Seastside Newsletter #71

Bellevue:

News:

• Major water main break causes sinkhole, closures at 148th Ave NE and NE 20th in Bellevue: A significant water main break early Monday morning opened a large sinkhole at the intersection of NE 20th Street and 148th Avenue NE, forcing an indefinite closure of all lanes. Flooding and damage disrupted traffic and utility services, with the City of Bellevue and Redmond responding jointly due to the location near the cities' border. Most water service has been restored, but outages persist at Bellevue Marketplace and IHOP. Repairs are ongoing, and rough road conditions are expected for the next two weeks. Drivers are urged to seek alternate routes. (info)

• 148th Ave NE reopens after utility repairs, caution advised: 148th Avenue NE between NE 20th Street and Bel-Red Road in Bellevue is now open in all directions following utility repairs and restoration of water service to nearby businesses. The road reopened ahead of the Tuesday morning commute, but drivers should expect uneven pavement and ongoing construction as permanent repairs continue over the next few weeks. Warning signs are in place, and the City urges commuters to drive with caution through the area. (info)

Events:

• Tuesday Trivia at Evergreen Point Bistro on May 27th. (info)

• Welcome Back to Your Profession on May 28th. (info)

• Celebrate Pride Month on June 4th. (info)

• Symetra Center Blood Drive on June 6th. (info)

Bothell & Kenmore:

News:

• No new news this week!

Events:

• UW Bothell Block Party and Brewfest on May 31st. (info)

• Spring Residential Recycling Event on May 31st. (info)

• Kenmore Farmers Market Opening Day - Ribbon Cutting on June 4th. (info)

• Shoreline Fire Department Open House and Pancake Breakfast on June 7th. (info)

Fall City & Snoqualmie:

News:

• Snoqualmie City Council approves 2025–2030 utility rate increases: On May 12, the Snoqualmie City Council approved new utility rates for 2025–2030 following a year-long review process. The updated rates aim to support City-owned utilities while accounting for inflation. Residential customers will see increases of 3%–7% annually, multifamily customers 1%–2%, and commercial customers 4%–12%. The approved rates reflect a 5% reduction from proposals discussed in January. Rates take effect June 1, 2025, and income-qualified households can still apply for reduced rate programs. (info)

Events:

• May 2025 Chamber Luncheon on May 28th. (info)

• Smart Recycling Even in Carnation on June 14th. (info)

• Big Truck Day on June 26th. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• Rare crowned crane escapes Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah: Cougar Mountain Zoo is searching for a young East African crowned crane that escaped Wednesday and was last seen flying near Peregrine Point, north of Lake Sammamish State Park. The rare bird is often mistaken for a great blue heron. Zoo officials urge the public not to approach the crane and to call 206-641-1554 if spotted. (info)

Events:

• Issaquah Adult Softball League starts on May 27th. (info)

• The Color Purple at the Village Theatre on May 30th. (info)

• Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS) - Local Recognition Workshop on May 31st. (info)

• Issaquah Farmers Market on May 31st. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• People & pets are advised to avoid water at Juanita Beach due to bacteria: Starting May 20, Public Health – Seattle & King County recommends staying out of the water at Juanita Beach Park after recent water tests showed elevated bacteria levels. Warning signs have been posted, though the rest of the park remains open. Water will be retested next week. Visit King County’s Lake Swimming Beach Data webpage for updates. (info)

• Kirkland neighbors raise safety concerns over planned homeless housing at La Quinta Inn: King County’s plan to convert a Kirkland motel into housing for the homeless has sparked debate in the Houghton neighborhood. Residents cite a sharp rise in police calls at a similar Bellevue facility, operated by Plymouth Housing, where a tenant with 57 prior arrest warrants was recently jailed. While Plymouth says it supports tenant privacy and believes in rehabilitation, residents worry about proximity to schools and rising crime. The nonprofit says eviction decisions must follow legal standards and consider building safety. (info)

• Virginia Mason Franciscan Health opens expanded medical pavilion in Kirkland: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health debuted its new 25,000-square-foot Medical Pavilion in the Ascent Building near downtown Kirkland on May 19, offering expanded services in a modern, centrally located facility. Replacing the previous clinic, the new location introduces dermatology and, later this year, gynecology, alongside a broad range of specialties including cardiology, family medicine, physical therapy, and behavioral health. With enhanced lab space, a new physical therapy gym, and a patient-centered design, the clinic aims to improve access and convenience for the Kirkland community. (info)

Events:

• 7 Hills of Kirkland Bike Ride on May 27th. (info)

• Trivia Night at Savage Brewing Company on May 28th. (info)

• Park Board Special Meeting on May 28th. (info)

• Recycling Collection event on May 31st. (info)

Mercer Island:

News:

• Northwest Yeshiva STEM Team Wins First Prize: Three students from Northwest Yeshiva High School won first place in the Mechanical Engineering for Healthcare category at a New Jersey innovation conference with their 3D-printed, app-connected automated pill dispenser, “The PillPal Box.” (info)

• SR18 Closure Rescheduled for May 29–June 4: WSDOT has rescheduled a full closure of SR18 in both directions under I-90 to May 29–June 4 for construction of a diverging diamond interchange, aiming to reduce future disruptions and improve safety. Originally planned for mid-May but delayed due to rain. (info)

Events:

• Blood Drive Bloodworks NW on May 28th. (info)

• Discover what’s possible: Exploring Entrepreneurship and Franchising on May 28th from 4-5:30pm. (info)

• Mercer Island Farmers Market Opening day on June 1st. (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Microsoft Layoffs Hit Nearly 2,000 in Washington: On May 13, 2025, Microsoft issued layoff notices affecting about 2,000 Washington employees—part of a broader move impacting roughly 3% of its global workforce amid ongoing organizational restructuring. (info)

Events:

• James Arthur live at Marymoor Park tonight from 6-8pm. (info)

• Latin Dance Party on May 29 from 7-9pm. (info)

• Improv Showdown: Family Improv Show on May 31 from 7:30-8:30pm. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Renton Celebrates Public Works Week with Infrastructure Updates and Sustainability Initiatives: The City of Renton honored its 209-member Public Works team during National Public Works Week, highlighting major repairs to asphalt and sidewalks, upgrades to the Henry Moses Aquatic Center, and progress on long-term sustainability goals. Crews used a city-owned concrete truck for rapid street repairs, and the aquatic center is set to reopen June 21 with new pumps, HVAC upgrades, and improved accessibility. The city is also updating its greenhouse gas inventory, seeking feedback on a draft Zero Waste Plan, and preparing a new waste collection contract to support Renton's environmental goals. (info)

• Teen Charged After Renton Officer-Involved Shooting: A 16-year-old boy was charged with unlawful firearm possession after allegedly firing two shots at SWAT officers during an attempted arrest in Renton on May 14. Officers returned fire, injuring the teen, and later recovered multiple firearms from the vehicle. Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues. (info)

• Gene Coulon Beach Remained Closed Over Memorial Day Due to High Bacteria Levels: Renton’s Gene Coulon Beach was closed through Memorial Day after water tests showed unsafe bacteria levels—140 per 100 mL—well above King County’s safety threshold. The contamination, likely from animal or human waste, is under investigation, with officials urging the public and pets to stay out of the water until further notice. (info)

Events:

• Renton Artwalk 2025 on May 28th. (info)

• Paint & Sip at Wine Alley on May 28 from 6-8:30pm. (info)

• Renton Hill Neighborhood BBQ on May 30th. (info)

Sammamish:

News:

• Sammamish Roadwork Updates: Stormwater, Gas, and Traffic Changes Ongoing: As of May 23, Sammamish crews are conducting stormwater pipe inspections along East Lake Sammamish Parkway and installing drainage structures on Louis Thompson Road, which is restricted to southbound traffic through June 20. PSE continues widespread gas main replacement, and Ziply Fiber restoration work is limited to patching and surface repairs after permit suspension. (info)

• Sammamish Wins Livable Communities Award for Comprehensive Plan: The City of Sammamish received Futurewise’s “Livable Communities Award” for its 2024 Comprehensive Plan, recognizing its commitment to equity, sustainability, and public engagement. The plan was unanimously approved by City Council and reflects extensive collaboration between staff, leadership, and residents. (info)

Events:

• Solarize Community Workshop on May 28th. (info)

• City Council Meeting on June 3rd. (info)

• Coffee with Council on June 7th. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

• Explosion Investigated at Woodinville Hardware Store: An explosion occurred Monday afternoon at a hardware store near 130th Ave NE and Little Bear Creek Parkway in Woodinville. Fire crews from Eastside Fire & Rescue and nearby departments responded quickly; the building’s sprinkler system contained most of the fire. No injuries were reported, and a fire investigator has been called to determine the cause. (info)

Events:

• Happier Hour @ Fireside Lounge in Willows Lodge on May 28th. (info)

• Bites & Beats: Market & Bar Dojo at the Chateau Ste. Michelle Summer Concert Series on May 30th. (info)

• 3rd Annual Pollinator Fest on May 31st. (info)

What we are currently loving!

• Due' Cucina – Redmond, WA: Due' Cucina in Redmond is the Italian fast-casual spot where you can build your pasta masterpiece without compromising on quality. With house-made pasta, sauces like short rib ragù, and a variety of toppings, it's a choose-your-own-adventure for carb lovers. The sleek, modern space makes it perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.

• The Melrose Grill – Renton, WA: The Melrose Grill is a classic steakhouse housed in a historic building with charm. Known for its perfectly cooked steaks and attentive service, it's the kind of place where the staff remembers your name and your favorite cut. It's a go-to spot for a special occasion or simply craving a top-notch steak.

Vibes:

• Bellevue will have a mix of spring and early summer weather. Today, Tuesday, May 27, expect partly sunny skies with a high of 73 and a low of 55. Wednesday brings warmer temperatures, reaching up to 85 under clear skies. However, Thursday sees a cooldown with highs around 63 and a chance of morning showers. The weekend offers pleasant conditions: Friday will be mostly sunny with a high of 73, Saturday partly sunny at 67, and Sunday with intervals of clouds and sunshine, reaching 66. Monday, June 2, may have a stray morning shower but will otherwise be mostly cloudy with a high near 69.

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