Lime bikes are nearing the end of their two year pilot program in Shoreline

Lineup at Aurora Village Transit Center
Photo by Claudia Meadows

The program began in August 2024 as a two year pilot program. It kicked off with 200 devices, including 50 bikes, operated by Lime (maximum number of devices capped at 400).

New seated scooters called Gliders were added to the fleet in 2025. Currently, up to a maximum of 1,000 scooters and bikes are allowed in the City. 

The City will reevaluate the pilot program and make adjustments by the end of the pilot in summer 2026.  

Riders must be 18 years or older. Helmets are strongly encouraged by Lime and the City. You can get a 10% discount by verifying that you are wearing a helmet through the Lime app.

Lime is managing all operations including device deployment, maintenance, recovery/rebalancing, and responses to community reports.

Report all issues to Lime at: 

• email: Support@li.me
• phone: 1-888-546-3345
• web: help.li.me

Starting June 2026, end a Lime bike or scooter trip at Link light rail stations in Shoreline and get an automatic discount of up to $7 off your ride!

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Protest: Sign-waving Sundays - It 'takes a village,' but hope and democracy can win out over degradation and hate

Resist Fascism - Fight Oligarchy

Story & Photos by Pamela Mieth

This hot August Sunday with wildfire smoke largely cleared out, nearly 50 area residents gathered at the Shoreline-Edmonds line to stand up for democracy, stand against hatred and hypocrisy emanating from Washington, D.C., and express hope the tide can start turning in November.

Some themes are evergreen as the president, his family, friends and associated CEOs and billionaires continue to feed at the public trough in new and previously unimaginable ways; ICE continues to act recklessly with impunity while detaining immigrants and filling facilities that line the pockets of some of those same CEOs; and the foundational principles of this country (such as government of, by and for the people) as well as those hard-won over time (such as equal rights for everyone) are forsaken.

Trump's hypocrisy knows NO bounds
 Claiming morality and standards
to which his own behavior
Does NOT conform

Others are more topical such as calling on Congress to regulate AI ("artificial intelligence") and decrying the appointment of the president's personal attorney as attorney general after he reached a partially withdrawn "agreement" for a slush fund for Jan. 6 participants and immunity from IRS auditing for the president and family members for some duration.

Not every passerby agrees with the sentiments (most are civil about showing it), some are just on their way and uninterested, but many others express agreement - honking horns, waving, giving a thumbs up, and the occasional shouted appreciation.

It's a smaller version of the country at-large, but participants hope the signs might encourage others to get involved in building a better, safer future for us all and to let those in hard times know they are not alone.

"Social Justice Sundays" sign-waving organized by Everyday Activists (@everydayshoreline.bsky.social) continues every Sunday in August (8/16, 8/23 and 8/30 remaining), 1-2pm, at the intersection of Aurora Avenue North and N 205th St.

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

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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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Kaleidoscope Exhibition now showing at the Museum of Special Art in Perrinville Village - reception July 17, 2026

Kaleidoscope Exhibition

Museum of Special Art (MOSA) in Perrinville Village

July 8 - October 3, 2026
Opening Reception Friday, July 17, 2026 from 2 - 4pm

MOSA presents the Kaleidoscope exhibition featuring the works of artists of all abilities. These unique pieces highlight a kaleidoscope of vivid colors with shifting patterns of light and high contrast colors and compositions. 

These vibrant fauvist style pieces will present a kaleidoscope of intense complimentary hues in various intensities with a juxtaposition of lines, shapes, motifs, and textures on canvas and paper.

Featured in the Kaleidoscope Exhibition are the works of:

• David Baker 
• Vikranth Samavedi
• Winston Chien 
• Johnson Simon
• Noora Elkoussy 
• Virginia Townsend
• James Frye 
• Dane Capo
• MJ 
• Anthony Lee Weng Choong

Don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy this colorful exhibition!

Light refreshments will be served at the opening reception.

For more information, contact us at 206-687-9259 or email: info@museumofspecialart.org

The Museum of Special Art is located at the Perrinville Village Complex at:
18521 76th Ave W, #108 – Edmonds, WA 98036

Free Admission

BAKER GALLERY HOURS: 

• M/W 12-4pm
• FRI/Sa 11-3pm

The Museum of Special Art (MOSA) is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation developed to meet the current needs of children and adults with disabilities by providing access to the visual arts and educational opportunities for artists with disabilities.

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400 kittens go through a lot of supplies - help SAFe by donating supplies

Amazon shoppers, Seattle Area Feline Rescue (SAFe) in Ballinger Village could use your help!

Kitten season is in full swing, and our nursery is flying through supplies. SAFe has welcomed more than 400 kittens this year, with many more still to come.

If you're placing an Amazon order, consider adding an item from our Wishlist to help our tiniest patients heal, grow, and thrive.

Our most-needed items include:
Tiki Cat Baby Thrive
Fancy Feast Kitten wet food
Tiki Cat Baby Mousse
Purina Pro Plan Kitten wet food
Proviable Probiotics
Cardboard scratchers
Every item donated makes a real difference for a kitten who needs a little extra TLC.  

Thank you for helping us give these little ones the best possible start in life!

Here is the link to our Amazon Wishlist

And when you are ready to adopt, foster, or donate here is their webpage.

SAFe Rescue, 20226 Ballinger Way NE, Shoreline WA 98155

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International Village at the Shoreline '5V5' Soccer Jamboree July 12, 2026

Stop by the International Village at the Shoreline '5V5' Soccer Jamboree this Sunday July 12, 2026 from 11:00am - 5:00pm to enjoy flavors from around the world! 

From grilled favorites and Ghanaian pastries to shaved ice, raspados, and bubble tea, there's something for everyone.

• When: Sunday, July 12, 2026
• Shoreline Park, 19030 1st Ave NE
• Food vendors open 11am – 5pm

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Global Celebrations This Week in Shoreline, July 10 to the Final on July 19

Global Celebrations This Week in Shoreline

July 10 to the Final on July 19

One City, Many Nations: A Welcoming Celebration for All
 
Your last weekly roundup of Global Celebrations in Shoreline.
 
For the latest information visit: www.destinationshoreline.com/global-celebration
 
Upcoming Global Celebration Event this Sunday in Shoreline:
 
Shoreline Unity Cup - Youth Soccer Jamboree & International Market
Sunday, July 12 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Shoreline A/B Soccer Fields

Celebrate the cultures that make our community vibrant at the International Village during the Shoreline 5v5 Soccer Jamboree! Enjoy a day filled with international food, live performances, family-friendly activities, and youth soccer as we bring the spirit of the World Cup to Shoreline.

Whether you're cheering on young athletes, trying something new to eat, or enjoying performances from local cultural groups, there's something for everyone.

The event starts at 9:00 AM, International Food & Drinks - available from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
 
Community Gathering Places:
(Interactive Map)
·        Crespella - Shoreline
·        Cabin Tavern
·        Darrell's Tavern
·        El Volcán Azul
·        Jersey's Great Food & Spirits
·        North City Lounge
·        Sodam Chicken Shoreline
·        Touchdown's Sports Bar & Grill
·        Vault 177
·        Woody's Bar
·        Yum Yum Thai Restaurant

Upcoming Games:
This is where things really start to heat up! This is our favorite site for updates on winners and game schedules.
 
Friday, July 10, 2026
Match 98 – Spain v Belgium - Los Angeles Stadium – 12:00 PM
 
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Match 99 – Norway v England - Miami Stadium – 2:00 PM
Match 100 – Argentina v Switzerland - Kansas City Stadium– 6:00 PM
 
Semi-Final Fixtures
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Match 101 – France v Winner match 98 - Dallas Stadium – 12:00 PM
 
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Match 102 – Winner match 99 v Winner match 100 - Atlanta Stadium – 12:00 PM
 
Bronze Final
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Match 103 – Runner-up match 101 v Runner-up match 102 - Miami Stadium – 2:00 PM
 
The Final
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Match 104 – Winner match 101 v Winner match 102 - New York New Jersey Stadium – 12:00 PM
 
This roundup is brought to you in partnership with Destination Shoreline, the City of Shoreline and the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, Lake City Collective, and Seattle Youth Soccer Association. 

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A soccer-loving Shoreline barber gets tapped to cut hair for Egypt's World Cup team

The interior of Jazz Barbershop in Ballinger Terrace
Photo by Sky'e Underwood

There is a charming story published by KNKX Public Radio, written by Freddie Monares, about a Shoreline barber and his staff being tapped to provide haircuts for the entire Egyptian soccer team, in town for the World Cup Tournament.

The owner of Jazz Barbershop, Maram Hammadi, is huge soccer fan, so when a client with connections to the Egyptian team asked him to provide haircuts for the team, he didn't hesitate.

Read the story here.

Jazz Barbershop is in Ballinger Village at 20228 Ballinger Way NE, Shoreline, WA 98155

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County Executive Girmay Zahilay delivers 2026 State of the County address: Building A More Connected King County

King County Executive
Girmay Zahilary

King County – Executive Girmay Zahilay delivered the 2026 State of the County address, focused on building a more connected King County. This was Executive Zahilay's first State of the County speech since taking office in November 2025 as the first new executive in 16 years and as the first immigrant, refugee, and millennial to hold the position.

Speaking to a crowd of over 500 local leaders, community advocates, King County employees, and residents at the Federal Way Performing Arts Center, Executive Zahilay reflected on his administration’s early accomplishments and reaffirmed his commitment to the work ahead.

“We are living through a period of tremendous change in King County,” said Executive Zahilay.

“Right now, we are making generational decisions about the future of our transit system, our homelessness response, our climate resilience, our health care infrastructure, and the affordability of our region. I’m incredibly proud of the King County employees and community partners who have stepped up to meet this moment. 

"In just six months, we have expanded housing and behavioral health services, strengthened accountability in government, advanced major transit investments, and protected vulnerable communities in the face of federal threats. There is still much more work to do, and we will continue to act with urgency to build a King County that is more affordable, more equitable, more connected, and full of opportunity for the next generation.”

 READ: Executive Zahilay’s State of the County Remarks As Prepared 

WATCH: We Are King County Video 

Highlights from the 2026 State of the County include: 

• Doubling investments in childcare: As part of the renewal of the Best Starts for Kids levy, Executive Zahilay announced he will propose at least doubling investments in childcare for kids ages zero to three and increasing the County’s total investment for childcare to more than half a billion dollars – the largest investment in childcare in county history – building on his commitment to make King County more affordable for working families. 
• Expanding shelter and housing: As part of his Breaking the Cycle Executive Order and commitment to opening 500 net new units of housing and shelter in 500 days, Executive Zahilay announced that the County will open a new tiny home village on county property in Seattle with 80 new units. This announcement builds on recent openings, including 86-units of permanent supportive housing at the Booker House and 235-units of affordable housing at Copperleaf Northgate and a groundbreaking at Prisma which will offer 328 new affordable homes in Redmond. 
• Improving government accountability: King County has made progress to implement Executive Zahilay’s Better Government Executive Order, including hiring an internal auditor director, launching a countywide fraud prevention training to over 3,000 employees, creating a stronger countywide conflict-of-interest policy, and beginning a base budget review for the first time in county history to ensure every dollar spent is driving outcomes.
• Modernizing the behavioral health system: Executive Zahilay continues work with urgency to implement the voter-approved Crisis Care Centers initiative, expanding access to behavioral health services across King County. The Kirkland Crisis Care Center is currently open and serving youth and adults in North King County, and the Seattle Crisis Care Center is on track to open next year. A provider has been selected for the future South King County site, and providers for the East King County site and a youth-focused center will be announced in the coming months. 
• Increasing transit service and safety: Executive Zahilay announced King County Metro’s Next Stop Service plan, creating a roadmap for transit service improvements through 2038. The plan will deliver nine new bus routes, four new RapidRide routes, increase the number of routes running every 15 minutes, and expand security and behavioral health presence. 
• Preventing gun violence: Reflecting his commitment to safe, healthy communities, Executive Zahilay announced that his administration will invest $4.9 million to sustain and strengthen the Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention, building on its work to prevent violence, intervene with those most at risk, respond when violence occurs, and support safer communities throughout the region.
• Cutting through red tape: As part of his Build for Affordability agenda, Executive Zahilay announced the creation of a new permitting advisory panel focused on streamlining regulations and reducing barriers to building needed housing and opening businesses in King County.  
• Building climate resilience: King County continues to implement the Strategic Climate Action Plan, including expanding EV infrastructure, preserving forests and farmlands, reducing waste, and preparing frontline communities for the impacts of extreme weather events. 
• Securing the future home of the Skyway Community Center: King County recently purchased the Skyway Bowl property as the site for Skyway’s first community center, marking a major investment in this historically underserved area of unincorporated King County. The project, championed by the Executive during his time on the County Council, is part of his vision to build connected neighborhoods where families have access to amenities that improve quality of life. 
• Fostering trust with Tribes: To strengthen government-to-government relations with Tribes, Executive Zahilay announced the development of the first countywide Tribal consultation policy. This policy will ensure that Tribal sovereignty is incorporated at all levels of decision making.
• Expanding employment opportunities for youth: Last month, Executive Zahilay successfully launched YouthWorks, connecting teens and young adults to paid internships and job opportunities across the region to build skills and explore career paths.
• Launching the Volunteer Corps: As part of his Be in Community priority, Executive Zahilay will launch the King County Volunteer Corps this summer, a new initiative focused on connecting residents to volunteer opportunities across King County through a centralized web portal, making it easier for people to serve their communities and make a difference.

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A 'Throne' for the Aurora Village Transit Center

Throne being delivered to the AV Transit Center

Story and Photos by Pat Deagen

A new arrival appeared at the Aurora Village Transit Center. It could not be more obvious unless it were placed in the middle lane of traffic on N 200th. Throne Labs introduces a surprising new restroom. You may wonder what could be new about a public toilet?

The Throne is under the shelter and right next to the bus shop

Well, are you accustomed to hearing music and getting a welcome message upon entering? With a sink and baby changing table, it seems roomy. With touchless controls on the door, faucets and toilet. There’s a urinal so men are less likely to make a mess.

Those who are adept at cell phone tech will get in faster
 than others who may be more challenged.

The one obstacle is getting in. This is what separates the phone adept from those who are challenged by cell phones. It took me about 10 minutes to get in the first time. But now I can get in in less than 30 seconds. 

No phone? No battery? That’s a problem. The door will not open. You may ask assistance from the security detail but they may not be able to open it.

The interior is clean and bright. The transit center and facilities are well maintained now.

It’s really nice inside. It is cleaned regularly. And the user is asked to report deficiencies and rate the cleanliness. It is self contained and must be pumped out and the water refilled. I expect regular servicing.

It saddens me to see some denied entry. I hope as more use it, more can be adept at opening the door.

For most riders in distress this is an improvement, and this is day one. Time will tell.

King County Metro has taken a big step here. I am happy to see this issue of bus travelers needing to use a restroom addressed by Metro and King County. 

Kudos to King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski who heard the concerns of the neighborhood and bus riders and responded.

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Dembowski begins a process to bridge the gap in the Interurban Trail

The Interurban Trail stops at 200th Street in Shoreline and breaks east before continuing over State Route 104 — a highway intersection that sees more than 41,000 daily cars. (Screenshot via Greater Northshore Bike Connector Map)

Last year, when King County voters approved Proposition 1’s six-year, $1.45 billion parks levy, King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski planted a seed for the Interurban Trail, the roughly 30-mile-long path following an old rail line that once connected Everett to Seattle.

“For a century or more, that corridor has connected the region — until we took out the trolley a long time ago and built a highway across it, and disrupted that connection,” Dembowski said Friday. “And it’s long past time to restore it in a safe way.”

During an event at Shoreline’s Echo Lake Park, Dembowski explained that he secured $5 million of the money generated through the levy to reconnect the Interurban Trail from its King County endpoint, near the Aurora Village Transit Center, to its Snohomish County endpoint on the other side of State Route 104/N 205th St.

“This is just the beginning, but it is, I think, the first sign of real forward momentum to really reconnect King County with Snohomish County in a safe way, and really complete this regional trail network,” Dembowski said.

The Interurban Trail descends from the Everett-Seattle Interurban rail line, which ran from 1910 to 1939, and ultimately became a utility corridor. In the 1990s, Snohomish County and the cities of Lynnwood and Everett opened an 11.8-mile pedestrian and cycling route along that path. 

Shoreline began its development of the Interurban in the mid-2000s. From Shoreline heading south, the trail winds down a combination of protected bike lanes and sharrow-marked streets to the Fremont Bridge and into Downtown Seattle.

Rod Dembowski, King County Councilmember

Dembowski gave credit to North Sound Bicycle Advocates (NSBA), a nonprofit organization that works to improve infrastructure, road safety and promote cycling in North King and South Snohomish counties.

In 2024, amid a push by advocates to close the Interurban gap, NSBA brought Dembowski to visit the trail on a walking tour. 

From the Aurora Village Transit Center in Shoreline, he saw the end of the existing trail, forcing travelers to cut east, then north, to cross the state highway and rejoin the trail.

He remembered watching as a lone cyclist struggled to find the trail and continue their ride. 

And, according to Washington State Department of Transportation data, the intersection of State Route 104/N 205th and Meridian Avenue North/76th Avenue West averages about 41,000 cars daily — about 12,000 more than the intersection of Aurora Avenue and 205th Street, half a mile away. That tour, he said, compelled him to act.

The parks levy included major investments into King County’s regional trail system, Dembowski said, but none for the “missing link” to the Interurban Trail — until he included the $5 million set-aside as a “down payment” on the work. He also carved out funding from the County budget that assigned staff to lead the project forward, beginning with a study of what’s possible.

“My idea was to use our knowledge and capabilities as a regional government to fulfill that regional leadership role here across the governments and bring some starter money to it,” Dembowski said. “Community advocates can only go so far. At some point, the government needs to respond.”

Edmonds resident Gordon Black, who serves as vice president of NSBA, said that Dembowski has encouraged him and his fellow advocates to “think big.” He feels the best option for connection would be a bridge spanning State Route 104.

“We feel very excited that we’ve made progress in getting a study, and then the next installment will be to work with state and federal officials to get funding for construction,” Black said. He estimates that a bridge project would cost between $12 million and $16 million. “We believe that we’ll let the experts, the engineers and others determine the range of options,” he said.

Dembowski also observed the power — and potential — of the trail as a transit project connecting bus transit to light rail, which could bring additional funding.

When asked, Dembowski declined to guess when the Interurban gap may be closed.

“I think maybe, in six to nine months, we’ll have a better understanding of what the timeline may be,” he said.

As for his goal?

“I want to see the vanquishment of the missing link. I want to see the folks that we’ve seen coming by here on bicycles and wheelchairs — walking, biking, rolling, strollering — to be able to go all the way north, and for our friends from the north to come south,” Dembowski said.

--David Mendez is the publisher of The Osprey

--Republished from MyEdmondsNews.com

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Motor vehicle flips and burns in Shoreline - Edmonds neighborhood Monday evening

The vehicle knocked over the yellow fire hydrant

At 10pm Monday evening May 18, 2026, Shoreline Fire crews were dispatched to the 300 block of NW 205th St, on the King-Snohomish county border (Shoreline/Edmonds, across from Firdale Village).

The crash dislodged stones from the rockery

A vehicle traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed hit the corner at 3rd NW, knocking a fire hydrant off its base, and dislodging stones from a rockery.

The vehicle continued through the yard

It careened through the yard, managing to destroy an entire fence as well as part of the neighbor's fence. At some point it flipped and crashed to the ground, landing on its side and bursting into flames.

The vehicle flipped over and burst into flames

There was one occupant in the vehicle.

Shoreline Fire put out the flames and extricated the driver

When Shoreline Fire arrived on the scene, the vehicle was on its side and fully involved in flames, with bystanders attempting to assist.

The property before the crash. From Google maps

Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and worked to extricate the patient from the vehicle. Medics provided care on scene before the patient was transported to Harborview Medical Center.

King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) has confirmed that the driver passed away in the hospital. The collision is being investigated by the MARR (Major Accident Response and Reconstruction) Unit of the KCSO.

--Diane Hettrick

--Photos by John C.

Updated 5-20-2026

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Restful Facade hides a hive of activity

Shaded morning chairlift perch
Photo by Lee Rolfe

By Lee Rolfe

Do you ever walk your dog down a quiet residential street and wonder about the yard that lies behind that comfortable little single-storied house? You could stop the advance of your eager friend and consult an aerial view on Google Maps. 

Or, mark your calendar for June 20, 2026 the date of the 22nd annual Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park Tour. This year’s event affords you a whole Saturday to explore six imaginative gardens, each of them enhanced by live onsite music, plein air artists, and the company of fellow garden makers.

One such garden on this year’s tour lies behind a conifer-shaded house with an air of introspection. Although the Little Free Library out front suggests a house of physical languor, the comfortable little single-storied house hides a deep back lot filled with colorful activity and industriousness. 

Here among the many plants lie two outdoor points of repose and two indoor points of personal craft and professionalism.

The first outdoor point is an open air platform swing recalling alpine adventures. Sitters can sway, overlooking colorful perennial beds, bird feeding stations, and the neighbor’s evergreen property line. 

The second outdoor point is a shaded, vine-draped open air patio, furnished with cushioned seating for seasonal gatherings. It must have hosted many grateful friends during COVID times, as a point of fragrant, ventilated shelter.

A frisbee’s throw from these open-air destinations are two additional mini-structures, both eaved and hospitable in all weather. 

One, a writer’s hideaway painted pea green with coral trim could have been transplanted from Astrid Lindgren’s imagination. The owner occupies it near daily to focus and create. 

The other, a zinc-white, porched and bell-towered little bungalow could have sprung from a village in north Marin County. This building serves as the newer home of a long-standing professional practice, ending many years of commuting to a distant office space.

Although the scores of tulips blazing there today will be gone by June, the buildings’ paint trims echo their palette. There will be painted accents of vivid magenta, paprika red, and Scandinavian golds holding forth against the gray-green of winter.

While the structure of the garden owes much to these built environments, the plants occupy center stage. Doug fir, cedar, magnolia, cherry and many rhododendrons fulfill the woody role. The vines onsite include wisteria, honeysuckle, and three cultivars of grape are developing their chops. 

Creeping Jenny, sweet woodruff, and forget-me-nots edge the beds. These days they are filled with chartreuse euphorbia, glossy bold acanthus leaves, and a many textured collection of ferns and bamboo. The timber-bordered beds contain hosta, rose, peony, hydrangea, iris, geranium and foxglove; in the owner’s words, many “generous-spirited plants”.

The accomplished gardener-owners and their now adult children have all contributed to the success of this garden. The former can be consulted for insights on plant-sourcing, how to interest teens in doing garden maintenance, the benefits of applying six yards of mulch, and the merits of enlisting a certified arborist. Their pets can comment on the ingenuity of rabbits and coyotes on the block.

Check it out!

Buy tickets here

Secret Gardens of Lake Forest Park Garden Tour and Market
Saturday, June 20, 2026
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Gardens throughout Lake Forest Park

Map Pick up - Third Place Commons

17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park WA 98155

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Pilgrim Coffeehouse closes Shoreline location

Photo by Michael Winkelhorst

Pilgrim Coffeehouse Shoreline closed its doors on Monday, May 4, 2026, with a sign on the front door referring customers to their original location at the Oak Tree Village 10002 Aurora Ave N, Seattle.

The sign reads:

It is with deep regret that we must announce our journey at this location is unsustainable and must come to an end. This has not been an easy decision, but it was necessary.

We hope to see you at our Seattle location, where your rewards and gift cards will be honored. Thank you for your support. It has been a pleasure serving you.

Pilgrim CoffeeHouse

The Shoreline location was their third. It opened February 1, 2025 at 17962 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133.

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Carl Dinse photos published in The Seattle Times

Photo by Carl Dinse

Carl Dinse, whose name you will recognize from his long affiliation with the Shoreline Area News, is an aquarium enthusiast.

Annie Fanning, in the At Home in the Northwest section of The Seattle Times, published an article on April 24, 2026 about aquarium hobbyists (read it here) which includes two of Carl's photos.

The first photo shows the aquarium of Shoreline resident Christina Rotondo, who says she designed her aquariums to fit in seamlessly with the midcentury modern vibe of her home’s décor.

Photo by Carl Dinse

This photo, also in the Times article, shows the aquarium of north Seattle resident Kevin Do.

Carl has been an aquarium hobbyist since he was a kid. Around 13 years ago a store in Firdale Village called Aquarium Co Op opened, specializing in freshwater aquariums, which is what he was interested in. 

The store owner introduced him to the Greater Seattle Aquarium Society which he joined immediately. In recent years he started volunteering for that club.

"Among other things in that club, I do a lot of photography for the club newsletter. One of the club's biggest annual events is the Home Show, where a crew of 5-6 people, (2-3 judges, a producer, videographer, and photographer) get together in a van and tour 7-12 homes in the greater Seattle area to video record and photograph aquariums."

In March the resulting one hour video is presented at the club monthly meeting. At that time the winners are announced and prizes are handed out. Most of the home show videos and photographs are published online at the Greater Seattle Aquarium Society’s website.

From those homes they award 2-4 homes as winners of the annual home show contest. 

Two years ago, I was asked if I’d like to join the crew as the photographer. This year was my second home show as photographer.

The Seattle Times article features three of this year’s home show contestants. They also feature the owner of Aquarium Zen, one of the club’s sponsor stores located in the Roosevelt neighborhood, and they left a link as well for Aquarium Co Op. 

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