Seastside Newsletter #46

December 2nd, 2024

Huge Announcement: We’re excited to announce the official launch of our mobile app! Now you can easily stay connected with the latest news from Washington, with a special focus on our Eastside cities. Whether you want to browse the daily news feed or receive a personalized newsletter tailored just for you, the Headline app makes it simple and convenient. Download it today and stay informed, wherever you are. We have been working extremely hard the past few months on improving the access to local news + events for our area and it would mean a lot to us if you tried out the app. Please give us any ideas or feedback if you try it out! Download it here.

Today’s Seastside includes:

• Issaquah Car Chase

• Car Crashes into Bellevue Restaurant

• Holiday Events

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

Bellevue:

News:

• Tesla Crashes Into Bellevue Restaurant: On Nov. 30, a Tesla accidentally drove into the Boiling Point restaurant in Bellevue when the driver mistook forward gear for reverse, causing minor injuries and no major structural damage, according to local authorities. (info)

• Bomb Cyclone Cleanup in Bellevue: Transportation crews in Bellevue worked through Thanksgiving weekend to clear debris from last month’s bomb cyclone, with full cleanup expected to take weeks. Residents are encouraged to bundle debris for Republic Services' scheduled pickups.

• Bellevue City Council Meeting Highlights: The council approved land use code amendments aligning with SB 5290 to streamline permit processes, enhance public feedback, and add appeals for director’s rules. They also advanced the ARCH 2025-2026 budget to support affordable housing efforts and received updates on the RapidRide K Line’s proposed route and capital improvements to boost transit efficiency. Additionally, a proclamation celebrated Small Business Saturday to honor local businesses. (info)

• H&M Opening at Bellevue Square: H&M is set to open its first Eastside Seattle location at Bellevue Square in the space formerly occupied by 365 by Whole Foods. The store will have a 10-year lease with a five-year renewal option, but its exact size and opening date have not yet been disclosed. (info)

• Ondina Apartments Open Near East Link Light Rail: Vulcan Real Estate has opened Ondina, a 249-unit multifamily development near the BelRed/130th Light Rail station in Bellevue. Designed with nature-inspired themes and offering amenities like co-working spaces, a rooftop lounge, and affordable housing units, Ondina caters to Bellevue's growing demand for housing amid tech expansion and enhanced transit connectivity. (info)

Events:

• Wine Night by Mark Ryan Winery on Dec. from 6-8pm. (info)

• Wreath and Wine Workshop on Dec. 5th from 6-7:30pm. (info)

• BAM Holiday Arts Fair on Nov. 29-Dec. 19 from 4-8pm. (info)

• Opening: International Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker on Dec. 6 - 23. (info)

Bothell/Kenmore:

News:

• Bothell Developing First Climate Action Plan: Set to finalize by June 2025, Bothell's Climate Action Plan will guide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate challenges. Targeting key sectors like energy, transportation, and ecosystems, the plan emphasizes community input and equitable solutions to support vulnerable populations and align with Washington's net zero goals by 2050. (info)

Events:

• Career in Law Enforcement Workshop at Bothell Police Department on Dec. 4 from 6-8pm. (info)

• Bothell Fire Neighborhood Jingle Bell Run on Dec. 12 from 5-8pm. (info)

• New Years Even Blood Drive at Bothell Police Department on Dec. 31 from 9am-3pm. (info)

Fall City/Snoqualmie:

News:

• Snoqualmie Winter Lights Celebration: Join the festive fun at Snoqualmie Winter Lights on Saturday, December 7, from 4-6 p.m. in Historic Downtown Snoqualmie. Enjoy live music, a holiday tree lighting with Santa, ice carving, and activities for all ages, including face painting and a chance to meet Santa. Warm up with cider and explore local shops and dining while enjoying the holiday light display. For more details, visit the City of Snoqualmie's website.

• Community Efforts for Valley Swimming Pool Gain Momentum:
  Efforts to build a community swimming pool in Snoqualmie Valley have been ongoing, with plans for an expanded Snoqualmie Community Park approved by the City Council in 2023. However, funding delays have put the project on hold. Meanwhile, Valley Pool Together, an advocacy group for public aquatic access, continues to push for progress. Recently, the City of North Bend partnered with Si View Metropolitan Park District to develop a regional pool, with $5 million allocated to the project. This collaboration aims to alleviate overcrowding at the Si View Pool and help meet the Valley's growing demand for aquatic facilities. The initiative will use impact and REET funds, sourced from developers and property sales, to finance the capital improvements. (info)

Events:

• Luminaria Crafting: Materials + hot cider, cocoa are provided! Dec. 3 from 4-6pm. (info)

• Santa Limited at the Northwest Railway Museum: Dec. 6, 13 & 20. (info)

• Sound Bath and Guided Meditation on Dec. 8 from 5:30-7pm. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• 12-Year-Old Steals Grandfather’s Car, Drives 160 Miles Before Arrest in Washington: A 12-year-old boy from Issaquah, Washington, is in police custody after stealing his grandfather’s car and driving more than 160 miles. According to authorities, the boy took the car from his grandfather’s home in Issaquah and headed towards Grant County, where he has some connections. Issaquah police alerted the Grant County Sheriff's Office, and a search was launched. At around 10:20 a.m., deputies located the car and briefly pursued the boy before stopping him with a PIT maneuver. The boy’s journey took him through the Cascade Mountains. He’s currently held at the Chelan County Juvenile Justice Center on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and felony eluding. (info)

• Report Windstorm Damage and Property Tax Relief: King County Emergency Management is collecting damage reports from last week's windstorm to help secure FEMA assistance. If your property was affected, you can report damages through the provided link. Additionally, if your home or business was damaged, you may qualify for property tax relief—find more information on how to apply on King County’s website. (info)

• Volunteer of the Month: Ryan Hamilton: Ryan Hamilton, a View Ridge resident, was recognized as November's Volunteer of the Month for his contributions to the Issaquah Highlands Community Association Finance Committee, where he has volunteered since November 2022. (info)

Events:

• Reindeer Festival at Cougar Mountain Zoo on Dec. 4 from 10:30am-3:30pm. (info)

• Caroling at the depot on Dec. 5 from 6-7:30pm. (info)

• Sip and Learn: Intro to Sake on Dec. 5 from 6-8pm. (info)

• Cooking Class: Savory Gluten-Free Baking on Dec. 5 from 6-8pm. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• Community Conversations: Ignite Kirkland Grants The Kirkland Parks & Community Foundation is offering grants to local nonprofits for impactful community projects. Donations to Ignite Kirkland are 100% directed to projects like youth sports, arts, and wellness initiatives. (info)

• Traffic Alerts and Road Work: This week, several traffic updates in Kirkland include road closures and lane reductions. On 124th Avenue Northeast, there is restricted access due to sidewalk and stormwater work, with "Right Turn Only" access. Drivers near Lake Washington High School on 116th Avenue Northeast will experience a single-lane closure for sidewalk and stormwater improvements. Construction on 132nd Avenue Northeast and Northeast 132nd Street will reduce lanes as crews build sidewalks and repair stormwater pipes. Additionally, day-time closures are expected on Northeast 117th Place (Goat Hill), and periodic lane reductions will occur on Juanita Drive and 100th Avenue Northeast. (info)

Events:

• Samena Squares Dance lessons on Dec. 5 from 7-9pm. (info)

• Google’s Musical Holiday Lights on Dec. 6. (info)

• Author Talk: When Driving is Not an Option on Dec. 7 from 4-6pm. (info)

Mercer Island:

News:

• No news this week!

Events:

• Illuminate MI:  Tree Lighting on Dec. 5 at 5:30pm. (info)

• Holiday Makers Market on Dec. 7th from 10am-3pm at the Mercer Island Community & Events Center. (info)

• Family Movie Night, Holiday Edition on Dec. 13 at 5:30pm. (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Redmond Police First in State to Receive FAA Approval for Drone Operations Without Visual Observers: The Redmond Police Department is the first in Washington to receive FAA approval to operate drones without a visual observer, marking a significant advancement for their Drones as First Responders (DFR) program. This approval, following extensive testing and collaboration, sets a new benchmark for drone operations in law enforcement and opens up opportunities for more flexible drone use across various industries. (info)

• Redmond Declares Local Emergency Due to Storm Damage: Mayor Angela Birney signed a proclamation of local emergency on Nov. 20 following damaging winds that caused power outages and road closures in Redmond. The declaration enables the City to respond more quickly, with emergency operations in effect and crews working 24/7 to clear debris and restore critical services. (info)

Events:

• Redmond Reindeer Romp on Dec. 7th from 9:30am-1:30pm. Sign up for a 5-mile or half marathon race! (info)

• Eastside Symphony Holiday Traditions Concert on December 7th at 3pm. (info)

• Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center Community Drive-Through. Visit a drive through animal park for the holidays. Dec. 8 from 10am-2pm. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Mayor's Statement Regarding Kim Unti: On November 30, 2024, the City of Renton shared news about a tragic accident involving Kim Unti, the acting Executive Director of the Renton Downtown Partnership, who was struck by a vehicle in downtown Renton. Unti sustained injuries that required transport to Harborview Medical Center but sadly passed away on November 28. Mayor Armondo Pavone expressed deep sympathy for her family, praising her as a vibrant, long-time community member and a champion for downtown Renton. (info)

• Graffiti, Gangs, Massage Parlors Among Top Renton Crime Topics: On November 18, 2024, the Renton Public Safety Committee discussed crime issues including graffiti possibly linked to gangs and illicit massage parlors, with 30 such parlors identified in the city. The Renton Police Department also addressed human trafficking, runaways, and juvenile crime, highlighting the importance of increased social services for youth to prevent further involvement in these crimes. Committee chair Carmen Rivera emphasized the need for better youth social services and workforce development to combat these problems before they begin. (info)

Events:

• Family Story Time at Fairwood Library on December 5th at 10:15am.

• Celebrate 30 Years of IKEA Renton on December 6th at 9:30am. (info)

• Community Coffee Hour with REACH Renton on December 6th at 11:00am. (info)

• Clam Lights on December 6th from 6:15pm - 8:30pm. (info)

• Renton Animal Care & Control Adoption Event on December 14th from 1pm - 4pm. (info)

Sammamish:

News:

• Issaquah Ski & Snowboard School Teaches Snow Sports and Independence to Area Youth: The Issaquah Ski & Snowboard School (ISS) has been providing youth with a safe way to enjoy winter sports since 1969. This volunteer-run organization will once again transport over 200 kids to The Summit at Snoqualmie for lessons on skiing and snowboarding. The program emphasizes independence and safety, with students grouped by age and experience. Volunteers play a key role in the program, fostering a strong community atmosphere and providing children with valuable life skills and mountain awareness. (info)

Events:

• Concerts at Beaver Lake Lodge (Harmonica Pocket) on December 5th at 6:30pm. (info)

• Concerts at Beaver Lake Lodge (Harmonica Pocket) on December 12th at 6:30pm. (info)

• Coffee with Council on December 7th at 9:30am. (info)

• Frosty Fest on December 13th at 4pm. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

• Woodinville’s Annual Shop With A Cop Event is Back: The annual Shop With A Cop event in Woodinville will take place on December 14th, bringing local police officers, firefighters, and the community together to support families in need during the holiday season. This year, the goal is to distribute 60 meal boxes filled with holiday supplies. Children will have the chance to shop at Target with police officers, while families receive their decorated meal boxes. Community members are invited to participate by picking up boxes at City Hall, shopping for the items on the list, and returning the completed boxes by December 13th. (info)

Events:

• Winter Wreath Making Class on December 3rd at 5:30pm. (info)

• Woodinville Shop With A Cop on December 14th. (info)

Volunteering Opportunities:

• Restoration Event | Pioneer Park on Dec. 7 at 10am. (info)

What we are currently loving!

• Sansonina Ristorante Italiano in Renton brings the flavors of Italy to the Pacific Northwest with its authentic Italian cuisine. The menu boasts a variety of traditional dishes, such as the rich and creamy Fettuccine Alfredo and the savory Osso Buco. The elegant yet welcoming ambiance, coupled with an extensive wine list, provides a perfect setting for romantic dinners or special occasions.

• Dough Zone Dumpling House in Redmond is a local favorite for authentic Chinese dumplings and noodles. Known for their juicy soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) and flavorful Q-bao, Dough Zone offers a casual dining experience with a focus on quality and taste. The menu also features a variety of noodle dishes and appetizers, making it a great spot for both small bites and hearty meals.

Vibes:

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

• It will be a mixture of clouds and rain this week, with some sun peaking through.

Final Thoughts!

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)