Seastside Newsletter #47

December 9th, 2024

Hello everyone! We hope you are all enjoying the quickly approaching holiday season.

This week’s roundup of news is quite light, so enjoy! Also, we just wanted to remind all of you that we released our Washington news and events mobile app, Headline, last week. If you want to easily read Washington news for our Eastside cities or receive your own personalized newsletter, please sign up!

Today’s Seastside includes:

• Grocery store opening

• New EV charging stations

• Redmond drone program

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

Bellevue:

News:

• City Council to Consider 12.2-Acre Land Purchase Near Coal Creek Natural Area: On Dec. 10, the Bellevue City Council will discuss acquiring a 12.2-acre parcel near Coal Creek Natural Area, preserving connections to Cougar Mountain Regional Park. The $19.1 million purchase, partially funded by a $9.2 million King County Conservation Futures Fund grant, aims to enhance trails, protect the environment, and prevent residential development on the site. (info)

• Largest Asian Grocery Store in Washington Opens in Bellevue: T&T Supermarket, a 76,000-square-foot store, opened its first U.S. location at Factoria Mall in Bellevue. The Vancouver-based chain, known for Asian products and an in-store kitchen, plans additional U.S. stores in Lynnwood (2025) and San Jose (2024). (info)

• 911 Caller Rescues Contractor from Bellevue House Fire: A fire broke out in the attic of a Bellevue home on Thursday afternoon, but no injuries were reported. Neighbor Tee Manville called 911 after spotting smoke and helped a contractor inside the house evacuate safely. Fire officials praised Manville's actions, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. (info)

• Bellevue Police crack down on shoplifting during holidays: Since November 13, Bellevue Police have arrested 45 suspects in shoplifting emphasis patrols, targeting both individuals and organized theft rings. These efforts aim to protect holiday shoppers and retailers, with patrols continuing through Christmas Eve. (info)

• $2 million bail set for elderly man accused of murdering wife at Bellevue facility: An 87-year-old man, George Innis, has been accused of fatally stabbing his wife, Barbara Innis, at an assisted living facility in Bellevue. This marks Bellevue’s first homicide of 2024, with the suspect held on $2 million bail pending a charging decision. (info)

Events:

• BAM Holiday Arts Fair on Dec. 9-Dec. 19 from 4-8pm. (info)

• Opening: International Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker on Dec. 9 - 23. (info)

• Eastside Entrepreneurs Holiday Party on Dec. 18 from 6-8pm. (info)

• Overlake Medical Center Blood Drive on Dec. 31 from 10am-4pm. (info)

Bothell/Kenmore:

News:

• No news this week!

Events:

• ASB Toy Drive at Shelton View Elementary on Dec. 11 (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:

• Five arrested after attempted burglary at Fall City firearms store: Five people, including four teens, were arrested after attempting to break into a firearms store in Fall City early Friday. The suspects, ranging from 13 to 20 years old, fled the scene but were later apprehended following a 911 call and police response. (info)

• Community Input Needed for New EV Charging Stations in Snoqualmie: Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is working with the City of Snoqualmie to install new pole-mounted EV charging stations to make electric vehicle charging more accessible. The community is invited to suggest locations for these chargers by using an interactive map or by providing feedback at the Snoqualmie Community Center/YMCA and City Hall in January. The chargers, attached to streetlights and utility poles, are designed to be convenient and accessible, with retractable cords and the ability to charge EVs by adding 10-25 miles of range per hour. This initiative aims to support residents, especially those in apartments, and to provide more charging options for local businesses, parks, and libraries. PSE will fund the installation of these chargers. (info)

Events:

• Dungeons & Dragons at the Trail youth on Dec. 11 from 3-5pm. (info)

• Santa at the Mini Treehouse in Historic District on Dec. 15 from 2-4pm. (info)

• Valley Young Professionals - White Elephant/Ugly Sweater meet-up on Dec. 10 from 5-8pm. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• Storm Damage in Issaquah Highlands: Tree Removal and Replanting Plans: The recent cyclone bomb storm in Issaquah Highlands led to the loss of over 30 trees, which have since been removed. Replanting will occur by March 2025, although some trees near utilities, intersections, or damaged sidewalks may not be replaced, with landscaping enhancements planned for those areas. For residents dealing with downed or cracked trees in open spaces, they can use the King County parcel viewer or contact the IHCA office to identify the responsible landowner. Additionally, the City of Issaquah is hosting a debris collection event and encourages residents to report any damage for potential disaster assistance. (info)

Events:

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

• Guided Hike: West Tiger #3 via Tiger Mountain Trail on Dec. 11 from 9am-3pm. (info)

• Cooking Class: Cantonese Dim Sum at PCC on Dec. 12 from 6-8:30pm. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• City Council Meeting Preview: The City Council will meet on December 10, 2024, to adopt the 2025-2026 budget and the 2025 property tax levy increase, along with discussing the K2044 Comprehensive Plan. The meeting will be hybrid, with an in-person and Zoom option. (info)

• Traffic Alerts: Several traffic disruptions are occurring in Kirkland due to ongoing construction projects. Access to and from Northeast 142nd Street on 100th Avenue Northeast is limited until December 11, while sidewalk and stormwater improvements are causing lane reductions on 116th Avenue Northeast and 132nd Avenue Northeast. Additionally, Juanita Drive will experience periodic lane reductions between Northeast 124th and 128th Streets, and work on 124th Avenue Northeast is creating "Right Turn Only" access for businesses. Drivers should plan for delays and detours, especially near Kirkland’s Transportation Benefit District projects. (info)

Events:

• Co-Working and Business Advising Day on Dec. 11 from 10am-2pm. (info)

• Community Bonfires at the Park on Dec. 18, 20 and 22 at various times. (info)

• Teens Holiday Escape Room and Cocoa Bar on Dec. 20 from 5:30-7:30. (info)

Mercer Island:

News:

• No news this week!

Events:

• Winter Workshop | Mushroom ID Class on Dec. 11 from 5:30-7:30pm. (info)

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

• Owl Walk | Pioneer Park on Dec. 19 from 4-5:30pm. (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Redmond Police Department Expands Drone Program with BRINC and Skydio for Enhanced Public Safety: The Redmond Police Department has partnered with BRINC and Skydio to expand its Drones as First Responders (DFR) program, including new advanced drones and docking stations. With FAA approval for Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations, the department aims to enhance emergency response, arriving at incidents within 90 seconds citywide. Drones are used for tasks like crime scene documentation, suspect apprehension, and missing person searches while maintaining strict privacy standards. (info)

• Redmond Names Snowplows with Community-Inspired Names: The City of Redmond announced creative names for its five snowplows—Ctrl + Salt + Delete, Scoop Dogg, Snow-begone Kenobi, The Big Leplowski, and Betty Whiteout. Over 580 participants contributed ideas, and residents voted for their favorites. Plows will feature their names prominently, with a new live plow tracking map debuting this winter to help residents follow their routes. The city also outlined safety tips and its strategy for snow and ice management, prioritizing major roads and emergency access. (info)

• Redmond Way Sidewalk Closure and Detour Announced: Beginning as early as Dec. 9, Sound Transit contractors will close a section of sidewalk at the northwest corner of NE 176th Street and Redmond Way for restoration work. Pedestrians and cyclists will be rerouted via a temporary detour along the future East Lake Sammamish Trail. This detour will last approximately four weeks, after which the trail section will close again until its 2025 completion. Residents are advised to leave early and plan for extra travel time. (info)

• Record Kokanee Salmon Return to Redmond Streams: Kokanee salmon have returned to Redmond streams in record numbers, with 7,800 counted this year—up from just 19 in 2018. This resurgence is attributed to habitat restoration efforts by Redmond, surrounding municipalities, and the Snoqualmie Tribe. Initiatives included creating natural swales and improving water quality in streams like Bear Creek. Residents are encouraged to support clean waterways by using car washes, avoiding at-home vehicle washing, and properly disposing of toxins. Officials aim to further restore habitats and expand spawning areas to sustain this remarkable recovery. (info)

Events:

• Redmond Lights on December 8th - 19th. (info)

• Holiday Workshops on December 14th at 3pm. (info)

• Redmond Planning Commission on December 18th at 7pm. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Traffic Impact Report for the Week of December 9, 2024: Construction and utility work will cause intermittent lane closures from 8:00am to 3:00pm daily. NE Sunset Blvd will have closures between Edmonds Ave NE and Kirkland Ave NE, as well as shifting closures between Redmond Pl NE and Union Ave NE for utility installation and frontage improvements. Williams Ave S between Cedar River and S 3rd St will also have intermittent closures. Sunset Blvd NE and Bronson Way NE will experience closures for construction. Wells Ave S north of S 2nd St and Rainier Ave N between Airport Way and S 3rd St will also be affected. Approved traffic control plans are in place, and all streets will remain open. Drivers are advised to proceed with caution through work zones. (info)

• King County Allocates $11.75 Million in Grants Through Participatory Budgeting: Announced on Nov. 26 by King County Executive Dow Constantine, the grants will fund 42 community-selected projects across the county. In Renton, $600,000 will support a grass practice area for lacrosse at Maplewood Park, benefiting over 300 families. Federal Way Senior Center will receive $210,000 for accessibility and safety upgrades, and nonprofit Speak With Purpose will use $96,000 to fund public speaking classes for local students. The initiative emphasizes equity and community-driven investment to address historical and racial inequities. (info)

• James Alberson Jr. and Ruth Pérez Elected as 2025 Renton City Council Leaders: On Dec. 2, the Renton City Council selected James Alberson Jr. as Council President and Ruth Pérez as Pro Tempore for 2025. Alberson, who has served on the council since 2021, holds Position No. 1 and chairs the Community Services Committee. Pérez, a council member since 2014, holds Position No. 6 and chairs the Planning and Development Committee. Both were elected by majority vote, with one council member abstaining.  (info)

• Kim Unti, Renton Downtown Partnership Leader, Dies in Tragic Accident: Kim Unti, interim executive director of the Renton Downtown Partnership, passed away on Nov. 28 following a fatal brain injury after being struck by a vehicle in downtown Renton on Nov. 26. Known for her dedication to the community, Unti was instrumental in RDP events and initiatives. Her legacy of giving extended to her organ donation, reflecting her generous spirit. Mayor Armondo Pavone called her a "vibrant community member" and announced that the Renton Police Department is investigating the accident. (info)

Events:

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

• Battle of the Badges on December 14th from 5:30 - 8pm. (info)

• Renton City Concert Band Winter Concert on December 15th at 2pm. (info)

Sammamish:

News:

• Sammamish Traffic Updates for December 6, 2024: Southeast 24th Street will close temporarily on Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for tree removal using a crane at 200th Avenue Southeast. Puget Sound Energy will close two southbound lanes on 228th Avenue Southeast between Southeast 21st Place and Southeast 24th Street for gas main tie-in work from Dec. 9-15, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with traffic redirected. Ziply Fiber continues underground fiber internet installation in select neighborhoods, with minor traffic delays expected from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (info)

• Sammamish Celebrates 2024 Achievements: The City marked its 25th anniversary with two summer events—a gathering with past and present city leaders and a public celebration featuring live music, games, and more. The city also adopted its 2024 Comprehensive Plan, guiding future growth with expanded housing, business opportunities, and infrastructure support. Additionally, the first Transportation Master Plan was implemented, focusing on multimodal systems to improve mobility and safety. (info)

• Eastlake Lady Wolves Dominate Season Opener Against Newport: The Eastlake High School girls' basketball team secured a commanding 61-41 victory over the Newport Knights in their season opener. Key contributions from Megan Roberts and Brooke McCartney, including multiple 3-pointers, built an insurmountable lead. Despite a spirited third-quarter comeback by Newport, Eastlake's defense and scoring prowess prevailed. The Lady Wolves will next face Juanita High School on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 5:40 p.m. (info)

Events:

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

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

• Holiday puppet show comes to Sammamish on December 21st from 11:30am - 1:30. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

• No news this week!

Events:

• Winter Wreath Class on December 10th at 5:30pm. (info)

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

• Sip and Centerpiece Floral Design Class on December 19th at 5:30pm. (info)

• Winter Solstice Pop-Up Market on December 21st at 2pm. (info)

Volunteering Opportunities:

• Restoration on Squak Mountain on Dec. 12 from 9am–12pm. (info)

• Let us know if you run any local organizations looking for volunteers and we will add it here!

What we are currently loving!

• Tavolàta in Redmond is an Italian restaurant by chef Ethan Stowell, offering a modern take on classic Italian cuisine. Known for its house-made pastas and communal dining experience, Tavolàta provides a vibrant atmosphere suitable for both group gatherings and intimate dinners. Signature dishes include the Rigatoni with spicy sausage and the Bucatini all'Amatriciana. The restaurant also features an extensive wine list to complement your meal. 

• Smoking Monkey Pizza in Renton specializes in artisanal, hand-tossed pizzas crafted with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Voted the best pizza in Renton, their menu features both traditional and creative varieties, all cooked in a brick oven. The cozy and eclectic atmosphere, combined with friendly service, makes it a favorite spot for pizza enthusiasts.

Vibes:

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

• It will be a mix of clouds and rain this week.

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)