Seastside Newsletter #23

June 24th, 2024

Hello everyone! Another great week of news for you. Please let us know if you have any fun events or news pieces you want to share for the upcoming weeks, we’d love to add it to the newsletter. We also are working on growing our social media accounts so please give them a follow!

If you want to help support the newsletter, please consider donating here!

Today’s Seastside includes:

• A large firework event in Bellevue

• A major award for Issaquah

• Roadwork in Sammamish

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

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

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• 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:

• Political donation: Walter Shlaepfer, a prominent Bellevue wealth manager gave $1 million to a super PAC supporting former president Donald Trump. (info)

• Tree Code Amendments: City Council advanced code updates for tree preservation, including new permit requirements, simplified removal processes, replacement ratios, and higher penalties for illegal removals. The amendments will be on a future consent calendar. (info)

• Energy Smart Eastside Program: The council approved $4 million in funding to support the Energy Smart Eastside program, which has transitioned 212 households to heat pumps. The program aims to reduce emissions and improve community health, with plans to expand in 2025-2026. (info)

• Grand Connection Crossing Project: Council received an update on the Grand Connection Crossing, which will link downtown Bellevue to a 175-mile trail network. The project has narrowed crossing alignments and will share a design update in September. The city is also developing Friends of the Grand Connection to support the project long-term. (info)

Events:

• The Eastside’s largest fireworks event will be held on July 4th from 5-10:30pm. (info)

• Bellevue beats and bites music series on June 27th from 12-1pm. (info)

• Japan Fair: A free two day festival showcasing traditional and modern Japanese arts, culture and music. June 29th & 30th from 10am-5pm. (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Take Me Home Program: The Redmond Police Department launched the Take Me Home program, a voluntary registry for individuals with cognitive or developmental disabilities to help reunite them with caregivers during emergencies. Families can register loved ones' details, which officers can access to provide appropriate assistance. (info)

• Redmond Launches Strategic Tourism Plan: The Redmond Tourism Strategic Plan is a five-year roadmap with a vision, goals, and strategic initiatives, developed through extensive research and community engagement. The plan involves the City’s Economic Development Department and other stakeholders to enhance Redmond's tourism industry, benefiting residents, businesses, and visitors. (info)

Events:

• Remlinger Farms concert series: Kaleo. June 26th at 5pm. (info)

• Outdoor Improv: No experience required, play games and meet people. June 26th from 6:30-8:30pm. (info)

• Music on the court on June 28th from 5-7pm. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• Film Festival: Tarot 77 in partnership with the City of Issaquah is presenting the Issaquah Film Festival in the highlands. This will be the 2nd year of the festival. (info)

• Issaquah Earns Silver What Works Cities/Bloomberg Certification: Issaquah, the first city under 70,000 in the world to receive this award, has been recognized for its exceptional use of data to inform policy, improve services, and engage residents. Notable initiatives include enhanced public safety measures, improved human services, data-rich communication, and effective grant-making and contracting. (info)

• Issaquah Alps Trails Club Celebrates 45 Years: Since 1979, the Issaquah Alps Trails Club has conserved thousands of acres and created over 125 miles of trails. The club continues its mission with educational hikes and restoration projects to maintain the region's natural spaces, partnering with local organizations. (info)

Events:

• Monotype workshop at Happy Time Studio. Experience the spontaneity of monotype printing on June 24th from 5-7pm. (info)

• Minecraft Mania: A space where kids can connect and play Minecraft. June 26th from 4:30-5:30pm. (info)

• Glass blowing experience at Art By Fire on June 28th from 12:30-1:30pm. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• City Council Meeting Recap: The council adopted mid-year budget amendments and proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth in Kirkland. They also discussed updates to Marina Park dock and shoreline design, and various council operations. (info)

• Houghton Beach Closure: Houghton Beach is closed to water activities due to elevated bacteria levels, while Waverly Beach has reopened. King County will test the water again next week. (info)

• Parade Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are needed for the 25th Anniversary Celebrate Kirkland Fourth of July Parade. Roles include parade route assistance, answering questions, and event setup and breakdown. (info)

• BYOC Giveaway: Participate in the BYOC campaign by bringing a reusable cup to partnered coffee shops for a chance to win prizes, including event tickets and a grand prize e-bike. (info)

• Additional Highlights: The transformation of the Houghton Park and Ride into a temporary park, preparations for the Junior League Softball World Series, and Kirkland Youth Transit Ambassadors promoting Metro Flex. Upcoming events include a blood drive, Juanita Friday Market, and Feriton Spur Summer Event Series. (info) (info)

Events:

• Blood Drive: June 26 & 27, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at City Hall. Join the community in ensuring adequate blood inventory to save lives. Appointments can be made online through BloodWorks. (info)

• Juanita Friday Market: Every Friday from June to September, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Juanita Beach Park. Enjoy fresh produce, live entertainment, and local goods with family and friends. (info)

• Feriton Spur Summer Event Series: July 10, 17, 24, and 31, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Feriton Spur Park. A free performing arts series featuring diverse performances for the community. (info)

• Junior League Softball World Series: July 28 - August 3 at Everest Park. Watch teams of 12- to 14-year-olds from around the world compete for the championship, celebrating 50 years of girls and women in the Little League program. (info)

Sammamish:

News:

• Natural Gas Line Replacement: PSE will replace a section of the underground natural gas main along 222nd Place Southeast starting June 24. This three-week project will have crews working from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

• Signal Cabinet Replacement: On June 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., city staff will replace the traffic signal cabinet at 228th Ave Northeast and Northeast 4th Street. The signal will be dark during this time, with uniformed police officers directing traffic. Expect delays and use caution.

• SE 24th Street Sidewalk Improvements: PSE will relocate utility poles on Southeast 24th Street between 251st Avenue Southeast and Beaver Lake Lodge entrance on June 27 and 28, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. An eastbound lane will be closed with flaggers directing traffic.

Events:

• Bee city pop-up at lower commons on June 29th. Learn about local pollinators. There will be free activities for kids. (info)

• Mini recycling event on June 28th from 9am-12pm. Recycle paints, electronics, TV sets and more. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Henry Moses Aquatic Center: Opens June 22 with daily swim sessions, water activities, and the Shark Bites Cafe. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, with special events planned in July and the season ending on September 2 with the Pooch Plunge on September 7-8. For details, visit rentonwa.gov/hmac.

• Juneteenth Proclamation: Mayor Armondo Pavone designated June 19 as Juneteenth in Renton. Celebrations included an event at Liberty Park, emphasizing African American freedom, cultural heritage, and inclusivity.

• City Website Navigation: Renton is updating its website for better accessibility. Residents are encouraged to participate in a navigation survey by June 24 to help shape the new website.

• Small Business Nominations: Nominate your favorite Renton businesses for the King County Small Business Awards by June 30 in various categories, including Minority-Owned and Green/Sustainable Small Business of the Year.

• Summer Meals Program: Starting June 24, free snacks and lunches for children aged 1-18 will be provided at various locations in Renton and Skyway. The first lunch will be at Liberty Park from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

• Renton Farmers Market Kids Day: On June 25, Kids Day at the Renton Farmers Market features Gwendolyn the Cow, free books, POP Club activities, and musical entertainment from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The market runs every Tuesday through September 24 at Piazza Park.

Events:

• Garden Walking Tour, where you can explore the beautiful gardens of homes surrounding the downtown core. June 13th from 10am-1pm. (info)

• Renton River Days from July 26-28th. (info)

Mercer Island:

News:

• New MIHS Girls Basketball Coach: Ariel Sciammas joins as the new head coach of the Mercer Island High School varsity girls basketball team, bringing his experience and philosophy of hard coaching, personal growth, and community involvement to the program, aiming to create a positive and successful environment for the athletes. (info)

Events:

• Senior Support Group on June 26th at 10:30am. (info)

• Restoration Event | Homestead Park on June 29th at 10am. (info)

• Emergency Management Volunteer Well Operations and CPOD Training on June 28th at 11am. (info)

Fall City/Snoqualmie:

News:

• Fireworks Ban Reminder: North Bend reminds residents of the newly imposed ban on aerial fireworks, effective this summer, to enhance public safety and reduce fire risks, with personal use limited to small ground fireworks and sparklers, while public shows like Red, White, and Boom will still be held. (info)

• Affordable Housing Initiative: North Bend is accepting proposals for a 0.4-acre affordable housing project at 230 Main Ave. South, seeking an organization to construct and manage rental housing for tenants earning below 60% AMI, with proposals due by August 2 and a contract to be approved by the end of 2024. (info)

• Road Closure Alert: Ames Lake-Carnation Road NE will be closed from June 24 for eight months to replace a century-old wooden bridge with a new, wider structure to enhance safety and visibility; alternative routes are available for all traffic, including emergency vehicles. (info)

Events:

• Fall City Friday Market on June 28th at 4pm. (info)

• Tie Dye Workshop on June 28th at 4:30pm. (info)

Bothell/Kenmore:

News:

• Entertainment Spotlight: Local teenager Vritika Gupta lands a lead role in Hulu's new true-crime drama series "Under the Bridge", showcasing her commitment and passion for acting while balancing a busy life of competitive swimming and club volleyball. (info)

• Roundabout Project: The $4.5 million project will rebuild the four-way stop at Larch and Locust ways, with the intersection closing on June 25 and reopening on Sept. 4, featuring a pedestrian walkway and a nearby bridge replacement starting in 2025. (info)

Events:

• Pop Up at the Pop Shops on June 29th at 10am. (info)

• Chamber Scholarship Fund on June 30th at 11am. (info)

• Hometown Celebration: Fourth of July Parade on July 4th. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

• Gourmet Highlight: Graze Craze® expands to Woodinville under local restaurateur Melanie Bard, offering premium, hand-crafted charcuterie boards and boxes perfect for enhancing gatherings, with options catering to different dietary preferences and occasions. (info)

• Safety Alert: Eastside Fire & Rescue announces a seasonal burning moratorium from June 15, 2024, to September 30, 2024, requiring permits for recreational fires and banning residential yard waste burning, with specific exceptions for Woodinville and Mercer Island. (info)

• Community Spotlight: L’Ecole 41 Winery in Woodinville hosted a Tacos & Terroir event on May 31, 2024, featuring taco and wine pairings with Lifted Taco, creating a fun and engaging evening for the local community to enjoy great food, wine, and social connections. (info)

Events:

• Celebrate Woodinville Glow Run 5K on June 28th at 7pm. (info)

• Woodinville Heritage Museum Open on July 7th at 1pm. (info)

Volunteering Opportunities:

• Restore wetland habitat at the Lower Commons Park on June 28th from 11am-1pm. (info)

• Wilburton Hill Park Forest Restoration on June 28th from 9am-12pm. (info)

What we are currently loving!

• Matt's Rotisserie & Oyster Lounge in Redmond offers a dynamic dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood and rotisserie meats. Their Grilled Salmon, served with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, is a highlight of the menu, showcasing perfectly cooked, flavorful fish. The lively atmosphere and stylish decor make Matt's Rotisserie & Oyster Lounge an ideal spot for both casual outings and special occasions.

• Mediterranean Kitchen in Bellevue is a hidden gem offering an authentic taste of the Mediterranean right in the heart of the city. Known for its vibrant flavors and generous portions, this restaurant's standout dish is the Lamb Shawarma, featuring tender, marinated lamb served with fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce. Ideal for both casual lunches and intimate dinners, Mediterranean Kitchen provides a warm and inviting dining experience that transports you to the Mediterranean coast.

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. 

• We have a mix of sunshine, rain and overcast this week!

• The start of the week is looking like it’s going to be generally rainy, but Friday, Saturday and Sunday should have some sunshine!

  

  Snoqualmie Falls via Dave Hoefler

Final Thoughts!

Happy Monday everyone! Make sure to follow our socials and refer the newsletter to your friends! We are looking to start a new premium newsletter. If you all have any ideas or wants for that please reach out to us and reply to this email!

Mac & Preju