Sound Transit explores Eastside-only Light Rail line
Sound Transit has recently done live vehicle testing on Bellevue-Redmond tracks. | Photo via Sound Transit
Here’s an idea that’s gaining serious track-tion — Sound Transitofficials want to see what an Eastside-onlyLight Rail might look like in the near future.
If the plan moves forward, eight stations between Redmond and Bellevue could roll out as soon as next year. The rest of the line — still being built across Lake Washington to Seattle — would then join the party later. 🎉
What’s with the change of direction? 🚈
As public transportationnerds know, the Eastside Link — also known as the 2 Line — was originally supposed to open in 2023. But unforeseen construction issues on the Mercer Island and Seattle side of the project led to a new projected completion dateof late 2024.
However, since the Eastside Light Rail stations and track work are already 98% completed, Sound Transit recently floated the idea of a “starter line” that would run in the meantime from south Bellevue to Microsoft’s Redmond campus.
The benefits are that a 40-minute journey by car for many Eastsiders would turn into a 17-minute rail trip. Plus, riders get a whiff of that new train smell without having to wait too long.
All aboard 🔊
Patience is still a virtue. Even though local officials and tech execs signed off on the plan, there are still costs to hash out and a lengthy federal safety protocol process.
But Sound Transit’s new CEO Julie Timm promised to provide updates in mid-November, with the goal of having the organization’s board vote on the proposal by early next year.
Finding those platforms 💻
Keep an eye on Sound Transit’s calendar for upcoming meetings, which are open to the public. The System Expansion Committee convenes today at 1:30 p.m., while the next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 17 at 3 p.m.
Oh, and be sure to brush up on your Bellevue knowledge. Traveling there may soon be a breeze.
International Auto Show | Thursday, Nov. 10-Sunday, Nov. 13 | 12-9 p.m. | Lumen Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle | $15-$17 | Rev those engines for shiny new car models, a scavenger hunt, and a test track for kids.
“Oliver!” | Thursday, Nov. 10 | 7 p.m. | Theatre at the Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE Sixth St., Bellevue | $35-$50 | The Bellevue Opera interprets the famed Charles Dickens novel “Oliver Twist.”
Spectacular Spice Science | Thursday, Nov. 10 | 3-3:45 p.m. | Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Ave. N., Seattle | Free | In this interactive class aimed for grade school kids, participants get to take home their own spice mix.
Friday, Nov. 11
WildLanterns | Friday, Nov. 11-Sunday, Nov. 13 | 4-9 p.m. | Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle | $0-$32 | The exhibit featuring large, lighted animal statues returns for a glow-up.
Saturday, Nov. 12
The Mogao Caves: An Immersive Experience | Saturday, Nov. 12-Sunday, Nov. 13 | 12 p.m. | Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle | Free | Experience historic grottoes from the Gobi Desert that date back over 1,000 years through this virtual journey.
THRIVE: An Arts Fundraiser Evening with LAC | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 5:30 p.m. | The Rendezvous, 2322 2nd Ave., Seattle | $35 | Living Artists Collective hosts a 1930s-themed gala with drinks, snacks, live music, and art for sale.
Sunday, Nov. 13
An Incredible Feast | Sunday, Nov. 13 | 5-8 p.m. | Block 41, 115 Bell St., Seattle | $130-$190 | Enjoy dishes from local chefs using farmers market ingredients in a reception-style meal.
Duke Ellington’s “Reminiscing in Tempo” | Sunday, Nov. 13 | 2 p.m. | Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland | $50 | The Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra celebrates this 1935 masterpiece.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
A proposed King County charter amendment that would move the county’s elections to even-numbered years is ahead by a wide margin of votes. If those results hold, officials elected in 2023 and 2025 would have three-year terms to get on schedule.
Biz
Vacuum those carpets. The Seattle Convention Center set a date for its first national event in its newly constructed addition. Theinvestor-focused Redfin Roadshow is scheduled forThursday, Jan. 12-Friday, Jan. 13 and is expected to bring in ~1,500 guests. (Puget Sound Business Journal)
Drink
Here’s a hot tip — the Duwamish Tribe is launching its very own coffee blend. A tasting event on Saturday, November 12 is open to Real Renters (the tribe’s donors), plus Duwamish elders and leaders. The general public can buy the coffee at the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center’s gift shop. ☕
Sports
Hey, we know those guys. Sounders FC stars Jordan Morris and Christian Roldan made the final US Men’s National Team roster for the FIFA World Cup. The squad’s first match in Qatar will be against Wales on Monday, Nov. 21. ⚽
Tech
Can we get fries with that? DoorDash recently expanded its local presence with a new office downtown. The delivery app company — which employs 600 people in the state — now occupies ~30,000 sqft inside the 2+U building at Second Avenue and University Street. 🚗 (GeekWire)
Eat
Grab those forks — highly anticipated Turkish restaurant Hamdi announced its preparing to open on Friday, Nov. 18. Reservations for the rest of the month are already booked, but the Ballard restaurant said there would be limited walk-ins available. 🍽️
Environment
We’re bugging out over Washington’s new art contest for high school-age students to raise awareness about invasive species. Young artists can submit digital designs of green crabs, mud snails, or other pesky, noxious critters by Saturday, Dec. 31 to win prizes. 🪲 (KING 5)
Shop
Heads up, button mashers.Video game storePink Gorilla Games is planning to open a new location at Pike Street and Boylston Avenue by year’s end. This will be the retailer’s third outpost, with others in the U District and the Chinatown-International District. 🎮 (Capitol Hill Blog)
Ranked
Wanna get away? According to a recent analysis of Google searches, Seattle ranked No. 10 among US cities for population that feels burnt out. If you need to decompress a bit, you might want to try out a local spa or do some yoga. 🔥 (Within)
Announced
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Listen
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OUTDOORS
All hail Seattle’s crow queen
Seattle’s Coolest Crow Has Been Crowned
Beaky won her run-off with ~70% of the vote. | Samantha Burton
It’s been tough, but we are now ready to call one closely watched local election...
Beaky has won the title of Seattle’s Coolest Crow. 🎆
The White Center resident submitted by reader Samantha B. defeated five other finalists, including fellow corvid Sheryl Crow in a recent two-bird run-off.
Some of Beaky’s backstory includes selling homemade honey at farmers markets, skating as an alternate on the Rat City Roller Derby squad, and possibly dating bassist Jeff Ament from Pearl Jam back in the day. Sounds pretty cool to us.
Beaky hasn’t cawed out a victory speech yet, but we look forward to her super chill administration. Thank you to all who voted — and let’s all flap our wings in congrats. 🍾
The Fireside Room is a cozy spot for drinks and snacks. | Photo via Hotel Sorrento
Today’s issue was written by Gabe.
Editor’s pick: While gloomier winter is a bummer, it’s a good excuse to log on and enjoy a nice hearth.
Be sure to check out local spots with inviting fireplaces like viking-themed bar Skäl Beer Hall and Hotel Sorrento’s Fireside Room. Gotta love that snap, crackle, and pop.
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