Today's bouquet

All I see outside are fir cones - but Lee Lageschulte always finds the beautiful flowers.

She sent a variety but somehow the pink ones are pulling me in today.

This one reminds me of my childhood.

And here's a variety.

The photos were all taken by Lee Lageschulte in Shoreline. Comments by Diane Hettrick

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Senior Property Tax Exemption Info Session July 6, 2026 at Senior Activity Center

Photo courtesy Windermere Mercer Island

Senior Property Tax Exemption Info Session

Are you a homeowner over the age of 61 or disabled with a maximum household income less than $84,000?

If so, you qualify for the SENIOR PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION! 

Join the King County Assessor's Office for this info session on eligibility requirements, the application process, benefit levels, and more.

• WHEN: July 6, 2026 from 1:00 - 2:00pm
• COST: FREE
• LOCATION: Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center, 18560 1st Ave NE
• REGISTRATION: Call or visit the senior center (206) 365 1536

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Seated Fitness and Balance with Novella starts July 1, 2026 at the Senior Activity Center

NEW CLASS! Seated Fitness and Balance with Novella- A seated exercise class for all levels. A low-impact, instructor-led workout performed entirely or primarily while sitting in a chair. 

It is designed to build strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. We will also work on balance. 

Equipment: hand weights and ankle weights will be provided. Join me for an hour of exercising and having fun

• WHEN: Wednesdays from 2:30 - 3:30pm, starting July 1
• COST: Members $25/month – Nonmembers $50/ month
• LOCATION: Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center, 18560 1st Ave NE
• REGISTRATION: Call or visit the senior center (206) 365 1536

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Summer food: Sun Bucks

Your child could be eligible for SUN Bucks!

SUN Bucks provides families with $120 per eligible child during the summer.

Visit FreeSummerMeals.org to check your eligibility and learn how to apply.

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Seattle Seafair 4th of July at GasWorks Park

Spectators at Gasworks Park

Seattle Seafair 4th of July

You can view Seattle fireworks from three different locations around Lake Union

GasWorks Park at the north end of the lake has both free entry for seating on the hillside and reserved seats in bleachers which cost. Either way you need to reserve a ticket. 

Lake Union Park at the south end of the lake also has a choice of free and reserved seating.

Both venues will have food trucks and a beer garden.

The third venue is a cruise around the lake - sold out already.

Here's the website for more information and tickets.

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Seattle Mayor endorses opponent of Rep. Gerry Pollet in 46th district of northeast Seattle

Washington state capitol in Olympia

By Bill Lucia

Washington State Standard

The democratic socialist mayor of Seattle on Saturday night endorsed opponents running to the left of two longtime Democratic state legislators who represent the city, including the party’s top lawmaker in the Senate.

Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen said Mayor Katie Wilson told him during a meeting she requested yesterday that she would endorse Hannah Sabio-Howell, the progressive activist challenging Pedersen in Seattle’s 43rd Legislative District. Pedersen said he’d asked Wilson last fall for her endorsement, but she’d demurred.

Rep. Gerry Pollet said Wilson told him in a phone call on Saturday morning that she planned to endorse one of his primary opponents, Ron Davis, for the House seat in the 46th District, which includes much of north Seattle east of Aurora Avenue. Pollet has held the seat since 2011.

“It’s just astonishing to me,” Pollet said Saturday. “I have worked hard to support the city’s agenda, including since she became mayor.”

Wilson confirmed the endorsements in an emailed statement late Saturday.

With the endorsements, the first-term mayor of the state’s biggest city is spurning two veteran Seattle legislators — including one of the most powerful lawmakers in Olympia — while backing a pair of political newcomers who are more firmly in her camp on the party’s left flank.

“There is strong pressure for elected officials to endorse fellow incumbents. It’s a way of maintaining relationships, part of the quid pro quo of governing. I understand this, but it’s not the way I want to do politics,” Wilson said in the statement.

“We’re at an inflection point in our city and our region. Voters are feeling a warranted frustration with the status quo,” she added.

Her endorsements come after Zohran Mamdani, the democratic socialist mayor of New York City supported a slate of successful congressional candidates in New York primary races this week. They ran on progressive economic policies and opposition to U.S. support for Israel, and their wins rattled centrists in the party nationwide heading toward this year’s midterms.

Pedersen didn’t rule out the idea that the dynamics in New York are reflected here.

“I think there are people who want it to be a comparison,” he said. “Who aspire for us to be divided in that same way.”

Pedersen, who was elected to the Legislature in 2006 and has served as Senate majority leader since late 2024, was a main architect of the state’s new income tax on high earners. He said Saturday that he’d hoped Wilson would devote her political energy this year to defeating an expected ballot measure aimed at overturning the income tax.

“It’s a little disappointing that she’s instead doing this,” Pedersen said.

Pollet, who has a reputation as a key liaison between Seattle municipal government and Olympia, said Wilson indicated that her decision was driven not by his policy positions, but by the mayor’s ties to Davis. 

Davis helped lead efforts to create a campaign fundraising operation that supported Wilson’s mayoral run last year, raking in around $442,000.

“She acknowledged that I’ve been a leader in support of the city,” Pollet added, recounting his phone call with Wilson. The message, he heard: legislators who work with the city “can be thrown overboard if the mayor has a personal relationship with someone else.”

Pollet pointed to frustrations among constituents in his district with the mayor, specifically related to gun violence and sex trafficking around Aurora Avenue.

He said he’d recommended to residents in that area that they block off streets themselves (which they did with planters) following shootings in the corridor. He told them this would likely spur the city to take action to address the crime issues. Earlier this month, Wilson moved to close some streets in the area.

“They’re not happy with her,” Pollet said.

Both Pedersen and Pollet questioned how much of a difference Wilson’s endorsement will make as Washington’s Aug. 4 primary election approaches.

In Pollet’s race, both he and Davis trail a third contender in fundraising. Will Dreher, also a Democrat, has raised around $257,000. Pollet has about $165,000 socked away, and Davis has raised around $135,000. Because it’s a three-way race, it’s possible Pollet could get knocked out in the primary stage.

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Wildfires increase across the state - Shoreline Fire is deployed

Shoreline firefighters are helping at Lyle Hill on the Columbia River gorge

By Diane Hettrick

Wildfires are generally fought by local fire departments. When they are too big, too fast, or in difficult terrains, local departments can ask for help from the state fire marshal.

I reported on the first wildfire - the Snake River fire in Whitman County on 6-12-2025. Since then the state has been involved in fighting eleven fires. It's early in the year for wildfires and it doesn't augur well for the real fire season this summer.

A recent fire - the Hamilton Fire in Okanogan County, threatened the town of Winthrop. Residents were advised to evacuate to Twisp, down the road. This is the first time I recall a population center being evacuated. They are back home now.

6-29-2025 Lyle Hill - Klickitat County

6-28-2025 Hamilton - Okanogan County - Winthrop evacuated

6-26-2025 Petersen - Klickitat County
6-24-2025 Black Rock - Grant County
6-23-2025 Wagon Wheel - Benton County
6-22-2025 Garred Road - Grant County
6-16-2025 Upriver - Spokane County
6-16-2025 Tucannon - Columbia County
6-14-2025 OIE - Benton County
6-14-2025 Highway 730 - Walla Walla County
6-12-2025 Snake River - Whitman County

Our recent drizzly weather is very fortunate as it added some rain to the ground. This is particularly important with the 4th of July coming up. Fireworks are illegal everywhere around us but there are always people who buy and use them anyway - and they often start fires.

You might start looking at and around your property now, to see what is vulnerable to fire.

Shoreline Fire advises that "Wildland fires can spread rapidly, especially during warm, dry conditions. As we head into the summer season, everyone can do their part by using extra caution with outdoor activities that could spark a fire."

Shoreline Fire has crews deployed to assist with both the Lyle Hill Fire in Klickitat County and the Hamilton Fire in Winthrop. Their roles include coordinating air drops, as well as helping to protect towns and surrounding areas from the fire. High winds are contributing to the spread of both these fires.

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Jobs: WSDOT Maintenance Mechanic 3

WSDOT

Maintenance Mechanic 3
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$74,492 – $86,374 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently seeking a Maintenance Mechanic 3 to support the preventative and corrective maintenance programs within the Northwest Region Facilities Department. In this role, the successful candidate will perform skilled and semi-skilled work in a variety of trades, including mechanical and electrical repairs, building retrofits, and facility maintenance activities. 

This position is responsible for coordinating materials acquisition, maintaining required documentation, and ensuring job safety within assigned work parameters. The Maintenance Mechanic 3 plays a critical role in sustaining safe, efficient, and reliable facilities that support WSDOT’s mission of providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options for Washington communities and businesses.

See link for more information, including details on how to apply: LINK

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AG Brown blocks Trump administration’s election power grab

A U.S. District Court judge has blocked President Trump’s unlawful Executive Order that tried to interfere with states’ constitutional authority to administer elections. 

The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by 23 attorneys general and one governor and co-led by Attorney General Nick Brown that challenged the administration’s attempt to restrict voting to individuals on lists pre-authorized by the federal government and voting-by-mail to lists maintained by the U.S. Postal Service. 

The ruling is a major victory for election integrity, the states’ rights to administer elections, and people’s right to vote via the U.S. Mail.

“The President’s attempt to seize control of our elections by selectively refusing to deliver mail-in ballots was unconstitutional and dangerous­—and the court was right to strike it down,” said Brown.

“We will continue to defend the right of eligible Washington voters to participate in our democracy.”

On March 31, 2026, President Trump signed an Executive Order purporting to develop lists of eligible voters in each state and directing the U.S. Postal Service, an independent federal agency, to develop its own such list and transmit mail ballots only for those on the list. 

The Executive Order also threatened states and elections officials with criminal prosecution and the loss of federal funding if they do not comply with his demands.

In their lawsuit challenging the unlawful Executive Order, the States argued that the Order would require them to act contrary to their own election laws, voter roll procedures, and vote-by-mail systems. 

The U.S. Constitution gives states the authority to administer elections, not the President. The States also argued that Trump’s executive order would not have allowed sufficient time to upend election administration procedures before the November election, leaving voters confused and in doubt of the security of state election systems.

The court’s decision declares key sections of the March 2026 executive order unconstitutional and blocked the Trump Administration from implementing or enforcing the provisions for the November general election.

The judge said the Administration is prohibited from doing anything to take control states’ voter rolls and is barred from investigating state election systems based on the unconstitutional provisions in the executive order.

The order also bars the Postal Service from “refusing to transmit mail-in or absentee ballots from voters registered in Plaintiff States to elections officials in Plaintiff States.” 

The ruling came just one day after Postmaster General David Steiner testified at a Senate hearing that under a proposed rule the Postal Service will not deliver mail-in ballots in any state that refused to turn its voter rolls over to the Trump Administration but reaffirmed the Postal Service follow court orders governing voting by mail.

In addition to Brown, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, and Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford lead the lawsuit. Joining them are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and the Governor of Pennsylvania.

Read the order.

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Scene on the Sound: Noctiluca scintillans

Photo by Bill Schnall

This pink or reddish orange algae bloom occurs intermittently over the warmer months caused by Noctiluca scintillans — a harmless single cell organism totally unrelated to the more worrisome red tide.

--Bill Schnall

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Financial literacy for teens - online class July 1, 2026 from 7-8pm

ShoreLake Arts and BECU present a financial literacy webinar Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 7 - 8pm for teens and their parents.

This week, July 1 at 7pm is a webinar for tweens, teens, and the adults who care for them to be better financially educated as our youth sell their first pieces of art, start their first jobs, leave the nest.

ShoreLake Arts has partnered with Ballinger BECU because we know the credit card offers, fraud, and scams that await can trick even the most savvy into bad circumstances.

The event is free and open to all interested. It's a webinar, so one sided communication, however, we will monitor the chat for questions.

What to expect:

• Understand the fundamentals of building credit
• Protect from the targeted practices of credit card companies
• Tips to protect from financial scams with the latest fraud prevention techniques and cybersecurity best practices

So, grab something to take notes and dial in at the start of the meeting. No pre-registration required, no class size limit. 

"We're doing all we can to make this easy for all."

Questions? info@shorelakearts.org

Link to webinar

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July 8, 2026 at Third Place Books: Elena Taylor

The latest chapter in local author Elena Taylor's Sheriff Bet Rivers saga follows the female sheriff of a small Washington town as she races against time to solve a murder at the local carnival. 

Award-winning mystery and thriller author Robert Dugoni joins in conversation.

​
📅 Wednesday July 8, 2026 at 7pm
📍 Third Place Books Lake Forest Park​

Town Center, intersection Bothell and Ballinger Way NE

RSVP Here

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Another Zombie flip house - this one in Kenmore

The yard clean up was partially done

Inside the preservation of a severely mold-damaged home in Kenmore's Arrowhead Point neighborhood

A Kenmore home that was nearly torn down is the subject of Episode 8 of Million Dollar Zombie Flips Season 2, which aired Saturday, June 27, 2026 on A&E, and the transformation is one of the most dramatic of the season.

The home is in the Arrowhead Point neighborhood at 15505 62nd Pl NE, Kenmore, WA 98028.

The home was purchased sight unseen, originally brought to James Dainard as a teardown opportunity.

James, host of Million Dollar Zombie Flips, chose to save it: "Once I saw it, I knew I wanted to save it. Most people would've torn it down, but I saw the potential."

Mold damage was throughout the house

Once utilities were restored, the scale of the damage became clear: a broken copper pipe inside the kitchen wall had caused a massive leak, and the home had sat vacant for six to nine months, long enough for mold to spread throughout the entire structure. 

Walls covered with mold

The team gutted the house to its framing, replaced rotten wood, and fully treated and primed the structure before any rebuild could begin.

The house was one of the most dramatic of the season.

Beyond the mold, the layout itself was one of the hardest puzzles the team has faced. Rooflines cut into the upstairs floor plan, and rooms felt chopped up. 

James and his team redesigned it from two bedrooms and an office into a true three-bedroom, two-bath home with a formal ensuite. 

They also preserved the home's original Northwest contemporary window schedule, spending an additional $15,000 on windows to maintain the original design proportions.

To address the lack of usable outdoor space, they invested nearly $40,000 in landscaping and tree limbing.

This opened up the views over Lake Washington and created a functional yard.

This was a meaningful upgrade in Kenmore's Arrowhead Point neighborhood, where the mix of renovated mid-century and Northwest contemporary homes makes outdoor living and views a big part of the appeal.

Photos courtesy Million Dollar Flip

See previous Zombie Flip house

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Porch Solar, Plug-in Solar, Balcony Solar

Plug in solar panel

By Sarah Phillips

The news is full of the rising cost of electricity. The Seattle Times reported on June 18, 2026 that Seattle City Light anticipates rate increases of 9.5 percent for each of the next three years.

Are there any solutions on the horizon?

Maybe, although it is not legal in Washington, several states including Utah and New York are allowing individuals to purchase plug-in solar, also called porch solar or balcony solar.

Three names for the same thing. 

Plug-in solar is an innovation in the solar industry. These units cost between S500-1000, can be purchased at stores like IKEA or Home Depot, and generate solar power for your home. 

The solar panel itself is a small unit that generates a direct current (DC). An inverter converts DC to alternating current (AC), which goes into your house or apartment’s electrical system through a standard wall socket.

The panels are portable

Plug-In solar is being used in Germany. In the last three years over 1 million installations have occurred. 

It is surprisingly simple. Utah and New York have recently passed legislation to allow Plug-in Solar. As of now, Washington state does not allow these units.

The energy from these small units do not fully replace all your energy costs. They are however a low-cost clean energy and they can be used in outage prone areas like Lake Forest Park when the plug-in solar is connected to a battery. 

Because they are portable, they can be moved from one home or apartment to another. Power to the People: How 'Balcony Solar' Could Help Fight Rising Utility Costs

The research suggested that the payback period is about 5 years. The payback period depends on several factors:

• the cost of electricity
• the cost of the initial unit

Can they be purchased in Washington state? Not yet. What needs to happen is similar from state to state.

1. Define a new class of small solar systems, distinguishing plug-in solar from the larger rooftop arrays that existing rules were designed for.
2. Exempt small systems from utility interconnection requirements and approvals, eliminating permitting delays and expensive interconnection fees.
3. Require product safety certifications, protecting both consumers and utility workers.

View YouTube video showing simple installation

Plug-In solar on display

Interested in seeing one of these units for yourself? The LFP Climate Hub and Third Act will be showing off one of these units at the July 19 Farmers Market. Drop by to see how it works.

Photo used with permission BrightSaver

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Shoreline / Seattle: Overnight concrete panel replacement, crack sealing work continues along I-5 during overnight hours

Photo courtesy WSDOT

Overnight lane and ramp closures along I-5 in Seattle resume Saturday night, June 27, 2026 for ongoing work on a regional pavement repair project.

I-5 lane and ramp closure details:

• The I-5 express lanes will close early at 9:30pm Saturday, June 27.

The following closures are planned from as early as 9pm Saturday, June 27 and Monday, June 29 and will reopen at 5am the next morning:

• Southbound I-5 on-ramp from NE 130th St.
• Up to four lanes of southbound I-5 between NE 155th St and Northgate Way.

The following closures are planned from as early as 9pm to 5am nightly Monday, June 29, through Wednesday morning, July 1:

• Up to three lanes of northbound I-5 between Lake City Way and Northgate Way.
• Northbound I-5 off-ramp to Northgate Way.

The following closure is planned from as early as 9pm to 5am nightly Tuesday, June 30, through Thursday morning, July 2:

• Up to four lanes of northbound I-5 between the Ship Canal Bridge and NE 175th St.

The following closures are planned from as early as 9pm Thursday, July 2 to 5am Friday, July 3:

• Up to three lanes of northbound I-5 between NE 50th St and Ship Canal Bridge.
• The northbound I-5 on-ramp from King County Metro Bus Barn.
• The southbound I-5 on-ramp from NE 175th St.
• Up to three lanes of southbound I-5 between NE 145th St and NE 185th St.
• Up to two lanes of southbound I-5 between Lake City Way and NE 45th St.

This regional pavement repair project will improve the driving surface in more than 70 locations in King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties.

As part of this project, contractor crews are replacing 89 concrete panels along the I-5 corridor in Seattle and Shoreline.

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KENMORE: Plan ahead for overnight lane closures on SR 522 this week

Bus Rapid Transit work in Kenmore
Photo courtesy Sound Transit

Sound Transit crews will close the two right lanes of eastbound SR 522 and two right lanes of westbound SR 522 at 68th Ave NE, 61st Ave NE, and 73rd Ave NE from 6pm to 6am nightly from Monday, June 29 through the morning of Friday, July 3, 2026. 

The work is to support the ongoing Bus Rapid Transit Line in Kenmore.

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Lake Forest Park: Paving complete on 35th Ave NE but more work to be done

Paving complete but more work to come

The contractor completed preliminary paving on 35th Ave NE Thursday afternoon and reopened the road at about 5pm.

This marks an important milestone for the SR 104/Lyon Creek fish passage project.

But there is still more work to be done in this area. Over the next 10 days, crews will continue working on 35th Ave NE and NE 185th St before shifting to SR 104/Ballinger Way NE. This tentative schedule depends on favorable weather and site conditions.

What to expect

NE 185th Street

• NE 185th Street will close at Lyon Creek from 11am to 5pm Monday, June 29, 2026 and from 7am to 5pm each day Tuesday, June 30, through Thursday, July 2.

35th Avenue NE

• At 11am. Monday, June 26, 35th Ave NE will close around the clock until Monday afternoon, July 6.
• This closure will allow crews to complete jackhammering work around sewer covers. Getting this noisy work done during ongoing daytime sewer work on NE 185th St means we will not have to do it overnight later this summer.

SR 104/Ballinger Way NE

• SR 104/Ballinger Way NE will close from 7am to 5pm daily starting Tuesday, July 7, between NE 195th St and 35th Ave NE.
• Local access will be permitted between NE 195th St and Lyon Creek.
• Signed detours will be in place.
• This closure date is dependent on weather and site conditions and may change.

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MOHAI Explores the History and Meaning of The Stars & Stripes in a New Exhibit

Joe Rantz 1936 Olympics Flag, courtesy MOHAI

MOHAI Explores the History and Meaning of The Stars & Stripes

 in a New Exhibit opening July 3, 2026

"For Which It Stands: The Many Threads of the American Flag" 

SEATTLE — The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) will present an inspiring and thought-provoking exhibit just in time for Independence Day – and running through Nov. 15.

For Which It Stands: The Many Threads of the American Flag examines the evolving meaning of the American flag through art, artifacts, historic photos and personal stories. The exhibit opens July 3rd to coincide with the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration, and it asks MOHAI visitors to reflect on how the flag has served as a symbol, and what it has meant in different moments throughout American history and in their own lives.

Through historic flags and imagery from MOHAI Collections, alongside contributions from community partners, visitors will see how people have used the flag to express themselves in moments of unity, protest, conflict, and change.

“Throughout history and modern-day America, the flag has continually evoked feelings, pride, debate and reflection,” said MOHAI Executive Director Leonard Garfield. “With this exhibit we hope visitors will consider what the flag has represented, what it means today, and what it means for future generations.”

The exhibit includes a wide range of flags and flag-related material, including a WWII burial flag from a Japanese American soldier who served in the 442nd Infantry Regiment, a flag that was found in the wreckage of the 2014 Oso landslide and a flag carried by the “Boys in the Boat” at the 1936 Olympic Games, among others.

The exhibit offers opportunities for engagement as well. Visitors are invited to honor fallen service members, write their own “Pledge of Allegiance,” and weave their own threads into a collective artwork created by a local fiber artist.

The exhibit goes on display at MOHAI during a landmark summer of America250 programming. At the end of July MOHAI will also open the Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation, making the museum a premier regional destination for America250 programming.

The exhibit is part of MOHAI’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue about the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the nation and the Pacific Northwest.

For Which It Stands: The Many Threads of the American Flag exhibit is included in the cost of admission. More information about this exhibit, other public programming and MOHAI membership can be found at, www.mohai.org. MOHAI is located in Lake Union Park 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

MOHAI is dedicated to enriching lives through preserving, sharing, and teaching the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region, and the nation. As the largest private heritage organization in the State of Washington, the museum engages communities through interactive exhibits, online resources, and award-winning public and youth education programs. 

For more information about MOHAI, please visit mohai.org, or call (206) 324-1126. Facebook: Facebook.com/SeattleHistory Twitter: @MOHAI.

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Travels with Charlie: Log Boom Greeter Dog

Story and photos by Gordon Snyder

Charlie and I headed to Log Boom Park for some Lake Washington fresh air. Charlie sniffs as we walk along to the pier.

Once there, He seems to always know Dog People…. And he never bothers the fishers.

Great! more new Friends. Hello, I'm Charlie...

Next???

Another bonus from our walks... Seeing Charlie giving a moment to Dog Folks out enjoying the day.

Cheers,
Gordon Snyder

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ArtSplash 2026: Edmonds Summer Art Show July 18-19, 2026

ArtSplash 2026: Edmonds Summer Art Show

Runs July 18 & 19, 2026 from 10am – 5pm
At 2nd and Dayton Streets in Edmonds

Edmonds, WA, June 2026 – Celebrating the excitement of live local art, the Edmonds-Based Artists-Connect group is holding its annual ArtSplash show and sale on Saturday and Sunday, July 18th & 19th. 

ArtSplash runs from 10am to 5pm each day at the Artworks building at 200 Dayton Street in downtown Edmonds, WA. Located two blocks from the Edmonds Ferry terminal, the free show is a great destination event this summer and parking is free.

ArtSplash 2026 features twenty local artists. Artwork for sale includes original oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, and mixed media paintings of landscapes and abstract themes, art prints, undersea and nature photography, one-of-a-kind jewelry, collages, and art cards.

This is a great opportunity to come out and support local artists who are key to the vitality of our community. The Edmonds Artists-Connect group is recognized for nurturing a wide range of arts and ability levels through monthly presentations on technique and diverse approaches to involvement in the arts. For over half of the participating artists, this will be the first tine they have shown and sold their art in person.

According to Makaylaa Powers, event organizer and show artist, ARTSplash is part of Edmond’s creative heart. “It is an opportunity for people to come together in appreciation of inspired talent and beauty. And this show is linked to other important organizations.” 

Each ARTSplash artist will auction a piece of art with proceeds supporting the Edmonds Art Festival Foundation’s (EAFF) educational programs. In addition, a portion of each regular sales goes to the Edmond’s Art Festival’s support of ArtWorks – The ARTSplash venue in downtown Edmonds. 

Artists-Connect Edmonds is a no-fee art group that meets the 4th Saturday of each month from 10am to 12pm, at ArtWorks.

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Arts in the Garden with ShoreLake Arts July 9, 2026

Join ShoreLake Arts on 2nd Thursdays this summer at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden from 5:30 - 6:30pm (July 9, Aug 6) for Arts in the Garden!

Each date is a different nature themed project. Free and all-ages

Creativity and nature come together once again through a partnership with Laura James at ShoreLake Arts and Kruckeberg Botanic Garden. 

These free, family-friendly workshops invite visitors of all ages to gather inspiration from the garden and create something uniquely their own.

Featuring button making, watercolor painting, and more. Free workshops!

Kruckeberg Botanic Garden 20312 15th Ave NW, Shoreline, WA 98177

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King County: Jail bookings decline 26% in the first year after people move into housing

Clover Place at 4905 Aurora Ave N is part of the Downtown Emergency Service Center housing initiative. Photo courtesy SMR Architects.

New King County data from the Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS) shows jail bookings declined nearly 27% in the first year after people moved into housing and continued to fall over time, reaching a 37.6% reduction within three years. 

An analysis of 5,371 residents between 2021 and 2025 found that 81% of residents with a recent jail booking experienced a reduction after entering housing, with declines observed across all racial and ethnic groups included in the analysis.

The findings are a new addition to the Health Through Housing dashboard, which provides key outcomes to support transparency and ongoing learning about the initiative. 

While all other dashboard metrics focus solely on Health Through Housing residents and locations, the jail bookings data draws from all adult-serving supportive housing programs across King County. 

The findings underscore what providers and residents consistently report: stability in housing can interrupt cycles of homelessness and repeated involvement with the criminal-legal system while creating pathways to long-term stability.

"Breaking the cycle of homelessness starts with providing housing," said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay.

"Every person deserves the stability of a safe place to call home. This data shows that when people have a stable place to live, they're less likely to cycle through our jail system. That's better for individuals, better for the broader community, and a reminder that housing is one of the most effective investments we can make."

This latest data release comes after last year’s findings showed stable and dignified housing with services supported improved health outcomes for Health Through Housing’s residents.

"The data confirms what residents, providers, and communities experience every day: housing creates the stability people need to move forward," said Dr. Susan McLaughlin, DCHS Director.

"Many people enter supportive housing after years of navigating homelessness, health challenges, and repeated crises. When people have a safe place to live and access to support, they are better able to focus on their health, reconnect with their communities, and build a more stable future."

King County continues to invest in strategies that address the root causes of homelessness and create pathways to long-term stability for residents across the region.

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Pups on Parade - the best dog party ever July 11, 2026 at Cromwell Park

This event is put on by Old Dog Haven and they basically aim to make it the best dog party ever! There will be over 50 vendors as well as another field with just fun stuff for the dogs! 

There will be lick art, paw art, Zoltar, a kissing booth, a photo booth, a pawlm reader & a character artist!

It is at Cromwell Park in Shoreline on July 11, 2026 from 10am to 3pm! 18030 Meridian Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
All leashed dogs are welcome. They don’t have to be old!

A full schedule of events during the day

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Free meals for kids at The Y - and for all ages at Ronald Café and PoPY's Café

Summer Meals are Back at The YMCA

Monday - Friday 12:00pm to 1:00pm free meals for kids are served in the Dale Turner YMCA lobby from June 22 - August 21, 2026. 

Dale Turner YMCA 19290 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133

Thank you to our food partner Hunger Intervention Program for all you do to nourish our community.

The Y also sponsors all ages meals at Ronald Café on Thursday

• Hot, sit-down meals with take-out options 
• When: Thursdays, 5:30–6:30pm (or earlier if meals run out) 
• Where: Ronald United Methodist Church, 17839 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline

As well as hot take out meals from PoPY's Café on Wednesday

• Hot, takeaway meals only
• When: Wednesdays, 5:00–6:00pm (or earlier if meals run out)
• Where: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 14514 20th Ave NE, Shoreline

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Master Gardeners: The Lessons of Patience

By Marie Kurka-Brown

In the realm of gardening, patience is not merely a virtue; it is a fundamental lesson that unfolds over time. Each seed planted in the rich soil is a promise of potential, requiring nurturing and care to blossom into its true form. 

Just as in life, we often find ourselves eager for immediate results, yet the garden teaches us that growth is a gradual process, one that cannot be rushed. The quiet moments spent tending to plants become an invitation to reflect on our own journeys and the importance of allowing time to work its magic.

Photo by Marie Kurka-Brown

As we cultivate our gardens, we learn to embrace the cycles of nature. The changing seasons remind us that everything has its time: spring brings new beginnings, while autumn invites us to reap the fruits of our labor. 

This cyclical rhythm encourages us to slow down and appreciate the present moment, fostering a sense of mindfulness. 

In doing so, we discover that patience not only enriches our gardening experience but also nourishes our souls, helping us to find peace amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Mindfulness practices in the garden further enhance our understanding of patience. By engaging fully in the act of gardening, we cultivate a deeper connection with the earth and ourselves. 

Whether it's the simple act of watering or the meditative practice of pruning, these moments of awareness allow us to center our thoughts and feelings. 

They teach us that patience is not just about waiting but being present and attentive to the processes around us, celebrating each small victory along the way.

 
Sustainable gardening embodies the essence of patience, as it requires a commitment to nurturing the earth for future generations. Implementing eco-friendly practices may take longer to yield results, but the rewards are profound. 

As we witness the flourishing of our gardens, we realize that sustainable methods not only benefit our plants but also contribute to our mental wellbeing. 

This holistic approach helps us appreciate the interconnectedness of all living things and reinforces the value of patience in nurturing both our gardens and our lives.

 

Photo by Marie Kurka-Brown

Lastly, the culinary herb garden serves as a beautiful metaphor for the lessons of patience. Each herb, from basil to rosemary, requires time to grow and develop its unique flavors. 

As we wait for these plants to mature, we learn to savor the anticipation of using them in our cooking. 

The act of harvesting becomes a celebration of patience, transforming our meals into experiences that nourish not only our bodies but also our spirits. 

Through this journey, we discover that the essence of gardening lies in the lessons we learn along the way, ultimately guiding us towards a more fulfilling and mindful existence.

 
Understanding the Cycle of Life

 
Understanding the cycle of life is fundamental for anyone engaged in gardening or seeking a deeper connection with the world around them. Each season brings distinct changes, not only to the garden but also to our lives. 

As gardeners, we learn that growth is not a linear process; it is filled with ebbs and flows, much like the seasons that govern our planting and harvesting. Embracing this cycle allows us to appreciate beauty in both our successes and our failures, nurturing a mindset that values resilience and adaptability.

 
The act of planting seeds is symbolic of new beginnings, and waiting for them to sprout embodies patience and hope. Just as we tend to our seedlings, we must also nurture our own dreams and aspirations. 

This parallel teaches us that growth requires care, attention, and time. By observing the transformations in our gardens, we can reflect on our personal journeys, recognizing that each phase has its purpose, whether it be the excitement of budding growth or the solemnity of a dormant winter.

Photo credit: Pixel

Mindfulness practices in the garden can enhance our understanding of life cycles. By immersing ourselves in the present moment, we learn to observe the subtle shifts that occur with each passing day. 

The gentle rustle of leaves, the vibrant colors of blooming flowers, and the quiet rhythm of nature serve as reminders that life unfolds at its own pace. 

This awareness enables us to cultivate gratitude and acceptance, enriching our souls as we connect with the earth around us.

 
Sustainable gardening is not just about growing food; it is about nurturing our mental wellbeing through a harmonious relationship with nature. 

By choosing to cultivate our gardens in eco-friendly ways, we honor the interconnectedness of all living things. 

This relationship teaches us to respect the cycles of life, from composting kitchen scraps to creating habitats for local wildlife. 

Engaging in sustainable practices allows us to contribute positively to the environment while fostering a sense of peace and purpose in our own lives. 

Until next time, may your hands stay busy, your heart stay soft, and your feet carry you somewhere beautiful.

Marie Kurka-Brown, WSU Extension Master Gardener, Class of 2020, Foundation Director Member elected 2025 

Help Support King County Master Gardener Donate Support WSU King County Extension | King County | Washington State University

To learn more about becoming a Master Gardener How to Become WSU Master Gardener MG Home | King County | Washington State University

To learn more about the Japanese Beetle Spread the Word Japanese Beetle | Washington State Department of Agriculture

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Lake Forest Park residents invited to serve on Pro and Con Committees for Public Safety Levy Lid Lift

The City of Lake Forest Park invites residents to serve on the “Pro” and “Con” committees that will write the official statements in favor of and against a proposed six-year Public Safety Levy Lid Lift. 

The City Council approved placing a six year levy lid lift proposition on the November 3, 2026, general-election ballot. For a current draft of the proposal, please refer to the resolution 26-2084 found here: June 25, 2026 Regular Meeting Packet.

Under RCW 29A.32.280, each committee may have up to three voting members and any number of non-voting advisors; all members must be registered voters living in Lake Forest Park. 

If appointed, members will collaborate to draft a 200-word statement supporting or opposing the levy and may later prepare a 75-word rebuttal after reviewing the opposing side’s submission. King County Elections deadlines require the final statements to be submitted no later than August 14, 2026.

Residents interested in participating should email City Clerk Matt McLean at mmclean@cityoflfp.gov by 5:00pm on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Please include your name, residential address, phone number, and indicate whether you want to serve on the Pro or Con committee. The City Council will appoint committee members at its meeting on Thursday, July 23, 2026, and their names will be sent to King County Elections by August 4, 2026.

For additional information, contact Matt McLean at mmclean@cityoflfp.gov or 206-368-5440. Thank you for helping provide Lake Forest Park voters with balanced and informative perspectives on this important public-safety measure.

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145th Street Corridor Project is complete

Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

After more than a decade of planning, partnership, and construction, the 145th Street Corridor Project is complete, and the new double-lane roundabouts at the I-5 and NE 145th Street interchanges are now open!

Rock art in the roundabouts
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

This milestone marks the substantial completion of one of Shoreline's largest transportation projects. The improvements along this stretch of 145th make this area safer and easier for everyone to travel through, whether that be by driving, walking, biking, taking the bus, or connecting to the light rail.

Generous sidewalks on 145th
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

The project includes:

New sidewalks, shared-use paths, and ADA-accessible crossings
Improved bicycle connections across I-5
Better access to the Shoreline South/148th light rail station and transit
Streetscape and utility improvements
Shoreline's first-ever double-lane roundabouts, designed to improve traffic flow and reduce serious collisions

Double-lane roundabouts
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

We’d like to extend a huge “thank you” to our community for your continued patience and understanding throughout construction and to the many agency and utility partners who helped bring this transformational project to life.

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