Seastside Newsletter #26

July 15th, 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. How are you all doing with this heat wave? We’re enjoying the sunshine and swimming in the lakes.

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

Today’s Seastside includes:

• Mod pizza got bought!

• Kroger-Albertsons Merger

• Lots of roadwork in Sammamish

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:

• Bellevue-based MOD Pizza Acquired by California Restaurant Group: Facing financial challenges, Bellevue-based MOD Pizza has been acquired by Elite Restaurant Group from California. This move aims to strengthen the popular pizza chain's future amidst industry-wide difficulties such as high inflation and reduced dining out. (info)

• Bellevue Teacher Arrested Again on Child Molestation Charge: Bellevue Police arrested 73-year-old former substitute teacher Robert Scroggs for the second time on charges of first-degree child molestation, following new allegations from a 9-year-old student at Newport Elementary School. (info)

• Suspects Accused of Stealing $100K Cash Using Stolen Garage Door Opener: Bellevue Police arrested a man suspected in a series of burglaries, including a theft of over $100,000 from a Newport Shores home using the victim's garage door remote. Another suspect is still at large. (info)

Events:

• Factoria Neighborhood walks at South End of Factoria MarketPlace on July 17th at 6:30 - 8:15 pm. (info)

• West Bellevue Neighborhood walks at 6:30-8:15 pm on July 18th starting at the south end of Surrey Downs Park. (info) 

• Downtown Movies in the Park on July 16th at 7pm. (info)

Bothell/Kenmore:

News:

• Business Merger: The proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger would affect 124 grocery stores in Washington, and nearly 70 stores in the Seattle area would have to be sold off if the deal is approved. (info)

• Application Open: Sustainamania vendor application now open. Celebrate the 12th annual sustainability festival on September 28th at Bothell City Hall. The event is looking for vendors. (info)

• Townhouse Fire: Kenmore townhouse catches fire, three people displaced. (info)

• Motorcycle Accident: A 21-year-old motorcyclist from Bothell was exiting I-5 when he crossed over the gore point and both lanes of the exit, crashing into a ditch. (info)

Events:

• Summer Concert Series at Saint Edward State Park on July 11th, July 18th, July 25th and August 1st at 6pm. (info)

• Movies at the Square on July 17th and August 14th at Kenmore’s Town Square at 8pm. (info)

• Makers on main street. Experience an outdoor night market on Main Street. Attendees can shop, dine, gather and listen to live music. July 19th from 6-9pm. (info)

Fall City/Snoqualmie:

News:

• Busy Construction Season Continues in Snoqualmie Valley: The Snoqualmie Valley is experiencing a busy construction season with multiple projects aimed at improving infrastructure and community facilities. These efforts are expected to enhance local transportation, public safety, and recreational areas. (info)

• Speed Limit Reduction Coming to SR-202 Near Elk Fields: The speed limit on SR-202 near Elk Fields will be reduced to improve safety. This change aims to protect both drivers and wildlife in the area. (info)

• Motorcyclist Killed in Collision with Elk on I-90 Near North Bend: A motorcyclist tragically lost his life after colliding with an elk on I-90 near North Bend. The incident highlights the dangers of wildlife crossings in the area. (info)

Events:

• Fall City Friday Market on every Friday in July and August at 4pm - 7pm. (info)

• Movie in the park on July 18th. (info)

• Shakespeare in the Park on July 26th from 7pm - 9pm. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• Issaquah Earns Silver What Works Cities/Bloomberg Certification for Exceptional Use of Data: Issaquah, the first city under 70,000 globally, has been awarded Silver Certification by Bloomberg Philanthropies for its exceptional use of data to inform policy, improve services, and engage residents. (info)

• ​​Annual Police Report: The Issaquah Police Department released its 2023 annual report with several highlights. There was a 7.2% decrease in overall crime incidents compared to 2022. 14.6% percent decrease in property crime and many other highlights. (info)

• City Seeking Feedback: The city is seeking your feedback on parks, trails and open space. (info)

• Film Festival: Issaquah Film Festival is just a couple of weeks away! Join the community at Regal Issaquah Highlands on Aug. 3-4. (info)

Events:

• Gas Station Blues: 10th Anniversary Season. July 18th from 7-9pm. (info)

• Wine & ArtWalk. Grab some friends and embark on a wine adventure of Issaquah’s Historically Hip downtown. July 20th from 6-9pm. (info)

• Global Grub & Groove: Mexican Fiesta on August 9th. (info)

• Community-Wide Garage Sale on September 21st. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• City Council Meeting Preview: The Kirkland City Council will meet on July 16, 2024, to discuss updates to the City Flag creation process and amendments to the Kirkland Zoning Code related to development on Goat Hill. A study session on the Houghton Village Development Plan and the Transportation Strategic Plan project list will precede the meeting. (info)

• Houghton Village Open House: An Open House for the Houghton Village Development Plan will be held on July 15, 2024, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Peter Kirk Room in Kirkland City Hall. The community is invited to share input on future plans for the former Houghton Village Shopping Center property. (info)

• Local Concerts Named Top 10: The Kirkland Summer Concert Series has been recognized as one of the top 10 best outdoor concert series in the nation by USA Today. For over 40 years, these free concerts have been held every Thursday night in July and August at Marina Park, featuring a variety of musical acts against the backdrop of Lake Washington.(info)

Events:

• Junior League Softball World Series on July 28th to August 3rd. (info)

• Recycling Event on August 3rd from 9am-2pm. (info)

Mercer Island:

News:

• Water Update: The City’s reservoirs have refilled thanks to community efforts, but continued water conservation is needed to avoid overwhelming the backup supply line. Residents can now use more water for essential tasks but should follow conservation guidelines like watering plants on designated days and reducing shower time. Updates are available on the City’s Water Usage Dashboard. (info)

Events:

• Ethan Joella will discuss his latest novel "The Same Bright Stars," which explores the Schmidt family's beachfront restaurant, at Island Books on July 18 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (info)

• Mostly Music in the Park concert series: Soul Proprietors. July 18th from 6:30-8:30pm. (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Redmond Police Searching for Suspects in Recent Robberies Targeting Older Adults: The Redmond Police Department is asking the public to stay vigilant following recent street thefts targeting older adults. Suspects approach victims with jewelry, offering to sell or trade, then forcibly remove expensive items when refused. (info)

• City Seeks Volunteer to Help Shape and Support Public Safety: Redmond is seeking applicants for a seat on its Civil Service Commission. This nonpartisan volunteer role involves handling hiring and promotional exams for public safety positions and acting as an appeal board for grievances in the Fire and Police Departments. Commissioners meet monthly and serve six-year terms. (info)

Events:

• Third World at Marymoor Live on July 19th. (info)

• Ananda Mela Joyful Festival of India on July 27th. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Sister City Visit: Renton hosted delegates from Nishiwaki, Japan, to celebrate their 55-year sister city relationship and to discuss resuming the student exchange program paused by the pandemic. (info)

• New Futsal Court Opening: A new multi-use futsal and basketball court at Tiffany Park, created in partnership with the Seattle Sounders RAVE Foundation and Seattle Storm, will have its grand opening on July 23 with activities and player meet-and-greets. (info)

• Councilmember Leadership Award: Councilmember James Alberson, Jr. received the Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities for completing extensive training and community service. (info)

• Parks and Recreation Month: July is designated as Parks and Recreation Month in Renton, recognizing the department's contributions to community well-being through its parks, programs, and facilities. (info)

• National Night Out: Renton's National Night Out on August 6 will foster community and police partnerships, with neighborhoods registering for events to build trust and safety. (info)

• CPR Event at ShoWare Center: A free CPR training event at ShoWare Center on July 13 will teach CPR, AED operation, and choking safety, with additional activities and public service career exploration. (info)

• I-405 Lane Closures: I-405 will be fully closed between SR 900 and Coal Creek Parkway from July 12-15 for drainage installation as part of the widening and express toll lanes project. (info)

Events:

• Renton River Days festival on July 26-28. (info)

• Historic Walking Tour. Join the tour group and visit 10 or more historic buildings and locations in downtown Renton. August 10th from 10-11am. (info)

• Experience Renton Festival. August 31st from 3-8pm. (info)

Sammamish:

News:

• Klahanie Shopping Center Welcomes New Pilates Studio: Aya Pilates, a new fitness studio owned by Dino and Matea Cizmic, opened in Sammamish's Klahanie Shopping Center on June 1, 2024, with a grand opening on July 12. The studio features state-of-the-art Allegro 2 reformers and offers a variety of classes and membership options to cater to different fitness levels and schedules. (info)

• ADA Barrier Removal Project: Crews will replace non-compliant curb ramps and sidewalk panels on 228th Ave SE from July 15 to September 18. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with reduced hours after school starts.

• Asphalt Repairs: From July 15-19, crews will repair asphalt on West and East Beaver Lake Drives, causing single-lane closures from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

• Southeast 24th Street Sidewalk Improvements: Starting July 16, crews will install a storm drainage system and new sidewalk and bike lane, causing traffic restrictions until August 16.

• Traffic Signal & Street Light Pole Repaint: Crews will repaint poles on SE 30th St and 228th Ave SE starting July 15 for three weeks, working from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., with partial lane closures.

• PSE Power Line Work: Puget Sound Energy is replacing and raising light poles on Louis Thompson Road, trimming vegetation for clearance, with work expected to finish by the end of July.

• Road Striping and Thermoplastic Markings Maintenance: The city will refresh road markings throughout July and August, with intermittent work and delays.

• 244th Avenue NE Road Maintenance: Starting July 8, 244th Ave NE near SR 202 will be fully closed for six weeks for support wall repair due to a slide in 2020.

Events:

• Hear music by Laurel Canyon Legacy and food from Two Bumz Shaved Ice on July 18th from 6:30-8:30pm. (info)

• National Night Out on August 6th at 5pm. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

• Woodinville Apartment Fire: A two-alarm fire at Campbell Run apartments in Woodinville on July 8, 2024, sent two people to the hospital. One person sustained significant injuries and the other had non-life-threatening injuries. The fire was controlled before midnight, and the cause remains under investigation. (info)

Events:

• Annual Ice Cream Social on July 14th from 1pm-4pm. (info)

• Building Relationships Breakfast on July 18th from 7:30am-9am. (info)

• 27th Annual Peter Kirk Golf Tournament on July 22nd. (info)

Volunteering Opportunities:

• Wetland Habitat Restoration and Lower Commons Park in Sammamish on July 18th from 10:30am-12:30pm. (info)

• Summer neighborhood park trimming. July 27th from 10am-12pm. (info)

What we are currently loving!

• Shawarma Time in Bothell is a popular spot for Mediterranean cuisine, known for its delicious shawarma and generous portions. The Chicken Tikka plate, praised for its complex flavors and well-cooked chicken, is a standout dish. The crispy pita bread and a variety of fresh toppings and sauces make each meal a delightful experience. The pleasant atmosphere and excellent service add to the charm, making Shawarma Time a great choice for a quick and satisfying meal​.

• The Raging River Cafe in Fall City offers a family-friendly dining experience with home-cooked meals. Known for its breakfast and lunch options, the café is a favorite among locals and outdoor enthusiasts. Popular dishes include the Eggs Benedict and the Bigfoot Burger, both served in a friendly setting with a welcoming atmosphere. The café also features a beer garden and a billiard room, making it a great spot to relax after a day of hiking or golfing nearby​.

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. 

• The heat wave is continuing! Be safe and enjoy the sun!

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

Final Thoughts!

Happy Monday everyone! Let’s make this week a great one. We hope you can share this newsletter with at least one of your friends or family members or anyone you think could get some use out of reading the local news! If you have any recommendations for places for us to try please let us know and Go Mariners!! Thank you for reading!

Mac & Preju