Seastside Newsletter #31

August 19th, 2024

Hello everyone! We hope you had a fantastic weekend! We’re excited to announce that we’re looking for more test users for our new personalized news platform. This platform is similar to our newsletter but offers more customization. You can choose the cities (any city in the world) and topics you want to receive news about. We then send you a personalized newsletter to your email every single week. Please reply to this email if you would like to test it out.

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

Today’s Seastside includes:

• New toll rates

• Construction updates

• Beach reopening!

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

Seastside Exclusive Deals:

• 20% off your next private swim lesson booked with Jump In Swim Academy with code JUMPIN20 if you book within the next 30 days. Offering private and semi-private swim lessons year round in Bellevue and Kenmore. Please visit their website for more details!

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• 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!

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• 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 Council reconsiders bike network improvements: After initially appearing to dismiss bike lane projects, the Bellevue City Council recently reopened discussions on improving bike safety, including a potential study of a bike route on Bel-Red Road. While some councilmembers pushed for quicker action, others remained cautious, advocating for thorough studies before reallocating road space. (info)

• New toll rates on Seattle's SR-520 Bridge: Starting August 15, 2024, tolls on the State Route 520 Bridge have increased by an average of 10%, with adjustments varying from a $0.10 decrease to a $0.70 increase depending on the time of day. The new rates were implemented following concerns that current tolls would be insufficient by July 2025. The Washington State Transportation Commission approved these changes to ensure adequate funding for transportation infrastructure. (info)

• Northwest bar King Leroy opens at Bellevue’s Lincoln South Food Hall: King Leroy, a popular 21+ Northwest bar known for its craft cocktails, sandwiches, and all-day breakfast, has opened a second location in Bellevue. Situated at the Lincoln South Food Hall, this new spot allows guests to enjoy both King Leroy’s offerings and items from the connected Great State Burger, which also emphasizes organic, sustainable ingredients. (info)

Events:

• Bellevue High School football kickoff event on August 23rd. (info)

• Arts in the Garden 2024: Live Music and Food Trucks on August 23rd to August 25th. (info)

• Master Gardener Clinic on August 23rd at 12pm.

Bothell/Kenmore:

News:

• Federal judge overturns $72 million Zunum lawsuit against Boeing: A $72 million lawsuit filed by defunct electric-aircraft startup Zunum Aero against Boeing was overturned by U.S. District Judge James Robart on August 14, 2024. Zunum alleged Boeing had stolen its technology, leading to the startup's collapse, but the judge ruled that Zunum's case was based on speculation and lacked sufficient evidence. Zunum, founded in 2013 with plans to develop hybrid-electric aircraft, had previously been awarded $72 million in damages, a decision now overturned. (info)

Events:

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

• Kids Concert on August 21st at 6pm. (info)

• Summerfest in downtown Bothell on August 24th at 12pm to 3pm. (info)

Fall City/Snoqualmie:

News:

• Si View Metro Parks to build new administration building: Si View Metropolitan Park District in North Bend is set to begin construction this fall on a new 3,800-square-foot administration building, designed to preserve the surrounding landscape and serve the district's needs for the next 30 years. The new facility will be located across from Si View Park, replacing the outdated and overcrowded "caretaker's cottage" currently in use. The project follows the park district's purchase of the nearby 4-acre property from the state in 2020, and construction is expected to take about a year. (info)

• Seasonal Closure of King Street in Downtown Snoqualmie: Starting August 18, 2024, King Street between Railroad Ave SE/SR 202 and Maple Ave SE will be temporarily closed following the Snoqualmie Days event. This seasonal closure is aimed at creating pedestrian-friendly open space near the Northwest Railway Museum Depot and historic downtown. (info)

• Long-Awaited Weekend Bus Service to Begin August 17: Starting Saturday, August 17, Snoqualmie Valley Transportation (SVT) will expand its Valley Shuttle service to include weekends, providing much-needed connectivity between North Bend, Duvall, and other local points. The new weekend service, operating from 6 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. with buses arriving every 90 minutes, is a significant development for the community, meeting longstanding needs for weekend transportation. (info)

Events:

• Snoqualmie Valley Sunflower Festival Kickoff on August 24th at 11am to 10pm. (info)

• Lunchtime Summer Walking Meet-Up for Working Moms on August 21st at 11:30am to 12:30pm. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• Seeking Diverse Board and Commission Members: Issaquah is recruiting members for its Equity Board and Planning Policy Commission, aiming to represent the community's diversity. Applications are open until Sept. 9, with meetings held monthly. (info)

• Issaquah’s Olympian Wins Silver: Keana Hunter and Team USA secured a silver medal for Artistic Swimmingl, their best finish in the sport since 1996. Issaquah is proud to celebrate Keana’s historic achievement. (info)

• Local Teen Earns Congressional Award: Ashwin Suresh, an Issaquah Highlands resident and Issaquah High School alumni, was awarded the silver Congressional Award for completing over 200 hours of community service. His journey also deepened his connection to his faith and community. (info)

• Volunteer of the Month: Jeric Yuen, a Central Park resident and sophomore at Issaquah High School, has been named July’s Volunteer of the Month. Jeric serves as the treasurer of the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board and has been involved in organizing various community events.

Events:

• Gas Station Blues: 10th Anniversary Season on August 22nd and 29th. (info)

• Confluence Music Festival 2024 on August 25th at 2pm to 7pm. (info)

• Issaquah Farmers Market on August 24th at 9am to 2pm. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• City Council on August Break: The Kirkland City Council is on a break until September 3, 2024, when regular meetings will resume. More information about upcoming meetings and agendas will be provided in future newsletters and on the City Council webpage. (info)

• K2044 Comprehensive Plan: The City of Kirkland is updating its Comprehensive Plan, which outlines the vision and goals for the city’s development over the next 20 years. Key dates include August 22, when the Planning Commission will deliberate on the Land Use Element and Market St. Corridor Plan, and September 17, when the City Council will hold a study session on the Housing Element. Public involvement is encouraged through the K2044 webpage. (info)

• Kirkland Initiative Leadership Program: The Kirkland Initiative is an 8-week leadership program designed for Kirkland residents who want to engage with the community, learn about civic processes, and develop leadership skills. Participants will network with neighbors, city officials, and staff while gaining insights into local government policies and community engagement. (info)

• Connections Kirkland Opens: Kirkland’s new crisis response center, Connections Kirkland, has opened, becoming the first facility in King County to offer a wide range of behavioral health services, including mental health urgent care and stabilization for those in crisis. The center fills a critical gap in behavioral health care and aims to provide coordinated services for those in need. (info)

• Houghton Beach Reopened: Houghton Beach Park, which had been closed since July 16 due to elevated bacteria levels, has reopened for swimming and other water activities as of August 13. Water quality testing by King County’s Water and Land Resources Division has confirmed that the waters are safe for recreation, and ongoing monitoring will continue throughout the summer. (info)

• Houghton Park & Play Now in Full Swing: The temporary Park & Play site at Houghton Beach features a variety of recreational activities, including community gardens, pickleball courts, a modular skate park, and a modular pump track. These temporary features will remain in place as the city evaluates long-term use for the site, providing a range of activities for residents to enjoy. (info)

• Recreation Registration: Registration for Kirkland’s Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 recreation programs opens soon. Kirkland residents can begin registering on August 21 at 7 a.m., and registration for the general community starts on August 22 at 8 a.m. Residents are encouraged to create or update their accounts in advance to prepare for registration. (info)

Events:

• Summer evening concert on August 22nd from 7-8:30pm. (info)

• Dog pool party on September 7th at Peter Kirk Pool. (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:

• Mercer Island Baseball Alums Shine: Mercer Island High School graduates played together for the Redmond Dudes Baseball Club this summer, enjoying their time on the field before heading to college baseball programs. Their summer experience with the Dudes included a strong season and valuable learning opportunities. (info)

• Water Supply Emergency Declared Over: City Manager Jessi Bon has officially ended the local emergencies related to the SPU water pipeline leaks and water supply issues in Mercer Island. The water supply line was restored earlier this month, and the community's efforts to conserve water during the emergency have been appreciated. (info)

Events:

• Community coffee on August 20th from 9:30-11:30am. (info)

• Mostly Music in the Park on August 22nd. (info)

• Bloodworks NW Blood Drive on August 26th from 10:30am-4:30pm. (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Police Arrest Suspect After Redmond Standoff: Police in Redmond successfully apprehended a suspect following a standoff during a domestic violence incident that started late Wednesday night. The incident occurred near the intersection of 166th Ave. NE and NE 95th St., close to Redmond Assembly of God Church. Despite the significant police presence, authorities confirmed there was no threat to the public. After obtaining a warrant around midnight, the police breached the residence and arrested the suspect without incident. (info)

• Tosh Creek Watershed Street Sweeping Project: Redmond has increased street sweeping in the Tosh Creek Watershed, a priority area in the city's Watershed Management Plan. Funded by King County, sweeping now occurs twice monthly from October 2023 through September 2024. The project aims to improve water quality, with data analyzed from the Redmond Paired Watershed Study. Residents are encouraged to move cars off the street during the first and third weekends of each month. (info)

• City of Redmond Commits to Electrify Municipal Fleets: Redmond Mayor Angela Birney has joined nearly 350 U.S. mayors in a commitment to electrify at least 50% of municipal fleets by 2030 and increase electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by 500% by 2035. This initiative aims to reduce pollution, improve public health, and boost the clean energy economy, with at least 40% of charging investments benefiting disadvantaged communities. (info)

Events:

• Pints and Ponies at Big Block Brewery Redmon on August 24th at 1pm. (info)

• Redmond Wine Walk on August 23rd from 5pm-8pm. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Renton wins big again: Sunset Gardens received the 2024 Washington Governor's Smart Communities Award on August 12. Renton celebrated yet another victory as Sunset Gardens was honored with the 2024 Washington Governor's Smart Communities Award (GSCA). This prestigious award recognizes local governments and their partners for exceptional land use planning and development. Renton's achievement highlights the city's continued commitment to smart growth and community-focused development. (info)

• Renton Traffic Report: During the week of August 19-23, Renton will experience several traffic impacts due to various construction and utility projects. Key areas affected include Sunset Lane NE, which remains fully closed between NE 10th Street and Harrington Place NE for the ongoing Solera Development Project. Intermittent lane closures will occur on NE 12th Street, Kirkland Avenue NE, NE Sunset Boulevard, Powell Avenue SW, Maple Avenue SE, South 2nd Street, and Nile Avenue NE for utility installations and construction work. Additionally, Hoquiam Avenue NE will be closed on August 20 for road repairs. Drivers are advised to plan for delays and follow detour routes where provided. For specific project inquiries, contact information is available for each location. (info)

Events:

• Renton Farmers Market at Piazza Park on August 20th from 3pm to 7pm. (info)

• Summer concert series: Soul Searching Band on August 29th from 7-8:30pm. (info)

• Enjoy community celebrations: Good Neighbor Day on September 28th from 11am-2pm. (info)

Sammamish:

News:

• Sammamish residents invited to weigh in on first-ever arts plan: The City of Sammamish is calling on its residents to provide input for its inaugural public art plan, which will shape the city's arts policies and events from 2025 to 2035. Although Sammamish has had an Arts Commission since 2003, decisions have been made without formal guidelines. The new Arts Strategic Plan, developed by consultancy firm Framework Cultural Placemaking, will establish principles for public art, events, and funding. Community input will be gathered at events like the Silver Jubilee on Aug. 16, with the plan’s draft expected in September. (info)

• Cone Zone Sammamish Traffic Updates: The City of Sammamish has several ongoing and upcoming road projects affecting traffic through September. The ADA Barrier Removal Project is underway along 228th Avenue SE, expected to finish by September 18. Road striping and thermoplastic markings maintenance will continue through August. The Louis Thompson Tightline Project will begin later this month, with a groundbreaking ceremony on August 29. Traffic signal and street light pole repainting on SE 30th Street will cause partial lane closures, with work expected to last until the end of August. Additionally, road maintenance on 244th Avenue NE near SR 202, managed by King County, will fully close the road for six weeks starting July 8, 2024. Drivers should expect delays and plan for detours. (info)

Events:

• Alex Zerbe’s Zaniac Comedy Show on August 20th at 1pm. (info)

• Sammamish Farmers Market on August 21st at 4pm to 8pm. (info)

• City Council Meeting on September 3rd at 6:30pm. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

• Survey Results for Potential Northshore Community Center Released: The Northshore Parks & Recreation Service Area (NPRSA) has published the survey results regarding the potential development of a new community center in the Northshore area. The year-long study, conducted by ARC Architects, aims to assess community needs and feasibility, focusing on creating a facility that supports youth and community engagement through various programs. (info)

Events:

• The Beach Boys at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery on August 23rd at 7:30pm. (info)

• Woodinville Farmers Market on August 24th at 10am. (info)

• “The Big” Annual Woodinville Wine & Hops Car Show on August 25th at 11am. (info)

Volunteering Opportunities:

• Volunteer at East Sammamish Park on August 20th from 10am-12pm. (info)

• Upper Evans Creek Preserve on August 31st at 11am. (info)

• Lower Commons Volunteer on September 4th at 5pm. (info)

What we are currently loving!

• Bottle and Bull in Kirkland is a popular cocktail bar and restaurant that offers a speakeasy vibe with a cozy and lively atmosphere. The menu features a range of American dishes with a creative twist, such as their famous black garlic butter steak. It's a great spot for a night out with friends or a date night, offering an extensive drink menu alongside delicious, well-prepared food. The ambiance is perfect for those who enjoy quality cocktails and a vibrant setting. 

• Water Grill in Bellevue is an upscale seafood restaurant that offers a luxurious dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood. The menu is updated daily to reflect the freshest catches, including oysters, crab, and lobster. The elegant atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for special occasions, date nights, or a fancy night out with friends.

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 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!

Mac & Preju