Seastside Newsletter #96

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Bellevue:

News:

• East Link floating bridge testing advances as 2 Line targets early 2026 opening: Sound Transit has made significant progress testing the East Link Extension's floating bridge segment across I-90, with four-car trains now running at full speed (about 55 mph) after the first powered train crossed overnight in early September. Testing of the power system, signals, and communications equipment is largely shifting to nighttime hours, allowing crews to finish final construction work like track repairs and concrete work during the day. The 2 Line will complete the light rail connection between Seattle and the Eastside when it opens in early 2026, joining the existing segment that's been running between South Bellevue and Downtown Redmond since spring 2024. (info)

• Bellevue Council allocates $600,000 from contingency fund for community assistance: The Bellevue City Council unanimously approved drawing $600,000 from its contingency fund to address rising community needs, splitting the money equally between immigrant and refugee legal aid, emergency food assistance, and financial support through existing human services partners. This comes on top of $235,000 the city manager recently approved for immediate food assistance, and follows a public hearing where residents urged the council to respond to mounting demands in the community. The council had previously tapped $1 million from its $2 million contingency fund earlier this biennium, and the final mid-biennial budget legislation is set for approval at the November 18 meeting. (info)

Events:

• Holiday Market at Samena on November 22nd. (info)

• Annual Gingerbread Workshops KidsQuest Museum on November 28th-29th. (info)

• Snowflake Lane Returns on November 28th. (info)

• Gingerbread Workshops 2025 on November 28th. (info)

Bothell & Kenmore:

News:

• Bothell City Council confirms Wallace "Bob" Langbehn as new municipal court judge: The Bothell City Council unanimously confirmed Wallace "Bob" Langbehn as the city's next Municipal Court Judge at their November 18 meeting, following a nationwide search that began in August and drew 25 qualified candidates. Langbehn brings over 22 years of legal experience, most recently serving as Senior Prosecuting Attorney for Snohomish County and Judge Pro Tem for Edmonds Municipal Court, and received strong endorsements for his work with vulnerable populations and commitment to restorative justice. His four-year term begins January 1, 2026, replacing Judge Mara J. Rozzano whose term expires December 31, 2025. (info)

• Kenmore welcomes Music Non Stop, a new hands-on music destination: Kenmore celebrated the grand opening of Music Non Stop on November 11 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Bothell Kenmore Chamber, marking the arrival of a new interactive music business in the community. The music emporium and interactive museum at 6524 NE 181st Street offers visitors of all ages the chance to play instruments, record music, and explore collections in a hands-on environment. The city is encouraging residents to stop by and welcome the new local small business to the area. (info)

• Kenmore City Council to review updated stream buffer standards: The City of Kenmore is updating its Critical Areas Ordinance with new science-based Riparian Management Zones that would expand stream setbacks for many properties to better protect water quality, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem health along waterways. The proposed standards follow guidance from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and will be reviewed by the City Council at their November 24 meeting, with additional public meetings and a hearing scheduled for early 2026. Residents can find more details and updates at kenmorewa.gov/stream-buffers. (info)

Events:

• Furniture Repair Bank Collection Event on November 23rd. (info)

• Artist Reception on November 24th. (info)

• Argosy Christmas Ship Festival on November 30th. (info)

Fall City & Snoqualmie:

News:

• Snoqualmie Winter Lights returns to Historic Downtown on December 6: Snoqualmie's annual holiday celebration is set for Saturday, December 6, from 3 to 6 pm in Historic Downtown, featuring an expanded schedule of activities including live music from local school groups, face painting, cookie decorating, hot cocoa, and a live ice sculpture carving. Santa will arrive on his sleigh at 5:30 pm to help Mayor Ross light the holiday tree in Railroad Park, and attendees can drop off letters to Santa, take photos with the decorated tree, and enjoy performances from groups including the Snoqualmie Elementary Cougar Chorus and Mount Si High School Dance team. The free community event offers families a festive way to kick off the holiday season together in downtown Snoqualmie. (info)

• North Bend schedules SR 202 closure for railway crossing work on November 25: State Route 202/Bendigo Boulevard between W Park Street and McClellan Street will be closed from 7 am to 7 pm on Tuesday, November 25, for grinding and paving work as part of the Northwest Railway Museum's Railway Crossing Capital Project nearing completion. The $4.8 million project, funded by a 2023 state grant, is upgrading four railway crossings throughout North Bend with new concrete panels, tracks, crossing gates, signals, and flashing lights, plus relocating tracks along McClellan Street to create space for future parking improvements. Residents can also expect single-lane closures on November 20-21 for curb and gutter construction, and questions can be directed to Capital Projects Manager Daniel Marcinko at [email protected] or 425-888-7639. (info)

Events:

• Holiday Bazaar on November 22nd. (info)

• SnoValley Innovation Center Meet-up on November 28th. (info)

• Snoqualmie Winter Lights - Tree Lighting on December 6th. (info)

• Fall City Holiday Market on December 6th. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• Issaquah police make arrests after busy theft weekend at BevMo: Issaquah Police arrested two suspects on November 16 following multiple theft incidents at the BevMo store on NE Park Drive over the weekend. Officers found the suspects in a silver sedan with a covered license plate matching the vehicle used in prior thefts on November 15, with a cart full of stolen alcohol visible inside—one suspect was hiding in the car while the other approached as officers arrived. Store staff positively identified both individuals, who were arrested and booked into Issaquah City Jail while the stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to the store. (info)

Events:

• Farm Fresh Market on November 22nd. (info)

• Turkey Trot on November 27th. (info)

• Native American Heritage Day on November 28th. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• Kirkland opens applications for 2026 business pitch competition and workshop series: Kirkland is now accepting applications for its third annual Workshops and Pitch Competition, offering potential and small business owners a series of five workshops from February 10 through March 10, 2026, covering business basics, lean canvas planning, finances, marketing, and pitch preparation. The program culminates in a public pitch competition on March 24, 2026, where participants can apply the practical business tools and networking opportunities gained through the workshops to communicate their business value and compete for support. Interested businesses can apply online and learn more details on the city's website. (info)

• Kirkland announces multiple traffic alerts for ongoing construction projects: Kirkland has several active construction zones affecting traffic throughout the city, including punch-list work on 100th Avenue NE, ongoing work on 124th Avenue NE between NE 116th and 124th streets, and lane closures on NE 85th Street in multiple locations for a shared-use pathway project and eastbound third lane construction. The Kirkland Way Park & Ride is also closed while PSE uses the space for gas line replacement equipment storage, and drivers can find weekly project updates posted on Thursdays at the city's website links for each construction area. Residents can visit kirklandwa.gov for information on additional construction projects throughout the city. (info)

• Kirkland's tree rebate program still has funds available through November 30: Kirkland residents can still apply for the city's tree rebate program, which offers up to $150 per tree and a maximum of $500 per property per year (with a $1,000 lifetime cap) to encourage planting trees that will reach at least 15 feet tall by 10 feet wide when mature. The city emphasizes that fall's rainy season is ideal planting time since trees can develop strong root systems over winter to thrive the following year, but applications and paperwork must be submitted by November 30, 2025. While there's a pre-approved tree list, residents can request approval for other qualifying species through the program. (info)

Events:

• Winterfest Tree Lighting on November 29. (info)

• 12ks of Christmas on December 14th. (info)

Mercer Island:

News:

• Mercer Island holiday tree lot returns November 29 to support youth programs and family services: Mercer Island High School students running Mercer Trade Inc. will operate a holiday tree lot at Mercer Island Presbyterian Church (3605 84th Ave. SE) on weekends from November 29 through December 14, selling about 600 Noble, Fraser, Douglas, and Nordmann trees plus wreaths and garland. Proceeds will be split between Mercer Trade Inc.'s entrepreneurship program and the MIYFS Foundation, which funds school counselors and programs addressing food insecurity, senior services, and emergency assistance on the Island. The lot will be open Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays noon to 5 pm, with volunteers from the school district, National League of Young Men, National Charity League, and the church helping students gain real-world business experience while serving the community. (info)

Events:

• Community Coffee on Nov. 21 at 9am. (info)

• YFS Food Card Distribution on November 24th at 1pm. (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Redmond Opens Applications for City Council Seat: The city laid out the timeline to fill Council Position 1 after Osman Salahuddin’s resignation, inviting any 98052 resident over 18 who’s a registered voter to apply by Jan. 2, with interviews in mid-January and a final vote planned for Jan. 20. (info)

Events:

• Kids’ Night In, Parents’ Night Out at the Redmond Senior & Community Center on Nov. 21 from 6-8:30pm. (info)

• Family Day Out on November 22nd. (info)

• Redmond Eastside Chess Club at Black Raven Brewing from 6-9pm on Nov. 25. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Renton Salvation Army Urgently Seeks Food Donations Before Thanksgiving: The Hope Market pantry in Renton is seeing a 30% jump to roughly 200 clients a day amid delayed SNAP benefits and fewer grocery-store “rescue” donations, so the Salvation Army is asking the community for canned goods and financial support through its Red Kettle campaign to meet holiday demand. (info)

Events:

• Holiday Baazar on Nov. 21 from 11am-7pm. (info)

• Tree Lighting & Small Business Saturday 2025 on Nov. 29. (info)

• K9 Candy Cane 5K Fun Run & Walk on Dec. 7th from 9:15-10:30am. (info)

Sammamish:

News:

• Louis Thompson Road Tightline Project Nears Finish Line: Crews have opened the new sidewalk link to the East Lake Sammamish Trail and upgraded the intersection signal, though final paving and striping will wait for spring 2026, with the project adding storm-drain upgrades, ten retaining walls, and space for safer bike and pedestrian travel. (info)

• Sammamish Traffic & Infrastructure Updates Multiple projects are creating lane shifts, short delays, and temporary detours as crews repair drainage on 247th Ave SE, tighten detour limits on Louis Thompson Road for wall construction, install a new water main near Sahalee Way, and replace gas mains across several neighborhood streets. Each project keeps local access open but relies on traffic control, with some driveway impacts and weekend work. Work continues through late November and into December, with final paving and utility adjustments scheduled afterward. Together these upgrades strengthen drainage, utilities, and long-term road safety across the affected corridors. (info)

Events:

• Cribbage Night at Big Block Brewing on Dec. 11 from 6-8pm. (info)

Woodinville:

News:

• Floor & Decor Opens New Woodinville Warehouse Store The retailer launched its latest Washington location with a 50-person team and a broad in-stock selection of hard-surface flooring, hosting a ribbon cutting on Nov. 18 and planning a PRO networking event on Dec. 11 with $10,000 in prizes to engage local contractors and industry partners. (info)

• Owl Snatches Runner’s Hat Near Woodinville Trail An owl on the Paradise Valley Conservation Area trail swooped at a runner and grabbed his hat, with officials posting warning signs and advising extra caution after reports of similar encounters. (info)

Events:

• Wine Alley Holiday Sip & Shop on Nov. 22 from 12-5pm. (info)

• Yoga at the Carol Edwards Center on Nov. 24 from 7:15-8:30pm. (info)

• Thanksgiving Buffet at Willows Lodge on Nov. 27 from 1-7pm. (info)

What we are currently loving!

• Cafe Yemen (Renton, WA): This new full-service Yemeni spot opened recently at 2705 NE Sunset Blvd in Renton, and it’s already turning heads with oven-baked fish seasoned in a signature Yemeni spice blend, flaky flatbreads (like Khubz Mulawah) and a welcoming vibe centered around free black tea for all guests. The interior is designed to draw you into Yemeni culture—colorful belts from traditional garments adorn the branding, and the owner plans to expand the front yard into a garden for a sit-down communal experience.

Weather this Week:

• This week in Bellevue starts off with a few passing showers Thursday morning, then settles into cool, cloud-filled days with highs hovering in the low 50s—perfect for cozy layers and calm walks. As we roll into Sunday, expect rain and drizzle setting the tone for a damp weekend, and early next week holds more clouds and light rain to remind us that the holidays are quietly creeping in.