Seastside Newsletter #49

December 23rd, 2024

Hello everyone! We hope you are enjoying the holidays.

By popular demand, we are officially launching a second newsletter focused solely on events. Introducing, Seativities (name is a work in progress), a newsletter sharing events for all the cities in the area!

Subscribe here:

And as all ways, be sure to check out our Washington news and events mobile app!

Today’s Seastside includes:

• Various New Years & Holiday Events

• City Councils Planning for the New Year

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

Bellevue:

News:

• Bellevue Economic Development Plan Update Launched: The Bellevue City Council has initiated a yearlong process to update its Economic Development Plan, focusing on small businesses, creative industries, economic diversification, and international connections, with community input opportunities extending through mid-2025. The update aligns with broader planning efforts, including a 20-year Comprehensive Plan aiming to add 35,000 housing units and 70,000 jobs by 2044. (info)

• Mango to Open at Bellevue Square: Spanish fast-fashion retailer Mango will debut a store at Bellevue Square next to Zara and Victoria’s Secret, offering clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. As part of its U.S. expansion, Mango plans to operate 40 stores nationwide by the end of 2024, a significant increase from 10 stores in 2022. (info)

• Sabine Cafe & Bar Expanding to Bellevue: Mediterranean-inspired Sabine Cafe & Bar will open its second location at The Eight, a downtown Bellevue office tower, offering espresso drinks, cocktails, pastries, and Mediterranean-influenced dishes. Set to open in December 2026, this marks Sabine's first venture onto the Eastside. (info)

• 25-Story Apartment Tower Planned for Former Sushi Maru Site: Su Development has proposed a 25-story apartment tower at 205 105th Avenue Northeast in Bellevue, featuring 170 residential units, with up to 20% designated as affordable housing, along with 150 parking stalls and over 10,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. The site, previously owned by Bosa Development, was purchased for $14.6 million in 2021 by a Bellevue-based investor associated with Royal 205 LLC. (info)

Events:

• Closing: Garden d’Lights on Dec. 31 at 4:30pm. (info)

• Bellevue New Year’s Even Night Market on Dec. 31 from 3-9pm. (info)

• Studio 31: Ascend Prime’s 2024 NYE Tribute Experience on Dec. 31 from 8pm-1am. (info)

Bothell/Kenmore:

News:

• Bothell Man Wins $1 Million Lottery: A Bothell resident won $1 million with a $20 Diamond Dazzler ticket purchased at a Safeway in Mill Creek, celebrating with his girlfriend after scratching the ticket. The couple plans to spend the prize money on vacations, new cars, and investments. (info)

• Kenmore Adopts 2025-2026 Budget and Financial Sustainability Plan: Kenmore's $111 million biennial budget focuses on public services, environmental restoration, and community projects, including advancing the Climate Action Plan and acquiring Lakepointe property for a central park. The Financial Sustainability Plan ensures balanced revenues and long-term stability. (info)

Events:

• Pickleball Open Play Night on Dec. 26 from 6-10pm. (info)

• Bluegrass jam and concert on Dec. 29 at Copperworks Distilling Kenmore from 2:30-7:30pm. (info)

• Smoothie Sip & Learn at Bothell Chiropractic and Wellness on Jan. 2 from 2:30-6pm. (info)

Fall City/Snoqualmie:

News:

• Summit at Snoqualmie Opens for 2024-25 Ski Season: The Summit at Snoqualmie kicked off its ski season on Dec. 17, 2024, with exclusive access for Summit and Ikon passholders. The resort received over a foot of snow, significantly improving its base depth, but snow coverage remains thin. Skiers are advised to watch for hazards on the slopes. The opening day featured festive celebrations, including first chair prizes, and lift tickets became available for the public on Dec. 18. (info)

• City Seeks Volunteer for Meadowbrook Farm Board: The City of Snoqualmie is seeking a volunteer for the Meadowbrook Farm Preservation Association Board. The role focuses on preserving the farm's history and natural aspects. Meetings are held online monthly. Apply via the city's website. (info)

• Snoqualmie Firefighters Association Hosts Winter Donation Drives: During the December 7, 2024 Snoqualmie Winter Lights event, firefighters collected donations for Feed Kiddos, providing food for food-insecure children over winter break. They also partnered with Operation Warm and local schools to distribute winter coats. The SFFA hosted a holiday Giving Tree, with gifts for local children, and even delivered holiday cheer with a fire engine and ambulance. The SFFA thanks the community for their support and wishes everyone a safe holiday season. (info)

• Snoqualmie Police Department Reinstates School Resource Officer: The School Resource Officer position has been reinstated with Officer Gutwein returning to full duty after a medical leave. The department is actively recruiting for a permanent officer to fill the position in the future. (info)

Events:

• SnoValley Innovation Center Meet-up on Dec. 27 from 12pm-1pm. (info)

• Sunday Group Trail Run on Jan. 5 from 7:30am-12pm. (info)

• Snowshoes & Brews by REI on Jan. 10 from 12:30-4pm. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• Recology Holiday Schedule for December 2024: Recology collection services will be delayed by one day next week due to the holiday. There will be no service on Wednesday, December 25. Customers should place carts out the day after their usual service day (e.g., Wednesday's collection will be on Thursday). (info)

• Holiday Closures for Issaquah Community Center, Senior Center, and Pool: The Issaquah Community Center will be closed through Jan. 5, reopening on Jan. 6. The Senior Center will be closed Dec. 23-27 and on Jan. 1. The Julius Boehm Pool will be closed Dec. 23-25 and on Jan. 1. (info)

• Recent Police Incidents Summary: Between December 9 and December 15, 2024, several incidents were reported in Issaquah. A commercial burglary on SE 64th Pl resulted in stolen computers, with no witnesses or video evidence. On December 11, officers arrested a driver suspected of DUI after they swerved into traffic on Issaquah-Hobart Rd S. Malicious mischief incidents occurred throughout the week, with antisemitic and white supremacist graffiti found in the 4th Ave NW area. On December 12, officers responded to a theft in progress at Highlands Dr NE, apprehending suspects after a vehicle crash. Lastly, a burglary of 28 storage units on 221st Pl SE was reported on December 15, with stolen items including firearms. Investigations are ongoing. (info)

Events:

• Issaquah Fiber Arts Daytime Meetup on Dec. 27 from 11am-1pm. (info)

• Live Music at Vino Bella Wine Bar on Dec. 27 from 7:30-9:30pm. (info)

• Family Friendly New Years Eve at Arena Sports on Dec. 31 from 6-10pm. (info)

• New Year’s Bollywood Bash at Pickering Barn on Dec. 31 from 8pm-1am. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• Kirkland City Council Adopts 2025-2026 Budget: The Kirkland City Council has officially approved a budget of $1.08 billion for the 2025-2026 biennium, focusing on key areas such as infrastructure improvements, public safety, and community services. This budget reflects the city's commitment to sustainable growth and enhancing quality of life for residents. (info)

• Help “Elevate KPC” – Kirkland Performance Center Needs You!: The Kirkland Performance Center is launching its “Elevate KPC” fundraising campaign to raise funds for building renovations and program expansion. The campaign aims to enhance the venue's facilities, ensuring it remains a vibrant cultural hub in the community.

• Traffic Alerts in Kirkland: Several construction projects in Kirkland will pause during the holidays, from December 23 to January 3, with different resumption schedules in January. Work on 100th Avenue Northeast will resume on January 6 with alternating traffic between Northeast 137th and 145th streets, and a speed limit of 25 mph will be enforced. Similarly, construction on 116th Avenue Northeast near Lake Washington High School will reduce traffic to a single lane during work hours starting January 6. On 124th Avenue Northeast, drivers will encounter “Right Turn Only” access near ongoing sidewalk and stormwater work, with no construction on holidays. Other updates include sidewalk construction on 132nd Avenue Northeast, lane reductions on Juanita Drive, and a pause on work at Eighth Avenue West and Fifth Street West until 2025, with traffic impacts managed by flaggers in certain areas. (info)

• Kirkland Adopts 2044 Comprehensive Plan: The Kirkland City Council adopted the 2044 Comprehensive Plan on December 10, 2024, setting the framework for the city’s growth and development over the next 20 years. The plan includes goals for sustainability, affordable housing, economic development, climate resilience, and addressing housing and social challenges. (info)

Events:

• Samena Squares Dance Lessons on Dec. 26 from 7-9pm. (info)

• New Years Eve: Kevin Jones / Larray Murante at Sparrow on Dec. 31. (info)

• Sound Bath Class on Jan. 14 from 6:30-7:30pm. (info)

Mercer Island:

News:

• Mercer Island’s Tana Senn Appointed Head of State’s Children and Families Department: State Rep. Tana Senn of Mercer Island has been appointed by Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson to lead the Department of Children, Youth and Families, effective January 15, 2025. Senn, a long-time advocate for child care, education, and youth mental health, will bring her legislative experience to improve services for Washington's children and families, following a year of criticism for the agency's leadership. (info)

Events:

• Holiday Light Recycling Drop-off on Jan. 3 (all day). (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Redmond Council President Vanessa Kritzer Named Chair of WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council: Redmond City Council President Vanessa Kritzer has been elected as the new chair of the Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Watershed (WRIA 8) Salmon Recovery Council, focusing on protecting and restoring salmon habitats, including in Redmond’s streams. Kritzer, who has served on the council for four years, will lead efforts to support salmon recovery in the region, including the Chinook, coho, and kokanee species, through science-based conservation plans and community involvement. (info)

• Redmond 2050 Plan Takes New Steps Toward Equity and Inclusion: The City of Redmond has unveiled updates to its 2050 Comprehensive Plan, focusing on advancing equity and inclusion for all residents. Key initiatives include the creation of cultural districts, expanded housing options, and enhanced accessibility features, all driven by community input to ensure a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds. (info)

Events:

• Christmas Eve and Christmas Dinner at Brown’s Stockyard Exchange on Dec. 24 & 25 from 5-10pm. (info)

• Cirque du Soleil Kooza on Jan. 19 from 5-7pm. (info)

• RHeartPython New Year Celebration on Jan 14 at Microsoft Reactor Redmond from 5-8pm. (info)

Renton:

News:

• 2024 Comprehensive Plan Adopted: The Renton City Council adopted the 2024 Comprehensive Plan, guiding the city’s growth and development goals for the next 20 years, addressing housing, transportation, and economic expansion. Public input from over 1,000 survey respondents and multiple events shaped the plan, which anticipates the addition of 17,000 households and 31,780 jobs. (info)

• Renton’s Civic Academy Launch: Renton has introduced its first Civic Academy, a free five-week program for residents to learn about the city's decision-making process and operations. The program will run from February 13 to March 20, 2025, with applications open from December 20 to January 20. (info)

• Renton Man Arrested on Multiple Child Exploitation Charges: A Renton man, Kevin McFarland, was arrested and charged with multiple sex crimes, including child exploitation, following a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. McFarland, a former registered sex offender, is believed to have been engaging in lewd behavior since 2016, attempting to contact women and minors for explicit conduct. Detectives discovered videos showing McFarland approaching minors, and his distinct tattoos were identified in the footage. The King County Sheriff's Office is urging any other victims to come forward. McFarland’s bail is set at $250,000.

• Renton Police Search for Fugitive: Renton police are looking for convicted felon Jomauri Wilson, who has seven arrest warrants for charges including domestic violence and illegal firearm possession. After cutting off his ankle monitor, Wilson has been on the run for nearly a year and is considered armed and dangerous.

Events:

• Downtown Renton Holiday Light Show on Dec. 31 at 10pm. (info)

• Polar Bear Double Dip at Gene Coulon memorial Beach Park on Jan. 1 at 12pm. (info)

• Moonlight Masquerade Winter Family Dance on Feb. 7 from 6-8pm. (info)

Sammamish:

News:

• Second Child Luring Reported Near Sammamish School: Sammamish police are investigating a second child luring incident near Margaret Mead Elementary School, following a similar report the day before. On Monday, a child was approached by a man in a white van, and another student was targeted Tuesday morning, prompting increased police patrols around the school. (info)

• Sammamish Traffic Updates (12/20/24): Ziply Fiber is installing underground fiber internet lines in select neighborhoods, causing minor traffic delays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Puget Sound Energy will be working on a new gas main at the intersection of Sahalee and Northeast 37th Way on Dec. 21, 23, 26, and 27, with traffic controlled by a police officer. Additionally, a contractor is installing sanitary sewer lines for the Brownstone development on Southeast 222nd Street, with work from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Expect delays in these areas during scheduled work hours. (info)

Events:

• Evergreen Academy Open House on Jan. 25 from 10am-1pm. (info)

• Coffee with the City Council on Jan. 3 at 9:30am. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

• No new news this week!

Events:

• Port & Chocolate Pairing at Barnard Griffin on Dec. 28 from 12-6:30pm. (info)

• Cheers to the New Year at Willows Lodge on Dec. 31. (info)

• Trivia Night at Northwest Spirits on Jan 2 from 7-8:30pm. (info)

Volunteering Opportunities:

• Please reply to this email if you have any volunteering opportunities you’d like to share!

What we are currently loving!

• During our recent visit to Bake's Place in Bellevue, we were impressed by the Sake Braised Pork Belly. The tender pork, infused with a rich sake flavor, was complemented by a delicate sweetness that balanced the savory notes. This dish, along with the cozy ambiance and live music, made for a memorable dining experience!

Vibes:

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

• It will be raining all 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)