Washington authors speak out against censorship in honor of Banned Books Week

OLYMPIA — In honor of Banned Books Week (Oct. 4-10, 2026), Washington authors speak out against censorship and share what reading freely means to them.

The Washington Center for the Book, a program of the Office of the Secretary of State, partnered with the Washington chapter of Authors Against Book Bans to curate a collection of short videos about what it means to read and write freely, featuring Washington authors. This video series is the latest update to the ongoing  Washington Reads Freely project.

The first collection of videos includes content from Washington authors across genres and age groups: Gabrielle Kirouac Byrne, Christine Day, Sonora Jha, Kelly Jones, Brian Kimmel, Leslie Lutz, and Rena Priest.

Kelly Jones’ book “Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer” was removed from an entire school district as part of a “diverse books collection.”

“It was hard to hear that this book that I loved so much was so dangerous that no family could decide for themselves it was right for their student to read,” Jones said. “It just wasn’t available anymore... I don’t see how that helps students learn.”

Read more about Jones’ experience on the Office of the Secretary of State’s blog.

“We hope the videos spark community discussions about intellectual freedom across our state, and we invite Washingtonians of all ages to share their own stories of the power and joys they experience reading freely,” said Washington State Librarian Melody Sky Weaver. 

Stories have already been shared on highlighted quotes and StoryMap on the WA Reads Freely website.

As Washington State Book Award winner Rena Priest says in her video, “to me, the right to read freely means that I'm not limited by the fears of others about what I might learn about the world or about myself or how I might be shaped by the ideas of others.”

Banned Books Week highlights the value of free and open access to information. It brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in support of the freedom to seek and express ideas. 

Read more...

What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline: October 7 - 13

Round-up provided by Kate Ledbetter, www.DestinationShoreline.com

  
What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline: October 7 - 13
October is in full swing, and there’s a lot happening around Shoreline this week!  Give back to our community through the October Shoreline Food Drive, stock up for fall planting at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden’s Fall Plant Sale and get ready to welcome the Seattle Latino Film Festival to Shoreline for the first time! Plus, there’s a community cider crush, farmers markets, workshops, live music, spooky fun at the Friday Monster Mash at Salvation Artists Collective, and plenty of ways to learn something new and connect with your neighbors. Happy October, Shoreline!
 
Shoreline Area Events You Should Know About this Week. We highlighted our must-attend events of the week! (and Halloween event in Orange)
(Follow the event links for additional information, directions, and add to your calendar links.)
 
Multi-Day Events:
October Shoreline Food Drive for Hopelink
Throughout the month of October, join your neighbors to support neighbors in need through the Shoreline Food Drive. Donations can be dropped off at participating locations across Shoreline, Lake Forest Park and North Seattle.
 
Kruckeberg Botanic Garden - Fall Plant Sale
October 8th-11th and 15th-18th!
Enjoy our selection of native trees and shrubs, as well as ferns, perennials, and more ready for fall planting in your garden! All proceeds benefit the ongoing support of the garden through the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation.
 
Seattle Latino Film Festival
October 12, 13 & 15, Landmark's Crest Cinema Center
For the first time, the Seattle Latino Film Festival is bringing a special matinee series to Shoreline! As part of its 18th annual festival, three films will be screened at Landmark’s Crest Cinema Center, offering an opportunity to experience Latino and Latin American cinema right here in Shoreline.
 
Wednesday, October 7
Shoreline Blood Drive
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Shoreline College
Opportunities abound for regular donors to return and bring friends to help locals in need! Appointments are encouraged but walk-ups are welcome. Go to www.bloodworksnw.org or call 1-800-398-7888.
 
3rd Annual Navigating Success Small Business Forum
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Shoreline City Hall
2026 Navigating Success & Networking Small Business Forum is your opportunity to connect with and support the thriving business community in Shoreline! 
 
Free Live Music at North City Bistro
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, North City Bistro
Live Music At North City Bistro Every Wednesday from 4-6 PM!
 
Día de los Muertos Workshops
4:30 PM, Spartan Recreation Center
Get ready for Día de los Muertos with free, hands-on workshops! Join instructor Amaranta Sandys to create art inspired by Día de los Muertos traditions. Choose from Sugar Skull Decoration on October 7 or a Nicho Altar Box on October 28.
 
Thursday, October 8
Medicare & Finance Educational Workshop
4:00 PM, Shoreline Library
Join us! Here at Edward Jones, we believe financial education is an important part of achieving your goals. We also realize there is more to life than just financial goals. That's why we're excited to invite you to our Medicare and Finance program featuring our special guest. Hosted by Darla Cerrillo, Financial Advisor.
 
CityLearn: Understanding Voting Systems How Your Vote Becomes an Elected Official
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Shoreline City Hall
Curious about the voting system in Washington state? Interested in learning about our state's Initiative process? Join us for an evening with representatives from City of Shoreline, King County Elections, and FairVote WA for a CityLearn session focused on the Washington State Voting System. 
 
Friday, October 9
Shoreline Blood Drive
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Dale Turner Family YMCA
Opportunities abound for regular donors to return and bring friends to help locals in need! Appointments are encouraged but walk-ups are welcome. Go to www.bloodworksnw.org or call 1-800-398-7888.
 
Ellipsis Cookie Friday Walk Up Window @ SALVATION
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Salvation Artists Collective
Cookies for grownups. And for kids. Handmade, delicious, irresistible cookies.
 
Shoreline Teen Center Art Club - Fiber Arts Month
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Richmond Highlands Recreation Center
10/9 Over the Garden Wall crafts and watch party
 
Monster Mash at SALVATION!
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Salvation Artists Collective
Join us afterhours at the pop-up Graveyard for a spooky, family-friendly time with new vendors, flash tattoos, fresh cookies, a custom craft table, and a ghoulish movie on an outdoor projector.
 
Rainbow Bingo at the Shoreline Senior Center
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Salvation Senior Center
The Shoreline Senior Center is thrilled to offer RAINBOW BINGO with our incredible hostess, Sylvia O’Stayformore. Participants can expect ten (10) rousing rounds of bingo, complete with prizes and a few musical numbers!
 
Saturday, October 10
Shoreline Farmers Market
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Corner of 192nd & Aurora
Shoreline's community hub for farm fresh & local foods, flowers, baked goods, local honey, live music, food trucks, kids programming, and so much more.
 
Community Preparedness Fair
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Third Place Commons
No registration, no cost, just show up and enjoy a lively event filled with practical preparedness skills, hands‑on activities, and great conversations with local emergency experts.
 
Community Threads @ STL
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Shoreline Tool Library
Got a collection of hole-filled socks you can’t get rid of? Have you been meaning to set aside time for your latest alteration, but need some motivation? Come mend with us!
 
Learn to Crochet: Granny Squares @ STL
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM, Shoreline Tool Library
In this fun class, students will learn about types and sizes of crochet hooks and yarn, and how to match them.
 
Sunday, October 11
Lake Forest Park Farmers Market
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, in front of LFP City Hall (17171 Bothell Way NE)
Bring the whole family for a day filled with fresh local food, live music, and fun for all ages!
 
Tool School for Women+: Drills & Drivers, Bits & Bobs @ STL
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Shoreline Tool Library
This class is geared toward absolute beginners or those who have very little experience using electric drills or impact drivers.
 
Community Cider Crush Hosted by Urbanist Shoreline
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, North City Commons
We're trying something new this fall: In partnership with the North City Neighborhood Association, we'll be hosting a community apple cider press party on Sunday, October 11 at the North City Commons space. 
 
Tuesday, October 13
Heroes Café-Shoreline
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Seattle Scottish Rite Center
Heroes Café Shoreline is the largest gathering of Veterans monthly in King County. Veterans, Family, Friends and the Community are Welcome.
 
Ridgecrest Neighbor Meet Up at Ridgecrest Public House
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Ridgecrest Pub
Come on your own or with friends, socialize or start something.
 
What’s Up Next in Shoreline (Save the Date):
(Follow the event links for additional information, directions, and add to your calendar links.)
 
Hamlin Halloween Haunt
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Hamlin Park
Listen to spooky songs and stories around a campfire, ride the hay wagon, pose in your costume in the photo booth, and play Halloween games.
 
Meet the Experts, Open House at Irons Brothers Construction
Saturday, October 17 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Irons Brothers Construction Design Build Center
Planning an addition, whole-home remodel, kitchen renovation, bathroom update, or aging-in-place project? Join Irons Brothers Construction for a special Open House and Meet the Experts event at their award-winning Design Build Center in Shoreline.
 
Richmond Beach Halloween Carnival
Saturday, October 17 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Syre Elementary School
Don't be spooked! Join the community for great games, like Duck Pond, Fishing Booth, Musical Cakes, inflatables, and more!
 
Six by Six NW hosted by Shorelake Arts
Saturday, October 17 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Shoreline College
Featuring hundreds of artworks from local artists. ALL ART 6" x 6", ALL ART $36
 
For Upcoming Events in Shoreline visit: DestinationShoreline.com/Calendar
 
Destination Shoreline is brought to you by:
Salvation - Artists and Makers Collective - a Boutique and Gallery
Shorelake Arts bringing people together through art, culture, and shared experiences.
Seniors Helping Seniors®, Supporting Independence for Seniors in Shoreline
Shoreline Chamber of Commerce – Supporting local businesses in Shoreline
City of Shoreline - Official city news and resources.
 

Become a Destination Shoreline Partner, learn more here.October is in full swing, and there’s a lot happening around Shoreline this week!

 

Read more...

King County Council names veteran investigator, former FBI Special Agent as first Inspector General

King County Inspector General
Stuart Robinson

The King County Council on Tuesday appointed Stuart Robinson as the county’s first Inspector General. 

Robinson will head the new Inspector General Division within the Office of Public Complaints to strengthen oversight and independently investigate complaints of misconduct, misuse of public funds and more.

“We are fortunate to have found an incredibly qualified leader of our brand-new Inspector General’s office here at King County.

"He literally ‘teaches the class,’” said Councilmember Rod Dembowski, who was the lead sponsor of legislation to establish the office.

“I’m proud to have sponsored the legislation to create this new watchdog agency, and I look forward to working with Mr. Robinson as he stands up this new office and works to ensure that King County taxpayers are protected from waste, fraud and abuse.”

Robinson comes to the role with a background neatly fitted to the newly minted office. He has served the past nine years as the Director of Investigations for Palm Beach County, Florida Office of Inspector General, as well as a year prior working in the Broward County Office of the Inspector General in Fort Lauderdale. 

Before that, Robinson was a Special Agent and Supervisory Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he held multiple leadership and training positions and focused on financial crimes, fraud against the government, public corruption, and civil rights matters. He also spent the last three years as an instructor and national course manager for the Association of Inspectors General.

“Ultimately, this is about effective, transparent government and the King County Council’s dedication to providing it,” Robinson said. “I am incredibly honored to be leading an organization that will provide integrity, oversight, and measurable results for King County.”

Robinson’s appointment, a five-year term, is the latest in a series of efforts by the council to overhaul oversight of taxpayer funds and improve reporting systems. It builds on last year’s King County Council vote approving a comprehensive reform package to overhaul oversight of taxpayer-funded grants within DCHS. 

That action followed an audit and an ongoing investigation by the Office of the Ombuds, which identified widespread oversight failures and potential fraud in county contracts. 

The legislation behind creation of the office – sponsored by Dembowski along with Council Chair Sarah Perry, and Councilmembers Reagan Dunn, Pete von Reichbauer, Steffanie Fain and Rhonda Lewis – also advances recommendations from a 2025 joint report by the King County Auditor and Ombuds, which identified significant gaps in financial oversight and reporting systems.

“A 26-year FBI veteran is exactly the kind of candidate we hoped to attract when we created this office,” Dunn said. “At a time of sky-high costs, strained public trust, and continuing reports of financial misuse, King County taxpayers deserve a watchdog with the experience and authority to conduct rigorous oversight, pursue independent investigations, and ensure meaningful accountability. I’m glad taxpayers will now have someone of this caliber looking out for them.”

The Inspector General Division will investigate reports of financial fraud and abuse, with the authority to issue subpoenas and pursue recovery of misspent funds. Robinson will initially work to build out the rest of the staff including investigators and administrative personnel.

To ensure transparency and accountability, the Inspector General Division will be required to issue written findings and recommendations when fraud, waste, or abuse is identified, and to submit an annual report to the County Council and Executive. County agencies will also be required to report suspected misconduct through established channels.

The same ordinance also establishes a centralized King County Fraud Hotline, overseen by the Inspector General Division, creating a single point of access for reporting suspected fraud and improper conduct. 

The backing legislation also updated county policies by clearly defining fraud, waste, and abuse, requiring standardized inspection language in county contracts and grants, and aligning King County practices with those used by county, state, and federal Offices of Inspector General nationwide.

Robinson’s office will work collaboratively with the County Auditor and Ombuds, whose roles remain distinct, focusing on performance oversight and administrative misconduct, respectively.

Read more...

Invitation to Fall Work Parties for Boeing Creek Open Space

Boeing Creek Open Space

On Friday, October 9, 2026 we’ll have a happy hour work party from 3:30 - 5:30pm. 

At the Boeing Creek Open Space we’re making excellent progress clearing ivy and blackberries from around the conifers and other shrubs.

With a change in season and light levels we’ll then transition from Friday afternoons to the second and fourth Saturday mornings at 11:00 am.

We hope you can join us at the times below. Parking info, meet up location, and maps are at the linked pages.

RSVP online:

Friday, October 9, 3:30 - 5:30p https://shoreline.greencitypartnerships.org/event/2628/

Saturday, October 24, 11a - 1p https://shoreline.greencitypartnerships.org/event/2629/

Saturday, November 14, 11a - 1p https://shoreline.greencitypartnerships.org/event/2633/

No experience is necessary, just bring your enthusiasm! Training and tools will be provided, and please wear weather and work-appropriate clothing. Bring a water bottle and any snacks you’d like for the afternoon. We’ll meet at the northwest corner of the intersection – just inside the dog field area.

Questions? Email boeingcreek.openspace@gmail.com

Visit the Green Shoreline partnership page for more information.

For helping hands under age 18, please remember to bring a signed youth waiver or email it to kpazcoguin@shorelinewa.gov.

Read more...

Setting the Record Straight: A Fact-Based Look at Shoreline Proposition 1

Aquatic Center Design

Setting the Record Straight: A Fact-Based Look at Shoreline Proposition 1

By the Prop 1 – Pro Statement Writers
- Krishnakant Nammi - Susie McDowell - Buddy Smith

Calling Shoreline’s Proposition 1 a “luxury pool” makes for a provocative headline, but it obscures the real question before voters: Does a growing city of more than 60,000 residents believe a public pool is basic community infrastructure worthy of investment?

Our community has spent years investigating how to replace our municipal pool that closed in 2020. The proposed facility will include an eight-lane lap pool, recreation pool, warm hydrotherapy pool, diving area, universal changing rooms, classrooms, and community spaces.

These are not “luxury” amenities. They support swim lessons, water safety, school and community athletics, exercise, rehabilitation, senior fitness, and programming for residents with different physical abilities.

To ensure everyone can make an informed decision on the upcoming ballot, let's look at the real facts behind the concerns raised.

Are there "significant risks" with this project?

The Fact: The City never stated that there are significant risks with this project. A review of project details on the Shoreline City Council Staff Report for Action on Resolution No. 562 reveals the financial plan is transparent, structurally sound, and operating costs are clearly built into the proposal from the start. 

Page 8b-1 explicitly states, “revenues generated by the MPD and pool facility user fees are anticipated to cover all expenses related to constructing and operating the pool facility.” Page 8b-6 discusses the 66% operational cost-recovery model designed to keep the pool accessible and affordable for Shoreline residents.

Public infrastructure like roads, libraries, and parks costs money to operate. Prop 1 would create a Metropolitan Park District (MPD) structured to provide ongoing funding for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the pool. This is a fiscally responsible way to fund the pool long-term. 

Typical of a public pool facility, user fees and other facility revenues will cover approximately 66% of the operating and maintenance costs. These facts mean that taxpayers aren’t writing a blank check; rather, the people who use the pool are contributing a significant portion of the operating costs.

Could interest rates on bonds force the cost of servicing the bonds, and thereby tax rates, to “increase dramatically”?

The Fact: The tax rate has a strict legal cap. By Washington state law, an MPD cannot charge more than $0.75 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The City expects the initial property tax rate to be $0.55 per $1,000. While the exact starting rate depends on market conditions when bonds are sold in late 2027, it cannot legally cross that $0.75 line. Just like a fixed rate mortgage, once the bonds are sold, the interest rate for the city can never increase. You can read the details on Slide #3 of the city’s official legislative presentation for Shoreline Resolution No. 562. Best of all, the board setting this tax rate is our elected City Council, who answer directly to voters during every single election.

Does the measure add 33% to city property taxes and increase total property taxes by approximately 5.5% to 7.5%?

The Fact: Your city tax is only a small fraction of your total property tax bill, which also includes schools, county services, and EMS. When you look at your total overall property tax bill, the pool adds a 5.5% overall increase. For a median Shoreline home, this works out to about $35 a month. You can see exactly where your tax dollars go by typing your address into the online King County Assessor Property Viewer. 33% is an alarmist number that is calculated based on the increase in the city’s share of the overall tax bill.

The cost of waiting is higher than the cost of building. Some people question whether now is the “right time.” The right time was years ago. Every year we wait, construction costs rise, another cohort of kids grows up without nearby swim lessons, and Shoreline residents have to leave our city to swim.

Can the city address its projected deficits, fund essential obligations (including sidewalks, public safety, and existing park measures), and successfully raise taxes further to pay for future public school projects?

The Fact: The City of Shoreline and Municipal Parks District (MPD) will be completely separate financial entities. City budget shortfalls are a separate, state-wide structural issue. State law caps regular city property tax revenue increases at 1% per year, but the cost of running a city rises much faster with inflation. Because of this, Shoreline faces general operating deficits starting as early as 2028 when the current general levy lid lift expires. This challenge faces almost every city in our state, and the City Council will likely ask voters for a routine levy lid lift renewal in 2028 to fix it. The pool project has its own dedicated, voter-approved funding source via the MPD and will not affect or be affected by the city's general operating budget.

With the project at only approximately 10% designed, is the cost estimate sufficiently reliable?

The Fact: "Only 10% designed" is exactly how responsible public projects work. No city spends millions of taxpayer dollars fully designing a building before voters have decided whether to fund it. Early stage estimates are standard practice for ballot measures, and Shoreline’s pool estimates are built on the highest-quality data currently available. If high inflation or changing construction costs do hit the project, the city has immediate safety valves in place. The MPD can modify the building design, adjust user fees, or implement operational cost-cutting measures to keep the budget strictly balanced.

Will vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities get no tax relief?

The Fact: Relief is built in for those who qualify for county relief programs. While state law does not allow an automatic deduction on this specific type of voter-approved tax, protection exists for low-income seniors and disabled residents who already have their property values frozen by the county. If your home's value is frozen, your pool tax will be calculated using that lower, frozen value and not today's higher market prices.

Seniors and people with disabilities rely on warm water pools for low-impact exercise and therapy, and this proposed pool is intentionally designed for that accessibility.

Should we just use nearby pools instead?

The Fact: “Use the neighbor’s pools” isn’t a plan. Neighboring pools are already completely full. Relying on other cities to serve Shoreline’s 60,000 residents is not a realistic strategy. Pools in Edmonds, Lynnwood, and Mountlake Terrace are aging and crowded, and their swim lesson slots fill up within minutes during online registration for Shoreline residents. Our local high school swim teams currently have no public pool in Shoreline to practice in. Shoreline children who don’t have the resources for private clubs have no place to learn how to swim, putting them at higher risk of drowning in Washington’s plentiful natural waters. Let's build an easily accessible public pool where all of our children can learn to thrive.

Were public-private partnerships fully explored?

The Fact: Yes. The idea of a regional or private partnership isn't new. In 2023, Shoreline joined a North King County regional aquatic feasibility study to look at building a joint facility with neighboring jurisdictions. Unsurprisingly, every city wanted the pool built in their own backyard, and a regional agreement could not be reached. The city has studied this for years, and Proposition 1 is the direct result of that work. Additionally, this local project is eligible for a $5 million grant from the King County Parks Levy.

Choosing the Community We Want to Be

Prop 1 is fundamentally about what kind of community Shoreline wants to be. Take a moment and think about the city we want to leave to our children and grandchildren.

In 1968, local voters passed a Forward Thrust bond measure that built 17 public pools across our region, including Shoreline's original municipal pool. That single investment gave our community a shared place for swim lessons, exercise, and family memories for nearly 50 years. Now, it is our turn to build a legacy for the next generation.

On November 3rd, we urge you to join your neighbors in voting yes on Proposition 1. This is a long term investment in swim safety, senior fitness, rehabilitation, recreation and community infrastructure. Shoreline has waited long enough. Let Shoreline Swim! Learn more: https://letshorelineswim.org/

Read more...

Nominations open for NUHSA Human Service Awards

2024 NUHSA Human Service Award honorees

Every year NUHSA’s Annual Human Services Awards celebrate the accomplishments of local individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the health and welfare of our North King County community.

Do you know of an individual, organization or business in North King County that has made a significant contribution to the health and welfare of our community?

Have they in some way supported or advocated for strong and accessible health and human services and strengthened our community through their initiative and leadership?

If so, please complete this nomination form, or contact Sarah at staff@nuhsa.org to give them the recognition they deserve!

First review of nominations will begin on Friday October 17, 2026.

Awards event will be January 20, 2027, 5-7pm.

Read more...

English Language Learners: ELL Classes at Shoreline Library

English Language Learners: ELL Classes

Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pm
October 7 – December 30, 2026

No class November 11, November 25, and December 23.

For adults.
Cost: Free

Learn English reading, writing, grammar and conversation skills with an experienced teacher. Most suitable for beginners.

Registration not required. Drop in; walk-ins welcome. Space is limited.

This program is made possible by the KCLS Foundation.

Shoreline Library

345 NE 175th Street

Shoreline, WA  98155

206-362-7550

Read more...

Accessible Voting Event at downtown Seattle Library October 24, 2026

Seattle Central Downtown Libraary
Photo courtesy Seattle Library

King County Elections will provide an Accessible Voting Event with multiple AVUs at the downtown Seattle Public Library on Saturday October 24, 2026 from 10am to 1pm. 

 

King County Elections

2026 General/Midterm Election

Accessible Voting Event

October 24, 2026

Downtown Seattle Public Library

1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

4th Floor Conference, Room # 2

10:00am to 1:00pm.

 Accessible Voting Units for voters who are blind or have low vision

• Register to vote
• Receive your ballot
• Submit your ballot
• Open to the public

For more information contact Naheed Aaftaab, 206-714-3692, naaftaab@kingcounty.gov

 

Closer to home, there is an accessible voting center at Kenmore City Hall.

Kenmore City Hall

18120 68th Ave NE, Kenmore, WA 98028

(Entrance located on south end of building through the exterior door to the Community Meeting Room. Signs will be posted.)

During Election Cycles:

King County Vote centers are available to register new voters, update current voter records, obtain a voter registration card and to provide assistance to voters who need help completing their ballot. Trained staff and specialized equipment are available to help voters with disabilities cast a private, independent ballot. 

Typical Hours of Operation: 

• Saturday prior to Election Day: 10:00am - 4:00pm
• Monday prior to Election Day: 8:30am - 6:00pm
• Tuesday, Election Day: 8:30am - 8:00pm 

And in Shoreline....

The Friends of the Shoreline Library is sponsoring an event on October 20, 2026 from 3-6pm with elections staff so you can update your voter information and if needed, obtain replacement ballots. Most will not need the AVU but it will be available for those who do need it! 

Shoreline Library 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline WA 98155

Read more...

Medicare and Finance presentation October 8, 2026 at Shoreline Library

Paul Briët

Medicare and Finance

Join us! Here at Edward Jones, we believe financial education is an important part of achieving your goals. 

We also realize there is more to life than just financial goals. That is why we are excited to invite you to our Medicare and Finance program featuring our special guest.

Medicare
Paul Briët
Independent Agent

Hosted by Darla Cerrillo, Financial Advisor
Thursday October 8, 2026 @ 4:00pm

Shoreline Library – Large meeting room
345 NE 175th St, Shoreline, WA 98155

To reserve space for yourself and a guest at this educational workshop, please call Darla Cerrillo at (206) 542-2599 or send an email to darla.cerrillo@edwardjones.com no later than Friday October 6th.

Darla Cerrillo & Suzan Shayler
Financial Advisors
(206) 542-2599
8129 Lake Ballinger Way Suite #103

Read more...

Volunteer opportunities at Shoreline's Friendship Adventures Day Academy

Friendship Adventures Day Academy in Shoreline has openings for volunteers

Day Program Aide, Volunteer Description

• Location: Friendship Adventures Day Academy – 1206 N 185th St, Shoreline, WA 98133
  
• Corner of 185th & Midvale
• Time Commitment: One or more 3 to 4-hour shifts per week (flexible scheduling available)
• Three to Four-Hour Sessions: 
• Mon-Fri 9:30am – 1:30pm or 
• Mon, Tue and Thu 1:00pm – 5:00pm 
• Currently, our greatest need is for afternoon volunteers but we will welcome volunteers anytime.

Overview:
Join our team in creating joyful, enriching experiences for adults with disabilities! As a Program Session Volunteer, you'll work side-by-side with our staff to support daily activities, help participants engage with crafts and games, and provide a warm, welcoming environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Greet participants and offer friendly support as they arrive
• Escort individuals from Access vans into the building
• Help participants transition into the day (remove coats, store backpacks, guide to drawing/games)
• Prep craft supplies (gather materials, create samples)
• Support participants with craft-making and creative expression
• Assist with cleanup after activities
• Help during snack time (unwrap snacks, clear wrappers)
• Accompany participants on local field trips (push wheelchairs, walk alongside participants)
• Support end-of-day tasks (tidy up, reset furniture, prep for next session)

Volunteers Are Not Expected To:

• Assist with personal hygiene tasks such as tube feeding or bathroom care
• Operate van lift or motorized wheelchairs
• Manage emotional or behavioral outbursts or respond to major emergencies
• All personal care and behavioral support is handled by trained staff.

Ideal Qualities:

• Patience, kindness, and a sense of fun
• Enjoys creative activities and working with people of all abilities
• Able to assist with light physical activity (e.g., walking, pushing a wheelchair)
• Comfortable taking direction and working as part of a team
• Experience with children, seniors, or individuals with disabilities is a plus, but not required

What You’ll Gain:

• Purposeful connection and community, 
• experience in a supportive educational environment, and 
• Smiles, laughter, and memories that last a lifetime

Enrollment

• To volunteer for the Friendship Academy Day Program, please complete the four participant registration forms HERE. 
• For more information, contact Karin Chickadel, Day Program Director, at 206-420-1813 or email karin@friendshipadventures.org.

Read more...

Richmond Beach Congregational Church UCC collects 1202 pounds of food in two hour food drive

Photo courtesy RBCC

A huge Thank You to the Shoreline Community, RBCC members and friends for your generous support of our quarterly Food Drive. School has started, the days are shorter and colder, and incomes are not keeping up. 

Photo courtesy RBCC

Your generosity in sharing to help your neighbors is heart-lifting. On September 26, 2026 in only two hours between 11:00am & 1:00pm you donated 1202 pounds of food and supplies which were delivered to the Edmonds Food Bank the same day.

The Outreach Ministry of RBCC holds 

• quarterly Food Drives (the next is January 10); 
• quarterly Sandwich Sundays when the congregation gathers following worship to prepare sack lunches for local agencies helping the unhoused;
• an annual Diaper Drive to support mothers and children; 
• donates new books for the children at the Center for Human Services; 
• and we collect gift card donations annually for the Shoreline Holiday Baskets program sponsored by the Dale Turner YMCA, Shoreline PTA Council, Shoreline Fire Department and other agencies to provide gifts for students and families in the Shoreline School District.

Our next Sandwich Sunday is this week, October 11, 2026. RBCC invites you to join us for worship at 10:00am and help us make sack lunches.

Richmond Beach Congregational Church UCC, 1512 NW 195th St, Shoreline, WA 98177

Read more...

Salmon Story: Past, Present, and Future - October 25, 2026 at Third Place Commons

Save the Date- October 25

Climate Conversation about Salmon in our Streams

Sunday, October 25, 2026, 4-6 pm at Third Place Commons

upper level Town Center LFP, intersection Bothell & Ballinger Way NE

When the elders of Lake Forest Park reflect on their youth here, their stories often include the abundance of salmon in McAleer and Lyon creeks. What happened to the salmon?

The LFP Climate Hub will host a Climate Conversation to explore our local Salmon Story: Past, Present and Future on October 25, 2026, 4-6 pm at Third Place Commons.

The conversation will highlight local experts who will help answer the questions: Why are salmon so sensitive to climate change? What is the local story of salmon in our streams? How are schools, local groups and residents making a difference?

Local groups involved in salmon conservation and habitat restoration will be available to talk with the people who come about how to get involved.

Read more...

Drawing & painting in Gouache - class starts October 12, 2026 at Shoreline College

Join artist Renee Plevy to learn drawing & painting in Gouache (opaque watercolor)

In this class you will learn how to use this unique water based opaque paint which has been used by illustrators for years, as well as being extremely portable for home use or "Plein Aire" outdoor painting. 

Artist Renee Plevy will start with the basics so that you will have the tools to paint whatever you desire in the future in whatever medium you choose. Learn drawing basics, positive negative space, shadows, and more before moving on to color values, the color wheel, color theory and how to set up your palette, choose paints, brushes, etc. 

Learn how to avoid the most common mistakes and be on your way to create beautiful personal paintings for your home or gifts.

• NEW! Dates: 10/12- 11/16 (Mondays)
• Times: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
• Sessions: 6
• Fee: $139.00
• Room 1522
• Instructor: Renee Plevy
• Register today - space is limited ! Drawing & Painting in Gouache

Renée Plevy is an internationally recognized portrait artist with over 40 years of experience capturing the essence of people and pets through museum-quality oil paintings. 

Her work has been featured in over 65 exhibitions and galleries, including a one-woman museum show at the Paterson Museum, and she has received numerous accolades — among them, “Artist of the Year” from The Bloomfield Art League and First Prize from the Boca Raton Museum Artist’s Guild.

Renée’s portraits are more than art — they are legacy pieces. Commissioned by clients across the U.S. and abroad, her paintings now reside in private homes, corporate offices and international collections. She loves to work with a variety of mediums, but especially gouache opaque watercolor paints. 

Read more...

Scooter and bike share program discussion at Shoreline city council meeting October 5, 2026

August 2024 - the start of the pilot program

At the Shoreline city council meeting on Monday, October 5, 2026, staff presented a summary of the two year pilot program. View staff summary here  

Currently speed limits are 15 mph for e-scooters and 20 mph for e-bikes. According to city regulations, electric devices are prohibited on streets posted above 35 mph, except in a designated bike lane; and, prohibited on sidewalks not designated as multipurpose paths. 

No one under 13 may operate a motorized device on city streets. 

Staff informed Council that improper device parking remains a challenge. 

After the staff presentation, Council discussed the Lime e-scooter and e-bike ride program. Council is overall in favor of continuing this program, confirming that it provides transportation to and from the light rail stations and to destinations within Shoreline and is a benefit to riders.

Councilmembers made suggestions for resolving some of the issues, included lowering the speed on e-scooters which staff said is possible, education about safety and appropriate parking, enforcement of regulations, and increasing bike lanes. Staff will consider these suggestions and will return to Council in 2027 with improvements to the program based on Council responses. 

Mayor Robertson closed the discussion, encouraging proper ridership in Shoreline and asking staff how can this program work better?

--Kathleen Russell

Read more...

Shoreline staff report: Scooter and Bike Share Pilot Program

Designated parking zone at Aurora Village
Photo by Claudia Meadows (not part of the staff presentation)

Discussion of Scooter and Bike Share Pilot Program

October 5, 2026 Shoreline City Council Meeting

Presented by: Alan Budde, Senior Transportation Planner

Kendra Dedinsky, Transportation Manager

Background

Policy Direction

• 2022/2024: Broader Climate Action Plan & Transportation Element policy direction
• June 2024: Adoption of Ordinance No. 1011 – Enabling Operation of Scooter / Bikeshare Vending
• August 2024: Implementation of Two-Year Pilot (August 2024-August 2026)
• August 2026: Pilot Extension to February 2027 to evaluate full 2 years of data and analyze impacts

Background – History

• Micromobility - shared scooters and bikes for individual use - first/last mile connection to transit
• Started as docked systems, now dockless GPS-enabled e-scooters and e-bikes are more common and economically viable

Regional Context

• Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Bothell and Woodinville have bike and scooter share programs

Background - Devices and Fleet

400 e-devices at launch, including at least 50 e-bikes

Approximately 800 e-devices in circulation during peak times (limit 1000)

Types:

• Standing e-scooters
• Seated e-scooters ("gliders")
• Seated e-bikes

Lime maintains vehicles and responds to complaints, using contractors for deployment, rebalancing and battery charging

Background - Operations

GEOFENCING

Virtual boundaries that trigger automated actions

No-riding zones: parks, institutional campuses

• Devices slowly power down until the rider leaves the zone

No-parking zones have been added during the pilot to protect pedestrian access

Slow can be implemented

PARKING MANAGEMENT

Riders photograph the parked device to end a ride

• Imperfect; doesn't prevent all improper parking

Lime must resolve improperly parked devices within 4 hours of notice

• Lime met Seattle’s response time 95% of the time

Repeated violations can lead to account termination

Background - Regulations

Generally applicable to all users of electric device

SMC 10.07.040

• Prohibited on streets posted above 35 mph, except in a designated bike lane
• Prohibited on sidewalks not designated as multipurpose paths

SMC 10.07.050

• No one under 13 may operate a motorized device on city streets

Helmet laws discussed with Council in May 2024 – no helmet regulations were implemented.

Speed limits are different for personal devices (generally higher) and depend on location of ride

Discussion - Ridership

July 2026: 24,059 rides

8/25-7/26: 162,537 rides

20.4% of trips by income-qualified Lime Access users

High ridership locations

• Interurban Trail/Aurora Corridor
• Shoreline Community College
• Shoreline South and North
• North City and Ballinger neighborhoods

Discussion – Community Feedback

March 2026 Engage Shoreline Survey

• 383 respondents
• 27.4% reported having used scooter and bike share vehicles

Main reasons for riding: convenience, then access to transit

Non-users' top reason: personal safety concerns

Top concern overall: bad parking or abandoned vehicles, then rider safety

7% of respondents: unreliable access to vehicle 

Impact Evaluation

• Cost: low impact, revenue neutral.
• Safety: in Shoreline, no increase in serious and fatal crashes since pilot started operating. Recognition that lower helmet use significantly increases risk.
• Accessibility: improper device parking remains a challenge.
• Transit Connection: devices provide important first/last mile connection to transit.
• Parking Supply: devices decrease the demand on parking supply; especially important around light rail stations.
• Environment: in the last year, Lime estimates more than 80,000 kg of CO2 emissions avoided.
• Economic Value: devices result in travel time savings, potentially allowing some to forgo car travel/reliance.
• Community Sentiment: roughly neutral, skewed slightly negative

Improvement Strategies

• Install more dedicated corrals
• Faster response to improper parking
• Use of geofencing to create slow zones and more no parking zones
• Modest increase in City revenue share to fund additional compliance checks by staff

Resource/Budgetary Implications

Limited Budgetary Impact

• Revenue shared with the City based on fleet size and ridership
• Pilot Year One General Revenue - $12,865
• Pilot Year Two General Revenue - $ 30,750

Recommendation

Staff is recommending continuation of the scooter and bike share program and is seeking Council feedback on this direction.

Read more...

The Nutcracker - Olympic Ballet Theatre

Olympic Ballet Theatre "The Nutcracker"
Into Dust Photography

Celebrate the holiday season with Olympic Ballet Theatre’s beloved production of The Nutcracker, returning December 11–22, 2026, in Everett and Edmonds!

Choreographed by OBT Artistic Directors Oleg Gorboulev and Mara Vinson, this classic production features Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, beautiful sets and costumes, and sets designed by Jeanne Franz, Phillip Lineau, and Ruth Gilmore.

Watch the The Nutcracker Trailer!

Edmonds Center for the Arts

410 4th Ave N, Edmonds, WA 98020

(425) 275-9595

Tickets: $31–$63

• Thursday, December 17 at 10:30 AM — Abridged matinee*
• Friday, December 18 at 10:30 AM — Abridged matinee*
• Friday, December 18 at 7 PM
• Saturday, December 19 at 2 PM
• Saturday, December 19 at 7 PM
• Sunday, December 20 at 5 PM
• Monday, December 21 at 1 PM
• Monday, December 21 at 5 PM
• Tuesday, December 22 at 1 PM

*Abridged matinees are designed for school and community groups. Group reservations are available through Olympic Ballet Theatre.

Everett Performing Arts Center - managed by Village Theatre

2710 Wetmore Avenue, Everett, WA 98201

(425) 392-2202

Tickets: $30–$50

• Friday, December 11 at 10:30 AM — Abridged matinee*
• Saturday, December 12 at 2 PM
• Saturday, December 12 at 7 PM
• Sunday, December 13 at 1 PM
• Sunday, December 13 at 5 PM

Event website

For tickets and additional information, visit olympicballet.org

Read more...

The Northshore Green Careers Expo October 28, 2026 in Kenmore

The Northshore Green Careers Expo

October 28, 2026 from 3-6pm

Kenmore City Hall 

18120 68th Ave NE, Kenmore, WA 98028

Calling all job seekers, students, and career shifters interested in launching or advancing a career in the green economy! 

Jointly hosted by the Cities of Kenmore, Bothell, and Lake Forest Park, the Northshore Green Careers Expo brings together employers, training providers, and organizations across the environmental and sustainability sectors. 

Alongside employer booths, attendees can access resume support, career coaching, and complimentary professional headshots. 

Join us at Kenmore City Hall on October 28th from 3–6pm for an informative afternoon designed to help you take the next step in your green career journey.

Read more...