Bellevue Updates – News & Events from this week!

Here are some local stories and upcoming events for Bellevue. Keep up with everything happening at Seastside.

News:

• BellHop shuttle service wins 2025 Vision Award: BellHop, a free shuttle service in Bellevue, earned the 2025 Transportation Vision Award for its impact on urban mobility. Since its launch in 2023, the service has delivered nearly 115,000 rides to over 150,000 passengers, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by over 100 metric tons. Mayor Lynne Robinson praised BellHop for its accessible and sustainable electric vehicle options, which align with the city’s environmental goals. Managed by Visit Bellevue and Circuit, the service is funded through hotel room fees and partner contributions. Executive Director Brad Jones highlighted BellHop’s role in connecting the community and enhancing the city’s infrastructure. This award underscores the importance of innovative transportation solutions in shaping Bellevue’s future.(info)
• 18-Year-Old Motorcyclist Killed in Bellevue Crash: An 18-year-old motorcyclist died after a high-speed crash at the intersection of NE 8th Street and 116th Ave NE in Bellevue on Friday night, May 2. According to police, the motorcyclist collided with a vehicle traveling westbound through the intersection around 9:40 p.m. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but the motorcyclist died at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle sustained injuries but is expected to recover. Bellevue Police continue to investigate the incident.(info)
• Bellevue Dad Pleads for Help in Daughter’s Death Investigation at UC Santa Barbara: Alain Hamel, a Bellevue father, is pleading for answers months after his daughter, Liz Hamel, 18, was found unconscious near a dorm on the UC Santa Barbara campus on Valentine’s Day. Liz later died from her injuries, and the case remains unsolved. During a recent press conference, Hamel urged students with information to come forward before the academic quarter ends. He shared an image of a young man seen with Liz the night she died, noting she was discovered as if she had fallen from a balcony. The family and investigators have differing views on the progress of the investigation.(info)
• No charges for Bothell, WA teacher over student sexual misconduct allegations: A former teacher at Bothell High School was accused of engaging in sexual misconduct with a minor, with allegations stemming from a relationship that took place between 2015 and 2016. The victim, now 26, disclosed the encounters to her therapist, prompting an investigation. Prosecutors decided not to file charges because the alleged crimes fall outside the statute of limitations established by a 2019 law. Despite some parental concerns at the time, former school administrators did not recall any incidents involving the teacher and the student. The prosecutor’s office confirmed that three senior attorneys reviewed the case and reached the same conclusion based on the law.(info)
• Creative Arts Grant recipient presents WWII-inspired operetta in Bothell: AC Petersen, recipient of a City of Bothell Creative Arts Grant, will debut Currents: An Original Operetta on May 7 at McMenamins Haynes Hall. Co-created with composer Jeremy Bergin, the operetta follows the story of a Japanese American family from Bainbridge Island affected by incarceration during World War II. The performance features four vocalists and includes live captions for accessibility. A post-show panel, moderated by UW Professor Emerita Gail M. Nomura, will provide historical context. Petersen, a second-generation Japanese American, and Bergin, a fourth-generation Japanese American, bring personal and cultural depth to the production. The free, all-ages event is part of McMenamins’ history series.(info)
• BethAnn Lawson showcases new exhibit at Bothell City Hall Gallery: Local artist BethAnn Lawson’s latest two-dimensional artwork is now on display at the Bothell City Hall Gallery through May 28. Known for her vibrant “Welcome to Bothell” mural, Lawson blends colorful precision and whimsy in urban landscapes that shift between abstract and realistic depending on viewing distance. Her work captures the hidden stories of everyday city life and celebrates architectural beauty. Visitors can meet Lawson during the Bothell Art Walk on May 8, from 5 to 8 p.m. The City Hall Gallery is open weekdays, and the exhibit is part of a rotating series supported by the City of Bothell Arts Commission.(info)
• Snoqualmie Valley Advisory Group Explores Future Indoor Public Pool Project: Si View Metropolitan Park District prioritizes developing an indoor public pool facility, responding to community demands. The Snoqualmie Valley Aquatics Collaborative (SVAC) has met regularly since early 2024 to assess the community’s aquatics needs. This advisory group includes representatives from various local organizations, tasked with identifying funding strategies and community goals. Susan Kelly, a commissioner and SVAC member, emphasizes the importance of accessible public pools for health and community building. Collaboration among community partners aims to create a viable plan for the desired facility. Si View will provide updates as the planning process advances.(info)
• Lane Closures Scheduled May 59 in Fall City and Duvall for Bridge Sealing and Paving Work: From May 5-9, lane closures will cause delays for travelers in Fall City and Duvall. In Fall City, single-lane closures will occur on State Route 202 and Southeast Fish Hatchery Road daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contractor crews from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will seal two recently completed bridges that improve fish passage along Skunk Creek. In Duvall, NE Cherry Valley Road will also be reduced to a single lane on May 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Flaggers will manage alternating traffic in both work zones. Access will remain open, but delays are anticipated, and weather may affect the schedule.(info)
• Updated Major Disruption Ahead SR 18 to Close in Both Directions at I-90 for 5 Days: State Route 18 will close around the clock from May 15 to May 21 for the construction of a new diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 90. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) advises travelers to seek detour routes and plan for delays during the closure. This strategic closure eliminates the need for 10 consecutive nights of ramp closures, enhancing safety for both workers and drivers. During this time, crews will install drainage systems, pave the new roadway, and build concrete islands for the interchange. Eastbound and westbound I-90 traffic will remain unaffected, but specific detour routes will be necessary for SR 18 traffic. WSDOT will also reduce SR 18 to a single lane prior to the major closure to prepare for the work.(info)
• Washington State Patrol Testing New Technology in the North Bend Area: The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is piloting the Safety Cloud technology in North Bend to enhance roadway safety. This system delivers real-time digital alerts to motorists when emergency vehicles approach, which can reduce collision risks by up to 90%. The technology integrates with navigation apps like Waze and Apple Maps, as well as vehicle dashboards for certain models. Project Manager Haley Shipman notes that it provides crucial extra time for drivers to react, bridging the gap between legal requirements and actual road conditions. More than 4,000 agencies across the nation currently utilize this protection system. WSP’s initiative aims to prevent roadside line-of-duty deaths and create safer roads for all.(info)
• Mayor Katherine Ross Announces Re-Election Campaign, Pledges to Build on Proven Progress and Trusted Leadership: Mayor Katherine Ross confirmed her re-election campaign to further the advancements made during her first term as Snoqualmie’s mayor. She stressed a focus on public safety, infrastructure upgrades, and affordable housing initiatives. Under her leadership, the city saw a 10% reduction in crime and the successful completion of community projects like a new splash park. Ross plans to enhance emergency preparedness and promote local economic development in her next term. She has a strong background in business management and community service, having led various local organizations. Her candidacy reflects a commitment to maintaining Snoqualmie’s unique character while meeting residents’ needs.(info)

Events:

• Bellevue College Annual Networking and Job Fair 2025 on May 7th.(info)
• 2025 CougsFirst! Show & Career Expo on May 9th.(info)
• Saturday Wine Tasting: Traversing the French Rhone Valley on May 10th.(info)
• Silver Sneakers Classic on May 6th.(info)
• Currents: An Original Operetta on May 7th.(info)
• Bothell Art Walk on May 8th.(info)
• Transportation Workshop on May 10th.(info)
• Small Business Week from May 5th to May 7th.(info)
• Pressed Flower Frame Workshop at William Grassie Wine Estates on May 7th.(info)
• Snoqualmie Valley Connect Business Networking on May 8th.(info)
• ”SnoValley Innovation Fridays: Connect, Collaborate, Create!” on May 9th.(info)