Seattle Area Feline Rescue launches 2025 Photo Contest: Celebrate your cat and support rescue kitties

Sunday, February 9, 2025


Shoreline, WA – Seattle Area Feline Rescue (SAFe Rescue) is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2nd Annual Cat Photo Contest

Following last year’s success, which raised an aMEOWzing $30,000, this year’s contest is back to bring the community together in a fun and meaningful way—all in support of Rescue cats.

Running throughout February, this event is a wonderful way to celebrate the special bond between cats and their humans. 

Whether your feline friend is a playful kitten, a dignified senior, or the ultimate lap cat, their photo can help save lives! 

Each entry and vote not only showcases the love we have for our pets but also provides vital care, shelter, and second chances to kitties in need.
Some of this year's contestants

How to Participate
  • Enter the contest by uploading a photo of your cat with a $20 entry fee—100% of which supports the kitties at SAFe Rescue 
  • Vote for your favorite cats! Every $1 donation = 1 vote 
  • All entries and votes must be submitted through the official contest website: gogophotocontest.com/saferescue 
  • Vote as many times as you’d like—every entry and vote helps kitties in need! 
  • Contest closes at 11:59 PM PT on Friday, February 28, 2025

Freya is currently in second place

At the end of the contest, the top-voted kitties will win fabulous prizes, including a hand-crafted pet portrait by Sadie Pie Designs, a poster featured in SAFe Rescue’s Adoption Center, and a coveted spot in the 2025 SAFe Rescue Collectible Playing Card Deck. 

And of course, every cat that enters will be celebrated by the SAFe community!

Don’t miss this chance to share your cat’s charm while making a difference! Whether you enter, vote, or spread the word, your support helps give homeless cats the love and care they deserve. 

Join the fun and enter today!

All proceeds from the contest directly support SAFe Rescue’s mission to take in homeless cats, give them the care they need, find them loving homes, and support their human companions.

Learn more, enter the contest, or vote here

Gomez would like your vote

About Safe Rescue

SAFe Rescue takes in homeless cats and kittens, gives them the care they need, finds them loving homes, and supports their human companions.

Nearly 2,000 felines, including seniors and special needs cats, find homes through SAFe during a typical year as people in search of new friends visit our Adoption Center. 

An extensive network of community volunteers and foster families helps the Rescue carry out its mission and save more lives. SAFe Rescue is a non-profit, no-kill rescue, 501c3 #91-2041961.


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Shoreline homeschooler qualifies for state MathCounts competition

Violet Cammeresi at Mathcounts competition

Congratulations to the Kellogg math team on their qualification for state at last weekend’s Seattle Chapter MATHCOUNTS competition! (Kellogg students compete in Mathcounts competition)

Also competing last weekend was Shoreline homeschooler Violet Cammeresi

Violet placed 20th in the competition, making her one of the 16 students competing as individuals to qualify for state. 

Violet, now an 8th grader, has participated in several middle school math competitions by herself and on teams with homeschoolers. 

She was happy to connect with the other Shoreline mathletes at the recent tournament and is looking forward to practicing with them for the upcoming state competition.


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Owners of Pilgrim Coffeehouse ask for public's help in apprehending burglars who broke into the new shop

Pilgrim Coffeehouse
Photo courtesy Pilgram Coffeehouse
Keith Carpenter, owner of Pilgrim Coffeehouse, at the Geo Apartments, 17990 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133, reported on social media Saturday that the shop was burglarized Friday night, February 7, 2025, after being open less than a week.

Burglars broke in the front door and took the cash drawer, safe, and iPAD.

Carpenter said, "If we have any neighbors around the 180th and Midvale Avenue vicinity with cameras, whoever broke in carried things away with a big black plastic tub.

"Love to have some front porch camera Warriors find these guys."

The coffee shop was open throughout the day Saturday but accepting credit cards only.



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Philharmonia Northwest concert at Bastyr Chapel February 23, 2025

Philharmonia Northwest musicians join Kirkland Choral Society for this lush and lyrical program celebrating love in all its facets, designed by KCS Artistic Director Finalist Daniel Mahraun. 

The concert features Elaine Hagenberg’s Illuminare, a stunning exploration of lesser-known Latin, Greek, and English sacred texts on the themes of beauty, hope, and perseverance.

CONCERT INFO

Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 3pm

Bastyr University Chapel 14500 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore WA 98028

PROGRAM
  • Dan Mahraun, conductor
  • Elaine Hagenberg –Illuminare
  • Rosephanye Powell – Arise, Beloved!
  • Robert H. Young – Two Love Songs
  • …and much more!
Tickets: 
  • $25 Adult, 
  • $20 Senior/Student
  • Children ages 12 & under free
GET TICKETS HERE


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Teenaged drivers charged with DUI and speeding after collision on I-5 at 130th

Site of collision that closed the freeway for 5 1/2 hours

SEATTLE – All northbound lanes of Interstate 5 were closed just south of NE 130th Street after a two-vehicle collision early Saturday, February 8, 2025 in Seattle's Northgate area.

The Washington State Patrol and other emergency responders responded. All northbound lanes of I-5 were closed for five and a half hours.

Two teenage drivers, one from Lake Stevens and one from Edmonds, were traveling on I-5 in adjoining lanes at high rates of speed when the vehicle driven by the Lake Stevens person hit the other vehicle.

Both hit the barrier on the left shoulder.

The Lake Stevens vehicle ended up on the opposite side of the freeway in lane 1 and the right shoulder. The Edmonds vehicle came to rest in lane 6.

The Edmonds driver was wearing a seat belt and was not injured.

The Lake Stevens driver had three passengers, one from Edmonds and two from Lynnwood. 

The driver and at least one of the passengers were wearing seat belts. All four of them were injured and transported to Harborview.

Both vehicles were totalled.

Washington State Patrol listed the cause of the collision as DUI and driving too fast.


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State moves to ban known carcinogen in cosmetics

Department of Ecology seeks public comment on draft regulation of formaldehyde releasers

OLYMPIA – Formaldehyde and chemicals that release formaldehyde are commonly found in cosmetic products like nail polish, eyelash glue, shampoo, and hair gel. 

People can be exposed to these chemicals every time they use these products – and formaldehyde is known to cause cancer in humans.

Washington’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act regulates many toxic chemicals in cosmetics, including formaldehyde. 

Under this law, the state’s Department of Ecology is now proposing a rule to restrict 28 additional formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics made, sold or distributed in Washington.

In cosmetics, these chemicals are typically used as preservatives. In hair smoothing or straightening treatments, formaldehyde releasers are found in high concentrations and using these products involves heating both the chemicals and hair. 

Applying heat releases more formaldehyde into the air, where it can be inhaled.

Shari Franjevic, Ecology’s implementation lead for the law, notes that some people are exposed more than others.

“Formaldehyde-releasing chemicals are a special concern because they’re in many cosmetic products routinely used by women, people of color and cosmetologists, increasing their exposure to harmful chemicals,” said Franjevic.

In addition to cancer, formaldehyde can harm brain function, increase risk of asthma, irritate eyes and skin, and cause allergic reactions.

Provide input

Public comment on the proposed rule is open now and ends 11:59pm on April 11, 2025.

Interested parties and the public are invited to comment on the proposed rule, economic analysis, environmental impact analysis and an implementation plan for the cosmetics law. 

The plan describes Ecology’s intended approaches for educating regulated businesses about the law and raising awareness among people more likely to experience higher exposures to toxic chemicals in cosmetics.

The public can review documents on Ecology’s cosmetics rulemaking public comment webpage

Submit comments
Stacey Callaway
Washington Department of Ecology
300 Desmond Drive SE, Lacey, WA 98504-7600
Attn: HWTR TFCA Rulemaking
Comments received will inform development of the final rule, implementation plan and other rulemaking documents.

Washington’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act reduces human and environmental exposure to toxic chemicals by restricting certain chemicals and supporting businesses in reformulating and certifying products and switching to safer alternatives. For more information, visit ecology.wa.gov/TFCA.


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Travels with Charlie: Waiting Out the Storm

Saturday, February 8, 2025

Photo by Gordon Snyder

By Gordon Snyder

I noticed this guy waiting out the storm as Charlie and I walked out Log Boom Pier.

Rain and snow, but no wind made the pier a great walk on water into the weather…

It is always different on the pier, but the air is always fresh. Check it out if you can.

Cheers,
Gordon Snyder


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Aurora Borealis: A Hub for Family Dining and Entertainment in Shoreline

Aurora Borealis

By Kate Ledbetter, Destination Shoreline

Destination Shoreline is thrilled to feature Aurora Borealis, a beloved Shoreline family restaurant and event center that combines great food, live music, and rich local history. 

Located right in the heart of Shoreline on Aurora Avenue, Aurora Borealis is more than just a dining destination—it’s a cornerstone for community gatherings and entertainment.

Get to Know Aurora Borealis

How long have you been in business?
6 years (opened before the pandemic).

What inspired you to start your business?
The need for a music event space and a family-friendly dining experience in the Shoreline/Aurora area.

What service does your business provide for our community?
We are a family restaurant upstairs and an event center downstairs that can be rented for small to large parties (including catering from our restaurant upstairs). 

Restaurant and performance space at Aurora Borealis

We also host music performances, comedy shows, trivia, line dancing nights, salsa dancing nights, and much more weekly in our event center.

Why is your business based in Shoreline?
We saw the need for a family restaurant that serves from-scratch Americana-inspired comfort food (plus other great items, too), and also a performance space for artists, bands, stand-up comedians, and more in the Shoreline area. 

We also wanted to pay homage to our building's previous businesses and its long history.

What’s one thing you wish your customers knew about you but never ask?
We are a FAMILY restaurant and have live music and more downstairs in the event center every week! Breakfast is served all day. We have a fantastic happy hour too—can't really beat it in the Shoreline area.

What makes you unique?
In the early 1900s, the building began as a "ride and dine" business—a horse stable where patrons could meander the many trails and dirt roads on horseback and end the day with a fine dining experience at the restaurant! 

More than 100 years later, we are a modern restaurant and event space with state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment.

Contact Information
Phone: 206-629-5744
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

Whether you're craving comfort food, looking for an unforgettable happy hour, or searching for the perfect event space, Aurora Borealis has you covered. 

Visit them today and experience why they’re a shining star in the Shoreline community!


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Summer Resource Fair for children's camps and activities

Friday, February 7, 2025

Summer Resource Fair
Details:
  • Summer Camp Information
  • Scholarship Applications
  • Summer Community Resources
  • Fun Children Activities
Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 PM
For more information about our programs visit: www.shorelinewa.gov/registernow
Feria de Recursos
Detalles:
  • Información de campamentos de verano
  • Solicitudes de becas
  • Recursos comunitarios para el verano
  • Actividades divertidas para niños
Fecha: Miércoles, 5 de marzo, 2025
Horas: 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Para más información sobre nuestros programas visite: www.shorelinewa.gov/registernow


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Irons Brothers Construction unveils new headquarters, Irons Design Build Center

Irons Design Build Center on Aurora

On February 5, 2025, Irons Brothers Construction marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of their new headquarters, the Irons Design Build Center, in Shoreline. 

This event celebrated the company's growth and commitment to their vision as "Leaders in Aging-in-Place Solutions for All Generations."

Established in 1999, Irons Brothers Construction has been a cornerstone of the Shoreline community for over two and a half decades. The newly remodeled building, located at 14926 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133, reflects the company's evolution.

Ribbon cutting ceremony for Irons Design Build Center

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by over 100 people, including employees, business partners, and local dignitaries, such as Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts, King County Council Member Rod Dembrowski, Shoreline Council Member Keith Scully, King County Assessor John Wilson, and Shoreline Schools Superintendent Dr. Susana Reyes. 

Several of Irons’ family members, their friends, children, neighbors and community members were present, embodying the family-oriented values central to the business.

As Melissa Irons stated in their celebratory toast, 

“Standing here today I'm reminded of the journey that brought us to this moment. From our humble beginnings until today, our business is guided by our commitment to excellence and our passion for improving lives through caring & craftsmanship.”  

Joseph & Melissa Irons in front of their new building on Aurora

“Our new Design Build Center includes a state-of-the-art classroom where we will hold trainings & continuing education classes for our team, industry professionals, and the community.  It also includes spacious and comfortable meeting rooms for client consultations. My team and I look forward to hosting in this space for many years to come,” said Joseph Irons.

Joseph Irons with Kent Arola, BIAW President, and Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts


This grand opening represents a pivotal moment for both Irons Brothers Construction and Shoreline's business district. The Irons Design Build Center is now a prominent fixture on Washington’s busiest highway, Aurora Ave North. 

For more information about Irons Brothers Construction and their services, visit www.ironsbc.com or call 206-306-7767.

--Photos courtesy Irons Design Build


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Food Drive at Richmond Beach Congregational Church February 22, 2025

Drive through the parking lot and
volunteers will help unload your vehicle
Photo courtesy RBCUCC
You CAN make a difference! 

Support your neighbors with Food Donations on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 11am - 1pm at Richmond Beach Congregational Church in the upper church parking lot (1512 NW 195th St, Shoreline, WA 98177). 

All donations will go to the Edmonds Food Bank.

Most needed items include:
  • Canned Fruit
  • Rice
  • Peanut butter
  • Oats
  • Dry Beans
  • Pasta (including gluten free)
  • Baking Ingredients (sugar, flour, oil)
  • Coffee (ground or instant)
  • Canned Vegetables (corn, carrots, green beans)
  • Cereal (low sugar preferably)

Culturally Familiar Foods:
  • Sesame Oil
  • Fish Sauce
  • Chili Paste
  • Refried Beans
  • Couscous

We also accept:
  • Unopened Hygiene Items
  • Period Products

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Op-Ed: Forming a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) addresses rising service needs while easing tax pressure on residents

Proposition 1 – A Regional Fire Authority Measure

The February 11, 2025, special election will provide an opportunity for voters from Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline to decide on the formation of a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) and its revenue sources.

Regionalization is a growing trend in the fire industry. Forming a RFA addresses rising service needs while easing tax pressure on residents. That is why sixteen RFA’s have already been formed in Western Washington.

Proposition 1 would combine the Shoreline and Northshore Fire Districts into a RFA. As a planned first step toward regionalization the Shoreline and Northshore Fire Departments signed an Interlocal Agreement in 2022. 

Under this contract the Shoreline Fire Department provides comprehensive fire and emergency services to the Cities of Kenmore and Lake Forest Park.

This agreement has worked well and now we are ready to take the next step together and form a RFA.

There are three good reasons to form a RFA: Taxpayer savings, improved service levels, and enhanced local governance.
 
  • The RFA will save taxpayer dollars. Under the proposed RFA, 100% of all homeowners and 98% of all property owners will see a decrease in the equivalent fire levy rate. The RFA will also reduce liability and risk, lowering the need for reserves and enabling reinvestment in services or reduced levy rates. The RFA brings sustainability, protecting property values, and diversifying revenue sources.
  • The RFA will improve service levels. The RFA will lead to improved collaboration among our Firefighters in training and working together, ensuring improved service levels. There will be more efficient use of apparatus allowing fire trucks, aid cars and personnel to move to where they are needed. Our technical rescue capabilities will improve in Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and surrounding region. And better resource pooling will strengthen grant applications, such as a future fire rescue boat on Lake Washington.
  • The RFA will improve citizen involvement and representation. The RFA will combine the Shoreline Board of Commissioners with elected Commissioners from Lake Forest Park and Kenmore. There will be equal representation from the Northshore and Shoreline Fire Boards, with five members from each Board serving on the RFA Board.

Proposition 1 is supported by Shoreline Professional Firefighters Local 1760; City Councils of Shoreline, Kenmore, and Lake Forest Park; State Senators Jesse Salomon and Derek Stanford; State Representatives Lauren Davis, Cindy Ryu, Shelly Kloba and Davina Duerr; King County Councilmembers Rod Dembowski and Sarah Perry; Former Lake Forest Park Deputy Mayor Phillippa Kassover; Former Kenmore City Councilmember Corina Pfeil; Kenmore Planning Commission Chair Tracy Banaszynski; Kenmore Planning Commissioner David Dorrian; People for an Environmentally Responsible Kenmore (PERK) Board Member Peter Lance; Evergreen Health Board of Directors; and the 1st and 32nd Legislative District Democrats.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Proposition 1 – A Regional Fire Authority.

For more information, please visit our RFA webpage www.shorelinefire.com/rfa

Please vote on February 11th.

Together we can shape the future of fire and emergency services in our communities.

--Matt Cowan. Shoreline Fire Chief.


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Cartoons by Whitney Potter: Burgerlar


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Kellogg students compete in Mathcounts competition

 L-R: Owen Townson, Atlas Clyde, David Xiao, Matteo Mortensen, Oliver Weiss, Ansen Filipi, Oliver Peoples, Katelyn Shi (and Hailey Kee - not pictured)

December through March is Math competition season for Middle schools across America

On Saturday, February 1, 2025 the Kellogg Middle School students joined another 14 schools from the Shoreline and Seattle area, competing in the Seattle Chapter of the national 41st Mathcounts competition.

The official Kellogg team placed 4th, advancing to State, and coming ahead of some Seattle public schools with a much deeper tradition in the competition, as well as ahead of private schools like Evergreen (Shoreline), Saint Katherine (Seattle) etc. 

Leading to this weekend’s event, in December, the Math Club organized the Mathcounts school competition. All 18 Math Club students participated in the activity. 

Matteo Mortensen, David Xiao, Ansen Filipi, and Oliver Peoples were in the school competition and qualified to officially represent Kellogg. 

Also competing for Kellogg were Atlas Clyde, Katelyn Shi, Owen Townson, Hailey Kee, and Oliver Weiss. 

The Mathcounts Kellogg students have participated in three friendly Mathcounts simulations, organized during January weekends, from the collaboration of Math Clubs of Robert Eagle Staff MS, Hamilton MS, Einstein MS, Eckstein MS, Jane Addams MS, and Kellogg MS.

Other regional events include the SIMC, an AMC-8 practice event taking place at Art of Problem Solving in Redmond, where Matteo’s score was the third highest among the Seattle and Bellevue area participants and the I2MC competition, where David finished 2nd among top 7th graders from WA state.

Thank you all for enabling the students to share their love and excitement for Math with each other, and students in the broader area.

It's been very fun participating in their journey, watching them smile, learn and compete together. 

--Kellogg Math club coaches - Senja Filipi, John Clyde


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Alpha Delta offering scholarships to Shorecrest and Shorewood seniors planning a career in education

All Seniors at Shorecrest, Shorewood, and Edmonds-Woodway High Schools who are planning a career in the field of Education are encouraged to apply for a $1,500 scholarship offered by Alpha Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa. 

A∆K is an international organization of women educators who support excellence in education, altruism, inclusion, and world understanding.

Alpha Delta Chapter, established in Shoreline in 1963, contributes to international and national projects as well as local schools, charities, and programs that facilitate education. 

We have given to school supply drives, The Works clothing room, Hopelink Food Bank, PTA and YMCA programs, Children’s Hospital, NW Harvest, and much more. 

Our local focus is on the Shoreline School District and schools where we have, or have had, members.

The Alpha Delta Scholarship, open to graduating seniors, may be accessed through each school’s Scholarship Listing. 

The application is due March 21, 2025. 

Selection will be based on scholarship, community service, and intent to become an educator. 

Questions may be sent to the Scholarship Committee at alphadeltaadk@gmail.com or your school’s College and Career Center.


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Tree preservation on the Shoreline council agenda

Snow falling on trees
Photo by Oliver Moffat

By Oliver Moffat

Shoreline’s council will hold a public hearing to discuss interim rules protecting the Firlands Giant Sequoia and discuss raising fees from $260 to up to $15,000 for big tree removal

In a sneak peak of the tree code debates residents can expect over the next two years, the Shoreline council will hold a public hearing on Monday, February 10, to discuss an interim rule protecting the Firlands Giant Sequoia followed by discussion on raising fees from $260 to up to $15,000 for the removal of big trees. 

In the 2025-2026 budget, the city allocated $200,000 to update its tree code but that process could take years, so in an effort to protect big trees, the council recently strengthened tree removal regulations. 

The council recently passed an interim regulation banning the removal of “exceptional” trees - defined as trees with a trunk diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than sixty inches. But the regulation only applies to two, small zones on Aurora near city hall where there is probably only one tree that big - specifically the Giant Sequoia at 18525 Firlands Way which was 72.8” DBH in 2023. 

That property is the location of the now vacant (and for sale) Bank of America building that was built in 1978 and the owner says is now being damaged by the Giant Sequoia required as a landscape feature when the building was constructed. 

Last month, the council also expanded tree protections codes that had previously only applied to cottage housing to developments city wide - raising the tree removal free from $260 to up to $15,000 per big tree. 

The city of Shoreline briefly allowed cottage housing in 2000 and 56 cottage homes were built before the council banned them in 2006

Facing a housing shortage, Shoreline’s 2021 Housing Action Plan recommended the city legalize “missing middle” housing types, and after extensive public engagement and focus groups the city allowed cottage housing in 2023. 

But the city’s cottage housing rules were so restrictive that no developers ever applied for a permit. Amongst other restrictive rules, cottage housing developments were required to retain 35% of trees on the property while single family homes only needed to retain 25%. 

And a permit to remove a tree on a single family home lot cost $260 whereas a cottage housing tree removal fee was $9,000 for a 24” DBH tree and $15,000 for trees bigger than 30 inches DBH.

The Washington State legislature made those kinds of shenanigans illegal when it passed 2023’s Middle Housing bill (HB1110): cities are no longer allowed to favor single-family developers by penalizing middle housing developers. 

The planning commission and city staff had recommended striking the cottage housing rules along with the 35% tree retention rule and the fees for removing big trees. 

But last month, the city council instead expanded the 35% tree retention rule and the $9,000 and $15,000 tree removal fees to residential neighborhoods citywide when they adopted new development codes

City staff will present four options for the council to discuss.
 
  • Option one would retain the $9,000 and $15,000 tree removal fees the council passed last month. These are the same fees that discouraged developers from building cottage housing in the city. 
  • In option two, the city would charge fees similar to other nearby cities. These fees would be the lowest of the four options and would be competitive with neighboring cities to attract more housing developers. 
  • Under option three, the city would charge a fee based on the value of the tree’s environmental benefits to the community over 20 years. These fees would increase with the size of the tree and would be based on environmental benefit estimates from the Forest Service. 
  • And the option four fees would cover the costs of replacing the removed trees on public property - pricing the removal fees based on replacement costs. 


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House fire at N 143rd & Fremont sends one to the hospital in critical condition

A massive response from Seattle Fire lit up N 145th
The fire was on a dead end section of Fremont, south of N 145th
Photo by Bruce Miller

By David Cuerpo, Seattle Fire Line

Seattle — At 5:32am on Friday, February 7, 2025 the Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Alarm Center received 911 calls reporting smoke coming from a two-story home in the 14300 block of Fremont Ave N in the Bitter Lake neighborhood. 

Engine 24 arrived first on scene and reported smoke visible from the back of the home. They worked quickly to put water on the exterior portion of the fire while additional firefighters entered to search the building.

Rescue 1 crews found a resident on the second-floor and carried her outside where paramedics took over patient care. 

The patient is an approx. 55-year-old female in critical condition. Paramedics transported her to a hospital for further medical care. Firefighters searched the entire home, including a trailer and van parked in front. No additional occupants were found.

Lights from emergency vehicles turned the smoke pink
Photo by Bruce Miller

Fire spread into the attic and damaged support beams, forcing crews to evacuate, then setup a defensive position by putting water on the fire at a safe distance away from the building. 

They had the fire under control by 7:14am. A few units remained on scene for overhaul and monitor for flare ups.

The incident is under investigation.


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CANCELLED: MARCH 1, 2025 Inaugural Rotary Chili & Chowder Showcase

cancelled
Citing financial & labor challenges, four restaurants have pulled out of the planned Rotary Chili & Chowder Showcase March 1 fundraiser.

The event was to be hosted by Edmonds Daybreakers Rotary, Lynnwood Rotary Club, and Shoreline Rotary Club.

Those who have purchased tickets will have their money refunded.

 

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Gloria Nagler: I dunno, photog,

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

looks like a pretty big leap to make just so you can take a shot!

(Can't blame the Pine Siskin for practicing prudence...)

--Gloria Z. Nagler


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Brother-sister dancing duo from Olympic Ballet School win First Place at Youth American Grand Prix semi-finals

Hikari Gorbouleva and Yevgeni Gorboulev performing "La Fille mal gardée" pas de deux at the YAGP Semi-Finals. Photo by LK Studio.jpeg

OBS students win top awards and OBS faculty wins their third Outstanding Teacher Award.

Edmonds, WA – Hikari Ulyana Gorbouleva (12) and Yevgeni Gorboulev (16) won top placements at the Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) Seattle regional competition on January 8-12, 2025. 

The siblings represented Olympic Ballet School (OBS) along with other students from the school. Additionally, OBS faculty, led by Artistic Directors Mara Vinson and Oleg Gorboulev, received their third Outstanding Teacher Award from YAGP.

Hikari and Yevgeni have previously competed solo in their respective age divisions. This year, they also performed in the Ensemble category together, earning first place for their remarkable performance of La Fille mal gardée Pas de Deux. 

Youth America Grand Prix is the world’s largest ballet competition and scholarship network for dancers ages 9-19. Students enter regional competitions, rehearsing their classical and contemporary solos for months in advance. 

Groups of two or more students can compete in the ensemble division. Top placements in the semi-finals offer students opportunities to win invitations and scholarships for training at ballet schools worldwide and move on to the final round in New York in March. 

After successfully placing in the semi-finals, Yevgeni and Hikari have been invited to the YAGP finals.

AWARDS AT SEATTLE YAGP SEMI-FINALS
  • Yevgeni Gorboulev: 1st place in the Men’s Senior Classical Division, 2nd place in the Men’s Senior Contemporary Division.
  • Hikari Ulyana Gorbouleva: Top 24 in the Junior Contemporary Division.
  • Yevgeni Gorboulev & Hikari Ulyana Gorbouleva: 1st place in Pas de Deux.
  • Olympic Ballet School: 2025 Outstanding Teacher Award.

OLYMPIC BALLET SCHOOL’S 2025 SUMMER INTENSIVE AUDITIONS

OBS offers Summer Intensive programs for dancers aged 8-20 who are interested in improving their technique and artistry over the summer. 

Programs include:
  • 4-Week Intensive- July 7-August 1, 2025
  • Boys Intensive -June 23-28, 2025
  • Junior Intensive - July 14-25, 2025
Auditions are scheduled at Olympic Ballet School on February 8 and March 8, 2025, at 9:30am. Pre-registration and an audition fee ($25 in advance or $35 at the door) are required to participate. To pre-register or receive more information, call 425-774-7570 or email dance@olympicballet.com. More information about OBS summer programs is at can be found here

Olympic Ballet Artistic Directors
Oleg Gorboulev and Mara Vinson
Photo by Into Dust Photography
ABOUT OLYMPIC BALLET SCHOOL
Founded in 1981, Olympic Ballet School, the official school of Olympic Ballet Theatre, maintains a long-established reputation as the leading school of classical ballet in North Puget Sound. 

In June of 2011, former Pacific Northwest Ballet and Moscow Classical Ballet artists, Mara Vinson and Oleg Gorboulev, became the new Artistic Directors of Olympic Ballet Theatre & Olympic Ballet School. 

Under their leadership, the school received the Outstanding Teacher Award in 2022, 2024, and 2025, as well as the Outstanding School Award in 2023 at the Seattle Regional Youth America Grand Prix competition.

ABOUT YAGP
Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) is the world’s largest global network of dance. It fulfills its mission of dance education through scholarship auditions, master classes, alumni services, educational and outreach activities, performances, and films.


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January 2025 Shoreline real estate market report

The January 2025 Shoreline real estate market report indicates a noticeable slowdown in sales activity and pricing compared to the previous year.

Key Takeaways
  1. Sales Volume Decline – The total number of sales dropped 40% year over year (YoY), from 25 sales in January 2024 to just 15 in January 2025. Additionally, sales fell sharply from 44 transactions last month, suggesting a seasonal slowdown.
  2. Median Price Drop – The median sale price fell by 7.6% YoY, from $865,000 in 2024 to $799,000 in 2025. This also represents a decline from last month’s $844,367, indicating downward price pressure.
  3. Price per Square Foot Decrease – The average price per square foot declined by 3.5% YoY, from $491 in 2024 to $474 in 2025. This suggests buyers negotiating better deals during our seasonally slow market.
  4. Days on Market Improving – The average time to sell a home decreased by 23% YoY, from 62 days in 2024 to 48 days in 2025. While homes are selling faster compared to last year, the increase in days on market from last month suggests shifting demand dynamics, possibly due to affordability constraints or a changing buyer mindset.
--Lella Norberg, Shoreline Windermere


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32nd Legislative District Democrats endorse Proposition 1

The Shoreline Professional Firefighters Local 1760 are proud to announce that the 32nd Legislative District Democrats voted to endorse Proposition 1 – Proposed Shoreline Fire Department Regional Fire Authority. 

The unanimous vote occurred at the February 5, 2025 monthly meeting. Joining the 32nd Legislative District Democrats in endorsing Proposition 1 are:

Shoreline Professional Firefighters Local 1760; City Councils of Shoreline, Kenmore, and Lake Forest Park; State Senators Jesse Salomon and Derek Stanford; State Representatives Lauren Davis, Cindy Ryu, Shelly Kloba and Davina Duerr; King County Councilmembers Rod Dembowski and Sarah Perry; Former Lake Forest Park Deputy Mayor Phillippa Kassover; Former Kenmore City Councilmember Corina Pfeil; Kenmore Planning Commission Chair Tracy Banaszynski; Kenmore Planning Commissioner David Dorrian; People for an Environmentally Responsible Kenmore (PERK) Board Member Peter Lance; Evergreen Health Board of Directors; and the 1st Legislative District Democrats.

For more information on Proposition 1, please visit the Shoreline Fire Department's Regional Fire Authority page, and the Firefighters for Shoreline Northshore RFA website 

--Shoreline Professional Firefighters Local 1760


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Brighten the school break with Taproot’s Acting Studio Midwinter Break Camps in Greenwood


Taproot Theatre’s Winter Acting Studio Midwinter Break Camps take place February 17-21, 2025 for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. 

Camps end with a final performance on the last day! 

All classes are taught by Taproot’s experienced teaching artists and theatre professionals. Registration and class descriptions are  available online or by contacting the Acting Studio at 206-529-3668 or studio@taproottheatre.org

The Acting Studio’s classes and camps offer students the chance to work together, hone theatrical performance skills, and create an ensemble while learning to take artistic risks. 

Students will be challenged to make bold and detailed character decisions and fully immerse themselves in the world of the play. 

Experience isn’t required. Students will be amazed at what they’ve accomplished when it all comes together in a final performance.

Midwinter Break Acting Camps

February 17 – 21, 2025

Drama Quest: A Jungle Tale inspired by Grumpy Monkey
K – 3rd Grade
Theatre is all about telling a great story. The stronger an ensemble and the more confident the actors, the better the story they can tell. As students work together, they’ll be challenged to make bold and detailed character decisions and fully immerse themselves in the world of the play. Students will be amazed at what they’ve accomplished when it all comes together in a short, final performance for their friends and family with lights, costumes, and props!

Youth and Teen Showcase: The Play's The Thing
4th – 12th Grade

This camp provides all the fun and excitement of putting on a great production in just one week. From auditioning and rehearsing to preparing for a final performance, students will have a great time working together and developing their acting skills. Get ready for an action-packed, fast-paced theatre adventure as students come together to memorize lines, learn stage blocking and go through tech rehearsals just like the professionals for The Play's The Thing, a series of Hamlet spoofs. Students will be amazed at what they have accomplished when it all comes together in front of an audience.

REGISTRATION: Registration and class descriptions are available online, by contacting the Acting Studio at 206-529-3668 or emailing studio@taproottheatre.org

Taproot Theatre Company
Education & Outreach
204 N 85th St, Seattle WA 98103
206-529-3669 taproottheatre.org


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