Jeff Sanderson sworn in

New councilmember Jeff Sanderson was sworn in on Monday, Dec. 7. Sanderson ran essentially unopposed and will serve a two-year term in Position No. 4, which was filled by Tana Senn, Joel Wachs and Terry Pottmeyer.

Sanderson brings a unique perspective to the Council as a former Town Center business owner, as he and his wife Lara ran Stopsky’s Delicatessen from 2011-2014.

Earth Day fair to return in 2016

After a hiatus in 2015, the Leap for Green Sustainability Fair will return to the Mercer Island Community and Event Center (MICEC) on April 16.

The fair started in 2008, to celebrate Earth Day (April 22) by promoting environmental practices and activities for kids and adults, and raise awareness of local sustainability resources.

If interested in joining the volunteer team, contact Ross Freeman, city sustainability manager,  at 206-275-7662.

Weather causes evacuation of three homes and closures of East Mercer Way

Due to heavy rains and wind, East Mercer Way was closed twice last week, and three homes had to be evacuated due to a landslide at the 9400 block of S.E. 47th Street.

The city asked residents to make sure storm drains in neighborhoods are not blocked, and consider safely checking steep slopes around their property.

On Dec. 9 and 10, city and Puget Sound Energy (PSE) crews were on East Mercer Way taking cares of trees that were wrapped in power lines and had fallen across the road. More than 1,000 Islanders lost power on Dec. 9.