Serving Queen Anne & Magnolia Since 1919 www.QueenAnneNews.com
MAY 6, 2026
VOL. 107, NO. 19
Queen Anne Farmers Market Offers Spring Preview Ahead of 2026 Season
Gunfire Rocks Wilson Policy Announcements
Staff Report
ANNOUNCEMENT DISRUPTED The mayor had just announced a new set of city investments focused on expanding school meal programs and childcare services when the incident occurred. (Read more about the announcement on page 4) Following the sound of gunfire, the mayor was escorted from the building by security personnel. Attendees, including city officials, school leaders, and families, remained inside for a period while police secured the area. Approximately 60 people were gathered for the event, including children and parents. ONGOING INVESTIGATION Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes said detectives from the department’s Gun Violence Reduction Unit are continuing to investigate, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting or the vehicle involved to come forward. A BROADER PUBLIC SAFETY CONTEXT The incident comes amid ongoing concerns about gun violence in Seattle, particularly in Central Seattle neighborhoods. Earlier this year, a fatal shooting near Garfield High School left a student dead, prompting renewed debate over safety measures, including surveillance cameras and prevention strategies. That case, like the Yesler Terrace shooting, has contributed to a broader discussion among city leaders and residents about how to address violence in public spaces. Following Tuesday’s incident, Mayor Wilson released this statement “Shortly following my announcement of new investments in Seattle’s children and families today, we heard gunfire. No one was injured, but it was a stark reminder of a reality too many people in this city live with every day. We cannot let this become normal. We must invest in opportunity, and we must continue working to keep people safe. Today’s announcement was about making those necessary investments. And in the weeks ahead, I’ll share more about our comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and public safety. Our work, and my responsibility, is to help create the conditions where all Seattle communities can live their lives without fear.” WHAT COMES NEXT Police say the investigation remains active, with no suspects in custody. City officials have not announced additional security measures following the incident, but the shooting is likely to factor into ongoing policy discussions around public safety. For now, authorities emphasize that no one was injured and that the incident appears to have been contained to the surrounding area. More information is expected as the investigation develops.
The regular 2026 market season opens Thursday, May 28, and continues weekly through Oct. 8. Thursday markets will run from 3 to 7:30 p.m.
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ueen Anne Farmers Market will offer an early taste of the season with a Spring Preview Day on Saturday, May 9, giving neighbors a chance to shop from local farmers and food producers before the market’s regular Thursday season begins later this month. The special Saturday market will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the market’s usual location near West Crockett Street and Queen Anne Avenue North. Organizers describe the preview as a chance to welcome the spring season with local fresh produce, artisan food, flowers and other market offerings ahead of Mother’s Day. The regular 2026 market season opens Thursday, May 28, and continues weekly through Oct. 8. Thursday markets will run from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Queen Anne Farmers Market describes itself as Seattle’s only independent farmers market. The nonprofit, community-based market features an all-food roster of farmers and local food producers, along with live
music, chef demonstrations and children’s activities throughout the season. This year’s vendor roster includes 75 local farms and food small businesses, with offerings ranging from produce, berries, mushrooms, seafood, meat and cheese to baked goods, cider and prepared foods. Vendors listed for the season include Alvarez Organic Farms, Amador Farms, Collins Family Orchards, Green Eats Wenatchee, Hayton Farms Berries, Holmquist Hazelnuts, Local Color Farm and Fiber, Mountain Glow Lavender Farm, Olsen Farms, Sidhu Farms, Skagit Gourmet Mushrooms, Tonnemaker Family Orchard, Sea Wolf Bakers, The French Guys, Tieton Farm & Creamery, Finnriver Farm and Cidery, Greenwood Cider Company and others. Prepared food vendors include Falafel Salam Co., Kathmandu Momocha, La Costeñita Cuisine, Mike's Shave Ice, Paella House, Paparepas, Sam’s Crab Mac & Cheese, Tolu Modern Fijian Cuisine and Vespucci Pizza, among others.
The market has also released its 2026 season poster, created by illustrator and designer Misha Zadeh. According to QAFM, the poster features hand-painted art and lettering with acrylic ink textures. Prints are available through the market’s online store and on merchandise available at the Info Booth on market days, with proceeds supporting the nonprofit organization. The artwork is also expected to be displayed near Queen Anne Avenue North and West Crockett Street. In addition to Spring Preview Day, QAFM plans two more Saturday markets later this year: a Halloween Harvest Market on Oct. 31 and a Thanksgiving Harvest Market on Nov. 21. Both are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. QAFM proudly accepts SNAP/EBT, SUN Bucks, SNAP Market Match, Farm Bucks, Fresh Bucks, and WIC/Senior FMNP. The market is also seeking volunteers for the season, with shifts available on market days. For more information, visit qafm.org.
Paid Reserved Parking Comes to Light Rail Stations Staff Report
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arking at some of the region’s busiest light rail stations is no longer entirely free. Sound Transit has begun rolling out a new system of paid, reserved parking permits at select stations, marking a shift in how riders access park-and-ride facilities across the Puget Sound region. The change is designed to address a long-standing problem: full parking garages and limited access for riders who rely on driving to transit.
WHAT’S CHANGING
Beginning May 1, Sound Transit introduced paid parking permits at Northgate, Shoreline South/148th, and Shoreline North/185th stations. Under the new system: • Monthly permits cost about $60 • One-day permits cost about $6 • Permits reserve access to designated parking areas during peak morning hours Permit-only spaces are enforced during the busiest commute window, typically early morning through mid-morning, after which they open to all riders.
IAN DEWAR PHOTOGRAPHY
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unfire was reported Tuesday evening near a Seattle community event attended by Mayor Katie Wilson, briefly disrupting the gathering and prompting a police response. According to the Seattle Police Department, multiple shots were fired near the Yesler Terrace Community Center around 5:30 p.m., shortly after the mayor concluded remarks at a nearby park and entered the building for a reception. Police said the gunfire struck the community center, damaging windows and a door, but no injuries were reported. Witnesses told investigators that several individuals were seen firing shots before leaving the area in a vehicle. As of press time, no arrests have been announced, and police have not released suspect descriptions. Authorities have also said there is no indication that the mayor or attendees were specifically targeted.
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Staff Report
At the same time, Sound Transit continues to offer free carpool permits, which give priority parking access to riders who share trips to the station.
WHY SOUND TRANSIT IS CHARGING FOR PARKING
For years, parking at major light rail stations has filled early, often before peak
commute hours. Sound Transit says the new permit system is intended to: • Improve access to parking • Manage demand at overcrowded facilities • Provide more predictable options for riders
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