Seastside Newsletter #32

August 26th, 2024

Hi everyone! We have a ton of updates for you.

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Today’s Seastside includes:

• Tons of traffic updates

• Car accident on I-90

• Community van program in Kirkland

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

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Bellevue:

News:

• Community Event: Bellevue’s Police and Fire departments hosted a successful family-oriented event at Crossroads Park on August 6, 2024, as part of National Night Out. This annual initiative was designed to strengthen police-community partnerships and enhance neighborhood camaraderie. (info)

• Crime Report: Bellevue has reported a 4% decrease in overall crime for the first half of 2024, a trend attributed to effective initiatives like the Motor Theft Task Force and steering wheel lock distributions. This year, property crimes fell by 3%, while crimes against individuals saw a significant 14% reduction. However, crimes against society rose by 25%, a change largely due to the enactment of new state legislation requiring the reporting of certain drug crimes. The Bellevue Police Department's Crime Analysis Unit regularly reviews crime data to evaluate the success of prevention initiatives and identify areas needing additional focus. (info)

• Adopt a street program: The City of Bellevue is set to launch its Adopt-A-Street program on July 31, 2024, as part of the Keep Bellevue Beautiful initiative. This volunteer program encourages residents, families, businesses, and community organizations to take an active role in maintaining the cleanliness of city streets. Participants can adopt specific sections of streets and commit to litter removal at least four times per year over a minimum of two years. (info)

• Community involvement: Bellevue is actively involving its community in selecting a permanent city manager, marking a significant step in local governance. The city has opened a call for residents to submit interview questions, allowing for public input in a process not undertaken in over a decade. Community members can submit up to two questions, which city staff will compile for consideration in two upcoming public forums. (info)

Events:

• KidsQuest mud Play Day on August 28th from 10am-4pm. (info)

• Sip and Knit on August 30th from 6pm-9pm. (info)

• $5 Yoga in the park on August 31st from 10:30-11:30am. (info)

Bothell/Kenmore:

News:

Events:

Fall City/Snoqualmie:

News:

• Car accident: On the evening of August 24, 2024, a two-vehicle crash occurred on State Route 18 near Tiger Mountain Summit. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. At least one person sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. (info)

• City Council Approves Waste Contract: On August 12, 2024, the Snoqualmie City Council approved a new 7-year contract with Waste Management for garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection services. The contract retains all current service options and levels and goes into effect on June 1, 2025. (info)

Events:

• Fall City Farmers Market on August 30th from 9am-12pm. (info)

• Fall City Apple Festival on September 15th at 10am. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• Hit and run on I-90: On a Sunday morning at approximately 11 a.m., the Washington State Patrol (WSP) responded to multiple 911 calls regarding a downed motorcyclist on westbound Interstate 90 near Front Street in Issaquah. Upon arriving at the scene, troopers found a motorcyclist lying on the highway and quickly began their investigation. Early reports suggest the motorcyclist was involved in a hit-and-run incident, with other vehicles present at the time of the crash. (info)

• Open Studio Tour: On September 7th, ten artists throughout Issaquah will be opening their home studios to the public in Issaquah’s first Open Studio Tour. (info)

• Issaquah School District urged to push back high school start times: With research supporting later start times for improving student focus, grades, and safety, ISD is being called to follow the example of Lake Washington School District, which moved start times to 8:30 a.m. last year. Studies show that later start times align better with teenagers' natural sleep cycles, reduce sleep deprivation, and even lower car accident rates among teens. The community is encouraged to prioritize students' health and academic success by advocating for this change. (info)

Events:

• Senior social group on August 27th from 9am-1pm. (info)

• Yarns & Threads group on August 28th at 10am. (info)

• Gas Station Blues: 10th Anniversary Season on August 29th from 7-9pm. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• KTUB Re-opening: The Kirkland Teen Union Building reopens on September 3, with a grand reopening party on September 18. The center offers free activities, programs, and services for middle and high school students, with live music and refreshments at the celebration. (info)

• Electric Leaf Blower Trade-in Event: Trade-in event on September 28 to exchange gas-powered leaf blowers for electric ones. Participants receive a $100 voucher toward a new electric blower, promoting environmental sustainability. (info)

• Community Van Program: Low-cost rideshare program available for group trips, offering six- and twelve-passenger vans. The program is designed to provide an affordable transportation option for local and regional outings. (info)

• Traffic Updates: Several major roadworks and traffic adjustments are happening across Kirkland, including night work on Northeast 132nd Street, lane reductions on Juanita Drive, and ongoing construction on 124th Avenue Northeast. Drivers should expect periodic lane closures and detours, with specific areas like Goat Hill and 100th Avenue Northeast affected. Pedestrians and motorists are advised to follow detour routes and plan for delays due to these projects. (info)

Events:

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

• City Hall for All: Event on September 14 featuring a sustainability showcase, cultural performances, and interactive activities. Attendees can explore various City services, meet Councilmembers, and enjoy the Eastside Made Pop-up Market and Truck-a-Palooza. (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:

• Local arrest: Man arrested for attempting to lure children on Mercer Island: A man driving a Toyota Prius was arrested on August 18 by Bellevue Police after he allegedly tried to lure two children on Mercer Island by offering them stuffed animals on June 5. The children refused and called for help. Thanks to community tips and the quick response of the police, the suspect was tracked down and apprehended. (info)

• Goats return to Islander Middle School: Goats have been brought back to Islander Middle School to help control vegetation in the stormwater retention pond near the school. Provided by Rent-A-Ruminant LLC, the goats are expected to remain until August 28. Visitors are advised not to feed the goats or visit the campus during school hours. (info)

Events:

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

• Community Kindess Day on September 29th. (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Microsoft is set to organize a cyber-security conference: This is in collaboration with CrowdStrike and other security firms. This decision follows a significant CrowdStrike software update in July that led to widespread outages affecting millions of Windows computers globally. The fallout from the incident was severe, with Delta Airlines reportedly incurring losses exceeding half a billion dollars. The upcoming conference aims to address recent vulnerabilities and improve cyber-security strategies. (info)

• Suspect arrested for knife assault in Redmond: Police arrested a suspect involved in a knife assault near the Together Center in Redmond on Monday night. The incident occurred around 9:42 p.m. on the corner of 164th Ave. NE and NE 87th St. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries, and authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public. (info)

• Police in Lynnwood and Redmond are seeking help to identify a man suspected of stealing $11,000 worth of designer sunglasses: The suspect is linked to four retail theft cases, including incidents at Lynnwood's Alderwood Mall and stores in Redmond. The Lynnwood Police Department released images of the man, who was seen on video taking multiple pairs of sunglasses. Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to his identification. (info)

Events:

• Tour of the Redmond Senior & Community Center on August 29th at 4pm. (info)

• Lunch & Learn for SBA Programs on September 5th. (info)

Renton:

News:

• World Cup Legacy Square: Shaping Renton's Future: Renton is preparing for its role in the 2026 World Cup by transforming a gravel lot near Piazza/Gateway Park into the World Cup Legacy Square. This space aims to be a vibrant community hub for sports viewing, arts, events, and more, accessible to all residents. On August 27, the city invites the public to the “Square Talk” event to discuss the project and share ideas. (info)

• Maplewood Playground Renovation: The aging playground at Maplewood Park is set for renovation, with plans to upgrade equipment, expand the play area, and enhance safety features. Residents are encouraged to participate in a public meeting on August 23 at Maplewood Park to share their thoughts on the project. The city is committed to improving the park based on community feedback. (info)

• Pavement Longevity Project: Starting August 26, the City of Renton will apply slurry seal treatments to over 20 neighborhoods to extend the life of the pavement. The treatment will require temporary street closures, and residents are advised to avoid contact with the material until roads are reopened. A detailed map of the affected areas is available online. (info)

Events:

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

• On August 31, the Renton Downtown Partnership will host the Experience Renton Block Party, featuring live music, local food, and community activities. The event, held on South Third Street, offers free general admission and VIP tickets with additional perks. It's a great chance to connect with Renton's vibrant community through food, music, and more. (info)

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

Sammamish:

News:

• Cone Zone 8/23/24: Sammamish Traffic Updates: Several traffic-related projects are currently underway in Sammamish, with some set to begin shortly. Crews are repainting traffic signals and street light poles on Southeast 30th Street near the South Sammamish Park & Ride, with work occurring from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Additionally, the Louis Thompson Tightline Project will kick off with a groundbreaking ceremony on August 29 at Ebright Park. The ongoing ADA Barrier Removal Project on 228th Avenue Southeast is expected to conclude by September 18. Road striping and thermoplastic markings maintenance are happening citywide through August. Ziply is set to begin work on overhead communication lines along East Lake Sammamish Parkway on August 26. Meanwhile, a King County project is repairing a support wall on 244th Avenue Northeast near SR-202, necessitating a full road closure and detour through mid-September. Drivers are advised to use caution and expect delays in these areas. (info)

• Seattle-area students selected as Bank of America Student Leaders: Five high school students and new graduates from Bothell, Mill Creek, and Sammamish were chosen for an eight-week paid summer internship with Bank of America, where they gained employment skills, leadership experience, and financial education. As part of the program, they worked with local nonprofits and attended a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C., to discuss civic engagement and community advocacy. This year marked the program’s 20th anniversary, underscoring the bank's commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. (info)

Events:

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

• BLA - PTSA New Family Welcome Event on August 27th at 6pm. 

• MEAD-Kindergarten Curriculum Night on August 28th at 6pm.

Woodinville:

News:

• No news this week!

Events:

• Happier hour at Fireside Lounge on August 27th from 3-5:30pm. (info)

• Totally groovy sugar cookie decorating class at Village Wines on August 27th from 6-8pm. (info)

• Yoga + Wine at Gard Vintners on September 7th at 10:30am. (info)

Volunteering Opportunities:

• Volunteer at 21 Acres Farm on August 31st at 10am. (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!

• Gold Schnitzel Mediterranean in Renton is a unique dining spot offering delicious kosher Mediterranean cuisine. Known for their schnitzel, hummus, and shakshuka, this restaurant delivers rich, flavorful dishes that are a treat for the taste buds. The portions are generous, making it perfect for sharing, and the clean, well-decorated space adds to the overall dining experience. 

• Crystal Creek Cafe in Bothell is a beloved local spot for hearty breakfasts and classic American comfort food. With friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere, this cafe is perfect for a relaxed meal any time of the day. Their extensive menu includes a variety of breakfast favorites, burgers, and sandwiches, all served in a cozy setting.

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 will be mostly sunny 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!

Final Thoughts!

Happy Monday everyone!

Mac & Preju