Sunday was the first day of Hanukkah

Shoreline College published the most beautiful menorah and sentiment for Hanukkah, which I am sharing here.

Hanukkah began on Sunday December 14, 2025. The candles are lit one a day until all are burning, representing the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days.

"As the candles shine bright this Hanukkah, we celebrate the light, joy and hope within our Shoreline community that guides us forward. 

"May this season inspire us to share kindness and bring light to others each and every day."

--Shoreline College

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Lake Forest Park for Peace 23-year Anniversary on December 13, 2025

LFP for Peace members gather at the corner of Bothell and Ballinger Way
on Saturdays from 11am to noon

Story and photos by Glen Milner

Over 35 members of Lake Forest Park for Peace gathered on Saturday, December 13, 2025 to mark their 23-year anniversary at the corner of Bothell Way NE (SR 522) and Ballinger Way NE (SR 104) where they have been assembled almost every Saturday from 11am to noon since 2002.

Lake Forest Park for Peace was formed on December 14, 2002 in opposition to the ongoing war in Afghanistan and the impending invasion of Iraq. Members have publicly demonstrated for peace on nearly 1,200 consecutive Saturdays as well as demonstrating at hundreds of other events. 

Members held a candlelight vigil for peace on the evening of March 20, 2003, when a driver stopped to inform them that the U.S. had just started its bombing campaign for the invasion of Iraq.

In March 2011, Lake Forest Park for Peace members donated a Peace Pole to the City of Lake Forest Park which marks a permanent call for peace at the Bothell Way NE and Ballinger Way NE street corner.

In 2019, the Washington Post released a six-part series, titled, The Afghanistan Papers, A secret history of the war, based upon court-released federal records. The 2,000 pages of interviews revealed that “senior U.S. officials failed to tell the truth about the war in Afghanistan throughout the 18-year campaign, making rosy pronouncements they knew to be false and hiding unmistakable evidence the war had become unwinnable.”

A June 2008 Senate Intelligence Committee report concluded, “…the Bush Administration led the nation into war under false pretenses” and “There is no question we all relied on flawed intelligence. But, there is a fundamental difference between relying on incorrect intelligence and deliberately painting a picture to the American people that you know is not fully accurate.”

The Iraq War (2003-2011) inflicted catastrophic human costs, killing between 405,000 and 650,000 people through direct violence and indirect effects like disease and infrastructure collapse. An estimated 176,000 to 241,000 died in the 20-year war in Afghanistan with similar catastrophic and long-lasting effects.

Combined, wars on Afghanistan (2001-2021) and Iraq (2003-2011) resulted in the deaths of 7,000 U.S. soldiers, and over 53,000 wounded. The wars left deep global and domestic impacts.

Members of LFP for Peace gather to protest war - currently war against Venezuela

Currently, the U.S. is ramping up a war against Venezuela. As with Afghanistan and Iraq, the threatened U.S. military pressure on Venezuela shares key buildup patterns with Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003), including rapid naval/air deployments, threat inflation, and regime-change goals masked as counter-terrorism.

Similarities between the Afghanistan and Iraq wars and now Venezuela began with initial small-scale actions—with special ops raids in Afghanistan against al-Qaeda, no-fly zone bombings in Iraq, and recent U.S. boat strikes (80+ killed) off Venezuela framed as anti-drug ops to test defenses and build legal cover.​

The surge in U.S. Forces and rhetoric with Venezuela is similar with U.S. naval vessels, 15,000+ personnel near Venezuela, F-35s in Puerto Rico, and CIA covert ops, echoing the action against Afghanistan and the buildup to the "Shock and Awe” campaign against Iraq.

Both wars in the Middle East, and now actions against Venezuela, prioritized toppling leaders (Taliban, Saddam, Maduro) via sanctions, ultimatums, and forward positioning—leading to operations expanding beyond initial goals, and creating conflicts that strain U.S. resources for decades.

The mission statement for Lake Forest Park for Peace reads, "Founded in 2002, we, the members of Lake Forest Park for Peace, stand united in our opposition to war, especially the policy of premeditative, preemptive, and preventative war as conducted by our government. We commit ourselves to nonviolent support of multilateral resolutions to conflict.”

Please join with us—every Saturday in Lake Forest Park from 11am to noon.

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Everyday Activists to continue demonstrations through January 2026

Even on a cold and windy day, upwards of thirty people showed up to remind motorists on Aurora of the need to stay vigilant against the cruel and illegal activities of the federal government under the current president.

New issues are drilling in the Arctic, threatening war with Venezuela, destroying boats in the Caribbean without checking to see whether they were carrying drugs or fish, and murdering the sailors instead of bringing them to to face legal charges.

Protesters gather at N 205th by Aurora Village.

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Physical Poetry hip-hop showcase January 9-10, 2026 - tickets on sale now

Physical Poetry is a dance showcase fundraiser that brings together dance groups and choreographers of various styles, ages, and backgrounds from the greater Seattle area to perform for the Shoreline community. 

All proceeds from the event go towards supporting the Shorecrest Hip Hop program.

PHYSICAL POETRY
JANUARY 9-10, 2026
Shorecrest Performing Arts Center

• 7:30pm Evening (Friday & Saturday)
• 3:30pm Matinee (Saturday Only)

TICKETS:

• $20 General Public (Advance Purchase @ linktr.ee/shorecresthiphop)
• $15 Ages 3 to 18
• $25 at the Door

**This event tends to sell out, tickets at the door may be limited or not available**

NOTES:

• General Seating - Seating opens 45mins before show
• Children 3 and over require a ticket
• Lap children that are 2 years or younger are accepted with paying adult
• Any questions can be emailed to info.schh@gmail.com

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Shoreline council to talk trees and traffic

The Firlands giant sequoia at 185th and Aurora stands over the old Bank of America property. Shoreline has twice passed emergency ordinances to block the removal of the tree
Photo by Oliver J Moffat

By Oliver J Moffat

The Shoreline city council will be voting on tree preservation rules and discussing traffic safety at the Monday, December 15 meeting.

On the last city council meeting of 2024, the council will have a packed agenda including protecting the Firlands giant sequoia (again), axing Hazardous tree removal fees (again), expanding critical areas, and discussing the Annual Traffic Report.

First up on the agenda: the Shoreline city council will (for the third time) hold a public hearing about preventing the removal of the Firlands Way giant sequoia.

As previously reported, the Shoreline city council has enacted temporary ordinances to block chopping down big trees in the neighborhood where the Firlands sequoia is located right next to the long vacant building where the old Bank of America used to be at 185th and Aurora.

It is indisputably a big, beautiful tree. But despite what some have claimed, the Firlands giant sequoia is not an old growth tree. Giant sequoias (as their name suggests) get really big really fast and live for a very long time. According to public comments from the property owner and a review of historic photos, the tree is likely less than 80 years old.

The property has been for sale for over a year, but instead of buying the land to protect the tree, the city council has instead made it illegal to chop the tree down. The property owner says the tree is damaging the building.

The tree removal ban is a temporary ordinance, must be renewed every six months, and was last renewed in July earlier this year.

Next on the agenda: the council will vote whether or not to ax the city's towering removal fees for hazardous trees.

Earlier this year, the city Council slapped a removal fee on big tree choppers that could reach up to $15,000. The council subsequently chopped big tree felling fees down a few months later to $3,325 but those fees still tower over neighboring cities.

The fees currently apply even if a big tree is dead, diseased and a hazard; which can be a burden on property owners worried about having their home damaged by the hazardous tree in their backyard.

Next on the agenda, the city council will vote to expand the city's critical areas.

A map from the city of Shoreline shows the 446 properties newly impacted by the city’s expanded riparian buffer zones. Many of the streams are underground and property owners may not be aware that the new regulations apply to them.

As previously reported, a proposed Critical Areas Ordinance will increase the buffer widths near streams to 200 feet. Currently, the city stream buffers range from 45 to 150 feet.

According to a map posted to the city’s website, the new 200-foot buffer will impact 446 more properties. There are currently 4,304 regulated properties citywide.

Expanding lawns, herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, planting invasive species, construction, clearing, grading, draining, filling, dumping, demolition, and installation of utilities are prohibited within a stream buffer critical area. 

And property owners within a Critical Area will need special permits to build new structures.

According to city staff, these changes are required by new state guidelines.

Last, but not least, the council will review the Annual Traffic Report covering data for 2024.

As reported earlier, the number of cyclists hit by drivers in Shoreline hit an all time high in 2024. According to the report, the total number of car crashes increased in 2024 compared to 2023 but Fatal and Serious Injury (FSI) Crashes dropped in 2024 to 8 crashes from a record high 17 crashes in 2023.

Information on how to attend city council meetings and provide public comment is available on the city’s website.

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Registration for Hang Time at both Kellogg and Einstein Middle School opens December 16, 2025

Registration for Hang Time at both Kellogg and Einstein Middle School opens online on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 8am.

Hang Time is run by City of Shoreline Recreation and includes a variety of afterschool clubs and activities every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday after school.

Registration for this program is required and assures youth can attend Hang Time from January through the end of the school year.

More information can be found on our website at shorelinewa.gov/teens under “Hang Time”

Register for Hang Time HERE

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Don’t Go Without Coverage: Understanding Health Insurance in Washington

Photo by Online Marketing on Unsplash

By Jordan Strobeck, Director,

Community Engagement and Growth, 

Community Health Plan of Washington

Uncertainty surrounding the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) can make it feel overwhelming to make an informed decision about health insurance right now. 

The stakes are real: a recent poll from KFF suggests that 1 in 4 people who buy coverage through the ACA marketplaces would go without insurance next year if premiums (your regular or monthly payments) double—a possibility for some if Congress doesn’t act.

That’s not just a policy headline; it’s a human one. 

• It’s a person delaying a needed knee replacement because the deductible (what you pay up front) feels impossible. 
• It’s someone living with daily chronic pain when surgery would help, but “waiting it out” because the monthly cost (your premium) for insurance suddenly skyrocketed without federal help. 
• When coverage slips out of reach, people don’t stop needing care, they just stop seeking it. 

In moments like these, understanding what health insurance is and how it works becomes even more important. The basics can help you sort through the “noise,” know your options, and make choices that protect both your health and budget, regardless of what happens next at the federal level.

At its core, health insurance protects you from the financial burden of paying for medical care out of pocket. A single emergency room visit without insurance can easily cost $2,400. Insurance helps by sharing those costs with you. Instead of paying the full bill on your own, you pay a portion of it. Your insurance company then helps cover the remaining costs.

When you have health insurance coverage, many kinds of doctor visits are covered so you can receive regular checkups, screenings, and other preventive care that can catch health problems early, before they become serious or costly. 

And building a relationship with the same doctor means you’re able to get help managing your health in a consistent way. That kind of care is harder to receive without the benefit of insurance as many people who have to pay the full cost themselves delay seeing a doctor, or see whoever is on duty at an urgent care or emergency room.

In Washington state, there are several ways to access health insurance. 

• More than half of residents are covered through an employer, a spouse, or a domestic partner.
• Roughly 300,000 people, purchase plans directly from an insurance company or through Washington Healthplanfinder, the state’s online marketplace. 
• There are those who qualify for publicly funded health care coverage. 
• If you’re older or have certain health conditions, you may qualify for Medicare, which covers approximately 1.5 million Washington residents. 

If your income is lower, you may qualify for Apple Health (Medicaid), which serves nearly 2 million people statewide.

• Apple Health (Medicaid): Free or low-cost coverage if you meet income or eligibility rules, including low income, pregnancy/recent birth, under age 19, or living with a disability.
• Medicare: Coverage for people ages 65 and over, or under 65 years with a disability, or any age with end-stage renal disease; requires U.S. citizenship or 5 years or more of legal residency.
• Cascade Care (Healthplanfinder): Marketplace plans for those who don’t qualify for Apple Health, with free preventive care, more services covered before the deductible, and predictable costs. 
• Cascade Select remains available in 2026 for eligible incomes; federal savings depend on immigration status.

Most importantly, health insurance helps you stay healthy, connected to care, and avoid financial surprises. If you aren’t set up with coverage yet, act soon. 

While you can sign up for Medicaid year-round if you qualify, and Medicare if you have an available election period, Cascade Select enrollment through the marketplace is happening now through December 15, for coverage starting January 1. 

For marketplace plans, enroll by January 15 for coverage starting February 1.

Behind every enrollment deadline is a real person, someone who deserves care without risking their financial stability.

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Shoreline Regional Fire Authority supports Public Safety amid historic Western WA flood emergency

Western Washington - Local fire agencies are actively supporting public safety operations as King, Snohomish, and Skagit counties contend with historic flooding and life-threatening conditions. 

Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a State of Emergency and activated additional state resources, including coordination through the Washington Emergency Management Division.

Hundreds of thousands of residents are at risk. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations are underway, especially in Skagit County, and more evacuation orders are anticipated as rivers continue to rise.

Current Response Actions

• Fire agencies are deployed for river and flood rescues, supporting county emergency operations centers, and public safety notifications.
• Local, county, and state partners are reinforcing flood control infrastructure, operating river gauge and warning systems, and coordinating shelter operations.
• Community partners, including the American Red Cross Northwest Region, are providing shelter and disaster assistance.
• Public Information Officers are providing time-sensitive, critical safety information.

Public Safety and Preparedness Guidance

• Flood map & risk resources:
• FEMA flood risk maps: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home
• If you are experiencing flooding:
• Contact your local fire department non-emergency number, or 911 for immediate danger.
• American Red Cross Northwest Region (shelters & support): 1-800-733-2767 or https://www.redcross.org/local/washington/get-help.html
• Safety reminders:
• Never drive through flooded roadways—six inches of moving water can sweep a person off their feet.
• Heed all official evacuation orders without delay.

For updates, visit your county emergency management page:

• King County: https://kcemergency.com
• Snohomish County: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/180/Emergency-Management.

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WeatherWatcher: Another Wind Advisory is in effect; Heavy rainfall last week but not in Shoreline

Radar image of rainfall December 9th, 2025 at 8:11 PM PST
showing the Olympic Mountain Rain Shadow

Another atmospheric river is moving in overnight Sunday into Monday morning, bringing with it another wind advisory and more flooding to local rivers. Winds this time are expected to gust between 45mph and 55mph, especially just north of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park.

From the National Weather Service in Seattle:

Updated: Sun, Dec 14, 2025, 3:47:54 PM PST

Wind advisory remains in effect from 10 PM this evening to 10 PM PST Monday.

• What: South winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts 45 to 55 mph expected.
• Where: Portions of northwest and west central Washington.
• When: Overnight Sunday to 10pm PST Monday.
• Impacts: Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
• Additional Details: Due to saturated grounds from previous heavy rain, expect more widespread impacts with these winds.

Precautionary/Preparedness actions:

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicles. Secure outdoor objects. Secure outdoor objects.

Forecast: More rain is on the way, between about a quarter inch to a half inch overnight into Monday morning. Monday is expecting another quarter to a half inch of rain, putting us between a half inch and 1 inch of rainfall over the next 24 hours. Temperatures are expected to be very warm as well, with a high temperature near 60°F on Monday. South winds 15 to 30 mph gusting up to 45-55mph.

Breezy conditions continue Tuesday and pick up a bit more Tuesday night with gusts to 30mph. More rain is expected Tuesday as well. Rain is in the forecast for every day this week and through next weekend. Temperatures will trend downwards as the week progresses, however.

High temperatures on Wednesday are coming down to the mid to upper 40's. Thursday's high temperature is expected to be near 50°F, and then Friday through the weekend temperatures are coming down to the low to mid 40's. Mountain snow is expected to return to rebuild that lost snowpack from last week's storms.

Last week's highlights:

• High Temperature: 56.7°F (Wednesday)
• Low Temperature: 45.3°F (tied with Thursday and Friday mornings)
• Rainiest day: 0.61 inches (Monday)
• Total rainfall: 1.29 inches
• Average temperature: 49.3°F (10°F above normal)

Rainfall accumulation compared to average at the Echo Lake / North ridge weather station

We totaled the week out at 1.29 inches of rain, bringing the month to date total to 2.00 inches of rain, just shy of our 2.17 normal for this point in the month. We've benefited from an impressively strong Olympic Mountain rain shadow this past week which spared us from the worst of the atmospheric rivers. The rest of the region got between 3-12 inches of rainfall.

Daily high and low temperatures compared to average at the Echo Lake / North ridge weather station

Temperatures were far above average, which is typical during atmospheric river events in Western Washington. Our low temperatures were averaging above our normal high temperatures for this time of year. Longer range forecasts are hinting at some even cooler weather towards the end of the month and year.

www.shorelineweather.com

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Travels with Charlie: Stormy Weather Along Lake Washington

Between storms at Lake Washington
Photo by Gordon Snyder

Stormy weather along Lake Washington always looks better when you’re outside in it.

Nice afternoon walk with Charlie along Lake Washington. Perfect timing between storms.

Try to get outside. You can feel storms in your face…

Cheers,
Gordon Snyder

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Op-Ed: Support the Shoreline Historical Museum as we take the next steps into our future

In Gratitude Event at the Museum featuring a special ukulele performance by Ken Doutt!

To all of our friends of the Museum,

The footsteps of history start here in a rustic little red house hidden in plain sight at 185th and Linden Avenue N. Within these walls, gems of the past reside, and growth continues. The recently unveiled artifacts whisper the mastery of crafts from generations gone by. The Miyawaki Forest is alive with the sounds of life. From the gentle hum of a bee to the lively song of a bird, the forest has become their home.

The Shoreline Historical Museum, sustained by an energetic and visionary community, lives and thrives in collecting the stories and wisdom of the past as well as preserving the footsteps of today for future generations.

This year, with your support, we took many steps into that future.

We reached three crucial milestones for our King Conservation District funded Miyawaki Forest Project:

• The ADA pathway completed
• Weatherproof interpretative panels
• Informational Kiosk

Now we are only one year out for a self-sustaining Miyawaki Forest to give back to the Earth and reduce our carbon footprint!

A substantial portion of our collection has been successfully rehoused in order to promote research access and future exhibit development.

With the departure of Kenneth Doutt, our former Director and Robby Grillo, our Collections Manager, assuming the role of Director, our staff is now reduced to one. With your support, we will continue to expand our team in order to achieve the goals of a holistic and inclusive history for the communities we serve.

Join and support us with your donations as we take the next steps into our future together.

Join the museum

With gratitude,

Armand Micheline
President, Board of Trustees

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Protests continue at N 205th; Alphabet Resistance on NE 50th overpass

Protesters continue to gather on Aurora at N 205th every Sunday from 1 - 2 pm. The weather has cooperated and participants are gaining energy from the hundreds of supportive motorists driving by. 

They are scheduled to continue through the end of December 2025.

Meanwhile, the Alphabet Resistance is gathering steam with more people and more signs than ever. They stage their Saturday protests on the NE 50th Street freeway overpass. 

Their large signs are visible to thousand of approaching motorists. Individuals hold smaller signs for the motorists crossing on the overpass.

Their theme this week was the behavior of ICE agents. 'In this holiday season our thoughts turn to the most vulnerable. Today our thoughts went to those persecuted by ICE."

Photos courtesy Alphabet Resistance.

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Bike crashes hit record highs in Shoreline

Pedestrian and bicycle crashes account for 40% of fatal and serious injuries

By Oliver J Moffat

Bike crashes hit an all-time high in Shoreline last year. Total car crashes increased too, but the number of Fatal and Serious Injury declined.

The city of Shoreline released its Annual Traffic Report covering data for 2024 and the city council will talk about it on Monday, December 15, 2025.

Fatal and Serious Injury (FSI) collisions 2024

According to the report, the total number of car crashes increased in 2024 compared to 2023 but Fatal and Serious Injury (FSI) Crashes dropped in 2024 to 8 crashes from a record high 17 crashes in 2023.

Drivers hit three fewer pedestrians last year, down slightly from a record-high of 23 pedestrian collisions to 20 in 2024.

Drivers hitting bicyclists reached an all time record in 2024. There were 15 car crashes involving a bike rider in 2024. In comparison, there were 4 bike riders hit by drivers in 2008.

For obvious reasons, when a driver hits a pedestrian or bicyclist, the non-drivers is more likely to be killed or seriously injured. 

Although pedestrians and bicyclists were involved in only 5% of total crashes, they accounted for 40% of all fatal and serious injury crashes over the past ten years, according to the traffic report.

The Traffic Report also includes data on which roads have the worst speeding and which intersections had the worst crashes. Speeding is a particular problem on 175th street.

Streets with persistent speeding violations

Earlier this year, the city said over 1,000 drivers per day violate the speed limit in front of Meridian Park Elementary while children are present and the 20 mph school zone lights are flashing.

Twenty five years ago, the state adopted a “Target Zero” goal to achieve zero fatal and serious injury crashes by the year 2030. Shoreline has yet to adopt a Target Zero goal.

The city council approved $395,000 in the current budget for the city’s Traffic Safety Improvement Program. In comparison, the city council recently spent $234,048 for the ShoreLights winter light display along Aurora Ave near city hall.

You can read the Shoreline 2024 Annual Traffic Report and provide public comment to the city council on the city’s website.

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King County Housing Repair program for low and moderate income homeowners

The King County Housing Repair program provides assistance to low and moderate-income homeowners, as well as renters with disabilities, in most parts of King County. 

Call Housing Repair at 206-263-9095 or visit the Program online at Housing Repair Program - King County, Washington to learn more about the process, how to access services, and eligibility criteria.

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North Helpline awarded $650,000 from King County to renovate Bitter Lake Food Bank

The blueprint for our updated Bitter Lake floor plan

From North Helpline

We are thrilled to announce that North Helpline has been awarded $650,000 from King County to renovate our Bitter Lake food bank. 

This transformative investment, championed by Councilmembers Rod Dembowski and Jorge L. Barón, will be included in the County’s 2026 budget, allowing us to update our Bitter Lake floor plan and expand storage capacity. 

Visits to Bitter Lake have doubled over the last two years, and with this added space we anticipate serving twice as many neighbors each week while offering a wider variety of food options.

These renovations will make service expansion at Bitter Lake possible. 

Increasing on-site storage will reduce the amount of food we have to move between sites and reduce time spent restocking supplies during each Bitter Lake distribution. 

By reinvesting this capacity back into our operations, we anticipate being able to add a second weekly distribution with minimal added cost. 

This is particularly urgent during a time when we are serving more neighbors than ever due to increased living costs and recent SNAP cuts. Altogether, our goal is to host over 10,000 additional food bank visits each year, doubling our capacity at Bitter Lake and significantly expanding North Helpline’s reach.

North Helpline has operated our Bitter Lake food bank since 2017, when we took over the site from Volunteers of America Western Washington. As part of our 3-year strategic plan launched in 2023, we decided to focus on increasing capacity and dignity of choice at our food banks, with Bitter Lake as pilot site for future upgrades at Lake City. 

In 2024, we worked with architects at Perkins Will and DPR Construction to draw up renovation plans and obtain cost-estimates. Renovations to Bitter Lake will likely be completed within a month of breaking ground, and we anticipate that county funding will cover 100% of the cost.

This is a major milestone for our organization and the North Seattle community; we are deeply grateful to King County for making this growth possible at such a critical moment.

You can donate to the Bitter Lake Food Bank here.

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Boeing 737 off into the sunset

Photo by Barbara Twaddell

This was a flight from Paine Field to Phoenix. I wonder what the sky looked like from their view

--Barbara Twaddell

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The Perfect Shoreline Holiday Weekend: A Local Guide to Festive Fun

By Kate Ledbetter, www.DestinationShoreline.com

The Perfect Shoreline Holiday Weekend: A Local Guide to Festive Fun

The holiday season in Shoreline is officially in full swing, and there’s no better time to enjoy the lights, flavors, and small-business charm that make our community shine. 

Destination Shoreline has curated a weekend itinerary celebrating local favorites, family-friendly events, and the unmistakable warmth of the season.

Whether you’re looking for festive outings, unique shopping stops, or cozy food and drink recommendations, this three-day guide highlights some of the best ways to experience Shoreline during the holidays.

Saturday: Local Shopping, Cozy Stops & ShoreLights Porch Parade

Spend your Saturday supporting local artists and makers at the Salvation Artist Collective, where you’ll find handcrafted gifts, original artwork, and plenty of creative holiday spirit. After shopping, stop into Café Aroma for a relaxing afternoon coffee or tea.

Book lovers can head to Ridgecrest Books to browse used and new titles — a perfect spot to pick up a gift or discover your next read. 

In the evening, continue the festivities with a self-guided tour of the ShoreLights Porch Parade, where neighborhoods across Shoreline showcase whimsical, colorful, and beautifully decorated holiday displays.

Sunday: Brunch, Browsing & Live Jazz

Start your Sunday with brunch at Blackbird Café & Bar, a local staple known for its comforting menu and welcoming atmosphere. Then, enjoy a leisurely holiday shopping trip through Sky Nursery, where decorated trees, seasonal plants, and festive displays make for a memorable outing.

For an afternoon pick-me-up, stop by Mustache Milk Tea, before heading to Thai Bistro for an early dinner filled with local favorites. Wrap up the weekend at Darrell’s Tavern, where live jazz brings a classic Shoreline touch to a cozy winter night.

Celebrate Local, Support Community

This weekend itinerary highlights just a snapshot of the holiday magic happening across Shoreline. As you explore, you’ll find countless opportunities to support local businesses, connect with neighbors, and enjoy the unique charm that defines our community.

For even more holiday events, activities, and small-business spotlights, visit: www.DestinationShoreline.com

Destination Shoreline is brought to you by Kate Ledbetter, Real Estate Broker with Windermere Real Estate/Shoreline, Front Door Creative, Success Minded Leader, Bri Crow Creative

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Shoreline receives $4.4 million EPA grant to establish Shoreline Reuse Center

The goal is to reduce what is thrown away.
Tipping floor at Shoreline Transfer Station. Mural by Carol dePelecyn.
Terra Firma 2008 (Photo courtesy King County)

On December 11, 2025, the EPA announced that the City of Shoreline would receive a Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant. The grant, in the amount of $4.4 million, will allow the City to establish the Shoreline Reuse Center.

“We are honored that Shoreline’s proposal was selected in such a competitive national grant process. The Shoreline Reuse Center will empower our community to reduce waste, extend the life of everyday goods, and build on our culture of reuse and repair,” said Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts.

“We’re proud to be leading the way in creating innovative solutions that benefit both our environment and our residents. We are grateful for Representative Jayapal’s help in making this grant a reality for Shoreline.”

The Shoreline Reuse Center will be a one-stop community resource for residents and businesses to responsibly buy, donate, repair, and repurpose goods. The City is designing the project to inspire innovative waste-reduction solutions and expand community access to reuse services.

The Shoreline Reuse Center will co-locate several key functions, including:

• a salvaged building-materials collection and resale space
• a tool library
• community bike shop offering used bicycle sales and repair services
• space for local reuse and repair organizations to provide additional waste-reduction programs

This project directly advances implementation of the Shoreline Climate Action Plan, supporting the City’s goals to reduce emissions, increase access to recycling and reuse services, and decrease per-capita waste generation.

The selection of Shoreline for this grant is especially notable given how competitive it was nationally. 

Three hundred and seven local governments across the United States submitted applications requesting approximately $1.072 billion in total funding. The EPA selected only 17 applicants, awarding approximately $58 million overall, which represents about 5% of the total funding requested.

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Are you Connected? FCC-Licensed Radio Operators still needed for Shoreline neighborhoods

Congratulations!!! After just one request, (see previous article) primary BE THE CONNECTION positions have been filled for Ballinger, Briarcrest, Hillwood, Highland Terrace, North City, Parkwood, Richmond Beach, Richmond Highlands, and Ridgecrest neighborhoods. All backup, secondary BE THE CONNECTION positions remain open for these neighborhoods.

Primary AND secondary BE THE CONNECTION positions still unfilled in Echo Lake, Highlands, Innis Arden, Crista, Meridian Park leaving these neighborhoods unconnected. 

Which leaves the following question unanswered: ”Who do you call when 911 does not answer?”

We Shoreliners have it all! Paradise AND: Ice storms! Snowstorms! Windstorms! Earthquakes! Tsunamis! Volcanos. And they all mean the same……

• No power. No heat. No gas. No water. No cell. No 911.
• No cash machines. No groceries. No Internet. No fun.

Stay connected! Stay informed! Stay safe!

Be the CONNECTION in your neighborhood.

How to get CONNECTED? 

Check in periodically on your schedule on Mondays, 7:30pm (1930), 442.825 (103.5), to make sure you and your radio are still working & ready!

If you are overly busy but have a little room on your schedule like many of us, put the ‘check in’ on your calendar right now. Make it a healthy habit. It is like brushing your teeth.

Each of Shoreline’s Neighborhoods needs several FCC-licensed radio operators to report conditions during storms, outages, and loss of cell service or in the wake of the Big One! 

Put that hard earned license and radio to work on your terms for you, your family, and your community.

Requirements:

• FCC amateur radio license
• Operate from home
• Report neighborhood conditions (fires, injuries, flooding, wind or ice damage, loss of power, water, gas, cell service, Internet, etc)
• Receive and provide relief information; where is the water, food, and shelter.
• Monitor 442.825 MHz, T 103.5 during incidents for the latest information
• Check in periodically on Mondays, 442.825 (103.5), 7:30pm, to make sure you and your radio are still working & are ready! If you are serious, put it on your calendar right now.

Successful applicants will:

• Get prepared.
• Report neighborhood conditions during & after emergencies
• Keep neighborhood fully informed of relief supplies (water, food, shelter) distribution times & locations
• Strengthen community resilience
• Be the trusted voice when systems fail
• BE THE CONNECTION!

Email for more information: shorelineacs@gmail.com

Check this webpage

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Grief Share: Surviving the Holidays After a Loved One’s Death

Starburst in the Evening Sky
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

Experiencing the loss of a loved one can be one of the most challenging times in life. Grief is a deeply personal and often isolating experience, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

Regardless of whether you lost a loved one recently or some time ago, there is a continuing feeling of loneliness, especially during the Christmas season.

If you're navigating through grief after losing someone dear, consider attending this special, one-time seminar in Shoreline on Sunday, December 14, 2025. 

All are welcome. This seminar will be held from 1:00 to 3:00pm.

The informal seminar includes experiences from other people who have experienced the holidays after their loved one’s death and who offer practical suggestions and reassurance.

These people share honestly about:

• Being prepared for the surprising emotions that may hit over the holidays.
• What to do about traditions and other coming changes.
• How to handle holiday parties and invitations.
• How to survive potentially awkward moments with other people.
• Where to find comfort, strength, and hope in a seemingly hopeless time.

It is offered by a local Grief Share chapter, which is part of an international organization whose primary focus is helping those who may be grieving during the Holidays. Grief Share also has a series of get-togethers to help throughout the year.

“We have found that, besides even the materials used to help us in our grief journey, just being with others who have also experienced what we each have is helpful as we support each other in our grief journey”, stated Sherwood Sage, one of the group leaders.“

For more information, contact Sherwood Sage at 206-920-8933. There is no cost unless one wants to buy the book dealing with grief at this time of year, which goes with the seminar for only $12.00. Books will be available at the seminar. 

Registration is also recommended. Reserve a place here  Registration is not required, but it helps plan seating arrangements.

This seminar and other Grief Share meetings are hosted at the Berean Bible Church located at 2345 North 185th Street, Shoreline WA 98133, at the corner of 1st Avenue NE and North 185th Street.

Anyone in the community is welcome to attend this seminar and any of the other meetings throughout the year.

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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: High Tech Santa

 

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter here

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Shorewood Boys Wrestling goes up 3-0 on the season

Story and photos by Trish Norton

An exciting 41-39 finish at Jackson High School put Shorewood up 3-0 on their dual meet season in 2025. 

They kicked off their season on Thursday December 5, 2025 hosting Cascade High School. Shorewood put up 62 points against the Bruins, including nine wins by pin.

An Tran pins Kamiak’s Ridha Alnaiema 

Shorewood traveled to Jackson on Tuesday December 9 to take on Jackson and Kamiak in a double dual. 

“We didn’t get as many quick pins against Kamiak [as we did against Cascade], but we wrestled patiently, waited for opportunities, and then capitalized on them,” said coach Derek Norton. 

Four of Shorewood’s seven pins came in late in the match as the Stormrays showed patience and stamina. Overall Shorewood finished the match with two technical falls, seven pins and a decision to end the match on top of Kamiak 55-24.

Eli Jeppsen prepares for a restart with Jackson’s Isaiah Van Diest

In the Jackson match things were much closer. “Jackson was scrappy,” said Norton. 

Shorewood fell behind with four straight losses as things kicked off. Despite two forfeits awarding Shorewood 12 points, the Stormrays still needed a perfect second half of the match to overcome the deficit created by the early losses and upcoming forfeits. 

Shorewood answered the call with four straight pins and a tech fall to finish the match, final score 41-39.

Next the Stormrays take on Marysville-Getchell @ Marysville-Getchell. The next home meet for Shorewood is the Shorewood Invitational on Saturday December 20th, starting at 9:30am.

Stormray Kai Graham sets up a pin on Jackson’s Tony Guizar

Box Score Shorewood v. Cascade 62-18

106 FF (SW) Saeed Raman
113 Emi Olivera (SW) pin Preston Chao (1:27)
120 Alex Boe-Flores (Cas) pin Derek Norton (1:15)
126 Easten Edens (SW) pin Matthew Osbjornsen (1:16)
132 Matbeal Dinka (SW) pin Ryan Nhim (:18)
138 Yaphet Habtom (SW) FF
144 Jamie Le (Cas) pin Max Eaglehead (3:52)
150 John Pernia (SW) pin Adam McPherson (1:11)
157 Eli Jeppsen (SW) pin Nour Quandeel (:57)
165 Maximus Uchkum (SW) decision Matthew Barclay (7-1)
175 Kai Graham tech fall Jaden Phan (20-3)
190 Lukas Probizanski (SW) pin Eli Higginson (1:51)
215 Babou Cham (SW) pin Johnny Coxcahua (1:20)
285 Noah Eaglehead (SW) pin Vincent Cho (1:16)

Max Uchkun pins Kamiak’s Jaiden Yoon

Box Score Shorewood v. Kamiak 55-24

106 FF (SW) Monte Bessin
113 Ben Norton (SW) pin Tony Ordonez (:39)
120 Easten Edens (SW) tech fall Andrew Do (16-0)
126 Nelson Topher (KAM) pin Justin Widyana (1:16)
132 Matbeal Dinka (SW) pin Micah Arceo (5:15)
138 An Tran (SW) pin Ridha Alnaiema (4:42)
144 Nicky Huff (KAM) pin Max Eaglehead (1:20)
150 Eoin Ritter (SW) pin Nicholas Nunez (4:02)
157 Eli Jeppsen (SW) pin Max Debolt (1:59)
165 Max Uchkum (SW) pin Jaiden Yoon (3:40)
175 Kai Graham tech fall Ian Park (17-2)
190 Lukas Probizanski (SW) pin Kibeom Kwon (1:57)
215 Babou Cham (SW) decision Ethan Pablo (7-1)
285 Daniel Titarchuk (KAM) medical default Noah Eaglehead

  Lukas Probizanski (SW) pins Jackson's Carson Gilbert

Box Score Shorewood v. Jackson 41-39

113 Jaden Nguyen (JACK) tech fall Ben Norton (18-3)
120 Easten Edens (SW) FF
126 Talon Pyle (JACK) FF
132 MatBeal Dinka (SW) FF
138 Casey Peterson (JACK) major decision An Tran (10-0)
144 Ryan Lee (JACK) pin Max Eaglehead (2:56)
150 Westen Moore (JACK) pin Eoin Ritter (5:27)
157 Eli Jeppsen (SW) pin Isaiah Van Diest (1:49)
165 Max Uchkum (SW) pin Connor Carrillo (:49)
175 Kai Graham pin Tony Guizar (5:22)
190 Lukas Probizanski (SW) pin Carson Gilbert (1:14)
215 Babou Cham (SW) tech fall Elias Griffin (15-0)
285 Connor Woods (JACK) FF
106 Caden Nakajima (JACK) FF

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Canopy Cat Rescue gets Sabrina out of a tree in Lake Forest Park

Sabrina was rescued from a tree in her yard in Lake Forest Park
Photo courtesy Canopy Cat Rescue

Canopy Cat Rescue climbs trees to rescue cats. They retrieve hundreds every year, from all over the state. Call them at 1-877-721-MEOW when in need.

CCR does night rescues, with the one caveat being that it is a super-friendly cat. Otherwise, they say it’s best to wait till daylight.

They just published a compilation of seven cats that they "had the opportunity to meet in a tree at night over the last few months."

One was a local.

Sabrina, a calico kitten from Lake Forest Park, climbed a big cypress next to her house. The lighting for her photo was perfect!

CCR goes all over the state to rescue kitties, who notoriously can climb up - but not down.

They are arborists by trade, so they do spend a lot of time in trees. They do not charge for their rescue services but do accept tax-deductible donations.

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Shoreline Fire standing by for flood emergency response

A sampling of flood events from Snohomish county, south King county, and east.

King, Snohomish & Skagit counties are experiencing record flooding. Evacuation orders are still in effect and more may follow. State and local responders, including Shoreline Fire, are fully activated to protect lives and property.

Some rivers are starting to recede but more weather may be on the way as more storms are expected starting on Sunday through Tuesday.

Central Puget Sound, including Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, is still in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, but areas north, east, and south of us are experiencing extreme water-related problems.

The mountain passes keep closing as landslides wash across the road - and take out sections of the road.

The Cedar River in Renton was so high it was hitting bridges. It is carrying logs and debris.

Ebey floodplain in Everett is being evacuated.

Towns on the Skagit flood plain are advised to evacuate. Mount Vernon, Burlington, La Conner, Edison, Conway and Stanwood were evacuated for fear of dam failure.

Leavenworth has no power.

16 rivers are expected to overflow their banks.

The town of Duvall is cut off with water over the road both north and south.

Helicopters and marine rescue are saving people who are stranded on submerged cars and isolated by flood waters.

And that's just a sampling.

Flood Risk Map:

• Find official FEMA flood maps & risk zones here
  

Does someone you know need help or shelter due to flooding?

• American Red Cross Northwest Region (disaster relief & shelter info): 1-800-733-2767 or visit https://www.redcross.org/local/washington/get-help.html

Safety Reminder: Do NOT drive through floodwaters—Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

Stay safe and tuned to local emergency channels for updates.

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Bushtits Alert

Bushtits captured on camera

Story and photo by Colleen Weum

About the same time each day a flock of about 2-3 dozen teeny tiny Bushtits make their way to one of the backyard feeders. 

They are barely bigger than a cotton ball, weighing about a quarter of an ounce! But, what they lack in size they make up for in cuteness. 

How can you not smile when you see them darting on and off the feeders. But, if you blink, you could miss them. Off they go to their next yard and feeders. 

Hard to get anything but a blurry picture when you grab your cell phone and aim at quick moving itty bittys. They are a cheerful sight brightening the dreary day.

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Theater Review: Chaos, Comedy, and Capitalism - A joyfully unruly “They Don’t Pay! We Won’t Pay!”

They Won’t Pay? We Won’t Pay! (New adaptation)

By Dario Fo

Adapted by Deborah McAndrew

Directed by Brad Wrenn

Venue: Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse

4045 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

Performances: Friday and Saturday December 12-13, 2025 at 7:30pm

Purchase tickets here

Theatre Review by Kindle Carpp

Dario Fo’s classic Italian political comedy may be more than forty years old, but in Deborah McAndrew’s lively adaptation, They Don’t Pay! We Won’t Pay! feels utterly—and hilariously—of the moment. 

The production thrives on sharp wit, breakneck pacing, and a generous dose of fourth-wall mischief, creating an atmosphere where chaos is not only welcome but expected.

The full cast of the UW Drama production of 
They Don’t Pay! We Won’t Pay!

The first half is focused largely on fallout from a spontaneous supermarket uprising. Anthea (Eloise Maguire), unemployed and struggling to make ends meet, fills her bags full of food. Anthea wrangles her neighbor Maggie into the increasingly convoluted effort to hide the haul. 

With the police going door-to-door in search of the supermarket thieves, Maggie’s inventive attempts to hide the pilfered goods cause increasing levels of chaos.

The second half races ahead with equal energy—perhaps even more. From a fake “hidden pregnancy” to a 1974 Italian ambulance, the plot veers gleefully off the rails in ways that heighten the absurdity without ever losing its charm. 

McAndrew’s adaptation keeps Fo’s political backbone intact while infusing the story with contemporary rhythms, sharp dialogue, and a buoyant silliness that keeps the audience laughing throughout.

Cast chaos - planned and unplanned - adds to the hilarity

Even the unscripted moments add to the fun. A rogue crockpot leaps from a cabinet, a tote bag entangles itself in Anthea’s hair, and an audience-participation bit goes suddenly awry—yet the cast rolls with every surprise. 

Their quick recovery not only keeps the story moving but showcases the resilience and flexibility of this young ensemble.

Eloise Maguire brings a wonderfully unhinged imagination to Anthea while grounding her desperation in reality. She balances humor with hardship, giving the character depth beneath the absurdity. 

Osaze Asuen’s Maggie, meanwhile, is more than a foil; with impeccable “yes-and” instincts and a gentle bemused smile, she becomes the audience’s representative in a world rapidly spinning out of control.

Osaze Asuen and Eloise Maguire

Maurice Parker’s Jack mixes rigid moral conviction with impeccable comedic timing—so much so that every one of his jumps could cue the Super Mario “boing” sound effect in the audience’s mind. 

Katahdin Fasani’s Lewis' gentle encouragement allows Jack to relax his moral convictions to a more reasonable flexibility. Katahdin's delivery humanizes the real life compromises people have to make in difficult situations.

Katahdin Fasani and Maurice Parker

Ella Avital may have only two hats, two mustaches, and four outfits, but she turns them into five distinct characters. Her physicality, timing, and sheer versatility give the production some of its biggest laughs.

Across the board, the cast delivers with precision, warmth, and fearlessness. Their timing is sharp, their energy unwavering, and their commitment to the comedy absolute. Sitting close to the stage feels like being in the splash zone of a narrative that revels in its own mayhem—in the best possible way.

It’s joyful, chaotic, and wonderfully human—everything great theater should be.

--Photos by Christine Mitchell, permission granted to use by the University of Washington, School of Drama

--Side note: Hayley Berkman, Assistant Stage Manager is a Shoreline native.

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