Seastside Newsletter #67

Bellevue:

News:

• Uber Driver Accused in Bellevue Teen Assault Case Pleads Not Guilty, Bail Reduced: A King County rideshare driver accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old passenger during a February ride in Bellevue pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of indecent liberties and unlawful imprisonment with sexual motivation. Martin Njoki, 43, appeared in court where a judge lowered his bail from $150,000 to $30,000 and ordered home detention if released. Njoki, who has no prior criminal history and is the primary caregiver for his mother and five children, remains in King County Jail. A sexual assault protection order was also issued. (info)

• Councilmember John Stokes Honored for 14 Years of Service: The Bellevue City Council celebrated outgoing Councilmember John Stokes on April 23 with a reception and commendation recognizing his 14 years of service. Stokes, who announced his retirement earlier this month, was praised for his contributions to the city. In the same meeting, the council discussed progress on the Neighborhood Enhancement Program, Ashwood Park’s master plan, and updates to the Crossroads and Newport neighborhood plans. Sandra Martinez Osorio was appointed to the Arts Commission, and proclamations were issued for Earth Day, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Week of Action, and International Firefighters’ Day. (info)

Events:

• Grand Connection Street Eats Monday - Thursday from 11am to 2pm at City Hall and Compass Plaza. (info)

• Bellevue Diversity Advisory Network Meeting on April 29th. (info)

• Bellevue Network on Aging meeting on May 1st. (info)

• Bellevue Cinco De Mayo Bar Crawl on May 5th. (info)

Bothell & Kenmore:

News:

• Retired Bothell Firefighter Adam Lamb Dies After Battle with Cancer: The Bothell community is mourning the loss of retired firefighter Lieutenant Adam Lamb, who passed away on Friday after battling mesothelioma, the Bothell Fire Department announced. Lamb, affectionately known as "Lambo" or the "Unofficial Mayor of Bothell," fought his second battle with cancer, which was classified as a Line of Duty Death. He is survived by his wife, Katherine, and their three children, Dak, Prairie, and Irie. (info)

• Bothell High School Teacher Arrested Over Student Misconduct Allegations: Bothell High School band teacher Philip Dean, 44, was arrested Thursday over allegations of sexual misconduct with a student that occurred between 2015 and 2016. Dean faces charges of first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor and communication with a minor for immoral purposes. The Northshore School District placed Dean on leave in February when the allegations surfaced. Authorities do not believe there are additional victims. Dean is currently being held in King County Jail. (info)

Events:

• History Pub at McMenamins on April 29th. (info)

• Community Workshop: Skatepark & Pump Track on May 1st. (info)

• Home Electrification Workshop on May 3rd. (info)

• Transportation Workshop on May 10th. (info)

Fall City & Snoqualmie:

News:

• Ames Lake Bridge Reopens with Safety and Environmental Upgrades: The Ames Lake Bridge on Ames Lake-Carnation Road NE officially reopened on April 25 after a 10-month closure for a complete rebuild. The new structure replaces the 100-year-old timber bridge, improving safety with a wider, straighter approach, eliminating weight restrictions, and enhancing sightlines. Environmental improvements include the removal of toxic materials, restoration of Ames Creek’s natural channel, and habitat enhancements for fish and wildlife. Funded by King County and state road programs, the $7.6 million project came in under budget. Minor utility work will continue in late May and June with flaggers directing traffic. (info)

• WTAs 2025 Roads Report The future of roads connecting people to public lands is eroding: The Washington Trails Association has published its 2025 roads report, identifying 10 vital roads for outdoor recreation in Washington. Among the highlighted roads are the Chiwawa River Road and Silver Star Road. The report underscores the urgent need for funding to maintain these roads to prevent loss of access to popular public lands. Recent reductions in Forest Service staffing threaten the safety and upkeep of these crucial access routes. With only 15% of the budget allocated for maintaining 90,000 miles of forest roads in Oregon and Washington, many roads risk becoming undrivable. Andrea Imler, WTA’s advocacy director, emphasized that forest roads are essential for accessing Washington's outdoor spaces, which support local economies and community health. (info)

• Letter Urgent Concerns Regarding Hazardous Traffic Revisions at Echo Lake and SE 104th Street: Carol Albert, representing the Echo Lake neighborhood, expressed grave safety concerns regarding recent traffic changes by WSDOT and Aecon Construction at the intersection of Echo Lake Road/SE 104th Street and State Route 18. She highlighted that the temporary traffic light has created dangerous conditions, especially for drivers turning left from SR 18 onto SE 104th Street. Albert noted that the extended green light for westbound SR 18 favors construction traffic, compromising local safety. She reported that the current traffic signal setup leads to reckless driving behavior, as eastbound drivers do not anticipate vehicles stopping to turn left. Albert called for immediate revisions to traffic controls, including changing the green light to a flashing yellow light. Her letter emphasizes the urgent need for WSDOT to prioritize neighborhood safety over construction expediency. (info)

Events:

• Small Business Week from May 1st to May 7th. (info)

• SnoValley Innovation Fridays: Connect, Collaborate, Create! on May 2nd. (info)

• Special Recycling Event on May 3rd. (info)

• Sunday Group Trail Run on May 4th. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• Congratulations to the 2025 Environmental Award Winners: Issaquah recognized Steve Williams and Alexandra Mina Jun for their significant contributions to environmental advocacy during Earth Month. Williams received the Ruth and Dan Kees Award for a Sustainable Environment, while Jun earned the Community Environmental Award. Williams dedicated 30 years to King County Parks and has influenced many local initiatives, including the Cougar Mountain Master Plan. He expressed pride in the stewardship efforts of the Trail Club. Jun, a student at Gibson Ek, has actively engaged in environmental initiatives, including serving on the City’s Environmental Board. She aims to continue her advocacy work while studying in New York this fall. (info)

• City Mourns Passing of WA Sen. Bill Ramos: State Senator Bill Ramos died unexpectedly on April 19, 2025, at 69, prompting an outpouring of grief from the Issaquah community. Elected to the Washington State Senate in 2019, he was a pivotal figure in the 5th Legislative District, known for his work on transportation, equity, and environmental issues. Before serving in Olympia, Ramos contributed to local governance as a member of the Issaquah City Council from 2016 to 2019. Mayor Mary Lou Pauly praised Ramos as a mentor and friend, highlighting his calm leadership and commitment to community. A moment of silence will be held at the Issaquah City Council meeting on April 21, with further tributes planned. Ramos is survived by his wife, King County Councilmember Sarah Perry, and their two children. (info)

Events:

• 2-4-6-8 Family Trivia Night on April 29th. (info)

• Wine and Art Walk - Spring on May 2nd. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• Kirkland Launches Police and Fire Social Media Pages: The City of Kirkland has launched dedicated social media pages for the Kirkland Police Department and Kirkland Fire Department to better connect with the community. The pages will provide emergency alerts, safety tips, updates on services and programs, community event information, and behind-the-scenes stories about the departments. Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold emphasized that the initiative will help highlight the everyday efforts to keep Kirkland safe. Residents are encouraged to follow the new pages to stay informed and engaged with their local first responders. (info)

Events:

• Junk in the Trunk Community Garage Sale on May 3rd. (info)

• City Council Meeting on May 6th. (info)

• Parks Beautification on May 6th. (info)

• Senior Art Show on May 9th. (info)

• 2025 State of the City Address and Community Appreciation Night on May 13. (info)

• Free Paper Shredding and Paint Disposal on May 17th. (info)

Mercer Island:

News:

• Early Special Election Results Released for Mercer Island School District Bond: Early results for the April 22 special election show the Mercer Island School District’s $165 million bond measure receiving 56.64% approval, short of the 60% needed to pass. The bond has already met the voter turnout validation requirement, with 9,478 ballots counted. If approved, the bond would fund key infrastructure projects, including a new multi-use performance space at Islander Middle School, with a projected millage rate of $1.89 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Final results will be certified on May 2. (info)

• Northwood Student Council Leads Donation Drive for Mary’s Place: Northwood Elementary School’s student council successfully organized a donation drive collecting 1,134 personal hygiene items for Mary’s Place, a nonprofit operating three emergency family shelters in King County. Instructional coach and student council adviser Ethan Glemaker guided the effort, with crucial support from Northwood students and families. The donations will significantly aid Mary’s Place’s mission to support families experiencing homelessness. (info)

• Energy Smart Eastside Celebrates Major Milestones in 2024 Annual Report: Energy Smart Eastside (ESE), a collaboration between Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Redmond, and Sammamish, released its 2024 Annual Report highlighting major progress in residential electrification and climate action. In 2024, ESE reached 500 heat pump installations, preventing an estimated 9,300 metric tons of CO₂ emissions over the systems' lifetimes. The program also strengthened local economies by helping HVAC contractors retain staff during economic slowdowns and generated nearly $8 million in business. Partnerships with Puget Sound Energy and local nonprofits helped expand no-cost installations for income-qualified households, backed by $5.5 million in grants from PSE and the Washington State Department of Commerce. ESE continues to support the region’s climate goals by providing instant rebates, education, and streamlined services for homeowners. (info)

Events:

• Breakfast of Champions Fundraiser on April 29th. (info)

• Family Movie Night on May 2nd at 5:30. (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Shots Fired After Altercation at Redmond Safeway: Redmond police are investigating reports of shots fired during a verbal altercation inside the downtown Redmond Safeway on Monday afternoon. Witnesses reported that the male shooter and another man left the area shortly after the incident, which occurred just before 3 p.m. between Redmond Way and Avondale Way. No injuries were reported, and authorities believe there is no ongoing threat to the public. (info)

• Redmond Light Rail Launch Day Packed with Events, Activities: Sound Transit will celebrate the opening of two new Link 2 Line stations—Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond—on Saturday, May 10. Festivities begin with a ribbon-cutting at 10:30 a.m., followed by community celebrations from noon to 4 p.m. featuring live music, food trucks, activities, and giveaways. Microsoft will provide 1,500 pre-loaded ORCA cards and free shuttle services between Redmond Technology Station, Marymoor Village, and Downtown Redmond stations. The new 3.4-mile extension will offer service every 10 minutes, connecting South Bellevue to Downtown Redmond. (info)

Events:

• Redmond Ridge Ladies’ Golf Club on April 30th. (info)

• Redmond Town Center Exotics Car Show on May 3rd. (info)

• Cinco de Mayo Celebration on May 4th. (info)

• Small Biz Day Retreat on May 8th. (info)

• Light Rail Grand Opening: Downtown Redmond on May 10th. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Renton, WA offering outreach ahead of camp cleanup on Cedar River Trail: Renton police and outreach workers engage with Cedar River Natural Area encampments before scheduled cleanups. Officers inform residents that they have about two weeks to accept available services or relocate, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Sgt. Denis Moynihan noted the identification of 27 encampments through drone mapping. The outreach team aims to connect individuals with life-saving resources, highlighting the humane treatment of those affected. Clorissa Lewis-Newell, part of the outreach effort, encourages residents to seek support. This initiative aligns with a broader city safety strategy that includes law enforcement patrols throughout the summer. (info)

• Chase Jones Sentenced to 17 Years for Crash That Killed Washington Mom and Three Children: Chase Jones, 19, was sentenced to 17.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of vehicular homicide and two counts of vehicular assault stemming from a high-speed crash in Renton's Fairwood neighborhood. Driving 112 mph and running a red light, Jones caused the deaths of Andrea Hudson, 38, and three children: Boyd "Buster" Brown, 12, and sisters Eloise and Matilda Wilcoxson, ages 12 and 13. The tragedy has spurred legislative efforts, including the proposed BEAM Act, to mandate speed limiters for repeat speeding offenders. (info)

Events:

• Compost and Amendments the Natural Way on May 7th. (info)

• What’s Brewing with Ed – Conversations with Renton’s CAO on May 7th. (info)

• 10th Annual Renton Career Fair on May 14th and 15th. (info)

• Animal Control Pet Adoption on May 17th. (info)

• Renton Recreation Safety Fest on May 17th. (info)

Sammamish:

News:

• Sammamish Volunteer of the Year Lena Wegner Plants Flowers and Builds Community: On March 14, Lena Wegner was honored as Sammamish’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year for her dedicated work at the Heritage Garden in Big Rock Park Central. At 90 years old, Wegner remains an active co-founder and co-chair of the Sammamish Botanical Garden Society, contributing nearly daily by planting flowers, maintaining native species, and inspiring fellow volunteers. Wegner hopes her work will eventually lead to the creation of a full-scale botanical garden in Sammamish. (info)

Events:

• April 30, 2025 Heat Pumps, Cool Incentives Community Workshop on April 30th. (info)

• Coffee with Council on May 3. (info)

• City Council Meeting on May 6th. (info)

• Run/Walk for Recovery on May 10th. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

• Prevent Mail Package Theft: The Woodinville Police Department advises residents to take precautions against package and mail theft as incidents rise sharply. In 2023, over 120 million packages were reported stolen in the U.S., highlighting an urgent need for vigilance. Residents can mitigate risks by using secure delivery options, such as Amazon Lockers, and scheduling deliveries for times when they're home. Additionally, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service reports an 87% increase in mail theft since 2019, attributing this trend to increased financial fraud and a lenient prosecutorial climate. To combat this, the Postal Service launched Project Safe Delivery in 2023. Residents are encouraged to pick up mail promptly and report any suspicious activity around mailboxes. (info)

Events:

• 4 Stitch Trivia Night on April 30th. (info)

• Auction of Washington Wines Vintner Dinner on May 2nd. (info)

• Woodinville Farmers Market on May 3rd. (info)

• Yoga + Wine at Rocky Pond Tasting Room on May 4th. (info)

Volunteering Opportunities:

• Volunteer Evans Creek Preserve on May 3rd. (info)

What we are currently loving!

• 203°F Coffee Co. – Kirkland, WA: This sleek café in Totem Lake serves meticulously crafted espresso drinks in a minimalist setting. Their lavender latte strikes a perfect balance—floral without being overpowering—and pairs well with their selection of pastries. It's an ideal spot for focused work sessions and casual coffee dates.

• La Mar Cocina Peruana – Bellevue, WA: La Mar brings upscale Peruvian cuisine to Bellevue with dishes like creamy tuna tartare wontacos and blowtorched hamachi nigiri. The spacious, artfully designed dining room and attentive service make it perfect for celebrations or impressing out-of-town guests. Don't miss the cebiche tasting trio and the Rainier Sour cocktail for a true taste of Peru.

Vibes:

• This week in Bellevue, Washington, spring is showcasing its full range. The week kicks off with cool, overcast skies and occasional showers, with highs in the upper 50s. Midweek brings a warming trend with sunny skies and temperatures reaching the mid-70s. However, by Friday, clouds return along with a chance of showers, and the weekend sees cooler temperatures with intermittent rain. It's a week of weather variety—perfect for layering and keeping an umbrella close at hand.

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