51º | 20% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 7:08 a.m. | Sunset 5:38 p.m.. | High tides 3:09 a.m. and 12:11 p.m. | Low tides 8:18 a.m. and 7:36 p.m. | Full Weather Report | Traffic Report
🚈 This is a Rail-y big deal
The Eastside’s Light Rail line plans to launch on April 27
Light Rail trains will soon provide connections to major tech hubs on the Eastside. | Photo via Sound Transit
Ding ding ding — look both ways and stand clear of the yellow line. After 15 years of planning, Sound Transit announced that the Eastside’s Light Rail service — also known as the Link 2 Line — will begin chugging on April 27.
The new Light Rail is a starter line with eight stations along a 6.6-mile route from South Bellevue to Redmond Technology. Sound Transit plans to extend the 2 Line east to Marymoor Village + downtown Redmond in 2025, before going west to Seattle.
Climb aboard as we track all the details.
By the numbers
If you want a preview, there’s a handy dandy map showing just where the line goes. After the line launches:
Trains will run every 10 minutes, 5:30-9:30 p.m., seven days a week.
The full journey from Redmond Technology to South Bellevue should take 17 minutes.
Sound Transit expects ~6,000 daily riders.
The two-car trains can hold up to 400 passengers at a time.
Car commuters will be able to find free parking at Redmond Technology, BelRed, and South Bellevue stations. Bike parking will also be available at every station.
Next stop
Sound Transit has been prepping + polishing stations along the 2 Line’s route. Recently, renovations on the Overlake bridge at the Redmond Technology station — near Microsoft’s campus — were completed, making pedestrian access easier. There’s also a second bridge in the works at the station that should be finished by April.
Keep a close eye out over the next year as plans ramp up to connect the line over Lake Washington. The 2 Line trains will share tracks with the good ol’ 1 Line in Seattle and travel north to Lynnwood via Mercer Island without passengers needing to transfer. Is your Orca card refreshed and ready?
Asked
How often do you plan to ride the Eastside starter line?
National Engineers Week | Monday, Feb. 19-Saturday, Feb. 24 | 1:30 p.m. | Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Ave. N., Seattle | Free with admission | Enjoy hands-on activities like designing paper wings for a 3D-printed plane and bridge building.
Some Stars of Native American Comedy | Monday, Feb. 19 | 7:30 p.m. | Neptune Theatre, 1303 NE 45th St., Seattle | $25 | Hear the standup stylings of Native comics like Jackie Keliiaa, Miguel Fierro, and Adrianne Chalepah.
Tuesday, Feb. 20
James Whittaker Presents: The AI Briefing | Tuesday, Feb. 20 | 7-9 p.m. | Side Hustle Taproom, 15 Lake St., Kirkland | $10 | A local computer science academic discusses the challenges and possibilities ahead for artificial intelligence.
Wu Han, Philip Setzer, and David Finckel | Tuesday, Feb. 20 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Meany Hall for the Performing Arts, 4140 George Washington Lane NE, Seattle | $53-$68 | The trio of renowned chamber musicians play classic works by Claude Debussy, Felix Mendelssohn, and Bedřich Smetana.
Wednesday, Feb. 21
A.I.M by Kyle Abraham | Wednesday, Feb. 21 | 7:30 p.m. | Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle | $39.50-$59.50 | Renowned choreographer Abraham has called his dance company a “post-modern gumbo” of movement exploration.
The Psychology of Serial Killers | Wednesday, Feb. 21 | 8 p.m. | Neptune Theatre, 1303 NE 45th St., Seattle | $32.50 | True crime aficionados will want to check out this masterclass that explores various homicidal case studies, debunks serial killer myths, and more.
Thursday, Feb. 22.
Shamrock Sweetness Cookie Decorating Class | Thursday, Feb. 22 | 6-8 p.m. | Michael Florentino Cellars, 3861 First Ave. S., Seattle | $55 | Prep for St. Patty’s Day next month by learning how to make six cookies, four types of icing, and loads of lucky charms.
“Fried Green Beaches” | Thursday, Feb. 22 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Theatre Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave. S., Seattle | $12.50-$35 | Comedy duo Rebecca M. Davis and Tootsie Spangles put on a musical variety show poking light fun at classic gal pal flicks.
Friday, Feb. 23
Marc Anthony: Historia Tour 2024 | Friday, Feb. 23 | 8 p.m. | Climate Pledge Arena, 334 First Ave. N, Seattle | $66.50-$186.50 | The Grammy Award winner and all-time top-selling salsa artist will have you swooning in your seat.
The Bellevue Arts Museum has launched a fundraising campagin to avoid a “dire financial crisis” that could lead to a potential closure. It has set a $300,000 goal that would help cover operating expenses. You can chip in by donating.
Award
The Seattle Sports Commission recently held its 89th annual Sports Star of the Year Awards. Former UW quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and Seatte Storm player Jewel Lloyd won Sport Star of the Year in the men’s and women’s categories, and the UW football team scored the Sports Story of the Year trophy. (KING 5)
Closed
After 53 years selling great reads in Capitol Hill, Horizon Books has quietly closed. The shop was known for used book deals and rare finds. However, it’s moved locations and closed twice before, so who knows what the future holds. (Capitol Hill Seattle)
Community
On Friday, Mayor Bruce Harrell and other officials planted 11 new cherry trees at the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington. This was the second set of new trees after eight were planted near Pike Place Market in December. More will be planted at the under-construction Waterfront park.
Edu
Here’s a feather in our tassled cap — UW ranked No. 4 among public universities in the US, according to a Times Higher Education survey. Votes from academics assess the schools based on their reputation in research and teaching. Out of all public and private US universities, UW ranks No. 26.
Concert
This should float the boat of yacht rock fans. Vampire Weekend is coming to Climate Pledge Arena for a concert on June 20. Tickets for the show — which includes famed Phish bassist Mike Gordon as special guest — go on sale Fri, Feb 23 at 10 a.m.
Today Is
Presidents Day. Today we celebrate George Washington’s birthday + honor all persons who have served as president of the US. A majority of schools, banks, and government offices are closed today. City-wide waste collection is not affected today.
Sports
The Seattle Kraken hope to build on two big recent wins with a crucial homestand this week. Hear from the local experts about the team’s push for a playoff position with Locked On’s daily, Kraken-focused podcast.
Community
📚 Binding it all together
Estelita’s Library finishes up expansion project
Estelita’s Library has been serving the community since 2019. | Photo by Adam Hunter/LMN Architects via @sawhorse.revolution
One cozy reading destination in the Central District just got a tiny bit bigger. Estelita’s Library is finishing up an expansion that adds restrooms and much-needed storage for its books.
The library first opened its physical space in 2019 and has an online bookstore. It aims to make literature on social justice, ethnic studies, and liberation movements more accessible to the community. All books are free (just call ahead) and the org often plans events.
To get its expansion done, Estelita’s Library partnered with another local nonprofit, Sawhorse Revolution, that facilitates construction and design projects led by teens.
It took nearly two years to get the new building set up across from the main library, but the work isn’t over yet. On April 6, Estelita’s is hosting a volunteer work party to help build a landscape with dirt lockers and a stepping stone pathway. All are welcome to join.
The Buy
The Buy 2.19.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
A stylish new collar or leash from Six & Main’s collection for your dog to sport during their favorite time of day (walk time).
Answered
Have you seen signs of spring?
Yellow crocuses are a decent sign sunnier times are ahead. | Photo by Elizabeth E.
Last week, we were curious if any of you started to see flowers or any other signs that winter’s dreariness is winding down. Elizabeth E. from Phinney Ridge sent in a few promising pics she took while walking her terrier, Remington Molesley III, around the neighborhood. You can follow their adventures @remington_molesley_iii.
If you want to get a warm, fuzzy feeling, just watch the Mariners work out in sunny Peoria, AZ, for Spring Training. Manager Scott Servais said there’s a “fire in the belly” from the team after missing the playoffs last year. Let’s hope that’s not just indigestion.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.