Seastside Newsletter #34

September 9th, 2024

Hello everyone! As you have seen in the past newsletters, we have been testing our new platform.

Announcement: 

Introducing Headline: Your Personalized Local Newsletter Platform

We’re excited to announce the launch of Headline, the first newsletter platform that lets you fully customize your news experience. With Headline, you can select cities from around the world and focus on the topics that matter most to you. You’ll receive tailored newsletters delivered weekly, exactly when you want them.

We created Headline because we understand that everyone’s news preferences are unique. With Headline, you have full control over your content, ensuring you get the news that’s most relevant to you—on your terms.

We’d love for you to try it out and share your thoughts! If you like the platform please share with your friends. Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome. www.headline.club

Today’s Seastside includes:

• Warning for a crime group in Redmond

• New PSE program

• Park reopening in Kirkland

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 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:

• Art of Listening Workshops this Fall: The City of Bellevue is offering free "Art of Listening" workshops in partnership with the King County Library System. The workshops will run on Tuesdays from Sept. 24 to Oct. 15, 6-8 p.m. at the Bellevue Library, teaching participants how to improve their listening skills and focus on effective communication. Led by Marci McReynolds of the Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center, the sessions aim to help individuals connect, understand, and support others through listening. (info)

• Openings on Bellevue’s Human Services Commission: The City Council is seeking applicants for vacancies on Bellevue’s Human Services Commission. Residents can apply online by Monday, Sept. 23. The commission advises the council on human services planning and funding, representing the community's diversity. Meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of each month. Applications can be submitted online or picked up at various city locations. (info)

• Bellevue Arts Museum to Close Due to Financial Struggles: After months of financial difficulties following the pandemic, the Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) announced its closure. The museum, like many others, experienced a significant drop in foot traffic and donations. Despite a fundraising campaign that raised over $350,000, BAM can no longer sustain its operations. The museum will continue to manage the Bellevue Arts Fair in 2025 but will cease exhibitions and programming. (info)

• Bellevue Boys & Girls Club to Raise Funds for Families in Need: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue will host Great Futures Day, an annual online giving event aimed at raising funds for scholarships that support Bellevue families in need. With over 60% of participants benefiting from financial aid, the event seeks to address the growing demand for after-school programs. Community members are encouraged to donate or become ambassadors to help provide scholarships that ensure every child in Bellevue has access to enriching programs. (info)

Events:

• The Mercer Slough Farmstand every Wednesday through Saturday 9am to 6pm and 9am to 5pm on Sundays. (info)

• Flower Hour: The Dahlia Display on September 12th at 5pm in the Bellevue Botanical Garden. (info)

Bothell/Kenmore:

News:

• Bothell assault investigation: Detectives in Bothell are searching for a suspect who entered an unlocked apartment and sexually assaulted an 11-year-old. The random attack is under investigation, with authorities urging local residents to check surveillance footage. (info)

• Kenmore neighbor shooting: A dispute between neighbors in Kenmore escalated into a shooting, injuring one man who was hospitalized. The suspect was arrested at the scene, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. (info)

Events:

• Local markets event with 130+ small businesses. Food trucks, handmade goods, and more. Sep. 14th from 10am-4pm. (info)

• Startup425 - startup and small business coworking on Sep. 25th from 10:30am-4pm. (info)

• Sustainamania Festival on Sep. 28th from 10am-2pm. (info)

Fall City/Snoqualmie:

News:

• Rhonda Ender Appointed Interim City Manager of Carnation: On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, the Carnation City Council unanimously voted to appoint Rhonda Ender as the city's Interim City Manager. (info)

• First New I-90/SR 18 Interchange Ramps Open Week of September 9: The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will open the first ramps of the new diverging diamond interchange near Snoqualmie the week of September 9. The SR 18/Snoqualmie Parkway on-ramp to westbound I-90 will switch to the new configuration overnight on September 9, and the eastbound I-90 off-ramp to SR 18 will switch on September 12. Drivers should be aware of new striping and signs. The full interchange is expected to open in early 2025. (info)

Events:

• Steam Train Weekend: A 2-hour exclusive event with a beautiful locomotive. On Sep. 14th from 10:30am-4pm. (info)

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

• Yoga with Baby on Sep. 18th from 9:30-10:30am. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• Energizing the Future: Save Big with PSE’s Battery Incentives: Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has launched the Flex Batteries incentive program, offering a $1,000 one-time enrollment bonus and up to $500 annually for continued participation. This program allows PSE to optimize residential battery storage during peak demand periods, helping to reduce energy costs, improve grid reliability, and support a sustainable energy future. For more details on eligibility and participating vendors, visit the PSE website. (info)

• Superintendent Shares Back-to-School Video Update: Superintendent Heather Tow-Yick introduces the 2024-25 school year, highlighting preparations for a smooth start, including new curricula, best practices for teaching, and facility upgrades. Watch her back-to-school video for more details. (info)

Events:

• Workshop: Drawing White on Black taught by Adam Kenney. Sep. 9 from 5-7pm. (info)

• Guided Tour: Issaquah Salmon Hatchery on Sep. 10 at 10am. (info)

• Guided Hike: Middle Issaquah Creek Natural Area & MItigation Project on Sep. 10 from 11am-1pm. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• City Council Recap: On September 3, 2024, the Kirkland City Council approved zoning code amendments, provided feedback on policies, and proclaimed National Hispanic Heritage Month, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Recovery Month. The Energy Smart Eastside program update is rescheduled for September 17. (info)

• Community Conversations: The Planning Commission will hold meetings on September 12 (public hearing) and September 26 (open house and public hearing) for the Comprehensive Plan update. A joint City Council/Planning Commission Study Session is scheduled for October 15. (info)

• Meet Council member Jon Pascal: Watch the video to learn about Council member Jon Pascal’s journey to serve on the Council and his experience feeding wild black bears. (info)

• Park Updates: O.O. Denny Park and Houghton Beach Park have reopened for water activities following closures due to health recommendations. (info)

• Volunteers Needed: City Hall For All is seeking volunteers for various roles. Contact Mikayla at [email protected] for more information or to sign up. (info)

• Green Kirkland Partnership: New Steward Orientation includes online and in-person sessions starting September 19. Register on the New Steward Orientation Event Page. (info)

Events:

• 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)

• Peace Day Celebration on Sep. 18th from 8:30-9:30am. (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:

• Fatal Accident on I-90: On September 6, 2024, a fatal collision occurred on westbound I-90 involving a speeding motorcyclist and a UPS truck. The motorcyclist, who died at the scene, collided with the truck, leading to a closure of all westbound lanes for several hours with traffic diverted to Island Crest Way. The Washington State Patrol is investigating the incident. (info)

• Planning Commission Recruitment: The City Council is seeking applicants for five Planning Commission positions starting January 1, 2025. The openings include 2 Resident Lay Persons, 1 Resident Paid Practitioner, and 2 Non-Resident Paid Practitioners. The application period is open until October 25, 2024. For more details and to apply, visit the provided links. Questions can be directed to the City Clerk via email. (info)

Events:

• Living alone senior group on Sep. 10 at 1:30pm. (info)

• Mid-Autumn Festival Carnival on Sep. 22 at 10am. (info)

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

Redmond:

News:

• Romanian Crime Group Activity: Redmond authorities report that a Romanian crime group is behind a series of robberies in and around Redmond. Suspects, often women in long dresses, use rental SUVs to approach victims on sidewalks or in parking lots. They may ask for directions or offer to trade jewelry, attempting to swap or steal the victim’s real jewelry. Five recent assaults resulted in minor injuries. Police advise against accepting gifts from strangers and encourage reporting any suspicious behavior immediately. (info)

• Smash-and-Grab Burglary in Redmond: Early Thursday morning, a smash-and-grab burglary occurred at Hashtag Cannabis on Leary Way and Cleveland Street. Police responded around 2:40 a.m. to reports of a car crashing into the building. Witnesses saw eight to nine masked suspects leaving with merchandise. The suspects, driving a stolen white 2020 Acura MDX, fled north toward Kirkland. This incident marks the fifth break-in at Hashtag Cannabis, with the store owner reporting that previous security measures were removed by the city. The Redmond Fire Department assessed the building’s structural integrity. The investigation is ongoing. (info)

• Redmond City Council Opposes Initiative 2117: On September 3, 2024, the Redmond City Council unanimously adopted a resolution opposing Initiative 2117, which seeks to repeal the Climate Commitment Act. This Act, enacted in 2021, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a credit auction system. Redmond has received over $2.2 million from these funds, which have supported various community projects. If Initiative 2117 passes, the city would lose $1 million allocated for an electric fire engine and a pedestrian overpass project. The City Council's resolution underscores the Act's importance for the city's climate and sustainability goals. (info)

Events:

• Downtown Redmond Art Walk on Sep. 19th from 4-7pm. (info)

• Redmond Ganesh Festival on Sep. 12 from 5-9pm. (info)

• Music on the court on Sep. 13 from 5-7pm. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Ready in Renton Month: September focuses on emergency preparedness with events like the ALERT Renton system registration and the Renton Emergency Preparedness Academy (REPA) starting in November. Residents are encouraged to participate and share their concerns through a hazard mitigation survey. (info)

• StoryWalk Event: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Sunset Neighborhood Park with a bilingual StoryWalk featuring "The Wild" by Yuval Zommer on September 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event includes free books, food, and live music. (info)

• Tourism Promotion Grants Q&A: Learn about the 2025 Tourism Promotion Grants at a live Q&A session on September 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Dock & Drink, Hyatt Regency Lake Washington. Applications are due by October 18, 2024. (info)

• Recycling Event: Renton's final recycling event of 2024 will be on September 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Renton Technical College. It will include Styrofoam collection and document shredding, with food donations accepted. (info)

• Maplewood Park Playground Upgrades: The city is seeking community input on upgrading the Maplewood Park playground. Feedback is requested by September 15, with plans for renovation in 2025. (info)

Events:

• Recycling event: styrofoam and document shredding on Sep. 14 from 10am-2pm. (info)

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

• Halloween costume swap on Sep. 28th at the Redmond Community Center. (info)

Sammamish:

News:

• Sammamish Traffic Updates for Sept. 6, 2024: Ziply will continue work on overhead communication lines on East Lake Sammamish Parkway, with traffic control in place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays. The ADA Barrier Removal Project will intermittently close the far-right northbound lane on 228th Avenue Southeast from Sept. 5 to Sept. 13 between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Crews will also be paving Southeast 24th Street between 251st Avenue Southeast and Beaver Lake Lodge from Sept. 15 to Sept. 19, with one lane closed at a time. Additionally, the Beaver Lake Triathlon on Sept. 8 may impact traffic between 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (info)

• Sammamish 9-Year-Old Launches First-Ever Children's Business Fair: Naisha Sahay, a 9-year-old Sammamish resident, has organized the inaugural Sammamish Children’s Business Fair with support from the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce. Taking place on Sept. 11 at the Sammamish Farmers Market, the event will feature 10 young entrepreneurs, aged 7-12, selling handmade products such as books, toys, and art. Sahay, who has run her own business selling a board game she created, hopes the event will teach children the fundamentals of business. In addition to showcasing their businesses, participants will learn from children's financial literacy author Mara Williams. (info)

Events:

• Emergency Preparedness Fair on September 14th from 12-3pm. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

• No new news this week!

Events:

• Live Music at Goose Ridge Estate Winery on September 13th at 4pm. (info)

• Fall Floral Design Class at Pepper Bridge Winery on September 13th at 5:30pm. (info)

• Woodinville Farmers Market on September 14th at 10am. (info)

Volunteering Opportunities:

• Restoration event at Pioneer Park on Sep. 14 at 10am. (info)

• Restoration event at Upper Luther Burbank Park on Sep. 28th at 10am. (info)

What we are currently loving!

• The Woodinville Cut Shop Restaurant and Lounge in Woodinville offers a fun and casual dining atmosphere with a focus on American comfort food. Known for its great service and lively ambiance, the Cut Shop serves a variety of dishes, including top-notch steaks and burgers. It's a fantastic spot for both couples and groups.

  Mori Sushi & Grill by Aji in Renton is a must-visit for sushi enthusiasts. Located near the Landing, this restaurant offers a fantastic selection of sushi rolls and bento options, as well as delicious Japanese grilled dishes. Their friendly service and inviting atmosphere make it a popular choice for locals.

Vibes:

• Please try out Headline and let us know what you think!

• It’s looking like it will be pretty cloudy this week!

Final Thoughts!

Happy Monday everyone! Let us know what you think of Headline. Any feedback, tips or suggestions are greatly appreciated.