False alarm at Town Center in LFP

It's always worth a second look when the fire ladder is fully extended. This was at the Echo Lake Neighborhood Picnic in July. Photo by Carl Dinse.

A startling scene by Ace Hardware in Lake Forest Park Town Center on Monday turned out to be a false alarm.

Early evening on Monday, August 17, 2026 shoppers and passers-by were surprised to see a full contingent of police and fire trucks by Ace Hardware on the upper level of Town Center.

A fire truck had the ladder extended and firefighters were on the roof of the building.

Fortunately, it turned out to be a false alarm.

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Reminder: 40th Pl NE is closed for roundabout construction in Lake Forest Park

Traffic Alert – 40th Pl NE Closure

This is a reminder that, due to construction work, 40th Pl NE is currently closed to southbound traffic from NE 185th St.

Road closure in Lake Forest Park
Photo courtesy LFPPD

As a reminder, the City's SR 104 Roundabout project began a local detour on Monday August 17, 2026.  As such, for approximately the next three months, southbound 40th Place NE is closed at SR 104 Ballinger Way NE. 

A number of signs have been posted throughout the corridor directing traffic northbound to the 35th Avenue NE arterial for southbound travel onto SR 104.  

Please be mindful of this closure and do not attempt to access SR 104 via 40th Place NE.  Two-way circulation is maintained southbound all the way to the work zone for local residents, but no turnaround is available.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and cooperation while this work is completed.

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Red Sky at Night

 

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

We apparently still have a lot of wildfire smoke in the upper atmosphere to create the red sunset.

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Your Life, Solved: 42 Practical Ways AI Can Help You Save Time, Reduce Stress, and Get More Done is now available

Your Life, Solved: 42 Practical Ways AI Can Help You Save Time, Reduce Stress, and Get More Done is now available.

The book is built around everyday situations where AI can help you finish tasks faster, reduce mental overhead, and solve problems more effectively. 

Every chapter includes practical examples that you can begin using right away, regardless of your experience with AI.

One early reader shared on Goodreads:

"It doesn't just give you the information about what you can do... It also walks you step-by-step with the how-to for each potential use."

"I've only been using AI for a few weeks now, but it's made a huge difference in my life... after reading this book, I can see all the ways I could be using AI that I never considered."

If you'd like to support my work directly, the HomeTechHacker Book Store now offers:

• Signed paperbacks
• Signed hardcovers
• DRM-free audiobooks
• Exclusive bundles
• Discounts on multiple books

Buy direct

You can also purchase from your favorite retailer using my universal book link:

Paperback availability at retailers other than Amazon may take a little longer as distribution works its way through each bookstore's catalog, but the ebook is already widely available, and additional formats will continue appearing over the next few days.

Marlon Buchanan, author

This is my sixth published book, and it continues a mission that's been at the center of everything I've written: helping people use technology with confidence so it becomes a source of freedom rather than frustration.

If you enjoy the book, I'd be grateful if you'd leave a review wherever you purchased it. Reviews make a tremendous difference for independent authors and help other readers discover the book.

Thank you for your encouragement, your feedback, and your support. I hope Your Life, Solved gives you practical ideas that save time and make everyday life a little easier.

Marlon Buchanan, author

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At Shoreline-Edmonds line - Iran war, troop treatment hot topics at Sunday sign-waving

Story & Photos by Pamela Mieth

The flailing war with Iran, news of terrible troop conditions, and the continued assault on truth, the Constitution, integrity and democratic principles drew a stalwart crowd of protestors to the Shoreline-Edmonds line this past hot and humid Sunday.

The "Social Justice Sundays" sign-wavers hope to remind passers-by of what is at stake every day and most especially in the mid-term elections in November.

Do we have a country and government that is a shining beacon of hope and democracy or one that bombs innocent fishermen in international waters and treats its military members like so much expendable chaff? 

• One that believes in enforcing immigration rules fairly and humanely or indiscriminately and abhorrently? One that regulates the financial sector to protect the public or enrich the privileged? 
• One that believes environmental and food safety regulation are important to public health and well-being or better left as a free-for-all to companies in search of profit?

Between now and the election, there is time to get involved, get educated on the candidates up for election, contact elected representatives to encourage votes to uphold treasured, vital democratic principles and work towards policies that benefit all people not just the top 1 percent, help those in our community through volunteer efforts and charitable donations, and be kinder to each other.

And you can join others standing up every Sunday in August (8/23 and 8/30 remaining), 1-2pm, at the intersection of Aurora Avenue North and N 205th St, at the Shoreline-Edmonds line.

Bring a sign or borrow one (some are available to borrow) and donations of of non-perishable food, toiletries, and school supplies will be accepted. Sign-waving is organized by local group Everyday Activists (@@everydayshoreline.bsky.social).

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What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline: August 19 - 25

By: Kate Ledbetter, www.DestinationShoreline.com

 
What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline: August 19 - 25
There’s another great week ahead in Shoreline! We’re highlighting a few must-attend events, including the Ridgecrest Art Walk on Thursday, a perfect evening to explore local art and businesses; the 50^th Annual Dahlia Show at Sky Nursery on Saturday & Sunday, ShoreLake Arts’ 6th Annual Battle of the Bands, showcasing emerging musical talent from across Washington, and on Sunday Kids Day at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market. Get out and enjoy one of the last few weekends of Summer!
 
Shoreline Area Events You Should Know About this Week. We highlighted our must-attend events of the week!
(Follow the event links for additional information, directions, and add to your calendar links.)
 
Wednesday, August 19th
Free haircuts, mini-manicures, and mini-facials at Evergreen Beauty College Back-to-School Event
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Evergreen Beauty College – North Seattle Campus
This is the perfect way to get the kids ready for school — all while supporting the talented future professionals at Evergreen Beauty College! All services are provided by students under the supervision of a licensed professional.
 
Fix-It Night @ STL
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.
 
Thursday, August 20th
Ridgecrest Art Walk Hosted by Shorelake Arts
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Downtown Ridgecrest
Join us for the Ridgecrest Art Walk starting at NE 165th Street in Shoreline!
 
Steve Schneider to sign his photography book of Rock musicians
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Ridgecrest Books
Steve Schneider will be signing his book The First Three Songs, Rock and Roll at 125th of a Second during the Ridgecrest Art walk inside the Ridgecrest Books on August 20, 2026 from 5-8pm.
 
Friday, August 21st
Harmony Audiology Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
10:00 AM - 2:39 PM, Harmony Audiology in Mountlake Terrace
Join us as we officially cut the ribbon on our new home, with light refreshments provided by Harmony Audiology.
 
Saturday, August 22nd
Shoreline Farmers Market
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Corner of 192nd & Aurora
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 - Lake Ballinger / Interurban Trail Walk
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Meetup Location: Lake Ballinger Center, 23000 Lakeview Drive, Mountlake Terrace  
 
50th Anniversary Dahlia Show
Saturday & Sunday August 22-23, Sky Nursery
Since 1976, the Puget Sound Dahlia Association has been gathering gardeners together around the diverse, rewarding and endlessly evolving world of dahlias. Join us this summer in the greenhouse for a Dahlia Show unlike any other, to celebrate these incredible blooms and the people who grow.
 
Briarcrest Neighborhood Picnic
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM, Hamlin Park
Come and meet your neighbors and learn about the work the neighborhood association is doing. We will have kid activities including a cake walk.
 
ShoreLake Arts’ 6th Annual Battle of the Bands 
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Pfingst Animal Acres Park
Get ready for a summer night full of music, energy, and local talent! ShoreLake Arts proudly presents the 6th Annual Battle of the Bands, a dynamic showcase of emerging and developing bands from across Washington State.
 
Sunday, August 23rd
Kids Day at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, in front of LFP City Hall (17171 Bothell Way NE)
Bring the whole family for a day filled with fresh local food, live music, and fun for all ages!
 
50th Anniversary Dahlia Show
Saturday & Sunday August 22-23, Sky Nursery
Since 1976, the Puget Sound Dahlia Association has been gathering gardeners together around the diverse, rewarding and endlessly evolving world of dahlias. Join us this summer in the greenhouse for a Dahlia Show unlike any other, to celebrate these incredible blooms and the people who grow.
 
Tuesday, August 25th
Neighborhood Work & Play Space at Shoreline Covenant Church
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Shoreline Covenant Church
Stop by our Neighborhood Work & Play Space! We have indoor and outdoor play areas, with a bounce house, bubbles, and water play for kids; snacks and coffee; and quiet rooms for work or board games.
 
What’s Up Next in Shoreline (Save the Date):
(Follow the event links for additional information, directions, and add to your calendar links.)
 
Wallingford Avenue Block Party
Sunday, August 30 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Parkwood Elementary
Join Urbanist Shoreline for an end-of-summer block party! You know we love pedestrian and bike friendly streets, so we'll be closing down Wallingford Avenue next to Parkwood Elementary School to hang out with friends and neighbors, play games, and eat ice cream. 
 
Arts in the Garden: Build a Woodland Troll or Create a Jimothy Craft Workshop
Thursday, September 3 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM, Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
Experience the beauty of art in the garden during a peaceful summer evening at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation, hosted by ShoreLake Arts.
 
Annual Ikebana Exhibition
September 5 & 6, Sky Nursery
This year's theme, 'My Ikebana' is about expressing the unique artistic voice of each talented exhibitor. Join us in celebrating a love for plants and the singular beauty of Ikebana – transforming natural materials into artistic arrangements with appreciation and care.
 
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
City of Shoreline - Official city news and resources.
 Become a Destination Shoreline Partner, learn more here.
 

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Jobs: WSDOT Acquisition & Relocation Agent (PAS4)

WSDOT

Acquisition & Relocation Agent (PAS4)
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$76,545 – $102,967 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a right of way professional to serve as an Acquisition and Relocation Agent (PAS4) for the Northwest Region in Shoreline, WA. The specialist will support the delivery of transportation projects through complex property rights acquisitions and relocation activities. 

This position works within the Real Estate Services Office (RES) to coordinate real estate transactions and ensure compliance with the Federal 1970 Uniform Relocation Act. RES stewards the agency’s property assets and supports program delivery through guidance and policy development related to property valuations, acquisitions, relocation, and property management. This position directly supports the fish passage program and WSDOT's mission to provide an integrated, multimodal transportation system.

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

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Jobs: WSDOT Fiscal Analyst 2

WSDOT

Fiscal Analyst 2
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$56,914 – $76,545 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is looking for a skilled and detail-oriented Fiscal Analyst 2 to join our team in Shoreline, WA! In this role, you’ll play an important part in ensuring the financial activities that support our region are accurate, accountable, and aligned with state and federal requirements. You’ll apply your financial expertise to review and analyze complex transactions, identify issues and trends, and help ensure resources are managed responsibly and effectively.

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

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Local Resident Graduates From Pacific University

FOREST GROVE, Ore. (August 18, 2026)

Patricia Kennedy of Seattle, Washington graduated in August 2026 from Pacific University in Oregon with a Doctor of Philosophy in Education & Leadership degree.

Founded in 1849, Pacific University is Washington County, Oregon's only comprehensive university, offering over 50 undergraduate majors and 28 graduate and professional degrees. 

The No. 1 private research institution in the Northwest, Pacific serves its communities through campuses in Forest Grove and Hillsboro, healthcare clinics throughout the Portland area and through 34,000 alumni pursuing lives of purpose globally.

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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Eye Exam

 

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter here

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Section of Ballinger Way SR 104 closed overnight for lane striping

Work is now complete for the fish passage and the roads are being striped
Photo by David Carlos

The section of Ballinger Way SR 104 by the WSDOT fish passage project will be closed for a second night on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 for lane striping.

The closures are from 8pm to 5am.

• SR 104 reduced to one lane near 35th Ave Northeast.
• 35th Ave NE closed between SR 104 and NE 187th Street. Local access will be permitted during the closure.
• NE 185th Street closed near the intersection with 35th Ave NE.

Flaggers will alternate traffic through single-lane closures. Signed detours will guide people around road closures. Emergency vehicles will have access to homes within the work zone.

This lane striping is one of the final steps for the SR 104 Lyon Creek fish passage, as contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation work toward completion of this project.

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Jobs: WSDOT Communications Consultant 4 in Shoreline, WA

WSDOT

Communications Consultant 4
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$67,737 – $91,022 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking two talented Communications Consultants to join the Northwest Region in Shoreline, WA. 

In this highly visible role, you’ll lead real-time incident response communications, serve as a WSDOT spokesperson, and respond to media, community, and stakeholder inquiries often when the need is immediate and the work is critical. 

From maintenance and emergency response to planned construction and major incidents, you’ll help people understand what’s happening on our state highway system and what it means for their travel. You’ll take complex, fast-moving information and turn it into clear, timely and useful communication across a variety of platforms. 

This role calls for strong judgment, creativity and the ability to see both the immediate issue and the bigger picture. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, collaborating across teams and finding the clearest way to tell an important story, we’d love to hear from you.

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

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WA, bipartisan coalition secure $700 million Google settlement over app store monopoly

A federal court today approved a $700 million settlement in a multistate antitrust lawsuit against Google. The lawsuit challenged Google's control over Android app distribution and in-app payments. The approval of the settlement ends a five-year case and gives relief to consumers nationwide who were affected by Google's actions.

About $13 million of the total settlement will be refunded to Washington consumers, about 2.4 million of whom would be eligible. Most of the settlement funds will go directly to people who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023. Most recipients won't need to fill out a claim form and will receive their payments through PayPal or Venmo.

If consumers don't have access to PayPal or Venmo, they can file a claim through a separate process to receive their payment. Additional information about the lawsuit and settlement is available on the settlement website.

“When giant companies gain an illegal stranglehold on a market, we take action and deliver relief for consumers,” Attorney General Nick Brown said. “Fighting monopolies is one of our office’s core responsibilities, and I’m proud that millions of Washingtonians will now get refunds because of our litigation.”

The settlement forces Google to change its business practices. For at least five years, app developers may use alternate payment systems, inform customers about lower prices outside Google's billing system, and list their apps on competing stores without fear of retaliation. Android users can download apps from outside the Play Store for at least seven years.

In 2021, Washington joined a bipartisan group of attorneys general who sued Google for illegally dominating Android app distribution and for charging consumers up to 30% per transaction.

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Travels with Charlie: Getting Close to Perfection

Photo by Gordon Snyder

Who doesn’t like Cherry Tomatoes? Especially picked off the vine; while they are still sunshine warm; and popped into your mouth. Unique!

Charlie and I just wandering outside, I spotted these.

Thank You Summer for one of your Tasty Presents.

Cheers,
Gordon Snyder

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ShoreLake Arts Battle of the Bands 2026 August 22, 2026

ShoreLake Arts Battle of the Bands 2026 is almost here! We will have seven rockin' band finalists playing for a chance to win!

Bands:

• A Long Driveway
• Alter Expressions
• Deft Lips
• The Elephant Room
• Psydela
• Straight to Video
• Washington Creative District

This event is FREE and open to all. There will be food trucks and also a beer garden for our 21+ guests.

Thanks so much to our sponsors & partners:

• City of Lake Forest Park
• 4Culture
• Musicology Co

Come on out and celebrate local live music with us on Saturday, August 22! Performances start at 5pm, park gates open at 4pm.

Pfingst Animal Acres Park
17435 Brookside Blvd NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

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Shoreline Rotary Club’s August 19 hybrid meeting to hear from two community-minded leaders whose work connects the Pacific Northwest with the world

Moussa Sarr & Leoma James-Sarr.j

What happens when community service, education, and international connections come together? 

Join us for the Shoreline Rotary Club’s August 19, 2026 7:30am hybrid meeting to hear from Moussa Sarr and Leoma James-Sarr, two community-minded leaders whose work connects the Pacific Northwest with communities and opportunities around the world.

Moussa and Leoma are known for their community involvement, education initiatives, and professional work linking local and international communities. 

At our August 19 meeting, they will introduce us to the work of Harambee House Global and share stories from its international projects in Tanzania, Namibia, and Senegal.

Their presentation offers an opportunity to learn more about how people and organizations can build meaningful connections across borders—and how education, collaboration, and service can contribute to stronger communities both locally and internationally. These themes reflect Rotary’s commitment to community and international service and to advancing international understanding, goodwill, and peace.

Please join us Wednesday, August 19, 7:30 am and bring your curiosity! You can participate either in person or via Zoom.

In person:

• Shoreline Community College 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133
• Quiet Dining Room, PUB (Student Center, Building 9000)

Online:

• Join us by Zoom for this hybrid club meeting. link
• Or, you can enter the following Meeting ID and you will be asked to enter the Passcode.
• Meeting ID: 896 9854 5411
• Passcode: 255516

Come hear Moussa and Leoma share their experiences and learn more about Harambee House Global’s work in Tanzania, Namibia, and Senegal. 

We look forward to seeing you—whether in the room or on screen!

Note: meetings are at 7:30am

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City of Shoreline: Roundabouts 101

The City of Shoreline says:

This week, we’re focusing on roundabout education. Let’s start with the basics.

Shoreline’s first multi-lane roundabouts are now open at NE 145th Street and I-5. They might look a bit different from the single-lane roundabouts you know, but the main rules still apply.

As you approach a roundabout:

• Slow down to 15–25 mph.
• Follow signs and pavement markings to choose the correct lane.
• Watch for people crossing.
• Yield to traffic already circulating in the roundabout.

Once you’re inside, keep moving, stay in your lane, and use your turn signal when you exit.

We’ll share more tips this week to help you use Shoreline’s roundabouts safely and with confidence.

Learn more at at this very helpful page.

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Polaris Tickets Available Now for event to support combination of North Helpline and Hunger Intervention Program

We are excited to come together on Sunday, September 27th for the annual Polaris Benefit!

This year's Polaris will be a celebration of the combination of North Helpline and Hunger Intervention Program, along with introductions of our Co-Executive Directors, Darcy Buendia and Srijan Chakraborty, and the vision for North Seattle Food Connection (NSFC).

Join us on Sunday, September 27th at noon at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture for a Garden Party themed luncheon Polaris event. Together, we'll raise funds for a better future for all of our neighbors and make sure everyone in our community has a roof over their head and a meal on their plate.

Head on over to the event website to purchase individual tickets and table reservations

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Briarcrest Neighborhood picnic August 22, 2026

 

Briarcrest neighbors

We’d love to see you at the Briarcrest annual summer picnic on Saturday August 22, 3:30 to 6:00pm. We’ll have snacks, drinks, quesadillas, and ice-cream. Please bring a side dish or a dessert to share if you can. 

Most importantly, do come and meet your neighbors, and learn about the work the neighborhood association is doing. We will have kid activities including a cake walk.

If you’re available and interested, we’re also looking for volunteers to help set up and break down, starting from 2:30pm or staying until 6:30pm.

Hamlin Park map

Find us in the Hamlin Park picnic shelter. From 15th Ave NE, come in the main park road, park at the sports field, and look for us right there. From 25th Ave NE, the parking lot is closed for construction of the new park area (woo!) but you can walk in either north of the parking area or south from the high school lot.

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Backpack drive for Shoreline Schools students in need

Shoreline PTA Council 6.12 and Shoreline Public Schools Foundation are collecting backpacks for the coming school year, which begins on September 1, 2026. 

You can purchase from their wishlist on Amazon and have them sent directly to the Shoreline Center.

There are many families that need some assistance with back to school expenses. Please help out if you can. 

Here's the link to the Amazon wish list...

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Hang Time after school program for Kellogg and Einstein middle school students

Shoreline School District starts classes on September 1 for most students. Kindergarten starts on September 4 and Preschool on September 8, 2026.

Hang Time is an after-school program filled with games, crafts, snacks, and more for middle school students at Einstein and Kellogg.

Whether you want to play some games, join a group challenge, or chill with your friends, Hang Time is the perfect spot!

Register here

• Hang Time runs Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday.
• Starts right after school (including early release) and ends at 4:45pm.
• Activity bus Available after Hang Time.
• Hang Time is FREE but youth MUST be registered BEFORE attending
• Registration OPENS online AUGUST 18th at 8am!
• Contact for Kellogg Hang Time: hspevacek@shorelinewa.gov
• Contact for Einstein Hang Time: aelliott@shorelinewa.gov

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Steve Schneider to sign his photography book of Rock musicians August 20, 2026

Steve Schneider will be signing his book The First Three Songs, Rock and Roll at 125th of a Second during the Ridgecrest Art walk inside the Ridgecrest Books on August 20, 2026 from 5-8pm.

Spanning five decades, 'The First Three Songs is a one-of-a-kind 220-page coffee table book featuring over 350 live concert photos taken by PNW photographer Steve Schneider. Many never seen before. 

Some musicians featured are 20 Grateful Dead shows, Neil Young, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Tom Petty, Santana, Jeff Beck and The Rolling Stones.

Features:

• Case-Bound Hardcover Book 9x12" with landscape orientation
• Hand signed by Steve
• High quality acid-free matte paper
• Spot varnished on the photos to make them stand out

Ridgecrest Books 512 NE 165th St, Shoreline, WA 98155

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Free haircuts for kids K-12 at Evergreen Beauty College

Apologies!: The most recent article picked up information from a previous year. This is the 2026 event.

Mark your calendars for our FREE Back-to-School event!

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 1pm to 5pm.

• FREE Haircuts for students (K–12)
• FREE Mini-Manicures for students (K–12)
• FREE Mini-Facials for students (K-12)

Services offered on a first come first serve basis

This is the perfect way to get the kids ready for school — all while supporting the talented future professionals at Evergreen Beauty College! 

All services are provided by students under the supervision of a licensed professional.

Evergreen Beauty College – North Seattle Campus

18336 Aurora Ave N #103, Shoreline, WA 98133

Wednesday, August 19th from 1pm – 5pm
No appointments needed!
All are welcome – bring your friends, family, and neighbors!

Let’s kick off the school year with the students feeling their best. See you there!

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Outbuilding structure fire in Shoreline Monday

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Around 3am Monday morning, August 17, 2026, Shoreline Fire was dispatched to a detached garage fire in the 1800 block of NE 171st St in Shoreline. 

The fire was approximately 20 feet from a residence.

Units arrived on scene at 2:46am to find the structure well involved, with multiple large cedar trees also on fire. Crews quickly extinguished the fire by 2:54am, and prevented it from spreading to nearby structures.

There were no injuries to firefighters or residents.

The cause is undetermined.

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A Welcome Third Place Books Homecoming for AJ Whittier on Tuesday August 18, 2026

When Amy Whittenburg stepped away from her long-held position as Executive Director of Third Place Commons just over two years ago, it was to start a new life as a full-time author. A big dream and an even bigger mountain to climb to achieve it.

Tuesday night, she returns to Lake Forest Park for her second author event at Third Place Books. Writing as AJ Whittier, she’s just released her third novel, Uncrossing the Stars, which she will be discussing and reading from at the event.

As AJ, she is the author of two previous novels, Always Never Meant To Be: A Love Story and The God in 3B, the first two standalone books in the Magical Seattle Series. As an author, AJ says she’s committed to bringing light, love, and magic to a dark world.

AJ also loves highlighting all the beauty of Seattle and the PNW region. Every book is filled with real Seattle locations, some you’ll know and love, and some that might just send you on an adventure to discover them firsthand.

Indeed, in a review so good that was featured in their magazine, Kirkus Reviews wrote of her first book Always Never Meant To Be, “As the duo scouts movie locations, traveling from popular tourist haunts like Pike’s (sic) Place Market to lesser-known scenic parks, the author creates a love letter to Seattle, such that readers might find themselves planning a trip.”

Of her latest, Uncrossing the Stars, they write, “The novel’s highlight is its cast of characters—especially Sarah, whose complexity as she decides to pursue what she truly wants in the face of overwhelming grief is rewarding to explore. The mystical kismet elements give the love story an ethereal feeling.”

Head to Third Place Books on Tuesday night to see what all the fuss is about. The event takes place in the Den on Tuesday, August 18th at 7 PM. It’s free, but registration is requested for planning purposes. 

RSVP here.

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Celebrate Shoreline crowds appreciate what Shoreline has to offer

By Diane Hettrick

Photos by RJ Perna

Celebrate Shoreline, celebrating the birthday of the city, took place for appreciative crowds on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Cromwell Park in central Shoreline.

Tidy rows of canopies sheltered offerings of information of what the city has to offer. The city showcased its projects. Emergency management promoted Readiness. 

Police and fire were there with vehicles and people to show them off.

Activities for the kids included giant inflatable slides, bouncy houses, and pony rides. A more sedate activity for the adults was the corn hole toss from Town & Country Market.

The Family Stage started the day with The Reptile Man, teaching and entertaining with a collection of reptiles, including an 8 foot long corn snake.

Popular events on the side included face painting and making bubbles.

The Pied Piper must have been at the music stage because these children were clearly hypnotized!

Meanwhile, these children volunteered for the PR crew, holding the new Shoreline is My Neighborhood bags and a 2026 sign. Never too young to start.

So Folks, that's all for this year. Plan for next year at this time and we'll see you then!

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Work progressing on Ballinger Way roundabout

As promised, work began on the 40th Pl NE & Ballinger Way / SR 104 roundabout on August 3, 2026. 

As of August 16, the trees have been cleared on the corners.

The center island has been removed and the orange vinyl fencing installed.

The roundabout is a project of the City of Lake Forest Park. This new roundabout will include a single-lane roundabout, new sidewalks, shared-use pathways, four pedestrian crossings with refuge islands, and improved street lighting.

Next week the contractors will begin work on the water mains.

-Photos by David Carlos

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King County’s Energize program expands to help in-home childcare providers and adult family homes with energy-efficient heat pumps

Heat pump installation. Photo courtesy King County

King County’s Energize program is helping families, in-home childcare providers, adult family homes, and community spaces switch to clean energy and reduce energy costs by installing efficient electric heat pumps for heating and cooling that protect human health and the environment.

The program has expanded with new grant funding and includes qualifying homes and businesses in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties, bringing energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to the Central Puget Sound region.

Executive Girmay Zahilay said “These upgrades will also lower energy bills, improving affordability while also promoting resilience to the impacts of extreme weather. As our region continues to experience hotter summers and colder winters, the Energize program shows King County’s commitment to meeting our climate goals while improving the health, wellbeing, and livability of our communities.”

Energize began in 2023 as a modest residential decarbonization pilot program in the White Center and Skyway communities to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce utility bills for community members, and help prepare homes for the impacts of climate change through added cooling.

More information here

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Business Spotlight: A Different Kind of Hearing Care: Harmony Audiology Puts People, Connection & Choice First

Local Spotlight brought to you by Kate Ledbetter, DestinationShoreline.com

 
A Different Kind of Hearing Care: Harmony Audiology Puts People, Connection & Choice First
 
Hearing healthcare is about more than what happens during a hearing test, it can shape communication, relationships, confidence, and quality of life. Newly opened in neighboring Mountlake Terrace, Harmony Audiology is reimagining the experience with a people-first approach centered on compassion, inclusivity, patient autonomy, and evidence-based care. From hearing loss and tinnitus to specialized support for musicians, Deaf and neurodivergent individuals, the owner-operated practice is creating a place where patients feel heard before they're ever tested.
 
Q & A with Harmony Audiology
 
Q: How long have you been in business?
A: We're brand new to the community! We soft-launched clinical care in July 2026 and are celebrating our Grand Opening the week of August 17-21. Our ribbon cutting ceremony is Friday, August 21st at 10:00 AM. General public welcome to enjoy tours and refreshments at that time. (Registration requested.)
 
Q: What inspired you to start your business?
A: Harmony Audiology was founded out of a deep desire to reimagine what hearing healthcare can—and should—look like. After years of working in traditional clinical settings, our founders saw a need for a practice that goes beyond the basics: one that centers compassion, gold standard practices, inclusivity, and patient autonomy at every level of care.
 
We created Harmony Audiology to fill the gaps often left by conventional models—by offering culturally competent services for Deaf and neurodivergent individuals, protective and restorative care for musicians, and emotionally supportive guidance for those living with tinnitus or age-related hearing loss. We believe that everyone deserves access to meaningful, respectful, and personalized care—regardless of background, communication style, or socioeconomic status.
 
Our mission is to create a space where patients feel heard before they are tested, where treatment is collaborative, and where hearing health is a gateway to deeper connection, confidence, and quality of life.
 
Q: What service does your business provide for our community?
A: Professional evaluation and management of challenges with communication and quality of life related to hearing loss, tinnitus and other conditions of the auditory system.
 
Q: What has been your proudest moment in business so far?
A: It's hard to name one proudest moment! As we approach our Grand Opening, there are so many moments of realizing how far we've come and how much we've accomplished. For one, it has felt really affirming to welcome longtime patients of ours from all over the greater Seattle area into our own clinic space.
 
Q: How do you approach customer service, and what sets you apart?
A: We believe hearing healthcare should be centered on people, and we are weary of its commodification.
 
Individuals and families navigating hearing and communication challenges deserve (1) an accurate assessment, (2) clear and transparent communication about results, recommendations, alternatives, and expected outcomes, and (3) respect and support for the decisions they make.
 
Our model is designed to put these principles first. Because our services are not driven by sales incentives, our focus can remain where it belongs: on understanding each patient’s needs, providing thoughtful and unbiased recommendations, and helping individuals and families make informed decisions that are right for them.
 
We believe this approach creates a more trusted, personalized experience, and ultimately better supports the people we have the privilege to serve.
 
Q: How does your business support or give back to the local community?
A: Individuals needing our services who are experiencing significant financial hardship or other access barriers may be eligible for low-cost or no-cost evaluation services and consultations, and are invited to inquire about financial support from our local and state partners or from our internally-funded program for free or reduced-cost hearing assistive technology (i.e., hearing aids, accessories, AAC, etc.)
 
Q: What future plans or goals do you have for your business?
A: We seek to grow more deeply embedded in the local community. We have no intention to expand beyond the capacity of our owner-operator team and single office. We seek to sustain our modest lives in this beautiful neck of the woods, and to invest capital directly back into the local communities that sustain us. Service to others is at the heart of every material and moral decision we make.
 
Q: What’s your next upcoming event?
A: Harmony Audiology Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - August 21st @ 10:00 AM - 21907 64th Ave W, Suite 100, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Connect with Harmony Audiology
 
Harmony Audiology
21907 64th Ave W, Suite 100
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
206-880-7333
www.HarmonyAuD.com
tyler.ellis@harmonyaud.com
Facebook: Harmony Audiology

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