Queen Anne News 07232025 by Pacific Publishing Company

Queen Anne &Magnolia news

Queen Anne & Magnolia Since 1919

Summer camp for art and animal conservation

This summer, Queen Anne artist and animal conservationist Casey Ailes is turning her studio into something extraordinary: a creative haven where kids can explore art, animals, and activism all at once. Known for her richly layered animal portraits and deep commitment to conservation, Ailes is opening her doors to young artists for a one-of-a-kind summer experience.

Queen An &Ma olia news Queen olia news

“Opening my studio to children allows me to teach not only my artistic process, but also to spark curiosity and care for the natural world,” Ailes explains. “We learn about heroes like Jane Goodall, visit places like the Seattle Aquarium and Woodland Park Zoo, and each child chooses an animal to focus on and celebrate.”

From photographing sea otters and snow leopards to transforming those images into textured, mixedmedia masterpieces, kids are stepping into the role of both artist and advocate.

Fifth grader Aurora Casto, of Queen Anne Elementary, Staff Report

Seattle's new and improved Pier 58 to officially open on July 25

By Spencer Pauley The Center Square

Seattle’s Pier 58 is set to open on July 25, nearly five years after it was dismantled following the discovery that the pier had shifted and was no longer safe for public use. The original pier was removed in 2021 to make way for a new waterfront park.

Removal of the original Pier 58 started in 2020 after it drifted six inches away from the land and eventually collapsed in September of that year. It was located next to the Great Wheel, a tourist attraction in Seattle. Then-Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan declared an emergency dismantling of the pier, which cost $4.3 million. The pier was fully removed by early 2021. Construction on the pier began in the fall of 2022, after marine construction contractor Pacific Pile & Marine was awarded $34.5 million to conduct the work. Notably, the company sued the city in September, alleging it had not been fully compensated amid an agreement to speed up development of the pier.

The Pier 58 opening marks

Seattle overspends on potholes as $2B road repair backlog lingers

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By Spencer Pauley The Center Square

Seattle continues to overspend on filling potholes as the city’s backlog of roads that need fixing totals more than $2 billion.

In a Tuesday presentation to the Seattle Transportation Committee, the Seattle Department of Transportation said that the city has a large backlog of unfunded paving needs, totaling $1.8 billion for arterial streets in need of reconstruction. In addition, the city currently has a backlog of $460 million worth of roads in need of rehabilitation.

However, SDOT Interim Division Director Elsa Tibbits notes that the city’s recent

voter-approved $1.55 billion transportation levy provides new funding for continuing pothole efforts. With the levy dollars, the city’s pothole budget from 2025 to 2032 averages $41.25 million a year, or $330 million in total.

That’s up from $250 million under the last levy.

“With the increased funding for our [Arterial Major Maintenance] crew paving projects – we can increase our response to stitch the areas of distressed street segments to extend the life for two to five years versus the 20 years of reconstruction,” Tibbits said during the Transportation Committee meeting.

Seattle’s arterial streets have 1,153 lane miles of roads to maintain, with the city typically filling 15,000 to 25,000 potholes a year, according to Tibbits. Repairs cost about $152 per pothole, in addition to the conditions already outlined, other

factors like material and labor costs influence the cost per repair.

Since 2020, SDOT’s expenditures on potholes have increased from $3.8 million in 2020 to a fiveyear-high of $5.68 million in 2022. Last year, the city spent approximately $5 million on repairing potholes.

Tibbits noted that expenditures on pothole repair have exceeded the budget consistently over the last five years. As a result, through the 2023 budget, SDOT was approved to add an additional $1.3 million in budget from the Seattle Transportation Benefit District Fund, backed by vehicle license fee revenues, to establish a higher baseline budget for pothole repair going forward.

The city’s need exceeds the allocated budget, but SDOT is pointing to progress on its goal of

Queen Anne & Magnolia Worship Services

Sunday Worship at 10am

Twelfth Church of Christ, Scientist

In Person and Online Church Services

All are welcome & warmly invited to join these healing services

For best audio results, please join by clicking on the link from your computer or smartphone and choose “Call Over Internet”

All Zoom Services Meeting ID: 418 806 2637 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4188062637

Sunday Services 11:00am – 12noon Pacific

Wednesday Testimonies 7:30pm – 8:30pm Pacific

Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons

Our weekly Bible Lesson Sermon may be found here: https://quarterly.christianscience.com/

Additional Healing Resources: ChristianScience.com CSWashington.com SeattleMetroReadingRoom.org

For additional assistance, please contact us at seattle12cs@gmail.com or 206.283.2300 ChristianScienceTwelfthSeattle.com

Queen Anne Dental Group

Dr. Frank J. Calvo & Family Cosmetic, Implant, & General Dentistry

Boston St. 206-284-7812 www.QADG.net

Neighborhood Marketplace

Savvy Senior: How to find affordable senior housing near you

By Jim

Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any resources that you know of that can help seniors locate affordable housings? My sister, who’s 65 years old, needs to find a different place to live but has very little money. What can you tell me?

Searching Sister

Dear Searching, Finding affordable senior housing options can be challenging depending on where your sister lives. Senior apartments for some retirees are a good option, and you’ll be happy to know that there are several government programs that can help financially.

Here are some tips that can help your sister locate an apartment that fits her budget and living preferences.

START WITH HUD

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a variety of resources that can help lower-income people, like your sister, locate and pay for housing.

Here are three different programs to look into:

■ Privately owned subsidized apartments: HUD helps many apartment owners across the country offer reduced rents to lowincome tenants. To search for subsidized apartments in your area, visit Resources.hud.gov.

■ Housing choice

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voucher program: This program allows lowincome families, elderly, and disabled people afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. The housing subsidy would be paid to the landlord each month.

Your sister would then pay the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.

To learn more or apply, contact your local public housing agency (see HUD. gov/contactus/publichousing-contacts for contact information), or call 800-955-2232.

■ Public housing: This low-income housing option comes in all sizes and types, from scattered singlefamily houses to high rise apartments for elderly families. Your local public housing agency is again the resource for locating public housing in your area.

If you need more help or housing advice, contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency near you. See HUD4.my.site. com/housingcounseling or call 800-569-4287 for contact information.

HOW TO CHOOSE

If you or your sister find several apartment choices that fall within her budget, she should consider what’s important to her.

She may want housing that’s close to family, religious organizations, senior centers, or places she visits regularly, like grocery

another milestone in the city’s efforts to redevelop the 20-acre Waterfront Park

The new park spans nearly 50,000 square feet and features a shaded tree grove, elevated lawn, a plaza and event space that can be used for concerts and other events. There will also be a children’s

Democracy Vouchers: What Seattle voters should know

Seattle’s Democracy Voucher program is a public campaign financing system that allows residents to support local candidates running for office. Funded through a small property tax, the program is designed to broaden participation in local elections—for both voters and candidates.

If you live in Seattle, here’s a quick overview of how it works and what to expect: What are Democracy Vouchers?

stores, parks or gyms.

Or, if she has a disabling condition, it may be especially critical for her to find a living space that has easy access to important services like senior transportation and healthcare centers.

In your housing search, you may also come across some red flags that indicate a retirement community wouldn’t be a good fit for your sister.

Keep an eye out for extra fees that may be applied to everyday items or perks you normally wouldn’t think about like laundry service, parking or pets. You should also make sure the apartment is in good condition and then scout out the neighborhood. Ask yourself if the community is clean and well maintained and if there is any debris or messy landscaping.

If you notice anything out of the ordinary, follow up with questions before your sister signs a rental contract.

OTHER PROGRAMS

In addition to affordable housing, there are a number of other financial assistance programs that may help your sister pay for things like food, medications, health care, utilities and more. To locate these programs, check her eligibility and apply, visit BenefitsCheckUp.org. Send your questions or comments to questions@ savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

playground featuring an 18-foot jellyfishinspired climbing structure, a slide with rolling tentacles and swinging features.

“Since 1974, Pier 58 — once known as Waterfront Park — has been part of so many waterfront memories,” Harrell said in a statement. “Now, we celebrate its return as yet another incredible piece of our reimagined, expanded 20-acre Waterfront Park, and a one-of-a-kind play space for

Democracy vouchers are basically coupons - Seattle homeowners pay an average of $8 per year in tax so that every resident gets $100 to give to local candidates to help fund their campaigns. Most candidates rely on democracy vouchers to run people-funded campaigns.

How do I use my democracy vouchers?

If you are a Seattle resident, spend 10 minutes going through your local candidates and assign your democracy vouchers using the instructions you received in the mail. If you have not received your vouchers in the mail or have lost them, go to DemocracyVoucher.seattle.gov to have them replaced, or fill out an online replacement form on a candidate’s website. You don’t have to give all four vouchers to the same candidate, and you don’t have to stress about who you give them to. Don’t think of them as a vote. Think of them as a way for you to say that you want to hear more from candidates who interest you.

What is Proposition 1?

Seattle will vote in the Aug. 5 primary on Proposition 1 to renew the democracy voucher program for another 10 years. This is an opportunity for you to show you care about having candidates of every income

POTHOLES

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responding to reports of potholes within 72 hours. The department is informed of any potholes through any reports made on the Find It, Fix It app.

Last year, 90% of reported potholes were filled within 72 hours of the

our kids.”

bracket, gender, and race, and prevent us from becoming like other cities where you have to raise $10 million to run. With ranked-choice voting coming to Seattle in 2027, we are on the verge of having so many more choices in our local elections. The combination of ranked-choice ballots and people-funded campaigns can make Seattle the most truly representative example of democracy in the nation.

Why democracy vouchers?

Keeping Seattle’s “small money” powered elections is vital at our current moment. People across our country are tired of how much money drives politics, and are wondering: how do we break away from billionaires deciding who gets to run and win?

Giving $25 would usually not do much in comparison to a billion dollars, but if it’s combined with so many other people’s donations through public funding, it really makes a difference.

What have been the benefits of the democracy voucher program?

One of the main benefits of democracy vouchers is that they drive candidates out into the community. Vouchers not only changed who can run, but how they run. During my campaign, I quickly learned that the main person that earns people’s vouchers is the candidate themselves, not the volunteers canvassing parks and markets. I also couldn’t

report, according to SDOT. Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss notes communication challenges he’s witnessing between the city and residents in regards to street repairs. In one case, an individual had repeatedly submitted complaints through the Find It, Fix It app for a significantly large pothole. But Strauss said

The park will be managed by the Seattle Parks Department and Friends of Waterfront Seattle. A free community celebration is scheduled on July 25, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., following the official invite-only ribbon cutting.

Pier 58’s $34.5 million price tag is part of the larger Waterfront Park redevelopment project funded through a

just knock doors and ask for people’s vouchers; I had to talk about the issues that people cared about.

The program has also expanded and diversified who donates to elections. Nationally, very few Americans contribute to campaigns at all, but small donations multiplied fivefold in Seattle once the voucher system began. Many people who are now donors would have never given to political campaigns before simply because their money was already allocated to groceries, their electric bill, or even a family vacation. Vouchers have also been an opportunity to raise up young people to have more say. Many would otherwise have to ask their parents for help to donate any meaningful amount, and their parents have their own political opinions.

Can permanent residents use democracy vouchers? Yes! I have loved being able to go to my friends who have their green cards to tell them they can use democracy vouchers. Though these friends are impacted in so many ways by local issues, this program is one of the only ways they can impact their representation. In a time when many immigrants are being literally picked up off the street, Seattle recognizes that permanent residents are a beloved part of the public and our community.

the city never responded, because the hole did not fit into the city’s definition of a pothole.

“To a common person, they just see a hole in the road that’s going to mess up their axel,” Strauss said. “You’re out there doing good work, but we need to be better about communicating with the public.”

combination of public and private investments, with the city contributing $320 million.

The city most recently reached a major milestone last October when the Overlook Walk opened. The project bridges a near 100-foot vertical gap between Pike Place Market and the Seattle Waterfront. Construction on the walk first began in summer 2022.

Miller

By Nilu Jinks Guest Contributor

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Bureau of Economic Analysis: WA ranks 14th in household disposable income

to adjust for high-end earners – was $134,311, with $126,086 considered disposable income after taxes.

Fiscal Fallout: Washington state government spending surges 116% since 2015

Editor's Note: This investigative story is the first of an occasional series examining increases in state spending over several years and determining what taxpayers' money is being used for by state elected officials.

Washington state faces deficit spending by 2028 as lawmakers just hit taxpayers with the state's largest combined tax increase – all driven by massive state spending increases over the past decade, an investigation of state budgets by The Center Square found.

■ An increase in Washington State Department of Social and Health Services spending from $9 billion to $25.4 billion, a $15.6 billion or 182.22% increase

■ An increase in Long Term Care spending from $3.8 billion to $12.9 billion, a $9.1 billion or 239.47% increase

■ An increase in General Apportionment spending from $11.4 billion to $22.6 billion, a $11.2 billion or 98.25% increase

■ An increase in Public Schools spending from $17.7 billion to $37.4 billion, a $19.7 billion or 111.3% increase

However, he added that “we have time to make SPENDING adjustments to bring the outlook into balance – not to dip into emergency reserves. Budgets need to be written to expected revenues rather than to increase taxes to fund the budget written.”

Regarding the state spending increases, Orcutt said the growth has been funded by tax increases that he opposed.

Washington state ranks 14th in mean household disposable income and 15th in mean household personal income, according to new numbers released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

According to the most recent data from 2023, the average personal household income in the Evergreen State was $201,477, with $177,316 counted as disposable income, or the money taken home after taxes.

The median personal household income – the midpoint instead of the average

Washington's median income has risen over the past dozen years of data, going from 15th in 2013 to its current 9th ranking among all states. Mean personal household income went from 13th in 2013 to 8th in 2023.

When the data was all adjusted to 2017 dollars, Washington household personal income went from an average of $125,995 in 2012 to $154,026 in 2023, while median household personal income went from $83,432 in 2012 to $134,361 in 2023.

Fiscal Fallout: WA allocates $150M for Medicaid-like healthcare to illegal aliens

Editor's Note: This is part of an ongoing series examining increases in state spending over several years and determining what taxpayers' money is being used for by state elected officials.

As Washington state grapples with a potential fiscal crisis by 2027, the Legislature this session allocated $150 million to fund a Medicaid-style program offering healthcare to illegal aliens. It's a spending discretion that one lawmaker is criticizing given that the state has chronically undercompensated medical providers of Medicaid patients, while a top ranking legislator argues expanded access to healthcare avoids overwhelming emergency services and facilities.

“We should be taking care of the people who are here legally,” Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, told The Center Square. “If we’re going to spend any more money in Medicaid, how come we don’t pay providers? If we’re going to invest more money, we should have paid the providers to take care of the people here.”

Created through various legislative appropriations in 2022 and 2023, the Apple Health Expansion program

provides Medicaid-equivalent coverage for illegal aliens who are 19 and older and with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.

The program opened for participants on June 20, 2024, with a maximum allowance of 13,000 enrollees. That limit was met within 48 hours of the program launching, with 17,000 on the waiting list, according to the Health Care Authority.

During this year’s session, Rep. My-Linh Thai, D-Bellevue, introduced House Bill 1482 early in the session that would have opened the program to all immigrants who meet the income eligibility guidelines and other requirements. The bill would have also had the state “establish and maintain a culturally and geographically diverse and linguistically appropriate immigrant health coverage outreach and education campaign, including direct support to community-based partners.”

However, the bill did not receive a public hearing in the House Health Care & Wellness Committee.

When The Center Square reached out to Health Care & Wellness Chair Dan Bronoske, D-Lakewood, for comment on Apple Health Expansion and HB 1482, he wrote in an email that his priority “continues to be increasing access to care and

reducing costs for delivering care.”

“I believe it is good public policy for the people of the state of Washington to be covered and insured, so that they can get checkups and access care as soon as possible when they are sick,” he added. “Otherwise, people will delay seeking care and wait until their illnesses are so bad they require trips to the emergency rooms at our local hospitals. As a firefighter, I see this first-hand. This drives up costs for all us, the return on investment for health care spending is much higher when patients can address ailments like hypertension, diabetes, and get screened for cancer sooner rather than later.”

Schmick, who is the ranking minority member of Health Care & Wellness, said that “we need to pay for our citizens, those who are here legally, before we expand that pot of money or spread the peanut butter even thinner.”

Washington Policy Center’s Center for Health Care Director Elizabeth New told The Center Square that the Legislature didn’t expand the program this session because there was “no money to do so." A The Center Square investigation published Monday shows that the Legislature's $9 billion tax increases

Washington state spent about $80 billion in the 2013-15 budget but is set to spend more than $173 billion in 2025-27, a more than 116% increase over that time. U.S. inflation since 2015 has risen just 35.63%.

The surge in spending of taxpayer dollars prompted some policy analysts and lawmakers to say the increases must end sooner or later.

Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council member and ranking minority member for House Appropriations Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, told The Center Square that the only winners in Olympia are “politicians, bureaucrats and criminals.”

"At the end of the day you have to ask yourself, ‘What did we get for that new spending?" he asked. "At the end of the day, we don’t see the results on what we’re spending on.”

In just five specific budget areas, state spending increased by $77.2 billion since the 2013-15 biennium, although that spending includes more than just state revenues and in one area a shift occurred from local funding to state funding.

“I think that a combination of the fact that you already have a shortfall with a $9 billion tax increase, things have to change moving forward,”

Mountain States Policy Center Vice President and Director of Research Jason Mercier told The Center Square. “I don’t know if they can do much more. They’ve played all the games; they’ve done all the fund shifts. You just did a tax increase. It’s not going to get better; it’s going to get worse on the forecast. The question now with budget is at some point you have to do the responsible thing and cut some spending.”

According to an analysis of data from fiscal.wa.gov, the $77 billion increase over the past decade in just those five areas occurred within the following departments of the combined capital and operating budget:

■ An increase in Washington State Health Care Authority from $16.4 billion to $38 billion, a $21.6 billion or 131.71% increase

That spending far outpaces inflation and population growth.

According to the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics inflation calculator, there has been a cumulative price increase of 35.63% since July 2015. According to the state Office of Financial Management, the state population has grown from 7,061,410 to 8,035,700 in the same time period as of 2024, a 13.8% increase.

Mercier noted that compared to other states in the region, such as Idaho and Montana, Washington state spending is out of control.

“Washington is such an outlier on the spending increase," he said. "Other states are tracking very closely to inflation. Idaho was below inflation this past year.”

The state’s fiscal situation also comes amid record high revenues supported by the largest tax increase in state history. Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, the ranking minority member of the House Finance Committee and a member of the state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council, wrote in an email to The Center Square that under the current forecast, the state ends with a $2 million balance at the end of 2027, but faces a $444 million fiscal deficit in 2028.

“We will have time to go in during the 2026 session that starts in January to make adjustments to the budget to make it balance across the 4-year outlook window … to prevent it from going negative,” he wrote. “If done early enough in session, amendments to the budget could allow for 2/3 of the 2025-27 budget cycle to absorb the changes – much better than trying to fix budget problems in the second year of the biennium when there is just a few months to absorb the changes needed to cover shortages between revenues and spending.”

“I have questioned the sustainability of most budgets passed since 2002, so I do indeed have concerns about the sustainability of spending since 2013," he wrote. "I have and will continue to oppose tax increases and will continue to advocate for budgets to be written based on expected revenues – not budgets written, then taxes increased to fund that budget.”

During the 2025 legislative session, the Legislature enacted or increased taxes and fees estimated to generate more than $9 billion over the next four years, and include the following:

■ Increased the business and occupation tax rate for most businesses from 1.2% to 1.5%, which is expected to generate $2 billion during the 2025-27 biennium

■ Expanded the retail sales tax base to include additional services, expected to generate $2.9 billion over the 2025-27 biennium and $4.7 billion over four years, making it the largest single revenue source among new taxes and fees

■ A 50% increase in over 40 liquor-related fees

■ Retroactively created a progressive rate structure for the existing 7% tax on income from the sale of capital gains above $270,000, with an additional 2.9% tax, 9.9% total, on gains exceeding $1 million, expected to generate $282 million over the 2025-27 biennium and $561 million over four years

■ Increased the estate tax exemption from $2.193 million to $3 million; the rate for estates worth $9 million or more was increased from 20 to 35%

■ Hiked the rental car sales tax from 5.9% to 11.9% in 2026

■ An additional luxury tax on the sale, lease, or transfer of vehicles exceeding $100,000

■ Created a B&O tax on the rental or lease of selfstorage units at 1.5 % or 1.75 %, depending on transaction cost

■ Increased the cost of a Discover Pass by 50%

■ Expanded the tobacco tax to include nicotine pouches

■ Raised hunting and

By Brett Davis The Center Square

By TJ Martinell The Center Square

Martinell The Center Square

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Report: WA among states with major funding gap in needed bridge, road improvements

By Carleen Johnson

A new report from The Pew Charitable Trusts finds Washington among U.S. states struggling to make the investments necessary to preserve and maintain transportation systems, including roads and bridges.

“A situation that in turn threatens economic development, the safety of millions of drivers and residents, and the long-term sustainability of public budgets,” according to the report.

In fiscal year 2024, the latest year of available data, states spent about $247 billion – roughly 8% of their total expenditures that year –on roadway assets.

“One factor in these investment challenges is a persistent lack of consistent data on infrastructure conditions and spending needs, which – despite recent improvements in disclosure thanks to federally mandated reporting – has hindered policymakers’ ability to fully assess these capital assets, make spending decisions, and ensure public accountability and transparency,” the report said.

Pew analyzed information from all 50 states’ most recent Transportation Asset Management Plans, primarily released in 2022. The reports are a requirement for states that receive federal funding for highways.

Pew noted a range of strategies are available to fill the funding gaps, such as increasing gasoline and diesel taxes, which Washington state recently did,

HEALTHCARE

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are a record, but the state still faces a budget shortfall. The latest forecast shows that the state will have just a $2 million funding balance by 2027 and a $400 million fiscal deficit by 2028, assuming no spending changes are made.

SPENDING

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fishing license fees by 38% and increased the cost of a combination fishing license from $45.50 to $62.49

■ Increased taxes on health insurance

■ Raised the cap on annual local property tax increases from 1% to 3%

■ Imposed a 10% excise tax on duty-free stores

■ A new ticket fee for sporting events and concerts

Initiative 960 passed in 2007 required non-binding public votes on tax increases enacted by the Legislature without voter approval. The advisory vote was repealed by the Legislature during the 2023 legislative session. In states like California and Colorado, voter approval is required for new taxes.

However, Orcutt noted that with public spending the increase

to prioritizing maintenance and preservation over new construction. Levying additional fees, using general fund revenues, issuing bonds, or adding user charges are among other solutions.

During a Tuesday webinar, Pew highlighted Washington state’s transportation funding challenges.

“We see the total needs over this period were a little under $3.6 billion from 2022 through 2031,”

David Drane, principal investigator and methodologist for Pew, said. “Meanwhile, total spending for preservation, rehabilitation, replacement and operational maintenance was expected to be a little over $2.1 billion, leaving a $1.4 billion shortfall over this period.

The report found an $836 million funding gap over 10 years to preserve and maintain Washington state bridges

The research found that Washington was one of 24 states reporting a combined $86.3 billion funding gap over a 10-year period.

As reported by The Center Square, the Washington State Department of Transportation closed the Fairfax Bridge on April 22. The 103-year-old bridge leads to the park’s northwest entrance, crossing the Carbon River Canyon to an area where around 30 residents live. They now have to drive another hour to get to town.

According to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, Washington officials identified needed repairs on 7,376 bridges in 2024. Of the 8,474 bridges in the state, 462, or 5.5

However, New added that “I’m sure they’ll try to increase it again.”

The Temporary Community Engagement Advisory Committee is a collaboration between HCA and the Department of Social and Health Services and intended to “be a safe space for community members to receive information about, and provide input related to

doesn't tell the full story, “since there was a major reform of education funding in 2017 in response to the McCleary lawsuit. Local levies were lowered in exchange for an increase in state funding to make it revenue neutral overall.”

In 2012, the State Supreme Court ruled via the McCleary decision that the state Legislature was failing to adhere to its constitutional mandate to fully fund K-12 education.

At the same time, Couture said that “when we had McCleary, we spent billions more dollars, but where did that money go?”

The Annie E. Casey Foundation currently ranks Washington 27th in the nation in education, a drop from 20th a decade ago.

Couture argues that the state Legislature has budgeted for years beyond the current revenue levels in the hope that economic growth will increase, noting that while revenue is still increasing

percent, are classified as structurally deficient. This means one of the key elements is in poor or worse condition.

Washington's July 1 gas tax hike is expected to generate an additional $1.4 billion in revenue over the next six years. The revenue is primarily intended to fund transportation infrastructure projects. The majority is allocated to the state's motor vehicle fund for highway construction and maintenance.

Revive I-5 is “a multi-year project [that] includes significant work on the Ship Canal Bridge, with closures and lane restrictions planned for July and August 2025.”

The closure and lane reductions through mid-August will allow crews to repave the two left lanes of the bridge and replace stormwater drains to fix flooding issues that occur when it rains.

According to WSDOT, almost 240,000 vehicles travel the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge daily. The last major preservation effort was nearly 40 years ago, and the bridge deck shows considerable wear. Crews have completed more than 200 emergency repairs since 2019, causing unplanned traffic disruptions.

■ Monday, July 21 to Friday night, Aug. 15: Northbound I-5 reduced to two lanes across the Ship Canal Bridge

■ Friday, Aug. 15 to Monday morning, Aug. 18: Northbound I-5 closed from near the I-90 interchange to Northeast 45th Street

■ Monday morning, Aug. 18: All lanes of northbound I-5 reopen

the implementation of the Apple Health Expansion and the Qualified Health Plan Expansion programs.”

The Center Square reached out to Thai regarding whether she intends to reintroduce HB 1482 next session, and if so, what potential revenue sources might be proposed to cover it, but did not receive a response.

“it’s just growing slowly. It’s basically calming down to realistic growth levels.”

The Center Square reached out to Sen. June Robinson, who is an ERFC member and serves as the chair for the Senate Ways & Means Committee, for comment on the state spending increases, any notable achievements as a result, and whether the spending levels were sustainable. The Center Square did not receive a response by the time of publication.

The Center Square also reached out to Gov. Bob Ferguson's Office for comment regarding budget prioritization and spending level sustainability, but did not receive a response.

The Center Square reached out to Concerned Taxpayers of Washington State for comment, but did not receive a response. The Tax Foundation declined to comment for the story regarding the state spending increases, noting it’s beyond their scope of research.

A unique take on French toast

By MetroCreative

Few breakfasts are as beloved as French toast, a dish so hearty and fulfilling that many people enjoy it for dinner. Though traditional French toast is very popular, the traditional recipe can be altered to make the dish even more delightful. Such is the case with the following recipe for "Panettone French Toast With Caramelized Apples" from Norman Kolpas' "Buongiorno!" (Contemporary Books).

PANETTONE FRENCH TOAST WITH CARAMELIZED APPLES

Serves 4

X 1/4 cup slivered almonds

X Caramelized Apples

X 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

X 2 Golden Delicious or Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch thick wedges

X 1/4 cup apple juice

X 3 tablespoons honey

X Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

PANETTONE FRENCH TOAST

X 2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten

X 1/2 cup low-fat milk

X 1 tablespoon sugar

X 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

X 8 3/4-inch thick slices panettone or egg bread

X 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

ART

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lights up as she describes it:

“I like making art with Casey because she helps everyone get better at their skills, and we work with all kinds of textures and materials. Casey cares about animals a lot, and I like her style.”

Ailes will also spend the summer working on her own series

Preheat the oven to 325 F. Put the almonds in a baking dish and toast in the oven until golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce the oven temperate to 200 F. For the caramelized apples, melt the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the apples and saute until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the apple juice, honey and nutmeg and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the apples are tender and a thick, caramellike sauce has formed. Cover and keep warm.

To make the French toast, stir together the eggs, milk, sugar, and almond extract in a wide, shallow bowl or baking dish. Add the bread slices to the mixture, turning to coat them evenly on both sides and then leaving them to soak.

Meanwhile, melt half of the butter in another nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add half of the bread slices and cook them until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer them to a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and put in the oven to keep warm. Melt the remaining butter in the skillet and cook the remaining French toast. Serve topped with the caramelized apples and garnished with the toasted almonds.

featuring endangered species — starting with the Monarch Butterfly — capturing their beauty through paint, photo, and print.

In her words and her work, Ailes shows that art can do more than hang on a wall — it can help protect what we love. Step inside the studio. Discover more of Casey Ailes’ animalinspired artwork and youth art camps at caseyailes.com.

Panettone French toast with caramelized apples.

COURTESY

The Center Square

WA court upholds denial of benefits to immigrant who got $11K after move to Mexico

Despite being declared ineligible for unemployment benefits by the state, an immigrant received over $11,000 after moving back to Mexico; he claims he was available for remote work, and while a judge disagreed with that on Tuesday, he still won’t have to repay the state.

Elhier Montiel Flores, a Mexican citizen, returned home in July 2023. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program allowed him to live and work in Washington state, but when he quit his job and moved back to Mexico, it made him ineligible to reenter the country legally.

However, Montiel Flores continued to receive unemployment benefits from the state from July 16 to December 16, 2023. According to a July 15 opinion from the Washington State Court of Appeals Division III, the Employment Security Department sent him $11,066 during that period.

“The commissioner did not err in concluding Mr. Montiel Flores was ineligible for unemployment benefits after his work authorization expired,” the court wrote in the opinion after Montiel Flores appealed ESD’s determination that he was ineligible for unemployment benefits.

According to the court filing, ESD contacted Montiel Flores in early 2024 about his current work authorization status. He informed ESD that his status had expired in February, but he had returned to Mexico back in July. ESD then retroactively denied his benefits, effective July 16, 2023.

Initially, ESD found Montiel Flores at fault for the “overpayments of benefits,” and said he would be liable for repayment. Montiel Flores then appealed to the Office of Administrative Hearings, or OAH, with a judge affirming ESD’s denial of benefits, but not that he was at fault for the overpayment.

The second opinion led Montiel Flores to appeal to ESD, which issued two decisions. The first declared him ineligible for benefits when his work authorization expired in

February 2024. The second decision, however, declared Montiel Flores ineligible as he left the country in July 2023.

Montiel Flores argued that ESD erred by issuing two conflicting opinions that could have impacted his eligibility for unemployment in 2023.

Thurston County Superior Court reviewed the ESD decisions but transferred the petitions to the Washington State Court of Appeals Division III.

“Montiel Flores argues that he meets the criteria of WAC 192-170-010(4) because he is legally authorized to work in Mexico and is capable of working remotely. We disagree,” the court wrote.

The court stated in its ruling that his argument ignores federal authority. While the Washington Administrative Code, or WAC, may align with his perspective, federal law supersedes state law.

Federal law defines “available for work in the United States” as “legally authorized to work that week in the United States by the appropriate agency of the United States government.” Montiel Flores’ status expired on Feb. 11, 2024, so he didn’t have authorization during the appeals.

Montiel Flores also argued that ESD violated the timeframe allowed by state law to redetermine his 2023 eligibility; however, to appeal, he must have been “aggrieved or prejudiced by the judgment.”

Since ESD agreed with OAH that it improperly redetermined his eligibility, but that Montiel Flores did not engage in fraud, misrepresentation, or nondisclosure, he isn’t required to repay them. However, this also means he was still ineligible from July 16 to Dec. 16, 2023, when he was still collecting benefits, and to February 2024, when his authorization expired.

“Because Mr. Montiel Flores is not aggrieved by the commissioner’s ruling, he lacks standing to raise this issue on appeal,” the appeals court concluded.

So, while the court ruled that Montiel Flores didn’t need to repay the benefits, it also said that he had no grounds to continue challenging his eligibility, since ESD had technically already handed him a win.

Seattle hails crime prevention tech pilot program a success, with plans to expand

By Spencer Pauley

Nearly two months after Seattle launched its crime prevention technology pilot program, city leaders are calling it a success with plans for expansion.

Since the Real-Time Crime Center, or RTCC, launched on May 20, it has been utilized to investigate 600 reported incidents across the city and is currently supporting 90 active criminal investigations.

Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes said the center has exceeded his expectations.

“That’s real results and real impact – and we’re just getting started. We look forward to growing the RTCC in partnership with our city government partners, businesses, and the community.”

The RTCC software functions as a single access platform to view and analyze various sources of existing

and proposed Seattle police data such as video and audio feeds, officer dispatch information and location, 911 calls, and police records.

Currently, RTCC cameras are being used along Aurora, Third Avenue, and the Chinatown-International District. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is proposing legislation to expand the cameras to the Garfield and Nova High Schools neighborhood, the Capitol Hill Nightlife District, and the SODO Stadium Area.

The legislation would also authorize the RTCC to view and record Seattle Department of Transportation's traffic cameras at select intersections and along major arterial roads in the city.

The crime prevention pilot was approved by Harrell in October 2024. The city allocated $3.1 million toward the RTCC as part of its 20252026 budget.

In a press release, the city noted one recent example of RTCC being used for an investigation in which gun

violence occurred near Aurora Avenue North. RTCC analysts used CCTV cameras to observe the shooting suspect and send an image of the suspect to responding patrol officers. Analysts then advised officers of the escape route that the offender was taking. Before the pilot program was approved, local organizations voiced opposition of the technology with concerns that the use of the new surveillance technologies could allow for circumvention of Washington’s sanctuary protections, such as the Keep Washington Working Act and the Washington Shield law.

RTCC Commander and Seattle Police Captain James Britt said the center is “conscious of the privacy concerns that technology can raise,” and that “our team is reminded at all times that we must use these systems responsibly.”

The RTCC currently operates daily from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m., with plans to expand to 24/7 in 2026.

33,000 Washington adult education students in limbo as feds stall education funds

By Spencer Pauley The Center Square

The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges says nearly $13.8 million in withheld federal grant funding is negatively impacting the state’s technical colleges.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown’s office joined litigation against the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget on Monday, claiming the federal government is illegally withholding $7 billion in formula grants allocated to the states.

The U.S. Department of Education sent an email to states on June 30 that it was reviewing 2025 funding due to the change in administrations. As a result, the department has not issued Grant Award Notifications obligating funds for programs on July 1 prior to completing that review.

“The Department remains

committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the President’s priorities and the Department’s statutory responsibilities,” the email read, according to the complaint.

Brown’s office says $13.8 million in withheld grant funding was supposed to go toward adult education and literary services and basic

By Tim Clouser The Center Square

The Center Square

ADOBE STOCK

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of CRAIG A. WRIGHT aka CRAIG ANDERS WRIGHT, Deceased. NO. 25-4-03229-6 SEA PRO-

BATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW

11.40.030) The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: July 23, 2025

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Justin Anders Wright 17810 25th AVE NE Lake Forest Park, WA 98155 ATTORNEY FOR PR: Mitchell Aoki CMS Law Firm LLC. 811 Kirkland Ave Suite 201 Kirkland, WA 98033 Telephone: 206.659.1512 COURT OF PROBATE PROCEEDINGS: King County Superior Court CAUSE

NUMBER: 25-4-03229-6 SEA SIGNED: /s/Mitchell Aoki Mitchell Aoki, #61894

Attorney for PR Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 23, 30 & August 6, 2025

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of PAMELA ANN CASEY, Deceased. NO. 25-4-03909-6 SEA PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: July 23, 2025 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Cori Lea McLeod 390 Deer Meadow Drive Cle Elum, WA 98922 ATTORNEY FOR PR: Elizabeth Hebel CMS Law Firm LLC. 811 Kirkland Ave Suite 201 Kirkland, WA 98033 Telephone: 206.659.1512 COURT OF PROBATE PROCEEDINGS: King County Superior Court CAUSE NUMBER: 25-403909-6 SEA SIGNED: /s/ Elizabeth Hebel Elizabeth Hebel, #56708 Attorney for PR Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 23, 30 & August 6, 2025 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON FOR THE COUNTY OF KING LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ESTATE OF TERESA L DANNING; MONIQUE ISADORE-DANNING, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF TERESA L DANNING, DECEASED; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; OCCUPANTS OF THE PROPERTY, Defendants. Case No.: 25-2-16302-4 KNT SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION To: ESTATE OF TERESA L DANNING; MONIQUE ISADOREDANNING, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF TERESA L DANNING, DECEASED, OCCUPANTS OF THE PROPERTY, THE STATE OF WASHINGTON TO THE SAID DEFENDANTS: You are hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty days after the 9th day of July, 2025, and defend the above entitled action in the above entitled court, and answer the complaint of the Plaintiff, Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorneys for Plaintiff, McCarthy & Holthus, LLP at the office below stated; and in case of your failure so to do, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court. The basis for the complaint is a foreclosure of the property commonly known as 11802 SOUTHEAST 250TH COURT, KENT, WA 98030, King County, Washington as a result of a default under the terms of the note and deed of trust. DATED: July 3, 2025 McCarthy & Holthus, LLP s/Grace Chu Grace Chu WSBA No. 51256 David Swartley WSBA No. 51732 108 1st Avenue South, Ste. 400 Seattle, WA 98104 Attorneys for Plaintiff Published in the Queen

Legal Notices

Anne & Magnolia News July 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6 & 13, 2025 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON FOR THE COUNTY OF SNOHOMISH In the Matter of the Estate of: NORMAN BRENT PARKS, Deceased. No. 25-4-01237-31

PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS The Co-Personal Representatives named below have been appointed and have qualified as Co-Personal Representatives of this estate. Persons having claims against the deceased must, prior to the time such claims would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Co-Personal Representatives or the Co-Personal Representatives’ attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Co-Personal Representatives served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the probate assets and nonprobate assets of the decedent. DATE OF FILING COPY OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS with Clerk of Court: July 18, 2025. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: July 23, 2025. Co-Personal Representatives: Nancy Susan (Parks) Redfield Sheila Parks Whalen c/o Hickman Menashe, P.S. 4211 Alderwood Mall Blvd., Ste. 204 Lynnwood, WA 98036 Attorney for Estate and for the Co-Personal Representatives: William S. Hickman Address: Hickman Menashe, P.S. 4211 Alderwood Mall Blvd., Ste. 204 Lynnwood, WA 98036 Telephone: (425) 744-5658 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 23, 30 & August 6, 2025

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KING IN PROBATE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DELORES T. WHITE Deceased NO. 254-04029-9 SEA NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The personal representative named below has been appointed personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40. 020(3); or (2) Four months after the date of the first publication of the notice, If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim will be forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and RCW 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: 7/9/2025 s/ Stephen R. White-Personal Representative Court of Probate Proceedings And Cause Number King County Superior Court 516 Third Ave. Seattle Washington 98104 Attorney For Personal Representative: James L. Sorenson WSBA #7285 Attorney at Law 929 North 130th Suite 14 Seattle, Washington 98133 (206) 365-0346 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 9, 16 & 23, 2025

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF SNOHOMISH In the Matter of the Estate of Castina Ridge, Deceased CAUSE NO. 25-4-01422-31 NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.020)

The person named below has been appointed Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the Decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: July 16, 2025 ADMINISTRATOR Rayven Palmer 4119 SW Morgan St. Seattle, WA 98136 ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Amber L. Hunt Woodinville Law 13901 NE 175th St, Ste G Woodinville, WA 98072 (425) 485-6600 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 16, 23 & 30, 2025

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASH-

INGTON FOR KING COUNTY In Re The Estate of: BILL LYLE BREMMEYER,

Deceased. No. 25-4-04600-9 KNT PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) (NTCRD) The person named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this Estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditors as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of this notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and RCW 11.40.60. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Personal Representative: David Harrison DATED this 9th day of July, 2025, at Federal Way, Washington. /s/ Chad Horner Chad Horner, WSBA #27122 CURRAN LAW FIRM, P.S. 33400 9th Ave. S., Suite 120 Federal Way, WA 98003 Telephone: 253-852-2345 Facsimile: 253-852-2030 Email: chorner@ curranfirm.com Counsel for Personal Representative Address for Mailing or Service: 33400 9th Ave. S., Suite 120 Federal Way, WA 98003 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 16, 23 & 30, 2025

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY JOSHUA BRUMLEY, Plaintiff, v. JAN KUBICKA and AUTOMATIC FUNDS TRANSFER SERVICE, a Washington corporation, Defendants. NO. 25-2-11720-1 SEA SUMMONS (60 DAYS) TO: JAN KUBICKA, individually; and TO: ALL OTHER PERSONS OR PARTIES UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, LIEN OR INTEREST IN THE REAL ESTATE DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN. You are hereby summoned to appear within sixty (60) days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty (60) days after the 2nd day of July, 2025, and defend the above-entitled action in the above-entitled court, and answer the complaint of Plaintiff, JOSHUA BRUMLEY, and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorney for Plaintiff, Joshua G.R. Curtis and Beresford Booth PLLC, at his office below stated; and in case of your failure to do so, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court. The object of the action is breach of contract and recission of contract to the property commonly known as 1920 4th Avenue, Unit 1510, Seattle, Washington 98101, legally described as follows: UNIT 1510 OF ESCALA, A CONDOMINIUM RECORDED IN VOLUME 260 OF CONDOMINIUMS, PAGES 47 THROUGH 75, INCLUSIVE, ACCORDING TO THE DECLARATION THEREOF, RECORDED UNDER KING COUNTY RECORDING NO. 20090601001736, AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO; SITUATE IN THE CITY OF SEATTLE, COUNTY OF KING, STATE OF WASHINGTON. Counsel for Plaintiff is: Joshua G.R. Curtis Beresford Booth PLLC 145 3rd Avenue South Edmonds, WA 98020 joshuac@ beresfordlaw.com Respectfully submitted this 24th day of June 2025. BERESFORD BOOTH PLLC By: /s/ Joshua G. R. Curtis, WSBA No. 42034 Attorney for Plaintiff Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & August 6, 2025 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR KING COUNTY EQUITY TRUST COMPANY CUSTODIAN FBO KATHERINE ANN REYNOLDS JONES IRA, Plaintiff, v. KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON, a Washington municipal corporation; COMMUNITY OF BILOXI, an inactive Washington corporation; and GEORGE A. PAGE III, individually and any marital community, Defendants. No. 25-217670-3 SEA SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION RCW 4.28.100 The State of Washington to the said defendant COMMUNITY OF BILOXI, an inactive Washington corporation: You are hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty days after the 25th day of June, 2025, and defend the above-entitled action in the above entitled court, and answer the complaint of the plaintiff, and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorneys for plaintiff, at their office below stated; and in case of your failure so to do, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court. The object of the action is, inter alia, to quiet title to real property located in King County, State of Washington, described in the Complaint herein, of which said defendant COMMUNITY OF BILOXI is the purported record owner. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: June 25, 2025 /s/ Steven M. Sayre, WSBA #36293 SAYRE LAW OFFICES, PLLC Attorneys for Plaintiff 1417 31st Avenue South Seattle, WA 98144

Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News June 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2025 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASH-

INGTON IN AND FOR KING COUNTY

In Re the Estate of Dale Edward Higgs, Deceased Probate No. 25-4-04423-5KNT PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

KNT PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 23, 30 & August 6, 2025 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR KING COUNTY In Re the Estate of Frank Dudley Ballard, Deceased Probate No. 25-4-04382-4KNT PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR KING COUNTY In Re the Estate of Monica Miller, Deceased Probate No. 25-4-04728-5KNT PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030

The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by

any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: See Affidavit of Publication Personal Representative: Stephen G. Miller Attorney for the Personal Representative: Robert C. Iddins Address for Mailing or Service: Iddins Law Group 25052 104th Ave SE, Suite B Kent, WA 98030 Court of probate proceedings and cause number: Superior Court 25-4-04728-5KNT Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 23, 30 & August 6, 2025 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR KING COUNTY In Re the Estate of Nolan Ramon Hebrank, Deceased Probate No. 25-4-04681-5KNT PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

RCW 11.40.030 The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: See Affidavit of Publication Personal Representative: Nolan Robert Hebrank Attorney for the Personal Representative: Christian C. Pearson Address for Mailing or Service: Iddins Law Group 25052 104th Ave SE, Suite B Kent, WA 98030 Court of probate proceedings and cause number: Superior Court 25-4-04681-5KNT Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 23, 30 & August 6, 2025 IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR KING COUNTY In Re the Estate of Thomas John Schreiber, Deceased Probate No. 25-4-04782-0 KNT PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: See Affidavit of Publication Personal Representative: Steven A. Bourke Attorney for the Personal Representative: Robert C. Iddins Address for Mailing or Service: Iddins Law Group 25052 104th Ave SE, Suite B Kent, WA 98030 Court of probate proceedings and cause number: Superior Court 25-4-04782-0 KNT Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 23, 30 & August 6, 2025 SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of BILLIE RAE WARD, Deceased. NO. 25-4-044308 SEA NOTICE TO CREDITORS The individual named below has been appointed as personal representative of the above estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, prior to the time such claims would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070, by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the

personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) Four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the probate assets and nonprobate assets of the decedent. DATE OF FILING COPY OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS With Clerk of Court: July 9, 2025 DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: July 16, 2025 STEVEN WARD, Personal Representative McCune, Godfrey, Emerick & Broggel, Inc. PS MARISA E. BROGGEL, WSBA NO. 41767 Of Attorneys for Personal Representative McCune, Godfrey, Emerick, & Broggel, Inc. P.S. 4500 9th Ave. NE Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98105-4697 Tel: 206-632-0575 Fax 206-238-9487 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 16, 23 & 30, 2025

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of CONSTANCE GERALDINE CRESSMAN, Deceased. NO. 24-4-08905-2 SEA NOTICE TO CREDITORS The individual named below has been appointed as personal representative of the above estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, prior to the time such claims would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070, by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) Four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the probate assets and nonprobate assets of the decedent. DATE OF FILING COPY OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS With Clerk of Court: July 11, 2025 DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: July 16, 2025

CONSTANCE S. ESPINOZA, Personal Representative McCune, Godfrey, Emerick & Broggel, Inc. PS MARISA E. BROGGEL, WSBA NO. 41767 Of Attorneys for Personal Representative McCune, Godfrey, Emerick, & Broggel, Inc. P.S. 4500 9th Ave. NE Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98105-4697 Tel: 206-632-0575 Fax 206-238-9487

Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 16, 23 & 30, 2025

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of MARGOT DOLORES LOEB, Deceased. NO. 25-404767-6 SEA NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The individual named below has been appointed as personal representative of the above estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, prior to the time such claims would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070, by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) Four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the probate assets and nonprobate assets of the decedent. DATE OF FILING COPY OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS With Clerk of Court: July 22, 2025 DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: July 23, 2025 /s/ DENNIS LOEB, Personal Representative McCune, Godfrey, Emerick & Broggel, Inc. PS /s/ MARISA E. BROGGEL, WSBA NO. 41767 Of Attorneys for Personal Representative McCune, Godfrey, Emerick, & Broggel, Inc. P.S. 4500 9th Ave. NE Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98105-4697 Tel: 206632-0575 Fax 206-238-9487 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 23, 30 & August 6, 2025

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of RODNEY WESCHE, Deceased. NO. 25-4-04758-7

SEA NOTICE TO CREDITORS The individual named below has been appointed as personal representative of the above estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, prior to the time such claims would be barred by any other-wise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070, by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) Four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW

11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the probate assets and nonprobate assets of the decedent. DATE OF FILING COPY OF NOTICE

TO CREDITORS With Clerk of Court: July 15, 2025 DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: July 23, 2025 /s/ BRET ADAMS, Personal Representative MCCUNE GODFREY

EMERICK & BROGGEL, INC. PS /s/ MARISA E. BROGGEL, WSBA NO. 41767

Of Attorneys for Personal Representative McCune, Godfrey, Emerick, & Broggel, Inc. P.S. 4500 9TH Ave. NE Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98105-4697 Tel: 206-632-0575 Fax 866-913-1905 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 23, 30 & August 6, 2025

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of, TERRI

LYNN BENISH, Deceased. NO. 25-402705-5 KNT PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

The above Court has appointed LAURA LYNN MATZ Personal Representative of Decedent’s estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must present the claim: (a) Before the time when the claim would be barred by any applicable statute of limitations, and (b) In the manner provided in RCW 11.40.070: (i) By filing the original of the claim with the foregoing Court, and (ii) By serving on or mailing to my attorney at the address below a copy of the claim. The claim must be presented by the later of: (a) Thirty (30) days after this Notice has been mailed or served as provided in RCW 11.40.020(1)(c), or (b)

Four (4) months after the date of first publication of this Notice. If the claim is not presented within this time period, the claim will be forever barred except as provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective for claims against both the Decedent’s probate and non-probate assets.

Date of First Publication of this Notice: July 16, 2025 Prepared By: W. TRACY CODD WSBN 16745 Attorney for Personal Representative P.O. Box 1238 Seahurst, WA. 98062-1238 (206) 248-6152 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 16, 23 & 30, 2025

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY IN PROBATE Estate of HENRY MAESTAS, Deceased. No. 25-4-04061-2SEA PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 THE CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES

NAMED BELOW has been appointed and have qualified as Co-Personal Representatives of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the co-personal representatives or the co-personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the co-personal representatives served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(3); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in section 11 of this act and RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: July 16, 2025 JOHN MICHAEL MAESTAS, Personal Representative CHRISTINE ANN MAESTAS, Personal Representative Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives: Cory A. McBride WSBA# 49714 Address for Mailing or Service: 4218 SW Andover Street Seattle, WA 98116 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 16, 23 & 30, 2025

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR SNOHOMISH COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of GARY W. LAURINE, Deceased. No. 25-4-00924-31 NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: July 9, 2025 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Gloria Laurine ATTORNEYS FOR PERSONALREPRESENTATIVE & ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE: Holly Shannon, WSBA #44957 Hunter Helms, WSBA #60066 Carson Law Group, PLLC 3113 Rockefeller Ave. Everett WA 98201 (425)493-5000 Published in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News July 9, 16 & 23, 2025

High pay, low test scores: WA teachers earn most when adjusted for cost of living

By Carleen Johnson The Center Square

Washington state ranks highest in the nation for adjusted pay among elementary, middle and high school teachers, according to USAFacts, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to the data, kindergarten teachers in Washington earned the highest median salary in 2024, at $87,530. In the Evergreen State, elementary school teachers earned a median salary of $99,320, middle school teachers earned a median salary of $99,150, and high school teachers earned a median salary of $99,640.

The median represents the middle point of a salary distribution.

By comparison, the 2024 median annual wage for pre-K-12 teachers in the U.S. is $63,000, based on estimates from the BLS.

Vicki Murray, director of the Center for Education at the free-market Washington Policy Center think tank, told The Center Square she has no problem with paying teachers a decent salary for the important work they do. However, she said student outcomes in Washington have been declining, even as teacher pay keeps climbing.

“We only look at how much we're putting in; we're not looking at what we're getting out, and that's where we have a problem,” she elaborated. “Unfortunately, a National Council on Teacher Quality report that came out this spring showed that elementary math preparation for Washington teachers statewide was among the lowest in the country. Most of them are not doing well, and that’s a real problem.”

Another NCTQ report from June 2023 assessed the performance of state-level programs in training instructors on how to teach children to read.

“Washington state’s programs did not fare well, ranking among the worst in the nation in providing qualified teachers for public schools,” according to WPC at the time.

“So, one of the things we have to do is tie pay to performance, and I know that gets very controversial, but there are ways to do it,” Murray

EDUCATION

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education and job training.

said. “Washington, D.C. had a great program where it was a combination of individual teacher bonus pay, but also group bonus pay. And it worked out very well, and teachers knew exactly what was expected of them, and it wasn't just cash for test scores. I mean, you had to look at where children were and improvement over time, so it was multiple measures.”

Murray said the academic performance of children should be first and foremost.

“I have no problem paying them money, but we should expect some standards,” she said. “We've divorced pay from performance, and that's where we get into trouble, with the adults getting paid six-figure salaries to do a job without good results. We would not tolerate that in any other aspect of our lives – from our healthcare providers, mechanics, from pilots … but somehow we seem to make excuses when it comes to our children's education.”

The Center Square contacted the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for comment about teacher pay in Washington and student achievement.

“Washington state has a highly qualified and experienced educator workforce. In the 2023-24 school year, 72.8% of teachers held a master’s degree or higher, and the average certificated experience of our teachers was 13.2 years. Additionally, Washington has 11,000 National Board Certified Teachers, the third highest cohort in the nation,” Sammi Payne, management analyst with OSPI’s executive services, said

According to Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Interim Communications Director Katie Rose, the withheld funding immediately impacts the state’s 34 community and technical colleges’ ability to serve over 33,000 students.

“Withholding these federal grants undermines students as they work on their high school diploma or GED, learn English, math, and digital literacy skills, and train for jobs,” Rose told The Center Square in an email.

Out of the $13.8 million, $11.4 million stems from the “Basic Grant,” which funds local programs of adult education and literacy services. Services funded through this grant include English language literacy, workplace literacy and workforce preparation, and integrated education and training.

in an email.

She continued: “Highly qualified and experienced educators deserve to be compensated well for their increasingly complex and critical work. Washington state has a low rate of teacher turnover compared to other states, which is central to our students’ success in school.”

During this year’s legislative sessions, House Republicans noted the contrast between teacher pay and student achievement.

“The state provides funding for over one million students at 295 school districts and 17 charter schools. School districts employ over 73,500 certificated instructors (including teachers), 46,000 classified employees, and over 5,000 administrators, making them one of the largest public employers in the state. Including state, local, and federal resources, school districts receive an average of $18,944 per student,” House Republicans observe on their education facts website.

Republicans say taxpayers aren’t getting enough bang for their buck.

“While the Legislature has spent years increasing funding to public schools, too many students have been left behind,” the website states. “Student performance on national test scores has been trending down over the last decade, and after extensive school closures, state test scores are at their lowest levels since the state assessment began. More than 60% of Washington students do not meet grade-level standards in math, and half do not meet grade-level standards in English language arts.”

The remaining $2.3 million comes from the Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education grant, which helps people learn the English language in a career pathway model. Rose said the board uses these funds to support students in programs like the Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training model in which students learn basic skills and get job-training or college-level instruction at the same time so they can quickly move into a living-wage job.

“Washington needs about 600,000 more people with training beyond high school to keep up with Washington state’s employers’ demand,” Rose said. “Basic Education for Adults helps meet that need, benefiting students and their families, Washington taxpayers, and employers.”

Washington’s K-12 schools have an estimated $137 million in frozen funds for the upcoming school year, according to the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

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