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- Seastside Newsletter #56
February 10th, 2024
Hello everyone! Thanks for reading another week of Seastside. We hope you all stayed safe and enjoyed the snow.
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Today’s Seastside includes:
Bellevue donkeys have been found
Art exhibit opening
Mercer Island Students Advocate for Education and Gun Control at Capitol
Enjoy and if you have any questions please reply to this email!! - Mac and Preju
Bellevue:
News:
Bellevue Police Recover Stolen Donkeys: Juan and Julio, two missing donkeys, were found in Fall City after being stolen on February 1. Bellevue Police and the King County Sheriff’s Office are working to return them to their owner. (info)
Master Bing Opens at Brio Apartments in Bellevue: The fast-casual Chinese restaurant, specializing in Jianbing, has opened at 11116 Northeast 10th Street. This is Master Bing's first Bellevue location, adding to its Seattle and Portland branches. (info)
Bellevue Hosts Black History Month Art Exhibit at City Hall: The "Voices Unbounded" exhibit, featuring 21 Black artists from the Pacific Northwest, will be on display at City Hall through February and March. The city will host an opening reception on February 5 from 6-8 p.m. (info)
Bellevue City Council Updates: The Bellevue City Council reviewed key initiatives, including a 6% citywide crime decrease in 2024 and a record-breaking police recruitment year with 46 new officers. The council also moved to align Bellevue’s land use codes with state law for clearer development guidelines. An Innovation Forum was announced to foster technology access, digital equity, and business collaboration, with the next meeting on March 5. (info)
Emerging Radiance Art Installation: Bellevue's new art installation, Emerging Radiance, honors Japanese American farmers affected by WWII incarceration. Created by Michelle Kumata and Tani Ikeda, it features murals and augmented reality storytelling. The exhibit, opening on Feb. 19 at Bellevue Library, will be available through 2027, with an interactive website and documentary film. (info)
Events:
Bothell/Kenmore:
News:
Teen Killed in Bothell Crash After Possible Police Evasion: A 16-year-old driver died in a single-vehicle crash in Bothell on Feb. 3, 2025. The teen, who had been speeding and driving recklessly, failed to navigate a curve and struck a fence. A police sergeant had briefly followed the driver but chose not to pursue due to safety concerns. Two passengers were hospitalized. Investigations are ongoing. (info)
AAA Washington Acquires Michelman Insurance Agency in Kenmore: AAA Washington has acquired Michelman Insurance Agency, a longtime Kenmore business serving the community since 1997. This acquisition strengthens AAA’s ties to the local area, enhancing their presence and commitment to offering trusted insurance solutions. AAA Washington plans to integrate Michelman’s operations to ensure continued excellent service for clients. (info)
Kenmore Air Recognized for Historic Contributions with Spellman Award: Kenmore Air received the prestigious John D. Spellman Award for its nearly 80-year history of connecting King County to the broader Pacific Northwest. The family-owned business was honored for its vital role in the region's aviation industry, with its scenic flights and innovative seaplane operations continuing to be a cornerstone of the area's history. (info)
Events:
Fall City/Snoqualmie:
News:
Volition Brewing Unveils New Mural by Scott Rinckenberger: North Bend’s Volition Brewing Co. has partnered with photographer Scott Rinckenberger to create a 26-foot black-and-white mural of Snoqualmie Pass backcountry in their taproom. The image, featuring Snow Lake, Chair Peak, and Snoqualmie Mountain, was chosen to reflect the brewery’s adventurous spirit. The mural, exclusive to Volition Brewing, was created using a high-resolution panoramic photo stitching technique. Rinckenberger and the brewery owners share a love for the outdoors, making this a meaningful collaboration. (info)
Anejo Tequila Bar Opens in Snoqualmie After Years of Planning: Marta Rothnie, owner of Anejo Tequila Bar in Snoqualmie, officially opened the establishment on July 31, 2024, after years of delays due to personal challenges. Located at 8032 Falls Ave. SE, Suite A, the bar features a full tequila-focused menu alongside small plates, sandwiches, and desserts. Rothnie, who also owns Dark Horse Brew, wanted to bring a unique concept to town rather than just another sports bar. Anejo hosts events like Galentine’s Night and a Tequila Education Night on Feb. 25, 2025. Despite possible relocation concerns if the Pacific West Rail Foundation purchases the property, Rothnie remains committed to serving the community. (info)
Snoqualmie Police Chief Placed on Administrative Leave: Snoqualmie Police Chief Brian Lynch was placed on administrative leave on Feb. 6, 2025, due to an ongoing internal investigation. The city has not disclosed details regarding the investigation. Captain Gary Horejsi will serve as acting chief in Lynch’s absence. City officials assured residents that the Snoqualmie Police Department will continue providing high-quality services to Snoqualmie and North Bend. This is a developing story. (info)
Events:
Issaquah:
News:
Issaquah Seeking Applicants for Boards and Commissions: The City of Issaquah is accepting applications for its boards and commissions, covering topics such as arts, economic development, environmental issues, and growth. These volunteer positions offer a chance to shape local policies and initiatives, with some members eligible for the City’s stipend program. Issaquah encourages diverse representation and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Interested individuals should apply online by 10 a.m. on February 28, 2025. For more information, contact Tina Eggers at 425-864-7331. (info)
Issaquah Highlands Sewer Reroute Meeting Scheduled: The Community Planning & Development Department is hosting a Pre-Application Community Meeting to discuss a proposal to reroute an existing sewer main line through a steep slope critical area in the Issaquah Highlands. The meeting will provide early-stage project details, with an opportunity for residents to comment and ask questions. The applicant will present project information. Date and time details are not provided; residents are encouraged to check with the department for further information. (info)
Issaquah Farmers Market Vendor Applications Open: The Issaquah Farmers Market is celebrating 35 years and is now accepting vendor applications for the 2025 season. Farmers, food vendors, and community businesses are encouraged to apply. Priority consideration is given to applications submitted by March 15, 2025. Before applying, vendors should review the market’s Rules & Regulations. For inquiries or application assistance, email [email protected]. (info)
Issaquah Police Seek Help Identifying Suspect in Antisemitic & Racially Biased Graffiti: The Issaquah Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a male suspect, aged 20-30, involved in multiple antisemitic and racially biased graffiti incidents. Surveillance footage has captured the suspect, described as light-complexioned. Anyone with information is urged to call the non-emergency line at 425-837-3200 or leave an anonymous tip at 425-837-3210. Community members are also encouraged to report new graffiti incidents by phone or online at issaquahwa.gov/request to ensure timely removal. Authorities reaffirm that hate and bias have no place in Issaquah. (info)
Events:
Kirkland:
News:
Kirkland City Council Recap – February 4, 2025: The Kirkland City Council met in a hybrid session, covering key topics including 84th Ave NE Bike/Walk/Roll Improvements, an update on the Seattle Kraken Iceplex proposal, and a review of the 2025 Legislative Agenda. The Mayor also proclaimed February as Black History Month. In a study session, the Council discussed the 2024-2026 Planning Work Program and received an update on the Sustainability Strategic Plan. More details are available on the City’s website. (info)
Kirkland Seeks Applicants for Advisory Boards and Commissions: The City of Kirkland is accepting applications for advisory boards and commissions until February 14, 2025. Members analyze complex issues, review public comments, and make recommendations to the City Council on topics such as civil service, parks, and transportation. Meetings are held monthly in the evening, and childcare stipends are available. Open positions include the Civil Service Commission, Planning Commission, Transportation Commission, and more. Interested applicants can apply through the City Clerk’s Office. City Council interviews will take place on March 13, 2025. (info)
Kirkland Hosts Community Forums on Homelessness Response: The City of Kirkland is inviting residents to community forums on February 24 and 26 to discuss homelessness in Kirkland and shape the new Homelessness Continuum of Care Action Plan. Over 300 reports of homelessness have been submitted in the past five years, and 160 at-risk residents have been contacted in the last 18 months. Mayor Kelli Curtis emphasized the need for a compassionate, balanced response. The forums will include a presentation by City staff and small group discussions with City Councilmembers and community members. The meetings will be held at Lake Washington Institute of Technology (Auditorium W-401). Registration is required, and attendees may only register for one session. (info)
Events:
Mercer Island:
News:
Mercer Island Students Advocate for Education and Gun Control at Capitol: A group of Mercer Island High School students joined other student advocates in Olympia on Feb. 7, urging lawmakers to support K-12 education and gun control legislation. The Washington State High School Democrats organized the event, with representatives from the College Democrats of Washington and Eastern Washington University Democrats also participating. Mercer Island senior Anthony Wang, the legislative chair, attended with Adelaide Swenson and freshman Esha Shroff, alongside 20 students from various high schools. Wang emphasized the importance of students bringing their firsthand experience with mental health and gun control issues to the legislative process while also learning how to engage effectively with lawmakers. (info)
Mercer Island High School’s Pegasus Magazine Earns High Honors: The 2023-24 edition of Pegasus, Mercer Island High School’s creative arts magazine, received a first-class ranking from the National Scholastic Press Association, earning three marks of distinction for content, editing, and artistic quality. Pegasus is produced through a collaboration between the school’s writing and publishing class and an after-school club. Students and staff now await results from the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) REALM evaluation, which recognizes excellence in art and literary magazines. (info)
Events:
Frozen and Froyo Movie Matinee on February 16th at 2:30pm. (info)
Opera Preview: The Magic Flute on February 19th at 6:00pm.
Redmond:
News:
Redmond Councilmember Melissa Stuart Appointed to National League of Cities Committee: Redmond City Councilmember Melissa Stuart has been appointed to the National League of Cities (NLC) 2025 Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources (EENR) Federal Advocacy Committee. In her one-year term, Stuart will help guide NLC’s federal advocacy agenda on sustainability, climate change, water infrastructure, waste management, and community resilience. As one of the few members from the Pacific Northwest, she aims to represent Redmond’s environmental values at the national level. Stuart will work alongside federal leaders to shape policy and ensure local concerns are addressed in Washington, D.C. (info)
Home Destroyed After Fire in Redmond: A fire broke out around 2 p.m. on Sunday at a home near 2000 184th Avenue Northeast in Redmond, causing severe damage. Fire crews from Redmond, Bellevue, and Kirkland responded to the scene, finding the garage engulfed in flames and spreading to the house. All occupants safely evacuated, though one person was injured. Firefighters prevented the flames from reaching neighboring homes. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. (info)
Redmond Seeks Volunteer Arts and Culture Commissioner: The City of Redmond is looking for applicants to fill one vacant seat on its Arts and Culture Commission. The commission advises the City Council on public arts programs, including the Poet Laureate Program, Cultural Arts Grants, and Downtown Redmond Art Walk. Meetings are mandatory and take place on the second Thursday of each month from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Redmond City Hall, with a virtual option available. Applications are encouraged by February 18, 2025, but the position will remain open until filled. (info)
Events:
Renton:
News:
Renton Crews and Schools Respond to Icy Roads: The Renton School District closed all schools on Feb. 4 and 5 due to extreme icy conditions, following a two-hour late start on Feb. 3. Kent schools also remained closed for a third day. District officials assess road conditions starting at 3:30 a.m. and consider safety factors before deciding on closures. Meanwhile, Renton public works crews have been working overnight to clear roads, focusing on main arterials before moving to neighborhoods. The city deployed thousands of gallons of deicer and tons of salt to combat black ice. (info)
Renton’s Equity Commission Seeks Volunteers: The City of Renton is recruiting volunteers for its Equity Commission, which advises city leadership on removing racial, economic, and social barriers in city programs and policies. The nine-member commission, open to Renton residents or business owners, meets monthly and provides insights on hiring, police recruitment, budgeting, and outreach strategies. Officials seek candidates with a strong commitment to equity, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for systemic change. Interested individuals can apply online, with appointments made by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. (info)
Renton Shooting Leads to SWAT Standoff and Arrest: A 35-year-old Renton man was arrested after allegedly firing shots at police officers during a SWAT standoff on February 8. The incident began around 11 a.m. when officers responded to gunfire inside a home near 2600 Northeast 5th Court. A neighbor’s house was struck, prompting police to intervene. The suspect barricaded himself inside, leading to a Valley SWAT response. Around 3 p.m., he reportedly fired four shots at police, but no injuries were reported. Officers did not return fire, and the suspect later surrendered. He is now in custody on suspicion of first-degree assault as police continue their investigation. (info)
Three Arrested in Renton Organized Retail Theft Ring: Three suspects were arrested for allegedly stealing over $143,000 in luxury cosmetics from Ulta stores in Renton, Tukwila, Federal Way, Issaquah, Seattle, Auburn, Lakewood, and Redmond. The thefts, which occurred between October 2024 and January 2025, were investigated by Renton police and Ulta’s loss prevention team. Vershawn Hairston (25) faces 10 charges of organized retail theft and remains in jail on $325,000 bail, with 22 prior convictions. R’Mani Sweet (18) faces six charges and is held on $50,000 bail. Imiko Stark (26), facing four charges, posted bail and was released. (info)
Events:
The Renton American Legion Fred Hancock Post 19 Business Meeting on February 11th at 7pm.
Free Museum Day at the Renton History Museum on February 15th.
Renton Arts Lounge February Meet-Up at Bloom Studio on February 19th at 4pm.
Moonlight Masquerade Winter Family Dance on February 21st.
Renton Reporter Read-All-About-It at Drum Roll Wine on February 25th.
Sammamish:
News:
Road Closure on 187th Ave NE Near Sammamish: The City of Redmond will temporarily close 187th Avenue NE between East Lake Sammamish Parkway NE and NE 53rd Street to accommodate work for The Cove short plat development. A detour will be in place along East Lake Sammamish Parkway NE and Redmond-Fall City Road NE (SR 202). The closure, which may impact Sammamish local traffic, is scheduled to begin on Jan. 29, 2025, and will last approximately eight working days, with work hours from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. (info)
Ziply Fiber Permit Suspension Update: The City of Sammamish has been working with Ziply Fiber since suspending its Right-of-Way (ROW) permits on Jan. 23, 2025, due to issues with underground fiber installation. Based on Ziply’s corrective actions, the City plans to lift the suspension for one permit (ROW2024-03745) in the coming weeks, allowing construction along 228th Ave NE from NE 8th St to NE 28th Pl. Residents with concerns can submit a request through the MySammamish website or app under “Ziply Impacts & Concerns.” Restoration work (landscaping, irrigation, and temporary road patching) will continue as weather permits. (info)
Public Works Projects 2025: The City of Sammamish is undertaking multiple public works projects to improve infrastructure and connectivity. Louis Thompson Road will receive stormwater upgrades, a sidewalk, and a bike lane to reduce flooding and erosion. East Lake Sammamish Parkway is undergoing evaluations for embankment repairs due to surface settlement and cracking. The George Davis Creek Fish Passage & Storm Improvement Project will upgrade a problematic culvert, making it fish-passable and opening a mile of kokanee salmon spawning habitat. The Hazel Wolf Culvert Improvement Project will replace an undersized culvert to reduce flooding on West Beaver Lake Drive. The 212th Flood Mitigation Project will assess roadway stability and flooding solutions for a critical north-south corridor along 212th Avenue SE. Additionally, the Bike and Pedestrian Mobility Plan is in development to analyze current conditions, future projections, and project costs, with a community workshop scheduled for Feb. 26, 2025, at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers. (info)
Sammamish YMCA Launches Annual Fund Drive to Support Community Health: The Sammamish YMCA will kick off its annual fundraising campaign on Feb. 11 at 7:00 a.m. with a breakfast event, aiming to raise $110,000 to support membership scholarships and community health programs. The drive funds initiatives for vulnerable groups, such as seniors facing isolation and teens needing mental health support. Programs include senior hiking groups, coffee meetups, and teen mental wellness resources. Membership scholarships also ensure financial barriers don’t prevent participation. YMCA leaders emphasize the campaign’s goal of fostering a welcoming, supportive environment for all Sammamish residents. (info)
Events:
Woodinville:
News:
Woodinville Secures $5 Million RAISE Grant for Eastrail Trail Project: The City of Woodinville has been awarded a $5 million RAISE federal grant, expediting the 1.7-mile Eastrail Trail corridor project through downtown by at least a decade. The funding will support planning, public engagement, environmental review, permitting, and design, bringing the project closer to construction. The total estimated cost is $7.1 million. Administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the RAISE program prioritizes sustainable and equitable infrastructure. After an unsuccessful 2023 application, Woodinville reapplied in 2024 and secured full funding. The City Council approved the grant agreement on Jan. 7, 2025, and will now select a design consultant team to refine the project’s scope and timeline. The planning phase is expected to last two to three years, with a goal of completing the trail within the next decade. (info)
Events:
Volunteering Opportunities:
Trail Clean Up at Squak Mountain on Feb. 13 from 9am-12pm. (info)
What we are currently loving!
Matts’ Rotisserie & Oyster Lounge in Redmond Town Center: Since 2003, Matts’ has been a cornerstone of Redmond’s dining scene, offering a lively atmosphere and a menu that highlights Pacific Northwest flavors. The restaurant features an impressive applewood rotisserie and grill, serving dishes like rotisserie prime rib and fresh oysters. The full oval bar, known as the Oyster Lounge, is a focal point, showcasing a fresh shellfish display. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch, dinner, or happy hour, Matts’ provides a welcoming space for all occasions.
Gilbert’s on Main in Bellevue: For over 26 years, Gilbert’s on Main has been Bellevue’s go-to spot for authentic New York-style deli sandwiches. Located in Old Bellevue, this cozy eatery offers a breakfast and lunch menu featuring over 25 signature sandwiches, including the legendary “#9” Reuben. Beyond sandwiches, patrons can enjoy homemade soups, salads, and breakfast items. The warm, bustling atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Vibes:
The weather will be around 20-40 degrees with a mixture of sunshine, rain and clouds!
Lake Union via Cody Fitzgerald
Final Thoughts!
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