 Click on the image to view the Twitter thread, including a short video of last night's ride
Last night was a thrilling life experience for me. After two decades of fighting to make light rail a reality on the Eastside, I took my first light rail ride from the Bel-Red/130th Station in Bellevue to Overlake Village Station in Redmond as a part of Sound Transit’s overnight live-wire light rail vehicle testing work - a critical component of the agency’s continuing progress to open East Link. It was an early taste of what it will be like when the line finally opens to the public.
Now, I’m even more excited at the prospect of opening an East Link starter line connecting Redmond to Bellevue ahead of opening the now-delayed East Link connection between South Bellevue and Seattle. Since I wrote a Seattle Times op-ed in August urging Sound Transit to explore this Eastside-only starter line, the concept has gained momentum with support from Eastside elected and business leaders and the public at large.
Sound Transit staff are in the process of taking a hard look at the idea and will be briefing on progress and next steps at Thursday's System Expansion Committee, which I chair.
I look forward to learning more and working with Eastsiders, Sound Transit staff and my board colleagues to open light rail on the Eastside ASAP. In the coming month I will provide more updates as the Eastside-only starter line is discussed and considered at Sound Transit.
 Overnight live-wire light rail vehicle testing work on East Link has been occuring in November and December. Photo courtesy of Sound Transit
 Snowflake Lane. Photo courtesy of Bellevue Downtown Association
We’re officially into the December holiday season and community celebrations abound! If you’re looking for a little holiday cheer, you can visit Bellevue’s Snowflake Lane (Nov. 25 - Dec. 24 with nightly performances at 7pm), Kirkland’s Winterfest Tree Lighting (happening this Saturday), or Redmond Lights (Dec. 1 - Jan. 4 ). Check out the details and remember to bundle up!
Care about conservation?
 The King Conservation District (KCD) is a special purpose district, funded by you, with a mission to promote the sustainable use of natural resources through responsible stewardship in King County. The District is overseen by an all-volunteer, five-member board of supervisors who help steer the important conservation work to build clean water, healthy forests, and strong local food systems. Three of the five supervisors are elected positions and the candidate filing period for the Seat #3 election begins next Monday December 5, 2022, at 8:00am and lasts through December 9, 2022 at 5:00pm.
If you think that your voice can help KCD fulfill this important work, consider applying to run in the 2023 Board of Supervisors Election! Learn more here:
Where do you want your garbage and recycling to go?
 King County's Solid Waste Division is considering locations for the new Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station, which will replace the current Houghton Transfer Station with a new, modern facility. They are currently preparing for the environmental review process and need your input on what the study should include.
Attend a meeting next week to share your thoughts:
- Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, 6PM – 8PM Virtual, via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86319581644
- Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022 - 6PM – 8PM Brightwater Center (in-person) 22505 State Route 9, Woodinville, WA 98072
Winter weather resources
 For better and worse, winter is here! With temperatures hovering around freezing, school delays and closures, as well as icy roads, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest winter weather information.
For anyone in need of a place to come in out of the cold, the King County Regional Homelessness Authority has a list of locations and resources that is regularly updated:
Wondering about riding transit in the snow? Learn about Metro Transit services during snow and winter weather:
King County Road Services offers a range of links, how to videos, and other resources to be prepared for traveling in winter weather:
Spread the word!
Please forward this email widely and invite others to sign-up to my email updates to receive important and timely information for District 6 constituents.
Sincerely,
 Claudia Balducci
King County Council
District 6
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