Doggie Day Care

11126 Mukilteo Speedway, Suite B

Mukilteo, WA 98275

425-493-2543

www.campcaninepark.com

REAL ESTATE

Aranka Fruehauf

Windermere Real Estate North, Inc.

Mukilteo, WA 98275

www.HomesByAranka.com

Coldwell Banker Bain

108 5th Avenue S. Edmonds, WA 98020

www.cbbain.com/edmonds

Chuck Easter

206-396-9070

Connor Desy

206-214-5609

Stacie Echelbarger

206-719-6212

Tyler Echelbarger 206-799-3877

Eric Gouge 425-530-8534

Jaimie Gouge 206-605-5232

Michaela Greene

425-879-6899

Nolan Greene 425-501-2226

Patti Greene

206-369-5429

John Haines 206-854-4403

Missi Huff

206-948-2565

Gvara Kirschner 206-353-1944

Forrest Reda 425-470-3672

Jean Sittauer 425-478-7712

Paul Sundberg 425-275-6359

Jeremy Steiner Pacific Northwest Realty 21220 Shell Valley Road

Edmonds, WA 98026

206-930-1891

www.pacificnw-realty.com

René Porubek, Broker/Realtor

Windermere Real Estate

9502 19th Avenue SE, Suite A

Everett, WA 98208

Cell: 425-478-8864

www.RealtyRene.com

RESTAURANTS

Anthony’s Homeport

456 Admiral Way

Edmonds, WA 98020

425-771-4400

www.anthonys.com

Santa Fe Mexican Grill

423 Main Street

Edmonds, WA 98020

425-245-7916

www.santafemex.com

Waterfront Coffee

101 Main Street, Suite 102

Edmonds, WA 98020

425-670-1400

www.waterfrontcoffee.com

RETAIL

Best Kept Secret

3616 South Rd, Suite B-2

Mukilteo, WA 98275

425-822-6600

www.mukilteosamplestore.com

RETIREMENT & ASSISTED LIVING

Mukilteo Memory Care

4686 Pointes Drive

Mukilteo, WA 98275

425-247-0715

www.mukilteomemorycare.com

Quail Park of Lynnwood

4015 164th St. SW

Lynnwood, WA 98087

425-329-3294

www.quailparkoflynnwood.com

WINDOW WASHING

Clean & Clear Services

6127 139th Place SW

Edmonds, WA 98026

425-218-6318 or 1-877-668-0866

www.cleanandclearservices.com

dedicated to the protection of marine mammals. The group noted it is against the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act and Washington state law to harass seals by feeding, touching, or moving to the water or another location.

Harbor seal mothers will not return ashore for their offspring if they feel it is not safe.

So, Seal Sitters says to always observe from a distance, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommending a minimum of 100 yards.

An issue Fox and his colleagues frequently have to address is people allowing their dogs to run off-leash.

“The most disruptive thing to wildlife is dogs off-leash,” Fox said. “The biggest issue that we have is people doing that in and within the parks. We try to educate people about the dangers.”

Sometimes hikers feel it’s OK to let their dogs run loose when there aren’t a lot of other people on the trails.

Fox urges people to respect wildlife and the potential impact their dogs may have on other animals. “Dogs off-leash, wandering around, can disrupt and haze other animals,” he said.

Resources

The WDFW’s website has a section devoted to living with wildlife at https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living.

If people see a seal or other marine mammal on beaches, they can call the NOAA West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 866-7676114. n

place at school where he could feel like he belonged.

Emond recalled that she suggested they work together and do something about it, and Rainbow Warriors was born. When it comes to LGBTQ+ equity and acceptance, things are different than they were 16 years ago, and so is Rainbow Warriors.

Emond tells me that when the club first started, students were generally much less likely to be out to classmates and parents than they are today. Back then, students found out about the club through word of mouth.

Members would often tell their parents they were going to a club meeting, but wouldn’t say which club. Emond explains that, at the time, promoting the club would have meant putting students at risk and jeopardizing the safe space that Rainbow Warriors was created to be.

Now, the Rainbow Warriors, who refer to themselves as Rainbows, make posters and schoolwide announcements to promote meetings. They’re currently working on designing a sweatshirt for members, and even helped establish a Rainbow Warriors club at College Place Middle School.

Emond said she helps Rainbows bring their concerns about specific issues affecting LGBTQ+ students to school administrators and district officials. What’s more, when the Edmonds School District set up a panel to discuss gender-inclusive bath-

rooms, the district reached out to Emond to get club members on the panel.

“One of my goals is to make sure there’s a student voice,” Emond said. “If there’s ever an opportunity I always go ‘Hey Rainbows, let’s do this.’”

Though progress has been made, the students I spoke to had their sights set on the work that still needs to be done.

They spoke about the need for history and health curriculums that integrate LGBTQ+ topics in order to be more inclusive, as well as help educate and raise awareness for all students.

“A lot of people, once they learn more, they become more understanding,” said Jackson’s Hayden. “I really just wish that schools would educate people at younger ages about these things so that homophobia wouldn’t be so normalized.”

Students also spoke about the need for teachers to receive education about LGBTQ+ issues and about how best to respect and support queer students, and for there to be more effective methods in place to address homophobia and transphobia within schools.

An accepting community

What is most important to Hayden and the rest of the students I spoke to, however, is the accepting community that they have found in their schools’ LGBTQ+ club.

For students who may be in need of a community that accepts and respects them for who they are, Hayden says that GSA will be there with open arms. n

of Lynnwood

Common signs of memory loss include:

• Not being able to follow directions

• Getting lost in places they know

• Becoming confused about people, place, and time

• Ask ing the same questions

• Failing to care for themselves

At Mukilteo Memory Care, we understand the challenges of living with memory loss. Find out how we can help at (425) 247-0715.

www.MukilteoMemoryCare.com