City of Kenmore 4th of July fireworks show at Log Boom Park

Kenmore 4th of July

Saturday, July 4, 2026
7:30pm - 10:30pm: Fireworks show begins at 10pm
Log Boom Park, 6100 NE 175th St., Kenmore

The event kicks off at 7:30pm with music, food trucks, free activities, games, and crafts, and the fireworks show will begin at 10:00pm. The fireworks show is 20 minutes.

Skip the Traffic—Shuttle, Walk, or Bike to Kenmore’s 4th of July Celebration!:

Getting there is easy:

• Free shuttle service runs from the Kenmore Park & Ride (7346 NE Bothell Way) to Log Boom Park starting at 6:00pm until the end of the event. *After the event, practice patience as the shuttles move from NE 175th Street to the Kenmore Park & Ride*
• ADA-accessible shuttles are available; please note, no onsite ADA parking will be provided.
• Limited overflow parking is available at The Vine Church (shuttle does not stop there).
• Expect street closures on Bothell Way NE and 61st Ave NE beginning at 3:00pm
• Limited parking is available on the north side of NE 175th St.
• No parking or drop-offs along Bothell Way NE.

*NOTE: The 61st Ave NE hill by Log Boom Park will be closed 1pm- 11pm. Use the detour route*

*Log Boom Park Parking lot will be closed all day on 7/4 for the event setup and activities

Parking lots

These parking lots will be available for event parking on 7/4 from 6pm-11pm:

• The Vine Church- Upper Lot: 6214 Bothell Way NE, Kenmore, WA 98028
• Kenmore Park & Ride: Park & Ride, NE Bothell Way &, Kenmore, WA 98028

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Hillwood 4th of July Kids Parade

Highland Terrace 4th of July Kids Parade

Highland Terrace Neighborhood has hosted this for years. The wheels go around the block a couple times and then everyone enjoys cookies and juice. 

There will be a Pre-Parade decorating station for the kids to embellish their rides and post parade there will be golf cart rides and face painting. Bring cookies, juice, saltwater taffy (it is tossed to the parade participants as they pass).

Meet at 2nd NW and 159th at 11am on the 4th

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3rd of July party in Mountlake Terrace with fireworks show over the lake

Mountlake Terrace 3rd of July fireworks
Photo by Lien Titus

Although personal fireworks are illegal in Mountlake Terrace, the City Council authorized a fireworks display with a professional pyrotechnics company which will take place over the lake.

The boat launch and waterfront areas, including the new fishing pier, will be closed. 

The spectator viewing area will be on the hillside within the park – directly to the south and southeast of the Mickey Corso Community Clubhouse (also known as the Mountlake Terrace Senior/Community Center) 23000 Lakeview Dr Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043

Almost a dozen food trucks will be on site.

Park and clubhouse restrooms will be closed to the public but there will be portable restrooms on site. Strong attendance is expected so please plan ahead and be prepared for any weather conditions. Please bring chairs or blankets for seating. Drivers are encouraged to avoid this area as there may be congestion.

There is no onsite parking available, so walking, biking and rideshares are strongly encouraged. Limited parking for guests with disabilities is available at the clubhouse parking area. 

Other options include free parking at the Mountlake Terrace Transit Center or paid parking at the Nile Shrine at 6601 244th Street SW followed by a walk along the Lakeview Trail. If you are taking the bus, Community Transit route 130 drops off across the street from Ballinger Park 

More info: email or call 425-744-6287

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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Going up?

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter HERE

 

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Help revitalize Blue Heron Park every 2nd Saturday

Removing weeds and invasive plants at Blue Heron Park
Photo by Linda Holman

In 1989 the City of Lake Forest Park purchased its first park, the property previously known as "the stump farm." 

Blue Heron Park (BPH) evolved walking paths, seating areas, a bridge over McAleer Creek with a salmon viewing platform.

Volunteers are now revitalizing Blue Heron Park.

Join them every 2nd Saturday from 9am - 12pm.

For more information contact project lead Linda Holman lhholman@comcast.net

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AG Brown leads states’ brief opposing increased oil and gas development in Alaska’s Coastal Plain

Tundra swans in the Skagit Valley
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Attorney General Nick Brown led a coalition with 13 other attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting three lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s decision to authorize an oil and gas program that would maximize development of the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.

Washington’s brief argues that expansive, maximalist oil and gas development in an area previously untouched by industrial development will harm our states’ migratory birds and increase greenhouse gas emissions that worsen the devastating impacts of climate change in our states.

The coalition states argue that the Bureau of Land Management’s rushed and incomplete environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Secretary of Interior’s failure to comply with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (Refuge Act) illegally ignored more environmentally protective alternatives and disregarded legally required standards for public participation and transparency.

“Once again, this administration is breaking the law to prop up the fossil fuel industry, with no regard for the costs to our natural world,” said Attorney General Nick Brown. “The interests of oil and gas are not above the interests of the American people and our extraordinary ecology.”

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is our nation’s largest refuge. The Coastal Plain is a 1.6-million-acre national treasure at the heart of the refuge that provides habitat to hundreds of species, including threatened polar bears and caribou. 

Millions of migratory birds spend the summer on the Coastal Plain breeding and feeding before migrating southward across North America, including Washington, travelling upwards of 3,000 miles. 

For example, Tundra swans cross the continent to winter on the Atlantic coast. Brant, Pacific loons, and yellow-billed loons from the refuge winter primarily along the Pacific coast of North America.

AG Brown is joined on this brief by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

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Local student on Spring 2026 Dean's List at St. Olaf College

NORTHFIELD, Minn. (June 23, 2026) - The following local student made the Spring 2026 Dean's List at St. Olaf College. 

The Dean's List is a scholarly award for students who demonstrate academic excellence and have earned a GPA of 3.75 or above and completed at least three credits for that semester.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, MAJOR

Shoreline, WA

Joy Brandenstein, Film and Media Studies

St. Olaf is a residential liberal arts institution with an enrollment of more than 3,000 students offering over 85 undergraduate majors, concentrations, and pre-professional tracks. Each year, St. Olaf offers more than 5,000 experiential learning opportunities that build skills and prepare students for life after graduation. Visit stolaf.edu.

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Thank You to our Echo Lake Worker Bees: Wendi Valles' State Farm and BECU

We had a very productive Garden Party at Echo Lake Park. Tons of invasive weeds dismissed. Mulch spread to keep the roots moist. New plant cages to protect the little conifers. Now our new native plants can breathe and grow much better.

Thank you so much to to our dedicated volunteers. 

• From Wendi Valles' State Farm: Wendi, Cassie, Brendan, Chelsie and her girls Echo (named after our lovely lake??) and Luna. 
• From BECU: Laurel Stromme. 
• And our newest Forest Steward: Edith Farrar. 
• And Nataline and Baby. 

Thanks as always to Green Shoreline Partnership and supporters: The City of Shoreline and King County.

--Ann Michel

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What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline: June 24 - 30

By Kate Ledbetter, www.DestinationShoreline.com

 
What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline: June 24 - 30
From the launch of the new Shoreline History book and ShoreLake Arts’ Listen Here! Teen Band & Solo Showcase to farmers markets, art exhibits, hands-on workshops, and the kickoff of the Shoreline Global Kick-Off Festival, there’s no shortage of ways to get out, connect with neighbors, and explore everything happening in Shoreline this week.
 
For the latest updates on International Soccer activities in Shoreline visit: www.destinationshoreline.com/global-celebration
 
Destination Shoreline’s Must-Attend Events of the Week:
 
Book Launch: Shoreline History book by Victoria Stiles
Saturday, June 27 4:00 PM, Shoreline Masonic Center
Join the Shoreline Historical Museum for a special release launch for SHM's newest book from our Director Emeritus, Vicki Stiles! 
 
ShoreLake Arts’ 1st Annual Listen Here! Teen Band & Solo Showcase
Saturday, June 27 4:00 PM, Pfingst Animal Acres Park
Get ready for a summer night full of music, energy, and local talent! ShoreLake Arts proudly presents the 1st Annual Listen Here! Concert, a dynamic showcase of emerging and developing teen bands and solo acts from across Washington State.
 
Shoreline Global Kick-Off Festival
Tuesday, June 30 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Cromwell Park
Celebrate international soccer with live music, food trucks, and movement-based activities.
 
Shoreline Area Events You Should Know About this Week:
(Follow the event links for additional information, directions, and add to your calendar links.)
 
Volunteer Training and Refresher at the Shoreline Tool Library
Wednesday, June 24 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Shoreline Tool Library
Learn more about how you can get involved with the community and help out at the Shoreline Tool Library.
 
June Book Club at Ridgecrest Books
Wednesday, June 24 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Ridgecrest Books
Book club membership is open to all! No RSVP required. We have a great group of incredibly kind and respectful people who just love to talk books!
 
Balance & Stability with Breaking Branches Health & Fitness
Thursday, June 25 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Shoreline/LFP Senior Activity Center
Through guided stretches, low-impact resistance training, and functional exercises, participants will build strength, reduce fall risk, and feel more agile in everyday life.
 
Cuttings Propagation Workshop
Thursday, June 25 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM, Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
Learn the artful skill of propagating plants by cuttings.
 
CityLearn: Private Tree Code Update
Thursday, June 25 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Shoreline City Hall
We're updating the City's Private Tree Code to meet the City's tree canopy goals and follow Urban Forestry best practices!
 
First Lutheran of Richmond Beach Garage Sale
Friday, June 26 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM & Saturday, June 27 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
First Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach is having a Garage Sale/Youth Fundraiser to raise money for their annual summer trip to Tillamook to serve with Habitat for Humanity.
 
Seattle Dance Fitness Express Yourself
Friday, June 26 7:00 PM, Seattle Dance Fitness
Express Yourself freely and show up in your loudest, boldest colors- this is your moment to shine!
 
Shoreline Farmers Market
Saturday, June 27 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Shoreline's community hub for farm fresh & local foods, flowers, baked goods, local honey, live music, food trucks, kids programming, and so much more.
 
Shoreline Walks - Richmond Highlands Neighborhood Walk
Saturday, June 27 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Shorewood High School
Begin at Shorewood HS, walk north on Fremont, then wind our way down through Richmond Highlands.  We’ll pass by St. Luke School and the newly renovated Richmond Highlands Park.  
 
Tool School for Women+: Build a Contemporary Side Table (2-Part Class)
Saturday, June 27 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Shoreline Tool Library
Designed as a supportive and welcoming environment, this two-part class is ideal for students who are new to building but ready to take the next step.
 
Big Cats, Little Cats Opening Reception at Salvation Artists Collective
Saturday, June 27 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Salvation Artists Collective
Salvation: Artist and Makers Collective is proud to present "Big Cats, Little Cats," a solo watercolor exhibition by North Seattle artist Lynn Chapman.
 
Folk Machine — Live Folk Concert Fundraiser
Saturday, June 27 6:30 PM, Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church
This special fundraiser for SUUC features rich harmonies, acoustic storytelling, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
 
Lake Forest Park Farmers Market
Sunday, June 28 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Lake Forest Park Farmers Market
For over 20 years, the market has been the your go-to spot for fresh food, local goods, and community connection.
 
Leanne Hatch Story Time at Ridgecrest Books
Sunday, June 28 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM, Ridgecrest Books
Join us for story time with author/illustrator Leanne Hatch! 
 
Paint & Sip at Vault 177
Sunday, June 28 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Vault 177
ShoreLake Arts and Vault 177 are at it again with a special acrylic painting of Jelly Fish in the Dark! Our very own local artist Nancy Malek with help you create your own masterpiece with all supplies in instruction included.
 
Curation 101: Archiving and Preservation Workshop
Tuesday, June 30 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM, Shoreline/LFP Senior Activity Center
Bring a treasured photo, letter, or other small artifact and learn how to properly house and store your items so they can have a long and happy life!
 
What’s Up Next in Shoreline (Save the Date):
(Follow the event links for additional information, directions, and add to your calendar links.)
 
Pups on Parade
Saturday, July 11 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Cromwell Park
Join Old Dog Haven for a fun day of all things dogs at their summer event! 
 
Mele Kalikimaka! We’re bringing Christmas in July to Salvation, and we’re going full Elvis in Blue Hawaii style!
Saturday, July 11 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Salvation Artists Collective
Think retro beach party meets a relaxed summer market.
 
Shoreline Unity Cup - Youth Soccer Jamboree & International Market
Sunday, July 12 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Shoreline A/B Soccer Fields
Free soccer matches for youth ages 8-11 featuring live performances and celebrations, with an international marketplace and food vendors.
 
For Upcoming Events in Shoreline visit: DestinationShoreline.com/Calendar
 
Destination Shoreline is brought to you by:
Salvation - Artists and Makers Collective - a Boutique and Gallery
Shorelake Arts bringing people together through art, culture, and shared experiences.
Seniors Helping Seniors®, Supporting Independence for Seniors in Shoreline
Shoreline Chamber of Commerce – Supporting local businesses in Shoreline

Become a Destination Shoreline Partner, learn more here.

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Provide feedback on proposal for low-income discount on local toll roads

The Washington State Transportation Commission, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation, is developing a low income toll discount program. The program is proposed to launch later this year on the SR 509 and SR 167 Expressways.

The Transportation Commission has released a proposal and is seeking public feedback before making a final decision. The proposal would:

• Provide a 50% discount off the applicable Good To Go! pass toll rate for two-axle vehicles.
• Be available to customers with a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level who have a Good To Go! account and use a pass.

There are several ways you can learn more and share your thoughts:

• Online Open House: 
• Available through Friday, July 10. 
• Review information about the proposal and submit written comments.
• Virtual Public Input Meeting: Tuesday, July 7, at 6:30 p.m. 
• Information will be shared on the proposal, and the public will have an opportunity to testify.
• Zoom registration is required.
• Transportation Commission Public Hearing: 
• Tuesday, July 21, at 3:15 p.m. Members of the public may provide testimony before the commission considers taking action on the proposal. 
• Zoom registration is required

To learn more about how the Transportation Commission sets toll rates and policies, visit the commission’s website.

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Snohomish County Stage 1 burn ban started June 22, 2026

The Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office has announced a Stage 1 burn ban starting June 22, 2026.

Recreational fires are still allowed – but please use caution in our hot, dry conditions.

Recreational fires must be:

• Small, less than three feet wide and two feet high
• At least 25 feet away from any structure or combustible materials
• Must be monitored at all times, with a water source readily available

Outdoor burning of yard debris, garbage and using a burn barrel is never ok anywhere in South County Fire’s service area.

Get updates by calling the Outdoor Burning Information Hotline at 425‐388‐3508.

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Because it matters - Standing up for everyone, Sunday sign-waving continues

Corruption / Cruelty / Chaos ...

Story and photos by Pamela Mieth

Standing up for the rights of all and saying no to ongoing corruption and chaos were the themes of many signs at the "Social Justice Sundays" sign-waving Father's Day weekend which drew just under 60 area residents on a beautiful afternoon.

Say NO to Jim Crow 2.0

Coming just after Juneteenth (6/19), which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, and amid attempts to politically gerrymander Congressional districts initially drawn to address historical racism and voter suppression, voting rights, civil rights and the legacy of that racism were on the minds of many.

Fight for those without your privilege

Indeed, defending the rights of people of color, immigrants, women and those in the LGBTQ+ community remains a priority as they have become targets in the culture wars, fueled by the cynical quest for political power - and attempts to repeal hard-won legal protections continue.

Fortify Washington was again on hand collecting signatures urging the Shoreline City Council to pass a resolution opposing anti-Trans initiatives and encouraging the state and voters to support initiative reforms.

Are we great yet?

Everyday Activists (@everydayshoreline.bsky.social) sign-waving at the Shoreline-Edmonds line (intersection of Aurora Avenue North and N 205th St) continues next Sunday, 6/28 (marking the close of Pride Month), 1-2pm.

Bring a sign or just yourself (some will be available to borrow). Non-perishable food and toiletry items are always accepted for donation to a local organization helping those in need.

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North City Neighborhood Network Informational Meeting Wednesday June 24, 2026

North City Neighborhood Network Informational Meeting

Wednesday, June 24, 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Shoreline Public Library

345 NE 175th Street
Shoreline, WA 98155

What is a Neighborhood Network? It’s a group of neighbors that fosters a hyper-local community, supports each other, and communicates about local events/needs. 

Interested in starting one on your block?

Join us to learn more, share ideas, and meet like-minded neighbors!

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Battle against WA ballot initiatives aimed at transgender students

No Hate in WA State yard signs for the campaign against two Let’s Go Washington ballot initiatives. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)

No Hate in WA State argues the two initiatives, backed by the conservative group Let’s Go Washington, would invade children’s privacy, vilify transgender youth and leave vulnerable kids unwilling to seek help.

One of the initiatives, IL26-001, looks to eliminate changes Democratic lawmakers made in 2025 to a Let’s Go Washington initiative on the rights of parents of public school students. 

The Legislature had approved the initiative a year earlier. 

The other measure, IL26-638, would bar transgender K-12 students from competing in girls’ sports, confirming children’s sex assigned at birth through routine athletic physicals.

No Hate in WA State has raised $736,000 this year in its fight against the initiatives, with big backing from teacher unions, including the National Education Association and its Washington state branch. 

The American Civil Liberties Union, Gender Justice League and the Service Employees International Union 775 are among the other major donors.

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--Washington State Standard

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Safety Day at Lake Forest Park July 11, 2026

Safety Day is an event emphasizing the importance of how to safely enjoy the wonderful activities that you might find in the city of Lake Forest Park. Water safety, bicycle safety, fire, aid and more. 

With incredible support from local companies and the community, there will be bike helmets, life vests and other items to be given away. 

Activities such as a giant soccer wall, giant block tower, face painting, and more. This year we're partnering with Public Works and Republic to have a touch-a-truck station, and an educational book on multiple city projects. 

Bloodworks Northwest, the Northwest METRO SWAT Team is bringing back the Bearcat, and who doesn't love a visit from a therapy dog. Our friends from Fish and Wildlife will be there, along with the NEMCO team who will be performing a drone presentation you won't want to miss! 

One of the many new additions to this year's event is a miniature city street track where kids are suited up with a tricycle and matching helmet to navigate the streets while they learn traffic and pedestrian safety.

This year we're partnering with Public Works and Republic to have a touch-a-truck station, and an educational book booth on multiple city projects.

The event is Saturday July 11, 2026 from 10am - 12pm in the lower and upper parking lots of City Hall and the Police Department. 17425 Ballinger Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155

Just two hours of fun in the sun while connecting with your local first responders and the essential teams that make the city what it is.

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Free meals for children and teens up to age 18

Free meals are available this summer for all children and teens up to age 18. No registration or Shoreline enrollment required.

Shoreline School District

• Echo Lake Elementary, 19345 Wallingford Ave. N
• July 7–30, 2026 Monday–Thursday
• Breakfast 8:50–9:20 am
• Lunch 11:25–11:55 am

Community Lunch Sites (operated by the Hunger Intervention Program)

• June 22–August 21, Monday–Friday (no service July 4)
• Dale Turner YMCA, 19290 Aurora Ave N 12:00–1:00 pm
• Ballinger Homes, 2200 NE 201st Pl.: 12:00–1:00 pm
• Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th St.: 12:30–1:30 pm

Find more summer meal sites:

• Call 1-866-348-6479 or 1-877-842-6273 (en Español)
• Text "FOOD" or "COMIDA" to 509-509
• Visit https://www.hungerfreewa.org/schoolmeals

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Juneteenth in Shoreline

Shoreline resident Annie B. Thomas (2nd from left, seated) spoke about growing up Black in Alabama. Photo by Dennis Terpstra

The City of Shoreline hosted its 4th annual Juneteenth celebration with music, speakers, and black-owned business booths.

It is an important celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when the announcement was made in Texas that the Civil War had ended and that all slaves were free.

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Christopher Davis has returned home safely on his own.

The King County Sheriff's Office reports that Christopher Davis has returned home safely on his own.

The King County Sheriff’s Office issued an alert for a 44-year old mentally challenged man named Christopher. 

He was last seen at the intersection of NE 145th St and 5th Ave NE in Shoreline on Sunday afternoon, June 21, 2026.

On Monday the Sheriff's Office reported that he had returned home on his own.

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Shorewood and Shorecrest videos of commencement ceremonies

Shorewood in blue; Shorecrest in green

Shorewood and Shorecrest commencement ceremony videos are now live

Relive the musical performances, listen closely to the speeches, enjoy watching your favorite grad receive their diploma, or share with friends and relatives who couldn't make it to graduation.

Check them out here

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Zombie Flip at Haller Lake - hoarder house transformed for TV show

The yard looked like a dump site

A Seattle home that neighbors had written off as a lost cause is the subject of Episode 9 of Million Dollar Zombie Flips Season 2, and the before-and-after transformation may be the most extreme of the series.

The home at 12250 Densmore Ave N had been a hoarder house for well over a decade. By the time James Dainard's team arrived, the yard looked like a dump site; abandoned cars, trash piles, overgrowth everywhere. 

The crew had to wear hazmat suts

Inside was worse. At some point, a tree had crashed into the back of the house and crushed the dining area, causing major water intrusion and rot through the framing. The crew had to wear hazmat suits. 

"The amount of garbage inside was unbelievable," James said. "Our crew was literally crawling over trash because it was stacked so high."

After

Most buyers saw the nearly half-acre lot as a teardown, an opportunity to split the lot or add backyard cottages. James saw something different: "As Seattle continues to grow, I think it's important to preserve homes with large yards for families. A big part of real estate for me is seeing potential where other people only see problems."

The renovation required a complete structural rebuild. The team reworked the layout from the ground up to create a true four-bedroom, three-bath home, adding three bedrooms and a full bathroom while replacing much of the interior framing.

With the market having slowed during the project, the team doubled down on creating features buyers couldn't easily find elsewhere, particularly in the backyard, where the oversized lot was the property's biggest asset. 

They added exterior entertaining spaces

They added extensive landscaping, large grass areas, paver patios, exterior entertaining spaces, a barrel sauna, and a cold plunge tucked into the back corner of the property, turning what had been an eyesore into what James describes as a private staycation retreat.

A private retreat in the large back yard

Preserving the character of the home was equally important. Seattle's older craftsman homes are a defining part of the city's identity, and the team updated the exterior while keeping the original scale and feel intact, making sure the finished home still fit the Haller Lake neighborhood rather than standing apart from it.

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HomeTechHacker: How to Organize Your Digital Life: Photos, Passwords, and Important Documents

Start with your photos

Most of us have a system for organizing our physical lives. We know where important papers are stored, where family photos live, and where to find the information we need when it matters.

Our digital lives are often a different story.

Over the years, we've accumulated thousands of photos, dozens of online accounts, and countless digital documents. Unfortunately, many people don't think about organizing these things until they're searching for an important file, trying to remember a password, or wondering where all their photos went.

Getting organized doesn't require a major project. A few simple systems can make a big difference.

Start with Your Photos

Photos are often the largest collection of digital information people have.

My family uses Google Photos to store and organize pictures. One feature we use regularly is shared albums. When we go on a trip, attend a family event, or celebrate a holiday, everyone can add their photos to a shared album. That way, the entire family has access to the memories instead of keeping them scattered across multiple phones.

Whatever service you use, consider spending a few minutes organizing photos into albums and deleting blurry duplicates you don't need. It's much easier to find the pictures you're looking for when they're grouped by event, vacation, or year.

Get Serious About Passwords

If you're still using the same password for multiple accounts or storing passwords in a notebook, it's time for an upgrade.

A password manager allows you to create strong, unique passwords for every website without having to remember them all yourself.

Popular options include Bitwarden and 1Password. Once set up, they can automatically fill in passwords on your computer and phone.

Not only is this more convenient, but it's also one of the best things you can do to improve your online security.

Organize Important Documents

Think about the documents you might need quickly in an emergency:

• Insurance information
• Tax records
• Vehicle information
• Estate planning documents
• Medical information
• Home records and receipts

Many people store these files in a folder structure within a cloud storage service.

If you're already invested in Google's ecosystem, Google Drive is a logical choice. Microsoft users may prefer OneDrive, while Apple users often find iCloud works well. Dropbox remains a solid option regardless of which devices you use. The specific service matters less than having a consistent place to store and find important information.

Take One Small Step This Week

You don't need to organize everything at once. Pick one area and improve it.

Create a shared photo album for your next family gathering. Set up a password manager. Create a folder for important documents in your preferred cloud storage service.

Small systems often provide the biggest long-term benefits.

As I often write about in my book Life by Design, creating simple systems reduces stress and makes it easier to focus on the things that matter most.

Marlon Buchanan is a best-selling author, IT Director, and founder of HomeTechHacker.com, a website with free resources to help you make the most of your home technology.

If you have questions or comments about this article, you can contact Marlon through his website or X (Twitter).

And read previous articles here.

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Crafts Day at Lake Forest Park Farmers Market July 19, 2026

Save the Date!

Join us for one of the most anticipated events of the season - Crafts Day at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market on Sunday, July 19, 2026 from 10am to 2pm (17171 Bothell Way NE).

Discover an incredible array of handmade treasures from talented local artists and crafters - all created right here in Washington State.

From stunning jewelry and natural skincare to gorgeous textiles, unique home décor, candles, handbags, clothing, ceramics, fine art and so much more, there’s something special waiting for everyone.

It’s a full day of shopping, exploring, and supporting local creativity, with many of your favorite returning vendors and exciting new finds.
Mark your calendar and get ready for the best shopping day of the summer.

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Legal Sale and Use of Fireworks

Olympia – As we approach the 4th of July, many are excited to celebrate with fireworks. 

The State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages you to celebrate safely and legally and preferably go to a public event.

 

These are the approved dates and times of legal sales and use of fireworks in Washington State:

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AG Brown defeats Trump’s attack on wind energy

These turbines are part of the Combine Hills wind power project located west of Walla Walla, Washington. Photo: John Harrison.

Attorney General Nick Brown and a multistate coalition won a final victory Monday in their lawsuit challenging the federal government’s unlawful order to freeze all federal permitting for wind energy projects when the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit dismissed the Trump administration’s appeal.

“Wind energy is an essential option for delivering clean energy jobs and cheaper, cleaner power to Washingtonians as we transition from dirtier, more expensive fuels,” said Brown.

“Once again, we’ve defeated one of the Trump administration’s harmful and illegal attacks on Washington’s economy.”

On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued a presidential memo that indefinitely halted all federal approvals necessary for the development of offshore and onshore wind energy projects pending federal review. 

The coalition filed a lawsuit challenging those actions and in December 2025, a federal judge ruled that they were arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law. The federal government appealed that ruling but subsequently decided to drop that appeal. On Monday, the court entered a judgement dismissing the appeal and cementing the states’ victory.

Wind energy is a homegrown source of reliable, affordable energy that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, creates billions of dollars in economic activity and tax payments, and supplies more than 10% of the country’s electricity.

The indefinite halt on project approvals threatened Washington’s ability to meet its greenhouse gas emissions requirements and renewable energy commitments. It also threatened an increasingly important part of Washington’s economy.

Washington has enacted multiple state laws encouraging the deployment of affordable, clean renewable energy like that from wind.

Wind power is the second largest contributor to Washington’s renewable energy generation after hydroelectric power. In 2024, Washington generated 8,421 thousand Megawatt hours from wind power alone, enhancing Washington’s energy security and economic stability.

The coalition argued that federal agencies’ actions violated the Administrative Procedure Act and other federal laws because the agencies, among other things, provided no reasoned explanation for categorically and indefinitely halting all wind energy approvals. 

The lawsuit also argued that the abrupt halt on all permitting violated numerous federal statutes that prescribe specific procedures and timelines for federal permitting and approvals—procedures the administration wholly disregarded in stopping wind energy development altogether.

Brown was joined in this lawsuit, which was led by the attorneys general of Massachusetts and New York, by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, and Rhode Island.

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FOUND: Missing person: NE 145th & 5th NE

Missing in Shoreline

Update: Christopher returned home on his own.

The King County Sheriff’s Office has issued an alert for a missing 44-year old man who is mentally challenged named Christopher. 

He was last seen at the intersection of NE 145th St and 5th Ave NE in Shoreline on Sunday afternoon, June 21. 

He is wearing a gray tank top and is 5’2” 143lbs. 

If seen, please call the Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311.

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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Father's Day

 

Cartoon by Whitney Potter

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Toby's favorite stop

Toby at The Barkery
Photo by Seattle Poppy

The Treat Chute is functional again - The Barkery in Ridgecrest is Toby's favorite stop of the day.

--Seattle Poppy

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Earthseed: Celebrating Octavia Butler & Honoring the Past & Future of Feminist Science Fiction Thursday June 25, 2026

Earthseed: Celebrating Octavia Butler & Honoring the Past & Future of Feminist Science Fiction

Thursday June 25, 2026  

Third Place Commons, 

upper floor Town Center

intersection Ballinger & Bothell Way
5:30 – 9pm

Join us for a special evening celebrating the legacy of Octavia Butler and the many notable women in speculative fiction who have shaped the genre. 

This special event will feature an art unveiling honoring Butler’s legacy, live music inspired by Parable of the Sower, featured readers, and an open mic for community voices.

Featured guests include Amber Flame, Rashida J. Smith, and Imani Sims, with artwork by Eileen Jimenez and Andrea Marcos.

Bring your poems, short fiction, essays, and original work inspired by feminist science fiction and fantasy, or simply come listen and celebrate.

Learn more and RSVP here: Earthseed: Celebrating Octavia Butler - Clarion West

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Volunteer portal makes it easy to sign up for ShoreLake Arts

Volunteer opportunity!

ShoreLake Arts has launched a new Volunteer Portal! 

If you are passionate about the arts and your community, sign up today for free!

They have many summer events that you can be part of.

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Flowers at the Golden Hour

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

The Golden Hour is the last hour before sunset, when the sun is down and its rays are mellow and diffuse. We do not often see this because of our normal cloud cover.

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

It both changes and enhances the color of blooms.

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