Everything to know about Jazz Walk August 11, 2026 - street festival, food, music indoor and out

Tickets for Jazz Walk here

North City’s favorite jazz festival is back for its 18th year! This year's event features a vibrant five-block-long street scene buzzing with food trucks, family-friendly fun, and local businesses, two free outdoor stages flanked by beer and wine gardens, and five indoor venues where you can enjoy everything from Django-inspired gypsy jazz, and rootsy Americana, to smoky bluesy jazz, and gospel-infused grooves. 

There's something for everyone! 

Details: 

Tuesday August 11, 2026 - five blocks of 15th NE from 175th NE to 180th NE

6:00 pm - The street festival opens with community organizations and local businesses, face-painting and games for kids, and activities for the whole family; 

- Two beer and wine gardens next to the free outdoor stages start pouring beverages donated by Georgetown Brewing, Fremont Brewing, and Vault 177—with all proceeds going to local community projects coordinated by Shoreline Rotary and Lake Forest Park Rotary; 

- Five indoor (ticketed) music venues begin serving special "Jazz Bites" food and/or beverages; 

- Six food trucks begin offering barbecue, Mexican fare, gourmet hot dogs, Mediterranean cuisine, grilled and smoked chicken, vegan options, and dessert ice cream and cookie dough. 

6:30 pm - Bands begin playing at the two free outdoor stages, located at either end of the 'Walk in the parking lots of Frank Lumber "The Door Store", and Frank Lumber Bargain Barn. 

7:00 pm - Bands begin playing at the five indoor venues: North City Bistro, North City Water District, North City Lounge, Sodam Chicken, and Bethel Lutheran Church. These venues require a wristband for entry. 

Music: 

- Each stage / venue features the same jazz musician / band all night long. 

- All bands play three sets: the first two are 45 minutes long; the final set is 60 minutes long, with a 15 minute break between sets.

- Outdoor bands include The Foot Stompers, and Shear Jazz with Keith McClelland (one of the Jazz Walk's original founders). 

- Indoor bands include Pearl Django, Greta Matassa, Angela Petrucci, Ranger and the Rearrangers, and the Elnah Jordan Experience. 

Tickets: 

- Online tickets are $30 at EventBrite; these must be exchanged for an entry wristband on the night of the event. 

- Entry wristbands will soon be available at six locations so you can avoid having to exchange your ticket on the night of the event. 

- Seating is limited, and most attendees purchase tickets in advance, so it's best not to wait until the day of the event (when the ticket price also goes up).

- Tickets for Jazz Walk here

More Info: 

• FAQ: https://www.northcityjazzwalk.org/faq 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthCityJazzWalk/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northcityjazzwalk

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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Play with the Cat

Cartoon by Whitney Potter

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Shoreline Schools Foundation and Shoreline PTA - backpack drive on now

It’s never too early to be thinking about school supplies! Support our Shoreline School district students with a great start to the 2026-2027 school year by contributing to this year’s Backpack Drive. 

You can help in three ways:
Drop off new backpacks at the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation office at the Shoreline Center - 18560 1st Ave NE - There is a collection box in the main lobby.
Shop online: https://tinyurl.com/47v2mmff (link in bio)
Donate to the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation at www.shorelinefoundation.org

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Dance lessons at Spartan Center starting July 28, 22026

 

Dance Lessons

Experience the Fusion and Music:
Learn everything you need for a night out dancing
Registering with a partner is strongly encouraged
Register now at: shorelinewa.gov/registernow

Note that you need to create an account first.

East Coast Swing
Spartan Rec Ctr
Tuesdays July 28, 2026 to August 25, 2026

Tue 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Resident $65

Non Resident $78

Enroll here

Salsa Dance

#9600/18 yrs +/Openings 16

Spartan Rec Ctr

Tuesdays July 28, 2026 to August 25, 2026

Tue 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Resident $65

Non Resident $78

The Spartan Rec Center is located between the Shoreline Center and the Shoreline Stadium 202 NE 185th St, Shoreline WA 98155

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Coffee in the Park with Urbanist Shoreline

Coffee in the Park has been so fun this summer, lets keep the momentum going!

In August, Urbanist Shoreline will be hanging out at Echo Lake Park. We’ll have coffee and snacks. RSVPs encouraged for headcount, and so we can be in touch with exact meeting location. 

Kids, families, friends, friendly dogs welcome!

RSVP

Sunday August 16, 2026 from 9 - 10:30am

Echo Lake Park 19901 Ashworth

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Wild creatures among us: The incomparable Douglas' Squirrel

This article was originally published in March of 2018

By John W. Lewis and Gloria Z. Nagler
Photos by Gloria Z. Nagler

We have somehow managed to reside in Lake Forest Park for over twenty years and not notice a Douglas’ Squirrel (aka “dougies” for the purpose of this article) until two years ago!

"I heard an owl"
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

Now, of course, we’re besotted with the miniature squirrels. We have included three recent photos Gloria made of the three dougies who hang out in and near our yard. One of our neighbors says she has never seen a dougie near her home, though everyone in our neighborhood sees the ubiquitous Gray Squirrels.

Douglas’ Squirrel is named after Scottish naturalist David Douglas, who travelled to the Pacific Northwest in the early 19th century and named many animals and plants, including the Douglas Fir. And, yes, Douglas’ Squirrels enjoy eating seeds from Douglas Firs.

Dougies are also known as pine squirrels and chickarees. Pine squirrels because they eat and bury pine seeds (and help propagate pine trees thereby!) and chickarees perhaps because of their chittery call, which you’ll hear often if you are visited often by a dougie.

John and I are not alone in adoring dougies. According to Wikipedia, John Muir described dougies as “by far the most interesting and influential of the California Sciuridae”. Can’t argue with Muir.

How are they different from Gray Squirrels? 

First, according to Washington NatureMapping Program, dougies average 10.5 to 14 inches in length, but get this: that’s including their bushy tails that are 5 to 7 inches long! The body size of all other squirrels in Washington average eleven inches (excluding tail) according to UW Resident Squirrels website, or close to twice the size of dougies.

Dougie and leaf
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

Look at the photo we’ve included, for scale, of the dougie next to a fallen leaf. And while we are on the subject of tails, we have included one photo that displays a dougie’s tail in all its splendor – looks like a bottle-washer brush, doesn’t it? It doesn’t appear soft and furry like their cousins’ tails.

Second, according to eMammal (Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute), grays and dougies differ dramatically in how they hoard. Gray Squirrels engage in scatter hoarding, burying their nuts in several places (and even fake burying nuts if a competitor is watching). They recover about 40 to 80% of their caches, says eMammal.

Dougies, however, do larder hoarding, concentrating their food in one spot. Though we have yet to find research on the issue (still looking!) one could imagine that scatter hoarding may be advantageous. If a competitor finds one of your many spots, little harm; but, if it raids your only cache, you are bankrupt! Foresters sometimes take dougie hoards to get seeds for replanting.

Dougies have tails like bottle brushes
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

Douglas’ Squirrel along with its similar but more widespread cousin, the American Red Squirrel, is being displaced by the Eastern Gray Squirrel, which was introduced to Washington in 1925 and has spread rapidly.

Professor Stephen Harris from the University of Bristol notes that Grey Squirrels are hardier than their red cousins and can live in a wider range of habitats, which gives them a significant advantage.

Douglas’ Squirrel is not endangered, according to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. It is however protected by law, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

By the way, do you know what a group of squirrels is called? A scurry, or a dray. Personally, we prefer a scurry – it’s alliterative and also sounds like their locomotive style.

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Asian Service Center Presents 3rd Annual Dragon Boat Festival July 31, 2026 in Edmonds

Dragon Boat Festival at Edmonds Waterfront

Edmonds, WA – The Asian Service Center (ASC), a cornerstone of community support in Snohomish County, presents its 3rd Annual Dragon Boat Festival in Edmonds, Washington. This event will take place on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Edmonds Waterfront Center (EWC), located at 220 Railroad Avenue, Edmonds, WA 98020.

Celebrating Tradition and Community

The Dragon Boat Festival, rooted in over 2,000 years of Chinese history, will make its 3rd appearance in Edmonds thanks to ASC's efforts. Originally a religious ritual to appease the rain gods, Dragon Boat racing commemorates the great war-time poet Qu Yuan, who sacrificed himself to protest political corruption. Today, Dragon Boat racing is a symbol of patriotism and community spirit, celebrated worldwide.

Event Highlights

• Dragon Boats: Visitors will have the opportunity to see a true Dragon Boat up close, with at least two boats accommodating 10 people each on display outside the Edmonds Waterfront Center (EWC). Weather and tides permitting, attendees can also enjoy a ride on the water, provided they sign liability waivers, wear life vests, and pay a nominal fee of $15. A link to pre-register tickets in advance: Pre-register tickets in advance A few limited seats may be available the day of and can be purchased with cash or online with a QR Code.
• Dragon Boat Race: This year ASC will present an actual race on Puget Sound outside the EWC. Promptly at 4:30m the South County Fire Department is challenging local Community Leaders from our region. Paddlers include, Mayor Steve Woodard of Mountlake Terrace, Mayor George Hurst of Lynnwood, Councilmembers Bryce Ownings and Isabel Mata of Lynnwood, Councilmembers Chris Eck and Will Chen of Edmonds, and Council President Jason Moon of Mukilteo. Mayor Mike Rosen of Edmonds will open the Dragon Boat Festival.
• Cultural Performances: The festival will feature Master David Leong’s Kung Fu practitioners featuring the ever-popular Lion Dance. Seattle Matsuri Taiko drummers will bring the powerful rhythms of traditional Japanese drumming to the event. Other Asian cultural performances including a special performance by Graceland Manila, a Filipino Elvis impersonator and his band will excite the public with music and the SAK Musical band sings and dances to Bollywood style They will perform and teach.
• Documentary Screening: “Traces of China: Dragon Boats – From Ancient Chinese ritual to global sport will be shown in the EWC Banquet Room.
• Specialty Food and Drink: Attendees will enjoy a variety of free specialty food offerings that celebrate Asian cuisine.

Dancers, dragons, and taiko drummers

More information on Dragon Boat Festival can be found at this link

About the Asian Service Center

Founded by two local Asian immigrants, Edmonds City Councilmember Will Chen, and Robert Ha, ASC CEO. The center addresses the unique challenges faced by immigrants in accessing essential services. Serving the South Snohomish community where 24% of the population is Asian, ASC has seen the Asian population grow by 9% since 2020. ASC offers a range of programs, including ESL, Health Access, Family Support, Senior Care, and Youth Development.

In addition to its current programs, ASC provides translation and interpreter services, and advocates for policies that promote equity and fairness for all community members.

Sponsors of this event include Beresford Booth Lawyers, First Security Bank, Edmonds Waterfront Center, Millennia Ministries, AZAPro Roofing, Coastal Community Bank, Rotary Club of Edmonds, Edmonds College, Edward Jones – Jessica Pichora, and Northwest Neighbors Network.

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School district surplus sale July 29, 2026

Shoreline School District is holding a public surplus sale on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the district warehouse, 2003 NE 160th St., Shoreline WA 98155 (inside Hamlin Park)

Find great deals on furniture, musical instruments, tables, shelving, exercise equipment, and more, including cellos, violas, violins, and a wide range of band instruments. 

Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted (no checks), and all sales are final.

A complete list of items with some prices and more detail can be found at: here

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Business Spotlight: A New Destination for Ice Cream in Shoreline: Meet Mammatus Creamery in Ridgecrest

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

 
A New Destination for Ice Cream in Shoreline: Meet Mammatus Creamery in Ridgecrest
 
The Ice Cream Ridgecrest Was Waiting For: Meet Mammatus Creamery
 
For years, people in Ridgecrest have been saying the same thing: "We need an ice cream shop." This summer, a few local heroes answered the call with a shiny silver ice cream truck! Now parked next to Drumlin in Downtown Ridgecrest Thursday - Sunday 3 PM - 8 PM, Mammatus Creamery is serving artisan soft serve, creative sundaes, and fresh gluten-free waffle cones, creating another gathering place where neighbors can connect, families can celebrate, and everyone can enjoy a little sweet treat close to home.
 
Q & A with Mammatus Creamery
Q: What inspired you to start your business?
A: Everyone in our neighborhood kept saying the same thing: "We need an ice cream shop." So we built one on wheels. Shoreline was in desperate need of ice cream and places for families to hang out, we built this business to make Ridgecrest even more amazing. We also both enjoy making things, being creative and projects. Since Brent is a public school teacher, summers are already a great opportunity to build a seasonal business. But the real answer is simple, we just love making really good ice cream.
 
Q: What service does your business provide for our community?
A: Soft serve ice cream! But really, we wanted to create another reason to walk to Downtown Ridgecrest, run into your neighbors, and hang out for a while. We serve rotating artisan soft serve flavors, sundaes and fresh made gluten-free waffle cones Thursday through Saturday from our shiny silver truck in Ridgecrest.
 
Q: Why is your business based in Shoreline?
A: We live here. Our kids go to school here. Brent teaches here. We walk these streets, shop at these businesses, and know the people in our neighborhood. Shoreline has all these little pockets with their own personality, and Ridgecrest is ours.
 
We didn't want to open a business just anywhere...we wanted to open one here because we know how awesome it is to walk down the street to check out the book store, get a drink at the pub, check out the daily food truck or see a movie at the theater. Soft serve ice cream seemed like the one thing this neighborhood was missing.
 
Q: What’s one thing you wish your customers knew about you but never ask?
A: We're probably thinking about ice cream way more than is reasonable.
Our menu is small on purpose. We keep vanilla, rotate a second soft serve flavor in each week, and build new sundaes constantly. If you haven't been by in a few weeks, there's probably something new. That's what excites us, something different each week, an opportunity to experiment and try new recipes and be creative.
 
Q: What has been your proudest moment in business so far?
A: When people walk up to the window clapping and jumping up and down in excitement because there is ice cream in their neighborhood. Truly. That actually happens most days.
It's also fun to meet people who found us and drove far to come try it out. We had a couple come by last week who drove over an hour because they heard about our soft serve. That felt pretty amazing.
 
Often people say to us that ice cream in Shoreline was their dream, that it's all they ever wished for. It's fun to be that for Ridgecrest.
 
Q: How do you approach customer service, and what sets you apart?
A: Since everyone in the whole world loves ice cream with their whole heart, so it's pretty simple: we just make amazing ice cream. We've generally found that when you hand someone a big swirl of Pistachio with Vanilla, or a huge sundae with fresh baked brownies, or one of our gluten-free fresh waffle cone... it's a pleasant experience for all. That's what guides our approach to customer service.
 
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting a business in Shoreline?
A: We made the decision early on to do this for fun, to do it because we love it. To make something that brings joy to kids, families, neighbors, and friends. We also saw a huge need for ice cream in this area, and in Shoreline in general.
 
For anyone thinking about starting a business, here's our advice: Go to your favorite spot, spin yourself in a circle, and ask yourself, "What's missing?" If it's something you think would make the neighborhood better and you would enjoy sharing with others, then make sure you buy a huge, shiny truck to sell it out of. That seems to be working for us.
 
Q: What future plans or goals do you have for your business?
A: More unique and interesting ice cream.
We want to build this business around the idea that there's always one more idea. Always something new to try with ice cream and something fun for our customers to enjoy. We've found that with quality ingredients and a thoughtful menu, we can build a really fun and successful business.
 
More importantly, we want to create a place where families can gather after a game, celebrate something big or small, and simply spend time with good friends and great neighbors.
 
Q: Where can people find us?
A: Look for the big shiny truck in Downtown Ridgecrest, just next to Drumlin. This is our home base and we are here Thursday-Saturday 3pm-8pm.
Connect with Mammatus Creamery
 
Location: Downtown Ridgecrest, just next to Drumlin, Thursday-Saturday 3 PM - 8 PM.
 Instagram: @mammatuscreamery

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First Jimothy the Raccoon Bobblehead unveiled

MILWAUKEE – Today, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled an officially licensed, limited-edition bobblehead of Jimothy, the Seattle raccoon who has become a global internet sensation this summer. 

Called a “scrappy hometown hero” by The Seattle Times, the wild raccoon went viral in July with a video of him scurrying across the street racked up more than 10 million views across social media. The first Jimothy bobblehead is being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum.

Standing on a rectangular, grass-like textured base bearing his name, the Jimothy bobblehead is a replica of the popular gray-furred raccoon known for its shortened, round, orb-like appearance. The Jimothy bobblehead is in a running pose as he is eyeing his next adventure in The Emerald City. 

The bobbleheads, which will be individually numbered, are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. Expected to ship in December, the bobbleheads cost $30 each, plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order.

The raccoon was named “Jimothy” by Kiana Hall after she spotted the uniquely round critter roaming the Ballard neighborhood. Hall named him “Jimothy” because he just “looks like a Jimothy.” Jimothy gained fame in large part because of his unusual appearance. He has a spine deformity, reported to be “short spine syndrome,” which compresses the vertebrae, making it appear as if he has no neck. Despite the condition, he is healthy for his species as he has no issue with mobility and does not seem to be in pain.

With his popularity exploding, Jimothy has become the subject of clothing merchandise, artwork, and slogans like “hot Jimothy summer” – a play on the phrase “hot girl summer,” coined by rapper Megan Thee Stallion. He’s also been affectionately referred to by some as “Saint Jimothy” or “King Jimothy.” 

Tributes to Jimothy include fan art, a neighborhood mural, and an honorary degree from the University of Washington. Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck even issued an official proclamation celebrating “Jimothy Summer” to honor the raccoon’s resilient spirit.

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on February 1, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as organizations, individuals and teams across the country. Visit us online and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Ballinger Thriftway collecting donations for Vision House

Giving Tree for Vision House inside Ballinger Thriftway

Ballinger Thriftway has set up a Summer Giving Treein the store to collect donations for @visionhouseseattle.

Vision House is in need of some help for the summer season. Many families are experiencing difficulties and could use some help from our community.

Simply pick a tag from the giving tree with your desired donation and head to checkout! The donation will be added to your total at checkout. 

Donations go directly to @visionhouseseattle and go straight towards helping families with essential needs like gas, groceries, and more.

Ballinger Thriftway is located in Ballinger Village at 20150 Ballinger Way NE, Shoreline WA 98155

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Op-Ed: Citizen Action Saves 14 Elm Trees

Story and Photos by John Hushagen

After the removal of 1400 trees for the construction of the two light rail projects in Shoreline, Sound Transit was to plant 7400 replacement trees. 

Some of these trees are at risk during the drought, a condition exacerbated by hot weather. Today I'm writing about a glaring example of this just south of the Shoreline North station at the corner of NE 185th St, and 5th Ave NE. 

In 2024, Sound Transit's landscape contractor installed hundreds of trees and shrubs on the public rights of way and along 5th Ave NE. 

Among these trees are 14 large elms that were planted as street trees. 

The Elm is one of the toughest trees in the world, but trees as large as these need supplemental irrigation to help them get established. 

The landscape architect that chose these trees failed to provide any means of watering them. 

Big mistake! From what I have seen, the trees received no irrigation except rainfall for the balance of 2024, all of 2025, and none thus far in 2026. 

The dry grass had grown to knee high and the corner had become both an eyesore and a fire hazard, highlighted by rapidly defoliating trees.

I began to complain about this neglect to public officials at both the City of Shoreline and Sound Transit in mid-June of this year. 

Just yesterday I learned from Sound Transit that the prior landscaper's contract expired in April, and no one took his place. 

A new landscape contractor is now on the scene and the trees are finally being watered. I raised a ruckus with Shoreline and Sound Transit, and the trees are now getting much-needed attention. 

The 14 Elm trees, that cost nearly$50 Kto install, represent an example of how we sometimes take our urban forest home for granted until it is too late. 

Plant trees! Water trees! And raise your voice until you are heard!

John Hushagen
Shoreline Resident, Retired Arborist

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Summer Garden Stories at Kruckeberg Saturday, July 25, 2026

This Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 4-5:30pm, Kruckeberg Botanic Garden welcomes visitors for Summer Garden Stories, an afternoon celebrating storytelling, imagination, and community in the beauty of the Garden.

Presented in partnership with the Seattle Storytellers Guild, the event features talented storytellers sharing engaging tales inspired by nature, folklore, history, and the human experience. 

Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or low-backed chair and settle beneath the trees for an afternoon of stories surrounded by one of Shoreline's most peaceful landscapes.

Perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys a good story, this free event celebrates the timeless tradition of gathering together through storytelling.

Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5 supporting future educational programming.

Kruckeberg is located at 20312 15th Ave NW, Shoreline WA 98177

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Three women suffer injuries from shooting near Aurora

Three women suffered injuries in a shooting early Thursday morning, July 23, 2026 in the north section of Aurora in Seattle.

Seattle police responded to reports of gunfire at about 12:06am in the 1100 block of North 96th Street. Officers arrived and found an abandoned silver Ford riddled with bullet holes.

A short time later, police learned that three adult women walked into the UW Northwest Hospital Emergency Room. One woman suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The other two women suffered injuries from shattered glass. All three were reported in stable condition. Medics later transferred the woman with the gunshot wounds to Harborview Medical Center for additional treatment.

1100 block of N 96th St in north Seattle

Detectives determined the women were inside the Ford, facing west on North 96th Street, when a dark colored sedan pulled in front of them. A suspect exited and opened fire on the Ford before getting back into the car. The suspect then left southbound on Aurora Avenue North.

Detectives with the Gun Violence Reduction Unit will be leading the investigation and are working to determine what led to the shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.

Incident: 2026-215286/North Precinct

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You can't see me

Photo by Jo Simmons

Mrs. Douglas peeks around a tree trunk. She is a native Douglas squirrel, managing to survive in spite of the wholesale invasion of gray squirrels.

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Neighborhood block watch holds annual Water Fight

Taur Beeman (right) and Friendly Neighborhood Dad who started the whole thing
Photo courtesy Taur Beeman

By Taur Beeman

Because of our neighbors...

“Oh, you’re on that street’, other parents from school, or acquaintances at nearby rec games would say.

“I’ve heard about you all.. that summer thing.” And yes, it was true.

Alliances were formed (aka ganging up)
Photo by Mike Remarcke

The stories were not larger than our real life experience of it. Our reputation had exceeded our block size, but not eclipsed the random joys of owl sightings, garden offerings, and tool lending in our group text chat.

Water pistols are pretty exotic these days
Photo by Taur Beeman

It was something that kept us bonded together, bound but not burdened. The reason my kids, now teens/tween would not even let me discuss looking at other house properties.. ‘but the neighbors!’ they would gasp.. ‘we can’t leave our street…what about the summer WATER FIGHT?!’”

Normally a mild-mannered, kindly Grandma, but put a hose in her hands and all bets are off.
Photo by Mike Remarcke

Yes, that was our glue. Annual water induced well staged mayhem. Ages 8 months to 80+.

Beward the two fisted water slinger
Photo by Mike Remarcke

‘Just come on out’ our friendly block Dad would coax the local retirees for weeks ahead.. ‘you can just be watering your garden and happen to miss’, wink. And they did!

Truck bed as battlement
Photo by Mike Remarcke

Water-balloons, squirt guns, balloon launchers, hardware store buckets, hoses, and yes even a few truck beds as battlements. Neighbors further down the road asking if they could join in next year.. because of course there would be another round next year. 

Some block watches have picnics - this one gets wet
Photo by Mike Remarcke

But not before the requisite closing group picture we would stage, mid-block.. squinting into the lowering sun as 1, 2, 3 ‘ahhhhhh’ a full bucket of water somehow unseen released above the waiting crowd. 

Summer perfection.

“Any interest in a street wide water battle again this year?” was on our text chain 2 months ago, from our friendly tool loaning, driveway shoveling, owl reporting instigator neighbor Dad. 

Teaching children to be good (and wet) neighbors - hey it was a hot day
Photo by Mike Remarcke

“YES.. always…right now??!” was my tween’s response. 

“I take the challenge very seriously with my hose at the ready” replied our beloved adopted grandma across the street. 

Uh-oh
Photo by Mike Remarcke

No one said you had to fight fair
Photo by Mike Remarcke

Those that play and (water) fight together must stay together. Has worked for our block. Viva la batalla de agua!

-Apologies to Taur Beeman, whose surname was listed incorrectly in the original article!

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4th Annual Mrs. Roper Pub Crawl returns to Edmonds July 31, 2026

Join the Movement Honoring America’s Grooviest Landlady!

EDMONDS, WA — Grab your favorite caftan (or leisure suit for all the Stanleys) and put on your comfy shoes! The Annual Mrs. Roper Pub Crawl and Roper Romp Dance Party is returning to Edmonds for an evening of fun, laughter, and community spirit—all in support of two incredible non-profits.

While the event is a celebration of fun and togetherness, it also carries a meaningful mission. Helen Roper may have been a fictional landlady, but the cause behind this crawl is very real.

This year, 100% of all funds raised will be split equally to support two vital local organizations working to combat food insecurity and empower our community:

• Edmonds Food Bank: Providing essential food and resources to neighbors in need across the Edmonds community.
• Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN): Supporting and protecting immigrant and refugee communities across Washington state.

We are thrilled to bring the community together again to support the vital work being done by the Edmonds Food Bank and WAISN. The Roper Romp tradition traces its roots back over a decade to New Orleans’ Southern Decadence festivities and has since expanded across North America. Edmonds proudly hosts Washington State’s flagship event.

Event and Registration Details

• Date and Time: Friday, July 31 st at 5pm
• Location: Downtown Edmonds, WA
• Admission: FREE to attend (Donations strongly encouraged)
• Registration Link: 4th Annual Mrs. Roper Pub Crawl_Edmonds 2026 Tickets, Friday, July 31, 2026 from 5pm - 11:30pm | Eventbrite

Registration is completely free, but attendees are asked to register in advance to help organizers plan accordingly. Day-of event details, venue maps, and raffle info will be posted on Facebook and emailed directly to registered guests.

We want to thank our participating bars and restaurants (aka Regal Beagles): Las Brisas Mexican Restaurant, ePulo Bistro, Bar Americano, The Victor Tavern, Calypso, Brigid’s Bottleshop, Rorys of Edmonds, Taki Tiki, Kelnero, Vinbero, Engels Pub, Dusted Valley, Leftcraft, Ristorante, Machiavelli’s, The Fox + Bottle and Salish Sea Brewery.

Business sponsors: Old Edmonds Opera House, Brody’s Mufflers, Brakes and Radiators, Las Brisas Mexican Restaurant, ePulo Bistro and Photo HQ.

Come and knock on our door... we’ve been waiting for you!

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Shoreline Covenant Church opens their building on Tuesdays for Neighborhood Work & Play Space

Need a place with Wifi and A/C for remote work? Want a place to help your kids get some wiggles out? Or just hoping to get to know some neighbors?

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. 

Currently open Tuesdays (7/28, 8/11, 8/25), 1-4pm.

Our address is 1330 N. 185th St (Echo Lake neighborhood) and a link for more info is here

This is not a religious program, just a desire to make our space more useful for the neighborhood.

Questions? 

• office@shorelinecovenant.org
• (206) 542-1050

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National Night Out with Kenmore Police August 5, 2026

National Night Out on August 5, 2026 anytime from 3-7pm at Kenmore's Farmer's Market at NE 181 St/68 Ave NE. 

There will be a police vehicle and specialty equipment from KCSO to explore, crime prevention materials, and several community partners joining us. 

Stop by and visit on 8/5

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Lake City man disappears, leaving apt door unlocked and cats inside

Missing from Lake City: Diangelo McKinney

David Rose published a story about a well-known and well-liked Lake City man who was last seen leaving his apartment building at 5:45pm on July 6, 2026.

Diangelo McKinney is described as 6 feet tall and about 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a yellow t-shirt with the word “Chelsea” on it and white slippers with smiley faces.

His family is urging anyone who may have seen him or who has information about suspicious circumstances surrounding his disappearance to come forward.

“If anyone knows anything, please help us,” Jasmine said. “Anything helps. Every conversation, every set of eyes, every little movement can help find my brother.”

• Anyone who knows something about the suspicious circumstances of his disappearance should call 911.
• Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Seattle Police Department non-emergency line at 206-625-5011.
• You can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound through the P3 Tips App on your cell phone or at P3Tips.com.
• You can contact David Rose here: David.Rose@Fox.com.

Read the entire story here

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Gloria Nagler: House Finches found our feeder...

Male House Finch
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

“What exactly is this stuff”, wondered Henry House Finch. “If photog is a true bird lover she ought to post a menu for us, spelling out our options!"

(Although online descriptions tell us House Finches are ubiquitous here in the continental U.S., I still get excited when I spot one of these lovely birds. They colonized our State beginning in the late 19th century, according to Google.)

--Gloria Z. Nagler

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Gardening for Change: Cool Plants, Hot Topics 2026 - September 13, 2026

Join the WSU Extension Master Gardeners at Bellevue Botanical Garden on Sunday, September 13, 2026 (10am to 2pm) at 12001 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005.

Explore how our backyards can actively protect and enhance PNW biodiversity.

This year’s inspiring education event features practical strategies for growing a resilient garden in a changing climate. 

Learn from expert speakers Cassie Knavel (WSDA), Alma Cardenas (EMG), and Molly van der Burch (EMG).

Photo courtesy Master Gardeners

Enjoy curated speakers, door prizes, vendors, and the colors of the Bellevue Botanical Garden as it transitions into fall. Arrange a beautiful bouquet at our Bloom Bar and shop unique boutique vendors. 

Arrangements are being made for The Copper Kettle Coffee Bar at the Bellevue Botanical Garden’s Shorts House to offer coffee, pastries, and light lunch items for purchase.

All proceeds enable the Master Gardener Foundation to support the WSU Extension King County Master Gardener Program. Together, we can ensure healthy, biodiverse gardens for the PNW.

Learn, shop, and get connected. Stay informed.

Our mission is to help gardeners strengthen local ecosystems by growing plants that support birds, insects, soil life, and the wider PNW food web.

Speaker Timeline

• 10:00–11:00am — Alma Cardenas
• 11:15am–12:15pm — Molly van der Burch
• 12:30–1:30pm — Cassie Knavel

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Sunday protests ongoing

"In the future, children will look back and ask 'Why didn't someone DO something?'
We can tell them - we tried."

Story and photos by Pamela Mieth

Continued immigrant deaths at the hands of ICE agents and threats to interfere in the upcoming election are motivating many to attend the regular Sunday sign-wavings at the Shoreline-Edmonds line.

"Vote like your life depends on it."
"2 more killed in trump war. - Stop trump war."

Organized by Everyday Activists, "Social Justice Sundays" regularly draw about 50 people and the occasional canine to stand up on important topics - sometimes with a light-hearted spin. 

"Jimothy has more spine than the GOP"
"Racoons live for trash. ICE trashes lives. Immigrants make America great"

Such was the case this weekend when one protestor, whose sign referenced Seattle's most famous raccoon, "Jimothy," stopped for a photo with another protestor in an inflatable raccoon costume, whose sign noted the many contributions generations of immigrants have made to this country.

Sign-waving continues next Sunday (7/26) and every Sunday in August, 1-2pm, at the intersection of Aurora Avenue North and N 205th St. Food and toiletry items will also be accepted for donation to an organization assisting those in need.

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