Shoreline Area News

Lakeside School student selected as one of five finalists in Doodle for Google contest

Friday, April 17, 2026

Artwork by Lakeside student Kameirah Johnson

Lakeside School (14050 1st Ave NE, Seattle WA 98125) 12th-grade student Kameirah Johnson has been selected as one of five finalists this year from tens of thousands of submissions nationwide.

The Doodle for Google contest invited K-12 students to interpret the theme, “My superpower is…” through original artwork.

Kameirah’s submission reflects identity, culture, and legacy:

“My superpower is my hair and the family history it carries. Each texture and style holds culture, care, and survival passed down without words. Lying in the grass, our crowns rest without weakening. This kinky hair refuses conformity; it makes us different. Shaped by our lineage, our hair is undeniably beautiful.”

As part of this new approach, Kameirah’s artwork (alongside the other finalists) will appear on the Google homepage on April 28, 2026.

She will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship, a Chromebook, and a hometown celebration.

The public is welcome to vote for their favorite artwork from April 16–29, with the winner announced on May 12. If Seattle rallies behind Kameirah in the public vote, she could win a $55,000 total scholarship and a $50,000 technology package for her school.

Now in its 17th year, Doodle for Google celebrates student creativity across the country. This year’s judging panel includes NBA All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo and 2025 National Teacher of the Year Ashlie Crosson. Learn more about this year’s finalists and the selection process here.

Lake Forest Park Garden Club to hear from Nita-Jo Rountree on May 12, 2026

Nita-Jo Rountree

Lake Forest Park Garden Club

May 12, 2006 9:30am

Third Place Commons LFP Town Center

intersection Bothell & Ballinger Way NE

Speaker: Nita-Jo Rountree
Topic: Perfect Plant Combos for Every Garden

Have you ever put a few plants together and been disappointed by the results?

Do you yearn for a garden that looks like a magazine photo?

Nita-Jo will share her rules of garden design to help you easily combine planting in borders and containers to get the best results.

She will illustrate outstanding examples of acclaimed gardens to provide ideas and inspiration for your own garden.

We hope that you will be able to join us for this interesting and informative presentation.

Mother’s Day Plant Sale at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden's MsK Nursery – May 7-10, 2026

Celebrate Mom with Fresh Blooms and Greenery

The season of renewal is here, and there's no better time to breathe new life into your garden. MsK Nursery is excited to announce its Mother’s Day Plant Sale, happening Friday – Sunday, May 7-10, 2026. Visit us to find PNW natives, plants from the garden’s collection, and rare and unusual species.

Members Pre-Sale: Thursday, May 7, 2026
As a special perk, all active members are invited to an exclusive Pre-Sale event on Thursday, May 7th, 2026, from 4:00pm – 7:00pm, where members will receive a 15% discount on all plants and garden items. It's the perfect opportunity to get a jumpstart on your spring planting before the crowds.

Event Details:

Members Pre-Sale: Thursday, May 7th, 2026, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm (15% off for active members)
Mother’s Day Plant Sale: Saturday, May 8th - Sunday, May 10th, 2026 10am - 5pm

Location: Kruckeberg Botanic Garden - 20312 15th Avenue NW, Shoreline

Don’t miss out on the chance to refresh your garden with beautiful new plants, walk around the beautiful scenery with Mom, and enjoy the exclusive benefits of being a member.

For more information about the Mother’s Day Plant Sale or membership, visit http://www.kruckeberg.org and follow us on Facebook.

The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation stewards the City-owned Kruckeberg Botanic Garden in partnership with the City of Shoreline, ensuring this four-acre public garden remains a place of conservation, education, and community connection.

Jobs: WSDOT IT System Administrator – Senior/Specialist

WSDOT

IT System Administrator – Senior/Specialist
Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$97,398 – $130,989 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking an IT Systems Administrator (Senior/Specialist) to support the Northwest Region Traffic Management Center (NWR TMC) and Tunnel Fire and Life Safety networks by administering, maintaining, and enhancing critical systems and network infrastructure in alignment with agency technology and security standards.

In this role, you will apply advanced technical knowledge to sustain daily operations, modernize infrastructure, and implement strategies to mitigate risks and vulnerabilities across servers, networks, cloud resources, and data systems, while promoting security best practices and ensuring reliable 24/7 functionality of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and IT/OT environments.

The role includes leading system upgrades, remediation efforts, and problem analysis, managing system inventory and lifecycle activities, coordinating with internal partners, and providing consultation on ITS design to ensure compatibility, security, and long-term sustainability.

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

Jobs: WSDOT Hydraulics Design Final Reviewer (TE4)

WSDOT

Hydraulics Design Final Reviewer (TE4)

Shoreline, WA – Northwest Region
$87,048 – $117,120 Annually

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Headquarters Hydraulics Design Final Reviewer to support the State Hydraulics Office in delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation solutions while advancing the agency’s values of safety, innovation, leadership, and sustainability.

This position will lead the development, analysis, and implementation of stormwater and hydraulic policies, including guidance from the WSDOT Hydraulics Manual and WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual, and provide expert hydraulic design, review, analysis, and documentation to ensure compliance with federal, state, and agency environmental regulations.

The Headquarters Hydraulics Design Final Reviewer will collaborate with region hydraulics staff and project engineering offices statewide, supports infrastructure design aligned with natural processes to reduce long-term risk and environmental impacts, and delivers training on stormwater and drainage design topics.

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

Driftwood Players production of Agatha Christie’s The Mysterious Affair at Styles opens May 15, 2026

Agatha Christie’s The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Adapted for the stage by Kate Danley

Edmonds Driftwood Players is excited to announce our upcoming production of Agatha Christie’s The Mysterious Affair at Styles, adapted by local playwright and author, Kate Danley, playing at the Wade James Theatre May 15-June 7, 2026.

Edmonds Driftwood Players is a volunteer-based nonprofit community theatre that is proud to have been entertaining audiences in the Pacific Northwest since 1958, making EDP one of the oldest operating community theatres in Washington State. As we celebrate our final mainstage production of our 67th Season in Edmonds, we would like to thank the community for their continued support of local theatre.

This faithful, new adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel The Mysterious Affair at Styles introduces audiences to the first mystery of Hercule Poirot. The year is 1916 and, injured in WWI, Hastings finds himself convalescing at the manor of his old friend, John Cavendish.

But when John’s mother is poisoned in the middle of the night, everyone becomes a suspect. The only person who can solve the crime is none other than the famed Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. Agatha Christie’s gifts of misdirection are on full display as red herrings, twists, and turns lead the audience on a dizzying journey to find out whodunnit.

This production features the acting talents of:

Duncan Thorvilson (Lieutenant Hastings)
Seamus C. Smith (John Cavendish)
Amit Rosenberg (Alfred Inglethorp)
Else Buckley (Lawrence Cavendish)
Jayton Newbury (Dr. Bauerstein)
Chris Ensweiler (Hercule Poirot)
Braden King (Detective James Japp)
Nicola Amos (Miss Evie Howard)
Carol Wieltschnig (Mrs. Emily Inglethorp)
Maleah Muriekes (Mary Cavendish)
Nina McKinstry (Dorcas)
Lia Verdeja (Cynthia Murdoch)
Nicholas Yi (Male Role Understudy)
Amy Beck (Female Role Understudy)

The creative/production team includes:

Katie Soulé (Managing Director/Producer)
Bryar Freed-Golden (Director)
Atlyss Larsen (Stage Manager)
Rex Goulding (Set Designer/Build Coordinator)
Diane Johnston (Costume Designer)
Gwyn Skone (Lighting Designer)
Nancy Johnson (Properties Designer & Set Dresser)
Matt Jorgensen (Sound Designer)
Kate Danley (Dialect Coach & Playwright)
Chantal Burns (Assistant Properties Designer)

WHEN: May 15-June 7, 2026 – Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. An additional 2pm matinee performance has been added on Saturday, 5/30. (16 total performances).

WHERE: Wade James Theatre, 950 Main Street, Edmonds.

TICKETS: $31 General Adults (ages 19-59); $28 Youth/Senior/Military. Available online at www.edmondsdriftwoodplayers.org or by phone at 425-774-9600. Discounted tickets for groups of 10+ people are also available.

We would like to thank our Show Sponsor Koenig Financial Group and Season Sponsors Rick Steves’ Europe and Humana for their support and commitment to the creative arts in Edmonds.

GoFundMe for Shorecrest senior selected for U.S. baseball team competing in Milan, Italy this summer

Elyas Rojas selected to play baseball in Italy this summer

Elyas Rojas has been given an incredible opportunity to represent the USA in Milan, Italy, this summer.

As a senior at Shorecrest High School, he has worked tirelessly to reach this point, playing baseball in the Seattle and Tri-Cities areas and earning a spot on the Exact All American Team, a distinction reserved for the top 2-3% of players nationwide.

This chance to compete internationally is a dream come true for him and a proud moment for his family and community.

However, this opportunity comes with significant financial challenges. Elyas is seeking support to help cover the costs of this trip, which will allow him to train with elite clubs and gain invaluable experience.

His family has created a GoFundMe page for financial contributions to help Elyas.

Your contribution, no matter the size, can make a real difference in helping him achieve his goals and continue his journey in baseball.

GoFundMe for Elyas Rojas

Beach House Greetings now open in Edmonds

Owner Jenni Wilson at her new store location in Edmonds

After being displaced by a major construction project at 4-Corners, Beach House Greetings has found a new home in Edmonds.

Their previous location in the shopping area located on Richmond Beach Rd at the junction of four Shoreline neighborhoods (Hillwood, Richmond Beach, Innis Arden, and Richmond Highlands) will be the site of the Acoya, a six story, 224 unit assisted living facility, (see previous story)

The new location for Beach House is 326 Main Street, Edmonds WA 98020 across from Salt & Iron Restaurant.

The shop hours are:

Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday noon - 4pm

Contact information:

Hardy Plant Society annual spring plant sale April 19, 2026

Photo courtesy Hardy Plant Society

Hardy Plant Society of Washington

Annual Spring Plant Sale

Sunday April 19, 2026

10am-2pm

UW Center for Urban Horticulture

3501 NE 41st St, Seattle WA 98105

There will be many varieties of hardy perennials, ground covers, and our favorites for shade and sun.

Many unique plants from our member's gardens at great prices!

Come early for the best selection.

Preliminary plant list here: in .pdf & in word file

Please bring a box to take your treasures home.

We accept Cash, Credit Cards, & Checks.

Shorecrest girls tennis vs Everett 4-16-2026

Girls varsity tennis

4-16-2026

Shorecrest 6 - Everett 1

Singles

Sophie Schmitz (S) v Lauren Desimone 6-3, 6-1 W
Zuma Vining (S) v Meagan McMains 6-0, 6-3 W
Lauren Kajimura (S) v Elizabeth Moiseyev 6-1, 6-0 W
Mia Halset (S) v Grace Regan-Bone 6-2, 6-4 W

Doubles

Walker Temme/Calla Rihnsmith (S) v Tegan Trefry/Alice Buchanan 5-7, 6-7(2) L
Sabina Schoeld/Thayer Katahara-Stewart (S) v Avery Hammer/Olivia McCullough 6-2, 6-2 W
Amari Skinner/Siena Muoio (S) v Lydia Hogan/Alice Nelson 6-2, 6-2 W

-Coach Rob Mann

Tulips

Thursday, April 16, 2026

My favorite Lee Lageschulte tulip photo from Mount Vernon.

WSP: Increasing interest in motorcycle riding means increasing risks for inexperienced riders

Motorcycles can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced riders. WSP advises new and prospective riders to get the safety training they need and to obey speed laws.

Olympia, Washington: Warmer weather often brings more motorcycles onto Washington roadways.

The state’s natural beauty and miles of scenic byways are enticements to those seeking the open road.

With the recent rise in gasoline prices, spring’s appeal may be even greater this year.

That’s why the Washington State Patrol (WSP) is getting an early start on next month’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness campaign.

WSP wants to remind all road users that motorcycles are not only a popular form of transportation for millions, but they can also unfortunately offer an increased level of danger for riders, especially those who are inexperienced and lack the skills, training, and equipment necessary to ride safely.

National statistics show the fatality rate for motorcyclists is up to 27 times higher than that of passenger car occupants. Motorcyclists account for 15% of all vehicular fatalities in our country despite motorcycles making up only 3.5% of the registered vehicles.

Like all vehicle types, speed is a common factor in motorcycle deaths. For comparison, speed was a factor in 33% of all motorcycle fatalities in the US in recent years, compared to 22% for passenger car fatalities.

Motorcycle clubs organize group rides. This group is at the start of the Tulip Ride

Younger, more inexperienced riders, are more likely to be involved in speeding incidents and are the most likely age group to be involved in fatality collisions. Riders ages 21–24 account for as much as 49% of the speed related fatalities nationwide.

WSP emphasizes that motorcycle safety is everyone’s responsibility. All drivers and riders must obey speed laws, stay attentive, and operate vehicles safely and soberly.

Drivers: Check blind spots and give motorcyclists ample space. Motorcycles have the same rights as any other vehicle on the road.
Riders: Avoid excessive speed and erratic maneuvers. Make yourself visible to surrounding traffic.
Family and friends: Encourage safe decision-making. Ensure inexperienced riders and drivers have proper training and equipment, and speak up if safety is a concern.

Always wear a helmet and protective gear.
Photo courtesy Keith McGlashan

The Washington State Patrol advises all motorcyclists to:

1. Always follow traffic laws.

2. Always obey the speed limit and adjust speed for road and traffic conditions.

3. Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear.

4. Complete rider safety education courses and maintain a valid motorcycle endorsement.

5. Always be alert to your surroundings, focused on safe movements, and ride defensively. Anticipate the mistakes of others. In a collision with a larger vehicle, you lose even if you were in the right.

6. NEVER ride impaired.

“Motorcycles lack some of the structural safety engineered into modern automobiles and depend more acutely on the rider’s skill, reflexes, and attention level,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste.

“The Washington State Patrol urges those thinking about starting to ride to get all the training you can, invest in all appropriate safety gear, and to always be keenly aware of your speed and surrounding traffic. We want everyone to get home safely, every time.”

Shorewood High School girls golf team earns victory Wednesday

(L-R) Ivy Ren, Julia Kang
Photo by Val Patrick

The Shorewood High School girls golf team earned a victory Wednesday hosting Shorecrest and Archbishop Murphy at Jackson Park Golf Course, continuing their season with a solid team performance.

Leading the way was Julia Kang, who claimed medalist honors with the lowest score of the match, while Ivy Ren scored her round to finish in second place overall. Their play powered Shoreline Girls to a well-deserved win.

It was a great showing for the entire team; Julia and Ivy set the tone through confidence, consistency, and composure on the course. Followed by Skylar and Anna. Congratulations to the Shorewood girls' team as they persevered during stormy weather at Jackson Park GC.

Shorewood (238) and Shorecrest (250) placed ahead of Archbishop Murphy, which came in third.

~ Coach Val Patrick

Garden Guy: New Garden Companions for 2026

By Bruce Bennett

Spring is here! This year, the season began on Friday, March 20, 2026 with the arrival of the Spring Equinox, an astronomical point on our calendars which marks the Northern Hemisphere transitioning more directly in line with the sun and its warmth.

(The Autumnal Equinox begins on September 22 and heralds the Northern Hemisphere’s move away from summer and toward winter yet again.)

Yet, it is in this late part of winter we begin to start thinking more about springtime as the seed and plant catalogs have arrived in your mailboxes, seed packet displays are in most stores and the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival has concluded for another year.

As a home gardener, one of the satisfying rituals of spring is finding new garden treasures; those plants that are making their debut in the retail marketplaces. They are generally sports or hybrids of plants that have been on the market for years, with the new ones having a different sense of style, color or size to them. Or, they can be new hybrids. Whether larger or smaller in size; darker, lighter or variegated leaves or larger flowers; etc., all have the ability to add something ‘extra’ to the humble part of your landscape that cries out to be noticed. A little dramatic? Perhaps.

But, you get the gist of what I’m saying. No part of a landscape needs to be boring. It is worth too much in the way of underutilized garden space, monetary value and in satisfying your aesthetic senses to be just ‘Okay.’ A new vignette may be just the thing to enliven the space and create a smile on your face on your face when gazing at the site.

Having served as a judge of new heat-tolerant plants and talked to many wholesale growers and nurseries, it appears there are many new plants which will be coming to retail local garden centers. When I review an assortment of new plants in the marketplace, my prime considerations include drought and heat tolerance (after root systems are established – think three years), low maintenance and, of course, presence in the garden.

This is a good year for new introductions as there are MANY new plants from which to choose. My candidates for your horticultural consideration include grasses, perennials, shrubs and trees (sorry folks, I have no interest in annuals). Seek them out.

If not available, ask for them. That’s when garden centers know there is a potential market for a new plant. Definitely, do your own research and evaluate their worthiness for that needy spot in your own yard or container.

While I do dislike writing a column which is more list than anything else, this is my very subjective list of 2026 new plant winners and runners-up (and, I am quite sure that, if you talked to ten other gardeners, would have ten different list) …….

BTW, an ‘x’ in the botanical name indicates it is a hybrid; a Nativar is a cultivated version of a native plant and not a hybrid.

Blackhawk. Courtesy of chicagobotanic.org

GRASSES

‘Black Hawks’ Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) 5’ x 2’, Sun, Nativar, Heat/Drought tolerant, Deer-resistant

Features green foliage which turns plum-black, excellent drought and heat tolerance (after the first three years) and a strong vertical look, Its near-black autumn color and strong, upright growth habit create a dramatic presence in fall gardens.

For a classic autumn display, consider pairing Blackhawks with companion plants like black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia spp.), tall stonecrops (Hylotelephium spp.) and asters (Symphyotrichum spp.). Their contrasting colors, textures and movements will complement the Blackhawks and provide a late-season WOW vignette in the landscape.

Runners-Up

‘Golden Needles’ Prairie Drop Seed (Sporobolus heterolepis), 2’ x 2’, Sun, Native
'October Sky' Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), 5’ x 2’, Sun, Native, Deer-Resistant
'Prairie Munchkin’ Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium ) 2’ x 2’, Sun, Native, Drought-tolerant,

Opal. Courtesy of chicagobotanicalgarden.org

PERENNIALS

‘Nova Opal’ Thread Leaf Tickseed (Coreopsis verticulata) , 12” x 18”, Nativar, Sun, Pollinator, Drought-Tolerant, Deer-resistant

Originating in the Central Plains the Southeast U.S., Opal is not the typical yellow tickseed. This one has shades of light pink. Gotta love a low and tight plant that flowers all summer and autumn (without deadheading). An excellent , low-maintenance, plant for mixed beds, borders, mass plantings and even containers. Can you imagine how they looked scattered throughout the prairies of earlier times in history?

Runners-Up

‘Sundial’ False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides), 4’ x 3’, Nativar, Part/Full Sun, Pollinator
‘Prairie Princess’ Ironweed (Veronia x), 2.5’ x 2.5, Nativar, Sun, Autumn bloomer, Rosey Pink flowers
‘Lemon Perfection’ Catmint (Napeta x), 12’ x 18” Sun, Native, Heat/Drought tolerant, Golden Foliage, Pollinator
‘Treasurer Trove’ Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia x), 3’ x 3’, Native, Part/Sun, Pollinator,
Iron Butterfly’ Iron Weed (Vernonia lettermannii), 3’ x 2’, Part/Full Sun, Native, Abundant purple flowers, Nativar, Pollinator, Deer Resistant
‘Granita’ Pussytoes (Antennaria dimorpha) 2” x 15”, Sun, Native, Silver-Green groundcover foliage
‘Ultra Violet’ Salvia (Salvia greggii), 3’ x 3’, Sun, Pollinator, Cold-hardy, Deer/Rabbit resistant

Cherry. Courtesy of landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu

Shrubs

‘Boulder Weeping’ Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila Besseyi), 4- x 6’, Sun, Native, Dwarf, Pollinator, Water-wise.

This drought and heat-tolerant sub-shrub is a ground-hugging native plant which can reach a mature spread of 6’ – 8’. Its low height, glossy green leaves, brilliant red autumn colors and low-water needs make it an excellent groundcover. Pollinators are drawn to the white spring flowers and the summer fruit will draw in the birds (and, yes, the fruit are fit for human consumption but better when cooked for jams, etc. Tolerates cold, heat, wind and drought.

Runners-Up

‘Silver Fountain” Butterfly Bush (Buddleia alternifolia), 10’ x 8’, Sun, Pollinator, fragrant flowers
‘Centennial Ruby’ Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophila), 3’ x 3’, Part/Sun, Pollinator, Ruby-Red Blooms
‘Fairy Tale Cascade Hydrangea (Hydrangea x), 4’ xc 4’, Part Shade, Pollinator, Horizontal-Trailing habit, White, Different look from typical hydrangeas
‘Let’s Dance Sky View Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla × serrata), 3’ x4’, Part/Sun, Pollinator, Pink-Blue-Purple depending on pH, Repeat Bloomer
‘Kodiack Jet Black’ Diervilla (Diervilla rivularis), 3’ x 4’, Part/Shade, Native, Drought tolerant, Pollinator, Deer resistant, Black-Purple Foliage, Repeat Bloomer

Cinnamon Curls. Courtesy of landscape plantsoregonstate.edu

TREES

‘Cinnamon Curls’ Dwarf Korean Birch Tree (Betula constata) 9’ x 9’, Sun, Dwarf, Cold-tolerant

This tree is compact and single stemmed. It has bright green foliage which transitions to a bright golden-yellow. Its exfoliating exterior has cinnamon-colored undersides of thin strips curling bark which is a focal point in the winter landscape.

A main selling attribute (at least to me) of this tree is that it has not been bothered by the tree-killing Bronze Birch Borer during its trials. Cinnamon Curls is excellent in limited spaces and even large containers. Cinnamon Curls is adapted to conditions of greater cold and higher pH soils where other Betula nigra cultivars do not perform well making it an all-round great choice for a smaller yack yard or patio area.

Runners-Up

‘Wincraft Black Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria) 10’ x 8’, Sun, Dark Foliage, Deer, rabbit resistant
‘Easy As Pie’ Dwarf Bush Cherry (Prunus x) 5’ x5’, Sun, Dwarf, Self-fertile
‘Hot Wings’ Tartarian Maple (Acer tattaricum), 18’ x 15”, Sun, Excellent summer display of bright red helicopter-type seeds that look like flaming wings.
‘Silver Totem’ Buffaloberry (Shephersia argentea), 10’ x 3’, Sun, Native, Narrow, silvery green leaves.

Garden Guy Bruce Bennett

Readers should remember this list is totally subjective. The best plants are totally my opinion. It is based upon the many plants I have seen in the past few months and like because of their individual virtues, like hardiness, versatility and “WOW” factor that the neighbors will envy.

Use my list to kick-off your own horticultural sleuthing for the new additions to the gardening world. The downside to this horticultural treasure hunt is remembering the virtues of patience and perseverance.

As new plants, to the market, these little gems may not appear in your favorite garden center for up to a year. Do ask the garden center staff if the plants in question can be special ordered or add your name to a Waitlist. Over the past thirty years, those tactics have worked many times for me.

Best of luck with this annual rite of Springtime and the newfound joy in your little patch of heaven. Happy gardening all!

Contributing garden columnist, Bruce Bennett, is a WSU Certified Master Gardener, Certified Professional Horticulturist garden and lecturer.

If you have questions concerning this article, have a gardening question or two to ask concerning your own landscape or want to suggest a topic for a future column, contact him at gardenguy4u@gmail.com.

Tax deadline extended to May 1 for taxpayers in King, Snohomish and other counties affected by weather disasters

Tax time pexels-nataliya-vaitkevich-6863244

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today tax relief for individuals and businesses in the State of Washington affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that began on Dec. 9, 2025.

These taxpayers now have until May 1, 2026, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.

Following the disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), individuals and households that reside or have a business in Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Samish, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom, and Yakima counties qualify for tax relief.

The declaration permits the IRS to postpone certain tax-filing and tax-payment deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area. For instance, certain deadlines falling on or after Dec. 9, 2025, and before May 1, 2026, are granted additional time to file.

As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until May 1, 2026, to file returns and pay any taxes that were originally due during this period.

Details

The May 1, 2026, deadline applies to individual income tax returns and payments normally due on or after Dec, 9, 2025. The May 1, 2026, deadline also applies to 2025 contributions to IRAs and health savings accounts for eligible taxpayers. This relief also applies to the estimated tax payments normally due on Jan 15, 2026, and April 15, 2026. Penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Dec. 9, 2025, and before Dec. 29, 2025, will be abated as long as the tax deposits are made by Dec. 29, 2025.

The May 1, 2026, deadline also applies to affected quarterly payroll and certain excise tax returns normally due on Jan. 31, 2026, and April 30, 2026.

If an affected taxpayer receives a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS that has an original filing, payment or deposit due date that falls within the postponement period, the taxpayer should call the telephone number on the notice to have the IRS abate the penalty.

The IRS automatically identifies taxpayers located in the covered disaster area and applies filing and payment relief.

But affected taxpayers who reside or have a business located outside the covered disaster area should call the IRS Special Services toll-free number at 866-562-5227 to request this tax relief.

Tax practitioners in the covered disaster area, who maintain records necessary to meet a filing or payment deadline for taxpayers located outside the disaster area, may contact the IRS Special Services; if the practitioner maintains the necessary records of ten or more clients, please refer to Bulk requests from practitioners for disaster relief for additional guidance.

Landslide cleared and I-5 open south of Bellingham

Courtesy WSDOT

After weeks of work knocking down and breaking up enormous chunks of rock the size of buses next to I-5 south of Bellingham, the hillside is safe and the road is clear.

Amazing process with WSDOT workers hanging off the cliffside bolting rocks into place and knocking down the blocks that couldn't be secured.

The roadway had to be repaired after being damaged by both the initial slide and the subsequent work on the cliff face.

The debris field between North Lake Samish and Fairhaven Parkway. was close to 250 feet wide.

--Diane Hettrick

Guess who visited the tulip fields

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Lee Lageschulte, of course.

These were all taken at the largest farm, RoozenGaarde, in Mount Vernon.

Experience the world-renowned beauty of a third-generation Dutch family farm, featuring 60 acres of vibrant tulip fields and a breathtaking display garden planted with more than one million bulbs.

Travels with Charlie: Walking the Neighborhood

Chris, Christy, and Charlie walking the neighborhood
Photo by Gordon Snyder

Charlie and his Lady Friends walking the neighborhood on a great Spring Day on Monday. Love the footwork.

Just a simple view of a nice spring moment. Try to get outside for some of this Spring Stimulation in your neighborhood.

Cheers, Gordon Snyder

RBCC Players Present: Noises Off

A manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called Nothing’s On. Slamming doors, on and offstage intrigue, and an errant herring all figure in the plot of this hilarious, high-energy comedy.

Performances:

MAY 1 – 7:30pm
May 2 – 2:00pm & 7:30pm
May 3 – 2:00pm

General Seating Tickets: $12.50

Purchase tickets here

Bill McLaughlin Theater - Richmond Beach UCC
Corner of 15th Ave NW & NW Richmond Beach Rd
West side – Lower Level

Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Dinner

Cartoon by Whitney Potter

Pool facility exploration project update

Current site plan

On March 12, 2026, the Shoreline City Council discussed the potential Pool Facility Ballot Measure. They reviewed the proposed design for the pool facility and preliminary cost estimates. They also discussed using property taxes collected through a metropolitan park district to pay for it.

The City Council is interested in moving forward with a ballot measure in November 2026 to build, run, and maintain a new pool facility. Staff are scheduled to present draft ballot materials to the City Council at their May 11 Council meeting. Council has until the end of July to decide whether to place a measure on the November ballot for Shoreline voters to make the final decisions.

Visit the City’s Pool Facility Exploration Project webpage to see the current design booklet and learn more about the project.

Shoreline police report fewer calls and faster responses

By Oliver J Moffat

Residents called Shoreline police less, and the police responded faster to 911 calls, cut more traffic tickets, and closed more cases.

The Sheriff contract keeps costs low, said the 2025 Shoreline police services report reviewed by the city council at the April 13 meeting.

The average number of dispatch calls for service (DCFS) per patrol officer has declined each year, down from 456 in 2019, reaching 368 calls per officer in 2025, said the report.

Shoreline residents have been calling the police less often. The police received 16,567 calls in 2018, but that number fell to 13,971 in 2025. Despite vacancies, the average number of dispatch calls per patrol officer declined from 456 in 2019 to 368 calls per officer in 2025, said the report.

Average response times to the highest priority 911 calls continued to improve, dropping from 6.21 minutes in 2023 to 4.24 minutes in 2025, according to the report.

With fewer calls, average police response times to the highest priority 911 calls continued to improve, according to the 2025 report, despite staffing shortages.

Like other cities, Shoreline continues to struggle with police staffing, ending 2025 again with 9 commissioned vacancies, an improvement from 13 vacancies in 2022 after pandemic-era mass resignations.

The police department closed more cases last year: 1,126 cases closed in 2025, up from 665 in 2020, according to the police report. Police also issued more traffic tickets (1,261 in 2025).

Working alongside police officers, the Region Crisis Response (RCR) agency provided de-escalation and behavioral health services for 562 people in crisis in Shoreline during 1,122 encounters.

According to the police report, the city’s contact with the King County Sheriff keeps costs down through "economies of scale” and “has been an effective way to provide quality law enforcement services and contain costs.”

The police report said Shoreline’s per capita KCSO contact cost was $252 in 2024 and $264 in 2025.

Read more about the police report on The Interurban Canopy.

What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? – April 15 - 21

By Kate Ledbetter, www.DestinationShoreline.com

What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? – April 15 - 21
Spring is in full swing in Shoreline, and this week’s lineup is a perfect mix of creativity, connection, and hands-on fun. From celebrating 10 years of local filmmaking at the Shoreline Short Short Film Festival to a vibrant night market at Salvation Artist Collective under the twinkle lights, there’s no shortage of ways to get out and be part of the community.

Destination Shoreline’s Must-Attend Event of the Week:

Shoreline Short Short Film Festival
Saturday, April 18 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Shoreline College Theater
10th Anniversary Celebration for the Film Festival. The Shoreline Short Short Film Festival aims to support emerging and developing filmmakers in Washington State and encourage appreciation for the art of filmmaking in our community. A program of 12 selected films will be screened.

Mo Money, Mo Problems Night Market
Saturday, April 18 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Salvation: Artist Collective
Tax season is stressful. Art isn't. Join us for a night of art, music, food, and extravagance - you earned it. New artists, new vendors, and of course - twinkle lights - all in our yard at SALVATION.
Shoppers - plan to park on side streets as our lot will be packed with vendors and art!

Shoreline Area Events You Should Know About this Week:
(Follow the event links for additional information, directions, and add to your calendar links.)

Shoreline Nourishing Network Meeting
Wednesday, April 15 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM, Shoreline City Hall
Help us launch our first meeting by mingling with others over light breakfast & coffee. We will share knowledge, develop skills, build community, innovate, and call each other into action.

Free Savvy Gardener Class – Plant This Not That
Wednesday, April 15 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM, North City Water District
This informative class will cover the best plant picks to help you avoid problems and common mistakes in creating beautiful gardens and landscapes. Class is free, but you must register to attend. Contact us in advance by email to customerservice@northcitywater.org or call our office at 206-362-8100.

Memoir Writing Group
Thursday, April 16 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, Shoreline/LFP Senior Activity Center
We’ve all got a lifetime of stories. Join Arlene every 1st and 3rd Thursday to work on and share your short memoirs. Practice preserving your memories in writing with this supportive and encouraging group!

Fix-It Night at the Shoreline Tool Library
Thursday, April 16 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Shoreline Tool Library
We will help you fix and learn to fix your broken tools, lamps, toys, furniture, appliances, and any other broken items that you can carry in on your own.

Shoreline Walks - 3 Neighborhoods & Hamlin Park Walk
Saturday, April 18 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Meetup Location: Ridgecrest Elementary School east parking lot. Entrance on NE 165th St.
Walk is: 3.4 miles/1.5 hrs
Walk Description: This walk starts out in the Ridgecrest Neighborhood and explores parts of the North City and Briarcrest Neighborhoods including a trail walk in Hamlin Park. The Hamlin Park portion of the walk includes trails with some steeper hills.

Storytime @ at the Shoreline Historical Museum
Saturday, April 18 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Shoreline Historical Museum
Bring little learners to Storytime @ the Museum at the Shoreline Historical Museum! This engaging, family-friendly program invites children ages 1–8 (with an adult) to explore local history and the environment through stories, music, movement, and hands-on art activities.

Weeds: Friend or Foe?
Saturday, April 18 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Shoreline Tool Library
Learn about weeds! Explore the dual nature of weeds in the Shoreline and Seattle areas, learning how some can benefit your garden while others can cause harm.

Middle School Night Pickleball and Table Tennis Tournament
Saturday, April 18 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM, Richmond Highlands Recreation Center
Saturday Night Pickleball & Table Tennis Tournament! Free and open to youth in 6th, 7th, & 8th grade only.

Machine Sewing 101
Sunday, April 19 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Shoreline Tool Library
Students will leave this class with the foundation for utilizing a standard home sewing machine.

Ridgecrest Neighbors Meet Up at Cafe Aroma
Sunday, April 19 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Café Aroma
Join Ridgecrest Neighbors at 10 AM on the third Sunday of each month at Café Aroma to meet your neighbors, share ideas, and have enjoy being part of our vibrant community.

Tool School for Women+: Drills & Drivers, Bits & Bobs
Sunday, April 19 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Shoreline Tool Library
This class is geared toward absolute beginners or those who have very little experience using electric drills or impact drivers.

Feathered Pages at Salvation
Tuesday, April 21 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Salvation: Artist Collective
Browse a mobile bookstore’s curated selection of literary treasures.

Basic Bicycle Maintenance at the Shoreline Tool Library
Tuesday, April 21 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Shoreline Tool Library
Bring your own bike and learn from hands-on experience by addressing your specific needs, such as gear, brake, and bearing adjustments, wheel truing and bike fit.

What’s Up Next in Shoreline (Save the Date):
(Follow the event links for additional information, directions, and add to your calendar links.)
Horsin' Around Night Market
Saturday, May 2 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Salvation: Artist Collective
Artists, makers, and vendors. Music, Food, and Good Vides!

ShoreLake Arts Annual Gala Fundraiser
Saturday, May 2 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Shoreline College
We are bringing supporters together to celebrate our mission to share art and culture to the community, and raise money for our future events and programs.

Fabric and Yarn Swap
Sunday, May 3 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Shoreline Tool Library
We are celebrating National Textile Day on May 3rd by having our first-ever Fabric and Yarn Swap! Do you have fabric and yarn that you’d like to move along or do you need fabric and yarn?

Fairy Garden Workshops
Sunday, May 17 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Salvation: Artist Collective
Embrace your whimsy! Collaborate with neighbors & friends to build out the Salvation Fairy Garden & design pieces for your own garden!

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
Become a Destination Shoreline Partner, learn more here.

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