Eastside Digest
PCBs force closure of Bellevue child-care facility

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The Surrydowns Children's Center, 609 112th Ave. N.E., was closed Tuesday because of the presence of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) in the light fixtures. PCBs, a chemical mixture once used as a coolant and lubricant, were banned 25 years ago, but are still in the environment. Scientists have linked long-term exposure to health problems, including rashes and liver damage.

The facility will be closed until the fixtures are replaced.

Parents of children attending the facility were sent letters from Public Health — Seattle & King County explaining the situation.

Bellevue

Gunman suspected in at least 7 robberies

Police are looking for a man who has robbed businesses in Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton and Federal Way in the past two months.

The man, who has committed at least seven robberies, has targeted gas stations, pizza parlors, check-cashing businesses and a bank, said Bellevue police spokesman Michael Chiu. He has shown a small handgun in all the crimes, but has not pointed it at anyone, Chiu said.

Police describe the man as about 5 feet 7 inches tall, of medium build, in his early 20s to mid-30s. He usually wears a light baseball cap, rose-tinted sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt. The man uses a wadded-up plastic shopping bag to carry away the cash.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 800-CRIME13.

Bellevue
 
Chalk artists use sidewalks as canvas

Chalk Walk at the Corners begins tomorrow with professional, student and aspiring artists creating chalk drawings along the sidewalks of Northeast Eighth Street and Bellevue Way Northeast, between Bellevue Square and Bellevue Place.

The public is invited both to watch the artists at work and become street artists themselves.

There also will be live musical entertainment throughout the weekend at both Bellevue Square's Fountain Court and the Bellevue Place Motor Court. Pedestrians will be able to enjoy the temporary outdoor art gallery until the first downpour.

Artist registration will be from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, or until space is filled. The cost is $25 per 4-by-4-foot space and includes chalk, kneeling pad, water bottle and a Chalk Walk backpack.

A family section will have $15 squares. This year's proceeds benefit the Bellevue Boys & Girls Clubs. More information is available at www.bellevuesquare.com or by calling 425-454-2431.