Stranger Danger defense class

Karate West Training Centers of Mercer Island is offering special classes and information to help kids avoid trouble. Karate West is placing its 5 Step Defense program on its Web site and will conduct a special free seminar on safety between noon and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, at its school in Sammamish, 3310 E. Lk. Samm. Pkwy. S.E. For more go to www.karatewest.com.

Oh Romeo!

Youth Theatre Northwest’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” continues through Feb. 8. For information and tickets, go to www.youththeatre.org or call 232-4145.

Winter on the Lake

Take in winter by boat by attending a Sea Kayak and Canoe seminar, Feb. 7 and 8, at the Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St. For information, go to (206) 545-9161, seminar@wwta.org.

Sound Transit East Link meetings

There are two upcoming chances to find out more about Sound Transit’s East Link Light Rail project tonight, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Bellevue High School, 10416 Wolverine Way, or Thursday, Jan. 29, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave. N.E. See page A2 for details or go to www.soundtransit.org.

Education budget

The Mercer Island School District adminstrators are holding a meeting to discuss the impact of state budget on public school funding. The session is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan 29 at Islander Middle School. For moe go to www.misd.k12.wa.us