My Everett News

In a much-anticipated return to baseball, Mariner’s catcher Cal Raleigh has been assigned to the High-A Everett AquaSox for a major league rehab assignment.

Raleigh is scheduled to play on Sunday, June 7th at 4:05 PM at Everett Memorial Stadium.

Raleigh, nicknamed “Big Dumper”, was drafted by the Mariners in the third round (No. 90 overall) in the 2018 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of FSU. Landing on the injured list for the first time in his career, Raleigh joins the AquaSox as he works his way back from a right oblique strain.

A 29-year-old catcher and switch-hitter, Raleigh made his professional debut with the Single-A AquaSox in 2018, playing in 38 games while hitting .288 across 146 at-bats. Raleigh excelled at the plate, delivering 10 doubles, one triple, eight home runs, and 29 RBIs, totaling a .901 OPS along the way.

After the 2020 minor league season was erased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Raleigh received a promotion to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers to begin the 2021 season where he had a torrid start. In 44 games, he hit .324, crushing 21 doubles and nine home runs while collecting 36 RBIs.

The Mariners promoted Raleigh to the MLB on July 11, 2021, where he made his big league debut against the Los Angeles Angels. Remaining with the MLB club in 2022, he hit 20 doubles and 27 home runs, collecting career-high numbers across the board. 2023 served as a breakout season as he hit 30 home runs and 23 doubles, driving home 75 runs while collecting a .232 batting average.

In 2024, Raleigh hit .220, smashing a career-high 34 home runs along with 16 doubles. He tallied 100 RBIs and walked 70 times. Although his 2024 campaign was quite strong, 2025 proved to be a historic effort from Raleigh. Playing in 159 games, he demolished 60 home runs — the most-ever by a catcher, the most by a Mariner, and the most by a switch-hitter. He is also just the seventh player to hit 60 home runs in a season.

Along with his historic power surge, Raleigh hit a career-best .247, doubling 24 times while collecting 125 RBIs. He walked 97 times — 17 of which were issued intentionally — and he stole 14 bases while achieving a .948 OPS. Joining his historic stat line were many accolades: Raleigh was named an American League All-Star and American League Silver Slugger for the first time in his career, and he was named Mariners MVP for the second time. He also was selected to the All-MLB First Team for the first time, and he was crowned Home Run Derby Champion by defeating Tampa Bay Rays infielder Junior Caminero in the derby’s final round.

Tickets to watch Raleigh play are available for electronic purchase at AquaSox.com, through the MiLB App. The AquaSox encourage buying your tickets in advance: Walk-up quantities may be limited as seats are expected to sell fast.

All Major League Rehab Assignments are subject to change at any time.

Helion’s Polaris

Helion, an Everett-based fusion energy company, announced a $465 million Series G investment round to accelerate commercial deployment of fusion, scale manufacturing capacity, and expand the company’s ability to deliver clean electricity to customers. This latest round of funding brings the total invested to date in Helion to $1.5 billion and values the company at $15.5 billion post-money.

The raise was led by Thrive Capital, with participation from additional new investors, including Alta Park Capital, Anti Fund, BoxGroup, Lux Capital, Peak XV Partners, and Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford, plus existing investors, including Capricorn Technology Impact Funds, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Mithril Capital, Dustin Moskovitz through Good Ventures Foundation, SoftBank Vision Fund 2, and a university endowment fund.

Here’s what they had to say:

Helion Groundbreaking. Left to Right Former Governor Jay Inslee, Helion Energy CEO David Kirtley, Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. Photo courtesy Helion.

“Fusion is no longer a future idea, but a path to clean, reliable, affordable always-on electricity at scale. This funding accelerates our ability to deliver on that promise,” said David Kirtley, CEO of Helion. “This support of new and existing investors is a strong signal they believe, as we do, that Helion is best positioned to generate electricity from fusion for customers this decade, not the next, and that we have the right technology and strategy to build the commercial fusion market over the long term.”

“At Thrive, we aim to invest in category-defining companies,” said Vince Hankes, partner at Thrive Capital. “We believe Helion has the technical ambition, pace of execution, and commercial orientation to define a new category of energy. We are deeply inspired by David and the Helion team’s mission to bring clean, reliable fusion power to the world, and honored to support them for the long arc ahead.”

“Abundant, affordable energy is essential for the future of innovation,” said Ravi Mhatre, co-founder of Lightspeed Venture Partners. “Commercializing fusion will be critical to meeting the world’s growing energy needs and no company is better positioned to do that in the near term than Helion. We are happy to renew our commitment to Helion and participate in this round.”

“Every generation has a small number of companies that expand what the world believes is possible. Helion is one of them,” said Brandon Reeves, partner at Lux Capital. “As power capacity becomes central to AI and industrial competitiveness, Helion is moving fusion from a scientific milestone to commercial reality and building one of the most important companies for America’s energy and AI future.”

The Series G announcement comes on the heels of several industry-first milestones achieved by its 7th-generation Polaris prototype as well as ongoing momentum behind Orion, the company’s first fusion power plant. Polaris became the first privately funded fusion machine to operate with deuterium-tritium fuel and broke the company’s own record for plasma temperatures, exceeding 150 million ºC. Orion is currently under construction in Malaga, WA.

About Helion

Helion is a fusion energy company focused on generating zero-carbon electricity from fusion. Its mission is to build the world’s first fusion power plant, enabling a future with unlimited clean electricity.

Recently opened Everett Dick’s Drive-In.

Dick’s Drive-In Restaurants announced today that its next restaurant will be located on the Tulalip Reservation across from the Quil Ceda Creek Casino.

The new restaurant will bring Dick’s Drive-In’s instant service; fresh-never-frozen, high-quality beef burgers; hand-cut fries made from Washington potatoes; and hand-dipped, individually whipped milkshakes to the Tulalip and Marysville communities. The location continues Dick’s sustainable regional growth and reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to serving communities across the Puget Sound region.

The new Dick’s Drive-In is just off the Downtown Marysville exit 199.

“It is such a pleasure to work with the Tulalip Tribe on this restaurant,” said Jasmine Donovan, President and CEO of Dick’s Drive-In Restaurants. “It’s wonderful to partner with a community that shares our values and understands multigenerational stewardship.”

“Dick’s Drive-In has been a beloved Pacific Northwest institution for more than 70 years, and we are honored to welcome them as a new business to Tulalip,” said Tulalip Tribe Board of Directors Chairman Hazen Shopbell. “This partnership reflects shared values of community investment, quality employment, and long-term regional growth.”

Dick’s CEO Jasmine Donovan

A New Home on the Tulalip Reservation

The new Dick’s Drive-In will be located on the Tulalip Reservation west of I-5 at exit 199. The restaurant will be part of the continued development of the area and will create a new gathering place for longtime customers, new customers, and the surrounding community.

“We look for locations where Dick’s can become part of the fabric of the community,” said Donovan. “This site gives us the chance to serve longtime customers, welcome new ones, and build something that reflects the strength and future of the Tulalip community.”

Jobs, Benefits, and Opportunity

Each new Dick’s Drive-In restaurant creates approximately 50 jobs. Dick’s is known for offering some of the best wages and benefits in the industry, including employer-paid health insurance, education scholarships, childcare assistance, regular merit raises, and promotion opportunities.

All Dick’s restaurant managers are promoted from within, and every restaurant manager began as a crew member.

Continuing a Northwest Tradition

Dick’s 19 cent promo in 1954.

Dick’s Drive-In first opened in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood in 1954 and has been serving generations of customers for more than 70 years. The Tulalip location will continue the company’s tradition of quality food, fast service, and community investment.

Additional details, including construction timelines, hiring information, and opening plans, will be announced at a later date.

About Dick’s Drive-In Restaurants

Drive-In Restaurants is a family-owned Seattle-area institution founded in 1954 by Dick Spady, Warren Ghormley, and Dr. B.O.A. “Tom” Thomas. Known for fresh burgers, hand-cut fries, hand-dipped shakes, instant service, and a strong commitment to employees and community. Dick’s has served generations of customers across the Puget Sound region.

Photos courtesy of Dick’s Drive-In.

My Everett News photo of the 2022 Sorticulture Event.

The City of Everett’s annual Sorticulture Garden Arts Festival returns this weekend.  As always, the event is FREE. The three-day festival, taking place June 5th to 7th will feature local artists, plant vendors, live entertainment and hands-on activities for all ages.

“Sorticulture is one of Everett’s signature events and a true celebration of creativity, community and the beauty of Everett and the Pacific Northwest,” said Mayor Cassie Franklin.

“Every year, this festival brings people together to support local artists and businesses while highlighting the energy and vibrancy of downtown Everett. We are excited to welcome both residents and visitors for another fantastic weekend.”

This year’s festival will feature more than 140 local artists, nurseries and specialty vendors offering handcrafted art, plants, garden décor and locally made outdoor products.

Attendees can also enjoy food vendors, an outdoor wine garden, gardening classes, free outdoor yoga and plant clinics throughout the weekend.

Pacific Northwest gardening personality Ciscoe Morris will return for a live gardening Q&A session on Sunday at the New Everett Theater, offering expert advice and entertaining stories for gardeners of all experience levels.

The Sorticulture Garden Arts Festival hours are:

• Friday (6/5/26) –  10:00 AM- 6:00 PM
• Saturday (6/6/26) – 10:00 AM- 6:00 PM
• Sunday (6/7/26) – 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM

Sorticulture Map (click to open PDF with list of vendors)

“Sorticulture is in its 28th year and it is the jewel of our event season in downtown Everett,” said Kari Quaas, project coordinator at the City of Everett.

“Our artists and educators hail from all over the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and British Columbia). We cannot wait to see smiles on everyone’s faces as they take in the beauty of nature and art – rain or shine! There is something for people of all ages to enjoy.”

Everett Transit is offering a complimentary festival shuttle service each day of the event from Everett Station, making it easy for attendees to access the festival and downtown activities.

For more information about Sorticulture and the lineup of participating artists and vendors, visit Sorticulture.com.

Snohomish County is inviting residents, businesses, and community partners to provide feedback on the draft Communitywide Climate Resiliency Plan (CwCRP) during a public comment period running June 1-30. This is the final public input opportunity for the CwCRP.

The draft plan serves as a roadmap to help Snohomish County prepare for, respond to, and recover from increasingly frequent and severe climate hazards, including flooding, extreme heat, drought, and wildfires.

These hazards pose growing risks to public health, local infrastructure, the economy, and the region’s natural environment. The CwCRP outlines key strategies and actions to guide how Snohomish County will manage resources and strengthen its capacity to respond to these challenges.

“This process gives the public a real opportunity to share how climate change is affecting their daily lives. Whether that’s managing health conditions like asthma, coping with extreme heat, or facing challenges keeping their home cool,” said Molly Beeman, Snohomish County Office of Energy and Sustainability.

“We encourage people to review the plan with their own concerns in mind and ask: does this address what I’m facing now, and what I may face in the future? By hearing directly from residents, we can ensure the plan reflects and responds to the risks that matter most to our community.”

Community input is a critical part of shaping the final plan. Residents are encouraged to review the draft document and share their thoughts, questions, and suggestions. The draft CwCRP is available for public review online, where community members can also submit comments on proposed strategies and actions. By participating in this process, community members can help shape a more resilient future for Snohomish County. To review the plan and give comment, visit https://snococlimate.konveio.com/.

“Our natural environment makes Snohomish County one of the best places in the world to live, work, and play,” County Executive Dave Somers said. “A community-informed plan for addressing climate impacts is one key strategy to help us protect this remarkable place we call home. I hope people throughout the county will take time to learn more about the plan and share their feedback.”

About Snohomish County Conservation and Natural Resources

The Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) includes the Division of Surface Water Management; the Division of Parks and Recreation; the Office of Energy and Sustainability and the Office of Agriculture. DCNR works in support of thriving communities; a clean and healthy environment to foster environmental stewardship; ensuring food security; supporting a green economy, and strengthening communities by providing regional parks and infrastructure; protecting the region’s water, air, land and natural habitats; enhancing agriculture and recreation; and reducing flooding. https://snohomishcountywa.gov/5758.

No storybook ending in the Memorial Cup Finals tonight for the Everett Silvertips in what will go down is their greatest season thus far.

Despite a massive advantage in shots on goal in the first period, the Everett Silvertips lost to Kitchener Rangers 6 to 2. Kitchener scored two goals in their first four shots.

Kitchener capitalized on two unnecessary penalties at the end of the 2nd period. In the opening seconds of the 3rd period, Everett started 3 on 5 due to the penalties. Kitchener took advantage, scoring their 4th goal. Then seconds later, in a 4 on 5 disadvantage for the Tip, Kitchener scored a 5th goal.

The Silvertips responded with a Carter Bear goal, putting the game at 2 to 5, but overcoming a three goal advantage proved too difficult for the Silvertips. Kitchener score their 6th goal on an empty net in the final two minutes of the game.

The Everett Silvertips wrapped up the season 57-8-2-1 in the regular season and 16-2 in post season. As the WHL champions, they won their first Ed Chynoweth Cup.

Green SUV Crashed into QFC building portion occupied by Vera Whole Health. Photo credit: T Morgan on FB

A green Nissan X-terra SUV crashed through the south side of Claremont Village QFC building located at 50th St SE and Claremonth Way.

Around 5:45 p.m, four Everett Fire and Police units responded to a call that an SUV had penetrated the building.

SUV drives into Vera Whole Health

This portion of the building is occupied by Vera Whole Health, a medical clinic that, thankfully, closed at noon today.

Vera Whole Health is located at 4933 Evergreen Way in Everett and does not have drive through services.

Fire crews arrived to find the driver had safely exited the vehicle and was not injured. There were no employees inside the business at the time of the collision.

The crash caused significant structural damage to the building. Firefighters evaluated the scene and assisted with securing the area until a structural engineer could evaluate the damage to the building.

The cause of the collision is unknown at this time. Everett Police are investigating.

Similar car vs building collisions we’ve reported on include:

• Murphy’s Corner Fred Meyer
• North Everett House
• Everett Mall
• Escape Everett
• Bus Stop
• Athea’s Footwear