Seastside Newsletter #48

December 16th, 2024

Hello everyone! We have a ton of great updates for you today. Also, if you haven’t tried our our new Washington State news app, Headline, please check it out! It’s now available on the app store for download.

Today’s Seastside includes:

• Suspicious vehicle at Crossroads Mall.

• Many holiday events

• Hap’s Burger reopening!

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

Bellevue:

News:

• Deadly Force Incident in Bellevue: A 67-year-old man died following an officer-involved shooting two hours after a harassment report involving a knife. KCIFIT will investigate, and the officer is on administrative leave. (info)

• Bellevue Secures $2M in Grants for Vision Zero Projects: The City Council approved grants to fund protected bike lanes, high-visibility crosswalks, and safety studies aimed at reducing traffic injuries and fatalities. These projects support Bellevue’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths by 2030. (info)

• Suspicious Vehicle Investigated at Crossroads Mall: Bellevue police investigated a vehicle with unusual features and multiple cell phones near Crossroads Mall, prompting bomb squad involvement. No explosives were found. (info)

• Bellevue Updates Affordable Housing Strategy: Bellevue has set a new goal of creating or preserving 5,700 affordable housing units over the next decade, a 128% increase from its previous target. The plan prioritizes housing for households earning up to 80% of the area median income and includes extensive community engagement. (info)

• Bellevue to Remove Culvert Blocking Fish Passage: As part of its Fish Passage Improvement program, Bellevue will remove a culvert under Lake Hills Connector Boulevard to restore over five miles of upstream habitat for salmon and reduce flood risks. Community input is welcomed through upcoming meetings and online platforms. (info)

Events:

• Symetra Center Blood Drive on Dec. 16th from 9am-3pm. (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:

• Bothell Approves 2024 Comprehensive Plan: Bothell City Council has adopted the 2024 Imagine Bothell Comprehensive Plan, outlining a 20-year vision for growth and development. The plan balances residential and commercial expansion, infrastructure improvements, and environmental preservation, with input aligned across King and Snohomish Counties. (info)

• Holiday Lights at Bothell Landing: Enjoy a dazzling holiday light display at the Park at Bothell Landing, free to the public from December 1, 2024, to January 10, 2025. Perfect for a winter stroll with loved ones, the display is located at 9919 NE 180th St., with parking available on-site. (info)

• 2025 - 2026 Biennial Budget Adopted: Kenmore City Council adopted the 2025-2026 Biennial Budget and Financial Sustainability Plan on November 25. The budget includes a $2 million spending plan from the American Rescue Plan Act, and funds for potential Lakepointe Property acquisition. The City also approved a Financial Sustainability Plan, incorporating community input. (info)

• 2025 Comprehensive Plan Finalized: Kenmore’s Community Development Department and Planning Commission have finalized the 2025 Comprehensive Plan, which outlines a vision for the city’s growth over the next decade. The plan addresses land use, housing, transportation, and sustainability, and is updated every 10 years. (info)

Events:

• Northshore Fire Department Blood Drive on Dec. 17 from 9am-3pm. (info)

• Argosy Christmas Ship at Logboom Park on Dec 18 at 8:40pm. (info)

Fall City/Snoqualmie:

News:

• Summit Tubing Park Opens This Week: Summit Tubing Park at Snoqualmie opens Friday, Dec. 13, with tickets ranging from $20-$52. Sessions are available Friday through Sunday and on holidays. Advanced online booking is recommended as sessions often sell out. (info)

• Snoqualmie Winter Lights Shining Through New Year's Day: Snoqualmie’s holiday light displays, free to view, run through New Year's Day. The festive route starts at Salish Lodge, leading to historic downtown and the Railroad Park, featuring decorated trees and a Santa Letter Box. Don’t miss the Brilliant Blvd of lit trees in Snoqualmie Ridge, and enjoy dining options along the way. (info)

• Snoqualmie City Council Approves 20-Year Comprehensive Plan Update: On December 9, 2024, the City Council approved the Snoqualmie 2044 Comprehensive Plan, setting growth and environmental goals for the next 20 years. After extensive community input and studies, the plan focuses on sustainable development, with a request to King County to reduce the city's housing growth target by 50% due to limited buildable land. (info)

Events:

• Elves on the Slopes at Summit West on Dec. 20-25. (info)

• Santa Skis Free on Dec. 20. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• Construction Begins on Pedestrian Park and Senior Center Plaza in Issaquah
  Starting December 2024, Issaquah will renovate Pedestrian Park and enhance the Senior Center Plaza, with completion expected by summer 2025. Temporary closures will impact parking, sidewalks, and the Veterans Memorial Playground. Construction runs 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; ADA parking is available nearby. (info)

• Apply Now: Open City Council Seat in Issaquah: Issaquah City Council is seeking applicants for a vacancy in Position No. 6. The selected candidate will serve until November 2025 and may run for the seat in the general election. Eligible residents must apply online by January 25, 2024. (info)

• New Service Fees for Credit/Debit Card Payments Begin January 2025: Issaquah Parks and Community Services will introduce a 2.95% service fee for all credit or debit card payments starting January 2025. This fee applies to transactions for registrations, events, and rentals, made online or in person, and is non-refundable. To avoid the fee, payments can be made via cash, check, or money order in person or by mail. For more details, visit the City of Issaquah's Registration Portal or contact your local facility. (info)

Events:

• Reindeer Festival at Cougar Mountain Zoo on Dec. 18 from 10:30am-3:30pm. (info)

• Issaquah Fiber Arts Evening Meetup on Dec. 18 from 5:30-7:30pm. (info)

• Parents Night Out at Arena Sports on Dec. 19 from 4-8pm. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• Kirkland City Council Adopts $1.08 Billion 2025-2026 Budget: On December 10, 2024, the Kirkland City Council approved its biennial budget, allocating a total of $1.08 billion for the next two years. The budget prioritizes essential services, public safety, infrastructure, and a record $6.28 million in human services grants. Investments target critical needs such as mental health, homelessness, and culturally relevant services. Kirkland's commitment to conservative fiscal policies, including a two-year sales tax lag and replenished reserves, ensures financial stability and maintains the city’s AAA credit rating. (info)

• In Quarters: Kirkland, WA, Fire Station 27: Kirkland Fire Station 27 has been recognized with a Career 1 Bronze award for its innovative design. The station, funded by a 2020 ballot measure, features sustainable elements and enhances community emergency response capabilities. (info)

Events:

• Community Bonfire at Marina Park on December 18th at 5:10pm. (info) 

• Coffee with a Cop on December 19th at 9am. (info)

• Community Bonfire at O.O. Denny Park on December 20th at 8:35pm. (info)

Mercer Island:

News:

• Hap’s Burgers & Taps Reopens Under New Ownership: Mercer Island’s beloved Hap’s Burgers & Taps has reopened after its September closure, thanks to Mercer Island natives Norman Wu and Danny Brawer of Conscious Hospitality Group (CHG). The eatery, known for its organic and locally sourced ingredients, resumed operations on Oct. 10, 2024, with much of its original staff retained. Wu and Brawer emphasized their connection to the community and commitment to preserving Hap’s legacy while planning minor future enhancements. (info)

• Covenant Living at the Shores Recognized for Breast Cancer Awareness Efforts: Residents and employees of Mercer Island’s Covenant Living at the Shores were honored as nominees for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Team of the Year for the U.S. North Region, encompassing 17 states. This recognition highlights their decade-long dedication to raising breast cancer awareness through annual campus walks and supporting the fight against cancer. Although the award ultimately went to a team from Kansas, the nomination underscores Covenant Living’s impactful contributions to the cause. (info)

Events:

• Intermediate chess on December 17th at 5:45pm. (info)

• Owl Walk Pioneer Park on December 19th at 4pm. (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Redmond Police Chief Joins Attorney General-Elect Transition Team: Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe has been named to Attorney General-Elect Nick Brown’s 30-member transition committee, announced on Dec. 3, 2024. Chief Lowe, also the president of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, expressed his honor at contributing law enforcement and leadership expertise to assist in establishing the new administration. The diverse committee, comprising leaders from law enforcement, government, business, non-profits, labor, and tribal affairs, will focus on shaping the Attorney General’s agenda and priorities. (info)

Events:

• Redmond Paint and Sip, Paint Party, Paint Night With Stir Up The Paint on December 19th at 6:30pm. (link)

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

• Solstice at the farm on December 21st at 5pm. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Local Traffic Impacts: From Monday, December 16 through Friday, December 20, intermittent lane closures will occur at various locations between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. NE Sunset Blvd will see closures between Edmonds Ave NE and Kirkland Ave NE as well as between Redmond Pl NE and Union Ave NE for construction and utility work. Williams Ave S, between Cedar River and S 3rd St, and Wells Ave S, north of S 2nd St, will also experience intermittent closures. Additionally, Rainier Ave N will have closures between Airport Way and S 3rd St for construction work. Approved traffic control plans will be followed at all sites. (info)

• Local Police Shine at Battle of the Badges 2024: The Renton Police Department hosted the annual Battle of the Badges event on December 14, 2024, at Renton Technical College. This spirited holiday showdown featured 30 public safety agencies competing for the most festive patrol vehicle decorations and holiday-themed displays. The event included music, lights, snow, food trucks, and a focus on community engagement. Attendees were encouraged to bring food donations in support of a local food bank. Meeghan Black, Communications and Community Engagement Manager for Renton Police, highlighted the event's uniqueness, noting its popularity among agencies and community members alike. (info)

• Renton Civic Theatre Announces Holiday Programming: The Renton Civic Theatre (RCT) is celebrating the holiday season with a series of special events, including a festive fundraiser, a puppetry adaptation of A Christmas Carol, and a movie screening of It’s A Wonderful Life. The Holiday Soirée on Dec. 14 will feature live music, seasonal drinks, and raffles, with proceeds benefiting RCT’s operations. A Christmas Carol runs from Dec. 12-22, showcasing a unique puppetry spectacle, while the Dec. 17 screening of It’s A Wonderful Life invites attendees to enjoy a classic holiday film. Tickets and details are available at rentoncivictheatre.org. (info)

Events:

• Project Be Free presents Family Resource Night at VFW Post 1263 on December 17th from 3pm - 7pm. (info)

• Free Museum Day at the Renton History Museum on December 21st from 10am - 4pm. (info)

Sammamish:

News:

• Lady Wolves Suffer 80-48 Loss to Woodinville Falcons: The Eastlake Lady Wolves endured a tough defeat at home against the Woodinville Falcons on Dec. 11, 2024. Despite an early 3-pointer from Megan Roberts in the second quarter and a brief rally that narrowed the deficit to 27-21, Eastlake couldn’t maintain momentum. The Falcons, led by standout performances from Jazlyn Wilkerson, Sammy Harris, and others, dominated the game with a strong offensive and defensive strategy, culminating in a commanding 80-48 victory. Eastlake’s next game is against the Lake Washington Kangaroos on Dec. 18 at 7:15 p.m. (info)

• Eastlake High School Locks Down After Swatting Incident: Eastlake High School went into lockdown on Dec. 4, 2024, around 2:00 p.m., following a swatting call—a false report to emergency services. Although most students had already been dismissed, several hundred on campus for after-school activities were affected. The lockdown, lasting approximately 20 minutes, involved securing doors, covering windows, and turning off lights as police investigated the perceived threat. The incident, later deemed a hoax, was part of a series of swatting calls targeting schools across the region. Principal Todd Apple commended the school and police response, emphasizing the importance of preparedness from prior lockdown drills. (info)

• Skyline Should Abandon Plans to Add AP Courses: Skyline High School is considering offering Advanced Placement courses alongside its existing International Baccalaureate program to expand academic options. However, concerns have been raised that this addition may dilute the quality of both programs. IB, known for its internationally recognized, interconnected curriculum, already offers individual classes and the Career-related Programme (CP) as flexible alternatives to the full IB Diploma. Critics argue that introducing AP would overburden faculty, require additional resources, and reduce participation in the IB program, weakening its offerings. Instead, Skyline is encouraged to enhance its existing IB pathways to maintain its academic excellence and unique learning environment. (info)

Events:

• Ugly Sweater Party on December 21st from 6pm - 9pm. (info)

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

Woodinville:

News:

• No new news!

Events:

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

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

• Woodinville Farmers Market on December 21st at 10am. (info)

Volunteering Opportunities:

• Restoration event at Pioneer Park on Dec. 26 at 10am. (info)

What we are currently loving!

• Blazing Bagels in Redmond currently has our hearts! We love grabbing a quick bagel and coffee from them!

Vibes:

• It will be mostly raining this week, while hovering around 40-50 degrees.

Final Thoughts!

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• 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)