Bonsai forsythia

Friday, April 4, 2025

Bonsai forsythia
Photo by Mike Remarcke

If you don't have a yard or if you don't have room for an 8 foot tall bush in your yard - here's an option!



Olympic Ballet Theatre presents Spring Rep

Taylor Lim and OBG dancers
Into Dust Photography
410 4th Ave N, Edmonds, WA 98020

Edmonds, WA – Olympic Ballet Theatre (OBT) presents Spring Rep – a thrilling showcase of ballet’s different styles honoring tradition and celebrating innovation. This third production of OBT’s 2024-2025 performance season features excerpts from La Bayadère, an iconic 19th-century ballet, and 1 in 10^2,685,000, a vibrant neoclassical work by OBT company dancer Alberto Gaspar.
April 12, 2025, at 7 PM
April 13, 2025, at 5 PM

La Bayadère (Excerpts)

Choreographers: OBT Artistic Directors Oleg Gorboulev and Mara Vinson after Marius Petipa
Music: Ludwig Minkus
Premiere: Imperial Ballet, 1877

Originally choreographed by Marius Petipa in 1877, La Bayadère is a dramatic tale set in ancient India, following the forbidden love between a temple dancer (bayadère) Nikiya, and a noble warrior, Solor. Passion, jealousy, and fate intertwine in this iconic four-act ballet, known for its expressive storytelling and beautiful choreography.

OBT will perform selections from Act II, including the Fan Dance (performed by Olympic Ballet School students), Waltz, and Grand Pas d'Action. These excerpts showcase the technical precision and dramatic depth that have made La Bayadère a beloved classic.

1 in 10 ^ 2,685,000
Choreographer: Alberto Gaspar
Music: Michael Nyman
Premiere: Olympic Ballet Theatre, 2022

This 28-minute neoclassical work celebrates the joy and miracle of existence in the present moment. The odds of being alive at any given time are 1 in 10^2,685,000—so infinitesimal that each of us is, in essence, a living miracle.

OBT premiered this work in 2022. In the years since, the company has significantly expanded adding 13 dancers. 

“We have new dancers who bring their unique strengths and different movement qualities, allowing me to rework parts of the choreography,” says Gaspar.
“The piece will take on a completely new energy and interpretation. It’s not about making it more exciting but about shaping it to resonate with the new dancers—so they can bring out their best and create a deeper emotional connection with the audience.”

TICKET INFORMATION

Two performances of Spring Rep will be on Saturday, April 12, 2025, and Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Edmonds Center for the Arts . Tickets range from $24 to $47 and are available at here or the OBT box office at 425-774-7570. 

For more information, contact OBT at dance@olympicballet.org or visit the web page.

ABOUT OLYMPIC BALLET THEATRE

Olympic Ballet Theatre is a professional ballet company presenting four classical and contemporary ballet productions during each performance season. Founded in 1981 and now under the leadership of co-artistic directors Mara Vinson and Oleg Gorboulev, OBT has become a mainstay of the north Puget Sound arts scene, regularly touring theaters in Everett and Edmonds. 

OLYMPIC BALLET THEATRE
700 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020
425-774-7570 | olympicballet.org


Girls golf: Shorewood vs Mountlake Terrace

Julia Kang
Photo by Val Patrick
Girls golf
4-2-2025
Shorewood 192 | Mountlake Terrace 206

It was a victorious afternoon under sunny skies for Shorewood Girls Golf as they triumphed over Mountlake Terrace. 

Sophomore Julia Kang led the team to success, capturing medalist honors with an impressive 9-hole score of 43. 

Close on her heels was Sofina Morgan, who carded a solid 49. Meanwhile, Ivy Ren and Sadie Austad both demonstrated commendable consistency, finishing in a tie. 

Coach Val Patrick said "Congratulations to the entire team for their outstanding performance and teamwork!"


Coffee with the Woodway Mayor Saturday April 5, 2025

Coffee With the Mayor
Saturday, April 5, 2025 
from 9-10:30am 
at Woodway Town Hall
23920 113th Pl W, Woodway WA 98020  

If you have a question that you’ve always wanted to ask or if you simply want to spend some time with your neighbors learning about Town government or discussing new ideas, join Woodway Mayor Mike Quinn for an informal discussion.

Coffee with the Mayor in 2025 is scheduled for the first Saturday, every other month. 

Save the Date for Future Coffee Hours
Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 9-10:30am


Trevor Cameron will discuss PNW Vines at LFP Garden Club on April 8, 2025

Trevor Cameron
Garden expert
On Tuesday April 8, 2025 the LFP Garden Club will have their monthly meeting at the LFP Town Center, Upper level by the stage area. Location Ballinger and Bothell Way NE. 

General club meeting starts at 9:30am and breaks at 10:15am for treats. At 10:30am our speaker will speak for one hour.

Trevor Cameron will discuss "PNW Vines."

There are plenty of choices available when you desire a climbing or vining plant. Vines are an excellent way to go vertical in the garden and add interest with flower, foliage and even fruit. Carefully consider what you are looking to achieve, as this will help make your choice a successful one.

We hope you can attend. You are welcome to come to two meeting for free and then if you like our speakers we ask that you join the club for $35 a year. If you join in April your dues will carry thru to the 2026 year. Meeting are from September to May. We have a Christmas Party, a Picnic and tour of three of our club members' gardens, plus a Garden Party.


Sadly Toby arrived after store was closed

Photo by Seattle Poppy

Toby is looking in the window of the Seattle Barkery, a store in the Ridgecrest Business District that sells freshly baked, handcrafted dog treats.


Try again tomorrow, Toby!


Transit advocates rally in support of SR 522 Bus Rapid Transit


Lake Forest Park, WA—Transit advocates from Lake Forest Park, Shoreline, Kenmore, and Bothell are coming together on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 10:30am to rally in support of the Stride bus rapid transit project in their community.

The Stride S3 bus rapid transit project will build new accessible sidewalks along SR 522 and Bothell Way and bring fast, frequent, and reliable transit to these growing communities.

“Lake Forest Park can't wait for bus rapid transit! We voted for it by a wider margin than any other community along this route, and the sooner it breaks ground, the sooner it can connect commuters and kids with our neighboring communities,” said Josh Rosenau, lead organizer for Lake Forest Park for Bus Rapid Transit,
“All over the world, Bus Rapid Transit is proven to reduce car trips and carbon emissions, while making communities more accessible.”

Stride S3 will bring:
  • Frequent buses every 10 minutes connecting the Shoreline South light rail station to UW Bothell
  • Quick, reliable service along dedicated bus lanes
  • Reduced emissions from clean, quiet electric buses
  • New sidewalks, street lights, storm sewers, and bus stops

Cecelia Black, Community Organizer, Disability Mobility Initiative, Disability Rights Washington pointed out that 

“Stride S3 will make our transportation system work better for the almost 30% of Lake Forest Park, Shoreline, Kenmore, and Bothell residents who are non-drivers. This is our opportunity to address our transportation system that has left so many people behind. We cannot wait any longer for safe sidewalks and reliable transit.”

Rally for Stride S3
Saturday April 5, 10:30am

For more information about Lake Forest Park for Bus Rapid Transit, visit lfp4brt.org. For more information on Stride, visit SoundTransit.org


Shorewood fastpitch softball vs Cedar Park Christian 4-2-25

Girls fastpitch softball
Shorewood vs. Cedar Park Christian 
4-2-2025 at Meridian Park
Shorewood 1 - Cedar Park Christian 0






Ellie Van Horn
Photo by Chris Stuvek
Pitcher(s) and Catcher(s)

Cedar Park Christian: 
  • Shelby Southard (11 Ks)
  • Ella Meikle (catcher)
Shorewood: 
  • Ellie Van Horn (14 Ks)
  • Lillian Perrault (catcher)
Highlights

Cedar Park Christian: 
  • Shelby Southard 3-3 (2B)
  • Adelaide Foster 1-3
Shorewood: 
  • Grace McLaughlin 2-4
  • Rose Gallagher 1-4 (Game-winning RBI)
  • Alyssa Carver 2-3
Coach: Paul Jensen


Shorecrest girls tennis: 4-2-25 vs Shorewood and 4-3-25 vs Meadowdale

4/2 Girls Tennis
Shorewood 6 - Shorecrest 1

Singles

Zoe Greenzweig (SC) v Rylie Gettmann
SC lost 0-6, 0-6

Lily Haessler (SC) v Alex Mignogna
SC lost 1-6, 1-6

Ally Miner (SC) v Micah Crose
SC lost 4-6, 2-6

Sophie Schmitz (SC) v Melinda Lee
SC won 6-1, 2-6, 10-6

Doubles

Mia Halset—Walker Temme (SC) v Mari Brittle—Bridget Cox
SC lost 1-6, 0-6

Lauren Kajimura—Thayer Katahara-Stewart (SC) v Cally Webb—Addy Falkin
SC lost 1-6, 2-6

Calla Rihnsmith—Harper Brown (SC) v Jessica Saleska—Lilah Becker
SC lost 0-6, 1-6

4/3 Girls Tennis 

Shorecrest 5 - Meadowdale 2
At Kellogg M.S.

Singles

Katelynne Wyckoff (M) def. Zoe Greenzweig (S) 6-4, 6-2. 

Lily Haessler (S) def. Grace Gilman 6-3, 6-4. 

Ally Miner (S) v Claire Yim 6-2, 6-2. 

Sophie Schmitz (S) v Khaiyah Un 6-3, 6-2. 

Doubles

Emie Shepherd—Jenna Vanderpoel def. Mia Halset—Walker Temmeh (S) 6-4, 6-4. 

Lauren Kajimura—Thayer Katahara-Stewart (S) def. Jackie Reonal—Umana Junejo 6-3, 6-4. 

Calla Rihnsmith—Sabina Schoeld (S) def. Saryna Moua—Bella Partida del Rosario 6-0, 6-2


2025 “Shoreline Walks” Community Walking Program starts in April

Thursday, April 3, 2025


Shoreline Walks kicks off another season starting in April. 

This free community walking program helps adults stay active, meet new people, and feel safer and more confident exploring our City by foot. 

Each walk, led by a Volunteer Walk Leader, will explore neighborhoods, parks, and trails, highlighting some of Shoreline’s best walking routes. 

Designed for adults 50+ but open to all ages and abilities, these walks are free to the public. There’s no registration—just show up at the meetup location and join the group. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome to join.

Walks are regularly added throughout the season running from April - November. For more details and to see the schedule of Shoreline Walks, visit shorelinewa.gov/shorelinewalks or contact Marianne Johnson, Recreation Specialist II at 206-801-2600. 

Walks are also listed on the Shoreline Parks and Rec Facebook Page.


Business Spotlight: BECU Ballinger - Banking With Purpose in Shoreline

Local Business Spotlight in partnership with Kate Ledbetter, DestinationShoreline.com


BECU Ballinger
Photo by Kate Ledbetter
BECU Ballinger: Banking With Purpose in Shoreline

Community-Focused, Member-Owned, and Here for You

Shoreline is known for its strong sense of community, and BECU embodies that same neighborly spirit. More than just a financial institution, BECU is a not-for-profit credit union that reinvests in its members and the local area. 

Whether you’re looking for a bank account with no fees, expert financial guidance, or community-driven banking solutions, BECU’s Ballinger branch is here to help.

Enjoy this Q&A with Maia Lark, Branch Manager from BECU to learn more about how BECU serves Shoreline and what makes this branch so special.

Q&A With Maia Lark, Branch Manager, BECU Ballinger

Q: How long have you been in business?
A: BECU was established in 1935. I have worked here since 2017.

Q: What inspired you to start your business?
A: BECU started in 1935 with a group of 18 Boeing employees each contributing 50 cents to a lunchbox so they could help one another afford tools needed to do their jobs. This community approach to financial means grew into one of the nation’s largest credit unions, enabling us to help over 1.5 million members achieve financial freedom.

Q: What service does your business provide for our community?
A: We are a not-for-profit credit union that is owned by our members, meaning that we can reinvest our profits into our communities and back to our members. As a result, our accounts are free, our rates are competitive, and we can eliminate typical fees and balance requirements. 

We provide bank accounts, loan products, financial consulting, budget and credit counseling resources, financial advisors, mortgage specialists, and business accounts, loans, and specialists. We offer kids’ accounts, estates, trusts, and other fiduciary accounts. We are genuinely interested in improving the financial health of every person that walks through our door.

Q: What do you love the most about Shoreline?
A: I love Shoreline’s sense of community and the neighborhood feel.

Q: Why is your business based in Shoreline?
A: The Ballinger BECU was opened as an additional resource for members that frequent some of our extremely busy neighboring locations and to provide convenient access to residents in surrounding cities on the east side of I-5 that do not have a local branch.

Q: What’s one thing you wish your customers knew about you but never ask?
A: We'd love to have a conversation about your goals and concerns around finances. We truly want to help you get (and stay) on a positive financial path. We are people helping people, inside and out.

Q: What inspires you each day?
A: I love being able to make a lasting impact on people’s lives and give them a resource around financial education that feels safe and approachable. I am especially fulfilled to do this for my own community.

Q: What has been your proudest moment in business so far?
A: I love being able to help people understand credit, eliminate fear around credit, and establish, build, or repair credit in a healthy way.

Q: How do you approach customer service, and what sets you apart?
A: We aim to fully connect with our members so we can give them personalized, advice-led financial solutions. We will happily take the time to listen, review options, answer questions, discuss concerns, and set you up for long-term success.

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting a business in Shoreline?

A: Get to know your neighbors! Join the chamber!

Q: How does your business support or give back to the local community?
A: BECU invested approximately 8 million dollars into organizations in our community in 2024. We provide grants and scholarships. We volunteer! Learn more about our community involvement.

Q: If you could change one thing about Shoreline, what would it be?

A: I'd love more walkable, locally owned coffee shops!

Q: What future plans or goals do you have for your business?
A: As a new location, the Ballinger NFC wants to invite more people in the door! Come ask us how we can make a difference in your financial future!

Q: What’s your next upcoming event?
A: Homebuyers Class -April 19th at 1:30 - 3:30pm

Q: Do you have a drive-thru ATM?
A: Yes, we do!

Stop By and Say Hello!
If you're looking for a trusted financial partner that puts community first, BECU is here to help. Whether you need a checking account, a home loan, or just want expert financial advice, the Ballinger branch is ready to serve you.

BECU Ballinger – 20011 Ballinger Way NE, Shoreline, WA 98155
(800) 233-2328
www.becu.org
maia.lark@becu.org
Facebook | LinkedIn

Come visit us—we’d love to help you reach your financial goals!


All tickets "pay what you can" for As If theatre's production of Ripcord on Thursday April 3, 2025


The final performances of RIPCORD are this week! All tickets for Thursday are Pay What You Can. Do not miss the show that critics and audiences are raving about. 

Get your tix now! asiftheatre.com

A Dark Comedy

Set in the sunny room on an upper floor of a senior living facility, the cantankerous Abby is forced to share her prime location with new-arrival Marilyn which gives her no choice but to get rid of the infuriatingly chipper woman by any means necessary. 

A seemingly harmless bet between the old women quickly escalates into a dangerous game of one-upmanship that reveals not just the tenacity of these worthy opponents, but also deeper truths that each would rather remain hidden.

The show runs through Sunday, April 6, 2025. Friday's show is sold out!

Thursday-Saturday @ 7:30pm | Sunday @ 5:00pm
KENMORE Community Club


Summer camp from City of Shoreline: Camp of all Trades


Camp of all Trades

Join the Camp of All Trades for a summer full of diverse activities, featuring a weekly rotating theme. 

Enjoy learning new games, engaging in art projects, and exploring the natural world in your neighborhood!

Tuesday-Friday
9am-2pm
Meridian Elementary, 17077 Meridian Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133
Ages 11-15
Cost per 1 week session: resident $187 / non-resident $224

Questions? email landerson@shorelinewa.gov



Spring Fest at Twin Ponds Park – A Celebration of Nature & Community


Join Verde Wildwood Forest School and Sunflower Seedlings for a fun-filled Spring Fest in Shoreline!

April 12, 2025 from 10am - 12 noon
Twin Ponds Park, 16501 N 155th St, Shoreline WA 98133

Enjoy a day of nature-inspired crafts, delicious food, and hands-on fun in our mud kitchen! This family-friendly event is a great way to connect with local families, explore outdoor learning, and celebrate the beauty of spring in our community.

RSVP & more information

Bring your family, meet your neighbors, and enjoy a day of play and discovery in Shoreline!


First-half property tax payments are due on Wednesday, April 30, 2025



First-half property tax payments are due on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 for property owners who pay taxes themselves and not through a mortgage lender. 


You can pay your taxes online using the county's safe, secure eCommerce system.

Taxpayers can receive services via:
Other helpful links:

Shoreline grounds maintenance staff to remove Poison Hemlock and Shiny Geranium from city parks and property

Poison hemlock plant. Photo by John Brown.
King County
It’s time again for City staff, led by Grounds Maintenance, to treat noxious weeds like Poison Hemlock and Shiny Geranium. 

Crews will place application signage the first week of April and treatments will be done as weather allows throughout the month.

The City’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policy requires a minimum of 24-48 hours of dry weather after any application. 

We have 14 locations of Poison Hemlock and six locations of Shiny Geranium approved for treatment at this time. 

Given the amount of sites, treatments could be spread out over several weeks to fit within weather windows. Posted application areas will be marked by a 24”x18” signs and red flags. The red flags will be changed to blue flags with a city logo once treatment has been completed. This is to help clarify whether an area has been completed or is still awaiting treatment.

For more information on our integrated pest management processes, visit the Noxious weeds, stinging insects, and chemical control authorization webpage.

Areas of removal

Poison Hemlock
  • Richmond Beach Saltwater Park (multiple locations)
  • Richmond Beach Dr NW and 27th Dr NW between NW 195tPl and NW 196th Pl (multiple locations)
  • Richmond Beach Dr NW between NW 204th and NW 205th
  • Aurora Ave N by Aurora Rents
  • 15th Ave NW between NW 175th and 14th Ave NW with multiple smaller locations in the vicinity
  • 23rd Ave NW & NW 196th and by 20130 23rd Ave NW
  • Bioswale behind Dale Turner YMCA
  • Adjacent to King County Transfer Station
  • Interurban Trail approximately 172nd St
  • Carlyle Hall Rd south of cemetery
  • NW Innis Arden Way by Shoreview Park – two locations in the ROW
  • 195th St Trail between Meridian and 1st Ave NE
Shiny Geranium
  • Dayton Ave N across from St Lukes
  • Carlyle Hall Rd south of cemetery (to be treated in conjunction with Poison Hemlock in same area)
  • 27th Ave NW south of NW 195th Court (to be treated in conjunction with Poison Hemlock in same area)
  • 157th St at I-5 north side of street, both sides of underpass
  • Meridian Ave N both sides of street due south of 205th St/Ballinger Way
  • City of Shoreline North Maintenance Facility
Identifying poison-hemlock
 
Visit King County Noxious Weed Control’s webpage on poison-hemlock identification to see photos and get more information. 

You can also read the poison hemlock fact sheet produced by the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board.
 
What to do if you find poison-hemlock

If you see poison-hemlock on City property, please use the Report a Noxious Weed form to report it to King County Noxious Weed Control.

If you see poison-hemlock on your own property and you would like help creating a weed management plan, email noxious.weeds@kingcounty.gov or call 206-477-9333.

If you plan to remove it yourself, always wear gloves and long sleeves. Take frequent breaks when working on removal. Dig it up or pull and discard in the trash (not in your green compost bin).


Local financial advisor named to Forbes Best in State list


Financial Advisor Suzan M. Shayler has been named to the Forbes, Best in State list. 

She works in the Shoreline Edward Jones office at 19270 Aurora Ave N, Suite #1, Shoreline WA 98133. Office phone 206-542-2599


Joseph Douglas “Joe” Malan 1940-2025

Joe Malan
1940-2025
Joseph Douglas “Joe” Malan
May 24, 1940 – March 19, 2025

Joe Malan was born on May 24, 1940, and grew up in San Francisco. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1958 and was named San Francisco All City Basketball player. 

After college, Joe returned to San Francisco and worked for Zellerbach Paper company. While in San Francisco he met Linda Walker, and they were married in 1965 in Yosemite National Park. 

Eager to travel, they took a student ship to Germany, where Joe found work with the Overseas Service Corporation and they settled in Nürnberg for a year, followed by another year in Frankfurt. The company then transferred them back to the San Francisco Bay area.

Their daughter Aimee joined the family in 1971, and they were again on the move. This time to Moses Lake with Arden Dairy and soon on to Spokane where Joe became the general manager of Carnation Dairy. 

Michael joined the family in 1973, and the family home was built in Deer Park. Another company transfer brought them to Seattle where Joe again became the general manager of the Carnation plant. 

The family lived in Lake Forest Park and this position lasted for 10 years until the company was sold. Facing a too-early retirement, Joe became a food broker, representing companies like Vitamilk and Yami Yogurt and built a home in Edmonds. 

He volunteered for several organizations including the Edmonds Laebugten Salmon Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and on the board of Salvation Army. 

Besides his family, fly fishing was his love along with boating on the Sound, exploring the San Juan Islands. There were many wonderful rivers in the NW to fish and a week each summer fishing in Alaska And the love of travel never diminished so there were many far off lands to be explored as well.

Joe passed away on March 19, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Georgia and Clarence Malan, his brother Harold and sister Joretta, and his son Michael. He is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Aimee and her husband Paul Miner, daughter-in law Betty, and grandchildren Hannah and Isaac Malan, Andrew and Ally Miner.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Salvation Army or Special Olympics.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday April 5, 2025, at 2:30pm at the Edmonds Yacht Club.


Three recent car - pedestrian collisions in Shoreline

Location of March 20
collision.
On March 20, 2025 just after 8pm, fire and police deputies responded to reports of an accident at 15th Avenue NE and 24th Avenue NE.

A pedestrian, whom eyewitnesses said was a young man in his late teens to early 20s, was attempting to cross 15th NE when he was struck and dragged by a car.

Shoreline Fire transported the injured pedestrian to Harborview. He was conscious.

The driver stopped and was not cited.

Sunday March 30, 2025 around 2pm at 185th and Meridian, a bicyclist was hit by a car. He suffered multiple injuries but is expected to be discharged soon from Harborview.

On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, about 10:20pm, King county deputies and Shoreline Medics responded to the intersection of N 185th and Aurora after a skateboarder was hit by a car.

The victim, a male in his 20s, was taken to Harborview with life-threatening injuries. The driver was not charged.

Harborview does not release medical information.

Aurora was blocked for investigation by the King County Sheriff's Office Major Accident Response Team.


Husky flowers

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

If the University of Washington had nothing to do with the development of these flowers, they really should have.




Explore and Learn with Shoreline Community College


Join us on campus for a FREE informational meeting this Thursday, April 3, 2025 to learn about the incredible non-credit travel opportunities offered by Shoreline Community College's Continuing Education program!

We will meet with a representative from Collette Travel on April 3, 2025 from 5:30 - 7pm to discuss upcoming trips. Join us at the Campus Library (Bldg #4000). 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133.

Upcoming trips include:
Contact continuing-ed@shoreline.edu for details. Register here by adding to your cart or calling 206-546-6966.


Rainbow Bingo at Senior Activity Center April 11, 2025


Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center holds our monthly fundraiser RAINBOW BINGO with our incredible hostess Sylvia O’Stayformore!

Friday, April 11, 2025. Games start at 7pm, doors open at 6:00pm.

Get your tickets today!

Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Senior Activity Center, southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155.

Participants can expect ten (10) rousing rounds of bingo, complete with prizes and a few musical numbers!

Cost: $20 Admission and $10 at the door for your bingo cards.

The $20 Admission reserves your seats and includes the evening’s entertainment and loaded nachos.

$10 Bingo cards must be purchased at the door by cash or check as required by the Washington State Gambling Commission.

Bingo is a 21 and over event. Cash beverage bar will be open.


Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Dog

 




For the Birds: Pigs CAN Fly Really!

Pine Siskin Here's looking at you kid
Photo by Chris Southwick
By Christine Southwick

Do you have birds that are brown with yellow patches and needle-like bills fighting and darting around each other for spaces at your feeders while you hear a rising “zhreeeee” sound? 

Are you filling your feeders daily because of their vociferous appetites? If so, you know why Pine Siskin are often called Pig Siskins.

These noisy, flashy little finches often appear in our winters in flocks from four to eighty-four. 

You might have Pine Siskin at other seasons too since these finches are nomadic, meaning that they don’t have a set migration. 

Pine Siskin flock
Photo by Chris Southwick
Instead, they follow their food sources, and in years that their preferred food of evergreen cone seeds is low, they fly searching until they find suitable substitutes— evergreens with cones, shrubby thickets with seeds or berries, un-mowed grassy fields, and especially bird feeders. 

Their bills have evolved to a narrow pointy shape that enables them to extract cone seeds and other small seeds.

Pine Siskin are usually found in the tip-tops of seed-bearing trees, often hanging upside-down while extracting their favorite seeds out of hanging cones. 

Pine Siskin presumed male by amount of yellow
Photo by Chris Southwick
They also eat alder seeds and can be found in mixed forests here. These feisty birds keep trees healthy by gleaning spiders, insects and grubs found on branches, and on/in leaves. 

During the winter, they are often on the ground looking for these delicacies.

Pine Siskin are gregarious finches that stay in flocks continually making contact calls. 

They usually nest close to each other in loose colonies, high up in trees, in the boreal forests in Canada. 

Females build the highly insulated nests and hide them under an overhanging branch. 

The females keep the eggs warm continuously while being fed by their monogamous mates.

Pine Siskin on left House Finch on right by
Photo by Chris Southwick
Pine Siskin can stay warm in extreme cold by raising their metabolic rate, something that few other birds can do. 

And when they store seeds in their crop (pouch area all birds have in front of their throat) they can eat a few seeds at a time as fuel for five to six hours of heat during sub-zero nights.

They gladly eat black-oil sunflower seeds, and in cold weather may crowd feeders. 

Keep clean water in liquid form for their drinking and bathing needs, and clean under your feeders routinely.

 

Financial literacy for teens - free sessions at Teen Center 4-30-25 and 5-7-25


The Shoreline Teen Center is partnering with Financial Beginnings to bring financial literacy to our teens.

Register for free workshops at https://forms.gle/GBybNesbupvw5F8g7

Financial Beginnings is a national nonprofit that provides accessible and unbiased financial education programming to youth and adults in schools and community-based organizations across the country.

The generosity of community members, volunteers, businesses, and foundations enables Financial Beginnings to provide all our programs at no cost to learners and educational partners. 

They deliver programming to tens of thousands annually, serving K-12 and adults, and prioritizing groups from low-to-moderate income (LMI) households.

Free workshops for middle and high school aged youth will be held at the Shoreline Teen Center from 2 - 3pm.

  • SPENDING 4/30/2025 Learn about available financial services and how to choose the right financial institution. Having a strong relationship with a financial institution and properly managing a bank account can provide a strong foundation for future financial transactions.
  • BUDGETING 5/7/2025 Learn about the concept of wealth and what it means to you. Budgeting is the keystone to proper money management. Budgeting is more than tracking income and expenses.
Register for our free workshops. Registered participants receive a free workbook!

REGISTER HERE

Class held at Richmond Highlands Recreation Center - Open during park construction
16554 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133


Free e-bikes for some Briarcrest and Ridgecrest residents


By Oliver Moffat

Applications for a free e-bike are now open on the Shoreline website for residents in parts of south Briarcrest and Ridgecrest.

A map from Shoreline’s website shows the
areas in Briarcrest and Ridgecrest where
residents can quality for a free e-bike.
Residents must live north of NE 145th St, south of NE 165th St, east of 5th Ave NE and west of 25th Ave NE - check the map on the city’s website to see if you live in the qualifying area.

Neighborhoods in North Seattle and Shoreline were identified as one of 16 Overburdened Communities in Washington with high air pollution rates and a history of socio-economic injustice.

The program includes safety gear and bike training and will prioritize low-income residents (below 80% AMI).

Cascade Bicycle Club will distribute the bikes with safety gear and provide free classes. An Off-Bike class is also open to all Shoreline residents.

On March 17, the city council approved a $615,774 contract funded by a Department of Ecology grant with Climate Commitment Act revenues.

The grant is paid for by the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), Washington's market-based program that caps and reduces greenhouse gas emissions from Washington’s largest polluters. The CCA recently survived an initiative challenge by a wide margin.


Washington WIC chosen for online ordering pilot program with Walmart

OLYMPIA – Washington state families enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program can now use their benefits to order WIC-approved foods online from Walmart stores in Washington, thanks to a new pilot program. 

Washington is one of 11 states testing online WIC ordering and joins Massachusetts as the only two states working with Walmart as a national retailer. The pilot project is funded by a grant from the Center for Nutrition & Health Impact.

“Partnering with Walmart helps WIC families who struggle with access to stores or finding WIC-approved foods nearby,” said Brittany Tybo, WIC Director, Washington State Department of Health.
“By innovating to provide delivery, shipping, and pickup options, we remove barriers and ensure families can easily access the healthy foods they need in a way that makes sense for them.”

After adding their WIC card to their free Walmart account at www.walmart.com/WIC or through the Walmart mobile app, Washington WIC participants can shop for WIC-approved items, which are also called out on the site for ease, such as infant formula, eggs, and fruits and vegetables. 

The pilot program with Walmart also provides WIC participants with better options for finding items that may be out of stock locally but can be shipped from another store.

The pilot project runs through December 31, 2025, with the goal of expanding online ordering for WIC participants to other retailers in Washington after an evaluation period. 


Teen Center April calendar


Shoreline Teen Center
Richmond Highlands Recreation Center
South of Shorewood High School

Updates on the Shoreline Teen Center activities, events, and hours can be found at shorelinewa.gov/teens under the Teen Program Updates drop-down menu.

The Shoreline Teen Center is a free teen center for youth aged Middle School to 18 years old. The Center provides hot food as well as many activities. They have basketball, pool, ping pong, foosball, video games, and art daily.

Doors open at 2:30pm Monday - Friday. All calendar activities begin at about 3:30pm and are subject to change.


King County Council votes to confirm Shannon Braddock as acting Executive

Shannon Braddock
Acting King County Executive
Photo courtesy King County
The King County Council on Tuesday voted to appoint Deputy Executive Shannon Braddock as acting King County Executive. 

Braddock’s appointment came a day after Dow Constantine stepped down to assume a new role as CEO of Sound Transit.

Since her appointment as Deputy Executive in June 2023, Braddock has provided strategic direction and coordination for Executive Constantine’s priorities, advising on emerging issues, policy development, and external and government relations. 

Braddock has worked in the Executive’s Office since 2017, including previously as Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Director of Council Relations. 

Prior to joining the Executive’s Office, she led the office of former King County Councilmember Joe McDermott. 

She has also worked in regulatory affairs in the private sector, the U.S. House of Representatives, and has served on the boards of the West Seattle Food Bank and WestSide Baby.

“I am honored to serve as Acting County Executive and appreciate the council’s support today,” Braddock said. “With 15 years of experience at King County, I am dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the essential services our residents depend on.”

Following the requirements of the King County Charter, Constantine selected Braddock as his first choice to serve as interim Executive through an executive order, which meant that as of midnight Monday, she had all the powers and duties of the Executive. 

With Tuesday’s vote, Braddock will now serve as acting Executive until the council chooses an appointed Executive (which could be the acting Executive or another candidate put forward by Council). The appointed Executive will serve until a successor is elected in November and qualified.


What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? - April 2 - 8, 2025 Featured Events


By Kate Ledbetter, www.DestinationShoreline.com

What’s Happening This Week in Shoreline? - April 2 - 8

Hey Shoreline! Ready for another week of fun and connection? Check out your weekly guide to upcoming local events. 

For all the upcoming Shoreline events this week visit: https://www.destinationshoreline.com/calendar

Destination Shoreline Featured Events of the Week:

Seattle Veterinary Outreach Clinic
Friday, April 4
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Shoreline Library

The Shoreline Library is partnering with Seattle Veterinary Outreach to provide sliding scale veterinary care for people living unhoused or low income. Seattle Veterinary Outreach will be set up in the lower parking lot of the library. First come, first served. Spaces are limited and Seattle Veterinary Outreach cannot guarantee everyone will be seen. There is a two pets per family limit and the code of conduct applies. Schedule is subject to change. Please visit https://seattlevet.org/clinic-calendar for the current schedule.

Earth Day, Every Day
Saturday, April 5
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Town & Country Market Shoreline

Sustainable Fun for the Whole Family!

Join Town & Country Markets in partnership with Seattle City Light in celebrating Earth Day Every Day at Shoreline! Discover green living with energy conservation, eco-transportation, and sustainable gardening, featuring how-to’s, tips, and informational offerings. Enjoy tastes from local food vendors sampling our favorite earth-friendly products.

Pruning 101 with Horticulturalist Hans Tietjen
Saturday, April 5
10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Kruckeberg Botanic Garden

Trees, Shrubs, and More – Learn how to do it right! We’ll go over not just the ‘how’ but also the ‘why’ of pruning and equip you with a better understanding of how to properly train, trim, and maintain your woody landscape plants! Join us for a classroom presentation inside before stepping out into the garden for in-person demonstrations. Please Note: This class will take place both indoors and outdoors, please dress accordingly. Inside will require the use of stairs.

Our classes fill up fast and pre-registration is required.

Members $25 | Non-members $45.

Home Maintenance and Basic Home Repairs
Sunday, April 6
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Shoreline Tool Library

Learn some basics of home maintenance with Carl Menconi. Carl will address common household maintenance issues with ready-to-use solutions. The focus of this class will be repairs/improvements, but there will also be some explanation on general fixing.

Please note that this class may be filmed for future teaching purposes, and participants may be included in footage. If you are uncomfortable with this, please wait until we offer this class again.

Register Here.

Heroes Café-Shoreline
Tuesday, April 8
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Seattle Scottish Rite Center

A Continental Breakfast will begin at 9:00 am with lunch prepared by our Red Cross Volunteers at 11:15 am. A Veteran program will start at 10:00 am with a Formal Opening, Flag Salute, POW/MIA Flag Placement and February Birthdays Acknowledged. Veterans, Family, Friends and the Community are Welcome. Heroes Café Shoreline is the largest gathering of Veterans on a monthly basis in King County.

For all upcoming Shoreline events this week see: https://www.destinationshoreline.com/calendar


Travels with Charlie: Spring is Exploding Everywhere

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Photo by Gordon Snyder

Walking around our neighborhoods there are wonderful things to see.  Our Spring is exploding everywhere you look. Blooms are taking over...

Photo by Gordon Snyder

Look up...

Photo by Gordon Snyder

Look down...

Look all around...

Finally, winter is fading away.  Get outside and enjoy your neighborhood when you can.

Cheers,
Gordon Snyder


Nationwide protests Saturday - local gathering at 205th and Aurora

 
If we do not speak out, no one will hear us.

Next Saturday, April 5, 2025 there will be a nation-wide, nonviolent protest to allow all citizens to express their concerns with our current government.

A local protest is scheduled for the corner of Aurora and 205th from 1:00 - 2:30pm.

Organized by Shoreline-based group Everyday Activists, who explain that,

"Everyday Activists is a community of people who are ready to take action in the cause of equality," said the group's founder.
"On April 5th, we join with the multitude of Americans who know that the dismantling of our government is a direct attack on the Constitution and our well-being."

"It's a coup; and we will use every non-violent means to stop it," she added. "To quote U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, 'The Constitution isn't optional.'"

Many will be carrying signs that say "Hands off ..." 


School board to review proposed layoffs for the next school year at board meeting Tuesday

Shoreline Center - School District headquarters

Facing an estimated $6.5 million budget deficit for the 2025-26 school year, more staff reductions are likely at Shoreline schools. The Shoreline school board will discuss a draft layoff plan at the April 1st meeting.

The district has already put in a hiring freeze for non-classroom positions, and laid off 44 library technicians, custodians, family advocates, maintenance staff, central office staff and administrators. But with 87% of the budget going to staff compensation, more layoffs are likely.

A draft Reduced Educational Program (REP) has been developed as part of the 2025-26 budget development process. A REP is a legally required step taken by a school district to implement a reduction in force (RIF, aka: layoffs) for the following school year.

The draft plan currently proposes eliminating 5.5 positions, aiming to save approximately $1.5 million. To meet the targeted $6.5 million in savings, the district will likely need to implement further staff reductions. The exact number of cuts hasn’t yet been decided.

“We recognize the difficulty of this process and are committed to approaching it with care and compassion. We also look forward to working with our labor partners to collaboratively address the school district’s budget challenges,” wrote Superintendent Dr. Susana Reyes.

A statement from the district,

"We have been on a journey to set the district on a healthier fiscal path for the last three years. And unfortunately, despite all of the cost-saving measures we have implemented; the sacrifices that staff, students, and families have made; and some bright spots such as enrollment increases and incremental state funding improvements, continued reductions are necessary.
"Our ending unreserved fund balance continues to be dangerously low and expenses continue to outpace our revenues.

"We must get to a place of financial health where we can resume investments in the elements necessary to support our schools."

Shoreline is not alone. School districts across the state have been cutting staff and closing schools because of budget deficits. Nearby, Northshore and Edmonds school districts have both recently laid off staff over budget shortfalls.

Chris Reykdal, State Superintendent of Public Instruction has said that Washington underfunds education by $4 billion a year, but with the state facing a $15 billion budget deficit, it is unclear if the legislature will deliver significant new funding to schools.

To view the REP presentation, you may attend the following school board meeting in person or virtually that evening, or view the recording that will be posted the next day.

School Board Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 6:00pm
Board Room, Shoreline Center
18560 1st Ave. NE

Attend Meeting via Zoom

Webinar ID: 832 5426 4113
Passcode: 149592

Dial-In Phone Numbers: 1-253-215-8782 or 1-669-900-6833

We invite questions and comments about the REP here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/SSDBudget25 All responses gathered will be shared with school district leadership and school board members.

Information on school board meetings is online at ssd412.org/school-board/attend-a-meeting

More information on the district budget is available online at ssd412.org/budget

The Shoreline PTA has information on advocacy at shorelinepta.org

--Oliver Moffat produced much of this story, with additions from the school district.


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