Shoreline Area News

Salomon, Davis to Host In-Person Town Hall in Shoreline Sunday, May 3rd

Thursday, April 30, 2026

32nd District legislators Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline) and Rep. Lauren Davis (D-Seattle) will be hosting an in-person town hall at the Shoreline City Hall on Sunday, May 3 from 2-3 P.M. Legislators will be sharing a mid-session update, hosting a Q&A, and discussing the important work completed during the 2026 legislative session.

WHO: Sen. Jesse Salomon and Rep. Lauren Davis

WHAT: 32nd District In-Person Town Hall

WHEN: Sunday, May 3 from 2-3 P.M.

WHERE: Shoreline City Hall in the City Council Chambers. 17500 Midvale Ave North, Shoreline, WA 98133

For event details and to submit a question in advance, click HERE or visit https://bit.ly/32ndTownHall2026.

Learn more about bills sponsored by the 32nd Legislative District’s elected officials this year:

Sen. Jesse Salomon

Rep. Lauren Davis

Spring into Summer with Sno-King Folk Dancers - May 2026

Photo by Mary Ann Tracy

Sno-King Folk Dancers - May 2026

Hop into the fun of international folk dance every Wednesday from 7:00-9:00pm, and the Second Saturday of each month at the same time, for a party.

Our varied repertory of partner, no-partner, set, and individual dances from all over will keep you from getting into a rut.

We usually teach something, except at parties. You don't need to bring a partner, and there is always time for requests.

Wednesday May 6 and Wednesday May 20 will start at 6:30pm for the beginners class, before the regular dance.
Saturday May 9 - 7:00-9:00pm is SPRING INTO SUMMER, our Second Saturday Party. Finger food snacks to share are welcome.
Wednesday May 13 - 6:45pm sharp- starts early for set teaching night. Latecomers may not be able to join a set.

Among the dances to be taught in May are dances from Serbia, Canada/Scotland, the USA, and Albania. Now that spring is here, join the whirl and dance with us. It's always a pleasure to dance on the wonderful floor at the Grange.

Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave W, Lynnwood. $8.00: first time free.

Info: www.sno-king.org , dancesnoking@gmail.com, or 425-610-9393.

Shorecrest graduate, writer-editor at the Library of Congress, in town for book reading June 16, 2026

Hannah Freece is a 2005 graduate of Shorecrest High School. She now lives in the other Washington where she is a writer - editor at the Library of Congress.

She will be in town for an event sponsored by Folio Seattle on June 16, 2026 from 6 to 8pm at the The Seattle Athenaeum, 93 Pike St #307, Seattle, WA 98101, where she will read from her book Tell Me a Story: Fantastic Children’s Books from the Library of Congress.

This work reimagines the canon of American children’s literature, from Puritan primers to Percy Jackson, while tracing the evolution of literary, artistic, and publishing trends from the colonial era to the present.

Tickets here

Hannah Freece will guide us through the history of children’s books, sharing the stories behind beloved children's classics.

Join us to uncover fascinating literary mysteries such as which iconic bedtime tale was banned from the New York Public Library until 1972, how Brown Bear, Brown Bear once featured a pink elephant, and how to write Mother Goose without words, and perhaps add a few new titles to your to-be-read list.

Hannah Freece is a writer-editor at the Library of Congress. She is the co-author of Shall Not Be Denied: Women Fight for the Vote (2019) and The Joy of Looking: Great Photographs from the Library of Congress (2023). Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Hannah lives in the other Washington (DC) with her family.

She is the daughter-in-law of S Cho, photographer and well-known former Shorecrest employee, who also now lives in DC.

Pack the Park and the Pantries May 9, 2026

By Rob Oxford

Children seldom realize how difficult it can be for parents to feed their families. Especially a single parent on a tight budget. It’s hardly a topic discussed openly at the dinner table and never on the playground. It's definitely not something of which a parent is particularly proud. Instead, a parent suffers in silence. Worrying about where their child’s next meal will come from.

With food prices constantly on the rise and income barely keeping pace with inflation, “Food Insecurity” is of real concern to many in our community. Affecting 13.7% of U.S. Households in 2024.

Driven by poverty, unemployment and high living costs, Food Insecurity causes severe health issues and as indicated above, mental strain. Given the current socio economic climate in our country, now is an extremely difficult time for many.

However, now is also the perfect time to help.

Coming up May 9, 2026 join your fellow Super Heroes at Animal Acres Park for “Pack the Park”. A 5K Fun Run and Walk.

Pack The Park 5k/Fun Run 2026

For the past 10 years, “Pack the Park” has raised nearly $35,000 to help fight food insecurity in the Shoreline and Lake Forest Park Communities.

It supports programs such as The Shoreline School District's “Angel Fund” which helps pay negative meal balances for students in need and the Third Place Commons Farmers Market Bucks.

LFP Farmers Market.
Photo by Rob Oxford

The LFP Farmers Market has been a vibrant part of the local community for nearly two decades.

It opens each year on Mother’s Day in the Town Center parking lot adjacent to the Lake Forest Park City Hall at 17425 Ballinger Way NE.

The Market offers farm-fresh produce, seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, pasta, baked goods, wine and hard cider, hot foods, sweet treats and savory snacks.

Their “Market Bucks” offers the opportunity for our neighbors who need it most to benefit from the fresh, healthy foods available from the Market's many vendors.

The hours of operation are 10am – 2pm each Sunday through October and this writer suggests getting there early for the best selection.

Farmers Market - Third Place Commons

Whether you choose to run, walk or like me prefer a more stationary approach to living, lace up your running shoes or grab a camping chair and join us May 9th for "Pack the Park." You WILL make a difference.

2025 Pack the Park

Volunteers are always needed and there can be no better way to meet or reconnect with like-minded neighbors concerned with the betterment of our community.

A portion of every registration and 100% of all donations go to support the programs mentioned above.

Let's "Pack the Park".

Donate directly to the Shoreline Angel Fund:

email nutrition.services@ssd412.org or
call Food Services at 206-393-4209.

Save the Date: Lake Forest Park Community Town Hall Wednesday May 20th

Lake Forest Park Community Town Hall

Wednesday May 20th at 6:30pm

Third Place Commons

17171 Bothell Way NE

Lake Forest Park, WA, 98155

What do our Representatives in Lake Forest Park hope to accomplish for our Town? How do they represent us in our region on committees and board and commissions?

Come to the Third Place Commons for a chance to listen, ask questions, and get answers from our Lake Forest Park council members and Mayor.

Sea-Tac 2025 Landscape Standards make native plants mandatory

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Sea-Tac, one of the 10 busiest airports in the United States, just made native plants mandatory.

That is not a small decision. That is 2,500 acres of future landscaping reclassified as ecological infrastructure.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's 2025 Landscape Standards — adopted by the Port of Seattle and effective for all new construction and renovation projects — require that native Pacific Northwest species constitute the primary plantings in all airport landscaping.

The ferns, salal, red-twig dogwood, and native sedges visible in this photograph along the terminal drive are not a pilot project or a PR gesture. They are the new legal standard.

Sea-Tac handles 51 million passengers annually and operates in one of the most ecologically sensitive regions in North America — the Puget Sound lowlands, a temperate rainforest ecosystem that has lost 65% of its native vegetation cover to development since 1950.

The airport sits in the middle of a landscape that historically supported Chinook salmon runs, western toad populations, and migratory shorebird habitat. The Duwamish River watershed — whose headwaters pass through the airport's drainage basin — is on the EPA Superfund list partly because of decades of contaminated stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces.

Native plants change the stormwater equation. Pacific Northwest native sedges and rushes — the kind of plants now required at Sea-Tac — can absorb 10 times more stormwater per square foot than turfgrass, because their root systems are adapted to the region's wet winters and dry summers.

They require no irrigation after establishment. They require no synthetic fertilizer. They support the native bee species — including the western bumblebee (Bombus occidentalis), listed as a species of special concern — that have co-evolved with Pacific Northwest plant communities for thousands of years and are ill-equipped to forage on non-native ornamentals.

The institutional significance is the multiplier here. When an airport — a facility optimized entirely for operational efficiency and passenger throughput — embeds native plant requirements into its permanent design standards, it normalizes ecological landscaping in the most utilitarian possible context.

It says: native plants are not a lifestyle choice for people with garden blogs. They are the baseline standard for any responsible land management.

Sea-Tac didn't plant a garden. It changed a policy. The difference between those two things is millions of square feet of future habitat.

--Girls With Gardens

Girls varsity tennis Shorecrest vs. Mountlake Terrace 4-29-2026

Girls Varsity Tennis
4-29-2026

Shorecrest 6 - Mountlake Terrace 1

Singles

Sophie Schmitz (SC) - Amanda Wangmo 6-1, 6-1 W
Zuma Vining (SC) - Minh-Grace Ngo 6-0, 6-0 W
Walker Temme (SC) - Julia Shteyngart 4-6, 6-2, 9-11 L
Sabina Schoeld (SC) - Leia Anteneh 6-0, 6-0

Doubles

Lauren Kajimura-Mia Halset (SC) - Alex Robles & Clara Loveless 6-0, 6-0
Calla Rihnsmith-Thayer Katahara-Stewart (SC) - Tramanh Ho & Camden Curtis 6-3, 6-1
Katharine Mercer/Avery Burns (SC) -Hannah Nguyen & Gretta Patterson 6-0, 6-4

--Rob Mann

Healthy Living for Brain and Body - May 5, 2026

Healthy Living for Brain and Body

Tuesday May 5th, 2026 at 1pm

Laurel Cove is joining forces with Alzheimer's Association to bring you four empowering presentations designed to raise awareness about Alzheimer's and dementia and improve the lives of all those who are impacted by it.

Tuesday's presentation is the 4th and last presentation of this series.

Located at 17201 15th Ave NE, call Michael Francart at 206-900-6016 to RSVP, or email him at michael.francart@encorecommunities.com

Coffee Social with a Cop at the Senior Activity Center May 7, 2026

Join Shoreline Police Officers for coffee and informal conversation at the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center on Thursday May 7, 2026 from 10am to 11:30am.

The Senior Activity Center is located at 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155, the southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus. Free parking.

Editor taking some time off - how you can help

Gentle Readers,

I will be taking some time off over the next week or so. In my absence Carl Dinse will be keeping the Shoreline Area News going.

Carl has a more than full time (paying) job, so when you are submitting stories, let's make it easy on him.

Do not submit anything in Word or pdf
Put text in the body of an email and attach the photos and graphics in png or jpg.
Photos - no larger than 3mb
For events, include the address. (almost no one does)
For sports stories include the location of the game (school or field).
For pictures, include the name of the photographer and the names of the people in the photograph (if you can).

Send them to Editor@ShorelineAreaNews.com - Carl does not have access to other methods that you may have used.

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation!

--Diane K. Hettrick

Shorecrest PTSA: Host families needed for Japanese Exchange Students May 15-18, 2026

Facebook post here

Shorecrest High School needs SEVEN more host families for students arriving from Japan on May 15th for the weekend.

Host Family Application for Shukutoku Sugamo visit May 15th- May 18th, 2026

Work party at Blue Heron Park May 9, 2026

Bridge in Blue Heron Park with
Fire Station in background
Photo by Mary Jo Heller

The next work party for the Blue Heron Park Restoration Project will be held on Saturday May 9, 2026 from 9:00am to noon. Please bring gloves and hand tools.

We will continue with our clean up and preparation for planting.

Brookside Blvd will be closed due to the scheduled fun run sponsored by the city. Access to the park will still be available as always by the Fire Station. The small amount of parking in front of the park will also be available.

Blue Heron Park 17035 Brookside Blvd NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? – April 29 – May 5

By Kate Ledbetter, www.DestinationShoreline.com

What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? – April 29 – May 5
Spring is showing up in all the best ways this week in Shoreline, longer evenings, fresh energy, and a calendar full of ways to connect. From a Kentucky Derby–inspired night market at Salvation and a celebration of arts and culture for Shorelake Arts, to neighborhood gatherings, family-friendly walks, and live music. Whether you’re in the mood to dress up, give back, get outside, or simply meet a few new neighbors, this week is packed with opportunities to lean into what makes Shoreline feel like home.

Destination Shoreline’s Must-Attend Event of the Week:
Horsin' Around Night Market
Saturday, May 2 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Salvation: Artist Collective
It’s Kentucky Derby Day! Think Southern charm meets Northwest style - fun hats, vintage, tea cups and sweet tea. Artisan night market. Featuring a local and celebrated jazz musician.

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.

Innis Arden Clubs & Community Connections Fair
Sunday, May 3 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM, Innis Arden Clubhouse
This event is an effort of the Innis Arden C.A.R.E. Club (Community Action & Resource Exchange). The C.A.R.E. Club seeks to inspire and empower neighbors of all ages to make a positive impact in the community through service initiatives, charitable & philanthropic giving, volunteerism, and civic engagement.

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

Shoreline Walks - Interurban Trail to Darnell Park & Return – Family & Stroller Walk
Friday, May 1 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Shorenorth Cooperative Preschool
Meet at Shorenorth Cooperative Preschool and enjoy a family friendly max 3 mile roundtrip walk along the Interurban Trail. All are welcome to stay and play on the playscape at the conclusion of the walk. This walk is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. All ages welcome.

Seattle Wind Symphony presents “Jump & Jazz!”
Saturday, May 2 7:30 PM, Shorewood High School
This program showcases a variety of composers influenced by the jazz language: the rhythmic energy of Adam Gorb’s Awayday, the Clarino trumpet concerto by Greg Yasinitsky, the tender sounds of Summerland by William Grant Still, and more.

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?

League of Women Voters of Seattle King County presents “LFP Reads the Constitution”
Sunday, May 3 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Third Place Commons
The League of Women Voters of Seattle King County is sponsoring “LFP Reads the Constitution,” a community event in Lake Forest Park that invites neighbors to come together and read the United States Constitution aloud from beginning to end. Sign up here to be a reader.

Alzheimer’s Association Special Presentation Series at Laurel Cove
Tuesday, May 5 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Laurel Cove Community- Assisted Living & Senior Care Community Shoreline
This empowering four-part series is open to residents, families, and community members. Free refreshments will be provided at each session. Topic: Healthy Living for Brain and Body

Urbanist Shoreline Happy Hour
Tuesday, May 5 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Ridgecrest Public House
Catch us on the back patio of Ridgecrest Pub on the first Tuesday of each month. Meet some neighbors, make some connections, share ideas about the things you want to see in Shoreline. These are fun and very casual.

What’s Up Next in Shoreline (Save the Date):
(Follow the event links for additional information, directions, and add to your calendar links.)

Kruckeberg Annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale
May 8-10 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
Enjoy our selection of native trees and shrubs, ferns, woodland ephemerals, bulbs, houseplants, and much more!

Opening Day of the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market
Sunday, May 10 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Lake Forest Park Farmers Market
Celebrate Opening Day AND Mother's Day with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and all the fresh produce and treats the Market has to offer. We’re excited to welcome back your favorite farmers, growers, and makers - and enjoy something new each week with our rotating craft vendors!

Free Savvy Gardener Class – Sustainable Vegetable Gardening
Tuesday, May 12 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM, North City Water District
Vegetables, berries, and fruit trees need special care to thrive, but your time and energy will pay off with great tasting, nutritious, homegrown food. Best of all, food crops can be incorporated into any existing landscape, large or small! 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.

Richmond Beach Community Garage Sale
Saturday, May 16 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Richmond Beach Community Garage Sale is a great way to start your spring purge or do some serious shopping! You can put your garage sale on the map! Just email garagesale@richmondbeachwa.org to for any questions and to put your sale on the map.

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.

Carl Dinse photos published in The Seattle Times

Photo by Carl Dinse

Carl Dinse, whose name you will recognize from his long affiliation with the Shoreline Area News, is an aquarium enthusiast.

Annie Fanning, in the At Home in the Northwest section of The Seattle Times, published an article on April 24, 2026 about aquarium hobbyists (read it here) which includes two of Carl's photos.

The first photo shows the aquarium of Shoreline resident Christina Rotondo, who says she designed her aquariums to fit in seamlessly with the midcentury modern vibe of her home’s décor.

Photo by Carl Dinse

This photo, also in the Times article, shows the aquarium of north Seattle resident Kevin Do.

Carl has been an aquarium hobbyist since he was a kid. Around 13 years ago a store in Firdale Village called Aquarium Co Op opened, specializing in freshwater aquariums, which is what he was interested in.

The store owner introduced him to the Greater Seattle Aquarium Society which he joined immediately. In recent years he started volunteering for that club.

"Among other things in that club, I do a lot of photography for the club newsletter. One of the club's biggest annual events is the Home Show, where a crew of 5-6 people, (2-3 judges, a producer, videographer, and photographer) get together in a van and tour 7-12 homes in the greater Seattle area to video record and photograph aquariums."

In March the resulting one hour video is presented at the club monthly meeting. At that time the winners are announced and prizes are handed out. Most of the home show videos and photographs are published online at the Greater Seattle Aquarium Society’s website.

From those homes they award 2-4 homes as winners of the annual home show contest.

Two years ago, I was asked if I’d like to join the crew as the photographer. This year was my second home show as photographer.

The Seattle Times article features three of this year’s home show contestants. They also feature the owner of Aquarium Zen, one of the club’s sponsor stores located in the Roosevelt neighborhood, and they left a link as well for Aquarium Co Op.

North Seattle Photographer honored with National Award from Professional Photographers of America

Lara Grauer

Lara Grauer, a photographer based in North Seattle, has been recognized with the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) National Award for outstanding service to professional photography.

The award was recently presented at the Professional Photographers of Washington annual spring conference banquet on April 19, 2026.

Grauer received a bronze and walnut plaque in recognition of her contributions to the photography profession and her service within the professional photography community.

The PPA National Award is presented annually to those who generously contribute their time and talents to the service of their profession, their local PPA-affiliated organization and their fellow peers.

Established in 1958, the award is presented to people who are selected by fellow photographers, making it a peer-recognized distinction within the industry.

Professional Photographers of America (PPA), founded in 1868, is the largest and longest-standing nonprofit photography trade association in the United States. It currently serves over 34,000 professional photographers worldwide with education, resources, and business support.

King County Master Gardener Foundation Plant Sales

Plant sale at Bellevue Demonstration Garden

Shop the King County Master Gardener Foundation spring plant sales on May 9 and 10: Eastside and North Seattle.

The Bellevue Demonstration Garden's Spring Plant Sale is Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 10am to 2pm at the Demonstration Garden, 15500 SE 16th Street, Bellevue 98007.

You'll find a wide selection of vegetable starts and landscape plants, a Plant Answer clinic, and our Marketplace with gently used books, tools, and pottery.

The WSU Extension Master Gardeners will be at the Tilth Alliance Plant Sale on Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10, 9am to 3pm at the Meridian Playground, 4920 Meridian Ave N, Seattle 98103.

Plant selections include perennials, ferns, natives, and more.

Proceeds from both sales fund the activities and outreach of the Extension Master Gardener Program in King County. Visit our Plant Sale page, click on the calendar dates for all the details about both sales.
Bellevue Demonstration Garden Spring Plant Sale

Girls varsity tennis Shorecrest vs Archbishop Murphy 4-28

Girls varsity tennis

4-28-2026

Shorecrest 7 - Archbishop Murphy 0

Singles

Sophie Schmitz (S) - Jules Rioja 6-1, 6-1 W
Zuma Vining (S) - Angelia Pedersen 6-0, 6-0 W
Sabina Schoeld (S) - Kamille Catapang 6-0, 6-0 W
Thayer Katahara-Stewart - Sonia Hlebichuk 6-1, 6-0 W

Doubles

Mia Halset-Lauren Kajimura (S) - Vianne Tran-Fernanda Lopez 6-0, 6-1
Walker Temme (S)-Calla Rihnsmith (S) - Lizzy Robinson & Taylor Nguyen 6-2, 6-0
Parker Almquist/Nicole Kajimura (S) - Rachel Reynolds & Anneliese Hallgren 6-0, 6-0

--Rob Mann

Boys soccer: Shorecrest vs Mountlake Terrace 4-28-2026

Photo by Wayne Pridemore
Boys varsity soccer

4-28-2026

Shorecrest vs Mountlake Terrace

@Mountlake Terrace

Shorecrest 3 - Mountlake Terrace 0

8th

Goal: Miles Garbaccio

Assist: Ashton Johnson

31st

Goal: Ashton Johnson

Assist: Lachlan Moran-Klim

43rd

Goal: Harper Soroczak

Assist: Tenoch Ybarra

Shutout: Asher Martin

JV

@Mountlake Terrace

Shorecrest 7 - Mountlake Terrace 0

Shutout: Tri Nguyen

-Jon Cottons

I ❤️ Shoreline

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Photo by Kristine Tsujikawa

By Pam Cross

Living in Shoreline can be very entertaining. Today traffic at a 4-way stop near my house was taking a little longer than usual. There were no honking horns or other indications of impatient drivers.

When I was next in line, I was able to see the cause: a crow finishing its lunch in the middle of the intersection.

I ❤️ Shoreline.

Public Knowledge - kickoff for a new speaker series at Drumlin today April 28, 2026

Why Greenland Matters

Tuesday April 28, 2026, 7pm

522 NE 165th St, Shoreline, WA 98155

A new speaker series starts today on the stage at Drumlin in Shoreline. This series will focus on science, art, history, public policy and more, with speakers from UW, Shoreline College, and nonprofits and more.

The goal is to bring people together to learn and be more engaged in their world and community.

For the kickoff talk, three polar scientists discuss their work in Greenland, their experiences collaborating with Greenlandic communities, and the broader context in which American scientists work in Greenland.

Dr. Kristin Laidre
Senior Principal Scientist and Professor UW-APL Polar Science Center,
UW School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences

Dr. Michalea King
Senior Research Scientist, UW-APL Polar Science Center

Dr. Michelle Koutnik
Associate Research Professor, UW Department of Earth and Space Sciences

Please keep an eye out on the Drumlin website or the Ridgecrest Public House food truck calendar for future talks.

If you would like to talk or want to suggest a future topic or speaker, please reach out to us at publicknowledge.drumlin@gmail.com.

Cartoon by Whitney Potter: A Senior Moment

Cartoon by Whitney Potter

Violence has no place - peaceful disagreement is patriotic

Protestors at N 205th and Aurora
Photo by Pamela Mieth

Sunday sign-waving at Shoreline-Edmonds line

By Pamela Mieth

Photos by Pam Cross

American politics has not always been free of violence, but most of us believe it should be - so news of an apparently armed and unbalanced individual with violent intent towards administration officials at an event in Washington, D.C., Saturday night was disturbing.

The president and his administration are corrupt

Discussion among many of the 50+ area residents waving signs at the Shoreline-Edmonds line the following afternoon centered on concern that protests remain peaceful, but also that it is more important than ever to speak out when you believe your government is headed on the wrong path.

Civil discourse, the rule of law, free and fair elections, peaceful transfer of power, fairness, justice, human and civil rights - these are just a few of the precepts that underlie our system and are part of what has made so many from around the world look to us as a beacon of hope, a military ally, an economic partner, a respected adversary.

This reputation and relationships have benefitted us to no small degree and are now threatened by the capricious, insulting, and avaricious leadership in our nation's capital, which frequently repeats blatant untruths and asks our country's people to bear the brunt of its chaotic policies.

Stand up and let your voice be heard on a topic important to you at one of five "Social Justice Sundays" sign-wavings scheduled for May, every Sunday at the intersection of Aurora Avenue North and N 205th St., 1-2pm.

Support our troops.
Bring them home now.

You can also mark it by waving a sign in celebration or honor of:

workers - as important as the billionaires wielding outsized, unelected influence - on May 3 (following a diffuse "general strike" and International Workers Day on the Friday before);
moms (and so many related topics like childcare, maternal healthcare, reproductive rights) on May 10 (Mother's Day);
serving U.S. military members on May 17 (following Armed Forces Day the day before);
service members who died in the line of duty on May 24 (Memorial Day);
kickoff to summer on May 31 (maybe rising gas and other prices and a slowing economy are affecting your summer vacation plans? Or cuts to our nation's national parks and public lands have you concerned?).

Silence gives consent

Bring a sign or just yourself (some will be available to borrow) and join your neighbors speaking out.

Organizers Everyday Activists reiterates participants should be committed to peaceful protest.

Non-perishable food and toiletry items will be accepted for donation to a local organization assisting those in need.

Ridgecrest Books and the Little Free Library project

Toby helping to choose a bag for his neighborhood Little Free Library.
Photo by Seattle Poppy

Kevin, from Ridgecrest Books, says that over the past several years, "we’ve accumulated a ton of advanced reader copies from the publishers. These are books that the publishers send us to read so we can make more informed decisions as to what to order.

"Instead of just putting them in the recycling, we decided to bag them up and offer them to folks who visited on Independent Bookstore Day so that they could fill up their local Little Free Libraries."

Ridgecrest Books is located in the Ridgecrest business district at 512 NE 165th St, Shoreline, WA 98155.

Dembowski proposes creating King County Inspector General Division to investigate reports of fraud, waste, and abuse involving county-administered funds

(L-R) Dembowski, Perry, Dunn

Amid an ongoing investigation and allegations of potential fraud by grantees funded by the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski has introduced legislation, co-sponsored by Councilmember Reagan Dunn, Council Chair Sarah Perry, and Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, to establish an Inspector General Division within the Office of Public Complaints and Tax Advisor.

The proposal is intended to strengthen the County’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to fraud, waste, and abuse involving county-administered funds.

“King County needs a powerful, independent Inspector General to root out waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer funds, and to aggressively pursue the recovery of funds when they are wrongfully spent,” said Councilmember Rod Dembowski.

“While rare, fraud in public programs, including recent findings in some county programs, erodes public confidence and impairs our ability to do the good and essential work the public wants to see done. We must stand up strong systems to prevent it and bring accountability when it occurs. This office will have the power to do just that.”

The legislation builds on last year’s King County Council vote approving a comprehensive reform package to overhaul oversight of taxpayer-funded grants within DCHS.

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

The proposal also advances recommendations from a 2025 joint report by the King County Auditor and Ombuds, which identified significant gaps in financial oversight and reporting systems.

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

The proposed Inspector General Division would investigate reports of financial fraud and abuse, with the authority to issue subpoenas and pursue recovery of misspent funds. The division would be led by an Inspector General Director appointed to a five-year term and supported by dedicated staff, including investigators and administrative personnel.

In addition, the legislation would establish a centralized King County Fraud Hotline, overseen by the Inspector General Division, creating a single point of access for reporting suspected fraud and improper conduct.

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

“One of the primary responsibilities of the King County legislative branch is as a check and balance of the executive branch,” said Council Chair Sarah Perry.

“This ensures the infrastructure and social service investment made by our constituents is stewarded for greatest efficiency and effectiveness and within best financial practices. I’m dedicated to working with my colleagues across the legislative and executive branches to ensure that King County’s fiscal structures and practices are deserving of the trust of our King County community members – we owe that to our residents.”

The Inspector General Division would work collaboratively with the County Auditor and Ombuds, whose roles would remain distinct, focusing on performance oversight and administrative misconduct, respectively.

Last month, the three councilmembers sent a joint letter to Executive Zahilay signaling their intent to introduce this legislation, following a Seattle Times report highlighting potential fraud and waste within DCHS.

Girls varsity tennis Shorecrest vs Lynnwood 4-27-2026

Girls varsity tennis

Shorecrest vs Lynnwood

4-27-2026

@Lynnwood High School

Shorecrest 6 - Lynnwood 1

Singles

Sophie Schmitz (S) v Rose Tulga 6-7(4), 6-2, 10-6 W
Zuma Vining (S) v Tayler Simbulan 6-2, 6-1 W
Lauren Kajimura (S) v Rachel Ericson 6-1, 6-0 W
Mia Halset (S) v Tina Vo 6-0, 6-3 W

Doubles

Walker Temme/Calla Rihnsmith (S) v Ava Barias and Adeline Tran 5-7, 5-7 L
Sabina Schoeld/Thayer Katahara-Stewart (S) v Naomi Aquino and Melissa Seng 6-2, 6-0 W
Parker Almquist/Nicole Kajimura (S) v Maggie Hesedahl and Venus Hernandez 6-1, 3-6, 10-3 W

--Rob Mann

Girls varsity fastpitch softball Shorewood vs Shorecrest 4-27-2026

Girls fastpitch softball

Shorewood vs Shorecrest

@ Meridian Park

4-27-2026

Shorecrest 14 - Shorewood 13

Pitcher(s) and Catcher(s)

Shorecrest:

C. Havenstein,
C. Gurney (5), C. Havenstein (7) and
R. Smevik (catcher)

Shorewood:

Ellie Van Horn,
Zoey Perrault (5) and
Lillian Perrault (catcher)

Highlights

Shorecrest:

R. Hanrahan 3-4 (2B, HR)
N. Fernandez 3-5
J. Acacio 2-3 (2B)
L. Titiali'i-McKinnon 3-4 (2B)
R. Smevik 1-5 (2B)
N. Bennion 2-4 (HR)

Shorewood:

Lillian Perrault 2-5 (2B)
Ellie Van Horn 1-3 (3B)
Alyssa Carver 3-4
Lilah Pickett 2-3
Cailin O'Leary 2-4

--Paul Jensen

Bouncing Baby Bunnies

Monday, April 27, 2026

Bunny romp
Photo by Pam Cross

Actually these are teenaged bunnies. Old enough to be out on their own but not yet ready for adult responsibilities.

Chase and leap
Photo by Pam Cross

So they romp, leap, chase each other, suddenly change directions and run in opposite directions.

They are enormously entertaining.

Waiting for mom
Photo by Pam Cross

Mom must have been around somewhere because she left a baby tucked into a window to await her return.

Presentation: Shoreline College photo tour of international delegation to India - Tuesday April 28, 2026

Reflections: Indian Delegation Experience

Presented by Dr. Jack Kahn, Shoreline College President
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 from 4:30-5:30pm
Shoreline College - Pagoda Union Building, Quiet Dining Room 9208

16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133

Join us for a photo tour of a recent international delegation experience in India. Through the Seattle Consulate, the delegation explored culture, global partnerships, and new international initiatives for Shoreline College.

Before You Go: End of Life Planning Workshop - online May 2 & 9, 2026

Thinking ahead can bring clarity and peace of mind.

This workshop helps you take practical steps to prepare for the future and reduce stress for your loved ones.

Before You Go: End of Life Planning Workshop

Dates: Saturdays 5/2/2026 & 5/9/2026
Times: 11:00am to 12:30pm

Fee: $59.00

Instructor: Wakil David Matthews

In this class, participants will explore important topics including legal documentation, practical planning, relational networks, and wishes for memorial and body disposition. All information is relevant for people of any age or health condition.

“We’re all going to die, and we don’t know when,” says Rev. Bodhi Be, a mentor of the instructor and director of perhaps the only non-profit funeral home. Given that important and poignant truth, there are many things we can do to prepare ourselves and save our loved ones time and stress.

Each class session has built-in time after the presentation for questions and deeper discussion. The instructor will follow up with a checklist and a document with extensive resources to help you complete and maintain your end-of-life preparations.

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