Seastside Newsletter #79

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Bellevue:

News:

• Council Roundup Financial forecast update: Bellevue City Council received a mid-biennium financial outlook indicating stable tax revenues, but national trends create economic uncertainty. Inflation and reduced consumer confidence may hinder future growth, with significant economic improvement not anticipated until 2027. To address ongoing market challenges, the council unanimously approved an ordinance extending development permit validity. This extension allows builders to reassess projects without incurring reapplication costs. Additionally, the council discussed a work stoppage by Republic Services affecting garbage collection, with staff coordinating drop-off locations for waste. The city plans to monitor the evolving situation and update the public as needed. (info)

• City manager names Dave Tait Bellevue fire chief: Bellevue City Manager Diane Carlson announced the appointment of Dave Tait as the city’s new fire chief on July 16, 2025. Tait has been with the Bellevue Fire Department for 28 years, taking on various roles, including firefighter and paramedic. He served as interim chief since April, following the retirement of former chief Jay Hagen. Tait's extensive experience within the department positions him well for the chief role. The appointment signals a commitment to continuity in leadership amid recent transitions. Tait expressed enthusiasm for leading the department into the future. (info)

• Movies under the stars at Downtown and Crossroads parks: Bellevue's Movies in the Park series will kick off again this summer, providing free PG-rated films for the community at Downtown Park and Crossroads Park. Screenings at Downtown Park will occur on Tuesdays from July 15 to August 19, while Crossroads Park will host showings on Thursdays from July 31 to August 21. Local musicians and entertainers will engage the audience before each movie, with pre-movie activities starting at 7 p.m. and films beginning at dusk. This initiative aims to foster community engagement and provide family-friendly entertainment during the summer months. Bellevue officials expect a positive turnout, as the series has historically attracted large crowds. The event not only supports local arts but also strengthens community bonds. (info)

Events:

• Downtown Movies in the Park on July 22nd. (info)

• Spring District Farm Stand on July 22nd. (info)

• Bellevue Farmers Market on July 24th. (info)

• Network With Us 'After Hours' - Summer Patio Edition on July 30th. (info)

Bothell & Kenmore:

News:

• Bothell Council Approves Major Zoning Updates to Boost Housing and Small Businesses: At its July 8 meeting, the Bothell City Council voted to eliminate parking minimums for new developments and introduce new permitting standards for small, neighborhood-based businesses. The move aims to make it easier to build housing and support “corner store” businesses like markets and cafés throughout the city. Officials say the changes align with Bothell’s 2040 Vision plan by encouraging walkable neighborhoods, fostering local entrepreneurship, and removing outdated rules that have made it harder for housing projects to move forward. (info)

Events:

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

• Port Unplugged – Summer Networking on July 16th. (info)

• Movies in the Park on July 18th. (info)

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

• Community Workshop: Skatepark & Pump Track Design on July 24th. (info)

• Music in the Park on July 25th. (info)

Fall City & Snoqualmie:

News:

• Lane Restriction on SE Issaquah-Hobart Road Could Affect those Avoiding SR 18: From July 14 to July 21, crews will reduce traffic on SE Issaquah-Hobart Road to a single alternating lane for shoulder maintenance and mowing. Work hours will be weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with flaggers directing traffic through the work zone. This schedule overlaps with WSDOT's planned closure of SR 18 from July 17 to July 25, likely increasing traffic on Issaquah-Hobart Road as drivers look for alternatives. The lane restriction may cause delays for those trying to bypass the SR 18 work zone. All vehicles will retain access during this period. Updates will be available on King County’s MyCommute website. (info)

• Seattle Responds to Carnation’s Concerns over Tolt Dam Warning System: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) addressed the City of Carnation's concerns regarding the inactive audible warning system at the Tolt Dam, following a recent flood in Texas. SPU emphasized that the dam is monitored 24/7 and remains safe, with regular safety checks and alternative emergency notifications ready for use. The Tolt Dam Early Warning System sirens were turned off in March 2024 due to a review of a third-party report. SPU confirmed ongoing engagement with Carnation officials and a commitment to regional emergency preparedness. The dam benefits the community through flood management, environmental support, and economic contributions. SPU's response highlights its dedication to safety and continuous improvement in emergency response systems. (info)

• Expect Traffic in Downtown Snoqualmie During Day Out with Thomas Events: Downtown Snoqualmie expects heavier traffic during the Day Out with Thomas event from July 11-13, July 18-20, and July 25-27, 2025. The Northwest Railway Museum organizes the popular family event, which attracts hundreds of families from the Puget Sound region. Trains will operate from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, offering a unique ride with Thomas the Tank Engine. While no road closures are planned, residents should anticipate congestion and limited parking, particularly near Railroad Avenue and the Depot. It’s advisable for drivers to plan alternate routes to navigate the expected influx of visitors. (info)

• Help Shape the Snoqualmies First Strategic Plan, Take Short Survey Today: The City of Snoqualmie is developing its inaugural Strategic Plan to align services and investments with community priorities over the next five years. Residents can contribute by taking an online survey available until the end of July. The plan aims to enhance city resources for parks, public spaces, and economic development while balancing revenue with sustainable service delivery. Community engagement will occur from May to July through events and stakeholder meetings, followed by draft development from August to September. In October, the public will have opportunities to provide feedback on the draft. The City Council will finalize and adopt the plan in November. (info)

• Snoqualmie Begins Citywide Water Meter Audit for Utility System Upgrade: Residents in Snoqualmie may see city employees inspecting water meters and utility connections this summer as part of a routine audit tied to a utility billing system upgrade. Crews from the Public Works Department will verify water, sewer, and stormwater connections, including pipe sizes for homes and businesses. The collected data will be integrated into the city’s new billing system to improve efficiency. City Administrator Mike Chambless thanked residents for their cooperation and encouraged anyone with questions to contact the Parks and Public Works Department at [email protected]. (info)

Events:

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

• 2025 Mayoral Candidate Forum - City of Snoqualmie on July 17th. (info)

• Plein Air Paint Out on July 19th. (info)

• Lagerhead Beer Fest on July 19. (info)

• Music in the Park on July 24th. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• Ashland Park Renovation on the Horizon: Issaquah Highlands has announced plans to renovate Ashland Park, focusing on improving recreational amenities and green spaces. The renovation will expand the park's facilities to better serve the community's needs. Local officials emphasize the importance of outdoor spaces for promoting healthy lifestyles. The project aims to create a more vibrant community hub that encourages outdoor activities. Residents can expect upgraded playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Issaquah Highlands. (info)

• Traffic Alert: Full SR 18 Closure at I-90 Interchange from July 17–25: The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will close State Route 18 in both directions at the I-90 interchange from 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, through 5 a.m. on Friday, July 25. The closure is necessary to complete work on the diverging diamond interchange, including new on-ramps to I-90, drainage and electrical installations, and construction of concrete islands and curbing. Drivers should plan for significant delays and increased traffic through Issaquah, especially on Front Street. Real-time updates will be available on the WSDOT app, statewide travel map, and social media channels. (info)

Events:

• Regal Summer Dollar Movies on July 15th. (info)

• Concerts on the Green on July 15th. (info)

• Volunteer Opportunity: Miyawaki Forest on July 17th. (info)

• Friday Night at Infinity Farm on July 18th. (info)

• Issaquah Farmer's Market at Pickering Barn on July 19th. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• Houghton Beach Reopened: Houghton Beach is reopen for Water activities by recommendation of Public Health – Seattle & King County. (info)

• Kirkland Performance Center Begins Major Theater Upgrades: The Kirkland Performance Center has launched the first phase of a major renovation project to modernize its rigging, lighting, and staging systems. The upgrades include replacing the outdated rope rigging with a safer and more efficient hoist system, alongside broader improvements to building safety and energy efficiency. Backed by a combination of city and state funding, as well as private donations and corporate support, the project has raised $4.1 million toward its $5.2 million goal. The theater will pause performances through July and August during construction, with plans to resume its regular programming this fall. City officials, including Councilmember Penny Sweet, praised the project for ensuring KPC remains a vibrant cultural fixture in Kirkland for years to come. (info)

• Notice: CKC Trail Closures in Two Locations: Portions of the Cross Kirkland Corridor (CKC) are temporarily closed due to construction. The trail is currently closed between 132nd Avenue NE/Slater Avenue NE and 128th Place NE for crossing improvements at Slater Avenue. Although the city contractor aims to reopen the trail on weekends, detours will remain in place even when the trail is accessible. Trail users are urged not to enter active construction zones and to follow all posted detour signage. Beginning as early as July 18, an additional closure will take place near NE 85th Street as part of the NE 85th Street shared-use pathway project. This phase includes overhead work and the installation of a pedestrian bridge over the CKC. Two marked detour routes—one ADA-accessible and one non-ADA—will guide trail users around the site. This segment of the trail will remain closed for several months, with the full project expected to be completed by May 2026. (info)

Events:

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

• Summer Movies on July 19th. (info)

• Rock The Village on July 23rd. (info)

• Junior League Softball World Series on July 27th - August 2nd. (info)

Mercer Island:

News:

• Mercer Island’s Nordstrom opens new Sano eatery in Bellevue: Lisa Nordstrom, founder of Sano Bar and Sano Café, has launched a new location of her health-focused eatery in downtown Bellevue, backed by Mercer Island-based Conscious Hospitality Group (CHG). Originally started in 2015 as a family initiative to offer healthy snacks and give back to local charities, Sano has grown into a full café concept emphasizing organic, nutrient-rich meals and beverages. CHG co-founders Norman Wu and Danny Brawer, also Mercer Island natives, are longtime friends of Nordstrom and have invested in scaling the Sano brand. The Bellevue location at 453 106th Ave E. opened in June, with additional openings planned in downtown Kirkland and Redmond. The menu, designed by a certified nutritionist, features house-made items like plant-based milks, protein bites, and acai bowls. Wu says the expansion reflects a rising demand for transparent, health-conscious food options. (info)

Events:

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

Redmond:

News:

• Redmond Seeks New Member for Human Services Commission: The City of Redmond is currently accepting applications for an open seat on its Human Services Commission. Applicants must live or work within the 98052 zip code or reside in unincorporated King County at 98053. The volunteer commission advises the Mayor and City Council on a range of human services issues and helps allocate funding during the city’s biennial budget process. Meetings are held monthly in hybrid format at Redmond City Hall or online. The city is looking for candidates passionate about topics like basic needs, healthcare, domestic violence, and family support. Applications are encouraged by July 31, though the position will remain open until filled. For more details or to apply, visit the Human Services Commission webpage or contact Alaric Bien at [email protected]. (info)

• Employee Shoots Suspected Car Thief in Redmond: A man is hospitalized after being shot during an attempted car theft in Redmond late Sunday night. According to police, around 11 p.m., employees at a local business witnessed a man trying to break into a worker’s vehicle. When the worker confronted the suspect, the individual allegedly became aggressive, leading the employee to shoot him in the abdomen. Redmond Police confirmed the shooter legally owned the firearm and remained on the scene to cooperate with investigators. The suspect was transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. (info)

Events:

• KidVantage Pencils & Pants Van Visit! on July 17th. (info)

• JBMV Grand Prix on July 18th. (info)

• Redmond Town Center Exotics Car Show on July 19th. (info)

• Redmond Saturday Market on July 19th. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Rainier Avenue Construction Update: Progress continues on Rainier Avenue with the activation of a new traffic signal at South 3rd Street and the removal of the old signal. Crews thank the community for their patience during last week’s congestion. This week, South 2nd Street between Lake Avenue South and Rainier Avenue South remains closed for paving. Drivers are encouraged to use Lake Avenue South for northbound travel and Shattuck Avenue South for southbound routes. Increased lane closures are expected as construction advances, with 24-hour notice provided when possible. Intermittent daytime closures are also planned at SW Victoria Street. (info)

Events:

• City Council Meeting on July 14th. (info)

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

• Entrepreneur Networking Walk on July 23rd. (info)

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

Sammamish:

News:

• Sammamish Traffic Update – Week of July 14: Several traffic projects and maintenance efforts will impact Sammamish roads over the coming weeks. Hazardous tree removal along the trail south of SE 32nd Street near Klahanie Park will cause delays on SE 32nd Street between 244th Ave SE and Beaver Lake Middle School from July 9 to July 25, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sahalee Lane will see single-lane closures July 14–16 for geotechnical work between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The one-way detour on Louis Thompson Road is extended through July 25 to accommodate soldier pile retaining wall installation. PSE paving work begins July 14 at NE 37th Way, NE 38th St, NE 16th St, and 211th Way NE, continuing through July 23. ADA barrier removals and sidewalk repairs will impact 228th Avenue and SE Klahanie Blvd intersections from July 10 through August 22. Pavement overlay work on West and East Beaver Lake Drive SE continues through July 31, with lane closures and flaggers directing traffic. Stormwater pipe inspections are scheduled for July 17–18 across various Sammamish locations, causing minimal disruptions. Lastly, although Ziply Fiber permits are suspended, restoration work such as patching and sidewalk repairs may still be underway. (info)

Events:

• Music in the Park: The Falconer on July 15th. (info)

• Community Meeting: Bike and Pedestrian Mobility Plan on July 16th. (info)

• Sammamish Block Party on July 22nd. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

• Woodinville Opens First Affordable Housing Units in Over Two Decades: For the first time in more than 20 years, Woodinville has introduced new affordable housing with the launch of East Rail Flats — a mixed-income development offering 26 units for residents earning around 50% of the area median income. The project addresses a critical housing shortage in the growing city and is already making a meaningful difference for locals like Chelseigh Barks, a single mother who has long struggled to find stable housing close to work. Backed by a city partnership with MainStreet Property Group, the new units offer access to modern amenities such as on-site daycare and a gym, with no distinction between market-rate and affordable units. Mayor Mike Millman noted that the initiative was driven by both community demand and new state housing mandates, and he hopes this will be the first of more efforts to come. (info)

Events:

• Celebrate Woodinville Summer Concerts on July 16th. (info)

• Music in the Alley at Wine Alley on July 18th. (info)

• Woodinville Farmers Market on July 19th. (info)

What we are currently loving!

• 20 Corners Brewing (Woodinville)

  Woodinville’s adventure clubhouse lives in a cavernous warehouse where house-brewed hazies flow beside Euro-style pretzels with molten beer cheese and brisket-packed fries designed for post-trail carb-loading. Despite the big-box footprint, the room feels neighborly—think picnic tables, board-short dads, and a you-earned-this vibe straight off the brewery’s “outdoor-lifestyle” manifesto. 

• Gianfranco Ristorante Italiano (Snoqualmie)

  This tight, family-run trattoria fills up fast, so book a booth and get cozy with Nonna-sized plates like Penne Gianfranco bathed in Gorgonzola cream or the skyscraper Lasagne alla Calabrese. The portions are heroic, the service is pure Italian-grandma charm, and a surprisingly deep wine list means you’ll probably leave with leftovers and a half-drunk bottle of Chianti.

Vibes:

• This week opens with a gentle, pleasant start—Monday brings sunshine and ideal outdoor conditions, setting the tone for what’s coming. By midweek, the heat cranks up—Tuesday through Friday deliver a warm surge, especially Wednesday and Thursday, so pack your water and plan for sunshine-filled days at the park or beach. As the weekend rolls in, the pace softens—clouds move in on Saturday, keeping things cooler, and Sunday offers a subtle mix of sun and shade—perfect weather to unwind before the new week.