June 1, 2018
Newcastle Summer Events Schedule
Fourth of July! Concerts in the Park! Movie Night! Newcastle Days! Here's what's happening at Lake Boren Park this summer!
Community News
City Council Town Hall is June 19
Come chat with your Newcastle City Council at the Town Hall meeting on June 19. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., but the main program will go from 7-9 p.m. at The Golf Club at Newcastle. It's a great opportunity to meet your councilmembers, get your questions answered and learn what's happening in your city! Light refreshments will be provided.

The Coal Creek YMCA is also happy to offer free childcare for your children ages 5 and up so you can attend the meeting (Register  here ).
Police Chief Melinda Irvine to Retire
After more than 12 years protecting and serving the people of Newcastle, Police Chief Melinda Irvine has announced her retirement from Newcastle and the King County Sheriff’s Office effective June 30.

Chief Irvine has been with Newcastle for the last 12 years and with the King County Sheriff’s Office overall for 30 years. She fostered a department culture where Newcastle officers are committed to community policing, problem solving and providing exceptional service. Her leadership and tireless commitment to keeping the Newcastle community safe and secure will be sorely missed.
Bear Sightings in Newcastle
Reports of bear activity increase across the state during this time of year and Newcastle is no exception! The city received reports of a bear on the Highlands Access Trail, while the Ridgewood at Newcastle community shared a video of a bear roaming the neighborhood earlier this week.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife responds to bear sightings when there is a threat to public safety or property. If it is an emergency, dial 911. We've put together a few tips on living with wildlife here .
City Appeals Decision to Allow Timber Harvest
On May 18, the Department of Natural Resources approved an application to clear-cut 28 acres of trees on a property located in the southeast corner of the city . The City of Newcastle responded by first filing an appeal and then a stay against the logging as the appeals process moves forward.

At the May 15 meeting, the City Council directed the city attorney to file an appeal on any decision to allow logging on the site. The council also instructed the city manager and city attorney to pursue any options to delay or stop the clear-cut on the land. Delaying the logging provides more time for affected property owners and agencies to take steps to protect the area. Learn more about the logging application in this Bellevue Reporter article .
Puget Sound Energy Hosts Energize Eastside Meeting
Puget Sound Energy will host another public meeting regarding Energize Eastside from 6‐8 p.m. on June 26 at Aegis Gardens. Residents are encouraged to bring their questions and concerns. You can view Energize Eastside permit documents and past presentations here .
Register Now for Skyhawks Summer Camps
Registration is now open for summer Skyhawks sports camps at Lake Boren Park and other Newcastle locations. Children can learn the fundamentals of tennis, basketball, soccer, baseball, flag football and golf!

The Newcastle Police Beat features selected crime reports from across the city. It is released in this email newsletter, published a few days before every City Council meeting. 

The Newcastle City Council will consider a memorandum of understanding that would ensure preservation of the historic Baima House at its June 5 meeting.

The City of Newcastle passport facility will remain closed to new passport applications through
the months of June and July due to staff shortages. We apologize for the inconvenience and encourage citizens to visit one of the facilities listed here instead.
On May 24, Newcastle Police made an arrest in a burglary case after the individual chose to return to the scene of the crime to steal various metals for the third night in a row.

Additionally, with a recent uptick in car prowls, Newcastle Detective Chris Leyba offers a few tips to prevent this crime.
The City of Newcastle was well represented at the Vision House No Homeless Kids Benefit Luncheon in May, where MOD Pizza co-founder Ally Svenson was the guest speaker. During the event, it was announced that MOD Pizza will open a restaurant in Newcastle.

A special congratulations to Maywood Middle School student Nidhi Achanta! The Newcastle resident made it to the third round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee this week. Newcastle's proud of you Nidhi!

Screenshot via spellingbee.com .
Did you know the City of Newcastle is on Instagram? Give us a follow ( @newcastlewa ) and use the hashtag #NewcastleWA on all of your social media channels to share your Newcastle photos. Join us on Instagram at 6 p.m. June 6 as we follow the Community Activities Commissioners on their parks inventory tour. We'll post photos as we explore all of Newcastle's parks!
Calling all aspiring teen filmmakers! We want you to enter the Newcastle Teen Film Contest! Winning entries will be shown at the city's Lake Boren Park Movie Night this summer! The contest is open to middle and high school students. Submissions must be 3-5 minutes, family friendly and are due by June 30.

Newcastle resident and author Dana Sullivan helps you get your picture book ready for publication, Newcastle Trails hosts a presentation about the city's trail system and more!

Aegis Gardens' Stan Head Cultural Center is a public space where the greater community is invited to attend special seminars, college prep lectures, music recitals, tai chi classes and much more.

Volunteering is a great way to have fun, give back and learn more about your community! This month, we shine the spotlight on current volunteer needs for Newcastle Days and a grassroots theater group.

Join the adventure of Cub Scouts with local Pack 738. All boys and girls in kindergarten through fourth grade and their parents are invited to learn more at an upcoming information session: Wednesday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Newcastle Elementary School gym.

Contact chornor@seattlebsa.org for more information.
Helpful Links
City of Newcastle |  newcastlewa.gov  

The Newcastle email newsletter is published the Friday before every City Council meeting. Learn more about the newsletter, see an archive of past newsletters and sign up to receive it at newcastlewa.gov/newsletters .