Beacon Magazine – Spring 2023

MAGAZINE The Beacon

Spring 2023

ON THE PROWL

Police K-9s help take a bite out of crime

INSIDE

FOOD FOR THE PNW

Meet the restaurateur who started our beloved teriyaki craze

FUN ON TWO WHEELS

Tips on finding, exploring bike trails in our area

Locally known, internationally recognized for professionalism and integrity in real estate.

Connor

206-214-5609

ConnorDesy@cbbain.com

Team

Chuck

206-396-9070 ChuckEaster@cbbain.com

Stacie Echelbarger 206-719-6212 TeamEch.com

Tyler Echelbarger 206-799-3877 TeamEch.com

Haines Huff Properties

Michaela Greene 425-879-6899

Michaela.Greene@CBRealty.com

Nolan Greene 425-501-2226

Nolan.Greene@CBRealty.com

Patti Greene 206-369-5429

Patti.Greene@CBRealty.com

John Haines 206-854-4403 JohnHaines@cbbain.com

Missi Huff 206-948-2565 MissiHuff@cbbain.com

Jim Hills 425-876-0927

JimHills@cbbain.com

MakennaPellerin@cbbain.com

Gvara

GvaraKirschner@cbbain.com

Laura

425-771-6444

LauraMyers@cbbain.com

Courtney

CourtneyNickel@cbbain.com

Forrest

425-470-3672

ForrestReda@CBRealty.com

Principal Managing Broker

Makenna Pellerin 206-327-2648

Rachel Rowland 206-910-2723 RachelRowland@cbbain.com

Jean Sittauer 425-478-7712 JeanSittauer@cbbain.com

Paul Sundberg 425-275-6359 PaulSundberg@cbbain.com

Team Echelbarger 108 5th Ave. S. Edmonds, WA 98020

15506 Main St. #101 Mill Creek, WA 98012

Emma

425-624-7233 EmmaNolan@cbbain.com

425-771-1000

coldwellbankerhomes.com/wa/edmonds/agents

425-771-6444

coldwellbankerhomes.com/wa/mill-creek/agents

Greene

Myers

Nickel 832-312-4711

Reda

Nolan

Desy

Easter

Coldwell Banker Bain - Edmonds

Coldwell Banker Bain - Mill Creek

Kirschner 206-353-1944

Welcome to The Beacon

Are you ready for some spring reading? This issue marks the first of The Beacon’s magazines for 2023, with summer and fall issues to follow. Here’s a preview of what you’ll find inside.

Like most, you may find your spending budget doesn’t return as much as it used to. Everything, it seems, is more expensive than ever. While we can’t offer you tips on reducing your cable or streaming services bills, David Pan offers an engaging piece on how to save money on clothes, grocery items, and even things you might never have known you needed.

Speaking of food, did you know that the businessman who helped kickstart our teriyaki cravings still sells his sauce-covered meats in Mill Creek? There may be several Toshi’s Teriyakis dotting Puget Sound, but there’s only one where Toshi Kasahara makes your meal. Beacon columnist Maria Montalvo shares the goods.

To work off some of that teriyaki, you might be wondering where you can find biking trails nearby. Makenna Dreher, who grew up in Edmonds riding its trails, spoke to those knowledgeable about trails while even sharing a bit of her own story.

In the what’s-that-like list of jobs you might be curious about, Chris Trujillo takes a ride with a police officer and his K-9 companion for our A Day in the Life feature. Dogs can be a man’s best friend, but also a crook’s worst enemy. We know you love Snohomish County and what Puget Sound has to offer, but have you visited the Columbia River Gorge on the Washington-Oregon border? If you have, you’ve experienced its incredible beauty. If you haven’t, travel writer Debbie Stone gives you all the information you need, as well as offering some breathtaking photos. Dig in, and we’ll see you again this summer!

–   Brian Soergel, Managing Editor

Come On In

Teriyaki: A Northwest favorite ................................

Looking for teriyaki? You don’t have to look far in southwest Snohomish County. Why is teriyaki so popular in this neck of the woods? The man who helped create the teriyaki madness shares some ideas.

A Day in the Life: Police K-9

Ace is an Edmonds police K-9 officer. He’s near retirement, but not done chasing bad guys just yet. When his day is over, he goes home with his handler. In this case, it’s Officer Josh Hwang.

Searching for deals

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We’re spending more on just about everything these days. But there are steps you can take to save money on food, clothes and other necessities.

Spring 2023

Happy trails on 2 wheels

Locals love the outdoors. One of the most popular activities in these parts is taking to bike trails to get some exercise, have some fun, and get fresh air. Leg- or battery-powered, you have options.

Serious about waterfalls?

You don’t have to travel too far to see some of the most impressive waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. And the Columbia River Gorge has the greatest concentration in the country.

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Artist’s Corner

If you dig maps, you should get to know the work of Elizabeth Person. With a pen and brush, she creates detailed “illustrative infographics” that are endlessly entertaining and worth multiple looks.

Season to Taste

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Our Contributors

David Pan

David has written for Beacon Publishing since 2015. He was promoted to Mukilteo Beacon editor in 2020. The Mukilteo Beacon took home the first-place award in general excellence in the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association’s 2022 Better Newspaper Contest; Pan won four first-place writing awards.

Maria A. Montalvo

Maria A. Montalvo has served as a columnist for the Beacon newspapers since 2016, and wrote a blog for the online Beacon before that. She writes the Beacon’s biweekly restaurant and art review column, Arts & Appetite, as well as her own column, Moment’s Notice. She works in the nonprofit sector, and lives in Edmonds with her husband and beach-loving dog, Lulu.

Publisher Jenn Barker

Managing Editor Brian Soergel

Editorial David Pan Advertising Sales Tina Novak Administration Martine Grube

Debbie

Debbie Stone

Debbie is an established travel writer and columnist who crosses the globe in search of unique destinations and experiences to share with her readers and listeners. She’s an avid explorer who welcomes new opportunities to increase awareness and enthusiasm for places, culture, food, history, nature, outdoor adventure, wellness, and more. Her travels have taken her to nearly 100 countries spanning all seven continents.

Chris Trujillo

Chris has been a freelance contributor for Beacon Publishing since September 2022. He started his career in journalism at the Mukilteo Beacon 22 years ago while a junior at the University of Washington. He covered various topics, including upand-coming musicians, school district meetings, and sports, ranging from football, tennis, girls wrestling, and basketball. Over the years, he’s covered D1 and D2 football teams for several daily newspapers. He lives with his wife and dogs, Lex and Gala, in Mukilteo.

Makenna Dreher

Makenna has been a freelance contributor with the Beacon on and off since 2019. She graduated from the University of Washington and is a proud Husky fan. Her 9-to-5 is a marketing writer gig with an international nonprofit. She lives with her husband in Shoreline and recently, while researching an article for this issue, learned that her favorite biking trail used to be a railway system.

About the Cover

Officer Josh Hwang and K-9 Officer Ace of the Edmonds Police Department. “This is the best job in the police force,” Hwang says. “And it helps that Ace is my best friend. We go everywhere together. We go to work together, and he comes home with me at the night’s end. I can say I see him more than I see my family.”

– Shea Sullivan photo

Teriyaki:

A true Seattle original Originator Toshi Kasahara still cooks from a Mill Creek location

by Maria A. Montalvo

Oysters or geoduck? Coconut cream pie? Pho? Even a Dick’s Deluxe? There are so many wonderful culinary adventures available to us here in Washington. But when thinking about naming a quintessential Seattle food, teriyaki is synonymous with Seattle, like a Chicago dog or Philly cheesesteak.

Why? Well, you could consider that we have a sentimental attachment to teriyaki in Puget Sound as the American version of this Japanese dish originated in Seattle.

In 1976, this traditional style of Japanese cooking began to gain favor when Toshi’s Teriyaki introduced Seattle to a new style of teriyaki. It was first served on skewers but is now instantly recognizable in its white takeout containers.

Toshihiro Kasahara, the force behind the gastronomical innovation, immigrated to Seattle from Japan and opened the city’s first teriyaki shop on March 2, 1976.

Toshi’s Teriyaki Restaurant on Roy Street in Lower Queen Anne (a second opened soon at Green Lake) had 30 seats and five items: teriyaki chicken, teriyaki beef, and tori udon (noodles in chicken broth), which were served all day long, plus teriyaki steak and Japanese-style chicken curry at dinner.

Each item came with a molded mound of white rice, along with a cabbage salad with sesame oil and rice wine vinegar dressing. For a couple of bucks, you would get a tasty and satisfying meal made fresh just for you.

Today, the style of teriyaki Toshi invented is referred to as Seattle-style teriyaki. It was clear that Kasahara had found what Seattleites wanted, with people eating more healthfully and embracing Chinese and Japanese flavors.

Kasahara used sugar instead of the traditional sweet rice wine in his teriyaki sauce – the sauce is available for purchase on his website. It was initially created as a blend of soy, sugar, and chicken juices. It evolved into an all-American blend of soy sauce and sugar. A Seattle classic was born.

Toshi’s style of marinated, grilled chicken and beef eventually turned into Seattle’s regional specialty, with hundreds of shops springing up across town serving Toshi-esque teriyaki, with Toshi himself

Shea Sullivan photo

creating a chain of sorts, with 17 locations bearing his name by 1996.

The demand for teriyaki was constantly growing, and today there are hundreds of teriyaki spots in  Washington. The rest of the country has caught on, but not like in our home state.

The best part of this story for south Snohomish County residents is that Toshi Kasahara, who lives in Bellevue, today owns just one location. And it’s right here in south Snohomish County on Bothell-Everett Highway in Mill Creek, a fixture since 2013.

“People are looking for something tasty for a reasonable price,” said Kasahara, 73, who arrived in the U.S. in 1967 at age 18 to study at the cooking school at Portland State University. “I’ve always

been interested in cooking,” he said. In fact, he cooked teriyaki when growing up in Ashikaga, about 70 miles north of Tokyo. But mostly it was fish with his own blend of teriyaki sauce.

As you might expect, chicken teriyaki is the dish most requested by patrons. “Beef can sometimes be unpredictable,” he said. “Some can get more chewy than others. Chicken is typically pretty consistent.”

Forty-seven years after opening in Seattle, Kasahara still does all prep work and cooking inside Toshi’s Teriyaki Grill’s kitchen. He remains humble when told he must be a pretty good cook. “I’m not sure,” he said. “Maybe a little bit.”

If you’re looking for the original Toshi’s Teriyaki, you have to stop in Mill Creek. Any restaurant called “Toshi’s Teriyaki” other than that location is not his. He had about a dozen locations as franchises, later selling the name when franchisees wanted to purchase their locations. There are Toshi Teriyaki locations in Edmonds and Lynnwood, among others.

Kasahara’s restaurant now sports the name “Toshi’s Teriyaki Grill.” “We wanted to be a little different than others,” he said. “When you sell your name, you don’t really have control.”

So why open in Mill Creek other than Bellevue? “It’s very simple,” Kasahara said. “Somebody had this place and wanted to be out. It was a very reasonable price, so I could not say no. This was small enough, and I’ve always liked a simple, small place.”

Worldwide favorite

Teriyaki’s literal definition comes from two Japanese words: “teri,” to shine, and “yaki,” to grill, and that is what traditional

We wanted to be a little different than others. When you sell your name, you don’t really have control.

Forty-seven years after opening his first teriyaki restaurant in Lower Queen Anne, Toshi Kasahara continues to create his marinated, Seattle-style chicken and beef dishes on Bothell-Everett Highway in Mill Creek.

Shea Sullivan photo

teriyaki literally is – grill-marked meat with a hint of shine from that sweet glaze.

In Japan, teriyaki is a mix of soy sauce, sake, and the rice wine mirin, which imparts a subtle sweetness; Japanese chefs in the 1600s originally invented it. Traditionally, the meat was dipped in or brushed with a sauce several times during cooking, usually grilled over an open flame. The meat and rice would be finished with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.

We in Washington claim the humble and delicious American teriyaki as our own, but what about other American claims to teriyaki?

Some food writers and historians claim that it originated in Hawaii’s Japanese community sometime in the 1920s and 1930s. By the 1960s, teriyaki sauce – similar to what Toshi applied to grilled meats and poured over rice – had become a part of Hawaii’s culinary landscape, so it seems reasonable that Seattle may have inherited its love for teriyaki from Hawaii.

With more digging,

though, it likely was not Hawaii that brought teriyaki to Washington, but the other way around. The Japanese restaurants prevalent in Washington and California before World War II featured many dishes with the traditional interpretation of teriyaki.

Spots throughout Japantown, a neighborhood of Seattle, and other Japanese restaurants nearby, thrived between the two world wars. As the country’s second-most-populous Japanese district, it was an area buzzing with food and shopping.

However, the year after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order resulting in the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans living on the West Coast, few of these once-successful businesses survived until their owners were released from internment camps.

Amazingly, though, many new restaurants were established and some even somehow survived their communities that were practically destroyed during the war – and many were still serving teriyaki, along with sushi and yakitori.

Not only did these entrepreneurs pick up where they had left off through a lot of hard work, but the already healthy American appetite for Japanese flavors was reinforced by the returning military members who served in Japan and wanted to find that cuisine again.

From Maneki to Bush Garden Sukiyaki, legendary Japanese restaurants appeared htroughout the region. Teriyaki beef even showed up on 1950s menus at Canlis. So no matter how ubiquitous teriyaki restaurants became in the 1990s and 2000s, the origin story of this Americanized version of Japanese comfort food is likely right here in Puget Sound.

Lucky for us, not only is Toshi based nearby, but you can go find a number of crave-worthy teriyaki spots in south Snohomish County.

Of course, visit Toshi’s Teriyaki Grill in Mill Creek, the restaurant Toshi opened a decade ago. The menu is larger than his original five items, but not by much, and focuses on its perfect preparation and, of course, his signature sauce.

Maria A. Montalvo photo

The meat and rice dishes at Toshi’s Teriyaki Grill are smothered with an all-American blend of sugar and soy sauce.

When you go to this Toshi’s, it feels like you are walking into a place with history. Their egg rolls are as good as their teriyaki (and I love a good egg roll), well-filled with a mix of meat, vegetables, and herbs, and served piping hot. He is definitely still doing it right, as Toshi’s Mill Creek spot recently won a 2022 Best of Western Washington Award.

5 Corners Teriyaki in Edmonds offers traditional teriyaki dishes with your choice of protein (chicken, beef, pork, prawns, tofu, salmon, short ribs, and more) served with rice and a green salad, yakisoba with rice, fried rice, stirfries and other wok dishes, as well as ramen, noodles, and even bento boxes that include a main protein with gyoza, sushi rolls, and edamame.

5 Corners’ egg rolls are also fantastic, and they are the big East Coast-style ones, a meal in themselves – perfectly prepared and delicious.

Teriyaki Miako in Mukilteo is consistently rated among the top spots in town, and that could be one of the reasons it has been serving up comforting dishes since 1948. It’s famous for its spicy teriyaki chicken and its fried chicken, but also for favorites like yakisoba, orange chicken, and fried rice. Portions here are even larger than most teriyaki places, and the dishes vary across a much wider array of cuisines.

The draw of teriyaki is unmistakable.

Teriyaki is an inexpensive, reassuring meal with that perfect combination of savory umami and satisfying sweetness. It remains one of my favorite meals, even more since I discovered more about our region’s culinary history.

Perhaps Seattle is equally proud of originating something delicious that has persisted based on the strength, creativity, and love of food from those who developed it. n

A Day in the Life

Sniffing out trouble

K-9 officers focused on the dangers of police work

by Chris Trujillo

It’s a dark December night, and the near-empty Edmonds streets are half-covered with ice. While most people may be winding down, the Edmonds Police Department’s night shift has gathered in a well-lit room for its nightly briefing.

Officer Josh Hwang sits on a nearby counter. He wears the same uniform and carries the same gun as his colleagues, but he has a weapon they don’t: Ace, a 70-pound Belgian Malinois.

Hwang, a former United States Marine, has been in the K-9 unit for three of the eight years he’s been with the force. It’s a small squad. The department has just two dogs and both

work the 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. shift. Hobbs, an all-black German shepherd, worked the flipside of the week before he retired in January at age 11, and will now live with his handler, Sgt. Jason Robinson.

“This is the best job in the police force,” Hwang said. “And it helps that Ace is my best friend. We go everywhere together. We go to work together, and he comes home with me at the night’s end. I can say I see him more than I see my family.”

Despite his intimidating presence, the 8-year-old Ace behaves more like a carefree puppy than an aging, soonto-be retiring K-9 police dog. Police dogs are typically on the job six to eight years, depending on the dog and its overall health.

But when he’s not chasing a ball or playing his favorite game – tugof-war – Ace must be focused on the dangerous job ahead.

Like his partner, Ace needs protection. Before the duo hit the streets, a bulletproof vest

is strapped around Ace’s chest. The thick protective gear also protects him from potential knife attacks.

“It’s vital that he (Ace) is protected,” Hwang said. “On this job, you never know what can happen.”

Imported from Holland, the slender brown and yellowish working dog has trained for 400 hours and responds to German, Czech, and Dutch languages.

But his nose may be his most vital trait.

Ace can sniff out the slightest odors, such as cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and released based on the human body’s response to stress. He also detects illegal drugs such as heroin, meth, and cocaine.

“Ace is only the second dog in Edmonds to be cross-trained,” Hwang said. “I really wanted to expand our services as a police department. We did a 200-hour class so he could recognize drug odor imprints.”

Heading out

It’s nighttime, 7:30 p.m., and Hwang and Ace head out to their marked SUV. Hwang stocks his equipment, and Ace finds a comfortable landing spot as the duo begins their night not knowing what may or may not lie ahead.

“Some nights we are responding from one call to another,” Hwang said. “And then there are nights where there’s nothing. On those nights, I usually find a place to throw the ball for Ace. I also like to try to get some training in.

“It’s important to train whenever we can. Obedience is crucial. We train on that the most. You can also become a liability if you can’t trust your dog to be obedient.”

Ten minutes into their shift, a call comes across what is usually a busy radio. On this night, it’s relatively quiet. The call is an assault. A passenger inside a car pulled a knife on the driver while the couple drove down I-5.

The driver exits the freeway and pulls into a convenience store. Once they come to a stop the passenger flees, and the driver runs to report the incident. Hwang and Ace arrived four minutes after they received the call. It’s a call that the partners are prepared for. They have trained for it every night: a chase.

“Teaching our dogs to follow human order is our primary function,” Hwang said. “Part of the training when we get to the location is finding the freshest scent left behind. We call that ‘enhanced odor.’”

Fortunately, the driver was not stabbed. Scared, for sure, but she couldn’t provide enough information that Hwang and Ace needed to pursue the assailant.

“She didn’t want us to go after him,” Hwang said. “That happens a lot. But if she did want us to find him, we would have gone to where he was seen last. There are lots of theories on how dogs detect odors, but the

Snohomish County Sheriff K9 handler Deputy Zach Byrd with special unit K-9 Dico.

Handler Josh Hwang gives a hand-signal to Ace. K-9 Officer Ace is only the second dog in Edmonds to be cross-trained. Shea Sullivan photo

Snohomish County K9 Foundation photo

primary theory is that humans produce an odor and, if we’re fast enough, we have a good chance of chasing him down.”

Despite the woman’s refusal to track down the passenger, Hwang and Ace drove near the shadowy areas where a suspect could hide. Despite a stadium of lights beaming from the well-equipped police SUV, there would be no chase.

“Suspects can go anywhere and think they got away with something,” Hwang said. “But Ace will find them. He often does. That’s what he does.”

Highly effective resource

Unlike the regular beat cop who patrols specific areas, Hwang and Ace respond to calls from everywhere in Edmonds and surrounding areas – Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, and Shoreline. A K-9 unit, which many cities utilize, is a highly effective resource.

Mukilteo is an exception in its lack of a police dog. Instead, it requests help from Edmonds and other neighboring agencies if needed, said Nathan Fabia, Mukilteo’s crime prevention officer.

Mill Creek established its K-9 unit in 2012. Cpl. Nathan Lerma and K-9 Bagira were required to complete a 400-hour training course as well as certify yearly per the standards of the Washington State Police Canine Association.

They were certified for obedience, tracking, and apprehending suspects in fall 2017. After additional training, Lerma and Bagira were certified in June 2018 as a narcotic detection team, attaining 100% proficiency in the detection of cocaine, heroin, and meth, said Mill Creek Police Sgt. Ian Durkee. This exhaustive level of constant training is required in order to develop a proficient, productive, and effective canine team.

Bagira is now retired. Lerma’s new K-9 partner is “Hondo.”

Hondo’s already showed off his skills. One day, he was on duty as the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office conducted an evidence search after a suspect in police custody ditched a handgun during a domestic violence crime. Hondo unearthed the handgun, hidden deep behind a tire in a wheel well of a vehicle.

Deputies say the gun was hidden so well it probably would not have been found without Hondo’s help. Police dogs have a sense of smell 100 times or greater than humans.

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Department has two K-9 officers, Dico and Riggs, handled by Deputies Ryan Phillips and Zach Byrd.

A new day beckons

As the December night goes on, the canine duo patrols most of Edmonds. Perhaps the cold weather is to thank for the peaceful shift. Ordinarily, a slow night gives Hwang time to do paperwork or train Ace on a nearby field.

Before he knows it, Hwang, one of the few officers allowed to drive his SUV home, is done for the night. He’s just in time to prepare breakfast for his two daughters before sending them off to school.

Then it’s off to bed for the crimefighters.

Ace makes his way to his comfy bed downstairs. As for Hwang, he draws the drapes closed, dons his earplugs, and lowers his sleep mask. It won’t be long before the two hit the streets again.

There is one thing for sure: The new day will hold something different for both human officers and their best friends.

RUN TO WIN : Inspiring youth sports with Christianity

More than 30 years ago, Mike Rohrbach dedicated his life to something bigger than himself.

After leading the University of Washington football team in the 1978 Rose Bowl, Rohrbach and his wife Karen founded Run To Win – a faithbased ministry outreach program that serves youth in the Puget Sound area.

Run To Win (RTW), based in Edmonds, was created to provide a safe community where sports inspire people to follow Christ. To do so, RTW offers spring and summer day camps for kids ages 5-12. Kids can choose from camps divided into various sports, such as flag football, basketball, and soccer. Run To Win offers a multisport camp for those who want to experience more than one activity.

“We are a youth sports camp that emphasizes Christianity,” Executive Director Caitlyn Rohrbach Houvener said, “We offer several specific sports that our kids can experience. But if someone doesn’t like or would prefer to participate in multiple sports, we have a multisport program. It allows the kids to experience a variety, not just one.”

Aside from sports, Run To Win includes faith-based games. Faith and love for Jesus through sports is its main priority, she said. At the end of every camp, the coaches bring together the kids for “The Four Quarters of Faith.”

Her job is to ensure that Run To Win maintains the strong impact it has had on the community’s youth, an achievement it’s had since 1991, and by the looks of it, she’s the right person to see it through.

“There’s nothing more important than faith and community,” she said. “And that’s what drives our commitment. Adding sports to it really ties what we are doing together.”

Houvener said faith has kept RTW successful for the past three decades. It’s also the critical proponent in which a community prospers. And that couldn’t be clearer.

The ministry’s “scholarship” program makes it nearly impossible to turn anyone away. RTW can offer full and partial scholarships with the money it receives, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of its donors. Last year at its annual dinner auction, Run To Win raised nearly $500,000.

“It’s incredible, and it just proves that people are genuinely good,” Houvener said. “We are so fortunate to have great donors. Our main priority is to share the love and help as many kids as we can with the help of Jesus through sports.”

Run To Win is holding its next dinner auction at 5 p.m., Saturday, May 20, at the Lynnwood Convention Center. It will conclude summer with its annual golf tournament at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18.

Caitlyn Rohrbach Houvener is executive director of Run to Win.

Suspects can go anywhere and think they got away with something. But Ace will find them. He often does. That’s what he does.

shopping shoppingSavvy Savvy

Shop smart for groceries, clothing, and housewares

David Pan photo

Best Kept Secret owners Mike Pudmaroff and Victoria London offer discounts of up to 50% on name-brand men’s and women’s clothes, shoes, jewelry, and accessories. The store sells clothing samples that sales representatives show to retail/store buyers.

sales representatives for manufacturers show during sale presentations to retail/store buyers. Stores such as Nordstrom or REI decide on which clothes to buy for the season.

The manufacturer representatives have to purchase the samples, and they have unsold samples left over. Best Kept Secret buys the unsold samples at wholesale prices and adds a 15% markup, enabling customers to save up to 50% off what they would pay at a regular retail outlet.

“The first six months you can buy clothing for spring and summer,” London said “Then the last six months are for fall and winter. I think the core of what we have to offer are prices that are affordable on merchandise that far exceed what the discount stores have. We offer good value on good products. Every garment in this place is different.”

The store has quarterly sales when customers can save more.

Best Kept Secret sells more than just women’s and men’s clothing. Shoppers can find purses, shoes, hats, belts, and jewelry.

Thrifting as a way to save money

Considering thrift stores?

A wide range of customers shop at the Edmonds Senior Center Thrift Store.

There are the thrifting regulars who show up like clockwork on a certain day of the week.

Then there is what store manager BJ Whitman calls the picker – the person who comes in, buys something – a collectible – and resells it on his or her website.

“So we’re like a wholesaler,” said Whitman

With inflation eating at budgets, the store has seen an influx of new customers looking to stretch tight budgets

“We’re experiencing additional customers, both young and older,” she said. “It’s multigenerational. It’s not limited to a specific

age group.”

The top selling items in the store are clothing, housewares, and jewelry. Women’s clothing has always been popular, but Whitman now sees almost as many men looking for shirts and pants.

The top money-saving tip Whitman shares with her customers is to check if a store has a promotional calendar so they can pay attention to dates. Her store offers 50% discounts on furniture and lamps, linens, clothing, shoes and purses, books/DVDs/CDs, glassware, and dishes on different days of the week. Other days the store sells pants for $2. There is even a rack with 99-cent clothing.

“Our customers put this on their refrigerator,” Whitman said of the promotional calendar.

Then there’s Goodwill, a nonprofit with more than 20 stores in the region, including in Edmonds, Everett and Lynnwood, which offers discounts up to 50% based on the color of tags. The chain also has $1.99 tagged items. Shoppers can sign up to receive text messages from stores to be among the first to learn about sales.

Value Village, a for-profit chain of stores with locations in Lynnwood and Everett, promotes a Super Savers Club where customers earn points for every eligible dollar spent. The points can be used for discounts on future purchases. Those who donate clothing and household items can receive a coupon for 20% off their next purchase.

At the Edmonds Senior Center Thrift Store, Whitman said the 80-plus volunteers make sure clothing and products on the racks and shelves are of good quality.

“I think your reputation depends on the quality that you put out,” she said. “So in the weeding process and the pricing process, we must touch a garment at least three times before putting it out on the floor. And we don’t allow for stains or holes or odors, that kind of stuff.”

Like Best Kept Secret, the racks at the Edmonds Senior Center

Edmonds Senior Center Thrift Store manager BJ Whitman said the store is seeing more new customers of all ages in recent months with the increased prices of clothing and other items due to inflation.

David Pan photo

HopeWorks Social Enterprises is a local non-profit that provides exemplary products and services through our four small businesses, each promoting social and environmental betterment of our community by providing job training for individuals experiencing barriers to employment, while maintaining environmentally sustainable business practices.

3315 & 3331 Broadway

Everett, WA, 98201

hopewrks.org

WORKOUTS ON 2 WHEELS

There’s a biking trail for everyone

by Makenna Dreher

When I discovered the Interurban Trail a few years ago, it was by accident. Soon after, I found myself biking in a safe haven away from the cars and noise; the scenery seemed to change around me with every pedal stroke.

Biking from Shoreline, I followed the blue signs going north. I also saw green Bike2Health wayfinding signs that I had never noticed before while driving. This hidden gem existed within a mile of where I lived, and I had no idea.

It left me breathless and itching for more time on the trail to explore.

Winding between bike lanes on city streets and a paved trail, the Interurban Trail provides an unforgettable experience with a north-to-south route for any biker, regardless of skill level.

“You can go either direction (on the Interurban Trail),” said Margaret Elwood, co-chair of Edmonds Bicycle Advocacy Group (EBAG). “The best route for beginners is to go northbound. The Interurban Trail is the closest protected bike trail we have in Edmonds.”

Other bicycle advocates and enthusiasts share her opinion on the ease and accessibility of the northern Interurban Trail.

“The Interurban Trail is one of my most frequently visited trails in the Edmonds and north Seattle area,” said Claire Mar-

tini, project manager for Leafline Trails Association.

“The Interurban Trail is pretty important,” said Peter Hallson, co-chair of EBAG and ride leader for over 20 years with Cascade Bicycle Club, the nation’s largest statewide bicycling nonprofit. “There aren’t many places that have an Interurban Trail in their backyard. You can start a ride in Lake Ballinger and go everywhere with no trouble at all.”

The 24-mile northern Interurban Trail runs from the Everett Mall to Seattle. It follows the former Interurban Trolley railway in use from 1910 to 1939. In the mid-1990s, Snohomish County – along with the Public Utility District No. 1 and the cities of Everett and Lynnwood – created the 11.8 miles of paved trail in Snohomish County that we know today.  Trails

There are numerous trails in Puget Sound for bikers to enjoy, like the southern Interurban Trail connecting Tukwila and Fife, as well as the popular Burke-Gilman Trail, which I grew up riding. There’s also the 30-mile Centennial Trail that winds its way from the city of Snohomish to the Skagit County line.

Although the region has some great trails for biking, they don’t come without faults – and that’s where the advocacy side of cycling gets involved. There is a particularly dangerous section of the Interurban Trail for cyclists on Highway 104, Hallson and Elwood explained.

Luke Distelhorst photo

Heading south, when the Interurban Trail crosses Highway 104 at 76th Street SW in Edmonds and turns into Meridian Avenue North in Shoreline, there’s a big problem, Elwood explained.

“All of a sudden, you’re in the right-turn-only coming from a dead standstill and pedal uphill,” she said.

There is a possibility of an overpass to make it safer for cyclists to connect this Edmonds and Shoreline crossing. EBAG is now a part of this conversation with local leaders, Elwood said.

“EBAG’s main projects right now are working on safer bike routes and improving bike lanes, which is the biggest challenge we have,” said Hallson.

Luke Distelhorst, a volunteer at EBAG and the Leafline Trails Coalition, echoes these concerns.

“Many of our bike lanes end at intersections, are bisected by major state highways like Highway 104, 196th Street SW, and Highway 99, and force people to mix with two-ton-plus metal vehicles.”

To get more visibility on what’s good and bad about biking in the area, EBAG and other advocacy groups like Leafline have led on-trail gatherings with members of the biking community and government officials, including U.S. Congressional Rep. Rick Larsen, whose 2nd District includes Edmonds and Mukilteo.

“(On these rides) we’ve brought together (Leafline’s) members, partners, and supporters, as well as elected officials, to celebrate accomplishments and discuss some of the needs on the ground,” said Martini.

In the Puget Sound area, there are over 500 miles of trails open across King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, but they’re not all connected. Leafline’s goal is to connect 900 miles of trails across the Central Puget Sound region, said Martini.

“Today, we’re about 56% of the way there.”

There are several gaps in the Interurban Trail that need to be connected, with the opportunity to connect east-to-west routes as well, said Martini.

“Improving bike accessibility is very complex, with a lot of moving parts and players with different roles and specialties,” said Hallson.

“Mobility is a human right, and cities should be planning for and building safe infrastructure for its residents to have safe freedom of travel,” added Distelhorst. “We are a long way off from that, and any impact I can be involved with to improve our community safety is a worthwhile cause.”

E-bikes, anyone?

For anyone with an injury or needing assistance while biking, electric bikes are a great option for flattening hills, but they come at a high price. “The starting price for an e-bike is $1,200, and they are heavy and bulky,” said Hallson. “They can go for 30 or 40 miles on a charge and are becoming another form of transportation than a car.”

“We’re seeing the popularity of e-bikes skyrocket as well … We see that e-bikes are supporting riders

of all abilities and ages to get on the bike and stay active,” said Martini.

To get started with a regular bike, one can expect to budget at least $500 for all the equipment and accessories, said Hallson. Finding used bikes and helmets can make the process more affordable.

“The most important thing is to buy a bike that fits properly by going to somebody reputable,” Hallson said.

Gregg’s Cycles, Harvey’s Bike Shop, and Sharing Wheels Community Bike Shop are all highly recommended when considering buying a new or used bike.

Student biking

Biking has little impact on a person’s joints and offers the opportunity to use all of our senses and accommodate people with different strengths, said Hank Landau, EBAG co-chair, cycling enthusiast, and Edmonds resident.

“Bicycling has proved a great way for me to bond with my children and grandchildren,” he said.

Of course, biking isn’t just for grandparents and adults.

Consider the Edmonds Mountain Bike team, which serves middle- and high-

In addition to signs for those on bikes, riders can find detailed information on trails, such as seen on Leafline Trails Coalition sign (at bottom)

We’re seeing the popularity of e-bikes skyrocket as well … We see that e-bikes are supporting riders of all abilities and ages to get on the bike and stay active.

Makenna Dreher photo

Makenna Dreher photo

Luke Distelhorst photo

Luke Distelhorst photo

Luke Distelhorst photo

school students in the Edmonds School District. Its season started in February and continues through June.

Joining a team can lead to a lifetime of bike riding, whether on mountain or suburban bike trails.

The minimum gear needed is a bike in working order and helmet, said team coach Cabryn Taylor. Other gear that can help are hydro packs, gloves, and warm, layered clothing.

There is a team registration fee, and there are a series of cross-country mountain bike courses scheduled.

Whether biking for recreation, transportation, or exercise, there are so many trail options to choose from in the area.

With spring weather, it’s never been easier to hop on a trail and see where it goes. n

2newevents:PorchFest,FiveCornersfestival

legal matters

Members of the Cascade Bicycle Club start a ride in Maple Valley in July 2021.

Peter Hallson photo

Nirvana in Oregon

Experiencing waterfall bliss at Columbia River Gorge

by Debbie Stone

I’ve had a love affair with Oregon for decades. The state’s scenery is a magnet for me, from its rugged beaches and sentinel lighthouses to its verdant forests and snowcapped peaks. And I could wax rhapsodic about the waterfalls.

Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge is waterfall nirvana. It has the greatest concentration of high waterfalls in North America. There are close to 50 of these beauties in this wondrous and wild area, and many can be seen along the Historic Columbia River Highway’s “Waterfall Corridor.” Several are just off the road or require a short walk. Others take more effort, as they can only be reached via a hike.

Here are five of my favorites:

Multnomah Falls

This is the mother of them all. It’s the tallest and most popular natural destination in Oregon, and it’s only about a half hour from Portland, which means it can also be very crowded. Visit early or later in the day to avoid the masses.

The water in these falls drops a whopping 635 feet in a pair of tiers, crossing beneath the iconic Benson Bridge. Peer up from the base, then climb to the top for the full experience. You’ll definitely feel the spray from this one, so I recommend wearing shoes with some traction, as the area is always slick.

For food, drinks, souvenirs, and the U.S. Forest Service interpretive center, check out the Multnomah Falls Lodge at the bottom of the falls. Built in 1925, this historic stone and timber building was designed by noted Portland architect Albert E. Doyle and constructed at a cost of $40,000. It’s a great place to warm up on a damp, Pacific Northwest day, and the views are grand.

I’ve heard Multnomah can partially freeze in winter, creating an especially stunning scene for photogs. Note to self: return in winter! About two miles east of Multnomah Falls is the historic Oneonta Tunnel. First opened in 1814 as part of the legendary highway going through the area, it was restored in 2009 for use as a biking and walking path.

When fire swept through the Gorge in 2017, one of its casualties was this tunnel. Closed for four years, it has since been reopened. Stroll through it to revisit the past.

Wahkeena Falls

Magnificent and misty, these falls drop 242 feet in two horsetail-shaped cascades. Wahkeena is a Yakima tribe word that means “most beautiful.” And that’s a perfect descriptive for these falls. You

Waterfalls abound in the Columbia River Gorge, and many can be seen along the Historic Columbia River Highway’s “Waterfall Corridor.”

Debbie Stone photo

can see them from the road, and there is a small platform for better viewing, or you can hike halfway up for an even better vantage point.

If you’re feeling energetic, take the Wahkeena Falls Trail, a 3-mile hike that leads you through fairy tale forests, over charming footbridges, and past several small waterfalls for a truly magical experience.

Latourell Falls

This photogenic, 224-foot, single-plunge creation was named for Joseph Latourell, a well-known 19th century settler in the region. You can access the viewpoint from a short trail or take a slightly longer trek to the base and top of the waterfall. Admire the vibrant lichen contrasting with the dark basalt columns.

Debbie Stone photo

You can get up close and personal to the two-tiered spectacular Multnomah Falls on the iconic

Horsetail Falls

This gem lives up to its name, which describes the waterfall’s characteristic form. This column of white water plunges 176 feet down cliffs of volcanic rock into a pool.

Though Horsetail is visible from the road, it’s so much better if you get out of your car and admire it from the designated viewing area.

Then step down to the boulders at the edge of the pool and look up for another perspective.

Benson Bridge.

Debbie Stone photos

You can stroll through the historic Oneota Tunnel, just east of Multnomah Falls, to revisit the past.

A scenic view of the Columbia River Basin as viewed from falls trail.

Bridal Veil Falls

Then there’s this famous location, which drops 118 feet in two cascading tiers. The half-mile overlook trail here offers vistas of the Columbia River via a paved loop, along with some unique rock formations. Signs point out native wild plants, such as lupine and trillium.

You can also take the lower trail, which entails a steep third of a mile descent to the base of the waterfall.

After the falls

After you’ve had your fill of waterfalls for the day, head to Portway Avenue in Hood River, where the brewery scene is lively. Try Ferment, where you can drink your British style and farmhouse ales in a modern, industrial facility with views of the river and a direct view of the brewing operation below.

And if you’re hungry, food options include such items as hummus and flatbread, a salmon burger, kraut, kimchi and pickles plate, and fried chicken sandwich.

Down the street is award-winning pFriem Family Brewers, honored as Brewery of the Year, Best of Craft Beer, and Best BrewPub Experience. The company produces artisanal, European inspired, Pacific Northwest beers and has a spacious tasting room across from the river. Accompany your drinks with

a charcuterie platter, quinoa salad, brat plate or mussels and frites.

There’s also good coffee at nearby Stoked, killer pizza at Solstice, and more libations at Camp 1805 Distillery & Bar.

Grab items to go for a picnic across the street at Hood River Waterfront Park. This

lovely greenspace has pedestrian paths, plenty of benches and even a lower beach area.

Take in the picturesque scene, as you watch the river traffic go by, along with the wind surfers and kite boarders gliding across the water. n

You can taste artisanal, European-inspired Northwest beers at pFriem Family Brewers in Hood River.

Debbie Stone photo

Artist's Corner

Elizabeth Person is an illustrator based in Everett. Using pen and watercolor, she creates modern maps and “illustrative infographics” featuring Northwest themes and geography. Whether detailing the luscious greenery of her native Pacific Northwest or providing a comprehensive look at the human skeletal structure, Elizabeth’s illustrations are precise, instantly recognizable, and endlessly beautiful.

Her artwork can be found in shops around the Salish Sea, at Northwest art festivals, and in her children’s book debut, “To Live in an Island.”

Her work was recently featured at the Schack Art Center in the “40 under 40: Celebrating Women Artists” show.

She is the poster artist for the 2023 Anacortes Arts Festival.

To see more of Elizabeth’s work, visit elizabethperson.com

Artist bio

Elizabeth meticulously paints in the details of her maps using watercolors. Here she is working on the details of a map of Washington state.

Season to Taste

Shaved Brussels Sprouts & Pecorino Salad Shaved Brussels Sprouts & Pecorino Salad

with Candied Almonds

Ingredients: Serves 6

• 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, shaved thin

• 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano

• 1/4 cup Parmigiano

Reggiano

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Kosher salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup sliced almonds

• 1/4 cup sugar

In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, toast almonds and sugar until almonds toast and sugar caramelizes the almonds.

Recipes provided by

Spread candied almonds onto a sheet tray lined with a silpat. Let cool and break apart.

For salad, toss together the Brussels sprouts, cheese and olive oil.

Drizzle lemon juice over salad, then season to taste.

Lightly toss Brussels sprouts with seasoning. Top with candied almonds & enjoy!

Lemon Ricotta Cake Lemon Ricotta Cake

with Salted Whipped Cream & Pomegranate Molasses

Ingredients:

Serves 6

Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1- 1/2 cup ricotta

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 eggs

• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Preheat the oven to 350 °F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, lemon zest and salt. Using another bowl, combine ricotta, vanilla, and eggs until smooth.

Combine the dry mixture into the wet mixture with the melted butter. Mix until the batter just comes together. Pour batter into the prepared spring-

Salted Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• Pinch of kosher salt

Pomegranate molasses for finishing:

• 2 cups pomegranate juice

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions:

form pan, place the pan onto a sheet tray and bake for 48 - 52 minutes.

In a saucepot over high heat, reduce pomegranate juice with sugar until juice has reduced by half. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.

Whisk together heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Add in a pinch of salt.

Cut a slice, top with cream and drizzle with syrup. Enjoy!

Chef Dom

ADVERTISING / MARKETING / MEDIA

Beacon Publishing, Inc.

Mukilteo Beacon

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425-347-5634 mukilteobeacon.com edmondsbeacon.com millcreekbeacon.com

ARTS / EDUCATION

Schack Art Center

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ATTORNEY

Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig

800-747-9354 dblawyers.com

BARBERS

Mickey’s Hometown Barbershop

405 Lincoln Avenue Mukilteo, WA 98275

425-347-2712

CLEANING SERVICES

The Maids Northwest

12811 8th Avenue W, #C201 Everett, WA 98204 425-353-8618 www.maids.com

FOOD TRUCKS

Flyin Taco Edmonds, WA 98026 425-293-9907 flyintaco.com

Scotty’s Northwest Edmonds, WA 98026 206-795-1615 salmonbyscotty.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

5 Elements Wellness

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425-503-8871

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425-212-9552 avisinawellness.com

Business Directory

HOME IMPROVEMENT

All City Fence 13603 Lake Road Lynnwood, WA 98087 206-324-3747 allcityfence.com

Northlight Custom Builders, LLC 9800 Harbour Place, Suite 201 Mukilteo, WA 98275 425-977-9661 northlightcustom.com

INSURANCE

Country Financial 4630 200th Street SW, Suite N Lynnwood, WA 98036 206-495-2175 countryfinancial.com/ courtney.balza

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MORTGAGE / HOME LOANS

UniSave Home Loans

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

HopeWorks 3331 Broadway Everett, WA 98201 425-610-4931 hopewrks.org

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives Everett, WA 98208 425-258-6050 outdoorlights.com/northsound

PHOTOGRAPHY

Shea Sullivan Photography Edmonds, WA 98020 206-240-2185 sheasullivanphotography.com

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Community Transit

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REAL ESTATE

Aranka Fruehauf Windermere Real Estate North, Inc. Mukilteo, WA 98275

425-478-7270

HomesByAranka.com

Coldwell Banker Bain

108 5th Avenue S Edmonds, WA 98020 coldwellbankerhomes.com

Connor Desy

206-214-5609

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206-396-9070

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206-719-6212

Tyler Echelbarger

206-799-3877

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425-879-6899

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425-501-2226

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206-369-5429

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425-876-0927

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206-353-1944

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425-771-6444

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832-312-4711

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425-624-7233

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Forrest Reda

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Rachel Rowland

206-910-2723

Jean Sittauer

425-478-7712

Paul Sundberg

425-275-6359

REAL ESTATE (Cont.)

René Porubek, Broker/Realtor

Windermere Real Estate M2, LLC

9502 19th Avenue SE, Suite A Everett, WA 98208

425-478-8864

RealtyRene.com

RESTAURANTS

Anthony’s Homeport

456 Admiral Way

Edmonds, WA 98020

425-771-4400 anthonys.com

Waterfront Coffee

101 Main Street, Suite 102 Edmonds, WA 98020

425-670-1400 waterfrontcoffee.com

RETAIL

Best Kept Secret 3616 South Road, Suite B-2 Mukilteo, WA 98275

425-822-6600 mukilteosamplestore.com

RETIREMENT & ASSISTED LIVING

Cogir Senior Living 10605 NE 185th Street Bothell, WA 98011

425-487-3245

21500 72nd Avenue W Edmonds, WA 98026

425-776-3600

14905 Bothell-Everett Hwy Mill Creek, WA 98012

425-338-1580 cogirseniorliving.com

Harbour Pointe Senior Living 10200 Harbour Place Mukilteo, WA 98275

425-541-7598 hpretire.com

SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Run to Win 7907 212th Street SW, #206 Edmonds, WA 98026

425-776-2946 runtowin.org

WINDOW WASHING

Clean & Clear Services 6127 139th Place SW Edmonds, WA 98026

425-218-6318 or 1-877-668-0866

cleanandclearservices.com