Esperanza Speaks: Growing Hope Through Art & Action October 17, 2026
| Spruce Elementary Tree Protection Club Photo by Dr. Jennie Warmouth |
You are invited to “Esperanza Speaks: Growing Hope Through Art & Action,” a special one night only event at Graphite Arts Center in Edmonds.
A beloved Douglas fir, named Esperanza, once stood on the grounds of Spruce Elementary in Lynnwood. Why did she come down? This open question became a year-long investigation by an after-school student art and ecology club hosted by teacher Dr. Jennie Warmouth.
Join us for a special evening of student artwork, creating, and sharing. Graphite Arts Center is open to the public on Saturdays from 12-5pm. Guests for this event are invited to visit, create and look at artwork from 4-5pm. From 5-6pm, student artists and special guests will share stories and poems of how they have been impacted by the trees we love.
With special guests:
- Nalini Nadkarni - National Geographic Explorer at Large, tree ecologist
- Rena Priest - WA state Poet Laureate and National Geographic Explorer
- Kiliii Yüyan - National Geographic Photographer
Where: Graphite Arts Center, 202 Main Street, Edmonds, WA
Grand Kyiv Ballet performs Swan Lake in Edmonds Friday October 16, 2026
Grand Kyiv Ballet brings classical dance, Tchaikovsky’s music and illuminated costumes to Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights in Edmonds this Friday.
Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights — Grand Kyiv Ballet
Edmonds Center for the Arts
410 Fourth Avenue North, Edmonds, WA 98020
Tickets: $38 - $88
For The Birds: Why I Band Birds
I band birds to save habitats.
By finding out which birds use an area, and having the data to prove it, I can activate neighbors and go to council meetings, and say, “These birds need this urban forest, wetlands, or pond.”
I band for the physical exercise.
Birds are caught in banding nets that are 10 feet high and usually 30 feet long. There’s a lot of reaching up and squatting down to carefully remove birds. Nets need to be checked every 20 minutes for the birds’ safety. MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) stations usually have an array of ten nets up for six hours at a time. These nets are spread across as many different types of habitat features as possible to catch the greatest number of species. If a net has several birds, I have to speed walk to the next net so that the birds in that net don’t wait too long. Then I hurry to the banding station to band each bird, determine its age and sex, general health and whether it is breeding or not.
I band to keep my mind active
I have to identify the species, know how to use the thick bander’s guide, identify age by observing molt patterns, and correctly enter the 34 units of data recorded for each bird. I have to know how to safely hold the bird while I’m closing the band, and I have to recognize signs of stress and let the bird go even if I am not done. The safety of the bird is paramount.
I band for all those reasons
But really, I band for those awesome moments when I hold the birds safely in my hands, get the needed information, and then open my hands and let them fly free once again. I like to think that each time I hold a bird I help make the world a safer place for them. I want the next generation to be able to hold a bird and soar with it as it takes wing from their hands.
Previous For The Birds articles here
Ballinger Thriftway Helps Feed and Support Local Families
By Judy MacCully
During October, Rotary’s Community Economic Development Month, Shoreline Rotary is recognizing local businesses that strengthen our community through charitable giving, sponsorships, employment and community involvement.
Ballinger Thriftway stands out as a business that consistently turns its neighborhood connections into meaningful support for local families.
Ballinger Thriftway opened in 1996 and has served the community for nearly three decades. The independent, family-owned grocery store is operated by Dave and Morgan, with Morgan’s husband, Luke, also joining the team.
The owners’ connections to Shoreline extend well beyond the store. Dave raised his family close by, and his children attended local schools. That history has helped create a business culture centered on relationships with customers, employees, schools and neighborhood organizations.
As Morgan explained in a recent business profile, Ballinger Thriftway values Shoreline’s friendly, family-oriented character and the people who care about the neighborhood.
That commitment can be seen in the many ways the store helps address hunger and family needs.
Supporting Shoreline Rotary’s Food4Kids Program
Ballinger Thriftway recently donated food for Shoreline Rotary’s Food4Kids weekend food-packing program.
Food4Kids provides bags of nutritious, easy-to-prepare food for students who might otherwise have limited access to meals over the weekend. Volunteers from Shoreline Rotary, Shoreline Community Church and the wider community pack the bags for distribution to participating students.
The store’s contribution helped Shoreline Community Church stretch its resources and direct more support toward children and families.
This kind of business-nonprofit partnership is a practical example of community economic development. A local business identifies a need, shares available resources and works with community organizations capable of putting those resources directly into action.
More Than 1,000 Pounds for Local Food Banks
In November 2025, Ballinger Thriftway delivered more than 1,000 pounds of donated food to Hopelink in Shoreline and Concern for Neighbors Food Bank in Mountlake Terrace.
Customers could donate food at the front of the store, purchase prepared donation bags at the checkout stand or make a cash contribution. By offering several simple ways to participate, the store made helping local families part of an ordinary grocery-shopping trip.
The effort continued throughout the holiday season. Through its Bag Local Hunger campaign, the Thriftway community provided more than $9,200 in food and financial donations for the two food banks.
The store has also reported collecting seven pallets of food through its “Do What You CAN” campaign and donating 50 turkeys to a school food drive serving local families.
Each effort demonstrates what can happen when a neighborhood business gives customers an easy and trusted way to respond to community needs.
Helping Families Through Vision House
Ballinger Thriftway’s commitment also extends beyond food-bank support.
During the 2024 holiday season, its Christmas Giving Tree raised more than $2,000 for Vision House, a nonprofit that helps families experiencing homelessness move toward greater stability.
The Giving Tree invited shoppers to participate in a shared act of generosity. Individual contributions combined to create meaningful support for families working to rebuild their lives.
Opening Its Doors to Student Service
Ballinger Thriftway also helps young people participate in community service.
The store has allowed Shorecrest and Shorewood students to collect food outside its doors as part of their annual food drive. A 2024 student campaign collected approximately 3,000 pounds of food for North Helpline—reported at the time as the organization’s largest single food donation.
By welcoming student volunteers, the store did more than provide a collection location. It helped young people experience how planning, teamwork and community participation can make a measurable difference.
The business also opens its doors to Scout activities, sports-team fundraisers and other local efforts.
A Neighborhood Store Helping Shoreline Thrive
Community economic development is often associated with jobs, investment and business growth. It is also about building the local relationships and support systems that allow families and neighborhoods to thrive.
Ballinger Thriftway demonstrates how a locally owned business can use its space, customer relationships and community presence to address real needs.
The store donates food, hosts collections, supports schools and nonprofits, and invites its customers to become part of the effort. Its impact is multiplied because it creates a bridge between people who want to help and organizations serving families who need that help.
During Community Economic Development Month, Shoreline Rotary is pleased to recognize Ballinger Thriftway as a Shoreline Community Builder.
Thank you for being a neighborhood grocery store that helps feed and support local families—and for showing how much a community can accomplish when neighbors and local businesses work together.
What locally owned Shoreline business have you seen making a difference?
Shoreline Rotary welcomes suggestions for businesses that donate, volunteer, sponsor community activities, support nonprofit organizations or create opportunities for local residents. Email us at contact@shorelinerotary.com
Learn more about Shoreline Rotary and its community partnerships at ShorelineRotary.com.
Shoreline Farmers Market named first farmers market finalist in history for 2026 BECU People Helping People Award; Public voting open through October 16, 2026
The Shoreline Farmers Market is honored to announce its selection as a finalist in the 2026 BECU People Helping People Awards. The finalist selection awards the local non-profit a $15,000 grant dedicated to growing its Small Business Incubation Program.
This nomination marks a historic milestone: the Shoreline Farmers Market is the first farmers market ever to become a finalist in the history of the BECU People Helping People Awards.
The market has now advanced to Phase 2 of the award process to compete for the $40,000 People’s Choice Award, decided entirely by public vote.
Public voting is open now and runs through Friday, October 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST at becu.org/awards.
Voting is free and open to all individuals aged 18 and older with a valid email address; voters do not need to be BECU members.
"We are so proud to be finalists alongside such inspiring organizations doing amazing work across our region," said Laura, Board President.
"As the first farmers market nominated for this award, we know that we share the message of the power of farmers markets to help others with our diverse regional farmers market community.”
Throughout its 15-year history, the Shoreline Farmers Market has served as both an essential community health hub and a business launchpad for regional farmers, food producers, and artisans.
- Voting Details:Where to Vote: Visit becu.org/awards
- Deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST
- Rules: Open to the public (age 18+; one vote per email address; no BECU membership required).
The Shoreline Farmers Market is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and everyone is welcome. The market takes place every Saturday through October 31, 2026, from 10:00am to 2:00pm at 18821 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133 (in the Shoreline Park & Ride lot at 192nd & Aurora).
The season will conclude on Saturday, October 31st with a special Harvest Market, featuring trick-or-treating for families, a vibrant celebration of our market community, and a festive send-off for our 15th anniversary season.
To learn more about the Shoreline Farmers Market and its food access initiatives, visit: shorelinefarmersmarket.org.
The Shoreline Farmers Market is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating a vibrant community gathering space, increasing fresh food access for all residents, and incubating local small businesses and sustainable regional agriculture.
The annual BECU People Helping People Awards recognize and grant funding to community-nominated non-profits serving Western Washington, carrying forward the credit union philosophy of "people helping people."
Making Meaningful AI Conversation - The Art of the Prompt
- Identify how to write an effective prompt and apply them to get better results.
- Write clear, structured prompts that produce accurate, useful, and personalized responses
- Compare major free-tier chatbots.
- Use AI tools for everyday tasks such as research, writing, planning, organizing, and creative projects
- Privacy and safe data use when interacting with chatbots.
- Incorporate AI into daily routines with confidence while maintaining healthy skepticism
Dates: 10/21/2026 - 10/28/2026
Times: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Sessions: 2
Fee: $89.00
Location: Shoreline College 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline 98133
Instructor: Brian Boston
Register here! Making Meaningful AI Conversation - The Art of the Prompt
Lake Forest Park retiring Cable Channel and moving meetings to YouTube channel
In an effort to reduce costs and increase efficiency, the City is transitioning all live streaming and replays of City Council meetings from the local government cable channel (Comcast 21) to the City's YouTube channel.
The City's YouTube channel can be accessed from the city's homepage or the Agendas & Minutes page. You can also find the channel by searching for "City of Lake Forest Park" on YouTube.
Never want to miss a meeting? Subscribe to the City's YouTube channel to be notified of live streams and new video postings.
View it on website
Yoga retreat in Puerto Vallarta February 11-16, 2027
Included in the retreat are all meals, luxurious rooms and beds, yoga classes, meditation, spring-fed mineral pools, and optional spa services. Get to know your yoga community, and have an adventure of a lifetime! You deserve it.
Please email Trudy for more information, as there are only two spaces left: trudy.mower@gmail.com
Trudy Mower has been teaching yoga in the Seattle area since 2008. She has hosted several local retreats, and teaches all-level yoga at the Shoreline YMCA on Saturdays, outdoor yoga at the park, and hosts events from her home in North City.
Join her mailing list, and learn more here
Shorecrest boys varsity tennis vs Snohomish
Shorecrest 4, Snohomish 3
Singles
- Mihai Stransky (SC) def. Jackson Fawcett 2-6, 7-5, 10-4.
- Lleyton Hoy (SC) def. Connor Hall 6-0, 6-0.
- Jasper Dahl (SC) def. Jaden Larson 3-6, 6-2, 11-9.
- Weston Fawcett (Sno) def. Keane Patterson 6-0, 6-0.
- Tully VanAssche-Maverick Stocker (Sno) def. Winston Yao-Kaden Strang 6-3, 4-6, 10-8.
- Levi Leptich-Luke Artherholt (SC) def. Taron Allison-Steven Allred 1-6, 6-2, 10-7.
- Chase Bezear-Connor Hallmark (Sno) def. Kiptyn Mason-Will Lo 7-5, 6-4.
Dramatic Sunset
Monday, October 12, 2026
Find a Shoreline Food Drive Drop-Off Location Near You
Simply look for the “Shoreline Food Drive” signs at participating locations and drop off your non-perishable food donations. From canned meals and nut butters to spices and non-dairy milk, every contribution helps stock the shelves at the Shoreline Hopelink Food Market and support local neighbors facing food insecurity.
Find a drop-off location near you: Food Drive Locations
See the list of most-needed food items: Most Needed Food Items
Prefer to make a monetary donation? Make a monetary donation here
A big thank-you to the participating businesses and organizations for opening their doors to collect donations!
Shoreline Food Drive Drop-Off Locations:
Ballinger Thriftway
20150 Ballinger Way NE, Shoreline, WA 98155
EVERYDAY 6 AM - 10 PM
Lara Grauer Photography
14300 Greenwood Ave N Suite E, Seattle, WA 98133
TUES & WED 2-4 PM or BY APPOINTMENT
Minuteman Press North Seattle
10300 Greenwood Ave N Seattle, WA 98133
MON- FRI, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Ridgecrest Books
512 NE 165th St, Shoreline, WA 98155
SUN & MON 11 AM - 5 PM, TUES - SAT 11 AM - 7 PM
ShoreLake Arts
521 NE 165th ST
Shoreline, WA 98155
TUE - THURS 10 AM - 4 PM
Shoreline College
16101 Greenwood Ave. N., Student Union Building, 9203 (Career Center)
Shoreline
MON - THURS 8 AM - 5 PM, FRI 8 AM - 4:30 PM
Sky Nursery
18528 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
MON - SUN 9 AM - 6 PM
Spartan Recreation Center
202 NE 185th St, Shoreline, WA 98155
MON-THURS 7 AM - 8 PM, FRI 7 AM - 5 PM, SAT 8 AM - 3 PM
Spin Alley Bowling & Vault 177
1430 NW Richmond Beach Road, Shoreline, WA 98177
MON - THURS 12 PM - 10 PM, FRI 12 PM - 11 PM, SAT 11 - 11, SUN 11-10
Shoreline City Hall
17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
MON - FRI 8 AM - 5 PM
Shoreline Teen Center at the Richmond Highlands Rec Center
16554 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
MON - THURS 2:30 - 6 PM, FRI 2:30 - 9 PM, SAT 6- 10:30 PM
Shoreline Historical Museum
18501 Linden Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
TUES - SAT 10 AM - 4 PM
Shoreline Senior Center
18560 1st Ave NE Bldg G, Shoreline, WA 98155
MON - THURS 8:30 AM - 4 PM,
FRI 8:30 AM - 1 PM
Shoreline Cooperative Preschool’s 39th Annual Carnival
510 NE 175th St, Shoreline, WA 98155
Collecting donations SAT Nov. 7, 10 AM - 2 PM
SportClips
15407 Westminster Way N #5A-2, Shoreline, WA 98133
MON - FRI 8 AM - 7 PM, SAT 8 AM - 6 PM, SUN 8 AM - 5 PM
The Nock Point
22313 70th Ave W Ste U1A, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
TUES - FRI 10 AM - 8 PM
SAT & SUN 10 AM - 6 PM
Third Place Commons
17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
EVERYDAY 8 AM - 9 PM
Shorecrest XC team at the Mountain Loop Invitational
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| Girls' XC team Photo by Lisa Muilenburg |
Saturday morning, October 10, 2026 the Shorecrest cross country team raced at Granite Falls High School in the Mountain Loop XC Invitational. It was a great warmup for their homecoming dance that evening.
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| Mid-race photos by Lisa Muilenburg |
The Girls Varsity team took 3rd place overall, led by freshman London Simon with a 13th-place medal finish, followed by teammates Gillian, Natalie, Keira, Lucy, Madison, and Kiersten.
The Boys Varsity took 7th place overall.
The Boys JV also took 3rd, led by Oliver Peoples’ 8th-place finish, with all of his scoring teammates running personal bests.
Many other athletes continued to hit personal and season bests at this meet.
We look forward to their next race, which will be a league meet at Hamlin Park in Shoreline, WA, on October 14, starting at 3:45pm.
--Lisa Muilenburg
Read more...
Edmonds Police warn of sophisticated scam
• The victim is electronically notified (email, pop-up on a computer, etc.) that their identity has been stolen, their bank accounts have been compromised, and their information is being used for illegal activity such as child porn, gun trafficking, and activity on the dark web.
• The email or pop-up includes a phone number the victim can call to fix the issue.
• The person on the other end usually says they are with Microsoft, and the victim gets passed around to other callers but always ends up talking to someone claiming they are an agent from the FTC.
• The victim is instructed to remove cash, usually in very large amounts, from their bank accounts.
• The victim is then instructed to package the cash exactly as the suspect wants and send pictures of the cash and the package to the suspect.
• The suspect then instructs the victim to meet another “agent” in a public place (usually a busy parking lot) and hand over the cash. In some instances, the victim is given a “code word” to say to the “agent” picking up the cash to make sure they are talking to the correct person.
• Suspects tell victims their cash will be safe and held in a vault until the investigation is over. Some suspects have even told the victims they would get interest.
• The victims are instructed not to tell anyone what is going on, including family, because it would implicate their family in the FTC investigation.
• The suspects continue this pattern until the victims catch on to the scam, often after multiple transactions and significant losses.
Celebrate Halloween at Third Place Commons
Celebrate Halloween at Third Place Commons!Join us on Saturday, October 31, 2026 for free, family-friendly Halloween fun at Third Place Commons!
3–4 p.m. | “Discord and That Chord”Bring the whole family for a whimsical musical performance by the Highlight Quartet on the Commons Stage, in partnership with KCLS and sponsored by the Friends of the Lake Forest Park Library.
4–6 p.m. | Lake Forest Park Town Center Trick-or-TreatingAfter the show, enjoy trick-or-treating throughout Lake Forest Park Town Center! It’s a safe, dry, well-lit place for families to celebrate Halloween and collect plenty of candy.
All Third Place Commons events are free and open to everyone. Come celebrate with us!
Third Place Commons is a community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit building community in the heart of Lake Forest Park for more than 25 years. Find us at Lake Forest Park Town Center, 17171 Bothell Way NE, upper level, intersection Bothell & Ballinger Way NE.
Sacred Harp Shape Note Singing October 25, 2026
Enjoy singing from the 2025 Denson Revision of The Sacred Harp on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Avenue West. Loaner books available. Completely free.
Everyone is invited, from the curious to the experienced. Yes, you can do it! Enabling all to sing is what this tradition is about. No music experience needed. In fact, not being a musician may help you.
People from the religious to atheists enjoy Sacred Harp. LGBTQ+ welcome.
For more information, go to the Pacific Northwest Sacred Harp Singers website at seattlesacredharp.org. PNWSHS is a member of National Folk Organization.
Northwest Neighbors Network to Host Interactive Discussion on Coping with Hearing Loss
The in-person event is designed for anyone experiencing hearing loss, as well as the people who live and work alongside them. Seating is limited, and registration is requested.
"This class is for coping skills for folks who are Hard of Hearing, family members, friends, coworkers and interested parties – both hearing and Hard of Hearing" said Dean Olson, who holds an ADA Coordinator Certification.
Olson experienced hearing loss at an early age, progressing to profound hearing loss, and is now an adult bilateral cochlear implant user.
Janet Smith is a founder of Elder Care Solutions and Northwest Elder Law Group. She retired from the active practice of law in 2021 to focus on her work as an elder mediator and facilitator.
Advance registration is requested. Register here.
How Do Property Taxes in Lake Forest Park Compare to Neighboring Cities?
An important point of reference for LFP voters regarding the Prop 1 ballot measure this November is how our city’s property tax level compares with our neighbors.
- Lake Forest Park - 9.06083. or a little over $9 per each $1,000 of assessed property value.
- Shoreline - 9.95297, or almost $10 per $1000 of assessed value.
- Kenmore - 9.65652, or $9.65 per $1000 of assessed value.
- Bothell – 9.74130, or $9.74 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Lake Forest Park’s rate is lower than all three of these neighboring cities. Prop 1 in LFP would increase our tax rate by 22 cents per $1000 of assessed value. Even with this increase our overall property tax rate will be significantly lower than our neighbors. People are often surprised that LFP, like other King County cities, gets a rather small portion of the total property tax bill – about 7%.
What’s in Prop 1? Like the levy voters turned down last year by 19 votes, all proceeds are dedicated to maintaining police and public safety services, and the rate increase has a 6-year period, meaning that it will end after 6 years.
It’s different from the last levy request in that the amount is lower, 22 cents per $1000 of assessed value, as opposed to 24 cents last time. Another difference is that this November’s levy proposal has been endorsed by all seven councilmembers.
For additional information, see the City’s web page here.
Since 2001, when the requirement for voter approval of property tax increases of more than 1% went into effect, inflation in King County has averaged 3-4% per year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, totaling roughly 90% over the last 25 years.
On the other hand, LFP property taxes during that period have not increased more than 1% per year – some years no increase. An increase is long overdue. With only a 1% increase last year, significant reserve funds had to be used to balance the current budget. Without passage of Prop 1 next month, additional reserves undoubtedly will be depleted, along with the real possibility of service cuts.
I hope you will join me and many others in Lake Forest Park who recognize the urgent need to vote YES on Prop 1, a temporary, modest rate increase to maintain our high-quality police and public safety services.
Elections: What voters need to know right now
- Register to vote or update your registration online at VoteWA.gov through October 26, 2026.
- A template will arrive in the Local Voters’ Pamphlet, or voters can find one at kce.wiki/VotePlan to think through their voting plan today.
- If your ballot doesn’t arrive by October 19, call King County Elections at 206-296-8683.
- If choosing to mail your ballot back, USPS recommends mailing at least one week before Election Day. KCE strongly encourages you to return it as soon as you receive it. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day to be counted as on-time.
Shoreline Planning Commission to discuss Tree Code updates
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| L-R: Matt Souza, Leslie Brinson, Julie Povick, Janice Gedlund, Bradley Cabe, Katie Lorah and Chris Mosier Photo courtesy City of Shoreline |
City of Shoreline Planning Commission Meeting
Location: Shoreline City Hall, Council Chambers, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline 98133
Cumulus cloud
Sunday, October 11, 2026
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| Photo by Barbara Twaddell |
Saturday I saw this large cumulus cloud to the west over the Olympics as I was driving to the store. I changed direction and drove down to the Saltwater Park and got a good view.
Multicultural Celebration Night Hosted By House of Wisdom in Edmonds October 20, 2026
EDMONDS, WA — October 2026 — House of Wisdom is excited to host its first Multicultural Celebration Night on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 4:00–7:30pm at the Edmonds Waterfront Center.
The event will bring together students, families, community members, local organizations, and businesses to celebrate the diverse cultures and experiences that make our community unique.
Guests will enjoy an evening featuring cultural performances, cuisine, youth showcases, community organizations and businesses, and cultural exhibits. The event will also recognize the contributions and support of community partners, including Edmonds College, Verdant Health Commission, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Edmonds Waterfront Center, Cafe Louvre, Ballet Folklórico Xochiquetzal, and The City of Lynnwood.
House of Wisdom invites community members of all ages to connect, learn from one another, and celebrate the cultures that make our community stronger.
Event Details
- What: Multicultural Celebration Night
- When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 4:00–7:30 PM
- Where: Edmonds Waterfront Center 220 RAILROAD AVE, EDMONDS, WA 98020
- Admission: Free
- Suggested Donation: $10
- RSVP
- Donate to make a difference
- For more information about House of Wisdom or this event, please contact linda@thehouseofwisdomwa.org .
Learn More & Follow Us
- Website
- Instagram: @houseofwisdomwa
- Facebook: The House of Wisdom
Richmond Beach Halloween Carnival October 17, 2026
Kick off the fall season by joining the Richmond Beach Community Association at their Halloween Carnival at Syre Elementary on Saturday, October 17, 2026!
Game Tickets are 2/$1 and most games are only 1 ticket to play.
Syre Elementary is located at 19545 12th Ave NW, Shoreline, WA 98177
Tree removal along NE 145th St in Seattle and Shoreline
During October 2026, crews will be removing trees along NE 145th St between SR 522 and I-5. These trees are being removed to prepare for roadway improvements as part of Sound Transit’s Stride S3 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.
- The Platform: Growth beyond transit
- Stride fact sheet: Transit and trees: Sound Transit’s tree and vegetation landscape program
- Removing approximately 120 trees along NE 145th St to prepare roadway improvements for Stride BRT.
- October 2026
- Along NE 145th St between SR 522 and I-5 in Seattle/Shoreline.
- These tree removals may require periodic lane closures along NE 145th St.
- Contractors will remove only those trees that have been identified as incompatible with the Stride S3 project.
- Dates and times are subject to change due to inclement weather or unforeseen issues.
Op-Ed: SR 522 Permits Are Moving Forward — Residents Should Know What They Mean
Sound Transit has recently submitted four Major Critical Area Permit applications and a Tree Permit to the City of Lake Forest Park for the BT306 portion of the Stride S3 project.
Most Lake Forest Park residents don't live directly along SR 522. For those who do, however, this project will be happening outside their homes and businesses. It includes roadway widening, removal of a significant number of mature trees and other vegetation, retaining walls, excavation, drainage changes, and construction in areas containing steep slopes, streams, wetlands and known geologic hazards.
I support good public transit. I also believe we have an obligation to ask whether a project of this magnitude can be built while reducing its impact on our community as much as reasonably possible.
I recently spent considerable time reviewing these permit applications and submitted public comments to the City. What concerned me was not simply the volume of material, but some of the information contained in the newer technical reports.
Newer information deserves attention
Current geotechnical documents discuss steep and landslide-prone areas, groundwater, excavation and shoring requirements, slope monitoring and potential effects on neighboring properties.
At Bsche'tla Creek, for example, the project's geotechnical consultant identifies an area of concern for slope stability during construction and recommends monitoring slopes and nearby structures, establishing baseline measurements and setting predetermined action levels. The permit materials identify concerns and impacts involving other streams and critical areas along the corridor as well.
Elsewhere, the geotechnical report identifies liquefaction and lateral-spreading concerns associated with proposed pedestrian improvements and describes a potential failure condition that could present a life-safety concern unless mitigated.
These findings don't mean the project cannot be safely built. They do mean residents should be able to understand how these conditions will be addressed before permits are approved and construction begins. They also raise an important longer-term question: Who will be responsible for inspection, maintenance, drainage, monitoring and problems that may develop after construction is complete?
Does the earlier environmental review still fit today's project?
Sound Transit issued a SEPA Determination of Nonsignificance in 2021 and later prepared additional environmental review, including a 2024 Addendum.
But the project design and technical information have continued to develop, and the design has changed since that environmental review was completed.
The permit applications now before the City contain detailed 2026 information about geologic hazards, drainage, retaining walls, tree and canopy removal, critical areas and construction requirements.
That raises a simple but important question:
Does the environmental review completed earlier adequately address the project that is actually being permitted today?
I am not saying an Environmental Impact Statement is automatically required, although I believe a project of this magnitude and complexity deserved that level of review. I am asking that the adequacy of the earlier environmental review be examined against the current project and current information.
If significant impacts were not adequately considered previously, they should be evaluated before permits are approved—not after construction begins.
Noise is already a serious issue
Those who don't live along SR 522 may not appreciate how loud the corridor already is for the people who live beside it, including residents on the west side above the highway.
I recently walked portions of SR 522 with a sound meter. My informal readings frequently exceeded 85 dB and at times approached 110 dB. These were not professional measurements, and I am not presenting them as an acoustical study. They do, however, raise a reasonable question about whether current professional measurements should be taken.
Those readings were taken under today's conditions, with existing trees, shrubs and other vegetation in place. The project proposes removing significant vegetation and screening, widening portions of the roadway and constructing large retaining walls. Whether those changes will alter measured or perceived noise—and to what degree—should be professionally evaluated rather than assumed.
For those who live and work along SR 522, noise isn't an abstract number in an engineering report. It is part of daily life.
Can we accomplish the same goal with less impact?
Sound Transit's Arborist Study contains extensive information about trees proposed for removal and replacement. It also states that a “lower tree impact design approach was not feasible within the constraints of the SR 522 corridor.”
That deserves examination.
CORE and the City previously presented alternatives intended to reduce the continuous northbound widening between approximately NE 153rd and NE 165th while retaining transit-priority measures at important intersections.
The question isn't whether we should have transit. The question is whether essentially the same transit benefit can be achieved with less impact.
How much additional travel time does the continuous northbound lane actually save? How many mature trees could be retained under a different design? Could retaining walls, excavation, critical-area disturbance and impacts on neighboring properties be reduced?
Those comparisons should be part of the conversation before irreversible decisions are made.
Stormwater matters too
The permit materials acknowledge that stormwater currently sheet-flows from SR 522 onto neighboring private properties and propose new systems for collecting and conveying roadway and retaining-wall runoff.
Residents along the corridor have also experienced and reported water flowing from the roadway and downhill toward Lake Washington. That makes it especially important to understand what happens when drainage patterns are changed.
At the same time, the project involves removing vegetation, altering paved areas, excavating near slopes and constructing retaining walls in a corridor where the geotechnical reports identify groundwater and geologic hazards.
Residents should be able to understand which stormwater standards apply, where collected water will go, who will maintain these systems in the future, and how neighboring properties, streams and slopes will be protected.
More than 3,000 pages — but residents still have a voice
Perhaps one of the biggest problems is simply understanding these permits.
Residents attempting to review the applications face more than 3,000 pages of engineering reports, drawings, arborist information, geotechnical studies and technical appendices. Even downloading, identifying and organizing some of the documents can be confusing.
Most people don't have the time or technical background to work through all of this.
But they shouldn't have to.
You don't have to understand 3,000 pages of engineering documents to have a voice in what happens to your community!
People who live beside this project know things that may not appear on engineering drawings. They know where water collects during heavy rain. They know where slopes have moved. They know where highway noise is worst. They know which trees provide screening between their homes and SR 522. And they know how their neighborhoods function every day.
That knowledge matters.
This is the time to pay attention! I believe Lake Forest Park should do everything reasonably possible during this permit process to reduce the project's impacts on the people who will live beside it during construction and long afterward.
We are within a 30-day public comment period, so this is the time for residents to look at the permits and ask questions about the issues that matter to them.
If the earlier environmental analysis remains adequate, residents deserve to understand why. If newer information or changes to the project warrant additional environmental review, that review should occur.
And if a practical alternative can provide nearly the same transit benefit while saving mature trees, reducing excavation and retaining walls, protecting critical areas and lessening impacts on residents, we should examine it before construction begins.
This isn't about stopping transit.
It is about building it responsibly and doing everything we reasonably can to protect the community that will live with the results. And we haven’t even seen the monetary cost yet!
Which permit affects your area?
Sound Transit's current BT306 applications divide the critical-area work into four groups, plus one corridor-wide Tree Permit:
20260098 — Critical Area Group 1
Covers work associated with Bsche'tla Creek, McAleer Creek and Lyon Creek, including areas near Town Center/Brookside Boulevard and Ballinger Way. It also includes a proposed mitigation area at Pfingst Animal Acres Park.
20260100 — Critical Area Group 2
Covers the west side of SR 522 from north of NE 165th Street to 41st Avenue NE. This area includes erosion, seismic, steep-slope and landslide hazards and construction of two soldier-pile retaining walls.
20260101 — Critical Area Group 3
Covers the west side of SR 522 between 39th Avenue NE and NE 165th Street, including 13 residential parcels sloping toward Lake Washington. Proposed work includes retaining walls associated with roadway widening.
20260102 — Critical Area Group 4
Covers the west side of SR 522 between 38th Avenue NE and 39th Avenue NE, including multiple single-family residences and City right-of-way.
20260099 — Tree Permit
This is the BT306 Tree Permit associated with the corridor project. Residents concerned about tree and vegetation removal, canopy loss, screening or replacement planting should review this permit in addition to the Critical Area permit covering their area.
How to comment:
You do not need to understand every permit or comment on all five. If you are concerned about something specific—trees, drainage, a slope, a stream, noise, construction near your property, retaining walls or another issue—you can focus on what affects you and identify the applicable permit number.
The City's notices state that written comments on the Critical Area applications may be submitted to the Lake Forest Park Community Development Department or emailed to Community Development Director Mark Hofman at mhofman@cityoflfp.gov. The notices provide a 30-calendar-day comment period following the October 1, 2026 publication date.
You don't have to understand 3,000 pages of engineering documents to have a voice in what happens to your community!
Constitution Day Civic Series III: How to run for local office / how to start a ballot initiative - October 22, 2026
October 22, 2026
Shoreline City Hall Council Chambers, 6:30-8:30pm
Part III of Shoreline’s Constitution Day Civic Series
Join Shoreline City Council, League of Women Voters, WA Secretary of State office, and others to learn how to run for local office and how to start a ballot initiative!
NO KINGS Vote Early Rally in Lake Forest Park October 17, 2026
Duke D. Dungan 1947-2025
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| Duke Dungan 1947-2025 |
He worked as a chemist for NOAA, conducted soil testing for Washington State, and at Laucks Testing Laboratories before beginning a career in wastewater treatment. He first worked for King County Metro and was later hired by the City of Lynnwood. He served for 33.5 years, including 28 years as Assistant Plant Supervisor, retiring only after being diagnosed with leukemia.
Duke dedicated his life to serving others. He was honored with the “Least of My Brethren” award for serving the less fortunate in his community through the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He served as president and held other leadership roles, and his name is on the pantry door at St. Mark Catholic Church.
Duke was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Mark Parish, where he taught Latin and religion classes. He was the ultimate career counselor and was passionate about helping others find their calling.
He shared his love of chess with his children by coaching chess club. An avid baseball fan, he coached and umpired for Little League. Duke also loved to sing, particularly Gregorian chant, and participated in many choirs throughout his life. He enjoyed working outdoors on his property.
Duke had a big personality and a wonderful sense of humor. He wanted his grandsons to call him “Grandduke,” but the name never quite stuck. He would gladly sacrifice his dignity if it meant making his grandsons laugh.
Duke is survived by his wife, Sherrill; his children, Zita (Dan), Drew (Elizabeth), and Cletus; his grandchildren, Miles and Hudson; his siblings; and his dear goat, Beau.
32nd District candidate forum in Innis Arden October 18, 2026
Saturday, October 10, 2026
All six candidates across the three 32nd Legislative District races have confirmed their participation:
- State Senate: Cindy Ryu and Jesse Salomon
- House Position 1: Keith Scully and Danica Noble
- House Position 2: Lauren Davis and Imraan Siddiqi
Event Details
All candidates for Senate and Representative in the 32nd Legislative District have confirmed their participation in a neighborhood and LWV sponsored candidate forum on Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Doors Open: 1:45pm
- Forum: 2:00–4:00pm
- Location: Innis Arden Clubhouse, 1430 NW 188th St, Shoreline 98177
- Open to: Community members and voters
Register here - space is limited and registration will confirm your seat
We’re excited to bring the candidates together for a community-focused, nonpartisan forum and create an opportunity for voters to hear from all of the candidates participating in these races.
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)







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