- Seastside
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- Seastside Newsletter #83
August 20th, 2025
Hi Everyone! Surprise, we are moving the newsletters to Wednesday!
Today’s Seastside includes:
People and pets should stay out of the water at Houghton Beach
Redmond Fred Meyer closing
Redmond completes Central Connector Trail
Enjoy, and if you have any questions, please reply to this email!! - Mac and Preju
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Bellevue:
News:
Bellevue police find body in woods near campus: Bellevue police discovered a body that had been decomposing for several weeks in a wooded area near Bellevue College on Friday evening, with officers responding to the Landerhold Circle Southeast area just before 8 PM. Initial evidence suggests no foul play was involved in the person's death, though the investigation is still ongoing. The discovery marks a somber end to what appears to have been a weeks-long period before the body was found by authorities. (info)
Bellevue seeks public input on new sustainability plan: Bellevue released its draft 2026-2030 Sustainable Bellevue Plan on August 14 and is accepting public feedback through September 8, with the updated plan building on community input from over 1,000 residents and organizations since October 2024. The plan focuses on five key areas—climate change, energy and buildings, mobility and land use, materials and waste, and natural systems—while targeting carbon neutrality by 2050 citywide and 2040 for city operations. Residents can submit comments online through the Engaging Bellevue website, with the City Council expected to adopt the final plan by late 2025. (info)
Another delay for East Link light rail opening: Sound Transit has pushed back the opening of the full East Link Extension connecting Seattle to the Eastside yet again, with the new target date set for April 25, 2026—moving from a previously hoped-for January 16, 2026 start. The delay affects the crucial segment crossing Lake Washington via I-90, including new stations at Judkins Park and Mercer Island, with Sound Transit citing ongoing construction, additional testing requirements, and unresolved issues as reasons for the postponement. While parts of the East Link system are already running (South Bellevue to Redmond opened in April 2024, with Downtown Redmond added in May 2025), commuters will have to wait another year for the full Seattle-to-Eastside connection that many have been anticipating for years. (info)
Events:
Bothell & Kenmore:
News:
No new news!
Events:
Fall City & Snoqualmie:
News:
Snoqualmie Tribe opens new Harvest Kitchen and Greenhouse to boost food sovereignty: The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe celebrated the ribbon-cutting of its new Harvest Kitchen and Greenhouse Classroom on August 17, marking the second phase of a childcare expansion that will serve 54 Native and non-Native children while strengthening cultural preservation and food sovereignty efforts. The facilities received over $2 million in funding, including $1.5 million from federal sources secured with help from Congresswoman Kim Schrier, and will offer hands-on learning in traditional cooking, plant care, and nutrition while also serving the broader community through Elder gatherings and seasonal events. More than 50 elected officials and community leaders attended the ceremony, including Senator Maria Cantwell and representatives from across the Puget Sound region, highlighting the project's significance for both tribal cultural preservation and regional childcare needs. (info)
North Bend upgrades intersection to four-way stop for school safety: North Bend Public Works and King County have converted the 3rd Street and Ballarat Avenue North intersection from a two-way to a four-way stop, adding improved sight lines, fresh paint markings, and student loading zone signage just in time for the August 26 start of the school year. The new stop signs will feature orange flags for the first few months to help drivers notice the change, while upgraded crosswalk signage and "All Way" indicators provide clearer guidance at the intersection. The safety improvement targets an area with heavy pedestrian traffic during school hours, with the city asking for patience as drivers adjust to the new traffic pattern. (info)
Deck collapse at Snoqualmie apartment injures resident: A second-story deck at a Snoqualmie apartment building on SE Newton Street collapsed Tuesday evening around 9:25 PM, sending one man and two dogs falling into a ground-floor shed below, with firefighters spending about 40 minutes rescuing the trapped victims. The man was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, while a neighbor who witnessed the incident reported the deck appeared to be storing propane tanks and other materials that may have overloaded the structure. Snoqualmie Fire Chief Mike Bailey used the incident to remind residents to conduct regular deck inspections, especially for structures older than 15 years, checking for rusted fasteners, rotted wood, and proper weight limits to prevent similar collapses. (info)
King County to remove 65-year-old river structure in Three Forks Park: King County will remove the Scott Revetment, a 570-foot rock structure built around 1960 on the North Fork Snoqualmie River, during a construction project running August 25 through September 19 to restore natural river processes and eliminate ongoing maintenance costs. The revetment originally protected private livestock grazing land but now sits entirely within Three Forks County Park and no longer serves any infrastructure protection purpose, making it a barrier to natural habitat development. The removal will allow the river to naturally reshape its banks over time while creating better fish and wildlife habitat, with King County planning to plant two acres of native trees and shrubs and install educational signage about the restoration project. (info)
City Academy relaunches this October with behind-the-scenes look at city operations: The City of Snoqualmie is bringing back its popular City Academy program starting October 1, offering residents a free six-week course to learn how their local government works through hands-on sessions with different city departments each week. The program runs Wednesday evenings from October 1 through November 5 (plus one Saturday morning session), with stops at City Hall, the police station, fire station, and public works facility to meet city leaders and see how tax dollars are used. Registration is capped at 15 participants and available online at snoqualmiewa.gov, with Mayor Katherine Ross emphasizing that "a more informed community is a more involved community" and noting that high interest could lead to a spring 2026 session. (info)
Events:
Issaquah:
News:
No new news!
Events:
Kirkland:
News:
People and pets should stay out of the water at Houghton Beach: King County health officials are extending the swimming ban at Houghton Beach Park for at least another week after water quality tests on August 19 showed bacteria levels still exceed safe thresholds. The swimming area has been closed with warning signs posted and no lifeguards on duty, though the rest of the park remains open for other activities. King County crews will return next week to collect new water samples, with the beach reopening only when bacteria levels drop back to safe ranges for both people and pets. (info)
Kirkland Police Chief Cherie Harris announces retirement: Kirkland Police Chief Cherie Harris will retire on September 3 after more than nine years leading the department and over three decades in law enforcement, with Deputy Chief Michel St. Jean appointed as interim chief for one year while the city searches for a permanent replacement starting in early 2026. Harris, who joined Kirkland in 2012 and became chief in 2016, is credited with strengthening community partnerships, advancing department accreditation, and growing the force to 159 personnel including those running the city's 72-bed corrections facility. The veteran officer began her career at Washington State University in 1993 and served in various leadership roles at Monroe Police Department before coming to Kirkland, where she also contributed to state and regional public safety initiatives through organizations like WASPC and the FBI National Academy Alumni Association. (info)
Kirkland construction projects cause widespread traffic delays across the city: Multiple major road projects are impacting Kirkland drivers this week, with 100th Avenue Northeast reduced to fewer lanes through the end of August for intersection work, Northeast 85th Street down to single lanes in each direction from I-405 to 6th Street for a month-long shared-use pathway project, and Central Way set for daytime paving from Market Street to 6th Street starting August 18. Additional impacts include overnight work on Northeast 85th Street east of I-405 reducing eastbound traffic to one lane during day hours, shifting work zones throughout Goat Hill with paving expected August 25, and residential street closures in Finn Hill and Juanita areas for slurry sealing operations. Drivers can check kirklandwa.gov for weekly Thursday project updates on all ongoing construction work. (info)
Events:
Mercer Island:
News:
Mercer Island teacher abuse cover-up: Former Mercer Island High School teacher Gary “Chris” Twombley was accused of sexually abusing students, with a 2016 warning ignored and a 2023 victim report barred from prosecution by the statute of limitations. The district placed him on paid leave before a quiet 2025 resignation with severance, sparking outrage over secrecy, alleged cover-ups, and eroding community trust. (info)
Events:
Redmond:
News:
Redmond Fred Meyer closing: Fred Meyer announced it will close its Redmond store on 76th Street, along with locations in Lake City, Kent, and Everett, citing rising theft and costly regulations. The closure will impact workers and shift shoppers to nearby QFC, Safeway, and other grocery stores as Kroger moves to shut 60 stores nationwide over the next 18 months. (info)
Redmond completes Central Connector Trail: Redmond will celebrate the opening of the final 1.6-mile phase of the Central Connector Trail on Sept. 12, linking downtown to the 42-mile Eastrail network. The 15-year project transforms a former rail corridor into a 3.9-mile bike and pedestrian route connecting neighborhoods, parks, transit, and regional trails. (info)
Events:
Renton:
News:
Protecting Renton’s natural areas Renton is updating its Critical Areas Ordinance, which safeguards rivers, wetlands, and green spaces that prevent flooding, provide salmon habitat, and keep neighborhoods cooler. A public hearing will be held in September before adoption at year’s end. (info)
Senior Day at Renton Farmers Market The Renton Farmers Market will host Senior Day on Aug. 19, featuring the Senior Advisory Board, gardening experts, live music, and resources for seniors, alongside food assistance program acceptance. (info)
Councilmember Rivera earns leadership certificate Renton Councilmember Carmen Rivera received the Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities, joining her fellow councilmembers in completing training across finance, ethics, infrastructure, and community building. (info)
Small business accelerator applications open Renton entrepreneurs can now apply to the free 15-week Startup425 Accelerator Program, running Sept. 2 to Dec. 9, offering guidance on growth, fundraising, and networking to local founders. (info)
Entrepreneurial Walk on Aug. 28 Renton will host an Entrepreneurial Walk starting at the Don Persson Senior Activity Center, offering residents the chance to connect with local business resources, get inspired, and meet fellow entrepreneurs. (info)
Events:
Sammamish:
News:
Sammamish traffic and construction updates: Multiple road projects are underway in Sammamish, including fiber optic utility work on 228th Avenue, signal and pole inspections near the South Sammamish Park & Ride, boardwalk repairs on SE 24th, and stormwater pipe inspections across neighborhoods. Additional efforts include ADA sidewalk and curb ramp upgrades, tree trimming along Issaquah-Pine Lake Road, and a new watermain installation on Sahalee Drive East, with drivers advised of intermittent lane closures and traffic control through late 2025. (info)
Events:
Movie on the Plaza - Wicked on August 23rd. (info)
Woodinville:
News:
Woodinville launches 2025 Community Survey: Woodinville has opened its biennial Community Survey to measure resident satisfaction with city services, programs, and quality of life, using the National Community Survey framework for national benchmarking. Starting Aug. 29, 4,000 randomly selected households will receive mailed invitations, with an online survey opening citywide in late September; results will be presented to the City Council later this year to help guide priorities and strategic planning. (info)
Terreno Realty acquires Woodinville portfolio: Terreno Realty purchased nine industrial distribution buildings in Woodinville for $232.6M, totaling 720,000 square feet across 42.8 acres, with 91% occupancy across 26 tenants. The deal, part of a $426.9M multi-market acquisition, strengthens TRNO’s Seattle presence, adds rental income with upside from lease growth, and aligns with its coastal market strategy at a 5% stabilized cap rate. (info)
Events:
What we are currently loving!
Rimini Restaurant (Kirkland)
Rimini is Kirkland’s old school Italian supper club, with live crooning and a Lake Street perch that makes a bowl of pasta feel like an event. The move is pasta and antipasti — think wild boar bolognese, scampi in white wine, and pizza with a cheeky “no pineapple” rule.Bellevue Brewing Company (Bellevue)
The Spring District flagship feels like a beer playground, with copper serving tanks above the bar, a big outdoor garden, and even a nearby splash park for the kids. The beers are crowd-pleasers and the kitchen goes beyond basic pub grub with beer battered fish and chips, cast iron mac, and a proper double burger.
Vibes:
Expect a classic late-summer stretch in Bellevue this week—moderately warm with an easing of clouds midweek and a bright, sun-filled finish. Tuesday and Wednesday start off a bit overcast before giving way to sunshine, setting the stage for a radiant bump in warmth Thursday through the weekend. It's the kind of week that invites you outside to soak up the clear skies while they're here.