Seastside Newsletter #15

April 29th, 2024

Happy Monday everyone! We first wanted to apologize for the early newsletter last Monday. We pushed it out about three hours early and apologize for any problems this may have caused! For this week we have a lot of news and can’t wait to share it with you all. The question of the week is what are some areas or topics you would like to see included in the newsletter more? If you have any ideas please respond to this email and we will read every message we get!

Also, we wanted to add that our only goal is to improve the quality of the newsletter and we’re working on many ways to do so. If you want to support the newsletter beyond reading it, please consider donating at this link here. Each donation will be put right back into the newsletter to help grow it as well as provide you guys with more exclusive deals and discounts. We are not personally taking any money and will also be donating 10% to local charities!

Today’s Seastside includes:

• A packed week for Bellevue news

• The Sound Transit Line 2 opened!

• Drones instead of Fireworks

Enjoy and if you have any questions please reply to this email!! - Mac and Preju

Seastside Exclusive Deals:

• 10% off your first painting job from Liike Home Painting. Mention the newsletter!

• 20% off any gym membership at Hustle Fit in Redmond. Mention Seastside or use code HUSTLE when signing up!

• 10% off at Anchovies & Salt in Renton - mention code ‘Beehiiv’

• In need of a handyman, real estate repairs, damage restoration or home remodeling? We Honey Do has offered all you readers an exclusive 5% off their services. Mention the Seastside newsletter to Eric! (info)

Bellevue:

News:

• The newly established arts and cultural facility grant program aims for equitable funding by involving the Arts Commission in reviewing applications and recommending recipients, focusing on acquiring land, constructing facilities, and maintaining existing ones for organizations with limited access to capital. (info)

• The Sound Transit 2 Line opening celebration features community-led activities at eight stations, starting with shuttle buses from South Bellevue Station, leading to an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at Bellevue Downtown Station, with events continuing until 4 p.m. (info)

• The extension of the affordable housing construction temporary ordinance for four months, with modifications to vesting language, further incentivizes housing development downtown, facilitating the progress of four shovel-ready projects combining market-rate and affordable housing. (info)

• Approved changes to the noise code expand construction noise hours, clarify permissible activities, and adjust decibel limits for sleeping areas, aiming to strike a balance between community noise exposure and development support, albeit with some dissent on exempt hours. (info)

• The Bellevue Transportation Department wins the 2024 Project of the Year Award from the American Public Works Association for raising downtown intersections, improving safety for pedestrians and mobility device users, and showcasing excellence in design and collaboration. (info)

• The Bellevue Light Rail Unit (BLU) is introduced to enhance safety and security for individuals and families using the new Link light rail in Bellevue, with officers deployed on trains and at stations, aiming to maintain the city's reputation as a safe place to live, work, and play. (info)

Events:

• Enjoy a cooking class led by Chef James Sherrill where you will focus on the iconic dishes of San Francisco. April 30th from 6 to 8:30pm. (info)

• Master the art of making fresh French bread. You will make three different types of bread in this immersive cooking class. May 1st from 10am - 12:30pm. (info)

• Explore new careers and connect with employers at the Bellevue College annual spring networking and job fair. May 8th from 11:30am - 2pm. (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Residents, officials, and Sound Transit staff gather to celebrate the opening of the East Link starter line in Downtown Bellevue, marking a milestone after 15 years of dedication to the expansive light rail project, which now connects South Bellevue to the Redmond Technology Station, boasting distinct station designs and artwork reflecting community and natural elements, with plans for further expansion to Downtown Redmond and Seattle's International District/Chinatown by 2025, offering convenient and affordable transit options for the region's commuters. (info)

• The new Redmond Senior and Community Center is opening next week. They will be hosting a ribbon cutting from 2 - 3 pm on Friday and an open house on Saturday. (info)

• The city is calling all painters and muralists to apply for the Downtown Redmond Art Walk. It is a celebration that highlights local artists through temporary installations. (info)

Events:

•  OneRedmond Lunch & Learn: Understanding SEO/SEM on May 2nd from 12 pm - 1 pm. (info)

• Once Told Tales Presents: Friday Night Improv Comedy (uncensored). Enjoy 90+ minutes of comedy on May 3rd from 8 - 10pm. (info)

• Watch the Tour De Cure at Marymoor Park. Tour de Cure is the premier cycling/fundraising event for the American Diabetes Association. May 4th from 6:15 am - 4 pm. (info)

• Centro Cultural Mexicano is inviting the community to enjoy their free Cinco De Mayo event at Redmond Downtown Park. May 5th from 11am - 6pm. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• The Issaquah Highlands has addressed recent mailbox break-ins by taking responsibility for repairing and replacing USPS-approved cluster mailboxes in the community, coordinating with USPS for key installation and distribution, and informing residents of the process and upcoming key distribution. (info)

Events:

• Enjoy a free Tai Chi class at Blakely Hall on May 1st from 10am to 12pm. (info)

• Open Mic Night for guitarists at Train depot on May 1st at 6:30pm. If you plan on playing, sign in starts at 6pm. (info)

• Want to test your Poker skills at a friendly neighborhood game? Join the community on May 2nd from 7 to 10pm. $40 buy-in. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• The upcoming City Council meeting on May 7 will discuss crucial matters affecting the community, with detailed information available in next week's edition for residents' participation. (info)

• Residents are encouraged to actively engage in Kirkland's July 4th celebrations by nominating Grand Marshals and volunteering for parade floats, fostering community involvement and spirit. (info)

• Juanita Beach Park introduces innovative environmental art activated by rain, serving as a creative platform to promote pollution prevention efforts and environmental awareness. (info)

• Public hearings on the Kirkland Comprehensive Plan offer residents a chance to provide feedback, ensuring community input shapes the city's future development and growth strategies. (info)

• The city's initiative to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers underscores its commitment to environmental sustainability and community well-being, incentivizing residents with a $100 voucher for electric leaf blowers.(info)

• Kirkland Police successfully recovered two stolen vehicles and apprehended nine auto theft suspects, including juveniles, during the process of stealing a third vehicle, thanks to vigilant community members and collaborative efforts with Bothell and Bellevue Police Departments, highlighting the importance of community engagement in combating crime. (info)

Events:

• Kirkland Half Marathon & 5K on May 5th at 7:30 am. (info)

• Experience deep relaxation at the Restorative Sound Bath class on May 7th from 6:30 to 7:30pm. (info)

• The City of Kirkland is hosting the Spring Recycling Collection Event on Saturday, May 11th. (info)

Sammamish:

News:

• The city is encouraging residents ages 18 and older to participate in the community survey. The aim is to gather feedback from residents and assess city services provided to residents. (info)

Events:

• Coffee with the city council members on May 4th at 9:30 am. (info)

• Sammamish Rig-A-Palooza. Explore official city vehicles while interacting with community helpers. The event is free and will have food trucks, bouncy houses, balloon artists and more. May 11th from 11am to 2pm. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Renton is replacing its annual Fourth of July fireworks show with an environmentally-friendly drone show as part of the Renton River Days festival, aligning with the city's commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. (info)

• The recent ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of Renton's Watershed Apartments, providing 145 affordable housing units and contributing to the city's efforts to address the critical need for housing and accommodate density requirements. (info)

• Renton celebrated sustainability with its annual Arbor Day Earth Day event, where over 30 residents volunteered to plant trees, install drain markers, and distribute door hangers, demonstrating the community's commitment to environmental conservation. (info)

• The Renton Police Department organized a community event offering free document shredding, prescription drug disposal, and a food drive to benefit the Emergency Feeding Program, promoting safety, security, and community support. (info)

• Renton residents are invited to join Mid Sound's Community Action Training School, a program aimed at empowering individuals to make a positive impact in their watershed through education, engagement, and collaboration. (info)

Events:

• Cinco De Mayo Renton on May 4th and 5th. Enjoy a beer garden, live music, food trucks, and more! (info)

• Recycling event: Metal and Styrofoam collection at Renton Technical College on May 11th from 10am to 2pm. (info)

• Community garage sale at the Renton Community Center. May 11th from 9am - 1pm. (info)

• Join a tour of historic buildings in Renton. The tour will cover the center and southern part of downtown. May 18th at 10am or 1pm. (info)

Mercer Island:

News:

• Due to a major water supply line break earlier in April, Mercer Island residents are being urged to conserve water this summer as the main pipe remains out of service, potentially leading to mandatory water restrictions. (info)

Events:

• Join the Mival Reception by artist Lucia Neagu on May 2nd from 5 to 7pm. (info)

• The community is launching the first of its nature journaling educational events. The event will take place on May 1st from 5 to 6pm. (info)

Fall City/Snoqualmie:

News:

• Fall City Arts announced plans to revive the Art Park, established in 1995, with the aim of revitalizing community engagement through creative activities, pending community funding. (info)

• The Large Onsite Septic System (LOSS) project in Fall City, long-awaited to address compliance issues and enable downtown businesses to thrive, has taken a significant step forward with a signed contract awarded to Goodfellow Brothers, aiming to connect individual septic tanks to a main line for wastewater treatment. (info)

Events:

• First picks party plant sale on May 2nd from 6:30 to 8pm. Enjoy music, beverages and plants that you can purchase. (info)

• Paint & sip at the Sno-Valley Senior Center. May 10th at 2:30 pm. (info)

• Community Origami Class. Learn to make children’s day themed origami pieces. May 15th from 3:30 to 4:30pm. (info)

Bothell/Kenmore:

News:

• The city of Bothell is seeking feedback on its environmental impact statement. Provide feedback to community leaders, staff, and more to help shape the future of Bothell. (info)

• Kenmore has scored millions for sidewalks and climate technology during the recent state legislative session. They awarded the city $3.1 million for new sidewalks. (info)

Events:

• Enjoy a night of karaoke at Thrashers’ Corner Pub on May 4th at 9:30pm. (info)

• Human services community workshop to review and discuss the human services grant funding. May 6th from 6 to 7-pm. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

• Rock legends who toured in 1984 are hitting the road again in 2024, with the tour kicking off in Woodinville, Washington on July 27. This marks a significant return for many bands, celebrating 40 years since their 1984 tours. (info)

Events:

• Trivia night at Bayernmoor Cellars. Enjoy wine with delicious soups/pizzas. May 1st from 6 to 8pm. (info)

• Woodinville networking night, presented by the Woodinville Chamber. May 2nd at Watts Brewing from 5 to 6:30pm. (info)

• Woodinville High School is performing Twelfth Night on May 2nd from 7 to 9pm. (info)

Volunteering Opportunities:

• Sammamish: May Day park restoration on May 1st from 4 to 6pm. (info)

• Restoration event at Aubrey Davis Park on May 4th from 10am to 1pm. (info)

What we are currently loving!

• Blazing Bagels: Blazing Bagels has always been our go-to bagel spot. With some of the best bagels I have ever tried this is a place everyone should give a try. Their bacon, egg, and cheese is so tasty and the bagel itself is so crispy but fluffy.

• Los Chilangos: We recently tried this food truck and I have not stopped dreaming about it. I got their quesadilla with chicken and it was amazing. Perfectly seasoned with delicious salsa. They also have a cool catering business where they will bring the food truck to the location you request!

Vibes:

• We are looking to partner with local businesses to help grow our little community! If you run one or know of someone who runs please let us know and we would love to talk with them and learn more. 

• This week in the Eastside, expect a mix of sunshine and showers, keeping you on your toes with its ever-changing weather. So, be prepared for anything, from bright blue skies to sudden rain showers throughout the week.

Final Thoughts!

Thank you to everyone for reading our newsletter. We appreciate each one of our readers and hope to continue to grow! If you enjoy the newsletter please share with your friends and family with the referral link below! If you share the newsletter five times we will be sending you a Seastside package. Once again, thank you!