Travels with Charlie: Getting Close to Perfection

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Photo by Gordon Snyder

Who doesn’t like Cherry Tomatoes? Especially picked off the vine; while they are still sunshine warm; and popped into your mouth. Unique!

Charlie and I just wandering outside, I spotted these.

Thank You Summer for one of your Tasty Presents.

Cheers,
Gordon Snyder


Read more...

ShoreLake Arts Battle of the Bands 2026 August 22, 2026


ShoreLake Arts Battle of the Bands 2026 is almost here! We will have seven rockin' band finalists playing for a chance to win!

Bands:
  • A Long Driveway
  • Alter Expressions
  • Deft Lips
  • The Elephant Room
  • Psydela
  • Straight to Video
  • Washington Creative District
This event is FREE and open to all. There will be food trucks and also a beer garden for our 21+ guests.

Thanks so much to our sponsors & partners:
Come on out and celebrate local live music with us on Saturday, August 22! Performances start at 5pm, park gates open at 4pm.



Read more...

Shoreline Rotary Club’s August 19 hybrid meeting to hear from two community-minded leaders whose work connects the Pacific Northwest with the world

Moussa Sarr & Leoma James-Sarr.j
What happens when community service, education, and international connections come together? 

Join us for the Shoreline Rotary Club’s August 19, 2026 hybrid meeting to hear from Moussa Sarr and Leoma James-Sarr, two community-minded leaders whose work connects the Pacific Northwest with communities and opportunities around the world.

Moussa and Leoma are known for their community involvement, education initiatives, and professional work linking local and international communities. 

At our August 19 meeting, they will introduce us to the work of Harambee House Global and share stories from its international projects in Tanzania, Namibia, and Senegal.

Their presentation offers an opportunity to learn more about how people and organizations can build meaningful connections across borders—and how education, collaboration, and service can contribute to stronger communities both locally and internationally. These themes reflect Rotary’s commitment to community and international service and to advancing international understanding, goodwill, and peace.

Please join us Wednesday, August 19, and bring your curiosity! You can participate either in person or via Zoom.

In person:
Online:
  • Join us by Zoom for this hybrid club meeting. link
  • Or, you can enter the following Meeting ID and you will be asked to enter the Passcode.
  • Meeting ID: 896 9854 5411
  • Passcode: 255516
Come hear Moussa and Leoma share their experiences and learn more about Harambee House Global’s work in Tanzania, Namibia, and Senegal. 

We look forward to seeing you—whether in the room or on screen!


Read more...

City of Shoreline: Roundabouts 101

The City of Shoreline says:

This week, we’re focusing on roundabout education. Let’s start with the basics.

Shoreline’s first multi-lane roundabouts are now open at NE 145th Street and I-5. They might look a bit different from the single-lane roundabouts you know, but the main rules still apply.

As you approach a roundabout:
  • Slow down to 15–25 mph.
  • Follow signs and pavement markings to choose the correct lane.
  • Watch for people crossing.
  • Yield to traffic already circulating in the roundabout.
Once you’re inside, keep moving, stay in your lane, and use your turn signal when you exit.

We’ll share more tips this week to help you use Shoreline’s roundabouts safely and with confidence.


Read more...

Polaris Tickets Available Now for event to support combination of North Helpline and Hunger Intervention Program


We are excited to come together on Sunday, September 27th for the annual Polaris Benefit!

This year's Polaris will be a celebration of the combination of North Helpline and Hunger Intervention Program, along with introductions of our Co-Executive Directors, Darcy Buendia and Srijan Chakraborty, and the vision for North Seattle Food Connection (NSFC).

Join us on Sunday, September 27th at noon at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture for a Garden Party themed luncheon Polaris event. Together, we'll raise funds for a better future for all of our neighbors and make sure everyone in our community has a roof over their head and a meal on their plate.

Head on over to the event website to purchase individual tickets and table reservations


Read more...

Briarcrest Neighborhood picnic August 22, 2026

 


Briarcrest neighbors

We’d love to see you at the Briarcrest annual summer picnic on Saturday August 22, 3:30 to 6:00pm. We’ll have snacks, drinks, quesadillas, and ice-cream. Please bring a side dish or a dessert to share if you can. 

Most importantly, do come and meet your neighbors, and learn about the work the neighborhood association is doing. We will have kid activities including a cake walk.

If you’re available and interested, we’re also looking for volunteers to help set up and break down, starting from 2:30pm or staying until 6:30pm.

Hamlin Park map

Find us in the Hamlin Park picnic shelter. From 15th Ave NE, come in the main park road, park at the sports field, and look for us right there. From 25th Ave NE, the parking lot is closed for construction of the new park area (woo!) but you can walk in either north of the parking area or south from the high school lot.


Read more...

Backpack drive for Shoreline Schools students in need


Shoreline PTA Council 6.12 and Shoreline Public Schools Foundation are collecting backpacks for the coming school year, which begins on September 1, 2026. 

You can purchase from their wishlist on Amazon and have them sent directly to the Shoreline Center.

There are many families that need some assistance with back to school expenses. Please help out if you can. 



Read more...

Hang Time after school program for Kellogg and Einstein middle school students


Shoreline School District starts classes on September 1 for most students. Kindergarten starts on September 4 and Preschool on September 8, 2026.

Hang Time is an after-school program filled with games, crafts, snacks, and more for middle school students at Einstein and Kellogg.

Whether you want to play some games, join a group challenge, or chill with your friends, Hang Time is the perfect spot!

Register here
  • Hang Time runs Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday.
  • Starts right after school (including early release) and ends at 4:45pm.
  • Activity bus Available after Hang Time.
  • Hang Time is FREE but youth MUST be registered BEFORE attending
  • Registration OPENS online AUGUST 18th at 8am!
  • Contact for Kellogg Hang Time: hspevacek@shorelinewa.gov
  • Contact for Einstein Hang Time: aelliott@shorelinewa.gov

Read more...

Steve Schneider to sign his photography book of Rock musicians August 20, 2026


Steve Schneider will be signing his book The First Three Songs, Rock and Roll at 125th of a Second during the Ridgecrest Art walk inside the Ridgecrest Books on August 20, 2026 from 5-8pm.

Spanning five decades, 'The First Three Songs is a one-of-a-kind 220-page coffee table book featuring over 350 live concert photos taken by PNW photographer Steve Schneider. Many never seen before. 

Some musicians featured are 20 Grateful Dead shows, Neil Young, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Tom Petty, Santana, Jeff Beck and The Rolling Stones.

Features:
  • Case-Bound Hardcover Book 9x12" with landscape orientation
  • Hand signed by Steve
  • High quality acid-free matte paper
  • Spot varnished on the photos to make them stand out


Read more...

Free haircuts for kids K-12 at Evergreen Beauty College

Apologies!: The most recent article picked up information from a previous year. This is the 2026 event.

Mark your calendars for our FREE Back-to-School event!

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 1pm to 5pm.
  • FREE Haircuts for students (K–12)
  • FREE Mini-Manicures for students (K–12)
  • FREE Mini-Facials for students (K-12)
Services offered on a first come first serve basis

This is the perfect way to get the kids ready for school — all while supporting the talented future professionals at Evergreen Beauty College! 

All services are provided by students under the supervision of a licensed professional.

Evergreen Beauty College – North Seattle Campus
18336 Aurora Ave N #103, Shoreline, WA 98133

Wednesday, August 19th from 1pm – 5pm
No appointments needed!
All are welcome – bring your friends, family, and neighbors!

Let’s kick off the school year with the students feeling their best. See you there!


Read more...

Outbuilding structure fire in Shoreline Monday

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Around 3am Monday morning, August 17, 2026, Shoreline Fire was dispatched to a detached garage fire in the 1800 block of NE 171st St in Shoreline. 

The fire was approximately 20 feet from a residence.

Units arrived on scene at 2:46am to find the structure well involved, with multiple large cedar trees also on fire. Crews quickly extinguished the fire by 2:54am, and prevented it from spreading to nearby structures.

There were no injuries to firefighters or residents.

The cause is undetermined.


Read more...

A Welcome Third Place Books Homecoming for AJ Whittier on Tuesday August 18, 2026

Monday, August 17, 2026


When Amy Whittenburg stepped away from her long-held position as Executive Director of Third Place Commons just over two years ago, it was to start a new life as a full-time author. A big dream and an even bigger mountain to climb to achieve it.

Tuesday night, she returns to Lake Forest Park for her second author event at Third Place Books. Writing as AJ Whittier, she’s just released her third novel, Uncrossing the Stars, which she will be discussing and reading from at the event.

As AJ, she is the author of two previous novels, Always Never Meant To Be: A Love Story and The God in 3B, the first two standalone books in the Magical Seattle Series. As an author, AJ says she’s committed to bringing light, love, and magic to a dark world.

AJ also loves highlighting all the beauty of Seattle and the PNW region. Every book is filled with real Seattle locations, some you’ll know and love, and some that might just send you on an adventure to discover them firsthand.


Indeed, in a review so good that was featured in their magazine, Kirkus Reviews wrote of her first book Always Never Meant To Be, “As the duo scouts movie locations, traveling from popular tourist haunts like Pike’s (sic) Place Market to lesser-known scenic parks, the author creates a love letter to Seattle, such that readers might find themselves planning a trip.”

Of her latest, Uncrossing the Stars, they write, “The novel’s highlight is its cast of characters—especially Sarah, whose complexity as she decides to pursue what she truly wants in the face of overwhelming grief is rewarding to explore. The mystical kismet elements give the love story an ethereal feeling.”

Head to Third Place Books on Tuesday night to see what all the fuss is about. The event takes place in the Den on Tuesday, August 18th at 7 PM. It’s free, but registration is requested for planning purposes. 

Read more...

Celebrate Shoreline crowds appreciate what Shoreline has to offer


By Diane Hettrick
Photos by RJ Perna

Celebrate Shoreline, celebrating the birthday of the city, took place for appreciative crowds on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Cromwell Park in central Shoreline.


Tidy rows of canopies sheltered offerings of information of what the city has to offer. The city showcased its projects. Emergency management promoted Readiness. 


Police and fire were there with vehicles and people to show them off.


Activities for the kids included giant inflatable slides, bouncy houses, and pony rides. A more sedate activity for the adults was the corn hole toss from Town & Country Market.


The Family Stage started the day with The Reptile Man, teaching and entertaining with a collection of reptiles, including an 8 foot long corn snake.




Popular events on the side included face painting and making bubbles.


The Pied Piper must have been at the music stage because these children were clearly hypnotized!


Meanwhile, these children volunteered for the PR crew, holding the new Shoreline is My Neighborhood bags and a 2026 sign. Never too young to start.


So Folks, that's all for this year. Plan for next year at this time and we'll see you then!


Read more...

Work progressing on Ballinger Way roundabout


As promised, work began on the 40th Pl NE & Ballinger Way / SR 104 roundabout on August 3, 2026. 

As of August 16, the trees have been cleared on the corners.


The center island has been removed and the orange vinyl fencing installed.

The roundabout is a project of the City of Lake Forest Park. This new roundabout will include a single-lane roundabout, new sidewalks, shared-use pathways, four pedestrian crossings with refuge islands, and improved street lighting.

Next week the contractors will begin work on the water mains.

-Photos by David Carlos


Read more...

King County’s Energize program expands to help in-home childcare providers and adult family homes with energy-efficient heat pumps

Heat pump installation. Photo courtesy King County

King County’s Energize program is helping families, in-home childcare providers, adult family homes, and community spaces switch to clean energy and reduce energy costs by installing efficient electric heat pumps for heating and cooling that protect human health and the environment.

The program has expanded with new grant funding and includes qualifying homes and businesses in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties, bringing energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to the Central Puget Sound region.

Executive Girmay Zahilay said “These upgrades will also lower energy bills, improving affordability while also promoting resilience to the impacts of extreme weather. As our region continues to experience hotter summers and colder winters, the Energize program shows King County’s commitment to meeting our climate goals while improving the health, wellbeing, and livability of our communities.”

Energize began in 2023 as a modest residential decarbonization pilot program in the White Center and Skyway communities to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce utility bills for community members, and help prepare homes for the impacts of climate change through added cooling.

Read more...

Business Spotlight: A Different Kind of Hearing Care: Harmony Audiology Puts People, Connection & Choice First


Local Spotlight brought to you by Kate Ledbetter,
 DestinationShoreline.com
 
A Different Kind of Hearing Care: Harmony Audiology Puts People, Connection & Choice First
 
Hearing healthcare is about more than what happens during a hearing test, it can shape communication, relationships, confidence, and quality of life. Newly opened in neighboring Mountlake Terrace, Harmony Audiology is reimagining the experience with a people-first approach centered on compassion, inclusivity, patient autonomy, and evidence-based care. From hearing loss and tinnitus to specialized support for musicians, Deaf and neurodivergent individuals, the owner-operated practice is creating a place where patients feel heard before they're ever tested.
 
Q & A with Harmony Audiology
 
Q: How long have you been in business?
A: We're brand new to the community! We soft-launched clinical care in July 2026 and are celebrating our Grand Opening the week of August 17-21. Our ribbon cutting ceremony is Friday, August 21st at 10:00 AM. General public welcome to enjoy tours and refreshments at that time. (Registration requested.)
 
Q: What inspired you to start your business?
A: Harmony Audiology was founded out of a deep desire to reimagine what hearing healthcare can—and should—look like. After years of working in traditional clinical settings, our founders saw a need for a practice that goes beyond the basics: one that centers compassion, gold standard practices, inclusivity, and patient autonomy at every level of care.
 
We created Harmony Audiology to fill the gaps often left by conventional models—by offering culturally competent services for Deaf and neurodivergent individuals, protective and restorative care for musicians, and emotionally supportive guidance for those living with tinnitus or age-related hearing loss. We believe that everyone deserves access to meaningful, respectful, and personalized care—regardless of background, communication style, or socioeconomic status.
 
Our mission is to create a space where patients feel heard before they are tested, where treatment is collaborative, and where hearing health is a gateway to deeper connection, confidence, and quality of life.
 
Q: What service does your business provide for our community?
A: Professional evaluation and management of challenges with communication and quality of life related to hearing loss, tinnitus and other conditions of the auditory system.
 
Q: What has been your proudest moment in business so far?
A: It's hard to name one proudest moment! As we approach our Grand Opening, there are so many moments of realizing how far we've come and how much we've accomplished. For one, it has felt really affirming to welcome longtime patients of ours from all over the greater Seattle area into our own clinic space.
 
Q: How do you approach customer service, and what sets you apart?
A: We believe hearing healthcare should be centered on people, and we are weary of its commodification.
 
Individuals and families navigating hearing and communication challenges deserve (1) an accurate assessment, (2) clear and transparent communication about results, recommendations, alternatives, and expected outcomes, and (3) respect and support for the decisions they make.
 
Our model is designed to put these principles first. Because our services are not driven by sales incentives, our focus can remain where it belongs: on understanding each patient’s needs, providing thoughtful and unbiased recommendations, and helping individuals and families make informed decisions that are right for them.
 
We believe this approach creates a more trusted, personalized experience, and ultimately better supports the people we have the privilege to serve.
 
Q: How does your business support or give back to the local community?
A: Individuals needing our services who are experiencing significant financial hardship or other access barriers may be eligible for low-cost or no-cost evaluation services and consultations, and are invited to inquire about financial support from our local and state partners or from our internally-funded program for free or reduced-cost hearing assistive technology (i.e., hearing aids, accessories, AAC, etc.)
 
Q: What future plans or goals do you have for your business?
A: We seek to grow more deeply embedded in the local community. We have no intention to expand beyond the capacity of our owner-operator team and single office. We seek to sustain our modest lives in this beautiful neck of the woods, and to invest capital directly back into the local communities that sustain us. Service to others is at the heart of every material and moral decision we make.
 
Q: What’s your next upcoming event?
A: Harmony Audiology Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - August 21st @ 10:00 AM - 21907 64th Ave W, Suite 100, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Connect with Harmony Audiology
 
Harmony Audiology
21907 64th Ave W, Suite 100
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
206-880-7333
www.HarmonyAuD.com
tyler.ellis@harmonyaud.com
Facebook: Harmony Audiology


Read more...

Monster Mini Golf coming to Mountlake Terrace

Once CompUSA, then Gene Juarez, now the future home of
Monster Mini Golf
Photo by David Carlos

Coming soon to the Gateway Place business district in Mountlake Terrace: Monster Mini Golf, a glow-in-the-dark indoor family entertainment center.

According to the company’s website, the Mountlake Terrace location will feature:
  • 18-hole glow-in-the-dark miniature golf
  • Arcade games
  • Mini bowling
  • Laser tag
  • Party and event rooms
The website lists a summer 2026 opening.

The approximately 15,000-square-foot space was previously home to the Gene Juarez Academy North Campus, which operated there from 2013 until 2022 before relocating to Federal Way.

Before Gene Juarez, the space was occupied by CompUSA from about 1994 to 2007.

After years of computers and cosmetology, the space is now taking a swing in a whole new direction. And if all goes according to par, Monster Mini Golf should be teeing off soon.

More information here


Read more...

Wallingford Avenue Block Party August 30, 2026


Wallingford Avenue Block Party
Sunday, August 30, 3-6pm
Wallingford Avenue between 150th - 155th
Next to Parkwood Elementary

Join Urbanist Shoreline and Parkwood Neighbors for an end-of-summer block party! 

Parkwood neighbors will be closing down Wallingford Avenue next to Parkwood Elementary School to hang out with friends and neighbors, play games, and eat ice cream.

Join in for a Family/Cargo Bike Rodeo! 

If you have an interesting electric or non-electric family bike or cargo bike and want to show it off, or are interested in checking out other people's family bike setups, come on down! 

You can also come meet Meryl Sweep, the new Bike Lane Sweeper.



Read more...

ICE arrest at Ballinger McDonalds

Photo by KH

This is from a forwarded message.

"ICE Gestapo showed up at a McDonald's in Shoreline, WA and demanded a worker be released to them because of a warrant, but they couldn't show a warrant so they weren't allowed behind the counter. So they arrested a random customer instead." - Saturday, August 15, 2026

Is there anyone who can confirm or deny this story, or add to it?

Diane Hettrick


Read more...

Sears demolition continues

Sunday, August 16, 2026

By Diane Hettrick
Photos by David Carlos

Piles of rubble surround the Sears building in Shoreline Place as the gutting of the interior continues.


Crews are doing a professional job, cleaning up as they go.


I was told a long time ago that the underground spaces went all the way back to the extension wing which has the blue fronts in the photo. But it's a little shocking to see how huge the building actually is. I wonder what they did will all that extra space.

Shoreline Fire used the lower level to train firefighters to fight fires in confined spaces.


The building in the back is the Washington State Department of Transportation.

The extension in the front of the photo was the auto shop. The entry door on the other side led into a lower level where I remember a photo studio. I also remember a wall with a locked door just beyond it. Employees frequently went into the area beyond the door. Tire sales were near the entrance and I believe the retail section on the other side had clothing. But it was nowhere as big as the size of the building would indicate.


I'm realizing now that I spent very little time shopping here. I have been in the main retail level on the top floor, using the entrance near the corner near Town & Country. And I have spent some time in the area accessed from the back, usually deserted parking lot. I had no idea there was anything but solid earth underneath. Those two sections of the store probably connected but I never checked it out.


I wonder what they will do with all the chunks of concrete? They are bristling with rebar so not useful for building retaining walls.

It will be interesting to see the building plans.


Read more...

Scene Over the Sound: Air India test flight

Test flight before delivery to Air India
Photo by Jan Hansen

The Central Puget Sound corridor was treated to a fly-over from an Air India VT‑AWD, a Boeing 777‑300ER running a test flight before delivery.

Air India Boeing 777‑300ER
Photo by Jan Hansen

The photos show a clean underside, gear doors sealed, flaps neutral, engines spooling evenly.


Read more...

Call to Artists: Richmond Beach Orca Replacement

One of the original orca statues in Richmond Beach

The Richmond Beach community within Shoreline, WA is looking for local artists to embellish the next generation of Orca sculptures within our neighborhood. 

The Richmond Beach Orcas are portable sculptural three-dimensional objects made of ASA polymer. The orcas are seasonally mounted on poles in set locations in parks and public rights-of-way in Richmond Beach.

Originally, 22 orcas were built, decorated and installed in 2017. Since then, the number of Orcas has been reduced slightly due to theft, vandalism, and general wear-and-tear. 

The Richmond Beach Community Association Board has authorized a process to begin retiring and replacing the current orcas. 

New Orca bodies are being built using polymers and a 3D printing process. The RBCA Board is now issuing a call for artists to submit entries to embellish this next generation of orcas. 

Up to ten artists will be selected with an $800 honorarium provided to each artist selected. 

The application window is now open and will close on September 30, 2026. 

An Orca body will be distributed to each artist selected. The completion date for the project will be in early 2027. 

Interested artists should go to the following website to learn more about the project and to submit their application. Questions? Email georgedbuswell@gmail.com


Read more...

Amazon Agrees to $2.25 Million Settlement and Injunction to Resolve Alleged Violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department announced today that a federal court has entered a stipulated order against Amazon.com Inc., in a case investigated and referred to the Department by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). 

The order resolves allegations that Amazon violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and it requires Amazon to pay a $2.25 million civil penalty and follow practices that protect consumers whose identities have been stolen.

In a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the government alleged that Amazon violated FCRA by failing to provide identity theft victims with requested records of transactions involving people believed to have fraudulently used those victims’ identification, and by failing to provide those records within 30 days of a request. 

The court’s stipulated order resolving the case imposes a $2.25 million civil penalty and requires Amazon to provide its records of transactions alleged to have been the result of identity theft to victims who request them, free of charge within 30 days of the request, subject to verification of the victim’s identity and claim of identity theft. 

Amazon must also post a notice to its website informing identity theft victims of how they can request those records.

“Consumers whose identities have been stolen should not face unnecessary red tape when they investigate how their identities were misused and seek to clear their names,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.
“The Justice Department will continue working with the Federal Trade Commission to protect identity theft victims.”


Read more...

Family Day is Coming to the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market Sunday August 23, 2026


  Family Day is Coming to the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market!

  Sunday, August 23, from 10am – 2pm

Bring the whole family for a day filled with fresh local food, live music, and fun for all ages!

🎶 Live Music

  • 10–11:45 a.m. | Mosquito Fleet – Enjoy an energetic blend of bluegrass, old-time, and Americana, bringing timeless traditions to life with a fresh, modern sound.
  • 12–2 p.m. | Mariah Fraser – A local favorite, Mariah delights audiences of all ages with fun ukulele covers and interactive music.

 

🌟 Family Fun Includes:


🫧 Bubble Station &  Bouncy House

🎨 Face painting

🚗 Zucchini Races – Build, decorate, and race your own zucchini car!

🖍️ Coloring activities & giveaways

🚛 Explore a real City of Lake Forest Park big rig!

 


And while you're here, shop the very best of the season from our local farmers, enjoy delicious prepared foods, sweet treats, artisan goods, beautiful flowers, and so much more.

Celebrate summer, community, and the joy of spending time together at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market. See you there!

Presented in partnership with the City of Lake Forest Park and with generous support from 4Culture.

The Lake Forest Park Farmers Market is a program of Third Place Commons, a community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Market takes place every Sunday (May-October), 10-2, and is located in the parking lot at the Town Center at Lake Forest Park, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155.


Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP