Seastside Newsletter #98

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Bellevue:

News:

• Bellevue Light Rail Opening Set for May 31 or Earlier: Sound Transit says the Lake Washington Link extension will open by May 31 at the latest, with testing underway and operator training next so the line is ready before the 2026 World Cup. (info)

• Sushi Tei Plans First U.S. Restaurant in Bellevue: The long-running Japanese chain will open a flagship location at The Bellevue Collection in September 2026, taking over the former P.F. Chang’s space as part of a broader U.S. expansion. (info)

• Bellevue Approves Seven New Speed Camera Sites for 2026: The City Council voted to expand its speed-safety program with seven initial locations next year, part of a larger plan to deploy cameras citywide under a new equity-and-safety framework. (info)

Events:

• Sweat Circuit: Ski Conditioning on Dec. 12 at 6pm. (info)

• Feeling Good! Winter Conert by the Singing in Seattle Choir with Karaoke and Afterparty on Dec. 13 from 5-9pm. (info)

• Santa Claus Visit at Marketplace at Factoria on Dec. 14 from 11am-7pm. (info)

Bothell & Kenmore:

News:

• Bothell Launches Mobile Food Incubator Program: The city opened applications for a new program that mentors and supports food trucks, carts, and kiosks, with selected businesses operating at Triangle Junction on a rotating schedule starting in 2026. (info)

• Lights at the Landing Returns for Winter Season: Bothell’s free holiday light display is back at Park at Bothell Landing from Dec. 1 to Jan. 5, offering a month of illuminated trails, festive decorations, and family-friendly winter strolling. (info)

Events:

• Kenmore Holiday Food and Toy Drive from now until December 15th. (info)

• Yoga Nidra and Sound Bath on Dec. 19 from 8-9:30pm. (info)

• Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Dec. 24 from 3-5pm. (info)

Fall City & Snoqualmie:

News:

• North Bend Honors Councilmember Alan Gothelf for 19 Years of Service: City leaders recognized Gothelf’s nearly two decades of work on infrastructure, public safety, and regional committees as he prepares to leave office at the end of 2025. (info)

Events:

• NBDF Ugly Sweater and White Elephant Party on Dec. 9 from 5-7pm. (info)

• Reading in a Winter Wonderland on Dec. 11 from 5-7:30pm. (info)

Issaquah:

News:

• WSP PIT maneuver ends DUI pursuit near Issaquah: A suspected impaired driver fled a fuel station, leading officers on a slow-speed chase through Issaquah before WSP took over on westbound I-90. Troopers used a PIT maneuver near SR 900, crashing the vehicle and blocking the HOV and three left lanes for over an hour. The woman was pulled from the car and taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. She faces felony eluding and additional misdemeanor charges once booked into King County Jail. Traffic backups stretched across the area during the response. (info)

Events:

• Yule Festival at Pickering Barn on Dec. 7th from 11am-5pm. (info)

• Nutcracker Ballet 1-Hour Abbreviated Performance at Longman PErforming Arts Center on Dec. 7th from 11am-12pm. (info)

• Holiday Farmers Market on December 13th. (info)

Kirkland:

News:

• Excavator load strikes I-405 pedestrian bridge in Kirkland: A truck hauling an excavator hit an overhead light and pedestrian bridge near NE 85th, forcing inspectors to close the overpass for safety checks. Southbound I-405 stayed open, though the 116th Ave NE on-ramp briefly dropped to one lane for signal repairs. Northbound lanes were unaffected. WSDOT and WSP have not said whether the driver will be held liable. The incident adds to a growing number of regional bridge strikes that have prompted calls for stricter penalties and prevention measures. (info)

• Kirkland police arrest suspect in two fall bank incidents: Detectives linked the same individual to an Oct 7 US Bank robbery and an Oct 29 attempted robbery at Bank of America in Juanita. Surveillance footage showed the suspect casing each bank, passing notes to tellers, and fleeing via ride-share without displaying a weapon. Cooperation from nearby businesses, the Sheriff’s Office, and regional partners helped identify him. Detectives arrested the suspect on Nov 25 and searched his Kirkland residence. He was booked into King County Jail without incident. (info)

Events:

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

• Community Bonfires at the Park on Dec 20th and 22nd at various times. (info)

Mercer Island:

News:

• Mercer Island honors outgoing Mayor Salim Nice: The City Council passed a resolution recognizing Nice’s eight years of service, highlighting his leadership through COVID-19, major water emergencies, and significant park and infrastructure upgrades. Councilmembers praised his work ethic, policy depth, and commitment to residents. Nice emphasized pride in navigating crises, securing millions in federal and state funding, and strengthening public safety through regional partnerships. He also championed family-focused policies and long-term community investments. After stepping down, he will join the transition team for incoming King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. (info)

• Julie Hsieh sworn in to Mercer Island City Council: Hsieh begins a two-year term representing Position 7 after more than a decade of deep community involvement. Her volunteer work spans school foundations, arts groups, Rotary, and the Farmers Market. A Stanford-educated physician turned arts entrepreneur, she founded the Yuan Ru Art Center to promote creativity and cultural connection. Her background blends medicine, advocacy, and civic engagement. She was formally sworn in during the Dec 2 council meeting. (info)

Events:

• Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) Fitness Class on Dec. 10 at 10:30am. (info)

• Restoration Event at Pioneer Park on Dec. 13 at 10am. (info)

• Hopelink Mobile Food Market on Dec. 17 at 1pm. (info)

Redmond:

News:

• Redmond welcomes new Downtown Recology Store: The city’s new waste hauler is opening a storefront where residents can drop off hard-to-recycle items, get sustainability help, and manage billing in person. Recology won Redmond’s first competitive waste contract in 30 years, scoring highest on both price and service. The deal brings expanded curbside recycling, free bulky item pickup, discounts for vulnerable residents, and a local call center. A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Dec 12 at Bella Bottega. Residents in 98052 fall under the new contract, while 98053 remains under King County’s Waste Management agreement. (info)

Events:

• Paws & Claws on Dec. 8 from 8am-5pm. (info)

• Happy Hour at Browns’s Stockyard Exchange on Dec. 8 from 4-6pm. (info)

• Santa Photos at Redmond Town Center on Dec. 13 from 10am-8pm. (info)

Renton:

News:

• Renton stolen-car arrest turns violent: Police say a 36-year-old man high on fentanyl tried to flee a stolen vehicle by ramming two patrol cars before crashing into a tree and igniting the engine. Officers boxed him in and broke the windows after he refused to exit the burning car. The suspect admitted drug use and was treated before being booked into King County Jail. Renton Fire crews responded to control smoke and assess injuries. Police credited their Flock camera system for locating the stolen vehicle within minutes. (info)

• Renton secures 12.5 acres for Cedar River park expansion: The city bought a rare riverfront property with 1,500 feet of shoreline to expand Cedar River Park and protect natural habitat. The land, long targeted in multiple parks plans, will support salmon recovery, restoration, and new public access. Mayor Pavone called the purchase a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and the Merlino family said they’re proud to see the site preserved. City leaders emphasized both community benefits and the economic signal of long-term public investment. A master planning process will now begin, guided by resident input on amenities and ecological restoration. (info)

• Renton opens applications for Civic Academy’s second cohort: The free program returns after a successful first year that brought 35 residents behind the scenes of city government. Participants toured facilities, watched demonstrations, and worked through real budget scenarios to understand how decisions are made. The academy aims to boost civic literacy, clarify what the city can and can’t do, and grow a network of resident ambassadors. Sessions will run Thursday evenings from Jan 22 to Mar 19, with varied locations. Applications are open through Dec 8 for residents who can attend at least six of the eight meetings. (info)

Events:

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

• Renton City Concert Band’s Holiday Concert on Dec. 14 from 2-3:30pm. (info)

• Polar bear Double Dip on Jan. 1 from 10-10:30am and 12-12:30pm. (info)

Sammamish:

News:

• Sammamish City Council shakeup: Voters replaced three incumbents with Debbie Treen, Josh Amato, and Michael Boyer, signaling frustration with rising staffing, stalled infrastructure, and limited housing permits. Turnout hit 45.94 percent, the second-highest in a decade. Former councilmember Valderrama framed the results as backlash against a “do-nothing council,” pointing to tax increases and lack of major projects. Amy Lam was the only winner from the pro-housing bloc, edging out Gallinger despite controversy and minimal campaigning from her opponent. The new majority enters January with promises of transparency, town halls, and infrastructure focus. (info)

• TEDxSammamish Women launches with “Worthy” theme: The city’s first TEDx Women event drew a packed crowd as six local speakers shared stories on resilience, creativity, leadership, grief, and asking for help. Organizer Jennifer Cooper, inspired by her own 2024 layoff, shifted from wanting to give a TED talk to creating a platform for others. The volunteer team built the event around a shared belief that women often tie worth to external validation. Talks ranged from near-death experiences reshaping leadership to using AI for support amid overwhelm. Cooper hopes attendees left with connection, perspective, and a clearer sense of inherent worth. (info)

• Sammamish traffic updates for 12/6: PSE will replace a gas main on NE 12th Pl and 228th NE from Dec 8–13 with police-directed traffic and minor delays. The Louis Thompson Road detour was shortened on Oct 30 to the stretch between 208th Ave NE and East Main Street. Residents near 208th Ave NE can drive downhill through Nov 21, while those above East Main must enter from uphill. The detour supports construction of Walls 7 and 8 along the uphill lanes. Watermain installation continues through December 2025 near NE 36th and NE 37th with traffic control and expected minor delays. (info)

Events:

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

Woodinville:

News:

• No News this Week!

Events:

• Yoga + Wine at Rocky Pond Woodinville Tasting Room on Dec. 7th from 11am-12:30pm. (info)

• Corks & Canvas Glassybaby Floral Class at Tsillan Cellars on Dec. 10 from 6-8pm. (info)

• Goose Ridge Live Music on Dec. 11 from 5-7pm. (info)

What we are currently loving!

• YGF MaLaTang in Bellevue is a delicious choice for when you want to taste a little bit of everything. We had a great time visiting this hot-pot style restaurant where you get to pick your toppings and soup base, which make for a delicious combination. Wash it all down with a free ice-cream cone at the end as well!

Weather this Week:

• Rain dominates most of the week with steady showers and gray skies sticking around. A few breaks pop up midweek, but they are short and the ground stays soaked. Rivers are running high and breezy conditions make everything feel colder than the numbers suggest.