Seastside Newsletter #77

Bellevue:

News:

• Palestinian-American author calls out WA school for cancelling book event: Safa Suleiman, a Palestinian-American author, faced cancellation of her scheduled book-reading event at Ardmore Elementary by Bellevue School District. The district cited a blog post linked to her book, "Hilwa's Gifts," which detailed her family’s death in Israeli airstrikes, as a reason for potential disruption. Although they had purchased copies of her book and initially expressed excitement for the event during Arab American Heritage Month, they later deemed it necessary to cancel. Suleiman criticized the decision as hurtful and indicative of a double standard, asserting that her work focuses on joy and love for children. Despite the cancellation, she successfully held a reading event with CAIR-WA in Bellevue. Suleiman emphasized the chilling effect this has on First Amendment rights and the freedoms of writers. (info)

• Neighborhood Walks at BelRed Arts District, Eastgate and Cougar Mountain/Lakemont: Bellevue's popular Neighborhood Walks series resumes this July, marking its ninth summer. The initiative invites residents to connect with city staff while exploring three local neighborhoods: BelRed Arts District, Eastgate, and Cougar Mountain/Lakemont. This program encourages community members to share their thoughts on neighborhood character and emerging needs. The walks aim to foster dialogue between residents and city officials, enhancing local engagement. Each walk will be an opportunity for residents to express their concerns and ideas directly. The series underscores Bellevue's commitment to maintaining vibrant and responsive neighborhoods. (info)

• Bellevue Eyes Ashwood Park Revamp with Plaza, Dog Area, and Play Space: The City of Bellevue is reviewing an updated master plan for Ashwood Park, a 3.82-acre green space near the downtown library, featuring a new plaza, expanded walking paths, and amenities like a dog area and children’s play zone. While no construction is planned yet, the preferred design—Alternative F—would bring 1.25 acres of open lawn, picnic shelters, and improved landscaping. The plan aims to better serve the growing downtown population and is undergoing environmental review. Public input will help shape the final design over the next two years. (info)

Events:

• Meet & Greet: City Council Candidates at WaFd Bank on July 10th. (info)

• Bellevue Farmers Market on July 10th. (info)

• Japan Fair 2025 on July 12th. (info)

• Downtown Movies in the Park on July 15th. (info)

Bothell & Kenmore:

News:

• Bothell Seeks Pro/Con Committee Members for Safe Streets Levy Vote: The City of Bothell is inviting residents to join committees that will draft official voter pamphlet statements for or against Proposition 1, the renewal of the Safe Streets and Sidewalks Levy Lid Lift on the November 4, 2025 ballot. If passed, the levy would set the city’s property tax rate at $1.65 per $1,000 assessed value in 2026 and fund street repairs, sidewalk upgrades, and traffic safety projects through 2035. Interested applicants must submit a letter of interest by July 7, indicating their position and reasons for joining. The City Council will appoint up to three members per side at its July 15 meeting. (info)

Events:

• Bothell Art Walk on July 10th. (info)

• K-12 Summer Camp at Willard Art & Frame on July 10th. (info)

• Startup 425 CoWorking on July 16th. (info)

• Summer Wine, Beer and Spirits Walk on July 19th. (info)

Fall City & Snoqualmie:

News:

• Snoqualmie Casino Hotel Unveils Expanded Non-Smoking Gaming Floor: Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel unveils an expanded non-smoking gaming floor, adding nearly 400 popular slot machines designed for non-smoking guests. This new area complements the casino's existing smoke-free slot area, enhancing guest choice. All dining venues on the property maintain a 100% non-smoking policy, reinforcing its appeal to guests seeking a smoke-free experience. CEO Mary Lou Patterson expressed excitement about the expansion, highlighting its alignment with guest preferences. The grand opening is set for August 8, 2025, coinciding with other upgrades, including a new sports bar and a destination spa. This development positions Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel as a leading entertainment destination in the region. (info)

• Empower Youth Network announces Rise and Shine Volunteer Scholarship Awards: Empower Youth Network celebrated the 28th Annual Rise & Shine Volunteer Recognition Breakfast on June 4, 2025, at the Riverview Educational Service Center in Duvall. The event acknowledged exceptional volunteers and students, with awards presented in Youth, Community, Business, and Volunteer Champion categories. Executive Director Max Harrison remarked on the significance of honoring those who enrich the Snoqualmie Valley. Scholarships were awarded to two high school graduates: Apollo Andrews and Henry Ehrnman. The event included a group photo of the awardees, showcasing the community's commitment to volunteerism. The gathering highlighted the impact of local individuals and organizations in fostering a supportive environment. (info)

• North Bend and Snoqualmie Outline E-Bike, E-Scooter, and E-Motorcycle Rules as Summer Riding Increases: North Bend and Snoqualmie are promoting awareness of laws related to electric-assisted bikes, scooters, and motorcycles as riding activity increases with warmer weather. The cities, in partnership with the Snoqualmie-North Bend Police Department, published online guides detailing safe and legal usage. Washington State law categorizes electric bicycles and motorcycles based on motor power, requiring vehicles exceeding 750 watts to be registered and operated by licensed drivers. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are limited to 20 mph, while Class 3 e-bikes can reach 28 mph and are restricted to riders aged 16 and older. Both cities emphasize helmet use and responsible riding, particularly for young riders. Community members are urged to report unsafe practices, reinforcing the importance of safety. (info)

• Snoqualmie’s Free Summer Nights Series Returns with Movies and Music in the Park: The City of Snoqualmie is bringing back its beloved “Summer Nights” series with free outdoor movies and live music every Thursday in July. Movie nights at Jeanne Hansen Park (34226 SE Jacobia St.) begin around 9 p.m., with face painting and raffle prizes beforehand. Featured films include Frozen on July 17 and A Minecraft Movie on July 31. Music lovers can catch tribute bands at the Community Park Amphitheater (SE Ridge St. & Center Blvd SE) starting at 7 p.m. Petty Thief takes the stage on July 10, followed by Trembling Thrilburys on July 24. Free face painting runs from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at music events. (info)

Events:

• Music in the Park on July 10th. (info)

• SnoValley Innovation Center Meet-up on July 11th. (info)

• Movies in the Park on July 17th. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• No new news!

Events:

• Regal Summer Dollar Movies on July 8th. (info)

• Concerts on the Green on July 8th. (info)

• Art Lab and Maker Space on July 9th. (info)

• Friday Night at Infinity Farm on July 11th. (info)

• Camp S'more on July 12th. (info)

• Issaquah Farmer's Market at Pickering Barn on July 12th. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• Reward to find Jonathan Hoang now at 100k: The reward for finding Jonathan Hoang, a 21-year-old with a developmental disability, has increased to $100,000 following a donation from a Florida businessman. Hoang was possibly spotted on surveillance video in Kirkland last week, which has spurred community search efforts. Local authorities are urging residents to review their security camera footage for any signs of Hoang. His disappearance has raised concerns among family and friends, highlighting the need for public awareness. The community's response reflects a strong commitment to supporting families in distress. This increased reward may incentivize more people to assist in the search. (info)

• Kirkland Performance Center Undergoes Major Theater Upgrades: Construction is underway at the Kirkland Performance Center to modernize its rigging, lighting, and staging systems. The upgrade replaces the old manual rope rigging with a safer hoist system, enhancing both performance capabilities and energy efficiency. The $5.2 million project is funded through city, state, corporate, and private contributions—$4.1 million has already been raised. Performances are paused through August, with the theater set to reopen this fall. (info)

• Houghton Beach Closed Due to Elevated Bacteria Levels: Kirkland’s Houghton Beach remains closed to water activity following continued elevated bacteria levels in recent water samples. The closure began on June 24 and will extend at least another week until the water is deemed safe. King County crews will conduct additional testing next week. (info)

Events:

• Summer Concerts at Feriton Spur Park on July 9th. (info)

• Summer Evening Concert Series on July 10th. (info)

• Everest Park Playground Ribbon Cutting on July 10th. (info)

• Summer Sounds Concert Series at Kirkland Urban! on July 15th. (info)

Mercer Island:

News:

• Mercer Island Bond Levy for Public Safety Facility Moves to Second Reading
  The Mercer Island City Council will hold a second reading on July 15 for a $103.9 million bond levy to fund a new Public Safety and Maintenance (PSM) Facility. If approved, the measure will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot. A 25-year repayment plan would cost a household with a $2 million assessed value about $56/month. Council also exempted the facility from the 1% Art in Public Places contribution, sparking debate from arts advocates. A final explanatory statement and pro/con committee appointments will be decided at the upcoming meeting. (info)

Events:

• Summer Celebration 2025 on July 12th. (info)

• Music in the Park on July 17th. (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Employee Shoots Suspected Car Thief in Redmond: Around 11 p.m. on July 6, a Redmond employee shot a man allegedly attempting to break into a co-worker’s car. According to police, the suspect became aggressive when confronted, prompting the employee—who legally owned the firearm—to shoot him in the abdomen. The suspect was transported to Harborview Medical Center. The employee remained on scene and is cooperating with law enforcement. (info)

Events:

• Derby Days on July 11th. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Plan Ahead: Summer I-405 Closures Begin in July: WSDOT has announced key I-405 closures this summer as part of the Renton to Bellevue Widening and Express Toll Lanes Project. Travelers should prepare for daytime disruptions. These closures support infrastructure upgrades including drainage, noise wall panels, bridge overlays, and tolling systems. More closures are expected in August and September.

  • July 11–14: Northbound I-405 closed from the SR169 off-ramp to Southport Drive on-ramp

  • July 18–21: Northeast 44th Street closed east of Lake Washington Blvd NE

Events:

• Summer Concert: Point of Sail on July 10th

• Magic Show with Alex Zerbe on July 16th. (info)

• Renton River Days on July 25th through July 27th. (info)

Sammamish:

News:

• Sammamish Housing Plan Sparks Backlash Over Proposed Density Increase: A proposal to double the housing units in Sammamish’s town center from 2,000 to 4,000 has triggered public concern over traffic, infrastructure, and transparency, leading to the “Save Our Sammamish” campaign. Residents criticize the reliance on outdated data and lack of a public vote, while the city defends the plan with updated studies and insists development will include community benefits; the city council vote is set for July 15, with public comment open until July 9. (info)

• Sammamish Traffic Updates: July Road Work and Closures The City of Sammamish announced upcoming road projects including stormwater pipe inspections (July 17–18), a night closure on Louis Thompson Road for Comcast work (July 7–11), asphalt overlays on Beaver Lake Drive (June 30–July 31), ADA sidewalk upgrades (July 14–Aug 22), and limited restoration work by Ziply Fiber; most projects will involve single-lane closures with flaggers directing traffic. (info)

Events:

• Coffee & Connections Networking Meetup on July 8th. (info)

• Three Trick Pony on July 10th. (info)

• Recycling Event on July 12th from 9am-12pm. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

• Woodinville Launches School Zone Safety Camera Pilot Program: The City of Woodinville is introducing a School Zone Safety Camera Pilot to enhance student safety, with community meetings scheduled at Rotary Park on July 8 (10–11am, 1–3:30pm) and July 10 (6–7pm); residents are encouraged to attend and provide input to help shape the program. (info)

Events:

• Beeholder Release Party at Watts Brewing on July 12th. (info)

• Bites & Beats: Market & Bar Dojo @ the Chateau Ste. Michelle Summer Concert Series on July 13th. (info)

What we are currently loving!

• Prime Steakhouse (Redmond): Prime is a polished downtown steakhouse where top-2-percent USDA Prime ribeyes hit the table alongside truffle mac and plush leather booths that make mid-week dinners feel like a promotion celebration. If you’re not splurging on the 24-ounce porterhouse, grab the bacon-jam burger or catch their twice-daily happy hour—either way, you’ll leave smelling faintly of char and steakhouse ambition. redmondprime.comyelp.com

• Peony Kitchen (Bellevue): This stylish Main Street spot rewrites classic Chinese with pork soup dumplings, tea-smoked chicken, and other modern plates that look as good as the dining room’s marble-and-brass glow. Weekend crowds pile in for sizzling black-pepper beef and stiff lychee cocktails, and the fast, friendly service keeps the vibey space humming like Bellevue’s answer to a Shanghai supper club.

Vibes:

• Expect sunshine and summer vibes to kick off the week with highs climbing into the low–mid‑80s. Ideal for lake trips, park hangs, or just lounging outdoors. Midweek brings a cozy pause: clouds roll in Wednesday with a passing shower or two. By Thursday, skies brighten again and the warmth returns, lasting through the weekend with peak highs back in the low–mid‑80s. It’s shaping up to be a sun‑filled stretch, just in time for outdoor get-togethers and weekend barbecues.

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