Seastside Newsletter #82

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Bellevue:

News:

• Bellevue Council approves 20-year transportation plan and launches neighborhood planning: Bellevue City Council gave preliminary approval Monday to a comprehensive 20-year transportation plan covering projects from downtown updates to transit improvements, extending the planning timeline from 12 to 20 years while directing staff to complete environmental reviews by year-end. The council also launched "Great Neighborhoods" planning efforts for Eastgate and Factoria, with a community kickoff scheduled for September 4 at South Bellevue Community Center where residents can share input on future neighborhood improvements. Additionally, Charles Mcintyre was appointed to the Arts Commission for a term running through May 2027, and the council issued proclamations recognizing Black Business Month and International Overdose Awareness Day. (info)

• Bellevue tests AI tools to speed up city permitting process: Bellevue is partnering with startup Govstream.ai to pilot artificial intelligence tools that could streamline the city's permitting process and reduce approval times for housing and economic development projects. The initial phase focuses on helping permitting staff quickly access accurate information and navigate complex code requirements to provide more consistent service, with potential future expansion to streamline application processes and reviews. City Manager Diane Carlson says the initiative aims to reduce turnaround times and complexity that Bellevue has been working to address for years, while the partnership includes safeguards for ethical AI use and data protection—and will determine whether to implement the tools permanently once pilot phases are complete. (info)

• Uber eyes major Bellevue office expansion with 150,000 square feet: Uber is reportedly considering a significant expansion into Bellevue's Central Business District with a potential lease of up to 150,000 square feet, according to commercial real estate sources familiar with the discussions. The San Francisco-based ride-sharing company has shown interest in properties like City Center Plaza and Four106, and has sent counteroffers to multiple Bellevue buildings as well as Meta's available sublease in the Spring District. This would represent an expansion rather than a relocation, as Uber plans to keep its current 115,000-square-foot Seattle office in the Second + Seneca building, though some employees might move to Bellevue closer to that lease's 2029 expiration. (info)

Events:

• Downtown Movies in the Park on August 12th. (info)

• Bellevue Farmers Market on August 14th. (info)

• Blood Drive on August 18th. (info)

Bothell & Kenmore:

News:

• Kenmore cuts City Hall front desk hours, adds self-service kiosk: Kenmore is reducing City Hall reception hours starting August 11 as part of a data-driven efficiency project, with the front desk now closed Fridays and operating shortened hours Monday through Thursday (9 AM-3 PM most days, with Wednesday 12-5 PM). The city installed a new phone tree system in July that cut front desk call volume in half and is adding a self-service kiosk in the lobby to help visitors access forms and information when staff aren't available. Both changes are pilot programs based on walk-in traffic data, and the city is seeking feedback at [email protected] to determine whether the new system should become permanent. (info)

Events:

• The Starter Garden on August 12th. (info)

• Break-Even Bottle Program on August 12th. (info)

• Chamber General Meeting on August 14th. (info)

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

• Moonlight on Main on August 16th. (info)

Fall City & Snoqualmie:

News:

• Major road closures hit Carnation and Duvall area through August 22: Drivers near Carnation and Duvall face nearly two weeks of significant traffic disruptions starting Monday as crews tackle bridge repairs, culvert installation, and pavement work on multiple roads simultaneously. The biggest impact comes from nightly traffic alternating on SR 203 between the two cities from 8 PM to 5 AM Monday through Thursday nights, while three separate day-long closures hit NE Woodinville Duvall Road and NE Carnation Farm Road will shut down completely August 19 for bridge maintenance. Additional work on NE 24th Street near Lake Langlois includes two full-day closures and 20-minute delays on other days, with King County and WSDOT urging drivers to check real-time updates and plan alternate routes through August 22. (info)

• Boeing jetliner flyover kicks off 2025 Boeing Classic golf tournament

  A Boeing commercial jetliner flew low over the Snoqualmie Valley today to officially open the 2025 Boeing Classic Golf Tournament, surprising residents who weren't expecting the dramatic flyover and thrilling spectators at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge. The flyover has become a signature tradition for the PGA Champions Tour event, which runs through Sunday, August 10, and represents one of the rare times each year a commercial jet intentionally passes low over the valley. The City of Snoqualmie captured video of the impressive moment, which likely startled more than a few people who forgot the tournament was happening. (info)

• SR 18 over Tiger Mountain shuts down completely for weekend construction: State Route 18 will close in both directions between I-90 and Issaquah-Hobart Road from 9 PM Friday, August 15, to 5 AM Monday, August 18, blocking all traffic from crossing the Tiger Mountain summit for the entire weekend. WSDOT is combining multiple projects during the closure, including work on the I-90/SR 18 interchange improvements that will expand the highway to two lanes each direction, plus annual maintenance like guardrail repairs, repaving, and vegetation trimming. Semi-trucks are advised to detour via I-405 and I-90 since local routes like Issaquah-Hobart Road can't handle large vehicles, and WSDOT says bundling all the work into one weekend will minimize future disruptions. (info)

• Mayhew leads Snoqualmie mayor race while Bowers tops hospital district primary: Jim Mayhew holds a strong lead in the Snoqualmie mayoral primary with 37% of early returns, followed by Katherine Ross at 33% and Marcus Johnson at 22%, while Matthew Mullvain trails with 7%. In the Public Hospital District No. 4 race, Mark L. Bowers is ahead with 53% over Robert Angrisano's 39%, and countywide voters are strongly supporting a parks and recreation levy with 71% approval. King County Elections will continue updating results daily at 4 PM through August 19 when the election is certified, with only about 19% of ballots counted so far. (info)

Events:

• Snoqualmie Valley Connect Business Networking on August 14th. (info)

• SnoValley Innovation Center on August 15th. (info)

• Snoqualmie Days on August 22nd. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• Issaquah wins international recognition for Morocco earthquake relief: Sister Cities International has honored Issaquah for its outstanding humanitarian response to earthquakes in its sister city Chefchaouen, Morocco, recognizing the community's efforts as one of only three innovative humanitarian assistance programs worldwide in 2024. The Issaquah community raised over $65,000 in donations and collected more than 60 boxes of clothing, medical supplies, and essential items to support both immediate relief and long-term recovery in the earthquake-affected region. The recognition highlights how Issaquah residents came together to help their Moroccan sister city during a crisis, building on relationships established in 2006 between the two communities. (info)

Events:

• Volunteer Opportunity - Summer Litter Pickup on August 11th. (info)

• Concerts on the Green on August 12th. (info)

• Gas Station Blues on August 14th. (info)

• Friday Night at Infinity Park on August 15th. (info)

• ARTdoors on August 16th. (info)

• Sound Bath at Sunset Beach on August 16th. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• Multiple Kirkland road projects cause lane reductions and delays through August: Kirkland drivers face widespread construction impacts starting Monday, with 100th Avenue Northeast experiencing 24/7 lane reductions through the end of August and Northeast 85th Street remaining in long-term single-lane configuration for its shared-use pathway project. The city's 2025 overlay program continues with 18th Avenue completed and utility work ongoing, while permanent striping hits 116th Avenue August 14-15, and residential streets in Finn Hill and Juanita areas will close daily August 11, 12, and 15 for slurry sealing. Additional work begins August 18 on Central Way from Market Street to 6th Street, with most projects providing Thursday updates on the city's website at various project-specific pages. (info)

• Kirkland Council receives Palisades fire flag, hears Kraken Iceplex update

  Kirkland firefighters presented the City Council with a flag they flew while battling the Palisades fire in January, highlighting the department's mutual aid efforts during Tuesday's council meeting. The council also received updates on the Kirkland Teen Union Building's operations over the past year, reviewed Planning Commission recruitment recommendations, and approved a letter supporting membership in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities. Before the regular meeting, council members got an update on the potential Kraken Iceplex and Community Center project planned for the former Houghton Park and Ride site. (info)

• Houghton Beach remains closed for swimming due to high bacteria levels: Public Health officials are extending the swimming ban at Houghton Beach Park for at least another week after Tuesday tests showed bacteria levels still exceed safe thresholds for people and pets. King County water quality staff will return next week to collect new samples, with the swimming area reopening only when bacteria levels return to safe ranges, though the rest of the park remains open to visitors. Warning signs are posted at the beach and lifeguards remain off duty while the water quality issue persists. (info)

Events:

• Kids Summer Concerts on August 12th. (info)

• Co-Working and Business Advising Day on August 13th. (info)

• International Night Market on August 13th. (info)

• Kirkland Wednesday Market on August 13th. (info)

• Evening Summer Concerts on August 14th. (info)

• Rec-n-roll on August 15th. (info)

Mercer Island:

News:

• Mercer Island declares emergency after multiple water main breaks close East Mercer Way: The City of Mercer Island declared a local emergency following water main breaks on August 5-6 that flooded East Mercer Way, cut water service to about 55 homes, and forced a lengthy road closure between SE 76th Street and Clarke Beach Park. Crews worked overnight to restore service to 50 homes near the 8300 block, while a second break near Clarke Beach Park affected five additional homes, and the damaged roadway will remain closed for at least a week while it dries out and undergoes further evaluation. The emergency declaration allows the city to bypass normal contracting procedures to speed repairs, and Clarke Beach Park is temporarily closed while the Fred Hutch Obliteride bike ride scheduled for Saturday will be rerouted around the closure. (info)

Events:

• Music in the Park on August 14th. (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Redmond promotes Rebecca Mueller to city attorney: Redmond City Council approved Mayor Angela Birney's appointment of Rebecca Mueller as the city's new attorney, with Mueller starting the role on August 5 after serving as supervising attorney in the Prosecuting Attorney's Office since 2019. Mueller brings 14 years of public sector legal experience, including her work with Redmond since 2017 on prosecution, code enforcement, civil forfeitures, and legal guidance for city departments. Before joining Redmond, she supervised the misdemeanor crimes unit at Pima County Attorney's Office in Arizona and prosecuted felony cases, holding degrees from the University of Arizona and Sandra Day O'Connor School of Law. (info)

Events:

• Marymoor Concert Series on August 12th. (info)

• Movies at Marymoor on August 14th. (info)

• Boots and Brews Line Dancing on August 14th. (info)

• Redmond Saturday Market on August 16th. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Renton seeks community input for Legacy Square public art crest: Artists Sarah Robbins and Will Schlough are inviting Renton residents to help design a crest for Legacy Square's public art installation by downloading templates from the city's project page or picking up physical copies at City Hall or the library. Community members can choose from themes like art, diversity, nature, technology, or River Days to create team-inspired designs that represent Renton's character, sketching their vision on the provided crest shapes. Submissions are due by email to [email protected] by Monday, August 11, as the downtown Legacy Square project takes shape with public art as a key component. (info)

Events:

• Renton Farmers Market on August 12th. (info)

• Family Fun: Music in the Park with Marco Cortes on August 14th. (info)

• Popsicle Patrol on August 14th. (info)

• Summer Concert: Between 2 Gregs on August 14th. (info)

• Renton Artist Studio Tour on August 16th. (info)

Sammamish:

News:

• Sammamish Town Center development expands to 4,000 units amid traffic concerns: Sammamish City Council voted 6-1 in July to double the planned Town Center housing from 2,000 to 4,000 units, with 326 units and 134,000 square feet of commercial space already built and 730 more units currently in development. The first phase includes 86 townhomes called Brownstones West and East (opening in 2026), plus two seven-story mixed-use buildings with 300 apartments and senior units, while a second 344-unit building awaits permit review that could take over a year. Developer Matthew Samwick says the project will create a walkable heart for Sammamish with public plazas and commercial space, though residents like Melody Yang worry about increased traffic on already-popular routes like 228th Avenue despite new roads and a $5.2 million stormwater vault planned for spring 2026. (info)

• Yang leads Sammamish City Council race while Hunt tops state senate primary: Lin Yang captured 43.85% of the vote to lead the three-way race for Sammamish City Council Position 5, followed by Michael Boyer at 34.91% and Karthik Seetharaman at 21.02% in Friday's updated primary results. In the State Legislative District 5 senate race, Democrat Victoria Hunt pulled ahead with 54.37% over Republican Chad Magendanz's 45.47%, while school board races saw Angela Meekhof and Aspen Richter winning decisive leads in Lake Washington School District, and Chinmay Nagarkar leading a crowded five-way Issaquah School District race with 37.98%. The results reflect ballots counted through Friday afternoon, with final certification expected later this month. (info)

• Sammamish completes road overlay, wraps up ADA accessibility improvements: Sammamish finished resurfacing a one-mile stretch of East/West Beaver Lake Drive Southeast as part of its 2025 Overlay Project, which included removing old pavement, making repairs, and laying new asphalt with fresh road markings to improve safety on the busy corridor. The city is also wrapping up its 2025 ADA Barrier Project in August, which replaced damaged sidewalk panels at 16 locations along 228th Avenue and upgraded pedestrian curb ramps at two Southeast Klahanie Boulevard intersections to meet disability access standards. Both projects are part of Sammamish's ongoing efforts to maintain infrastructure and remove accessibility barriers in city buildings, parks, and pedestrian facilities. (info)

• Sammamish boardwalk repairs wrap up Friday as stormwater inspections begin Monday: Sammamish crews are finishing boardwalk support structure repairs on SE 24th Street through Friday with single-lane closures and flaggers, while stormwater pipe inspections using CCTV technology start Monday across various locations including SE 19th Street. The city's ongoing ADA barrier removal project continues through August 22 with sidewalk panel replacements along 228th Avenue and curb ramp upgrades on SE Klahanie Boulevard, causing temporary right-lane closures during work hours. Additional work includes PSE tree trimming near Issaquah-Pine Lake Road for another 3-4 weeks and a major water main installation project on Sahalee Drive East that will run through December with minor traffic delays expected. (info)

Events:

• Volunteer at Evans Creek Preserve on August 13th. (info)

• Concerts on the Park on August 14th. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

• Woodinville accepting comprehensive plan amendment applications through September 30: The City of Woodinville is inviting residents and developers to submit applications for 2026 comprehensive plan amendments, with a deadline of Tuesday, September 30, 2025, as part of the annual review process required by state law. Applications must include contact information, environmental checklists, maps or descriptions of proposed changes, and written statements explaining how amendments align with state growth management laws and county planning policies. Interested applicants should contact Development Services Director Robert Grumbach for more information, and fees apply along with potential environmental review costs once the City Council approves the docket for review and analysis. (info)

Events:

• Building Relationships Breakfast on August 14th. (info)

• Boots & Brews on August 14th. (info)

• Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction on August 15th. (info)

• Music in the Alley on August 15th. (info)

What we are currently loving!

• The Herbfarm (Woodinville)
  Woodinville’s once-in-a-while splurge is a nine-course Pacific Northwest pageant finalized daily, complete with garden strolls and pairings pulled from the region. Yes, it takes the whole evening and runs about $325 before tax and service, but the storytelling service and foraged-leaning dishes make it feel like dinner theater you actually want to sit through.

• Salty Blue (Renton)
  This downtown spot brings an Aussie take on fish and chips—fried to order and starring Hoki, a sweet, flaky New Zealand whitefish. Expect crisp fillets, burgers and seafood tacos, and a quick, friendly pit stop with dine-in or takeout when you’ve got post-errand hunger.

Vibes:

• Bellevue starts the week with true summer flair, plenty of sunshine and a toasty Tuesday climb, perfect for cooling off by the water or lingering over cold drinks. But as midweek rolls in, the heat gives way to more comfortable skies, leading into a weekend of drizzly, cooler days, which is ideal for cozy indoor plans or grabbing a warm cup at your favorite café.