Shoreline Area News

Bingo! Metro scores a property on its road out of Ridgecrest bus base

Saturday, June 7, 2025

In a first milestone of moving out of the Ridgecrest bus base, Metro bought an old Les Schwab lot on Aurora.

By Oliver J. Moffat

Metro bought the property at 12215 Aurora Ave N, previously a Les Schwab Tire shop, for $2.9 million on May 6, 2025.

The vacant Les Schwab lot on Aurora that Metro recently purchased as a future site for its paratransit fleets. Photo by Oliver J. Moffat

King County Metro purchased the Les Schwab property to support the Access paratransit fleet and CAT (Community Access Transportation) vehicles. These programs provide transportation options to riders whose disability prevents them from riding the bus or train.

The move comes after disputes with the City of Shoreline regarding the current Metro Access bus base in the Ridgecrest neighborhood.

The City of Shoreline wants Metro out of its current Access base in the Ridgecrest neighborhood at the former site of Cascades Bingo hall.

The Metro paratransit bus base in the Ridgecrest neighborhood at the former site of the Cascades Bingo hall. Photo by Oliver J. Moffat

Last year, the city council changed Shoreline’s zoning laws to forbid bus bases in the Ridgecrest neighborhood, the current location of Metro Transit’s Access bus base and maintenance garage.

The city said the Ridgecrest bus base was never legally permitted; vehicle storage has been forbidden at the site since 2008, four years before the base opened. Metro said they need the site to provide paratransit services in North King County and asked for six years to find another site.

In its 2025 budget, Metro allocated money to acquire a new location for the Shoreline Access site.

The Ridgecrest bus base property is 2.6 acres, while the Aurora property purchased by King County is 0.96 acres.

Metro must relocate its Access paratransit facility from the Shoreline property by June 30, 2027.

In an emailed response to questions, a King County Metro spokesperson said, “The purchase of the Les Schwab property is the first milestone in that transition. We expect to move the Access uses and support needs to this property over the next several years. More work is needed in the coming years to relocate from Shoreline.”

Shoreline Farmers Market opens Saturday June 7, 2025

We're so excited to start the 2025 season this Saturday, June 7, from 10 am - 2 pm. From fresh flowers to vibrant greens, sun-kissed fruit and local honey, come see what local farmers have in store for you this season.

Enjoy live music, games in the park, and grab a bite from a variety of hot food items. Tell your neighbors, bring a friend and get ready for a GREAT season.

Ribbon Cutting courtesy of the Shoreline Chamber

Freshly Harvested, Local Produce

PoP Kids Booth

Locally Made Gifts

Celebrate Pride

Free Face Painting

Live Music

Food Trucks & Hot Food Vendors

Bring your furry friend (we have treats courtesy of Mud Bay at the Info. Booth!)

We'll have your favorite farms (and some new ones), prepared food vendors, crafts and producers and so much more!

See you Saturday, Shoreline (and Shoreline-area friends) at the 192nd Park n Ride lot on Aurora.

All street lines in Woodway to be repainted on Sunday June 8, 2025

Woodway roads to be repainted Sunday

Alert: Road Striping on Sunday

From Public Works Director Collin Harlow

On Sunday June 8, 2025 Snohomish County will be painting all of the Town's street lines. Their plan is to start around noon and should finish around 5 or 6 o'clock in the evening.

Some cones may be placed around the painted lines to help keep cars from going over them while they are wet.

Get Ready for a Summer of Special Events in Kenmore

Mark your calendars!

Kenmore’s summer events season is here and there’s something for everyone!

Celebrate community, enjoy the outdoors, and make lasting memories at a variety of events for all ages and interests:

Juneteenth (June 18),
Pride (June 25), and
National Night Out (August 6) celebrations at the Kenmore Farmers Market

4th of July Fireworks at Log Boom Park

23rd Annual Summer Concert Series at Saint Edward State Park on July 10 and 24, and August 7 and 21— bands have been announced!

Movies @ the Square featuring Captain America: Brave New World (July 16) and Inside Out 2 (August 13)
Play Day! August 16
The Kenmore Quad August 23

See the full calendar and get the latest updates at kenmorewa.gov/events.

Traffic Alert for Tuesday, June 10, 2025 on N 145th

Heads up, Shoreline drivers!

Crews will alternate traffic on N 145th Street between Corliss Ave N and 1st Ave NE from 7am to 5pm on Tuesday, June 10 to complete roadway paving work.

Expect significant backups in both directions and plan for extra travel time. If possible, use alternate routes to avoid delays.

LFP City Council appoints Ashton McCartney as interim Councilmember

Ashton Alvarez McCartney sworn in to interim seat on LFP City Council by Judge Grant
Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park

At a Special Meeting on June 5, 2025, the Lake Forest Park City Council unanimously appointed Ashton Alvarez McCartney to fill vacant Council Position 2. Ms. McCartney was sworn in on Friday, June 6, by Judge Grant and will take her seat for the first time at the Special Council meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025.

A lifelong resident of Lake Forest Park, Ms. McCartney has more than a decade of experience in employee-benefits consulting and most recently served as chair of the City’s Planning Commission, where she helped guide updates to the Comprehensive Plan and middle-housing policy.

Mayor Thomas French welcomed the appointment, noting, “Ashton’s deep roots in our community and her proven commitment to public service make her an outstanding addition to the Council. We look forward to her contributions as we tackle upcoming budget discussions and long-range planning.”

Council Position 2 will next be filled by the results of the November 2025 General Election, certified by King County. Ms. McCartney will serve in the interim.

Washington State Library’s Research Library, Washington Talking Book & Braille Library closed to public due to budget shortfall

Reading Braille

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Library (WSL) announced program closures for their research library and the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library and a restriction of services at those locations after funds to keep them open were not included in the signed 2025-27 state budget.

Both the research library in Tumwater, Washington, and the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) in Seattle will be closed to the public beginning on July 1, 2025 and continue to be closed until further notice. Staffing and resource cuts at both locations made keeping them open and running impractical.

“The lack of budget appropriations to retain our knowledgeable staff and keep our programs running was an unfortunate casualty of the large budgetary shortfall facing our state legislature,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said.

On the last day of the legislative session, the State Legislature passed the 2025–2027 Operating Budget without including any of the $6.7 million requested to support library operations.

This decision arrived amid a severe budget deficit for WSL, driven by a sharp decline in real estate transactions and loan refinancing, both of which contribute recording fees that help fund WSL. 

Impacts on Services, Communication

The Research Library in Tumwater will be closed to the public. Access to important historical and governmental collections will be restricted and digitization options are limited.

Subscriptions to genealogy databases will be discontinued, and the acquisitions of new materials will be drastically limited. 

The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library in Seattle will be closed to the public and circulation of materials may be slowed.

Programming including multisensory story time, Low Vision Workshop, Touch of Braille workshop, and others will be canceled.

“These disruptions jeopardize equitable access to information for some of Washington’s most underserved residents unable to read standard print,” said Washington State Librarian Sara Jones.

“While a newly signed bill will provide some funds in the future, the current funding gap is affecting our employees and important services now.”

a rose is a rose is a rose

Friday, June 6, 2025

Story and photo by Lis Johnson

Funny thing about roses, you never really know what they’re going to do, at least this inexperienced gardener doesn’t.

Years ago my husband and I tried tea roses, which are the most sulky bunch of beauties I’ve ever come across. Occasionally they would give us a gorgeous spray and then go away for a long time.

These roses were purchased — I don’t even remember where — planted and more or less ignored and yet every year, with their leggy gnarly stems and devil make care attitude, they produce and produce, and produce again.

There’s a lesson about life in there somewhere and I’ll leave it to you to take from it what you will. As for me, they remind me there’s beauty everywhere, even when you don’t always pay attention.

Summer Ballet training opportunities in Edmonds

Students in Olympic Ballet School's Summer Camp.
Photo Hadley Kaufmann.

Edmonds, WA — Olympic Ballet School (OBS) is enrolling students for its 2025 Summer Intensive Programs, offering training for dancers at all stages of their development.

Under the leadership of Mara Vinson and Oleg Gorboulev, these intensives deliver top-tier instruction in a welcoming and rigorous environment.

This summer, students will have the rare opportunity to train with renowned guest faculty, including Arcadian Broad—a nationally recognized dancer and choreographer—who will teach at the Boys Intensive.

They will also learn from professional dancers at Olympic Ballet Theatre, gaining insight and inspiration from the artists they see performing on stage.

Boys Intensive class
Photo by Katya Turnbow

Summer 2025 Programs:

Boys Intensive
Dates: June 23–28
Ages: 8–20 | Duration: 1 week
This intensive helps dancers build strength, technique, and confidence and includes daily conditioning, weight training, variations, repertoire, and contemporary classes.

Junior Intensive
Dates: July 14–25
Ages: 9–12 | Duration: 2 weeks
This intensive is designed to help developing dancers build a strong foundation for ballet technique, explore other dance styles such as jazz and character, and begin preparation for pointe work.

4-Week Intensive
Dates: July 7–August 1
Ages: 12+ | Duration: 4 weeks
A rigorous program for intermediate and advanced dancers, featuring daily classes in ballet, pointe, contemporary, variations, character, and conditioning—designed to prepare students for the next stage in their training.

Summer Camps for Young Dancers
Dates: August 18–22
Ages: 3–8 | Duration: 1 week
A fun and nurturing introduction to movement and music, these camps are designed to spark creativity and build confidence while developing age-appropriate dance skills in a supportive environment. Camps offered are Kinder/Creative Ballet and Level 1 Ballet.

Summer Intensive Students in character dance class.
Photo by Hadley Kaufmann

Olympic Ballet School is the official school of Olympic Ballet Theatre, giving students a direct pathway to performance opportunities in full-length ballets and new contemporary works.

Summer programs take place at Olympic Ballet School in downtown Edmonds. Spots are limited and filling quickly. Learn more or register here or call 425-774-7570.

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.

From its inception under John and Helen Wilkins, Olympic Ballet School has been committed to providing a thorough ballet education to its students, while instilling a lifelong appreciation of the art form.

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 direction, the school received the Outstanding Teacher Award in 2022, 2024, and 2025 and the Outstanding School Award (2023) at the Seattle Regional Youth America Grand Prix competition.

Silent Book Group at the Shoreline Library

Silent Book Group at the Shoreline Library, Mondays, 3-4:30pm

June 9,
July 14 and
August 11, 2025

For adults.

Cost: FREE

It's a book club without the assigned reading! Join fellow book lovers for an hour of silent reading and then optional socializing afterwards.

Bring your own book. All formats are welcome, including books, eBooks and audiobooks with headphones.

3-4pm: Silent reading hour.
4-4:30pm: Chat with fellow readers or continue reading.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Shoreline Library.

Registration not required.

Op-Ed: Investing in Public Safety Is a Shared Responsibility

Chief Mike Hardan
Lake Forest Park Police Department

By Mike Harden, Chief of Police, Lake Forest Park

For years, our police department has operated on lean budgets, stretching every dollar to meet the growing demands of public safety. But we’ve reached a tipping point. Without the additional support of a temporary levy increase to support our police department, the level of service our community expects is at risk.

Our funding comes primarily from the city’s general fund, and it doesn’t just support patrol; it covers dispatch and jail costs, training, equipment, vehicles, and the basic operations that keep our community safe. These aren’t luxuries; they’re essentials. And today, they cost more than ever.

Recent increases in dispatch and jail fees took a major bite out of our budget. Equipment, vehicles, and technology have surged in cost, and staffing has become a greater challenge than ever. Operating in the Seattle-area job market means we must offer competitive wages or risk losing experienced officers. That’s not a staffing inconvenience, but a public safety risk.

When seasoned officers leave, they take years of institutional knowledge and leadership with them. New hires must be trained, supervised, and equipped. Each one requiring a significant investment of time, money, and mentorship. This adds pressure to field training officers and command staff who are already stretched thin.

The result? Fewer officers to handle more calls, longer response times, and limited capacity for proactive policing and community engagement. It affects officer wellness, too, leading to burnout and mental health strain. These professionals give their all every day to protect our community, and they deserve the support to do their jobs well and stay healthy doing them.

We’ve made do for a long time, relying on grants and our generous nonprofit foundation to help cover the cost of equipment and wellness programs. But that’s not sustainable. It’s not the job of outside groups to keep our department running. It’s a responsibility we all share as a city.

Despite these challenges, our commitment to this community has never wavered. We live here, we work here, and we’re proud to serve. We host Safety Day events, teach safety in schools, build partnerships in neighborhoods, and respond when you need help most. Public safety isn’t just about police, it’s about people and the relationships we’ve built.

A temporary levy increase would safeguard the public safety services that help our community thrive. I’m grateful that our dedicated City Council is actively exploring solutions to address the city’s budget challenges, and they continue to welcome input from residents throughout the process.

Chief Mike Harden
Lake Forest Park Police Department
17425 Ballinger Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
206-957-2851

New King County Park Rangers to begin patrolling Saturday

King County Parks Ranger. This insignia
will be on King County Park Rangers’
uniforms, vehicles, and mountain bikes.

This Saturday, June 7, 2025 six new park rangers will begin patrolling King County parks and trails to enhance park safety and improve visitor experience.

This new program comes six months after the King County Council approved funding for the new park rangers in its 2025 budget, a culminating effort to curb trailhead break-ins and supplement King County Parks-funded Sheriff’s Deputies.

Following a series of car break-ins, vandalism incidents, and public complaints over the last several years, Councilmember Dunn called for enhanced trailhead safety, and King County Parks conducted extensive community outreach to assess what the public would like to see improved in the King County Parks system of public spaces.

Participants consistently stated they wanted more official staff presence to create a safe, welcoming environment for all visitors. This outreach resulted in the King County Council approving $1.6 million in ongoing funding to establish the Park Ranger Program, fund six permanent positions, and five additional seasonal positions.

The park rangers will begin performing field work on Saturday, June 7. Rangers will be assigned across King County’s regional parks, trails, and conservation areas, with assignments based on visitor activity and community needs.

Rangers will also work in pairs for backcountry and bike patrols to ensure coverage of King County’s vast outdoor spaces. Visitors will be able to easily recognize park rangers by their distinctive uniforms and the King County Parks insignia on their vehicles and mountain bikes. 

The Park Ranger Program is part of a broader approach by King County Parks to improve visitor safety and accessibility. Along with operations, maintenance, and programming staff, community partners, and the King County Sheriff’s Office, the rangers will foster positive interactions through community engagement, education, and voluntary compliance with park rules.

Orange the Overpass Friday June 6, 2025 - National Gun Violence Awareness Day

Photo by Bev Harrison

Wear Orange is an annual weekend of visibility, led off by National Gun Violence Awareness Day on June 6, 2025.

Supporters note that Mayor Roberts and the City of Shoreline have many times over signed a proclamation recognizing the importance of this day and this work, to bring light to gun violence as a public health crisis in our communities and to advance common sense solutions. (see previous article)

Events are scheduled for Shoreline / Edmonds

Friday June 6th 4:00pm-5:30pm - Orange the Overpass - we meet at the NE 185th S/ I-5 Overpass to wave at Friday evening commuter traffic. RSVP here
Saturday June 7th 10:30am-12pm - Orange the Ponies - we meet at the Shoreline Ponies near Ronald Bog park/ N175th St to wave at Saturday morning traffic. RSVP here
Sunday June 8th 2pm - Be Smart for Kids - gun safety event in Edmonds (see previous article)

The LFP Climate Hub mural is almost complete

Over 100 community members, from 4th graders to seniors, took up a brush to paint a wall next to the stage at Third Place Commons.

The painting was overseen by the artist who created the mural, Debbie Tomassi of Red Sky Gallery.

She created it as a "paint by number" using ten different colors of paint.

The LFP Climate Hub is a community resource to inform and engage the LFP and neighboring communities.

It will be a gathering space at the center of our community.

Imagine a one stop resource for every one of every age and background.

There will be days to access content pertinent to climate change which will be posted on the bulletin board.

It is part of the climate plan to reduce emissions, preserve our natural environment and build a resilient community.

Third Place Commons is on the upper level of Town Center Lake Forest Park, next to Third Place Books.

Lake Forest Park native named Executive Chef at Canlis

Canlis moonrise
Photo courtesy Canlis Restaurant

James Huffman, of Lake Forest Park, has been named as Executive Chef at Canlis, the first local person ever named to that position.

According to Harry Cheadle in Eater Seattle, Huffman "has worked in the local restaurant industry since he was a 16-year-old at Kidd Valley. He later got a gig at the famous Eastside fine dining destination Cafe Juanita, and has been at Canlis for the past nine years, working his way up the kitchen ladder" (see his article here)

This is our second strong local connection to Canlis. Mark Canlis, owner of the acclaimed restaurant, is a strong supporter and financial backer of the Ching Community Garden, a local volunteer project to restore the garden in Shoreline created by the first Canlis Executive Chef, Joe Ching. (see article)

Canlis is located on Aurora, overlooking Lake Union.

Travels with Charlie: Special Wild Apple Tree

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Story and Photos By Gordon Snyder

One of the wonderful gifts having a Buddy like Charlie is that he enjoys going back to our favorite places. And so do I because things are always changing.

Charlie knows exactly where to go for maximum sniffs in places we have wandered around before. Meanwhile, I’m looking for some of my favorites. Like a special wild apple tree on this walkabout.

Near the end of April these fantastic apple blossoms showed something is coming.

About 3 weeks later in mid May, Charlie and I visited the same tree. Blooms are gone and now producing tiny fruitlets.

Beginning of June, the fruitlets are looking a bit like apples. A different kinda beautiful than the blossoms, but considering what is happening inside the skin, it is equal to that beauty. Stay tuned for more apple progress…

We will be visiting this tree again soon to check on the apple growth. Stop and look at any nearby trees when you can. You won’t be disappointed. Buds may be gone but things are happening.

Cheers, Gordon Snyder

Apples are the Washington State Fruit. And Good for You.

Strawberry Festival Saturday June 7, 2025

RBCA Strawberry Festival

Saturday June 7, 2025 from 11am - 4pm (10:45am Children's Parade)

Richmond Beach Community Park - 2201 NW 197th Street, Shoreline, 98177

Strawberry Festival activities include live music, parade, children’s activities, face painting, food trucks and of course delicious strawberry shortcake!

Come join in the fun and meet up with friends, make new friends and celebrate a great neighborhood event - bring chairs, picnic blankets and sunscreen!

Coffee With the Woodway Mayor June 7, 2025

Mike Quinn
Mayor of Woodway

Coffee With the Woodway Mayor

Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 9-10:30 am at Town Hall

"If you have a question that you’ve always wanted to ask or if you simply want to spend some time with your neighbors learning about Town government or discussing new ideas, I’d encourage you to join me."

Coffee with the Mayor in 2025 is scheduled for the first Saturday, every other month. Hope to see you there!

King’s wins boys and girls state high school track titles

Kimberly Beard
Photo courtesy RunnerSpace.com

According to reporting in HeraldNet.com by Aaron Coe,

"King’s High School brought home two state titles on Saturday, in Yakima, winning both the boys and girls Class 1A state track and field titles.

"Led by strong performances in relays, distance and throwing events, the King’s girls compiled 95 points to finish 22 points ahead of second-place Lynden Christian. It was a tighter race for the boys, who won by a half point over Lakeside (Nine Mile Falls), outscoring the Eagles 66.5 to 66. South Whidbey finished third with 63."

King's Kimberly Beard dominated the hammer throw, winning in Yakima with a personal-best throw of 152 feet, 5 inches on her fifth try — more than 8 feet farther than the next best mark in state meets in all classifications this year.

Read the article here

On Sunday at the separate hammer throw competition at the Evergreen State College, Beard threw 176 feet, 5 inches - 20 feet farther than the runner up.

Pops on Pipes - organ concert June 7, 2025

The Puget Sound Theatre Organ Society presents Donnie Rankin playing the 3-manual 25-rank Kimball-Wurlitzer in concert Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 2pm at Calvary Christian Assembly 6801 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle WA

Admission $20 at pstos.org or cash at the door

16 and under free with adult

Message from WSP Chief John R. Batiste on Verdict in the Benitez-Santana Trial

Trooper Christopher Gadd
End of Watch March 2, 2024

Message from Chief John R. Batiste on Verdict in the Benitez-Santana Trial:

The Washington State Patrol would like to thank the people of Washington for their outpouring of support for our fallen Trooper Christopher Gadd, his family, loved ones, and those who served our state and system of justice by serving on the jury of his killer.

On March 2, 2024, Trooper Gadd was pronounced dead at the scene, after being struck by driver Raul Benitez-Santana. Benitez-Santana was driving over 100 miles per hour and impaired when he struck Trooper Gadd's vehicle. Benitez-Santana was charged with vehicular homicide and vehicular assault while under the influence.

The jury’s unanimous verdicts of guilty of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault are just and welcomed. With this decision, one more dangerous driver is removed from our streets, something Christopher Gadd dedicated his life to doing with every shift, by committing himself to conducting ‘one more stop’ on every day he served our state as a Washington State Trooper.

While the verdict does not take away the pain of losing Chris, it does offer a modicum of relief for those who served with and loved this fine young man. Our thoughts and enduring support remain with his widow and young daughter as well as his mother, father, and sister.

We will never forget Trooper Chris Gadd.

Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach opens Friday June 6, 2025

ROALD DAHL'S JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH

Words and Music by BENJ PASEK & JUSTIN PAUL

Book by TIMOTHY ALLEN MCDONALD

Based on the book

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

This is a story that speaks to the heart of all of us at any stage in life. James and the Giant Peach is about Finding Family and Friendship, Overcoming Adversity, Embracing the Unexpected, Learning the Power of Acceptance, and Looking Beyond Appearances.

Performance Dates:

Fridays June 6 & 13 7:30pm
Saturdays June 7 & 14 2:00pm & 7:30pm

Tickets:

$15.00 Adults
$12.50 - Under 18 / Over 65
Ticket link

Bill McLaughlin Theater

Richmond Beach Congregational UCC

1512 NW 195th St, Shoreline WA 98177
(corner of 15th Ave. NW & NW Richmond Beach Rd.)

Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI

Sun Bucks provide food support for families

Use Sun Bucks at our Farmers Markets

Get grocery help this summer with SUN Bucks!

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a federal program that supports families who lose access to free school meals over the summer months.

Eligible families will receive an allotment of $120 for each eligible child to help cover the cost of groceries when school is out of session.

Similar to SNAP (Basic Food), SUN Bucks can be used to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other locations. Learn more here

You can use your Sun Bucks at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market on Sunday, from 10am to 2pm.

Business Spotlight: Shoreline Tool Library

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

Shoreline Tool Library: Building Community, One Tool at a Time

More Than Just Tools—It’s a Movement of Sharing, Self-Reliance, and Sustainability

Since opening its doors in January 2024, the Shoreline Tool Library has quickly become one of the most inspiring and resourceful additions to the community. Operated by Seattle REconomy (formerly Sustainable NE Seattle), the Shoreline branch extends far beyond lending hammers and drills, it’s about climate resilience, skill sharing, self-empowerment, and creating a space where everyone belongs.

With pay-what-you-can memberships, passionate volunteers, and growing partnerships, this community-powered nonprofit is proving that you don’t need to own everything to build anything.

Q&A With the Shoreline Tool Library

Q: How long have you been in business?

Seattle REconomy, formally known as Sustainable NE Seattle, came together in 2009. Our first project was the NE Seattle Tool Library, which has been open for 12 years. With funding from the WA Department of Ecology, King County Solid Waste, and the Cities of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, we were able to open the Shoreline Tool Library on January 6, 2024!

Q: What inspired you to start your business?

We were a group of dedicated community members inspired to connect with the people around us and create more climate resilience. We saw a need for people to be able to save money, save space, and strengthen relationships while helping to protect our planet. The already existing tool libraries in Phinney Ridge and West Seattle inspired us to adapt their model to fit the Seattle and Shoreline communities.

Q: What service does your business provide for our community?

We offer a range of services to the community through our various resources. The tool library, our biggest focus, is like a library, but instead of books, we have tools. With this, we want to help the community save money, space, and the environment.

Our inventory includes a range of helpful items, including categories relating to home maintenance, cleaning, events, crafts, and more!

We have a lot of items folks wouldn’t expect, which allow us to be there for you when you’re building your home, maintaining it, and living in it.

While we call ourselves tool libraries, The Shoreline Tool Library is more than just a tool library.

We also have a game library, seed library, Bike Shack, Reuse Materials Store, 3D printers, classes, and events. Our most popular event is our Fix-It Night, where our lovely team of Fixers invites the community to bring in their broken household items so they can be fixed. This happens on the third Wednesday of every month.

Community Threads is a newer monthly event, which occurs on the second Saturday of every month, and it gives a space for textile fanatics to chat and work on personal projects in a shared space.

Our Bike Shack is also an asset to the resources we have to offer. It is a space set up in a corner of the Shoreline Tool Library where we fix bikes, teach bike-related classes, and sell used bikes.

Something we also do is accept donations. A lot of folks come to us when they’re cleaning out their garage or no longer want to store tools they rarely use. For the most part, we accept working, non-gas-powered tools.

With our Reuse Materials Store, we have widened the scope of what we accept. It is still focused on working goods, but there are more home goods and miscellaneous items that we may accept. You can learn more about donations on our website here.

Q: What do you love the most about the Shoreline?

The community has been incredibly welcoming and enthusiastic. We are so appreciative of the community members who have donated their time to volunteer with us. Not only do we have dozens and dozens of volunteers helping out as tool librarians, but we have seen so many passionate volunteers ask how they can help in ways we haven’t even listed.

Now we have folks filling roles as strategic planners and financiers, which is unbelievably helpful. The City of Shoreline has also been extremely supportive in helping us with ownership and finding funding. We feel at home in Shoreline, and the positivity surrounding our presence is greatly appreciated.

Q: Why is your business based in Shoreline?

Because Shoreline showed up. The City of Shoreline saw the value of bringing a tool library to its residents and stepped up with funding, support, and enthusiasm. From location scouting to grant backing, Shoreline has been a true partner in making this happen.

Q: What’s one thing you wish your customers knew about you but never ask?

Although we dub ourselves a “tool library”, our inventory has so much more to offer. The best thing someone could do is ask us, “What if I already have tools?”. Our answer would be, “Even if you think you have everything and even if you’re not working on a project right now, we have stuff you want that you could even use on a weekly basis. We have champagne flutes, cement mixers, board games, toys, carpet cleaners, and seed libraries. Our definition of a tool library extends beyond tools like hammers, table saws, pressure washers, and lawn mowers!”

Q: What inspires you each day?

The people. While it might sound cheesy, it’s completely true. When we’re serving our community, we’re able to see people become self-empowered because they have access to our tools. Our coordinators, especially, get to chat with people who come in, help them find tools, and experience the joy and sense of community that our volunteers get.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in business so far?

There was a woman who came in and was nervous to use the tool library because she thought she didn’t have the money for it. She explained that she had just gotten out of an abusive relationship, and she needed tools to do repairs on her home. After she found out that she had the resources and community for free, she began to cry with joy and appreciation. Moments like these remind us of the impact we can make on our community.

Q: How does your business support or give back to the local community?

We believe that people should have the resources to take care of themselves and each other, and we want people to have access to our resources. While we have recommended donation options, our memberships are available on a pay-what-you-can basis, and we do not deny anyone based on income, nor do we ask for proof. Folks from anywhere can become members and utilize our resources.

On another note, we want to give people a place to have community. We do this through some of our events, but our biggest opportunity is volunteering. We have a variety of volunteer positions to invite folks with varying interests and backgrounds, and we do not require previous experience or knowledge. We love meeting new learners and giving everyone a space to create autonomy in the tool libraries.

Q: What future plans or goals do you have for your business?

A central goal of ours is to purchase a larger space so that we can expand our offerings. This could house a larger Reuse Materials Store, community workshop, bigger Bike Shack, and a metalworking space. Of course, this would also mean more tools, which could go in two different directions. We could have a more expansive inventory of items that people can check out, and add more of each tool to our inventory, so there could be smaller wait times for more popular items. With our recent partnerships with KidVantage, Seattle ReCreative, and Furniture Repair Bank, it would be amazing to increase our ability to accept more items on their behalf and expand our relationships with other organizations.

Discover. Borrow. Build. Belong.

Whether you’re fixing a faucet, learning to sew, organizing a community project, or hosting a game night—Shoreline Tool Library is here to support you with the tools, space, and encouragement you need.

Shoreline Tool Library – 16610 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
206-524-6062
Website: seattlereconomy.org
Email: info@seattlereconomy.org

Come borrow, connect, and build something amazing.

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.

Immigrant Heritage Month - "You Belong"

"Shoreline is a diverse, welcoming community where people of all backgrounds and national heritages can feel at home.

"We are one community made up of many different origin stories; whether your family has been here for generations or you arrived yesterday, you are welcome in Shoreline."
- Mayor Chris Roberts, Shoreline, WA

Nearly 30 Cities for Action (C4A) and Cities & Counties for Citizenship (CC4C) mayors and county executives launched the “You Belong” communications campaign in honor of Immigrant Heritage Month.

Designed by artist Anna Pelavin,“You Belong” is a national campaign that sends a direct message to immigrant communities. This communications campaign aims to have cities and counties share a unified message during June 2025, Immigrant Heritage Month. The messaging is intended to inspire, uplift, and support immigrant communities in our cities and the nation.

The following cities and counties will participate in the campaign: Long Beach, San Francisco, San Jose, CA; Aurora, Boulder, Denver, CO; North Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA; Champaign, Chicago, Evanston, IL; Louisville; KY; New Orleans, LA; Boston, Somerville, MA; Baltimore, Montgomery County, MD; Minneapolis, Saint Paul, MN; Roselle, NJ; Albuquerque, NM; New York, NY; Erie, Montgomery County, PA; Dallas, El Paso County, TX; Salt Lake City, UT; and Seattle, Shoreline, WA.

Communications Campaign Will Be Available in 29 Languages

Immigrants have transformed the nation, contributing to the country’s economic growth, enriching American culture, and shaping our society. More than 40 percent of U.S. citizens can trace their ancestry back to immigrants who arrived in the United States through Ellis Island.

Since 2014, the United States has commemorated June as Immigrant Heritage Month to celebrate the shared diversity that forms the unique story of America.

“Immigrants and refugees remain an essential part of the fabric of our city, bringing unique skills, experiences, hopes and dreams, leading to innovation and economic growth.

"Our commitment is to make sure that all immigrant and refugee communities not only survive but thrive in our city.

"We are proud of the fact that our city and state’s immigrant populations have grown in the last 5 years, and we reaffirm that Seattle is a place where all immigrants and refugees are welcome, can find a deep sense of belonging, and can lead their fellow residents too.”

- Director Hamdi Mohamed, Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

Cities for Action is a bipartisan coalition of nearly 200 U.S. mayors and county executives working to advocate for and promote civic inclusion of our immigrant communities. Click HERE to see a list of Cities for Action mayors and county executives. To learn more about our work, follow us on Twitter.

Cities & Counties for Citizenship (CC4C) is a national network of over 115 cities and counties working together to advance naturalization and immigrant and refugee inclusion programs at the local level.

The network aims at increasing citizenship among eligible U.S. permanent residents and encouraging cities and counties across the country to invest in immigrant and refugee inclusion programs. CC4C is chaired by the Mayors of New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle, with support from the National Partnership for New Americans (NP

Anna Pelavin is a graphic designer and urban farmer based in New York City. Her work focuses on using design to make complex urban planning and policy information accessible to the public.

Pruning Workshop on June 14, 2025 at the Ching Community Garden

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Diggin' Shoreline is holding a Pruning Workshop on June 14, 2025 at the Ching Community Garden from 10am to 2:00pm.

Learn how and what to prune safely in early Summer. This class will be hands-on, taught by Derek Fowler of Ironwood Landscapes. Derek is an ornamental horticulturist and nursery specialist with 30 years of pruning experience and the lead orchardist for the Ching garden.

You will have the opportunity to make the cuts yourself. Bring one or two of your favorite loppers or pruners and we'll help you properly clean and sharpen your tools.

Suggested donation for the class is $25.00 (cash, credit, check, Venmo) payable at the workshop. All proceeds go to the Ching Garden.

RSVP here if you can volunteer some time at the garden. Otherwise, no RSVP required.

Please park in the Shoreline Community College South Parking Lot and walk over to the garden.

updated 6-8-2025 No RSVP required to attend the event

Learn to clean your credit at Shoreline Library session June 11, 2025

Scale Your Score

Wednesday, June 11, 6-7:30pm

Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th, Shoreline WA 98155

Cost: FREE

Learn to clean your credit.

Explore how to submit disputes, raise your credit score and deal with collections.

Presented by money coach Deborah Johnson Miranda.

If possible, please bring a copy of your credit report, which you can access for free at annualcreditreport.com or by calling 877-322-8228. If you need help, learn how to obtain a copy during the workshop.

Registration not required.

Shoreline Farmers Market Kicks Off 14th Season with Pride, Produce, and Community Power

Come for the produce and flowers, stay for the community.

Opening Day: Saturday, June 7, 2025 - 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM - 18821 N Aurora Ave N

SHORELINE, WA — The Shoreline Farmers Market is thrilled to announce the opening of its 14th season on Saturday, June 7, 2025, bringing fresh local food, vibrant community spirit, and inclusive programming back to the Shoreline Park & Ride 18821 Aurora Ave N.

The market will be open every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM through October 25, 2025, extending its season to include all Saturdays in October for the first time.

A proud member of the Washington State Farmers Market Association, Shoreline Farmers Market is a farm-forward, grass-roots nonprofit that puts farmers first. Shoppers can expect a robust offering of Washington-grown fruits, vegetables, berries, meat, eggs, honey, and flowers, alongside prepared foods, baked goods, hot meals, handmade artisan products, and more.

There is something for everyone at the Shoreline Farmers Market. All are welcome!

A Mission Rooted in Community

The market’s mission is to support local farmers and food producers, foster community connection, and increase access to fresh, local food. It centers inclusion, equity, food access, environmental responsibility, and the belief that small businesses can make a big impact. In addition to promoting a healthy local food economy, Shoreline Farmers Market serves as a platform for small business incubation and public education around food systems and sustainability.

"The Shoreline Farmers Market is more than a place to buy food, it is a space where the community can come together,” said Trinitee King (she/her), Executive Director.

“It’s a place where everyone is welcome, and where the roots of connection grow as deeply as the produce."

Visit the Market every Saturday in June to celebrate Pride at the Market

Celebrate the 3rd Annual Pride at the Market

The 3rd Annual Pride at the Market will take place every Saturday in June, in partnership with the City of Shoreline. This month-long celebration uplifts LGBTQIA+ joy and inclusion through themed programming, family activities, performances, community partner booths, and vendor spotlights.

"Through the weekly themes of this month's SFM pride celebration, my hope is that people will become more comfortable using language that is inclusive,” said Emily Pacunski (she/they), Pride Steering Committee Chair and member of the Board of Directors.

“I envision an attendee experience that helps to increase understanding of the ways in which queerness intersects with every aspect of our lives.”

Other Events & Special Programming

Opening Day – June 7
Women Infants Children (WIC) Food Access Sign-Up Day – June 14
Kids Day – July 26
National Farmers Market Week – August 3–9
DSHS Mobile Clinic – August 9
Harvest Market (Season Finale) – October 25

The market also features weekly live music, family-friendly activities, and booths hosted by nonprofits, city services, and local organizations.

The Power of Produce (PoP) Kids Club kicks off on opening day.

The Power of Produce (PoP) Kids Club returns every other week, giving children $2 to spend on fruits or vegetables while engaging in fun educational activities. PoP is generously funded through community sponsorships.

Increasing Access to Local Food

Shoreline Farmers Market is proud to make fresh, local food more accessible through a range of food assistance programs, including:

EBT/SNAP + SNAP Market Match (1:1 match)
WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
WIC Fruit & Vegetable Benefit
Sun Bucks

The market also operates a Senior Food Delivery Program in partnership with the Shoreline Senior Center. This initiative delivers curated bags of fresh, local produce to income-eligible older adults—completely funded by community donations and sponsorships.

Accessibility & Amenities

Easily accessible parking, including handicapped spaces
Fully wheelchair and stroller accessible grounds
Bike valet service provided by Urbanist Shoreline
Located on the Metro bus line
Pet-friendly (leashed, well-behaved dogs welcome)
Concierge and shopping assistance available at the info booth
Vendors accept cash, cards, EBT, SNAP Market Match, WIC, FMNP, and Sun Bucks
Bike racks available

Get Involved

Volunteer

Support the market by volunteering for setup, info booth, kids’ activities, music support, and more—no experience needed!
Sign up at: shorelinefarmersmarket.org/volunteer

Donate

Your support powers programs like SNAP Match, PoP Club, and senior food deliveries.
Give today: wagives.org/organization/Shorelinefarmersmarket-Donate

Stay in the Loop

Sign up for the newsletter to get weekly market updates, vendor highlights, and special event info straight to your inbox: https://tinyurl.com/SFMnews

Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Dragon

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter here

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