Gate at Garden Festival
Thursday, February 19, 2026
 |
| Photo by Lee Lageschulte |
This was Lee's favorite display at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show - and mine too!
This was Lee's favorite display at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show - and mine too!
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal held a Town Hall at Lake Forest Park
 |
| Pramila Jayapal addresses the crowd Photo by Chris Snyder |
By Chris Snyder
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal held a town hall at Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park Town Center on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Tickets were free but reservations were required. Chairs filled the entire floor area, leaving only the few tables near the front door for diners.
She discussed her Committee work, the Epstein Administration, the debacle that is now DHS and ICE and importantly the Cost of Everyday Living.
 |
| There were no empty seats at the Third Place Commons |
After, Pramila took questions from attendees and answered their questions for about hour. She advised some folks she would reconnect with them about their concern.
Interestingly, roughly 2/3 of attendees were at their first Town Hall Meeting. People are worried!
Help Shoreline plan new paths and connections around the light rail stations - take the survey
We are looking at new paths and connections around the light rail stations and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Tell us how you travel around and near the stations.
Where do you want to go and where would you like to see new paths and connections?
We want to plan now for new paths and shortcuts developers will add in useful places as these areas redevelop over the coming decades.
Please fill-out a brief survey on our Engage Shoreline webpage
As a thank you, you can enter a raffle to win a $50 gift card. Winners will be randomly selected from those who provide an email address. The survey closes March 8, 2026.
As a thank you, you can enter a raffle to win a $50 gift card. Winners will be randomly selected from those who provide an email address. The survey closes March 8, 2026.
Shoreline Children welcome the Lunar New Year at the Shoreline Library
 |
| Creating a lantern with a little help from Dad |
By Hua Zhang
On the second day of the Lunar New Year, as Shoreline schools paused for winter break, the Shoreline Library filled with the sounds of laughter, music and Mandarin storytelling.
Nearly 50 children and parents gathered for a special Lunar New Year celebration — the first in-person Chinese storytelling program held at the library since its closure during the pandemic in 2020. After years marked by virtual programming and quiet community spaces, the return of an in-person cultural event carried particular meaning.
Throughout the afternoon, children listened to traditional New Year legends, created festive crafts, learned celebratory songs and moved to the rhythms of Chinese music.
Nearly 50 children and parents gathered for a special Lunar New Year celebration — the first in-person Chinese storytelling program held at the library since its closure during the pandemic in 2020. After years marked by virtual programming and quiet community spaces, the return of an in-person cultural event carried particular meaning.
Throughout the afternoon, children listened to traditional New Year legends, created festive crafts, learned celebratory songs and moved to the rhythms of Chinese music.
 |
| Hua Zhang cheers on the Lion Dance |
The highlight for many was joining an energetic lion dance, stepping into the role of performers and experiencing firsthand the symbolism of strength, renewal and good fortune associated with the holiday.
For many families, the event offered more than entertainment. It provided a rare opportunity for children in Shoreline to encounter Chinese language and culture in an immersive and welcoming public setting. Parents expressed gratitude to the Shoreline Library for creating space where global traditions can be shared and celebrated locally.
One parent, Denial — who is half Chinese and half American, and whose wife is half Japanese — said he hopes Mandarin programming will continue regularly at the library. “There are many Mandarin speakers in the Shoreline community,” he said.
“This program not only exposes my child to Mandarin and Chinese culture, but it also helps me reconnect with the language and heritage myself.”
 |
| The craft tables were very popular |
Community programs like this reflect Shoreline’s evolving cultural landscape — one in which public libraries serve not only as centers of learning, but also as gathering places for shared heritage and cross-cultural understanding.
As the Lunar New Year begins, Shoreline’s children carry forward not only red-paper crafts and festive melodies, but also stories that have traveled across generations and continents — now finding a home in their own neighborhood library.
Francis Joseph "Frank" "Frankie" Brennan 1945-2026
 |
| Francis Joseph Brennan |
After a long and fulfilled life, Frank peacefully departed from this world on January 28, 2026 surrounded by family and friends.
Frank was born on September 28, 1945 in Shamokin, PA in the coal regions, but grew up in Pottstown, PA.
Like a character actor, Frank stepped seamlessly through his life from one type of service into another.
He started out protecting and serving his country abroad as a Staff Sergeant of the 6922nd Security Wing of the US Air Force, 1963-1967 in Korea.
Read more...
Then in 1969 to protect and serve his country at home, he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Quantico, VA. He worked in the Los Angeles field office from 1969-1972, where he met Donna. Frank and Donna married in 1970, and moved from Los Angeles to Seattle in 1972.
From 1972 until his retirement in 2000, Frank worked in and later managed the communications group of the Seattle field office. During his three decades with the FBI, Frank inspired and mentored his ET brood Mike, Orly, Ron and Charlie to successful Electronic Technician careers, with fatherly pride.
After his retirement, Frankie continued actively serving his community along with his son & wife as a volunteer Ham radio operator (KD7UFA) in the Shoreline Auxiliary Communications Service.
After his retirement, Frankie continued actively serving his community along with his son & wife as a volunteer Ham radio operator (KD7UFA) in the Shoreline Auxiliary Communications Service.
He spent many an hour bonding with son Nick (KD7YDD), working to reconvert an old Medic one ambulance into a communications van for Shoreline emergencies.
For years, Frank was captain of the mighty fishing vessel the Buy and Bye. He loved nature, camping, fishing, and astronomy. One Christmas he built a beautiful cabinet for Donna’s hand designed egg collection. Frank’s interest in electronics was shared by his son Nick, who he mentored and inspired to pursue a career as an electrical engineer.
Upon hearing of Frank’s passing, Mike Martin, former ET mentee wrote this “It’s hard to comprehend since Frankie seemed bigger than life sometimes. He always knew what to say. He seemed to be able to read any situation and have the best answer whether it was a serious life issue or a humorous small problem. Oh so many good memories Frankie gave us all, I feel fortunate to have had him as a boss who helped me shape my career, I will never forget that.”
Whenever Frank saw his nephews they would watch The Godfather and spout dialogue together throughout the scenes. Frankie was always generous, kind and loving to his family and friends. Occasionally he could press your buttons and be stubborn, but he never held a grudge and was always thinking of Donna’s safety and happiness. He was an amazing man with a heart of gold, an understated but caring presence.
Upon hearing of Frank’s passing, Mike Martin, former ET mentee wrote this “It’s hard to comprehend since Frankie seemed bigger than life sometimes. He always knew what to say. He seemed to be able to read any situation and have the best answer whether it was a serious life issue or a humorous small problem. Oh so many good memories Frankie gave us all, I feel fortunate to have had him as a boss who helped me shape my career, I will never forget that.”
Whenever Frank saw his nephews they would watch The Godfather and spout dialogue together throughout the scenes. Frankie was always generous, kind and loving to his family and friends. Occasionally he could press your buttons and be stubborn, but he never held a grudge and was always thinking of Donna’s safety and happiness. He was an amazing man with a heart of gold, an understated but caring presence.
He was a social butterfly at crab feeds, square dances, Christmas events years ago, and loved family reunions. He touched many people's hearts with his kindness and quick wit, with only a small glint of mischief in his eye.
In addition to his public service and all his life's adventures, Frank expressed that he would most like to be remembered for his credibility. Known for his great sense of humor, he was quite a story teller. For the last six years his COPD limited his mobility, but he discovered new passions for watching railroad trains, the Artemis 2 mission, and tracking air traffic over Seattle.
Frank is survived by his wife of 55 years, Donna Brennan; son Nicholas W. Brennan and son-in-law DeAndre Ward of Guerneville, CA; Godson Richard Lane; brothers William, John, and Vince and their wives Jeannette, Nancy, and Donna; and his sisters Pat and Marie. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Anna Brennan, Pat’s husband Mel, and Marie’s husband Jerry.
Frankie will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Having a servant's heart, Frank always gave generously of his time and considerable talents to everyone. He leaves behind those he loved and a legacy that will be cherished forever.
In addition to his public service and all his life's adventures, Frank expressed that he would most like to be remembered for his credibility. Known for his great sense of humor, he was quite a story teller. For the last six years his COPD limited his mobility, but he discovered new passions for watching railroad trains, the Artemis 2 mission, and tracking air traffic over Seattle.
Frank is survived by his wife of 55 years, Donna Brennan; son Nicholas W. Brennan and son-in-law DeAndre Ward of Guerneville, CA; Godson Richard Lane; brothers William, John, and Vince and their wives Jeannette, Nancy, and Donna; and his sisters Pat and Marie. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Anna Brennan, Pat’s husband Mel, and Marie’s husband Jerry.
Frankie will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Having a servant's heart, Frank always gave generously of his time and considerable talents to everyone. He leaves behind those he loved and a legacy that will be cherished forever.
May his soul rest in peace as his memory lives on in the hearts of family and friends. We thank you Da for all the calls, wise words of advice, the love you gave us, and the beautiful lives we've lived because of you. We are all better people, because of you. We will forever keep you in our hearts with God.
Frank will be honored with a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 1:00pm at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home and Cemetery, 11111 Aurora Ave. N.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to:
Michael J. Fox Foundation
Gary Sinise Foundation
Frank will be honored with a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 1:00pm at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home and Cemetery, 11111 Aurora Ave. N.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to:
Michael J. Fox Foundation
Gary Sinise Foundation
1st LD telephone town hall February 23, 2026
Join your 1st District legislators for a live telephone town hall on Monday, February 23, 2026 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
Sen. Derek Stanford and Reps. Davina Duerr and Shelley Kloba will share updates on the 2026 session and answer your questions.
How to participate
Calls will go out throughout the district. If you don't automatically get a call at 6:30pm, you can join by calling 855-756-7520 and entering the ID code 129671# after the prompt.
Shorewood Drama organizes clothing drive for The Works
 |
| Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools |
Shorewood High School Drama hosted a Winter Clothing Drive in January, and teacher Amy Potter wants to express gratitude for the amazing community!
Thank you to everyone who donated underwear, socks, and coats — and helped us “build a snowman” along the way! Your generosity will make a real difference this winter.
All donations will be given to The Works, which provides clothing and personal products to Shoreline families in need.We are so proud of our students and families for coming together to support our community!
Ms. Pottinger and the SW Drama team organized this event to benefit children in our area.
State Senate passes legislation to tax households earning more than $1million
 |
| Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, makes remarks on Feb. 16, 2026, during the floor debate over legislation he sponsored to tax personal income over $1 million a year. Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard |
The bill will next go to the House, as Gov. Bob Ferguson is indicating he’d like to see more changes.
Majority Democrats in the Senate advanced legislation on a 27-22 vote to tax households earning more than a million dollars. Passage of the bill followed a three-and-a-half hour debate on whether this will make for a fairer tax code or harm the economy and incite an exodus of Washington’s wealthy residents.
House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, who watched the vote from the wings of the Senate, was all smiles as she returned to her chamber.
“This is a place where the people and the governor and the Legislature are well-aligned,” she said of the tax. “We’ll keep working on the details.”
Senate Bill 6346 is one of the most politically divisive bills this session. Dubbed the “millionaires’ tax” by backers, it would impose a 9.9% levy on personal income over $1 million a year. The tax applies to household income, meaning married couples and registered domestic partners with combined earnings over that amount would pay.
Three Democrats joined all 19 Republicans in opposing the bill, which now goes to the House for consideration. The three Democrats voting no were: Sens. Adrian Cortes, D-Battle Ground, Drew Hansen, D-Bainbridge Island, and Deb Krishnadasan, D-Gig Harbor.
If enacted, the tax would take effect Jan. 1, 2028. Collections would start in 2029 and could total nearly $2.5 billion for the next budget, according to the most recent fiscal analysis. When fully up and running, this income tax is expected to generate $3.4 billion a year from an estimated 21,000 filers.
It would be exempt from the prohibition on new statewide personal income taxes embedded in Initiative 2111 that the Legislature approved in 2024. It passed on bipartisan votes of 76-21 in the House and 38-11 in the Senate.
Proceeds from the new tax would be used to bolster public defense services in local courts around the state, expand the Working Families Tax Credit program and increase tax breaks for businesses grossing less than $600,000 a year. What’s left over would be funneled into the state’s general fund, where it could be spent in other areas, such as public schools, higher education and health care.
Supporters of the bill caution that it will be little help to the state’s finances in the near-term.
“This is not a panacea for our current budget,” said Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, the bill’s prime sponsor. “However, this is a way of changing our direction, so that our tax system is adequate to the needs that we face in the 21st Century.”
But Sen. Chris Gildon, R-Puyallup, the lead Republican on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, warned that it will hurt families and businesses, and could one day be expanded to cover households that make less than a million dollars a year.
He also argued that Democrats’ claims the bill will bring tax relief and steer more money to schools and healthcare are misleading.
“This bill offers the false hope of reform. It offers no direct dollars to support education … and provides a paltry tax break on personal hygiene products,” he said. “It‘s laughable at how low the level of direct tax relief is. Pure and simple, this is not tax reform. This is tax layering.”
Gov. Bob Ferguson supports the idea of an income tax on those earning over $1 million a year. But when legislative Democrats rolled out their bill this month, he said he wasn’t satisfied with the amount of tax relief it offered for lower- and middle-income residents and small businesses.
He signaled that this was still the case on Monday.
“The proposal is moving in the right direction,” said the first-term Democrat. “That said, as the process moves forward in the final weeks of the legislative session, we must direct significantly more revenue directly back to hardworking Washington families and small business owners.”
‘It is historic’
For progressives in Washington, the significance of Monday couldn’t be overstated.
They’ve pressed for decades to get lawmakers to own up to the inequities of a tax system that favors the rich and forces lower-income residents to pay an outsized share of their income in taxes and fees.
But their Democratic allies, even when they had large majorities, eschewed the income tax, long perceived as a third rail of Washington politics.
This year, the Democratic-controlled House and Senate and Ferguson are all interested in getting it done.
“It is historic,” said Paul Benz of Everett, who’s been a voice for the faith community on this issue for three decades.
“Are there concerns about the 67-page bill? Yes. But is it time for our state to move forward on it, yes,” said Benz, who watched the debate unfold from the Senate gallery. “We understand all the arguments against it. One of our biblical quotes we cite is ‘to whom much is given, much is required.’”
Nick Federici, a longtime lobbyist who works with social service organizations, was in the gallery on the opposite side of the chamber. Federici said he sat in for the three-hour debate “to be part of history.”
“We’re only one-third of the way there. There’s a lot of hard work left to be done,” he said.
That could mean defending the legislation through expected challenges on the ballot and in the courts, two arenas where backers have had little success with income tax proposals in the past.
Voters have rejected measures to adopt a state personal income tax or corporate income tax 10 times, the most recent in 2010. They did say “yes” on one occasion, in 1932, but that initiative was invalidated by the state Supreme Court on a 5-4 decision in 1933.
Rosier forecast and moves to roll back other taxes
Monday’s discussion followed release of a revenue forecast showing tax and fee collections surging by $827 million in the current budget and more than $1 billion in the next biennium. Those figures effectively erase a projected shortfall over the next three years and, in some minds, the need to push ahead on an income tax.
Notably, a Democratic-backed amendment made Monday to the income tax bill would roll back expanded retail sales taxes lawmakers adopted last year on services. Under this amendment from Sen. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, the repeal would take effect Jan. 1, 2030. A tax on advertising services that drew a lawsuit from cable giant Comcast would remain in place.
Read more...
Monday’s discussion followed release of a revenue forecast showing tax and fee collections surging by $827 million in the current budget and more than $1 billion in the next biennium. Those figures effectively erase a projected shortfall over the next three years and, in some minds, the need to push ahead on an income tax.
Notably, a Democratic-backed amendment made Monday to the income tax bill would roll back expanded retail sales taxes lawmakers adopted last year on services. Under this amendment from Sen. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, the repeal would take effect Jan. 1, 2030. A tax on advertising services that drew a lawsuit from cable giant Comcast would remain in place.
GardenGuy at the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival
 |
| Snowdrops. Photo Courtesy of Burke Herbarium.edu |
First, the Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) popped their little white heads out of the leaf litter in the garden beds. Then, the big box stores had shelves and shelves of bulbs, azaleas, etc. to begin their gardening sales.
Read more...
And now we have the NW Flower and Garden Festival enhancing metro Seattle from February 18 – February 22, 2026.
This is the 37th year of the show and I know people who have attended each and every year (this columnist included).
Consequently, this garden event must have something special to keep bringing people back year after year. Indeed it does…
The garden displays are what bring most people to the Seattle Convention Center. This year nearly three acres (!) of floor space have been given over to more than twenty display gardens.
The Marketplace is a spectacular shopping opportunity.
This year, the displays seem more approachable and easier to replicate. The designers, both new and veterans, developed very interesting vignettes.
This year’s theme is Spring Parade and the gardens were designed with this idea in mind.
The addition of red, yellow and multi-hued shrub dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) are a natural color standout. Coral Bark Maple (Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku) will add to the red tones of the garden, while Pacific Ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus) adds texture with its exfoliating reddish-brown bark.
A flower show is, after all, about theater and a grand show.
The Northwest Flower & Garden Festival, held at the Seattle Convention Center Arch, 705 Pike Street, runs from Wednesday, February 18 to Sunday, February 22, from 9:00am until 8:00pm (except for Sunday when the doors close at 6:00pm.
Contributing columnist, Bruce Bennett, is a WSU Master Gardener, Certified Professional Horticulturist and lecturer.
 |
| Show Display Courtesy of gardenshow.com |
These green vignettes are the heart of the show.
Among the other areas of interest, visitors will find the City Living area offering practical ideas and inspiration for the ever-increasing apartment and condominium patios and balcony gardens.
The Container Showdown will provide fast-paced competitions to create the best container display.
 |
| Marketplace. Photo courtesy GardenShow.com |
This area will have some 600 vendors offering all types of garden and yard merchandise, from MANY types of indoor and outside plants, to arts and crafts, jewelry and garden design expertise.
Finally, in the major attractions category is the Seminar series. These include 100+ lectures presented by local, national and international gardening experts.
The NW Flower & Garden Festival has been voted Best Lecture Series for several years now. There are certainly other attractions to be seen and experienced. For those, browse the event online at gardenshow.com.
 |
| Naturalistic display Photo courtesy GardenShow.com |
Most of this year’s display gardens have more of a naturalistic look to them. The abundant use of many types of northwest native plants certainly favors and enhances the rustic charm for many of the gardens.
This year, more than previous years, many of the design ideas can easily be brought back to a homeowner’s abode and be replicated. The designers are to be congratulated!
One fact most visitors to the show don’t realize is that each display’s team has only three days in which to build their little bit of heaven.
Construction begins Sunday at noon and must be finished by Tuesday at noon just before the event begins. The displays are completed on time every year and judged before the doors open to the general public. It is an amazing undertaking for all concerned.
 |
| Photo courtesy GardenShow.com |
Visitors can expect to see many winter blooming plants such as several varieties of Hellebores (Lenten Rose), Sarcococca (Sweet Box) with its heady vanilla scent, Camellias (Camellia), and Oregon Grape (Mahonia spp.), as well as early spring bloomers like fragrant Edgeworthia chrysantha (Paper Bush), Winter Heath (Erica carnea), Japanese Camellias (Camilla spp.) and Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa).
But, we don’t actually need flowers to add color to a winter or early spring garden. Consider the addition of colorful barked plants to the garden palette.
 |
| Cornus. Photo courtesy landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu |
These gardens invite visitors to appreciate the anticipation, color and texture that defines spring in our region and highlight the everyday magic of real gardens, of naturalistic, pollinator-friendly plantings.
Layered trees, shrubs, perennials, then groundcovers add a fullness to landscapes and evoke the familiar beauty of urban and suburban gardens just beginning to stir after winter.
The challenge is to make the exhibits look as real as possible and attainable by home gardeners.
For serious gardeners, for kids or for anyone who just needs a flower fix to make it through the home stretch of winter, the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival is the place to be.
 |
| Northwest Flower & Garden Festival |
Tickets bought at the event cost $29 (There are discounts for multiple days at the event.)
The downtown parking garages and street parking are pricey. Consider taking a Metro bus, light rail or carpool to make the commute a bit easier and less costly.
--
 |
| Bruce Bennett |
If you have questions concerning this article or have a gardening question or two to ask concerning your landscape, contact Bruce at gardenguy4u@gmail.com.
Picnic Point winter shoreline restoration event set for February 28, 2026
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
EDMONDS, Wash. — A winter sunset settles over Picnic Point Beach as Picnic Point Creek flows into Puget Sound on a cold January day in 2026. Two people sit at a picnic table overlooking the shoreline, watching the creek meet the Sound, with Whidbey Island and the Olympic Mountains visible in the distance.(Photo by Ryan May / Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds)
EDMONDS, Wash. — Members of the Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds (OFF), in partnership with the Snohomish County Healthy Forest Project, are inviting volunteers to an annual winter shoreline restoration event at Picnic Point Park on Saturday, February 28, from 11am to 1pm
The event is open to the public, and volunteers of all ages and ability levels are welcome. Tools, seeds, plants, and all necessary materials will be provided.
Now in its third year, the partnership between Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds and the Snohomish County Healthy Forest Project focuses on restoring and strengthening native shoreline habitat at Picnic Point through hands-on, community-based stewardship.
“Our partnership with the Snohomish County Healthy Forest Project shows what’s possible when local volunteers come together around a shared responsibility for a place we all value,” said Rolf Mogster, co-president of Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds. “Conservation isn’t something we talk about in the abstract: it’s something we show up for.”
EDMONDS, Wash. — Freshwater from Picnic Point Creek flows north, then west across the beach before entering Puget Sound in January 2026. This shoreline area is a focus of ongoing restoration efforts aimed at stabilizing sandy soils and supporting nearshore habitat during winter storms and seasonal runoff.
(Photo by Ryan May / Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds)
Event activities and purpose
This year’s winter planting will look different from past efforts. For the first time, volunteers will focus primarily on direct seeding along the shoreline, using native coastal grasses and wildflowers selected specifically for Picnic Point’s beach environment.
Seed-based plantings like these help stabilize sandy soils, reduce erosion, and establish long-term native ground cover that supports insects, birds, and nearshore marine life.
In addition to seeding, volunteers will also plant beach strawberry, a native species that has thrived at Picnic Point in previous years. Beach strawberry spreads naturally, helps hold sand in place, and provides low-growing shoreline cover—making it a natural complement to this year’s seed-focused restoration work.
“When we restore native plants along the shoreline, we’re doing more than improving how a place looks,” said Helena Puche, conservation chair for Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds.
“Native vegetation helps stabilize soils, protect vulnerable shoreline areas, and support habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Over the years, we’ve watched this shoreline become healthier and more resilient, and that’s been incredibly rewarding to see.”
Volunteers will work in areas previously cleared during earlier restoration efforts. Representatives from Snohomish County and local stewardship partners will be on site to guide the work and share insight into how these plantings contribute to shoreline health.
A vegetated shoreline helps slow erosion, improves habitat for birds and nearshore life, and enhances one of the region’s most valued saltwater beaches.
What to bring
Participants should dress in layers for cold winter weather and be prepared for wet, muddy conditions. Long sleeves and long pants are recommended, along with sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Fleece jackets, sweatshirts, or a heavy coat are encouraged, as well as rain gear if rain is in the forecast. Volunteers should also bring water and a snack.
Hand tools and gloves will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own if preferred. Power tools and herbicides are not permitted.
Where to meet
Picnic Point Park
7231 Picnic Point Rd
Edmonds, WA 98036
Volunteers should meet near the pedestrian overpass at the west end of the parking lot.
Parking
Free parking is available in the park’s main lot, which can fill on weekends and during favorable weather. Participants are encouraged to arrive early or carpool when possible.
Registration
For more information and to register, visit the Snohomish County Healthy Forest Project volunteer page:
Register here
Read more...
100 protestors Sunday on Aurora
 |
| Photo by Pam Cross |
The sign-wavers gather most Sundays, from 1-2pm, at Aurora Ave N and N 205th St.
Sign-wavers lined Aurora, and filled the four corners of Aurora and N 205th.
 |
| Photo by Nic Cross |
Drivers honk and wave in support.
What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? – February 18 - 24, 2026
-2.png)
What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? – February 18 - 24
Shoreline is showing up in all the best ways this week, with creativity, connection, and community at the heart of it all. From celebrating local talent like featured artist Jennifer Ewing at SALVATION Artists & Makers Collective to family story time at the Shoreline Historical Museum, hands-on fix-it nights, cat film festivals, wine tastings, workshops, and cultural celebrations, there are so many opportunities to get out and engage.
Destination Shoreline’s Must-Attend Events of the Week:
Featured Artist Jennifer Ewing at Salvation: Artist Collective
Through March 8, SALVATION – Artists & Makers 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. Her work has been described as a range from 'lyrical impressionism' to 'romantic realism.' She is interested in telling women's stories and celebrating the beauty of nature.
Storytime @ at the Shoreline Historical Museum
Saturday, February 21 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Shoreline Historical Museum
Bring little learners to Storytime @ the Museum at the Shoreline Historical Museum! This engaging, family-friendly program invites children ages 1–8 (with an adult) to explore local history and the environment through stories, music, movement, and hands-on art activities.
Shoreline Area Events You Should Know About this Week:
(Follow the event links for additional information, directions, and add to your calendar links.)
Is CoHousing Right for You?
Wednesday, February 18 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM, Shoreline/LFP Senior Activity Center
Explore cohousing as an alternative to staying in a daunting home or moving into a costly retirement facility.
Fix-It Night at the Shoreline Tool Library
Wednesday, February 18 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Shoreline Tool Library
We will help you fix and learn to fix your broken tools, lamps, toys, furniture, appliances, and any other broken items that you can carry in on your own.
NY Cat Film Festival - at Landmark Crest Cinema Center, Shoreline
Wednesday, February 18 7:00 PM, Landmark's Crest Cinema Center
One-night-only celebrations of our favorite furry stars!
Memoir Writing Group
Thursday, February 19 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, Shoreline/LFP Senior Activity Center
This supportive group helps you preserve your memories in writing; participants are encouraged to bring any short pieces they have already written to share.
Ballinger Thriftway Westland Single Malt and Watchpost Tasting!
Friday, February 20 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Ballinger Thriftway
Since 2011, Westland’s world-renowned single malts have showcased the distinct flavors and character of the Pacific Northwest.
Lunar New Year Party - Middle School Night
Saturday, February 21 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM, Richmond Highlands Recreation Center
Hey Middle Schoolers! Ring in the year of the Horse at the Teen Center for our Lunar New Year party! Enjoy delicious food, participate in fun crafts, and celebrate the New Year with us.
Basic Bicycle Maintenance at the Shoreline Tool Library
Tuesday, February 24 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Shoreline Tool Library
Spend an evening at the Shoreline Tool Library learning the basics of maintaining your bike.
What’s Up Next in Shoreline (Save the Date):
(Follow the event links for additional information, directions, and add to your calendar links.)
NY Dog Film Festival - at Landmark Crest Cinema Center, Shoreline
Wednesday, February 25 7:00 PM, Landmark's Crest Cinema Center
One-night-only celebrations of our favorite furry stars!
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/
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
Roundabout construction at 145th and pedestrians
 |
| Looking south Photo by David Carlos |
The city has published a graphic showing pedestrian walkways through the construction.
Proceed at your own risk...
Shoreline council to discuss traffic cameras
 |
| Mid-block crosswalk on N 175th, half a block from Meridian Park Elementary Photo by Oliver J. Moffat |
By Oliver J Moffat
The Shoreline city council will again discuss school zone traffic safety cameras at the Monday, Feb 23 meeting. Unlike neighboring cities, Shoreline still has no traffic cameras.
Every school day in Shoreline, over 3000 drivers violate the speed limit at schools while children are present.
According to a 2025 report from the city, over one thousand speeders per day exceeded the 20 mph limit in front of Meridian Park Elementary while the school zone lights are flashing. And 59% of all drivers speed faster than 30 mph in that Meridian Park school zone.
Last year, the city council directed the city to move forward with school zone speed cameras at Meridian Park elementary.
As required by state law, the city completed an equity impact analysis for the proposed cameras.
Under state law, fines are cut by half for recipients of public assistance, and judges can lower fines based on a recipient’s ability to pay. Any excess revenue must be spent on meaningful traffic safety improvements in poor neighborhoods with the most dangerous roads.
Under the proposed ordinance, photos can only be taken if the car is speeding, only photos of the car and the license plate can be captured, and the images and data can only be used by the city for cutting tickets.
Traffic cameras are now common around the region: Edmonds, Lynnwood, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, and Seattle all have them. But not Shoreline.
Two years ago, the Shoreline council debated Traffic Cameras after reviewing a Traffic Report which showed record high pedestrian, fatal and serious injury crashes.
At that 2024 meeting, Meridian Park parents and neighbors told the council about the daily horror they face crossing 175th street with children. They also brought a petition signed by 180 parents and neighbors asking the city to install traffic cameras in front of Meridian Park elementary.
Information on attending the city council meeting and providing comments is available on the city’s website.
Read more...
Community Resource Information Night
This event is a fantastic opportunity for the community to discover a wide array of support services in one place.
Thursday March 5, 2026 from 6 - 7:30pm
Succeeding with Roses - Sky Nursery February 28, 2026
Free
Learn everything you need to know to succeed in growing your very own roses in your own backyard or patio.
Learn everything you need to know to succeed in growing your very own roses in your own backyard or patio.
It’s easier than you think! We’ll first touch on how to choose the best types for you and your garden from the hundreds of varieties available in the Northwest.
Then we offer simple advice on where, when and how to plant and to water, fertilize and prune, so you can enjoy an abundance of stunning, fragrant blooms right at home.
Then we offer simple advice on where, when and how to plant and to water, fertilize and prune, so you can enjoy an abundance of stunning, fragrant blooms right at home.
Ramadan Mubarak
Ramadan Mubarak
Here at CAIR-WA we wish you and your family a blessed Ramadan, may this month be full of love, forgiveness and guidance for you and your loved ones
"May Allah accept our fasting, prayers, and good deeds."
Ramadan is a sacred month for over two billion Muslims worldwide. It entails fasting from dawn to dusk for 29 to 30 days as one of the five obligatory acts of worship in Islam.
Ramadan is a time for spiritual cleansing, personal growth, community building, and acts of charity.
CAIR Washington is a grassroots advocacy and civil rights organization based in Seattle that serves the Muslim community across Washington state. Our purpose is to defend the civil liberties of Muslim Washingtonians no matter where they live or their level of income.
We do this by 1) providing free legal services to Muslims who’ve been discriminated against because they are Muslim, 2) working to combat Islamophobia and bigotry through education and storytelling, and 3) empowering our community to be politically and socially engaged while shaping laws and policies that impact us.
CAIR Washington is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and a chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties group, with regional offices nationwide and in Canada.
Lantern Festival at Shoreline College March 14, 2026
元宵节
LANTERN FESTIVAL
WHEN? 什麼時候？
Saturday, March 14, 2026
11:30am - 3:30pm
WHERE? 地點：
Shoreline Community College
16101 Greenwood Ave N
PUB Building
Shoreline, WA 98133
Note: The previous article about a Lantern Festival at the Spartan Rec Center was posted in error.
SAFe Rescue thanks Bella's Voice for donations
A huge THANK MEW to our friends at Bella’s Voice for hosting SAFe at the grand opening of their new Shoreline location!
Together with members of our community, we raised $6,645 for homeless kitties
Thank you to their incredible staff for always going the extra mile for local animals in need!Spring is right around the corner… which means it’s officially time to refresh your wardrobe. Head to Bella’s Voice for a little thrift treasure hunting - every purchase helps animals in our community!
Bella's Voice 18420 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133 - a nonprofit thrift store with profits going to animal charities.
Bella's Voice 18420 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133 - a nonprofit thrift store with profits going to animal charities.
Seattle Area Feline Rescue (SAFe Rescue) 20226 Ballinger Way NE, Shoreline WA 98155 was the designated opening day charity at Bella's Voice.
Spring flowers: Rhody in Bloom
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
 |
| Photo by Jan Hansen |
We have temperatures below freezing and the threat of snow, (see WeatherWatcher) but the flowers are still blooming.
There are rhododendrons all over my neighborhood and probably all over Shoreline. I suspect there is an shadow HOA that requires at least one rhody in every yard.
I've been surprised and interested to see the rhodies on the west side of Shoreline bloom one to two weeks before mine in central Shoreline. I surmise that it's the amount of sunlight in clearcut Richmond Beach and Innis Arden.
With that theory, deeply wooded Lake Forest Park wouldn't see a bloom for weeks!
--Diane Hettrick
Call for Films: Short Short Film Festival April 18, 2026
The Shoreline Short Short Film Festival aims to support emerging and developing filmmakers in Washington State and encourage appreciation for the art of filmmaking in our community.
A program of 12 selected films will be screened at the Shoreline Community College Theater on April 18, 2026.
The Shoreline Community College Theater, 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133, is wheelchair accessible.
All films are unrated and may contain some adult content. Viewer discretion advised.
Purchase Event Tickets Here
Film Submissions
Film Submissions Deadline: March 7, 2026
The films voted Best Picture and People's Choice will each take home $1,000 and a campy Sasquatch Award!
Each film should range between 3 - 13 minutes.
Click here to submit film
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
