Dahlias
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
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| Photo by Seattle Poppy |
Seattle Poppy's favorite dahlia from the huge show at Sky on August 22, 2026 was this one with the "disorganized petals."
Seattle Poppy's favorite dahlia from the huge show at Sky on August 22, 2026 was this one with the "disorganized petals."
Candidates accept invites to Sunday sign-waving to meet folks, take questions
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| Hate will not make us great. Make good trouble |
At Shoreline-Edmonds line -
- Nov. 3 election coming fast
By Pamela Mieth
Voting is an important way to effect change (or keep the status quo if you're happy with how things are going), but fewer than 38% of eligible voters turned in their ballots for the August 4 Washington primary.
With the general election coming up November 3, now is the time to get informed about the choices.
That's why members of Everyday Activists, which organizes "Social Justice Sundays" sign-waving at the Shoreline-Edmonds line, invited the top two primary finishers advancing to the general (in the two local district races and four Supreme Court Justice positions up this year), to visit regulars and interested passers-by some Sunday between now and November 3.
Several have accepted, with the first visiting this past Sunday, and more to come. Candidates were invited regardless of political affiliation because they will have a direct impact on our daily lives and voters have a choice to make - and should make an informed one.
These visits are a chance for candidates to meet potential constituents, learn about their concerns, answer questions and talk about their goals for the office; and much the same in return.
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| Dave Larson (facing camera) talks to sign-wavers about his run for State Supreme Court Pos 5 |
The first to arrange a visit was retired Federal Way Municipal Court Judge Dave Larson who is running for Supreme Court Justice Position 5.
Although intended just to be a 15-20 minute visit, Larson stayed for closer to 45 answering questions and taking heat from some trying to pin down where he falls on the political spectrum (the court races are non-partisan, but that doesn't mean the judges themselves don't have political preferences).
Larson largely avoided that, emphasizing his experience, history working bipartisanly, and what his campaign website says he sees as needed focus on a non-ideological "commitment to constitutional principles applied consistently, case by case, year after year."
Scheduled to attend next Sunday, August 30, are both Danica Noble, running for State Representative Legislative District 32 Position No.1, and Imraan Siddiqi, running for State Representative Legislative District 32 Position No. 2. They are expected to arrive around 1pm and be available for about 15-20 minutes to speak with interested folks.
Hopefully they will not find the crowd as distracted and upset by ongoing ICE activity in the Costco/Home Depot parking lot where at least one individual was stopped, removed from their car and hustled into an official vehicle while onlookers tried to document the incident and get the person's car to a safe location.
The ongoing Sunday sign-wavings.(1-2pm, at the intersection of Aurora Avenue North and N 205th St), typically draw between 40-60 people from Shoreline, Edmonds and several neighboring communities, people who feel strongly about issues of democracy, rule of law, human and civil rights, health and environmental safety, dysregulation of the tax and financial regulatory systems, and so much more.
All are welcome to attend. Bring a sign (or just yourself) and - this week (8/30) - thoughtful (civil) questions or comments for Siddiqi and Noble.
Larson largely avoided that, emphasizing his experience, history working bipartisanly, and what his campaign website says he sees as needed focus on a non-ideological "commitment to constitutional principles applied consistently, case by case, year after year."
Scheduled to attend next Sunday, August 30, are both Danica Noble, running for State Representative Legislative District 32 Position No.1, and Imraan Siddiqi, running for State Representative Legislative District 32 Position No. 2. They are expected to arrive around 1pm and be available for about 15-20 minutes to speak with interested folks.
Hopefully they will not find the crowd as distracted and upset by ongoing ICE activity in the Costco/Home Depot parking lot where at least one individual was stopped, removed from their car and hustled into an official vehicle while onlookers tried to document the incident and get the person's car to a safe location.
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| Geezers Against Caesars Epstein Files Now |
The ongoing Sunday sign-wavings.(1-2pm, at the intersection of Aurora Avenue North and N 205th St), typically draw between 40-60 people from Shoreline, Edmonds and several neighboring communities, people who feel strongly about issues of democracy, rule of law, human and civil rights, health and environmental safety, dysregulation of the tax and financial regulatory systems, and so much more.
All are welcome to attend. Bring a sign (or just yourself) and - this week (8/30) - thoughtful (civil) questions or comments for Siddiqi and Noble.
Read more...
Pinky's Passion for a Parkinson’s Cure September 13, 2026
Pinky's Passion for a Parkinson’s Cure 2026
Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 1pm
17537 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155, USA in the North City Business District
Donate and purchase tickets here
Your $75 ticket includes:
🌮 Seans Mexican Buffet
🍺 Two beers or two glasses of wine
🎸 Live music featuring Eric Madis followed by Third Train Running
Come enjoy an incredible afternoon of food, music, and community—all while making a difference for a great cause!
***All proceeds will benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
17537 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155, USA in the North City Business District
Donate and purchase tickets here
Your $75 ticket includes:
🌮 Seans Mexican Buffet
🍺 Two beers or two glasses of wine
🎸 Live music featuring Eric Madis followed by Third Train Running
Come enjoy an incredible afternoon of food, music, and community—all while making a difference for a great cause!
***All proceeds will benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
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| Pat Erickson |
Her legacy lives on in our shared mission: to raise awareness and work toward a world free from this disease. Together, we can honor her spirit by supporting The Michael J. Fox Foundation, ensuring that every dollar raised fuels the fight against Parkinson's.
Let us unite in hope and determination, turning her vision into reality for future generations.
Climate Book Bingo
Lake Forest Park in Action book club has launched its first annual Climate Book Bingo!This bingo read is inspired by the greater Seattle library systems’ summer reading bingo game and designed to increase awareness of climate related literature. All are welcome to play.
Keep track of your climate related reading from Aug 15 through Dec 31, 2026, by writing the title and author of a book you read in the box of the relevant category.
The reads are suggestions only, please feel free to find your own climate reads for the categories you are interested in; we love hearing about new books!
--LFP in Action
Shoreline residents, schools, churches, and businesses can receive free trees
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| Choose your trees from the 2026 Tree Guide |
Communi-trees: Last Call to Sign Up for a Free Tree Now Through August 31
Shoreline residents, schools, churches, and businesses can receive a free tree through Communi-trees — the City’s tree giveaway and planting program!
Trees provide many benefits to our community. They clean our air and water, create shade, reduce stress, and make Shoreline more beautiful.
New this year:
In addition to your property, this year, Communi-trees will offer residents free street trees to plant in the right-of-way adjacent to their property. Street trees are trees planted in the public right-of-way. This is typically the space between a road and sidewalk, but can also extend past the sidewalk, or include space in easements and alleyways.
When you sign up for Communi-trees, you get:
In addition to your property, this year, Communi-trees will offer residents free street trees to plant in the right-of-way adjacent to their property. Street trees are trees planted in the public right-of-way. This is typically the space between a road and sidewalk, but can also extend past the sidewalk, or include space in easements and alleyways.
When you sign up for Communi-trees, you get:
- Up to three free trees per property
- Help picking the right tree for your space
- Free planting supplies
- Training on tree planting and care
- Planting assistance for individuals with disabilities (subject to volunteer availability)
Applications close on August 31!
Questions? Contact us at communitrees@shorelinewa.gov or 206-801-2488.
Wallingford Avenue Block Party August 30, 2026
Come see what a people-oriented street can look like!
Urbanist Shoreline is hosting a pop-up block party in Parkwood on the afternoon of Sunday, August 30, 2026.
We'll have music, bike games, bike races, arts and crafts, a bike repair station, and food trucks including an ICE CREAM BIKE CART!
Are you a family biker? Come show off your sweet bike setup and encourage other families to start biking! We’ll also be demoing our new bike lane sweeper, Meryl Sweep.
Wallingford Avenue Block Party
Sunday, August 30, 2026 from 3-6pm
Wallingford Ave N, between 150th & 155th Street
(next to Parkwood Elementary School)
RSVP
Are you a family biker? Come show off your sweet bike setup and encourage other families to start biking! We’ll also be demoing our new bike lane sweeper, Meryl Sweep.
Wallingford Avenue Block Party
Sunday, August 30, 2026 from 3-6pm
Wallingford Ave N, between 150th & 155th Street
(next to Parkwood Elementary School)
RSVP
Shoreline Professional Firefighters Local 1760 mourn the passing of Mike Cooper
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| Mike Cooper |
Mike dedicated more than 30 years to the Shoreline Fire Department and spent much of his life fighting for firefighters, working families, and the people he represented.
A longtime Local 1760 President, Washington State Representative, coach, mentor, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike leaves behind a tremendous legacy of service and leadership.
In his final days, Mike had one simple wish: one last ride on a Shoreline Fire Department apparatus.
Past and present Shoreline Firefighters were honored to make that wish come true, bringing Mike from the hospital for one final ride before he passed. For a man who gave so much of his life to the fire service, it was a fitting final ride.
Rest easy, Brother. Your voice, your fight, and your legacy will not be forgotten
Informational sessions on Shoreline Proposition 1
The resolution places Shoreline Proposition 1 on the November 3 general election ballot to create the Shoreline Metropolitan Park District (MPD).
If approved by Shoreline voters, Proposition 1 would create the Shoreline MPD, which would enable the City to build and operate a pool facility with financing from Shoreline MPD property tax revenue.
City staff will provide a factual presentation and answer questions at 12 upcoming events.
The Zoom meeting dates are:
The Zoom meeting dates are:
- Tuesday, September 1 - 12:00 p.m.
- Thursday, September 3 - 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, September 9 - 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, September 10 - 12:00 p.m.
- Monday, September 14 - 12:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 15 - 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, September 23 - 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, September 25 - 11:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, September 30 - 12:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 1 - 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 6 - 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 8 - 11:30 a.m.
or call the number to join: Phone: 1-253-205-0468
Meeting ID: 870 1111 5482
New 1 Line station on NE 130th St has officially been named Pinehurst Station
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| Photo courtesy Sound Transit |
After engaging with the community and conducting an internal station name evaluation, “Pinehurst Station” emerged as the top choice, and the name was approved by the Sound Transit Board.
Starting in 2026, Pinehurst Station will be here to serve the growing neighborhood between Northgate and Shoreline South/148th Street stations.
The project will feature lovely pedestrian and bicycle paths, convenient bus stops at the 130th/5th Avenue intersection, a special paratransit drop-off area, a spot for passenger vehicle drop-offs, and captivating station artwork developed by Seattle-based artist, Romson Bustillo.
Pancake cloud
Monday, August 24, 2026
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| Photo by Barbara Twaddell |
Hopefully someone will provide the correct name for this cloud; in the meantime I get to call it a pancake.
I don't recall seeing one like this before. Apparently it cast a dark shadow and dropped a small amount of moisture.
--Diane Hettrick
Restaurant Review: Ugly Burger
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| Ugly Burger 19939 Ballinger Way NE |
Story & Photos by David Carlos
Dinner for tonight had to be a juicy burger.
No thanks to dry, cardboard burgers.
It had to be a highly caloric, guilt-inducing type of messiness that you don't tell your doctor at your checkup.
I asked Google what burger places were nearby. Google listed "Ugly Burger" at 19939 Ballinger Way NE as a possibility.
It was worth a visit.
A crew of three worked there. One cashier and two cooks in the kitchen.
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| Ugly Burger menu |
I ordered two mushroom burgers, fries, and onion rings.
The cashier gave me a restaurant pager that buzzed when your order was ready. I could've sat in my car and waited.
Instead, I decided to sit at one of their clean, pine-colored tables.
Right after, three sets of customers came in. One of them was a large family. "This place must be popular," I thought to myself.
The man who took my order passed by to clean the tables. I asked, "Did this place used to be a teriyaki place?"
"Yeah, that's what I heard," he said. I asked him how long they'd been in business. "Seven months," he said.
Background music played. "Ain’t nobody gonna break my stride." Followed by "Jack and Diane."
By the third song, my order was ready.
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| Mushroom Burger |
I rushed home to place the food on plates and take pictures. No matter how many I took, I couldn't make the burger look...presentable. "That's what you wanted," said my wife, "ugly burgers."
As soon as the picture-taking was done, I dug in. The burger was so messy I had to keep the wrapper around it.
Verdict: Ugly, but beautifully made. A hearty patty accompanied with "Ugly sauce," mushrooms, red onion, lettuce, tomato, and gooey melted Swiss cheese.
The ugly sauce? It's a blend of mayo, ketchup, mustard, garlic, onion powder, dill pickle, and other spices.
The fries and onion rings were also good. But they were pretty much ignored; the burgers filled us fast.
My wife said, "This is the best burger I’ve had in…I don't know how long."
There will be time to hit the treadmill. At that moment, I enjoyed dinner to my heart's content.
Read more...
Senior Center Newsletter September - October
And can be read here. 20 pages of activities from zumba to driftwood sculptures. Mental health counseling and a social worker. Technology. Health & Wellness. Bingo and Trivia. Line dancing, chair yoga. Tai chi and QiGong.
The Senior Center is located at 18560 1st Ave NE, Bldg G, Shoreline WA 98155. Ample parking.
Seattle Area Feline Rescue (SAFe Rescue) running low on supplies
Their Pet Pantry is running low on two of the most critical supplies: clumping cat litter and dry cat food.
Thousands of family pets rely on the Pet Pantry for support during hardship, and your donations allow us to provide those resources.
If you have any bags to spare (opened or unopened), please consider dropping them off during Pet Pantry Drop By Hours Thursdays 12-3pm, or at our Adoption Center Thurs-Sun 12-6pm.
20226 Ballinger Way NE Shoreline, WA 98155 in Ballinger Village.
You can also send items directly to the Rescue by shopping our Amazon Wish List
Thank you for caring for our neighbors. Together, we make a difference for pets and the humans who love them.
Thank you for caring for our neighbors. Together, we make a difference for pets and the humans who love them.
Support the senior center! Eat more chocolate! October 24, 2026
Support local businesses! Support the senior center! Eat more chocolate!
Saturday October 24, 2026 from 11am to 3pm
Seven small-business local chocolate makers and chocolatiers are coming together on Saturday October 24, 2026 for a fun afternoon of chocolate! Meet the makers, taste their handmade artisanal chocolates, and if you find a favorite, they will have some for sale.
Early-bird tickets for the 2026 Shoreline Chocolate Festival are on sale Monday, August 24, 2026.
Early-bird ticket price: $20
Tickets are available online or by calling 206-365-1536 or visiting the Shoreline Senior Center 18560 1st Ave NE, Bldg G, Shoreline WA 98155.
- 100% of ticket sales go to supporting programs and operations at the Shoreline Senior Center.
- 100% of sales at the event go directly to the vendors.
- Chocolate Man
- Cocoa Legato
- Allelon Chocolate
- Dolcetta Chocolate
- Brugge Chocolates
- Bon Chocolats
- Cocoa Legato
Tickets will be available at www.shorelineseniorcenter.org/chocolate/
Tickets can also be purchased directly through the senior center at 206-365-1536
This festival is made possible in part by our generous sponsors:
Heritage Bank volunteers plant a new guild at Ching Community Garden
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| Heritage Bank volunteers came from Shoreline, Bellevue, and Everett |
For the second year in a row, the Ching Community Garden was selected as a volunteer site for Heritage Bank’s Day of Service.
This year, nine Heritage Bank volunteers came from branches and offices in Shoreline, Bellevue, and Everett. They were joined by three members of the Ching Garden team: Shirlee, Maryn, and horticulturist Derek.
Derek arrived early to lay out and prepare plants for the day’s work. Once everyone had arrived, Maryn gave a brief history of the Ching property and shared the vision and development plans for the garden. Shirlee made sure everyone had gloves and tools and, before the planting began, invited volunteers to harvest plums, apples, and figs from the garden.
With perfect weather for working outdoors, Derek demonstrated the planting technique and soon everyone had adopted a plant. He showed volunteers how to use the handle of a shovel to estimate the depth and width of the planting hole based on the size of the nursery pot. Volunteers quickly took over the process. Maryn kept the planting holes watered, while Shirlee measured and added fertilizer.
A New Plant Guild
One of the major accomplishments of the day was the establishment of a new plant guild, which may become known as the Heritage Bed or Heritage Guild.
Seventeen plants were added, including: 2 figs, 5 false indigo, 2 goumi berries, 1 mulberry, 1 Beauty plum. 1 seaberry. 1 Cornelian cherry, plus additional companion plants.
The South Fence/Camellia Bed received another 10 plants, including several figs. Farther down the fence line, volunteers planted a Seven-son Flower (Heptacodium miconioides) and a Fragrant Snowbell (Styrax obassia).
A persimmon was planted east of the existing plum tree.
In the northeast corner, a new planting area—possibly the future “Serenity” area—was established with three Fargesia ‘Jiuzhaigou’ bamboos, three maples (‘Moonglow,’ ‘Pung Kil,’ and ‘Gwen’s Rose Delight’/‘Shirazz’), and a beautiful Davidia involucrata, commonly known as the dove tree, handkerchief tree, or ghost tree.
36 New Plants
The two-hour workday flew by. By the end of the morning, 36 new plants had been added to the Ching Garden landscape.
Derek arrived early to lay out and prepare plants for the day’s work. Once everyone had arrived, Maryn gave a brief history of the Ching property and shared the vision and development plans for the garden. Shirlee made sure everyone had gloves and tools and, before the planting began, invited volunteers to harvest plums, apples, and figs from the garden.
With perfect weather for working outdoors, Derek demonstrated the planting technique and soon everyone had adopted a plant. He showed volunteers how to use the handle of a shovel to estimate the depth and width of the planting hole based on the size of the nursery pot. Volunteers quickly took over the process. Maryn kept the planting holes watered, while Shirlee measured and added fertilizer.
A New Plant Guild
One of the major accomplishments of the day was the establishment of a new plant guild, which may become known as the Heritage Bed or Heritage Guild.
.jpg) |
| A beautiful new plant bed |
The South Fence/Camellia Bed received another 10 plants, including several figs. Farther down the fence line, volunteers planted a Seven-son Flower (Heptacodium miconioides) and a Fragrant Snowbell (Styrax obassia).
A persimmon was planted east of the existing plum tree.
In the northeast corner, a new planting area—possibly the future “Serenity” area—was established with three Fargesia ‘Jiuzhaigou’ bamboos, three maples (‘Moonglow,’ ‘Pung Kil,’ and ‘Gwen’s Rose Delight’/‘Shirazz’), and a beautiful Davidia involucrata, commonly known as the dove tree, handkerchief tree, or ghost tree.
36 New Plants
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| A big tree was part of the 2026 Heritage planting |
The Heritage Bank team helped transform several areas of the garden and created new plant communities that will continue to grow and develop for years to come.
We are grateful to Heritage Bank for returning to Ching Garden for a second year of service and for bringing such an enthusiastic group of volunteers.
We are grateful to Heritage Bank for returning to Ching Garden for a second year of service and for bringing such an enthusiastic group of volunteers.
A special thank-you goes to everyone who dug, planted, watered, fertilized, harvested, hauled, and helped make the day a success.
36 plants, 9 Heritage Bank volunteers, 3 Ching team members, and two very productive hours—another great day of growing community at Ching Garden.
We welcome groups, schools, and organizations that would like to set up a day of service at the Ching Garden. Work parties can take place year round, weather permitting.
Read more...
36 plants, 9 Heritage Bank volunteers, 3 Ching team members, and two very productive hours—another great day of growing community at Ching Garden.
We welcome groups, schools, and organizations that would like to set up a day of service at the Ching Garden. Work parties can take place year round, weather permitting.
ICE in Hillwood Sunday
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| Photo by Lesley Z |
ICE vehicle spotted on Whitman Ave N at N 200th Street, one block east of Aurora Ave, 10am Sunday August 23, 2026 in the Hillwood neighborhood.
Normal sunset
Sunday, August 23, 2026
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| Photo by RJ Perna |
I appreciate a yellow sun and a bit of blue sky at sunset because it means that the air is probably safe to breath.
I'm still traumatized by the year we got wildfire smoke from Oregon, eastern Washington, and Canada - all at the same time.
This view wouldn't have shown mountains, water, or anything but a thick cloud of smoke.
--Diane Hettrick
Other people's roundabouts
Lake Stevens WA has an elaborate roundabout system that has not worked out well for them. They are in the process of revision and reconfiguration to make it simpler and reduce collisions.
Our roundabouts in Shoreline and soon in Lake Forest Park are uncomplicated, compared to this one.
No actual construction is planned; instead they will be painting new lane lines.
- One of the circulating lanes has been removed between the westbound Seventh Place Northeast and eastbound SR 204 approaches
- One southbound SR 9 lane has been removed entering and exiting the roundabout
- One westbound Seventh Place Northeast lane approaching the roundabout has been eliminated
- Other minor modifications to the striping on eastbound SR 204 lanes approaching the roundabout
--Diane Hettrick
Shoreline Rotary joins Shoreline Community Church to feed kids over weekends
Shoreline Rotary is stepping up its community commitment by becoming a Community Partner with Shoreline Community Church in support of the Food4Kids Shoreline program.
This vital initiative ensures that chronically hungry students from low-income and homeless households do not face hunger over the weekend when free school meals are unavailable. Every Friday, discrete bags of easy-to-prepare food are tucked safely into participating children's backpacks so they return to school on Monday nourished and ready to learn.
The Role of Shoreline Community Church
The Role of Shoreline Community Church
The operational backbone of this specific partnership relies on Shoreline Community Church, which coordinates direct support for Ridgecrest Elementary School—a school with a high percentage of vulnerable students qualifying for essential state and federal assistance.
Shoreline Community Church takes charge of purchasing the bulk food items and staging them directly on assembly tables in Room 302 at the Church, which is located at 125 NE 185th, Shoreline 98155.
By providing a reliable, dedicated workspace, the church enables community volunteers to step in and handle the crucial assembly phase smoothly and efficiently.
Call to Action
- Mark Your Calendar: Join us for our inaugural bag-assembly session on Thursday, September 3rd, at 5:30 PM in Room 302 at Shoreline Community Church located at 125 NE 185th St. Enter the Church from the U in the parking lot behind the Church.
- Commit Your Time: The hands-on packing takes only 1 to 2 hours during the first week of each month to prepare 40–60 bags for local children.
- Can't participate in person? Donate to this effort to fight food insecurity! Go to the donate button on Shoreline Rotary Website and help fund this important program
- Sign Up Today: You can lock in your volunteer slot for our first packing night by clicking here.
- Have questions? Contact Judy MacCully, Service Coordinator for this Service Project. Email jmaccully@gmail.com
Vaccination information from Public Health
School’s about more than math quizzes and book reports. It’s where kids go to play, grow, and build community. But where kids thrive, so do germs. Enter: vaccinations!
Vaccinations are the body’s practice test for diseases like measles and whooping cough. That way, if the real thing shows up, kids’ immune systems know exactly what to do.
Vaccinations required for school and child care
Children entering school, child care, or other early learning programs are required to get certain vaccinations before they can start. Check the full list of requirements in multiple languages to make sure your child is up to date.
Planning ahead: make a back-to-school vaccination appointment now
Read more...
Vaccinations required for school and child care
Children entering school, child care, or other early learning programs are required to get certain vaccinations before they can start. Check the full list of requirements in multiple languages to make sure your child is up to date.
Planning ahead: make a back-to-school vaccination appointment now
Pediatricians are never more popular than during back-to-school season, and snagging an appointment can get tricky later in the summer. If your child’s due for vaccinations, save yourself some frustration and take a few minutes now to make an appointment.
Don’t have a healthcare provider? Not to worry. Use this map to find one. And if you need help enrolling in health insurance or finding a doctor, the Community Health Access Program’s got you covered. Call 800-756-5437 or email chap@kingcounty.gov.
Save your money with no-cost vaccines
Here in Washington State, all kids ages 0-18 can get vaccines at no cost, whether you have insurance or not. You might be charged an administration fee by the vaccine provider, but you don’t have to pay if you can’t afford it. If you’re getting other services at the same time, like a sports physical or well-child check, you might be charged an office visit fee. But you’ll never be charged for the cost of the vaccine.
Not required, but still essential
COVID and flu vaccines aren’t required but we couldn’t recommend them more. Why? Because they protect against the diseases your child’s most likely to come across just by being out in the world. That means fewer missed days of school and a happier, healthier kid. And when your kid doesn’t pass along illness, you also end up taking fewer sick days.
Children are less likely to get severe COVID than adults, but Long COVID can strike people of all ages. Long COVID can range in severity from “brain fog” that makes it difficult to pay attention in class to severe exhaustion that makes it hard to even leave home. Previously healthy people can get it, even after a mild case of COVID. Studies have shown that staying up to date with your COVID vaccinations reduces your risk of Long COVID.
Not sure what shots your child needs?
If your child’s due for shots, their school should let you know. You can also take a look at your child’s vaccination record and even print a copy by signing up for MyIR Mobile. Learn more about ways to access your family’s immunization information.
Don’t have a healthcare provider? Not to worry. Use this map to find one. And if you need help enrolling in health insurance or finding a doctor, the Community Health Access Program’s got you covered. Call 800-756-5437 or email chap@kingcounty.gov.
Save your money with no-cost vaccines
Here in Washington State, all kids ages 0-18 can get vaccines at no cost, whether you have insurance or not. You might be charged an administration fee by the vaccine provider, but you don’t have to pay if you can’t afford it. If you’re getting other services at the same time, like a sports physical or well-child check, you might be charged an office visit fee. But you’ll never be charged for the cost of the vaccine.
Not required, but still essential
COVID and flu vaccines aren’t required but we couldn’t recommend them more. Why? Because they protect against the diseases your child’s most likely to come across just by being out in the world. That means fewer missed days of school and a happier, healthier kid. And when your kid doesn’t pass along illness, you also end up taking fewer sick days.
Children are less likely to get severe COVID than adults, but Long COVID can strike people of all ages. Long COVID can range in severity from “brain fog” that makes it difficult to pay attention in class to severe exhaustion that makes it hard to even leave home. Previously healthy people can get it, even after a mild case of COVID. Studies have shown that staying up to date with your COVID vaccinations reduces your risk of Long COVID.
Not sure what shots your child needs?
If your child’s due for shots, their school should let you know. You can also take a look at your child’s vaccination record and even print a copy by signing up for MyIR Mobile. Learn more about ways to access your family’s immunization information.
Update: Sound Transit Stride S3 construction in Kenmore
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| Stride 3 will run from I-405 to the Shoreline South light rail station |
Construction for Stride S3 continues to progress in Kenmore.
Crews are making progress on utility and roadway improvements that will support future rapid transit service along the SR 522 / Bothell Way corridor.
Recent work has focused on preparing key intersections and station areas for upcoming infrastructure upgrades designed to improve transit reliability, safety, and mobility for all users.
Travelers should expect temporary overnight traffic changes, including lane closures, detours, and restricted turning movements.
For more information on Stride S3 bus service, visit the Stride webpage.
Cost to battle 20 wildfires in WA has topped $200M
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| The Dust Busters Plus Fire Crew digs a handline in steep, challenging terrain on Kaiser Canyon Fire in eastern Washington. (Photo courtesy Hale/AKCIMT/via InciWeb) |
By Aspen Ford
Washington State Standard
In the span of a month, firefighting costs for 20 wildfires burning across Washington have totalled $207 million, according to data from the state’s Department of Natural Resources.
The expenses will be split among local, state and federal agencies. But the number is telling: Those 20 fires, some of which are still burning, have cost more than two-thirds of what the Department of Natural Resources spent over the last state fiscal year battling wildfires.
The amount reflects spending between July and August on the Kaiser Canyon Fire, the Spokane fires and the Sinlahekin Fire, among others. It includes firefighting costs, such as crews and aircraft, and does not include disaster recovery expenses.
“We’re in a wildfire crisis fueled by drought and extreme weather,” said Michael Kelly, communications director at the Department of Natural Resources, the lead state agency on wildfire response.
More than 770,000 acres across Washington have burned in 2026 alone. That’s the third-highest acreage on record and the fire season is still months away from ending, Kelly said.
In the last fiscal year, which ended June 30, the Department of Natural Resources spent more than ever on wildfires at an estimated $304.8 million. This surpassed what the state budgeted by nearly $18 million.
To close that funding gap, which is also at its highest peak, the agency will request emergency funds through the federal government under what’s known as the Clarke-McNary Act. It will not have to pay that money back.
The last time the department requested funds from the federal emergency account was in 2024, for nearly $15 million.
At a time when the state is dealing with budget shortfalls, the Department of Natural Resources will likely ask for more wildfire funding next session. The governor’s budget proposal is slated to be released in December.
The governor’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
“We need to continue and deepen those investments,” Kelly said. “We can’t afford to take our foot off the gas because the wildfire crisis isn’t going to let up anytime soon.”
In the span of a month, firefighting costs for 20 wildfires burning across Washington have totalled $207 million, according to data from the state’s Department of Natural Resources.
The expenses will be split among local, state and federal agencies. But the number is telling: Those 20 fires, some of which are still burning, have cost more than two-thirds of what the Department of Natural Resources spent over the last state fiscal year battling wildfires.
The amount reflects spending between July and August on the Kaiser Canyon Fire, the Spokane fires and the Sinlahekin Fire, among others. It includes firefighting costs, such as crews and aircraft, and does not include disaster recovery expenses.
“We’re in a wildfire crisis fueled by drought and extreme weather,” said Michael Kelly, communications director at the Department of Natural Resources, the lead state agency on wildfire response.
More than 770,000 acres across Washington have burned in 2026 alone. That’s the third-highest acreage on record and the fire season is still months away from ending, Kelly said.
In the last fiscal year, which ended June 30, the Department of Natural Resources spent more than ever on wildfires at an estimated $304.8 million. This surpassed what the state budgeted by nearly $18 million.
To close that funding gap, which is also at its highest peak, the agency will request emergency funds through the federal government under what’s known as the Clarke-McNary Act. It will not have to pay that money back.
The last time the department requested funds from the federal emergency account was in 2024, for nearly $15 million.
At a time when the state is dealing with budget shortfalls, the Department of Natural Resources will likely ask for more wildfire funding next session. The governor’s budget proposal is slated to be released in December.
The governor’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
“We need to continue and deepen those investments,” Kelly said. “We can’t afford to take our foot off the gas because the wildfire crisis isn’t going to let up anytime soon.”
Olympic Fly Fishers’ September meeting with guest speaker, Timothy Bird September 8, 2026
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| Timothy Bird |
Timothy will preset “Fly Fishing for Cutthroat Trout in the North Puget Sound,” a program shaped by years of exploring beaches, points and tidal seems that define our home waters.
He’ll describe the patterns that consistently produce fish - from tide timing and structure selection to retrieves, gear setups and seasonal behavior.
As a fly-tying educator, Timothy will also share insight into the saltwater patterns he relies on most, including sound-specific designs that offer the right blend of movement, profile and durability.
The Lake Ballinger Center is located at 23000 Lakeview Drive, Mountlake Terrace.
Read more...
As a fly-tying educator, Timothy will also share insight into the saltwater patterns he relies on most, including sound-specific designs that offer the right blend of movement, profile and durability.
He’ll discuss why certain patterns excel in different light and tide windows, and how anglers can refine their own tying to better match cutthroat behavior.
More information about Mr. Bird or the Olympic Fly Fishers here
The Olympic Fly Fishers meetings are free and open to the public. The doors open at 5:30pm.
More information about Mr. Bird or the Olympic Fly Fishers here
The Olympic Fly Fishers meetings are free and open to the public. The doors open at 5:30pm.
The Lake Ballinger Center is located at 23000 Lakeview Drive, Mountlake Terrace.
The Savvy Gardener: Fall & Winter chores to make your spring gardening easier
Fall & Winter chores to make your spring gardening easier
6:30–8:00 pm
at North City Water District
1519 NE 177th Street in Shoreline
The fall season is the best time to prepare for the spring! Ladd Smith will teach fall natural yard care techniques that will ease your spring labor. Learn what to do if you have poor soil, how to improve your soil with mulch, the benefits of trees and native plants, and the best practices for planting in the fall.
Class is free, but you must register to attend. Contact us in advance by email to customerservice@northcitywater.org or call our office at 206-362-8100.
About the Presenter:
In 1994, Ladd Smith co-founded In Harmony Sustainable Landscapes, with his business partner Mark Gile, out of his lifelong passion for protecting the environment.
Read more...
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| Ladd Smith |
In 1994, Ladd Smith co-founded In Harmony Sustainable Landscapes, with his business partner Mark Gile, out of his lifelong passion for protecting the environment.
In Harmony Sustainable Landscapes is a provider of organic based landscape services in King, Snohomish and north Pierce counties.
He earned his BS degree in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Ladd has been a regular presenter for King County’s highly successful Natural Yard Care Neighborhoods program and on various organic landscaping topics for almost 25 years.
Waiting for dinner
Saturday, August 22, 2026
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| Photo by Steven Gordon |
In LFP, we have owls. Many nights with our windows open we hear them.
But, if you look outside before dusk, you might see one waiting for his dinner!
I’m sure this is the same barred owl I captured a few months ago and maybe that is why he is so patient with me.
I can walk in our yard by the creek and for the most part, he is not concerned with me.
Mainly waiting for dinner.
The photo was captured with a Nikon Z8 with a 70-200 V2 and a 1.4 Teleconverter.
--Steven Gordon
Shorewood graduate named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week
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| Amelia Severn on the day she signed to play soccer at Gonzaga Photo by Kristi Lin |
Amelia Severn is a 2024 graduate of Shorewood High School. See our previous article about her soccer career at Shorewood. Nov 2023 Shorewood signing day
SAN RAMON, Calif. – Following Gonzaga women's soccer's first week in the conference, the Bulldogs' Amelia Severn was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week Tuesday.
Severn scored four goals and recorded an assist, all in the first half, as GU opened its new Pac-12 era with an emphatic 5-1 victory over South Florida. She matched the program record for most goals in a single game, finding the back of the net four times in the first 45 minutes. It was the first four-goal game by a Zag since 1998. Severn's nine points were the second-most points in a single game by a Bulldog in program history and the most since 2000.
Five minutes into the match, Severn opened the scoring with a penalty kick. In the 11th minute, she recorded her 13th career assist on a goal. Three minutes later, the junior curled a free kick from outside the box into the net for the third goal of the match.
Severn added another goal in the 17th minute, sliding a shot past the South Florida goalkeeper. She capped the high-scoring first half in the 40th minute, finishing a terrific combination of passes with a strike.
Severn moved into Gonzaga's top 10 in career scoring following her four-goal performance. She rose to eighth all-time at GU with 18 career goals. The Shoreline, Wash., native scored 10 goals last season and scored on all four of her shots in the opening night of this season.
Gonzaga hosts Arizona (1-1-0) Thursday at 4 p.m. The game will be broadcast on YouTube, with live stats available on GoZags.com.
King County Women can explore careers in Fire / EMS at free two-day event in Redmond October 17-18, 2026
King County Women:
Come join King County EMS and host agency Redmond FD along with over 14 other King County agencies as we immerse you in a weekend of hands on Fire and EMS activities and provide you an opportunity to explore a career in the Fire or EMS service.
This opportunity includes interactive activities, discussion panels, viewing live demos, and networking with EMTs, Firefighters, and Paramedics in our region.
Must be 18+ to apply, King County residency preferred.
- Workshop: October 17 + 18, 2026, 8am -5pm both days
- Host: Redmond Fire Department
- Application: Apply here
- Applications due September 21, 2026
- Send questions to: futurewomenems@kingcounty.gov
Lake Union Family Bicycle Ride September 13, 2026
Tour the lake by bike and enjoy games and activities like face painting at Gas Works Park, tours of MOHAI and lessons on boat building at the Center for Wooden Boats in South Lake Union Park.
Bring the kids, grandkids, friends, and pups for an afternoon of family-fun by bike!
Social Services fair at Shoreline Library September 4, 2026
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| Shoreline Library. Photo by Steven H. Robinson |
Community Resource Fair
Friday, September 4, 2026
10:00am–2:00pm
Come for a resource fair serving community members in need of support. Social service providers will be available to help connect attendees with resources such as healthcare, education, legal clinics and more!
Participating agencies may include: Akin, Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC), City of Shoreline, Crisis Connections, Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington, King County Bar Association, King County DCHS SCOPE Team, North Helpline, Northwest Neighbors Network, Seattle King County Public Health - Access & Outreach, Seattle Public Utilities, Seattle Veterinary Outreach, Shoreline Community Care, Shoreline College,Shoreline Fire Department: Mobile Integrated Health Unit, Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center, Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Washington State Department of Revenue: Working Families Tax Credit, and others.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Shoreline Library.
Registration not required.
Registration not required.
Shorewood Drill Team presents the Royal Ball on September 26, 2026
Join the Shorewood Drill Team for a magical afternoon at our Royal Ball on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 12–2pm at Shorewood High School 17300 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133
Children of all ages are invited to dress in their favorite royal attire and enjoy an afternoon filled with crafts, royal dance lessons, fairytale story time, bubbles, photo opportunities, and plenty more magical fun.
Using the QR code in the flyer, pre-register for $40 per child or register at the door for $50 per child. Come support the Shorewood Drill Team and make some unforgettable royal memories!
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