Seastside Newsletter #8

The best news, events and deals for the Eastside of Seattle!

Seastside Newsletter #8

March 11th, 2024

Sharing our local news, updates, our favorite spots, and the best deals on the Eastside.

Wow! A lot of you are new readers and this will be the first newsletter you will read from us. Hi, welcome. We wanted to create a newsletter that shares news for our East-of-Seattle communities as well as events and local deals. One of our main goals is to foster a connected community while also keeping all of you in the loop with what’s happening around you. We have a ton of amazing plans for the future but please enjoy this week’s newsletter. Again, any feedback or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Today’s news includes:

  • A plane that crashed in Bellevue

  • A sad goodbye to the Triple XXX in Issaquah

  • Temporary closure of I90 in Mercer Island 😭 

News

Bellevue:

  • The city recently issued a request for proposals from organizations interested in providing cross-cultural events & programming. Starting in April, the city will contract with selected organizations to host these events across Bellevue. (info)

  • A small plane equipped with a parachute crashed in the Newport Hills neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon. The plane suffered an engine failure. Fortunately, both the pilot and passenger were unharmed in the crash. (info)

Redmond:

  • A senior center earns first-ever recognition for climate-resilient wood. Sustainable Northwest and Opsis Architecture have secured the first-ever LEED point for wood products sourced from climate-resilient forestry. The building is the Redmond Senior and Community Center, currently under construction. (info)

Issaquah:

  • Please be cautious while driving on windy days. There have been multiple fatalities due to trees falling on cars on windy days. Be alert and stay safe while driving in these weather conditions. (info)

  • After over 50 years, the Triple XXX drive-in is to be replaced by a new Burgermaster location. (info)

  • The city is looking for original artwork from local youths aged 13-18. Send your submission to the city to compete in the Young Artists and Authors Showcase, which is an international competition. Art can range from literature, poetry, music, and beyond! (info)

  • Registration for 2024 summer school is now open. In-person summer school will be held at Issaquah High School from July 8th to Aug 2nd. (info)

  • Puget Sound Energy is starting the new electric home charging rebate program. PSE is offering a $300 rebate on a level 2 EV charger. (info)

Kirkland:

  • The city council authorized the issuance of Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds for fire station renovations and Transportation Benefit District safety projects for students, families, and workers. The aim is to allow the city to make the community safer. (info)

  • Kirkland police busted an organized retail theft ring responsible for stealing $80,000 in merchandise from retailers in Kirkland! (info)

  • Camp Blaze, a free and weeklong summer camp, has opened registration. Camp Blaze is a summer camp that introduces teenage girls ages 16-19 to a career in firefighting. (info)

  • The city council is exploring the idea of adding a community pool! See ballot votes and make your voice heard in the decision! (info)

Sammamish:

  • Eastside Catholic High School has won the basketball 2023-2024 3A state championship title. (info)

  • The city of Sammamish city-wide transit plan is now available for viewing. The plan outlines current and future transportation goals to further connect Sammamish to neighboring cities. (info)

Renton:

  • The city has opened its applications for the 2025-2026 Human Services Funding Collaborative. They are now available and open to organizations and non-profits that serve Renton residents with various needs, including basic needs,c connector services, domestic violence and more. There is ~$812,000 of funding available! (info)

Mercer Island:

  • WSDOT has moved its original restriping work of I-90 to March 15-17. I-90 eastbound scheduled closure begins at 11 pm on March 15th to 6 am on March 17th. I-90 eastbound will close on the Seattle side with no cars coming across to the Island as this will prevent the rerouting of off-Island traffic onto Mercer Island streets. There will be an on-island detour for Islanders needing to travel east: the only access point onto I-90 eastbound will be at the East Mercer Way I-90 on-ramp. Westbound I-90 and related on/off-ramps will operate as usual. (info)

  • Hopelink’s mobile market truck will visit the community and event center parking lot on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 1 - 4 pm to provide fresh and shelf-stable goods to residents experiencing food insecurity. (info)

Fall City/North Bend:

  • Due to utility work, Fish Hatchery Road near Fall City will experience a single-lane closure from 356th to 361st avenues southeast from Monday, March 11th through Friday, March 15th. Flaggers will direct traffic from 8 a.m. to dusk, and drivers might face short delays. This utility work is part of preparations for a fish passage project on Skunk Creek, scheduled to start in early April. (info)

  • 2024 - 2025 kindergarten enrollment is now open. (info)

Bothell:

  • Bothell is currently surveying residents to help prioritize investments for the City’s 2025-2026 budget. Make your voice heard and have a chance at winning a $100 gift card. (info)

  • Vendor applications are now open for summer nights in Bothell. Summer Nights is a multi-week series that showcases the community through music, art, culture, and local business. (info)

Woodinville:

  • King County plans to replace the aging Houghton Recycling and Waste Transfer Station in northeast King County due to limited recycling services and capacity issues. The proposed Woodinville site for the new Northeast Recycling & Transfer Station faces opposition from the city due to concerns about environmental impact, with public hearings and an online open house scheduled for community input until April 9, 2024. (info)

  • Chateau Ste. Michelle is considering developing 49 acres of its iconic property in Woodinville for added retail, restaurants, and possibly townhomes, but faces opposition from the Woodinville City Council and residents concerned about rezoning and potential environmental impacts. Despite initial plans for expedited rezoning, Chateau Ste. Michelle has not formally withdrawn its application, and residents are mobilizing against high-density residential development, emphasizing the importance of preserving the area's unique characteristics and ecosystems. (info)

Deals

These are exclusive deals that you only get for being a Seastside subscriber. We’re working very hard to get this list growing. Are you a local business and want to join? Let us know!

  • 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)

  • + a few more next week 👀

Events

Bellevue:

  • Venture Mechanics has events geared toward the startup/tech/investor community in the Bel-Red neighborhood. Given the large tech community out here, a couple to highlight could be New Tech NW Eastside or Startup Saturday. I've been to both and they are great networking opportunities for the entrepreneurial community(info)

  • New Tech NW is on March 13th (info)

  • Women Empowerment Brunch: A collaboration to build, protect and preserve wealth on March 17th from 11am-2pm (info)

  • Bellevue Boys and Girls Club summer camp registration is now open. Register for a plethora of camps that take place from June 24th to August 23rd (info)

Redmond:

  • St. Patrick’s Pi Day Party on March 15th from 1pm-3pm (info)

  • Enjoy an evening of live music at the Step Into Spring Gala. Live music from a myriad of cultures and locations on March 17th from 7pm - 9pm (info)

  • Beer and cheese pairing at Big Block Brewing. Enjoy the unison of award-winning beers and hand-picked artisanal cheeses on March 21 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm (info)

Issaquah:

  • Opening night for the Fantasticks play on March 12th. Showings are occurring all day (info)

  • Bird Walk at Lake Sammamish State Park. Stan Wood will lead a walk at the state park for bird watching on March 18th from 8am (info)

  • Boots, Barrels and Brews party! Enjoy a night of live music along with line dancing. There will be brats, sliders, sides, beer, wine and more on March 22nd from 6:30 - 9:30 pm (info)

Kirkland:

  • Experience a captivating performance by pianist Bill Anschell and flugelhorn player Dmitry Matheny, celebrating Henry Mancini's 100th birthday with new arrangements of his classic hits such as Moon River, Charade, and Pink Panther, among others on March 16th from 7 - 9pm (info)

  • Kirkland Shamrock Run will start and end at Juanita Beach Park. Remember to wear green! Prizes will be awarded to the best costumes on March 17th from 9am - 12pm (info)

  • Wheels and Reels Drive-In Movie Series at Juanita Beach on March 23rd at 7pm! Come enjoy your favorite movies on a giant 12-ft movie screen! The next movie is Super Mario Bros which I watched and it was great (info)

Sammamish:

  • Help prepare Big Rock Park South for opening by restoring its habitat. Volunteers will be doing restoration work on March 13th from 3 - 5pm (info)

  • Help remove weeds, replant native species and mulch the Lower Sammamish Commons park on March 16th from 11am - 2pm (info)

Renton:

  • Are you a local business owner, entrepreneur, or community leader? Join other innovators in the community and collaborate on ideas. The next meeting is on March 15th at the Highlands Neighborhood Center at 9am (info)

  • The Renton City Concert Band presents their spring concert, New Voices, New Music as they perform music of underrepresented composers. Buy tickets online on March 17th at 2pm (info)

  • Paint’n Pour. Sip on mocktails while you follow the guidance of a talented instructor. $45, all supplies included. March 22nd at 6:30 - 9:30pm (info)

Mercer Island:

  • The city’s Spring Recycling Event will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 30 at the Islander Middle School parking lot. At the event, people can safely dispose of old equipment, hardware, appliances, and other household items (info)

Fall City/North Bend:

  • Enjoy a free ukulele workshop at the Fall City library on March 19th. The beginner session starts at 5:30pm and the intermediate/advanced sessions starts at 6:30 pm (info)

  • Enjoy the Fall City Easter Egg Hunt on March 23rd from 11:30am - 2:05pm (info)

  • The Peaks to Peak Twin Peaks Wine Event includes a train ride and wine tasting from Kyle McLaughlin’s Winery! Tickets are still available! It’s going through the two towns used for filming the hit TV show Twin Peaks. North Bend/ Snoqualmie (info)

Bothell:

  • Enjoy sampling delicious wines, beers, ciders and spirits while socializing, listening to music and more. There are over 25 participating wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries. March 15th from 6 - 8:30pm. (info)

  • Bothell Shamrock Shuffle Wine, Beer & Spirits Walk on March 15th from 6pm-8:30pm. (info)

Woodinville:

  • Cheese + Wine pairing with The Cheese Lady at Barnard Griffin. Enjoy the perfect curation of wines and cheeses. Buy tickets online. March 13th from 6:30 - 9:30pm (info)

  • Enjoy live music at Goose Ridge Estate Winery. Sip on some wine and listen to a local artist sing your favorite songs on March 14th from 5 - 7pm (info)

Volunteering Opportunities:

  • The city of Issaquah is seeking volunteers for several limited-term volunteer focus groups, which will meet 2-3 times between April and May. Those interested in human services, community services, land use development, youth, and older adults are encouraged to apply (info)

  • Restore critical habitats at Juanita Bay Park East by removing invasive plants such as blackberry or ivy. All ages and experience levels are welcome on March 15th from 10am - 12pm. Register online. (info)

  • Keep Bellevue Beautiful - Newport area litter cleanup on March 16th from 9 - 10am (info)

  • The Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park are hosting a restoration event on March 16th from 10 - 12pm (info)

What we are currently loving!

Food:

Spicy Talk Bistro (Kirkland)

After hearing countless rave reviews about Spicy Talk Bistro from both friends and loyal readers, I finally decided to experience it firsthand. Making the drive over this weekend, I eagerly ordered their Sesame Chicken, and let me tell you, it exceeded all expectations! The succulent chicken was flawlessly cooked and coated in a delicious sesame sauce. As a lover of Chinese takeout, I can confidently say that Spicy Talk Bistro has secured its place as one of the area's finest. And let's not forget the fried rice - a perfect complement to the main dish, a very nostalgic tasting side to my meal. I’ll definitely be bringing the extended family here when they visit!

Vibes:

  • Embrace the arrival of spring as we bid farewell to the cold days of winter. This week begins with some rain and lingering chill, but by Wednesday, the sun emerges, promising warmer days ahead. Anticipation builds as we look forward to a weekend forecasted to reach a delightful 71 degrees. Make the most of this sunny weekend and enjoy the outdoors!

  • We are looking to partner with local businesses to help grow our little community! If you run one or know someone who does, please let us know.

  • This week one of our newsletter readers let us know that Modest Mouse is originally from Issaquah. Check out their music! Our favorite song is Float On.

Photo taken by @RebbeccaImages on X

Final Thoughts!

Another thank you to all of you reading our newsletter each week. We love the feedback and support you all have been giving us. We have some big plans in the works to make this newsletter an even better experience. Please keep sharing with your friends, family, and peers. If you have any feedback or questions, simply reply to this email!

Happy Monday!

Seastside
Mac & Preju

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