Seastside Newsletter #29

August 4th, 2024

Hello everyone! We hope you all are having a great summer. Next week is our 30th week of writing Seastside, and we have a HUGE announcement. Stay tuned!

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

Today’s Seastside includes:

• A new deal!

• Bellevue College gets a grant

• Traffic updates

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

Seastside Exclusive Deals:

• 50% off the first hour of personalized remote tech assistance for new customers at Issaquah’s GentleTechHelp.com. Bridget offers patient concierge tech assistance for seniors and the tech-uncomfortable. Mention the newsletter for the discount.

• 10% off every service purchased at KennyDale Exterior Washing. They provide comprehensive exterior cleaning services including power washing, window cleaning, gutter cleaning, and roof cleaning, ensuring your property looks its best. Mention the newsletter to get the deal!

• 10% off your next car, boat or RV detail with Detail Kings NW! Mention the newsletter!

• 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:

• Mendocino Farms to Open New Location in Downtown Bellevue: Mendocino Farms, a fast-casual restaurant celebrated for its sandwiches and salads, is set to open a new location in Downtown Bellevue at 10667 Northeast 4th Street. This outlet, occupying a 3,137 square feet pavilion, is part of an ongoing construction project by Fana Group of Companies, which will also enhance the adjacent outdoor plaza. Known for its commitment to quality and local ingredients, Mendocino Farms offers a diverse menu featuring items such as prosciutto & chicken and various salads. The company, established in 2005, has expanded into Washington with plans for further growth. The opening date for the Bellevue location has not yet been disclosed. (info)

• Amazon Go Launches in Bellevue with Innovative Shopping Experience: Amazon Go has officially opened its doors in Bellevue, located at 10819 Northeast 4th Street, operating Monday to Friday from 7 am to 9 pm. This 1,400-square-foot cashierless grocery store utilizes advanced Just Walk Out technology, allowing customers to enter and exit seamlessly while being automatically charged through their Amazon accounts. The store offers a variety of products, including locally sourced items from vendors like Macrina Bakery and Molly’s Salads. A grand opening event was attended by Mayor Lynne Robinson and other dignitaries. Although Amazon seeks to phase out Just Walk Out technology in its Amazon Fresh chain, it will continue at Amazon Go locations. (info)

• Bellevue College Advances Education Through National Science Foundation Grant for XR Lab:Bellevue College has received a $750,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to enhance its coursework through the implementation of extended reality (XR) technology. This initiative aims to provide immersive learning experiences across various fields, including 3D modeling, furniture design, and nursing, rather than limiting its usage to computer science. Additionally, the college will offer ten annual $1,000 microgrants to other institutions for XR projects, facilitating broader educational advancement. The grant, valid until September 2026, signifies an important step for the college amidst its enrollment challenges while acting as a recruiting tool for prospective students. The XR lab is not only an educational resource but also serves as a stress-relief environment for the college community. (info)

Events:

• Summer Art Cart on August 7th at 3pm. (info)

• Bellevue Beats: rafael Tranquilino on August 8th from 12-1pm. (info)

• Yoga in the park on August 10th from 9-10:15am. (info)

Bothell/Kenmore:

News:

• Glacier Northwest Dredging Project Update: Glacier Northwest is planning lake dredging at the ready-mix plant and aggregate yard located at the north end of Lake Washington at 6423/6431 NE 175th Street in Kenmore. The project plans to remove approximately 800 cubic yards of material within the previously maintained 16,000-square-foot berth (the space where vessels can be moored) for maintenance dredging. (info)

• Northshore School District Back to School Resources: The Northshore School District and Northshore Schools Foundation offer two key resources for the upcoming school year. The Foundation’s Backpacks for Kids program is accepting requests for backpacks and school supplies until August 9, expecting over 800 requests. Additionally, the annual School Resource Fair will be held on August 8 from 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at Pop Keeney Stadium, featuring various community organizations and NSD departments offering resources and referrals. (info)

Events:

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

• Kenmore Farmers Market on August 21st, and August 28th from 3pm to 7pm. (info)

• Summertime Kids Concert on August 7th from 12pm to 1pm. (info)

• City of Kenmore Play Day on August 10th from 10am to 1pm. (info)

• Annual School Resource Fair on August 8th from 4pm to 5:30pm. (info)

Fall City/Snoqualmie:

News:

• Snoqualmie Launches Safe Rider Citation Program: The Snoqualmie Police Department, in collaboration with local fire departments, has introduced the Safe Rider Citation Program to reward local youth with a free ice cream scoop for wearing helmets while riding bikes or scooters. The initiative, running through August 31, 2024, aims to encourage helmet use and promote safety among children. (info)

Events:

• Firefighters Association Pancake Breakfast on August 17th from 7-11am. (info)

• Snoqualmie Days on Sunday August 18th. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• Woman dies following Issaquah police chase, crash: On July 22, while attempting to detain a woman involved in a hit-and-run DUI incident, Issaquah Police initiated a chase that ended with the suspect crashing into another vehicle on Black Nugget Road. Both the suspect and the uninvolved driver were hospitalized, and the suspect later died from her injuries on July 27. (info)

Events:

• Job fair for paraprofessionals and bus drivers on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024 from 3-5:30 p.m. (info)

• Issaquah Police National Night Out on August 6th. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• City Council Meeting Preview: The next Kirkland City Council meeting on August 7 will address amendments to the safety camera program in school zones, the 2044 Comprehensive Plan update with a focus on transit corridors for housing capacity, and updates to the Marina Park Dock. The meeting is hybrid, allowing for both in-person and virtual attendance. (info)

• Community Conversations: The K2044 Comprehensive Plan update will have significant briefings and deliberations on August 7 and August 22. These will focus on the transit corridors and the Land Use Element and Market Street Corridor Plan, respectively. Community members are encouraged to follow and provide input on these dates. (info)

• KPD Scam Warning: The Kirkland Police Department has issued a warning about scammers impersonating officers, attempting to collect fraudulent fines. Community members are advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious calls to the police. (info)

• Houghton Park & Play Ribbon Cutting: The temporary Houghton Park and Play Park will officially open on August 8 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. The park features a new skate park and other amenities, and community members are invited to join for popsicles and the celebration. (info)

• Houghton Beach Closure: Houghton Beach remains closed due to elevated bacteria levels detected in tests since July 16. The beach will stay closed for at least another week until the water quality meets the criteria for reopening. (info)

• Street Inspections: Starting August 5, crews will begin a six to eight-week inspection of Kirkland's streets, assessing conditions such as cracking, potholes, and weathering. This biennial inspection helps maintain the city's 665 lane miles of roads.(info)

Events:

• Parks Job Fair: Kirkland Parks and Community Services is hosting a Fall Job Fair on August 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Peter Kirk Community Center. The fair aims to recruit individuals interested in community service and offers a chance to apply for various open positions. (info)

• Jiaoying Summers live in Kirkland on Aug. 9th from 9-10:15pm. (info)

• Kirkland Cadet Car Show: The annual Kirkland Cadet Car Show is scheduled for September 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Car enthusiasts and owners of classic cars are invited to participate, with proceeds benefiting the Kirkland Cadet Program, which mentors youth through law enforcement and civilian partnerships. (info)

Mercer Island:

News:

• SPU Pipe Repair Complete, Water Supply Restored: On August 1, 2024, SPU announced that repairs and quality testing for the water supply line are complete, and normal water use can resume. Mercer Island relied on a backup supply for 120 days during the emergency repair, with the community successfully reducing usage. Water quality, safety, and pressure should remain unchanged, though some may experience temporary cloudy water. (info)

Events:

• Mostly music in the park on August 8th at 6:30pm. (info)

• Enjoy coffee with your community members on August 9th at 9:30am. (info)

• Living alone senior group is meeting on August 14th from 1:30-3:30pm. (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Climate Plan: The City of Redmond is implementing a new Climate Resiliency and Sustainability in Vegetation Management Plan this summer to enhance green spaces, support wildlife, and improve community health through increased tree canopy, pollinator gardens, and naturalized meadows. (info)

• Downtown Redmond Link Extension: The Downtown Redmond Link Extension, scheduled to open in spring 2025, will add two new light rail stations in southeast Redmond: one near Marymoor Park and the other in the downtown core. Covering 3.4 miles, the extension will facilitate travel between Downtown Redmond and Westlake in 45 minutes, and Marymoor Village and Bellevue in 15 minutes, with an expected daily ridership of 43,000–52,000 by 2026. (info)

Events:

• Movies at Marymoor presents Pitch Perfect on August 7th from 7-10:30pm. (info)

• A Little Mermaid in Downtown Redmond Park on August 11th from 1-2pm. (info)

• Flatstick Pug Trivia night on August 15h from 7-10pm. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Downtown Streetscapes Project Completion: The city's ongoing streetscapes initiative, aimed at enhancing downtown Renton's visual appeal and pedestrian experience, has reached a significant milestone with the completion of upgrades on the 200 block of Williams Avenue South between Second and Third Streets. Improvements include new sidewalks, driveway aprons, street trees, litter receptacles, and pedestrian-scale streetlights. (info)

• Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey: Renton is revising its section of the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan and is seeking resident input to identify and address local hazards. Community feedback will help prioritize strategies to reduce risks and impacts. Residents are encouraged to complete the survey by September 19. (info)

• Renton River Days Recap: The recent Renton River Days festival was a vibrant celebration featuring 71 parade participants, 48 community booths, 55 Summer Bazaar vendors, and performances by seven bands. Awards were given to standout participants, and the city is now preparing for the 40th anniversary celebration next year. Feedback from residents is welcomed to enhance future events. (info)

• 2024 Stormwater Management Plan: Public comments are invited on the draft revisions to Renton's 2024 Stormwater Management Program Plan, which aims to comply with the new Western Washington 2024-2029 NPDES Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit. Feedback is essential for developing strategies to protect water quality and is accepted until August 7. (info)

• Speed Limit Reduction Proposal: King County Road Services is proposing to reduce the speed limit on 140th Avenue SE from 40 mph to 35 mph to improve safety. The public comment period runs from July 23 to August 6. Residents can submit feedback online or send written comments to the King County Road Services Division. (info)

Events:

• August 7: Family Fun Entertainment Series with CHIKIRI & The School of Taiko, 11:30 a.m. at Kiwanis Park. (info)

• August 8: Family Fun Entertainment Series Family Dance Party with Eli Rosenblatt, 11 a.m. at Tiffany Park. (info)

• Summer Meals Program: Free meals for ages 1-18, June 24 to August 16, at various locations.

Sammamish:

News:

• Traffic Signal & Street Light Pole Repaint: Crews are repainting poles on Southeast 30th Street and 228th Avenue Southeast. Expect partial lane closures and traffic flagging from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. until the end of August. Use caution when driving in the area. (info)

• Overlay Project: Pavement replacement on Issaquah Fall City Road between Klahanie Drive Southeast and Southeast Issaquah-Beaver Lake Road from August 5 to August 16. (info)

• Road Striping and Thermoplastic Markings Maintenance Work: Road striping and thermoplastic markings maintenance will occur intermittently throughout July and August. Expect delays and wet paint warnings. (info)

• ADA Barrier Removal Project: Non-compliant curb ramps and damaged sidewalk panels are being replaced on 228th Avenue Southeast between Southeast 32nd Street and Southeast 8th Street. Work is ongoing until September 18, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (info)

• Louis Thompson Tightline Project: Virtual open house on August 7 at 6 p.m. City work starts in late August. (info)

• 244th Avenue Northeast Road Maintenance: Due to a slide, both lanes are narrowed. Full closure for support wall repair from July 8 for six weeks. Detour in place. Plan for delays. For more info, visit the project webpage. (info)

• Historic Olympic Moment: The U.S. women’s rugby team achieved a historic victory by winning the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, marking the first occasion an American team has secured an Olympic medal in this event. Sammy Sullivan, an accomplished rugby player and U.S. Army veteran, expressed her pride in representing military women through her Olympic journey. Originally from North Carolina, Sullivan received great support from her grandparents, now living in Sammamish, who traveled to witness her compete. (info)

Events:

• Celebrate Sammamish’s 25th anniversary on Aug. 16 from 5-9pm. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

• Revitalization of Molbak's Site: The former Molbak's garden center in Woodinville, which closed in January 2024 after 67 years, will soon host weekly food truck events, starting with "Food Truck Fridays" on August 9. Organized by the Washington State Food Truck Association, the event aims to feature a rotating selection of nine local food trucks through October 11. If community interest grows, additional food truck times may be introduced. This initiative underscores a revitalization effort, offering diverse culinary options while enhancing local engagement. (info)

• Somm Hotel and Spa comes to the Harvest development:  A new wine-centric hotel, named Somm Hotel & Spa, has been constructed and will serve as a centerpiece in the Harvest development in Woodinville. The hotel, featuring 164 rooms, aims to attract visitors with its focus on wine and spa amenities. (info)

Events:

• Sip and Paint at Love That Red Winery on August 11th from 2-4pm. (info)

• Bingo at Alexandria Nicole Cellars on August 13th from 5-7pm. (info)

Volunteering Opportunities:

• Beaver Lake Park cleanup on Aug. 7th. (info)

• Gallagher Hill Open Space restoration event on August 10th from 10am-1pm. (info)

What we are currently loving!

• The Brick Kitchen + Lounge​ in Renton offers a fusion of Asian-inspired flavors with a modern twist. The menu includes a variety of bar food, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and pasta, all influenced by Korean, Japanese, and Thai cuisines. A must-try is their signature Affogato made with coconut ice cream and Vietnamese coffee. The happy hour is particularly popular, with all drinks and food items priced at $10 or less. 

• Cantinetta​ in Bellevue provides an authentic Tuscan dining experience in a chic, dimly lit setting. The restaurant specializes in handmade pasta and seasonal, organic ingredients. Recommended dishes include the Burrata as a starter and the Pappardelle alla Bolognese for the main course. The intimate atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for a romantic dinner or special occasion.

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. 

• It’s going to be sunny all 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!

Final Thoughts!

Happy Monday everyone!