Shoreline Area News

Pink Plum Blossoms at RB Saltwater Park

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Photo by Shixing Wen

Clusters of vivid pink plum blossoms crowd the dark branches, their petals glowing against a softly blurred green‑brown background.

The close view highlights delicate textures and early‑spring abundance. Light catches the overlapping blooms, creating a sense of renewal and quiet exuberance without distracting from the natural elegance of the flowering tree.

--Shixing Wen

Jayapal town hall in Lake Forest Park February 18, 2026 - RSVP soon

Congresswoman Pramilia Jayapal in a 2024 town hall at Third Place Commons
Photo by Mike Remarcke

WHAT: Congresswoman Jayapal’s February Town Hall

WHEN: Wednesday, February 18 from 6:00 - 7:30pm; Doors open at 5:15pm

WHERE: Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park: 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

Space is limited and registration is required, so please RSVP today to secure your spot. If you have questions, you can contact my district office at 206-674-0040. I look forward to seeing you there!

I’ll share an update on the work I’m doing in Congress and will turn it over to you to answer your most pressing questions.

Dante King to speak at Shoreline College February 25, 2026

Dante King

Author - Leader - Speaker - Innovator

Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 6:00 - 8:00pm

Shoreline College 16101 Greenwood Ave N

Main Dining Room (9215) Pagoda Union Building

Sponsored by Shoreline Community College Foundation

Free admission and parking

In this thought-provoking keynote, Dante King will explore the systemic nature of anti-blackness in America, its psychological and sociocultural dimensions, and the ways it continues to shape our communities today.

Drawing on historical research, lived experiences and contemporary examples, this keynote will challenge participants to confront uncomfortable truths while offering a vision for equity, justice, and collective healing.

Dante King is a San Francisco native, author, and executive producer of the award-winning book and docuseries Diagnosing Whiteness & Anti-Blackness: White Psychopathology, Collective Psychosis, and Trauma in America, which debuted as Amazon’s #1 New Release. He is the founder of Blackademics, a nonprofit dedicated to creating educational opportunities for professionals and the broader community.

Dante’s work spans Afro-Realism, Critical Race Studies, Whiteness Studies, and American History, with a focus on race, racism, and legality in shaping U.S. culture and identity. He also authored The 400-Year Holocaust: White America’s Legal, Psychopathic, and Sociopathic Black Genocide and the Revolt Against Critical Race Theory.

Click here to RSVP

Pal-entines Day at the Teen Center Friday February 13, 2026

This Friday we are celebrating Pal-entines Day, like Valentine's Day but for all your friends and pals!

We will also have SAGE celebrating Lonely Hearts Day! Bring yourself, your friend, or your valentine and paint, play games, and enjoy lots of sweet treats!

Free and open to youth in 6th to 12th grade.

100% Free!

We are open from 2:30 to 9pm, and activities will begin at 4pm
- paint your friends

- make Shirley Temples or hot cocoa

- eat spaghetti

- play festival games and races in the gym

- Get your portrait done at our Doodle Booth

- & more!

Questions? mhale@shorelinewa.gov

Shoreline Teen Center at Richmond Highlands Rec Center 16554 Fremont Ave N is open every day after school for Middle and High school youth. Open 2:30 to 6pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 1pm to 6pm on Wednesdays, 2:30 to 9pm on Fridays, and open Saturdays for Middle School Night from 6:00pm to 10:30pm.

The Shoreline Teen Center is a free teen center located at 16554 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline, WA, for youth aged middle school to 18 years old. We provide hot food as well as many activities. We have basketball, pool, ping pong, foosball, video games, and art daily. All activities are free of charge. Daily activities are subject to change. For more information, email aelliott@shorelinewa.gov.

Teens at the Shoreline Teen Center are old enough to check themselves in and out. While staff support them while they’re here, we are not able to supervise once they leave the building.

Learn to Weave with Heidi Bennett on a table-top loom

Learn to Weave on a Table Top Loom

In just one class you'll weave a couple of cotton washcloths on a tabletop, rigid heddle loom.

Heidi Bennett will cover all the weaving basics: loom set-up, color changes and finishing.

Once you learn to weave, the possibilities are endless including scarves, pillow covers, towels, curtains and cloth for sewing. Weaving supplies and handouts are included.

If you want to bring your own assembled, working rigid heddle loom with a 7.5 or 8 dent heddle, please contact the instructor at HeidiBennettwa@gmail.com to ensure it will be suitable for this class and type of project.

Shoreline College 16101 Greenwood Ave N, 1500 Bldg

No experience necessary. For students 15+.

Parking is free on weekends and after 4pm.

Follow us on social media Continuing Education | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree for the latest updates about classes and campus events.

Local residents named to William & Mary Dean's List

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (February 9, 2026)

The following resident was recently named to the Dean's List at the College of William & Mary for the fall 2025 semester.

In order to achieve Dean's List status, a full-time degree seeking undergraduate student must take at least 12 credit hours and earn a 3.6 Quality Point Average during the semester.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME

Lake Forest Park, WA

Sam Newell

William & Mary is the second oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.

Local students earn Dean's List recognition from George Fox University

NEWBERG, ORE. (February 9, 2026)

Local students were among those who earned dean's list recognition at George Fox University for the fall 2025 semester.

Traditional undergraduate students must earn a 3.5 grade point average or above on 12 or more hours of graded work to earn a spot on the dean's list.

The following students received recognition:

HOMETOWN, NAME, ACADEMIC LEVEL, MAJOR

Lake Forest Park

Lucy Bleeker, sophomore, nursing

Seattle

Matthew Williams, sophomore, kinesiology

George Fox University is a Christian college classified by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best National University." More than 4,000 students attend classes on the university’s campus in Newberg, Oregon, and at teaching centers in Portland and Redmond, Oregon. George Fox offers more than 60 undergraduate academic programs, accelerated online degree programs for working adults, seven seminary degrees, and 15 masters and doctoral degrees.

Maria Russell of Shoreline earns Degree at George Fox University

NEWBERG, ORE. (February 9, 2026)

Maria Russell of Shoreline was among the undergraduate, accelerated online degree and graduate-level students who received diplomas from George Fox University at its fall graduation ceremony in December of 2025.

Russell earned a master of medical science.

George Fox University is a Christian college classified by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best National University." More than 4,000 students attend classes on the university’s campus in Newberg, Oregon, and at teaching centers in Portland and Redmond, Oregon. George Fox offers more than 60 undergraduate academic programs, accelerated online degree programs for working adults, seven seminary degrees, and 15 masters and doctoral degrees.

Travels with Charlie: Voting in Our Neighborhood

Photo by Gordon Snyder

By Gordon Snyder

After wandering around Log Boom Park on Tuesday, Charlie accompanied me to the Lake Forest Park Ballot drop box. He kept a keen eye out for ICE. Gladly he didn’t spot any of them…

Thankful for a Nice and Peaceful day of Voting in Our Neighborhood. Please let this continue to be the case everywhere...

Cheers,
Gordon Snyder

Note: As of Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Shoreline's Prop 1 levy for general school support is passing with 72% approval and the Prop 2 technology levy is passing with 76% approval.

Massachusetts senator makes good on his Super Bowl bet with our senator Maria Cantwell

Massachusetts Sen. Edward Markey pays up after his losing Super Bowl bet with our Senator Maria Cantwell.

On Tuesday, February 10, 2026 Sen. Maria Cantwell reaped the spoils of her successful wager with Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA) on the outcome of Super Bowl LX.

Sen. Markey presented Sen. Cantwell with the promised lobster rolls and Sam Adams Boston Lager in her office at the Capitol.

Summer Camps at Shoreline College open for registration on March 1, 2026

Summer Camps open for registration on March 1st!

Check out the Shoreline College Summer Camps webpage for updated information Summer Camps - Shoreline Community College and then save the date for March 1st when registration opens for summer 2026!

Camps are scheduled June through August and include:

Basketball, Volleyball, Steel Toe Teens, Drawing and Mixed Media Arts, Dandylyon Drama in the theater, Computer game design and coding, Cascade Music Piano Camp, You-Tube & Film-making, and more.

Soccer and Jazz Band dates coming soon!

Follow us on social media Continuing Education | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree for the latest updates about classes and campus events.

Spring is on the way

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

At least that's what the flowers are saying!

Camellias?

What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? – February 11 - 17, 2026

By Kate Ledbetter, www.DestinationShoreline.com

What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? – February 11 - 17
Shoreline is showing up with a full week of connection, creativity, and community fun! From lively Rainbow Bingo and hands-on willow weaving workshops to Valentine’s celebrations, family crafts, financial wellness sessions, and neighborhood happy hours, there are plenty of ways to get out and get involved. Whether you’re learning something new, meeting neighbors, or simply celebrating the season, this week’s lineup offers a little something for everyone across our Shoreline community.

Destination Shoreline’s Must-Attend Events of the Week:
Rainbow Bingo
Friday, February 13 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM, Shoreline/LFP Senior Activity Center
The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center is thrilled to offer RAINBOW BINGO with our incredible hostess, Sylvia O’Stayformore. Participants can expect ten (10) rousing rounds of bingo, complete with prizes and a few musical numbers! Cash Beverage Bar. Rainbow Jell-O Shots. Prizes! Please note that this is a 21 and over event. Cost: $20 Admission and $10 at the door for your bingo cards. The $20 Admission reserves your seat and includes the evening’s entertainment plus loaded nachos. A special thank you to yearlong sponsor for Rainbow Bingo, Suzan M. Shayler, Financial Advisor, ChFC® with Edward Jones! $10 Bingo cards must be purchased at the door by cash or check as required by the Washington State Gambling Commission.

Wonders of Willow Weekend at Sky Nursery
Saturday & Sunday, February 14 & 15 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Sky Nursery
Join us for a first-of-its-kind community event celebrating willow— a remarkable plant that restores streams, weaves baskets, increases biodiversity, and creates habitat across the Pacific Northwest. Discover species that can enrich home gardens, wild spaces, and farms.
·        Free community presentations from local willow experts
·        Small group beginner willow weaving workshops - Registration OPEN!
·        Local willow growers selling live cuttings
·        Willow-focused vendors
·        Live weaving demonstrations with Q&A
·        Woven willow and basket exhibit
Organized by Field and Forest Crafts founder Erin Cox, in partnership with many wonderful willow growers, weavers, and willow friends.

Shoreline Area Events You Should Know About this Week:
(Follow the event links for additional information, directions, and add to your calendar links.)

Financial Literacy Month – Credit Scores: What Are They and Why they Matter
Wednesday, February 11 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Third Place Commons
Join us for a series of free, public financial literacy workshops designed to help you build confidence.

Community Workshop: Shoreline North/185th Street Light Rail Station Subarea
Wednesday, February 11 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Spartan Recreation Center
Please join us for a community workshop to improve how people walk and bike near the Shoreline North/185th Street light rail station.

Washington Cares Fund Info Session
Thursday, February 12 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, Shoreline/LFP Senior Activity Center
Discover how the WA Cares Fund helps Washingtonians earn access to long-term care benefits.

Urbanist Shoreline Happy Hour
Thursday, February 12 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Ridgecrest Public House
Come hang out at our first Happy Hour of the year! These are fun, super casual, and friendly.

Ballinger Thriftway Weekly Sparkling Wine and Champagne Valentines Tastings!
Friday, February 13 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Ballinger Thriftway
Stop by the Ballinger Thriftway each week for weekly wine/spirit/beer tastings.

Valentine’s Crafts & Cookies (Free Kids’ Event!)
Saturday, February 14 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Town & Country Market Shoreline
Spread the love this Valentine’s Day with a sweet, hands-on celebration just for kids!

Community Threads @ STL
Saturday, February 14 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Shoreline Tool Library
Have you been meaning to set aside time for your latest alteration, but need some motivation? Come mend with us!

Lunar New Year STORY TIME with illustrator Michelle Jing Chan
Sunday, February 15 11:00 AM, Ridgecrest books
If you haven't yet had the chance to bring your little ones to a story time hosted by Michelle, don't miss out! She is such an engaging reader and incredibly kind and patient with the kids.

Abstract Paint & Sip to Music Night
Sunday, February 15 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Vault 177
Grab your friends and unleash your creativity at this vibrant Abstract Paint & Sip Night, hosted by Shorelake Arts in partnership with Vault 177.

What’s Up Next in Shoreline (Save the Date):
(Follow the event links for additional information, directions, and add to your calendar links.)

Featured Artist Jennifer Ewing at Salvation: Artist Collective
Through the month of February, Slavation: Artist Collective
Jennifer Ewing is a multidisciplinary artist living and working in Shoreline, WA. She makes art in a range of styles and mediums, but is best known for her figurative work in soft pastels.

CityLearn: Understanding the Regional Shelter System
Thursday, February 26 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Shoreline City Hall
An introduction to the regional homeless shelter system and supports for people experiencing homelessness in Shoreline.

Third Place Commons Community Breakfast 2026
Wednesday, March 4 7:00 AM - 8:45 AM, Third Place Commons
As our largest fundraiser of the year, the Breakfast is a meaningful way to support the hundreds of free performances, events, and activities that serve the community year-round.

Shoreline Community Resource Fair
Thursday, March 5 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Spartan Recreation Center
Meet community organizations offering support with health, food, clothing, childcare, and day camp resources. This free event is a great opportunity to learn what’s available in our community and discover helpful services that support you and your family.

For Upcoming Events in Shoreline visit: DestinationShoreline.com/Calendar

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, Phases Clinic, Become a Destination Shoreline Partner, learn more here

Free Community Advocacy Dinner February 16, 2026

Calvin Presbyterian Church, 18836 3rd Ave NW, is hosting another Community Advocacy Dinner this coming Monday February 16, 2026 at 6pm.

With dinner and a program, the event is expected to last until approximately 8pm.

The dinners are becoming very popular, so please RSVP to norm@calvinpc.org so we can plan on having enough food. Thank you!

The dinners are held regularly on the 3rd Monday of the month.

5th NE & NE 145th to be closed for weeks for roundabout construction starting February 16, 2026

Weeks of closures of 5th Ave NE and NE 145th St for roundabout construction begin February 16, 2026

Several weeks of major closures are coming to NE 145th St/SR 523 & 5th Ave NE for construction on the 145th Street Corridor and I-5 Interchange projects.

Starting Monday, February 16, 5th Ave NE will close just north of the 145th St intersection.

The entire NE 145th St and 5th Ave NE intersection will then close beginning Thursday, March 19.

All closures will reopen on March 31.

The Shoreline South/148th Station and the on-ramp to northbound I-5 will be accessible from NE 155th St during all closures.

The closures will allow crews working for the City of Shoreline to build the roundabout east of I-5 and complete sidewalk improvements around the intersection.

The closures will include the following impacts:

Starting Monday, February 16 at 9pm - Partial closure

5th Ave NE between NE 145th St and the northbound I-5 on-ramp will be closed.
6th and 8th Ave NE will remain closed to traffic from NE 145th St.
A signed pedestrian path will be available on the west side of 5th Ave NE.

Starting Thursday, March 19 at 9pm - Full closure

The NE 145th St overpass will be closed.
The northbound I-5 off-ramp to NE 145th St will be closed.
5th Ave NE between NE 145th St and the northbound I-5 on-ramp will be closed.
6th and 8th Ave NE at NE 145th St will be closed.
A signed pedestrian path will be available on the north side of the NE 145th St overpass and west side of 5th Ave NE.

The City of Shoreline is working in partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation and Seattle Department of Transportation to close these areas while maintaining a safe flow of traffic.

Throughout the closure, signed detours will be in place. People are encouraged to allow extra travel time, avoid the area if possible, and use alternate routes.

NE 145th St is still an active work zone. For everyone’s safety, drivers should reduce speed in the area and pay attention to construction signs and barrels.

“Constructing the roundabout east of I-5 marks a major step forward for our city’s transportation system,” said Tricia Juhnke, City of Shoreline Public Works Director.

“We know these closures are disruptive and we appreciate everyone’s continued patience.”

Once NE 145th St reopens on March 31, the new roundabout east of the I-5 overpass will be open in a temporary single lane configuration. The roundabout will look like the roundabout constructed on the west side of I-5 last year.

Later this spring, crews will install signage, landscaping, and do the final asphalt paving on both 145th St roundabouts. They will then be restriped to be two-lane roundabouts.

Staying engaged
To learn more and sign up for project updates, visit the Engage Shoreline page.

More ways to connect:

Project email: 145thProject@shorelinewa.gov
24/7 project hotline: 206-899-5127

A History of African-American Cinema February 22, 2026 at the Shoreline Library

A History of African-American Cinema

Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 4-5:30pm

Shoreline Library 345 NE 175th St

For adults.

Cost: FREE

In celebration of Black History Month, film historian Lance Rhoades takes a look at the long history of Black cinema in America, onscreen and behind the scenes, Hollywood and independent, from the silent era to the present.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Shoreline Library.

Registration not required.

Cartoon by Whitney Potter: President’s Day is Monday

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter here

Shorewood Wrestling sending 13 to State Tournament

Max Uckun over Mount Vernon
Photo by Happiness Angkel

By Tricia Norton

Saturday February 7, 2026, Shorewood boys faced off against WesCo South, Oak Harbor and Mount Vernon for the WIAA District 1 South Championships at Edmonds Woodway High School.

Shorewood filled all 26 of their possible bracket seeds, with 19 of the 26 athletes scoring points that contributed to the team’s overall 3rd place finish.

L-R Emi Olivera, Kai Graham, Yaphet Habtom, Eli Jeppsen, Max Uckun, Lukas Probizanski,
Easten Edens, Ben Norton, An Tran.
Photo by Tricia Norton

Boys team results

Placers included Max Eaglehead, 8th, Matbeal Dinka, 6th, and Eli Jeppsen, 5th (state alternate.)
Shorewood had four athletes take third place including freshmen Ben Norton (106) and Easten Edens (113), junior An Tran (126) and sophomore Kai Graham (165).
Senior Yaphet Habtom (120), junior Emi Olivera, and sophomore Lukas Probizanski all took 2nd.

Max Uckun wrestled his way to a WesCo South title at 157 lbs defeating Shorecrest Junior Jacob Grimm for the second time this season in a 7-4 decision.

“This was the deepest field Shorewood has faced at districts since we dropped down to 3A in 2012. The boys and girls all wrestled extremely well and battled through adversity,” said Head Coach Derek Norton after Saturday’s district tournaments in Stanwood and Edmonds.

“While we didn’t take first in as many weights as we thought we would, we wrestled really well. I’m looking forward to taking this group of athletes to the Tacoma Dome.”

L-R: Ulyana Remizova, Sarah Norton, Finley Houck, Vivian Sherrard, Lynn Ou
Photo by Shawn Van Horn

In Stanwood, the girls team placed five athletes in the top 9.

Coach Brady Houck said, “We didn’t expect to end the season with only 5 girls able to compete. It’s been rough battling through so many challenges.

"But to come in with 5, and to take all 5 to State, is a testament to how hard these girls have worked.”

Senior Lynn Ou (100) placed 9th. Freshman Vivian Sherrard (100) placed 7th. Sophomore Ulyana Remizova (235) placed 5th.

Junior Sarah Norton (145) placed 3rd, pinning five opponents as she made her way up through the consolation bracket.

Senior Finley Houck earned her place on top of the podium with 2 pins and technical fall. Finley is Shorewood’s first four time district champion since Coach Norton took over in 2008. She was also voted District 1 3A Athlete of the Year.

Several Shorewood wrestlers are ranked in the top 10 in their weights. The Mat Classic State Tournament starts Thursday February 19th at the Tacoma Dome.

Jobs: WSDOT Transportation Engineer 3

WSDOT

Transportation Engineer 3
Northwest Region - Shoreline
$78,912 – $106,104 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking multiple Transportation Engineer 3 positions in Shoreline and Bellingham within our Northwest region! There are multiple TE3 positions available. These positions support this mission by directing activities that are necessary for the development of preservation and improvement projects for the Connecting Washington and Fish Passage Programs. These positions are responsible for delivering the assigned projects within scope, schedule, and budget while developing the direct reports to become future leaders of the Department. Some of these positions will also deliver both Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build projects.

Some TE3 positions report to the Assistant/Project Engineer in the Project Office and are tasked with the delivery of the Design/Construction phases of multiple engineering projects. Also reports project status to management and performs the direct supervision and mentoring of up to eight Engineers and Technicians. Communication and coordination of Design/Construction activities with stakeholders, specialty groups, construction and maintenance personnel, local governments, and consultants.

See link for more information, including details on how to apply: LINK

Master Gardeners: Seeds of Intention: Planning a Garden in the Quiet of Winter

By Jill Hall

As the dark days of winter settle in, my garden has tucked itself into its seasonal slumber. I am spending more time indoors while the frost outside leaves its sparkly trail on branches and leaves.

A quick walk to the mailbox for the daily snail mail delivers one of the great joys of winter for gardeners everywhere, a seed catalog.

I clutch it like a prized manuscript and prepare for a cozy evening with a blanket, a cup of tea, and a generous amount of daydreaming about what I might grow in the coming year.

There is always a dash of urgency while flipping through the catalog pages, knowing that the prized exotic heirloom seeds could sell out before I have the chance to secure them.

However, this is no longer the frantic ordering spree of past years. Finishing my internship as a master gardener this past year has given me a curious mixture of clarity and ambition. I now recognize that gardening is part desire and part discernment. I am learning to pause before tossing every tempting seed packet into my cart (or the ground).

This pause is difficult when presented with photos of gorgeous purple and gold ‘Black Strawberry’ heirloom tomatoes or the peculiar charm of ‘Mexican Sour Gherkin’ cucumbers that promise enormous yields. Yet my enthusiasm flickers as memories of the summer of 2025 resurface.

My small vegetable garden became an all-you-can-eat buffet for every creature with a pulse. I planted cucumbers twice. They were destroyed twice. Me zero. Creatures two. My green beans grew valiantly only to be snipped clean at the stems while I slept. What goes on in those mysterious hours between watering and wilt remains one of nature’s less endearing riddles.

As I indulged in this lament, a chorus of garden thoughts reemerged from late summer: raise the height of the vegetable beds, add netting, install irrigation, become a better pruner, and while you are at it, figure out slugs. Then came the more existential questions. Should I give up vegetables altogether? Are native plants better suited to coexist with the cedar tree that rules my backyard. Will I ever mulch before the bulbs sprout? Where exactly is my hand trowel and why am I buying a third one?

These thoughts tumbled about until I turned the page and was rescued by the bright, citrusy promise of ‘Dwarf Lemon Cilantro’ accompanied by an Audrey Hepburn quote, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”

This line snapped everything into focus. Gardening, at its core, is not just about survival of the fittest against the critters or to outsmarting slugs. It is a hopeful act. With that in mind, I am officially declaring 2026 the year of the garden.

My first step is to have a plan. I will do more of what worked well last year. I will better understand what I already have and develop feeding and pruning cycles that nurture growth. I will prioritize projects based not only on cost but on joy and long-term reward.

To bring order to this ambition I am writing down my gardening goals and sorting them into categories:

Problem areas in the yard and solutions.
What succeeded in 2025 and should be repeated?
Ways to make gardening easier.
New projects to explore.
Budget considerations.
Time management.

With this framework in mind, I have drawn a diagram of my yard, complete with compass directions and areas of sun, shade, and everything in between. Living near a wooded area with towering cedars, I have been at the mercy of their influence on soil and light. I am reviewing the placement of perennials, evergreen shrubs, and raised beds, considering which of them deserve to stay and which are merely stubborn experiments. There is no shame in admitting defeat if the defeat comes with wisdom.

Once the evaluation is finished, the real planning begins. For me, this means soil testing multiple areas, removing raised beds to make space for shrubs, creating a pruning schedule for roses, shrubs, and berry bushes, and researching soil amendments for my problem areas.

This year I will choose annual seeds more thoughtfully, leaning into herbs and flowers and fewer vegetables. I will compare seed requirements against the realities of my garden’s light and soil conditions before placing any order, resisting the urge to chase every plant that whispers my name.

Finally, I am committing to using a calendar. I want to work intentionally rather than madly, to leave space not just for chores but for enjoyment. A garden is not merely something to tend. It is something to love.

And so, in the quiet heart of winter, I begin. My plans are neatly stacked beside me, the catalog is dog eared, and the year ahead feels ripe with possibility. Spring will test my resolve, but for now, the future rests in seed form, waiting patiently for the sun and warmer temperatures to return.

Jill Hall

Jill Hall is a 2025 Master Gardener intern who graduated on January 10, 2026.

She enjoys growing herbs, flowers, and vegetables.

She supported the Shorewood Culinary Garden this past year. Jill is a watercolor artist and enjoys painting birds, flowers, and plants.

Seahawks Parade: WSDOT says TAKE TRANSIT

BEEP BEEP THE HAWKS ARE BACK IN SEATTLE. And so is everyone else, as we're hearing somewhere around 750,000 people may come to Seattle for Wednesday's Seahawks Victory Parade.

Which is GREAT to celebrate our SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS, but not so great for getting anywhere in Seattle quickly.

We strongly recommend taking transit tomorrow - which could be ferry, bus, or train depending on where you're coming from. Here are some accounts that can help you get where you're going:

A few other notes:

The two lane reduction of northbound I-5 over the Ship Canal Bridge remains in place. Picking up that work zone requires a two-day full closure of I-5, and then another two-day full closure of I-5 to set it back up again. Express lanes will continue to run northbound 24/7
No additional construction work is planned for the downtown corridor that would impact the parade.
Any traffic holds, such as the brief ramp restrictions at Edgar Martinez Drive while the procession moves to the parade route, will be temporary.
If your workplace has alternate locations or flexible schedules, consider using them. It's gonna be BUSY downtown, in case the map didn't make that clear.

Check out this great blog from King County Metro that summarizes all of your transit options: Transit options for the Seahawks parade

Due to street closures, massive crowds on the street, and expected gridlock, bus routes heading into downtown Seattle from the north plan to drop off riders at Queen Anne and Mercer Street on the north end of town.

Link 1 Line trains will run.

School levies passing with 70% yes votes in first returns

In the first release of election results for the two Shoreline School District levies, both are passing with over 70% of the votes.

10,342 ballots have been counted. There are 52,084 registered voters in the district, which includes all of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. Normally about 70% vote in any given election.

The levies need a Simple Majority to pass, which is 50%+1 of the votes.

Results will be posted every workday until February 20, 2026 when the final results are listed.

Sunday's Sunset

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

For all of us who don't manage to get to a viewpoint for the sunset....

Time for both - Sunday Sign-waving and Seahawks Sunday

In response to claims that protesters are paid.
This sign says differently. Photo by Pam Cross

Even on Superbowl Sunday with the Seahawks taking the field (and emerging emphatically victorious) area protestors made time to stand up for principles.

Photo by Pam Cross

Carrying signs decrying attacks on the rule of law, aggressive ICE tactics, racism, the Epstein files revelations, continued personal enrichment by the president, and many other issues and many wearing their green-and-blue gear, more than 100 local residents participated in the "Social Justice Sundays" sign-waving at the Shoreline-Edmonds line.

Photo by Pam Cross

Organized by local group Everyday Activists, additional sign-wavings are scheduled for every Sunday this month, 1-2pm at the intersection of Aurora Avenue North and N 205th St.

Photo by Pam Cross

Signs are available to borrow or bring your own. Non-perishable food, toiletries, or new winter weather clothing items will be accepted for donation to a local group.

--Pamela Mieth

Both Shoreline High Schools earn AP Honor Roll Silver Distinction

College Board announced that Shorecrest High School and Shorewood High School have been named to the 2025 Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning Silver distinction.

Shorecrest had 58% of seniors who took at least one Advanced Placement (AP) Exam during high school, 47% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP Exam, and 14% of seniors who took five or more AP Exams!

Shorewood had 52% of seniors who took at least one AP Exam during high school, 46% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP Exam, and 17% of seniors who took five or more AP Exams!

Across both schools, 992 students took 1,934 college credit exams.

Of those, 1,625 exams scored 3 or above, which means that 84-85% may be eligible for college credits.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening participation.

Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

“AP gives students opportunity to engage with college-level work, earn college credit and placement, and build professional career skills they can use no matter what path they choose after high school,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program.

“Congratulations to this year’s AP School Honor Roll recipients for proving it’s possible to expand participation in these rigorous courses and still drive strong performance.”

Apply to serve on the Shoreline City Council Salary Commission

The City of Shoreline is seeking residents to serve on the 2026 Shoreline City Council Salary Commission.

Every four years, the City sets up a Commission to review and set the salaries and benefits for the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and City Councilmembers for the next four years.

The Commission’s sole responsibility is to determine City Council compensation. Members will review current salaries and benefits, compare them to those of neighboring cities, and consider broader market conditions.

The mayor will appoint three Shoreline residents to serve on the Commission, subject to City Council confirmation.

To be eligible, applicants must:

Reside in Shoreline
Be a registered voter in King County
Not be an officer, official, or employee of the City of Shoreline, nor an immediate family member of an officer, official, or employee of the City of Shoreline.

The Commission will conduct its work between April and June 2026. Members will receive a stipend for their service.

If interested, fill out the 2026 Salary Commission Application. Applications are due by 5:00pm on Friday, March 6, 2026.

You can learn more at here. For questions, please contact Deputy City Manager John Norris at jnorris@shorelinewa.gov.

Letter to the Editor: Pass HB 1152 for secure storage for firearms

To the Editor:

Please ask our state representatives to pass HB 1152: Secure storage requirements for firearms in vehicles and residences. Responsible gun ownership is more than simply knowing how to use a weapon, it is also about understanding and practicing safe storage of firearms to prevent theft and/or access by children.

Storing firearms locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition is associated with a 78% lower risk of self-inflicted injuries and 85% lower risk of unintentional injury among children. Most such tragedies could have been avoided by observing proper storage protocols.

Our state representatives are now considering a bill requiring safe storage: HB 1152, which establishes secure storage requirements for firearms left in homes and vehicles and penalties for violations of these requirements. Please contact our state representatives TODAY and urge them to pass HB 1152.

Paula Simpson Barnes

Shoreline

Feliks Banel from Humanities Washington to speak at meeting of Sno-King School Retirees February 19, 2026

Feliks Banel
Photo courtesy Humanities Washington

How did your town get its name? What about your neighborhood or school?

You are invited to join Sno-King School Retirees at our general membership meeting on February 19, 2026.

Speaker Feliks Banel, from Humanities Washington, will present “All Over the Map: Stories Behind the Names of Washington Places and things.”

Mr. Banel has worked in history and media since the 1990s serving as deputy director of MOHAI and producing award-winning radio and TV shows.

The event takes place in the Board Room of the Edmonds School District ESC, 20420 68th Ave W, Lynnwood WA 98036.

The meeting begins at 12 noon with a meet-and-greet, then a brief business meeting followed by Mr. Banel’s presentation at 1pm.

Teen drawing and painting workshop February 21, 2026

A drawing & painting workshop with artist Renee Plevy is Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 10am -2pm at Shoreline College through the Continuing Education department.

These one day workshops are designed for teens age 12 -17 years.

Students will learn how to mix colors, learn values, intensity and warm/cool combinations. Learn how to make an object come forward in a painting, or recede, and how to have a balanced painting by using complementary colors.

Everyone will make a color wheel as well as a value chart, and paint their own unique still life painting.

Check the details in our catalog

Washington State Archives: Louise Gayton Adams

As part of the United States' Bicentennial celebration, the Washington State Archives conducted an oral history project which focused on the Black community in Seattle and King County.

These 69 interviews were conducted in 1975 and 1976 by noted local historian Esther Hall Mumford and include audio, transcripts, and negatives.

This 1976 interview with Louise Gayton Adams (1906-1988) provides a vivid look into the life of a Black middle-class family in early 20th-century Seattle.

The daughter of pioneers James Taylor and Magnolia Scott Gayton, Louise recalls her father’s arrival in Seattle around 1889, where he helped fight the Great Seattle Fire, and his long career as a federal bailiff.

She describes her rural childhood in Hazelwood (now Enatai in Bellevue), where her family lived in crude shacks, raised livestock, and she attended a one-room schoolhouse.

As a teenager in the 1920s, Louise was part of a close-knit social circle that centered on music, house parties, and formal dances, eventually graduating from Garfield High School in 1926.

Her professional life spanned work as a secretary for the First A.M.E. Church to a decades-long career as a caterer for wealthy Seattle families, while her later reflections touch on the heartbreak of the Japanese Relocation and the varying paths taken by her peers. #blackhistorymonth

Listen to her story here

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