The 3rd of July Family Celebration is a beloved tradition in Mountlake Terrace

3rd of July at Ballinger Park in Mountlake Terrace

3rd of July Family Celebration

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Ballinger Park, 23000 Lakeview Drive

This year’s festivities will begin at 6:00pm. The fun will include pie eating contests, field games, a DJ and food trucks. A fantastic fireworks display over beautiful Lake Ballinger will be the highlight of the event when darkness falls at approximately 10:00pm.

2025 Food Truck Lineup

• Ryan's REZ-ipes
• Yummy Box 
• The Vet Chef 
• Billy Cheesesteaks 
• WiseGuy 
• Where Ya At Matt? 
• MoMoCha 
• Yay Big Yay High Yay Ice Cream 
• Sugar and Spoon

Although personal fireworks are illegal in the city, the City Council authorized a fireworks display with a professional pyrotechnics company. The fireworks show 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).

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

Fort Hays State University announces Spring 2025 Deans’ Honor Roll recipients

Fort Hays State University

HAYS, Kansas. - Fort Hays State University has named 1,841 students to the Deans Honor Roll for the Spring 2025 semester.

 

The Deans Honor Roll includes undergraduate students only. 

To be eligible, students must have completed 12 or more credit hours and earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.60 for the semester.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME

 

Lake Forest Park, Washington

Morgan Kelly

Fort Hays State University was founded in 1902 on the grounds of Fort Hays, a nineteenth-Century frontier military outpost. 

FHSU today is a regional comprehensive public university where determined, innovative and caring faculty and staff share a deep commitment to teaching and mentoring students.

HomeTechHacker: Do You Really Need the Perfect Remote Anymore?

Google home control

By Marlon Buchanan

For decades, the search for the perfect remote control was a struggle in many households. 

Between the TV, cable box, Blu-ray player, and sound system, juggling multiple remotes was a headache. 

Universal remotes aimed to simplify things, but they often came with complex programming and still didn’t control everything flawlessly.

But today, the need for that one perfect remote is fading. 

Technology has evolved, and many homes now manage their entertainment systems in entirely different ways. 

Here’s why you might not need the ultimate remote anymore.

Streaming Changed Everything

Gone are the days when every device needed its own remote. Streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Google TV, and smart TVs have consolidated entertainment into a single platform. 

Instead of switching inputs and controlling multiple boxes, most people just launch Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube from a single device.

Many of these devices come with small, simple remotes that control both the device and your TV’s power and volume. No need for a complicated universal remote.

Your Phone Is Now Your Remote

Smartphones have taken over many household functions, including controlling entertainment systems. Most streaming devices and smart TVs have apps that let you use your phone as a remote. Apps for Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV even let you type in search fields using your phone’s keyboard—something no traditional remote does well.

Plus, smart home hubs like Google Home and Alexa allow you to control your TV with simple voice commands. Instead of pressing buttons, you can just say, “Alexa, play The Office on Peacock.”

Streaming TV

Voice Control Is the New Remote

Speaking of voice commands, many TVs and streaming devices now come with built-in voice control. 

There’s Fire TV remote with Alexa, Roku remote with voice search, and Samsung smart TVs with Bixby where you can press a button and say what you want to watch. 

This is often faster than scrolling through menus.

And if you have a smart speaker, you don’t even need the remote in hand. Just say the command, and your show starts playing.

Universal Remotes Aren’t What They Used to Be

For those who still love the idea of a universal remote, options like Logitech Harmony (once the gold standard) are disappearing from the market. Fewer companies are making them, and with most entertainment devices moving to apps and voice control, universal remotes just don’t feel as necessary.

So, What’s the Best Setup?

Instead of hunting for the perfect remote, many households now rely on a mix of:

• A simple remote for power and volume control
• Smartphone apps for advanced controls
• Voice assistants to turn on the TV and launch shows

This setup works smoothly without the frustration of programming a universal remote.

Final Thoughts

The days of needing a single, all-powerful remote are behind us. With streaming services, smart home devices, and voice control, most people get by just fine without one. While there’s always a place for physical remotes, they’re no longer the only way to control our entertainment.

So, if you’ve ever spent hours searching for the perfect remote, it might be time to stop looking—because, for many, it’s no longer needed.

Marlon Buchanan

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 - you can read Marlon's previous columns here.

Feds throw Washington’s $1.2B broadband program into disarray

State Rep Cindy Ryu, D-32

States spent more than two years preparing to distribute the infrastructure funding, now the Trump administration is making last-minute changes to the rules.

BY: JAKE GOLDSTEIN-STREET, Washington State Standard

Washington utilities, tribes, counties and others have spent years planning how to use the state’s $1.2 billion chunk of a federal program to improve high-speed internet access.

But earlier this month, the Trump administration threw this process into flux when it overhauled guidance on how states nationwide should select applicants for the more than $42 billion in funding. 

The move effectively nullifies hundreds of applications already received, and sets Washington and other states on a tight timeline to figure out who should get money.

“Two years of working on it and all of a sudden we’re supposed to switch on a dime or less, on a pinhead,” said state Rep. Cindy Ryu, a Democrat from Shoreline who chairs the House Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee.

Perhaps the biggest change to the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment, or BEAD, program concerns what technology will be prioritized.

The program originally favored expanding fiber-optic cables, but the new rules require a “technology neutral” stance because “the full force of the competitive marketplace must be utilized,” according to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

This agnostic approach creates room for satellite, fixed wireless and other technologies, which has the potential to send billions more to Elon Musk’s Redmond-based Starlink internet service. Musk served previously as a top adviser to President Donald Trump and spent upward of $200 million to help get Trump elected last year.

The BEAD program was created under the federal infrastructure law that former President Joe Biden signed in 2021. It was fashioned as a way to expand high-speed internet service into rural areas and other parts of the country where it was unavailable or lacking.

In Washington, local applicants looking to get some of that money include private companies, public utilities, tribes, nonprofits, local governments and more. The state has said it will offer $300 million in matching funds for local governments and tribes.

This year, Washington’s broadband office received hundreds of applications from across the state, and provisionally awarded money to some applicants.

Washington expects to open up the next round of applications in early July. States have until early September to submit final plans on how to spend their portions to the federal government. The feds say they’ll review those plans within 90 days.

The guidelines from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration aim to streamline the process, reduce costs, speed up deployment and increase marketplace competition, according to the agency. 

They eliminate a mandate to analyze climate resilience, and provisions related to open access, low-cost service plans and labor requirements.

State Department of Commerce Director Joe Nguyen noted that Musk’s Starlink is a Washington-based company.

“Over 60% of the satellites currently in orbit are made right here in our state,” he said.

“As the federal guidelines evolve to allow more alternative technologies, we will continue to work closely with partners across the state to make sure we do not miss this generational opportunity to deliver broadband access to every community,” Nguyen added.

In the background

Broadband officials are also grappling with an unpopular provision tucked into the massive tax cut and spending bill Republicans are considering in Congress.

The sweeping legislation, now in the Senate, would impose a 10-year ban on state regulation of artificial intelligence. If states don’t follow the prohibition on enforcing new or existing laws, the federal government would rescind the federal broadband funding.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has said the ban would jeopardize the state’s laws on deepfakes in political advertising and fabricated sexual images known as “revenge porn.” 

Dozens of attorneys general from Republican- and Democratic-led states oppose the measure, arguing they can’t rely on Congress to adequately regulate artificial intelligence.

If Toby could read, he would agree

 

Photo by Seattle Poppy

Toby and his human went walking and found this on NE 152nd by Paramount Open Space.

The water dish is full. The sign says:

Please keep your pets safe, and secure on a leash or yard.

PLEASE No RAT Poison!

Recently seen on THIS Block:

• Raccoon Momma with 4 adorable kids
• Coyotes
• Bobcat
• Squirrels
• Rabbits
• BIRDS! Mallards, Steller Jays, crows, hummingbirds, robins, and songbirds galore - bald eagles, eagles, Red-Tail hawks, owls

Thank you!

Love, the Critters

Author Nicholas Triolo speaks at Ridgecrest Pub July 12, 2025

Join Ridgecrest Books at Ridgecrest Pub, July 12, 2025 at 7pm to hear author Nicholas Triolo discuss his new book, The Way Around: A Field Guide to Getting Lost. 

It was in Kathmandu that Triolo first encountered kora, a form of moving prayer in which pilgrims walk in circles around a sacred site or object--a kind of "ritualized remembering" birthed by place. 

Unable to shake this initial encounter with circumambulation, he sets out here on three such extended walks. 

Nicholas Triolo is a writer, filmmaker, photographer, activist, and long-distance trail runner. His writing and images have been featured in Orion, Outside, Terrain.org, and Trail Runner.

Ridgecrest Pub 520 NE 165th St, Shoreline, WA 98155

Regular protest on Sundays, special protest on Thursday July 17, 2025

By Pamela Mieth

President Trump's budget bill working its way through the U.S. Senate this weekend was a topic of discussion among the just over 50 people attending the regular sign-waving at the Shoreline- Edmonds line Sunday.

The bill would add trillions to the federal deficit and hundreds of billions to the national debt, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

It gives tax breaks predominantly benefiting the wealthy, while stripping away health care and other social safety net programs for the neediest, and is opposed by an overwhelming majority of Americans, according to all recent polling including Fox News.

Concern for democracy, the effect of recent Supreme Court decisions, the environment, and public health were just a few of the other topics addressed by the placards carried by the crowd and greeted mostly with support from the passing cars.

Shoreline-based Everyday Activists has scheduled additional events at the intersection of Aurora Avenue North and N 205th St for every Sunday in July, 1-2 pm, as well as a special "Good Trouble" rally and sign-waving march on Thursday, July 17 at Shoreline's Park at Town Center, 4:30-6pm.

The "Good Trouble" rally is part of the Nationwide Day of Action, which falls on the fifth anniversary of the death of civil rights activist and congressman John Lewis, who famously said, "Speak up, speak out, get in the way. Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America."

Seafair 4th of July - Gas Works Park and Lake Union Park

Seafair 4th of July

Brought to You by Amazon

Two locations. One Iconic Celebration.

Get Tickets

Seafair’s 4th of July celebration returns bigger than ever with events at both Gas Works Park and Lake Union Park. Enjoy a full afternoon of entertainment, food, games, and a fireworks show lighting up the sky.

Gates Open: 3:00pm

Event Hours: 3:00pm - 11:00pm

Fireworks Show: Begins around 10:20pm

GATE CLOSURE NOTICE: Due to capacity protocols, the gates at Gas Works Park will close by 8:00pm or once full capacity is reached, whichever comes first. Reserved seats have access until 10:00pm.

Highland Terrace 4th of July Kiddie Parade

Highland Terrace 4th of July Kiddie Parade

We have been doing this fun, very old fashioned little parade for years.

The kids are pulled, pushed or drive themselves around the block a few times and then we stop to share some refreshments. There are always surprises, too.

Cookies and juice contributions are encouraged. 

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

Travels with Charlie: "Wow! I Know a Celebrity at the Concert"

Outdoor concert at Pfingst Animal Acres Park

By Gordon Snyder

 
We headed to one of our favorite neighborhood parks for Charlie’s 1st outdoor concert. It was part of the 2025 Arts in the Parks series at Pfingst Animal Acres Park sponsored by ShoreLake Arts. 

Arriving early gave us enough time to check out the sniffs along our usual paths. However, soon there was a multitude of new attractions as folks settled in for some music and sunsetting in the evening.

Stephanie Anne Johnson pouring Energy into her song…  (That trailer stage is impressive the way it folds up for transport.  Check it out.)

During a lull we wandered around the park. When I hear "Is that Charlie?”  Yep I answered …   “Wow! I know a celebrity at the concert,” one of Charlie’s fans replied. Four other folks recognized him from the Travels with Charlie stories. 

Making a couple new Friends.

Near the end of the concert, an old park friend, Shilo, came and hung out. I got them to “Pose” as we left.

What a great evening. Thanks everyone for putting this Concert together.

Cheers,
Gordon Snyder

Join Aquarium staff for free public programming on the Seattle waterfront this summer

Join Aquarium staff for free public programming on the waterfront this summer! 

These drop-in programs will explore art, science, self-reflection and connection. 

We’ll gather on Pier 62 (just north of the Aquarium’s Pier 60 building) and on the Ocean Pavilion rooftop.

Activities include
SEA and create: Create art with your community while basking in the gorgeous view of the Seattle waterfront, all while learning more about our local marine ecosystem.
Plankton pals: Get hands-on with the invisible world of plankton! Collect samples and take a closer look using microscopes.
Rooftop reflections: Slow down and connect with nature on the Ocean Pavilion's rooftop. Learn more about native plants and come see what’s growing on!
Beach Naturalist shore stroll: Drop-in to the Aquarium’s Beach Naturalist program when volunteers are stationed at the Olympic Sculpture Park Pocket Beach!

See our website for full list of dates and locations

New Shakespeare company opens with Much Ado About Nothing on July 17, 2025

Ballinger Shakespeare Company opens with Much Ado About Nothing

Ballinger Shakespeare Company will present its inaugural production, Much Ado About Nothing, in Mathay-Ballinger Park in Edmonds this July 17-20, 2025. 

Performances are at 7:00pm Thursday through Saturday and 2:00pm on Sunday. Mathay-Ballinger Park is at 24100 78th Pl W, Edmonds WA 98026. 

It's a "merry war of words" between the vehemently unmarried Benedick and Beatrice. Meanwhile, young Claudio and Hero's relationship is endangered by the conniving Don John. Will true love win? Can Beatrice and Benedick's friends trick them into falling in love? 

Can anyone understand what Dogberry is saying? These questions and more will be answered in one of Shakespeare's funniest comedies.

Much Ado About Nothing 

Director: Joe Wack

Stage Manager: Beth Henkes

Cast:

• Sovereign Bill–Beatrice
• Hayley James–Benedick
• Emrys Jean Brown–Hero
• Jacob Guzman–Claudio
• José Amador–Don Pedro
• Anthony Winkler– Leonato/Sexton
• Hattie Mae Rich–Don John/Verges
• Cory Nealy–Dogberry
• Cu Cukale–Margaret/Borachio
• Aidyn Stevens–Ursula/Conrade
• Jeremiah Ripley–Friar Francis/George Seacol
• Spencer Joplin-Wack–Messenger
• Duncan Joplin-Wack–Boy

Tickets for this play are FREE. 

Ballinger Shakespeare Company presents its shows free of charge, as we want to make theater accessible to all. Donations are always appreciated.

Bring a blanket or low chair for seating.  

If you have any questions, please email us at ballingershakes@gmail.com.

Letter to the Editor: Protecting Ridgecrest - How Unregulated Short-Term Rentals Are Changing Our Neighborhood

To the Editor:

 

I’m a long-term resident of Shoreline and have proudly owned a home in the Ridgecrest neighborhood for two years this week. As a local business owner and someone invested in our community’s health, I’m deeply concerned about recent changes quietly reshaping Ridgecrest.

Over the past three months, several nearby homes have been sold and swiftly converted into short-term rentals (STRs)--often without transparency or community input. These conversions threaten the stability, affordability, and connectedness that make Ridgecrest special.

I enthusiastically support housing growth, including duplexes, middle housing, accessory dwelling units, and long-term rentals that welcome new neighbors and maintain our community fabric. However, speculative use of housing stock for STRs removes homes from the long-term rental market, destabilizes affordability, and transforms neighborhoods into transient spaces.

Other municipalities similar to Shoreline have taken steps to balance housing needs and neighborhood integrity through regulations requiring owner residency, caps on rental days, and licensing. Shoreline can and should do the same.

I urge our city leaders to act quickly to introduce sensible STR regulations that preserve the character of Ridgecrest and support housing for residents, not just visitors.

Our neighborhood, and the city we call home, deserve policies that put people first.

Sally Anne Sadler 

Shoreline

Heroes needed on July 12, 2025 at the Richmond Beach Community Blood Drive

By Tom Petersen

We’re still looking for 25 generous donors to roll up their sleeves and donate blood on July 12, 2025 at the Richmond Beach Community Drive —and we’re calling on you to help make a life-saving impact.

Think about how we often spend an hour: scrolling through our phones, catching up on a show… it goes by in a flash. But for local patients in need, one hour can mean the world.

In just one hour, you can donate a pint of blood and that simple act could save a life.

If you're eligible, will you commit to donating on July 12? To sign up, visit www.bloodworksnw.org, or click this link or call 1-800-398-7888. 

If July 12 doesn't work for you, find your time and date at one of the many other mobile drives in the area, or visit one of the donor centers.

Bloodworks NW needs 1,000 people to step up every day to keep our community’s blood supply stable. 

Summer activities like travel, visiting guests, and fun in the sun sometimes prevent would-be donors from donating blood, and our inventory struggles throughout the season. But our community’s need for blood is constant, no matter the weather. 

Make a summertime blood donation appointment today and help make this summer the best summer ever, for everyone.

4th of July in Kenmore at Log Boom Park

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

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

You're invited to an unforgettable night of family fun, food trucks, live music, games, and fireworks at Log Boom Park! 

Festivities begin at 7:30pm, with the fireworks show lighting up the sky at 10pm.

Getting there is easy:

• Free shuttle service runs from the Kenmore Park & Ride to Log Boom Park starting at 6pm through the end of the event.
• ADA-accessible shuttles are available; please note, no onsite ADA parking is available.
• 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 3pm.
• Limited parking is available on the north side of NE 175th St.
• No parking or drop-offs along Bothell Way NE.

Thank you to Frank Lumber for sponsoring this community event. Find full event details and updates here.

Fireworks are Illegal in Kenmore

With the 4th of July approaching, here is a reminder that per Kenmore Municipal Code 8.10, all fireworks are illegal in Kenmore. 

Because of the high volume of police calls on the 4th of July, please report fireworks disturbances to the non-emergency line (206-296-3311) and be patient with responses. Celebrate safely!

Something's Up at the Ching

Volunteers working on the steep slope of fill dirt where the house had stood

By Londa Jacques, Diggin' Shoreline

After 5-1/2 months of waiting for completion of the demolition phase of the Ching Garden, the Diggin' Shoreline team regained entry and discovered a new set of challenges. 

Where the house once stood there is now a slope of fill dirt. The driveway and patio area are damaged from the weight of heavy equipment. Blackberries again run amok. Although the condition was not unexpected, it was startling just the same.

We needed something to lighten the spirits of volunteers who were sure to be discouraged when they returned on May 31... something more positive than filling in ruts, raking rocks and digging up blackberry roots.

What do you do with a new hillside of rocky clay soil? You plant, of course!

From left: Kathleen, Pam, and Derek digging holes. Steadfast volunteer, neighbor Julian. 
Super volunteer & Diggin' board member, Shirlee

Someone had the idea to plant the many dozens of winter squash and pumpkin starts remaining from the Diggin' plant sale. Planting would be a happier, more hopeful way to kick off the first work party of the year. 

So, at our first work party on May 31, 2025 10 of us did just that. Admittedly, there were a few initial comments like "nothing's gonna grow in that soil". It was a gamble, but gardeners gamble every season, don't they?

Some of the patch

Pumpkin and winter squash growers know that the plants anchor their vines into the soil and their large leaves block sunlight, so we knew that we would get some erosion control, weed suppression, and some soil improvement if even just a few survived. An added hidden benefit for Shoreline gardeners... rabbits don't like their prickly stems and leaves.

A pile of compost, a few bags of dry organic fertilizer, diligent watering, some very warm days, and three weeks later, we are thrilled to say that all of the cucurbits have not only survived, but are indeed thriving!

After three weeks in the ground, the squash plants are thriving

Planted are a random mix of Cinderella, Connecticut Field, New England Sugar Pie, Casper, Atlantic Dill, Spookie Deep Sugar, and Jack-Be-Little pumpkins. 

Also in the mix are Waltham Butternut, Hubbard, Spaghetti, Acorn, and Sweet Dumpling winter squash.

If our experiment is successful, we hope to have an incredible harvest celebration come October. Stay tuned!

Join our Volunteer team. Make new friends!

Work parties have now resumed every Saturday morning from 10am to Noon, and will continue throughout the summer and fall. 

To volunteer, sign up here. Most tools are provided. Bring a long-handle shovel or steel garden rake, if you have one. Wear sturdy shoes for uneven ground, dress in layers and long pants, and bring hats, gloves, sunscreen, and water bottles. There is also a port-a-potty onsite. 

Questions? Email info@digginshoreline.org or call 206-437-9118.

Flowers are blooming even if the sun is hiding

 

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

The flowers just keep blooming, even in our Junuary weather. (We have to appreciate the sun when we have it and forget about official dates)

Business Spotlight: Nixi City Play + Cafe: A Place for Families to Feel at Home

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

Nixi City Play + Cafe: A Place for Families to Feel at Home

Where kids play, grown-ups recharge, and community comes together.

Nestled in the heart of Richmond Beach, Nixi City Play + Cafe brings a refreshing new concept to Shoreline, one that understands both the energy of toddlers and the need for great coffee. 

This beautiful, thoughtfully designed space isn’t just a playroom; it’s a haven for families, filled with enriching, Montessori-inspired activities for little ones and top-notch food and drinks for their grown-ups. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or curious kid, Nixi City is built for you.

Q&A With Nixi City

Q: What inspired you to start your business?

What inspired me to start Nixi City was the noticeable lack of spaces in North Seattle that truly catered to both young children and their caregivers. As a new parent, I found it difficult to find places that offered enriching play experiences for little ones, especially spaces inspired by Montessori principles and even harder to find ones that also served great coffee and quality food.

I wanted to create a place where families could feel welcome, where children could engage in thoughtful, developmentally appropriate play, and where parents could enjoy a moment of connection and a truly good drink. Nixi City was born out of that vision: a space built for both kids and grown-ups, rooted in community, care, and quality.

Q: What do you love the most about Shoreline?

What we love most about Shoreline is how easy and stress-free it is to get around. There’s virtually no traffic compared to the rest of the Seattle area, and free parking is abundant which makes it so much easier for families to get out and enjoy the community without added hassle.

We also appreciate how clean and well-kept the city feels. Whether you're visiting a park, running errands, or exploring local businesses, Shoreline consistently feels welcoming and cared for. It’s a great environment for raising a family and building a small business rooted in community.

Q: How do you approach customer service, and what sets you apart?

At Nixi City, customer service is at the heart of everything we do. As a small, family-owned business, we have the flexibility to respond personally to every customer concern and go above and beyond to make things right. We’re not bound by rigid corporate policies, which allows us to provide a more thoughtful, human approach to service that larger chains simply can’t match.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to creating the best possible experience for families. From maintaining an exceptionally clean space to serving only organic ingredients in our drinks and snacks, we take pride in every detail. We believe that great service means anticipating needs, creating a warm and welcoming environment, and always treating our guests with care and respect.

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting a business in Shoreline?

Starting a business in Shoreline can be rewarding, but it’s important to go in with your eyes wide open. The permitting process is lengthy and the city holds businesses to strict energy and building code standards. If your project involves construction or tenant improvements, plan for at least 6–12 months before you can open your doors. Make sure to negotiate favorable lease terms that account for this delay, and don’t assume anything will move quickly.

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is to be extremely cautious when hiring contractors. Do your research, get references, and never pay upfront. General contractors often charge hefty fees for project management without adding much value, so if you can manage subcontractors yourself, it can save time and money. Most importantly, stay persistent, it’s a tough path, but with the right prep and mindset, you can make it work.

Q: What’s your next upcoming event?

We’re also thrilled to announce our official opening party on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 10–11:30 AM! Join us for a live concert, open play, and fun surprises at the door. It’s a family-friendly event you won’t want to miss. Tickets are available now at www.nixi.city.

Q: What does the name Nixi City mean?

The name Nixi comes from ancient Rome, the di Nixi were mythological goddesses who watched over women in childbirth. They represented support, transformation, and community everything I craved as a new mom and everything I hope Nixi City brings to other families.

I also loved the connection to Italy, where my husband is from, and how Nixi is short, playful, and easy for kids to say.

A New Type of Play Space

At Nixi City, it’s not just about playtime, it’s about community time. It’s a space that values curiosity, clean design, and quality moments for the whole family. Whether you stop by for a coffee and a climb or attend one of their family events, you’ll leave feeling a little more connected and cared for.

1437 NW Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline, WA 98177
(206) 798-6808
www.nixi.city

Destination Shoreline is brought to you by Kate Ledbetter, Real Estate Broker with Windermere Real Estate/Shoreline. Whether you’re planning to sell, buy, or simply explore your options, Kate Ledbetter is ready to provide expert guidance tailored to your unique real estate needs, visit KateLHomes.com for more information.

Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Starbucks

 Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter here

Camp of all Trades for 11-15 year olds

Join the Camp of All Trades for a summer full of diverse activities, featuring a weekly rotating theme.

Enjoy learning new games, engaging in art projects, and exploring the natural world in your neighborhood!

• Tuesday-Friday 9am-2pm
• Meridian Elementary, 17077 Meridian Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133
• Ages 11-15
• Cost per 1 week session: resident $187 / non-resident $224

CURRENT OPENINGS:

• Camp of All Trades - Engineering Week (7/29-8/1)
• Camp of All Trades - Fantasy Week (7/15-7/18)
• Camp of All Trades - Games Week (7/22-7/25)
• Camp of All Trades - Nature Exploration (7/8-7/11)
• Camp of All Trades - Nature Exploration pt. 2 (8/12-8/15)

Questions? email landerson@shorelinewa.gov

Register here or go to this webpage

Shoreline protests continue on Sundays - Good Trouble Lives On event on July 17

Sunday, June 29 - We The People: Social Justice Sundays in Shoreline/Edmonds

New reasons to stand out and stand up present themselves every day to those joining Everyday Activists' regular sign-wavings most Sundays at the intersection of Aurora Ave N and N 205th St, at the Shoreline-Edmonds line. The next event is this Sunday, 1-2pm.

The group will again be collecting shelf-stable food and toiletries for a local pantry. Donations are welcome but not required (no open packages, please).

An information table will also be set up for representatives of Wallingford Indivisible who will be there to talk about some of the group's projects. Feel free to stop by the table to say hello and learn about more ways to help change the political climate.

Bring a sign (please keep it "family-friendly") or just yourself and let your voice be heard!

"Good Trouble Lives On," July 17, 2025 Park at Town Center, Shoreline, 4:30-6pm.

Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis helped organize the historic 1963 March on Washington and led the first of three marches from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., in 1965 known as "Bloody Sunday."

The non-violent marchers, including children, were attacked and beaten by police and others as they tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The severely injured included the future congressman, who suffered a skull fracture. The incident shocked the nation and ultimately helped lead to the Voting Rights Act.

Everyday Activists is collaborating with Indivisible Shoreline WA for this local observance of the Nationwide Day of Action, Thursday, July 17, the fifth anniversary of Lewis's death.

The event will be held at The Park at Town Center (Aurora Ave N and N 175th St, in front of Shoreline City Hall), 4:30-6pm. A short 15-minute rally will be followed by a march and/or sign-waving. More details to come and you can register here

The day both honors his legacy and brings together folks who want to speak up and help change the direction the country is headed for the better. He spoke often of "good trouble," including on the 55th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, where he sealed his legacy with these words:

"Speak up, speak out, get in the way. Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America."

Who lives in your yard? Experiencing garden hospitality with Birds Connect Seattle

Who lives in your yard? Experiencing garden hospitality with Birds Connect Seattle’s Penny Bolton

Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 5:00 – 8:00pm
Kruckeberg Botanic Garden, 20312 15th Ave NW, Shoreline, WA 98177

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden is excited to partner with Birds Connect Seattle to offer a unique, eye-opening class: “Who Lives in Your Yard?” 

This workshop invites you to step outside and explore the hidden world just beyond your doorstep. Led by a Master Gardener, Master Birder, and animal behaviorist Penny Bolton, this engaging session will uncover the secret lives of your wild neighbors — from songbirds to squirrels, from beetles to bees. 

You’ll learn how your garden, yard, or balcony could be home to up to 50 species of birds, along with countless bugs and mammals.

Participants will:

• Learn to recognize bird songs and signs of local wildlife
• Discover how to design wildlife-friendly outdoor spaces
• Get practical tips for coexisting with native creatures safely and responsibly
• Explore the benefits of biodiversity in your home landscape

Whether you're a gardener, bird enthusiast, or simply curious about the life around you, this class offers a deeper connection to your environment and community.

Registration is now open

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden is open to all. If the cost of a workshop is a barrier, we’re happy to discuss pricing for those in need of assistance. 

Please email Executive Director JP Sauerlender at jp@kruckeberg.org for more information. 

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation is a not for profit, four-acre living collection of native and rare plants that serves as a gathering place for the community to learn, be inspired, and feel connected to the natural world. 

Pride Day at Shoreline Farmers Market Saturday, June 28, 2025

Saturday is your last chance to visit the Pride Lounge at the market!


 Play Queer Icon Bingo — win a FREE tote bag


 Grab free resources


Connect with @qlawfoundation & @shorelinehistoricalmuseum , our awesome community partners


Or just come by and say hi!

Let’s wrap up Pride Month with joy, connection, and celebration.


It’s the final market of June — don’t miss it! See you Saturday Shoreline, and Shoreline-area friends!

Thank you to @shorelinewagov for asking the SFM to host Pride for the 3rd year in a row

  This is YOUR market!

The Market is held at the 192nd Park n Ride on Aurora from 10am to 2pm every Saturday.

New scam: text message demanding payment for traffic ticket

The King County Sheriff's Office warns that there’s a new scam making the rounds—text messages claiming you owe money for a traffic ticket, complete with a suspicious link to “pay now.”

Spoiler alert: it’s fake.

This is not how traffic tickets are issued. Legitimate agencies do not send payment demands through random texts.

If you get a message like this:

• Don’t click the link
• Don’t enter personal info
• Do roll your eyes and delete it

When in doubt, check directly with your local court or law enforcement agency.

Stay safe and scam-smart out there—because the only thing worse than a real ticket is a fake one trying to steal your identity.

Halo around the Sun

 

Photo by Barbara Twaddell

Barbara Twaddell thook this dramatic photo from Richmond Beach earlier this week (back when we had sun).

Navigating the WSDOT culvert replacement construction on SR 104/Ballinger Way

Detour route for when SR 104 / Ballinger is closed for construction

Construction is set to begin on a fish barrier removal project along Lyon Creek where it passes beneath SR104/Ballinger Way Northeast in Lake Forest Park.

Beginning Monday, June 30, 2025 contractor crews will replace an existing culvert that prevents fish from passing with a 24-foot-wide concrete structure near the SR 104 intersection with 35th Ave NE.

We don't expect traffic control to begin until Monday, July 7, with overnight single-lane closures planne­d on 35th Ave NE near the intersection with SR 104.

Flaggers will alternate traffic through the work zone from 9pm to 5am.

The most impactful construction will not happen until around Labor Day (but not during the holiday weekend) with a 35-day full closure of SR 104 near 35th Ave NE. A signed detour will guide vehicles, pedestrians and transit around the work zone. We'll share specific dates for this closure when we have them.

The new culvert structure will open 7.5 miles of potential upstream habitat to Chinook, coho, steelhead, sockeye, sea-run cutthroat and resident trout. Crews also will improve habitat within Lyon Creek, which flows from Snohomish County into Lake Washington through Lake Forest Park.

Want to stay informed about this work? Sign up for email updates about the SR 104 Lyon Creek fish passage project.