Seastside Newsletter #16

The best news, events and deals for the Eastside of Seattle!

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May 6th, 2024

Four months of the newsletter! We’re so glad that all of you are still enjoying reading our newsletter. This was a pretty packed week of news and updates. If you enjoyed reading this week’s newsletter, please let us know!

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 Zebra caught in the wild

  • An emergency firework ban in Mercer Island

  • Tons of great Mother’s Day events.

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

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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:

  • Four teenagers allegedly stole $106,000 worth of merchandise from a Bellevue store, prompting concerns about the impact of retail theft on prices and tax revenue. (info)

  • Bellevue has released its draft "Bellevue 2044" Comprehensive Plan, aiming to address growth and development over the next two decades with a focus on housing, sustainability, and equity. The plan, informed by input from over 7,000 residents, emphasizes growth in mixed-use centers and neighborhood enhancements, with the Planning Commission set to review it this summer before adoption in the fall. (info)

Events:

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

  • The Bellevue Beats & Bites Music Series starts on June 4th and runs to August 1st. The series will run from noon to 1pm. (info)

Redmond:

News:

  • Tesla STEM High School in Redmond clinched third in the U.S. News 2024 Best U.S. High Schools ranking. (info)

  • The Mount Rainier cycling event was rescheduled for September due to a permitting issue with Mount Rainier National Park. This year’s event will introduce a new route and registration process! (info)

  • The City of Redmond celebrated the grand opening of the Redmond Senior & Community Center. The Redmond Senior & Community Center is a new 52,000 square foot facility and will be located on the former senior center on the city hall municipal campus. (info)

Events:

  • Washington Health Outreach on May 11 at 11am. (info)

  • John Bernard 2024 Memorial Golf Tournament on May 6th. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

  • Barnes & Noble plans to open a bookstore and cafe in the former Bed Bath & Beyond store in Issaquah. They are hoping to open the store in late October or early November. Barnes & Noble left in 2020 and now they are re-opening with a beautiful store. (info)

  • May is National Small Business Month and Issaquah will have a multitude of events to support local businesses. (info)

  • Issaquah Highlands Council is now seeking graduation announcements for publication in the summer 2024 issue of Connections! Graduation announcements must be submitted by May 24th, 2024. (info)

Events:

  • City Council meeting on May 6 at 7pm discussing proclamations, city hall NW, and central Issaquah Pioneer Program. (info)

  • Open Mic & Karaoke Night on May 10 at 7pm. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

  • The new Fire Station 27 located on the intersection of Northeast 132nd St. and 121st AVE NE is opening its doors on May 11th. Take a tour on May 11th at 10am to 12pm if you want to see the new station. (info)

  • Ardea, an affordable housing project in Totem Lake, officially broke ground on May 2nd. With Amazon’s $16M commitment through its Housing Equity Fund, there will be 170 new affordable homes for seniors that will be built here. (info)

  • The Kirkland City Council will consider authorizing the use of $20,000 from the Council Special Projects Reserve to fund the continuation of the sustainability neighborhoods ambassador program. (info)

Events:

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

  • Celebrate Mother’s Day at Kirkland Urban. There will be free crafts, balloon artists and face painting. May 11th from 12 - 3pm. (info)

  • Experience Judith Cohen The Schuman Piano Quartet on May 11th from 7:30 to 9pm. (info)

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

Sammamish:

News:

  • From May 6 through 15, the City’s contractor will be repairing sections of guardrail at 15 sites along East Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE & SE. The work will take place between 8 am to 4pm. One lane will be closed. (info)

  • K-12 now has a fully-remote option with the Washington Connections Academy. Students can work with state-certified teachers who are specially trained to engage students in online learning. (info)

Events:

  • 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)

  • Recreational Swim at the Sammamish YMCA on May 10th at 3:40 pm. (info)

Renton:

News:

  • Fire at self-storage building near SR 167 was ruled accidental. The fire was met with a response from over 60 firefighters from Kent and Renton crews. (info)

  • The pedestrian bridge at Riverview Park has been repaired and is now open. (info)

Events:

  • 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:

  • A Mercer Island mansion finally lands a buyer after being originally listed in 2014 for $26.8M. (info)

  • After the pipe break last month, Mercer Island has banned fireworks due to the local emergency. They state that they do not have the adequate resources to fight fires. (info)

  • Four high school students from Mercer Island, including Jordan Benitez, Rohan Patel, Arman Najafian, and Abhi Kothapalli, formed the startup BIPS (Brain Impact Protection Services), pitching their Smart Mouthguard product aimed at detecting concussions in athletes through a sensor and app, advancing to the semifinals of the TiE Young Entrepreneurs competition. (info)

Events:

  • Family movie night at the Mercer Island Community Center. Watch Encanto and enjoy popcorn, dessert and the big screen. May 10th at 5:30pm. (info)

  • Dungeons and Dragons Club at the Mercer Island Library on May 10th from 3:15 - 5:45pm. (info)

  • Mercer Island Mother’s Day 5k on May 11th. (info)

Fall City/Snoqualmie:

News:

  • Sugar, the missing zebra, was found safe in North Bend's Riverbend neighborhood after almost a week on the loose, thanks to a collaborative effort between local authorities, residents, and animal services; she will be returning to Montana, her original destination, with investigations underway regarding the circumstances of her escape. (info)

  • Snoqualmie Mayor Katherine Ross and North Bend Mayor Mary Miller outlined their cities' progress and future plans in their respective State of the City addresses, emphasizing economic development, affordable housing initiatives, park expansions, and infrastructure improvements, with both mayors highlighting community engagement and cooperation as essential for success. (info)

Events:

  • 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 Bothell Police have recovered more than $600,000 in stolen property through multiple investigations. (info)

  • The Bothell Police department is seeking community members interested in applying to serve on the new Bothell Police Community Advisory Committee. Community members ages 16 and older should apply by May 15th. (info)

  • James McNeal, the former Bothell council member has been charged with the murder of a 20 year old woman. (info)

Events:

  • Bothell Chamber of Commerce invites all professionals, organization leaders and business owners to network. May 8th from 9 to 10:30am. (info)

  • Family story time at the Bothell library on May 9th from 10 to 10:30am. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

  • Woodinville City Council receives 67% salary increase for the first time in nearly 25 years. (info)

  • Woodinville has concerns over Chateau Ste. Michelle’s development is considering developing its iconic property and Woodinville has some concerns. (info)

Events:

  • The Woodinville Farmers Market is open every Saturday from May - September from 10am to 2pm. The Market is located on Festival Street in the Schoolhouse District. (info)

  • Mother’s Day Mimosas & Macarons - Barnard Griffin on May 11th. (info)

Volunteering Opportunities:

  • Juanita Bay Park (East) Habitat Stewardship Day. Join the community by helping restore critical habitats. May 10th from 10am - 12pm. (info)

  • Wilburton Hill Park - Trail Restoration on May 23rd from 9 to 11:30am. (info)

What we are currently loving!

  • George’s in Kirkland is truly a gem that brings you back time and time again, especially for their irresistible pancakes and flavorful huevos rancheros. Each bite bursts with deliciousness, and the warm, family-centric atmosphere only adds to the dining experience, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a comforting meal.

  • Hillcrest Bakery in Bothell is the place you just can't get enough of. Their Dutch and European pastries, especially the croissants and cinnamon rolls, are out of this world. The vibe there is like being wrapped in a warm hug every time you walk in. Whether you're popping in for a quick breakfast or treating yourself to a sweet afternoon snack, Hillcrest Bakery is where it's at. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Vibes:

  • Please let us know if you saw the runaway Zebras! (send us pics!)

  • We have some sunshine to look forward to later this week!

Bellevue via Zac Gudakov

Final Thoughts!

Cheers to an amazing week ahead. Summer is right around the corner and we’ve got some great things planned for all of you. Stay tuned!

Mac & Preju