Federal taxpayers give Redmond $11 million to help build the "Microsoft Bridge" and stimulate our economy. WHY?

Look at the maps for the NE 36th Street Bridge.



















UPDATE: 6/9/09 - According to Councilmember R. Cole, $6M of the $11M was re-allocated to a Bremerton stimulus project. Aparently the cost of construction of the NE 36th Bridge was much less than anticipated. None of the surplus was given to Microsoft.

"The 36th Street Bridge project in Redmond is not a hunk of federal stimulus that benefits only Microsoft. To the contrary, say guest columnists John Marchione and Bob Drewel, this public/private partnership will help reduce congestion in the whole area and help our economy and environment." Read column Seattle Times, 3/24/09

Total bridge cost is: $36,000,000

$17,000,000 is Microsoft's contribution.

$11,000,000 is contributed from the "Federal Economic Stimulus Package."

Why does Microsoft and Redmond need an $11 million economic stimulus from Uncle Sam? Read comments from readers of the Seattle Times 3/24/09 column by Mayor Marchione and Drewel. What do you think of this bridge and how it's being funded? If you have something to say, you are invited to comment below.

Maps are courtesy of the West Redmond Real Estate Buzz Blog and the Redmond Library Blog.

Redmond High School Fastpitch Wins Kingco 4A Title - advances to State

Redmond High School Fastpitch Team Wins Kingco 4A Title

click picture to read players/coaches names

5/20/2009 --- With a 5-2 victory over the Woodinville Falcons, the Redmond High Mustang Fastpitch team won the 2009 Kingco 4A championship last night at Hartman Park in front of a large crowd.

With over 150 fans, friends and interested softball enthusiasts watching from the stands and hills at Hartman Park, the Falcons and the Mustangs faced off in a winner to state game between the Crest and Crown division champs. Woodinville led 1-0 going into the 4th inning when Maria Reisinger sent a line drive over the right field fence to score two runs. A single by Emily Squiers and a double by Lindsay Cristobal scored another run for the 3-1 lead.

The Falcons mounted a charge in the 5th inning, loading the bases and scoring one. However, the Mustangs showed poise and defensive strength with another strikeout and putout to again leave the Falcons with bases loaded to end the inning. It was in the 6th inning, with two outs, that the Mustangs took final control on solid hits by Lindsay Cristobal and Lauren Nabseth that each drove in a run, pushing the Mustang’s cushion to 3 with the 5-2 lead. Although the Faclcons were able to get runners on base, Erika Hendron continued to pitch a strategic game striking out 3 of the last 5 batters in the 6th and 7th for a total of 11 strikeouts in the game. A great pitching effort against the good hitting Falcons.

Congratulations to the Team on earning the Kingco Championship Title for the first time in Redmond Fastpitch history, and earning the #1 Kingco berth to the State Tournament next weekend in Tacoma. This will be Redmond’s second trip to State, following last year’s 3rd place finish. Deserving of the title, the Mustangs were the only Kingco team to defeat every other Kingco team this season.

The Mustangs will now prepare to advance in the State tournament along with 15 other 4A teams.

~Alan Gero
RHS Fastpitch Booster Club

Redmond H.S. Theartre Arts Program to Perform in Edinburgh

Redmond Drama Booster website

Redmond High School (RHS) Theatre Arts accepted to perform as a part of The Edinburgh Festival Fringe (commonly known as The Fringe). They were nominated by the American High School Theatre Festival (AHSTF). The trip to Edinburgh is currently slated for August 2011. Students going on the trip will visit parts of Scotland and London as well as promote and perform a short play twice a day at one of The Fringe’s premier venues.

Students going on the trip will visit parts of Scotland and London as well as promote and perform a short play twice a day at one of The Fringe’s premier venues. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe started in 1947 when eight theatre groups turned up uninvited to the first Edinburgh International Festival (EIF).

Redmond High School students will begin raising funds and preparing for the trip in the Fall of 2009. For more information or to make a donation please contact Redmond High School Drama Boosters at http://www.redmonddrama.org/.

Hyperlocal news blogs are becoming an alternative to traditional print media.

The following story on local news blogs was written by Rob Butcher of the Kirkland Views. Rob's blog is being broadcast on the Seattle Times Online and his news aggregator "Eastside TODAY". Hyperlocal news blogs such as Kirkland Views are increasingly a complement, if not an alternative to traditional news media.

Given the the turmoil in the newspaper industry, traditional news organizations are finding it difficult to adequately cover smaller markets such as Kirkland and Redmond. In an effort to improve their news coverage of local communities, The Seattle Times initiated discussions with local in bloggers earlier this year. (The Redmond Blog was one).

The closest thing to a daily paper citizens of the Eastside have is the various editions of the Reporter. These free weekly and semiweekly newspapers are distributed in parts of Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah and Bothell/Kenmore. These papers are vital to the local communities they serve, but the papers themselves can scarcely be called “local” as the profits they generate do not stay in the local economy. The Reporter papers are published by Sound Publishing which is owned and operated by Black Press, Ltd., a Canadian firm with 115 newspapers in western Canada, Washington State and Hawaii.

The days of print news in its current form are numbered. The traditional news media needs to adapt to the changing environment. The Seattle Times is attempting to do just that with its pilot program to partner with local blogs.

A little history:

In 1976, Bellevue’s Journal-American was founded as a merger of the Bellevue American and the Eastside Journal from Kirkland. In 1996, the Journal-American was renamed the Eastside Journal. In 2003, the paper morphed into the King County Journal. In November of 2006, the King County Journal was purchased along with its nine sister Reporter publications by the Canadian firm firm, Black Press Ltd. The King County Journal published its last issue on January 21, 2007.

-- story by Rob Butcher, Kirkland Views & Eastside TODAY, 5/18/09

OPINION Part Two: Thoughts on Council's Land Use Appeal Policy

UDATED OPINION, 6/13, Opinion: Councilmembers Kimberly Allen and Hank Margeson recently proposed taking the legal land use appeal component out of council's hands and into King County Superior Court. As Mr. Margeson stated, it's the Council's job to write policy, not to interpret it. Citizens would still maintain their right to appeal the Hearing Examiner's decision. In addition, Council could hold a secondary, legislative appeal to address code issues brought up by citizens. 

Most area cities choose to take the lawyering out of their Council's job description and give it to the county superior court i.e.  Kirkland, Bellevue, Issaquah, Sammamish, Woodinville, Edmonds, Seattle, Everett, and Mercer Island.  We should, too.  Only Redmond and Bothell land use appeals remain "judged" by city councils. 

After trying to participate in the review of three deforestation projects by CAMWEST, the Shauhanessy deforestation project, and Tent City review process, I agree it's time for a change. In fact, Council President Nancy McCormick described her frustration, if not agony, while presiding over the TC-4 and 172nd Ave extension appeals. The 42-lot Shauhanessy Plat/PRD drew a similar response from Nancy when an appeal to Council was remanded by Council back to the Hearing Examiner for a second Public Hearing. Shauhanassy is the longest land use review in the history of Redmond and the project still isn't built.

After thanking Ms. Allen for articulating the Shauhanessy case so well, Council President Nancy McCormick movingly stated:

"The public process may not have been violated but it was twisted. I can't keep from thinking about that couple who appeared at the Tent City public meeting and signed up to the Party of Record only to be denied on appeal to be heard.

The public needs accurate information and timeliness of an appeal, otherwise we make a mockery out of Public Hearings and caring about public involvement."

It is clear recent land use cases have demonstrated that our present public process needs fixing. The public has not been getting accurate information because their elected representatives are not allowed to represent or inform them. Conversely, staff gives full support and guidance to developers who already know the system and what questions to ask.

Councilmember Pat Vache' (and Cole, Carson, Myers) openly support the present quasi-judicial appeal process. They prefer not to give up their lawyering power in judging land-use policy. Rather, Mr. Vache' (and Mr. Myers) look at the present process as a "learning experience to get the feel for the impact of how code impacts the stakeholders". What Mr. Vache' doesn't learn about are his constituents' feelings and their understanding the project during the Review. Thus, mistakes get made (that could have been fixed in legislative appeal to council). Mr. Vache' says the Q-J process is more efficient. Shauhanssey PRD lasted years. Tent City-4 was a breath away from the State Supreme Appellate Court. Perrigo Heights,  The 172nd extension, Pearce, and Tyler Creek land use actions all took valuable time from Council policy-making duties while stressing the neighborhoods and landowners on code issues. No wonder Council work has become a full-time job.

Interestingly, Mr. Vache’ voted for the CAMWEST Perrigo Heights Plat Steep Slope Exception concluding "where else are we going to put the homes"?  Mr. Vache’ lives right off of NE 116th Street behind what later became Mosaic Meadows plat and sown 116th from CAMWEST'S huge Pearce PRD. 

Over time,  part of the issue is Council gets too close to the stakeholders and their judgment becomes affected, despite the appearance of distance and objectivity.
Part One: "Moving Redmond forward on Land Use Appeals"

Urban Musical Instruments - a new art idea for Redmond

Chrisopher Janney - creator of "urban musical instruments"

Opinion: The Arts Commission (left) was LIVE on RC-TV May 14 hosting Christopher Janney, architect, jazz musician, and world renowned "sound and light installation artist". Awesome. Mr. Janney integrates music and lighting with architecture to stimulate social interaction and gathering in public places. The best way to understand the nature of Christopher's creative work is to view this video (2m) highlighting some of his installation art from around the country.

Paraphrasing Arts Commission Chair John Stilin: 'Art connects people. The purpose of Art in Redmond is to build community. Art brings people together. It's what gets people talking together.'

Before the meeting, John Stilin and staff took Mr. Janney on a tour through the city to brainstorm for ideas on Cleveland Avenue and the Downtown Park. Mr. Janney suggested: linear street lighting transformed into 'musical instruments' as pedestrians walk by. Also, "Sonic Trees" in a plaza could "act as a magnet" to citizens by the music they generate from human activity.

Christopher Janney was impressed with Redmond's nature and technology assets. He perceives nature and technology as harmonic. Mr. Janney looks at his installation art as enhancing the work of a landscape architect.

Christopher Janney is an impressive, incredibly creative individual, specializing in "thinking outside of the box." Janney has a B.A. in Architecture from Princeton, 1973 and is a jazz musician, winning the prestigious New York Talent Poll in 1975. He has a Masters in Environmental Art from M.I.T. Janney's thesis was: "SOUNDSTAIR: The nature of environmental / participatory art." The Arts Commission has really done their homework bringing Mr. Janney to Redmond. I hope he will 'enhance' our Downtown someday.

Website: http://www.janney.com/

Department of Natural Resources uses digital photography to map impervious surfaces for more accurate stormwater billing.

Stormwater treatment infiltration pond next to Evans Creek. Infiltration systems on sensitive Evans Creek properties will be more closely monitored by the City.

UPDATED, 5/21. Opinion: The council voted (7-0) last night to modify stormwater billing to improve billing accuracy. New digital aerial mapping technology allows stormwater engineers to more accurately identify all impervious surfaces (roads, parking, structures) that contribute to dirty stormwater run-off. According staff, an "opt-out" condition only applies to the city-center (downtown) sub-basin, and is only applicable to properties within that sub-basin that are adjacent to the Sammamish River. No change in treatment requirements will apply from this ordinance.

The SW industrial businesses (R.I.C.E.) earlier had lobbied for "infiltration" and against regional treatment improvements. Staff is working with RICE to develop an assessment for existing infiltration systems, and to develop a process and timeline to modify existing systems (if necessary) to reduce risk to the aquifer. The City is building a SW Regional Treatment Plant to treat dirty stormwater more comprehensively and economically along the industrial district of Evans Creek and SW Redmond. Councilmembers Hank Myers and Pat Vache' lended their support to the R.I.C.E. industries during negotiations.

The Administration made some concessions to pass the modification. With staff approval, industries and landowners living adjacent the river would be allowed to "opt out" from hooking into the new Downtown Regional Stormwater Facility. To qualify for reduced rates, a professional engineer would have to make sizing and cost estimates for properties building a private water treatment facility. Department of Ecology water quality standards must still be met. A business could "opt out" for lower rates if their plan was approved by the Staff. Another concession, driven by Myers, was to allow businesses to appeal their bill by October, 2009. Landowners who "opt out" will be reimbursed for the value of their land lost to an on-site facility. Finally, staff had requested that "gravel" count as an impervious surface. The Administration and council decided not to include gravel as impervious, but to study and decide on the issue by December, 2010.

The new digital photography mapping techniques to identify parcels with impervious surfaces is more accurate than on site visits. 78 letters have been mailed to property owners with NEW stormwater bills. Also, the unit measurement of impervious has been "truncated" which will bring higher revenues to the city. In addition, billing by parcel, rather than property owner will add to revenues. Credits will be given for "rain harvesting".

Public Works Director Bill Campbell and Stormwater Manager Jon Spangler, have been progressive and innovative in meeting city needs for cleaner water, all the while, dancing the political jig for council and property owners. Councilmember Hank Margeson concluded the billing modification was really all about cleaner water for our streams (and aquifer zones). Margeson Chairs the Planning & Public Works Committee.

Link to the Modified Stormwater billing ordinance

draft

21 Acres Center for Local Food & Sustainable Living. Ground breaking June 6.

Excellent 6 minute video about 21 Acres!

Building Beyond Green – 21 Acres Center for Local Food and Sustainable Living. Unprecedented Facility Breaks Ground Featuring Largest Solar Array in Washington State. Demonstrates Technologies for Long Term Energy Efficiency.

We invite you to join the celebration as we break ground Saturday, June 6, for an unprecedented, cutting-edge facility in western Washington, that will provide vital infrastructure and education to support small farms.

Demonstrating new technologies for energy and water conservation in commercial and residential buildings, the 21 Acres Center for Local Food and Sustainable Living will feature a year-round farmers market, community kitchen, publicly available classroom space and a 50 kW PV solar panel array. Phase 1 of the project- the 8,500 square foot East Wing of the Center- will be located in otherwise urban western King County and will be a community venue for education on farming, sustainable living, and energy and water saving systems.

Read more: http://www.21acres.org/building-beyond-green-breaking-ground The ground breaking ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., in conjunction with the ongoing Sustainable Saturday series of farm tours, workshops and volunteer community service projects.

Please carpool, take the bus, bike or walk! Map and bus routes: http://www.21acres.org/directions-to-21-acres. For more information or directions log on to 21acres.org; e-mail: generalinfo@21acres.org, or call 206-442-2061.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

Gretchen Garth,

Board President, and the 21 Acres Team21 Acres

http://www.21acres.org/

New video just posted! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF6SGF8M48A

A Tale of One Redmond Trail

Ashford Trail ..............................................................................................Perrigo Woods Trail

Both trails are one and the same. The photo on the right was taken in 2004 during the "Save the Woodlands Walkathon" before the CAMWEST project was built. The photo on the left is the same trail five years later, in 2009. The city named it "Ashford Trail" after the Ashford Condominiums on Avondale Road.

The Ashford Trail was "developed" by the city to service the CAMWEST waterline and stormwater line. Crushed rock is blended into the forest soil to harden the surface and limit trail mud, though it's now close to impervious.

The soft-surface Perrigo Woods Trail is "pre-CAMWEST". In days past it was used by the Vallene family and others living east of Perrigo Springs for hiking and equestrian travel.

The western Trailhead is at the terminus of NE 100st near 171st Ave. It passes by the Hartman Wetlands and CAMWEST development to Avondale Rd.

Redmond Lacrosse Club a top seed in Division II Tourney

The Washington Boys Lacrosse Tournament is underway!

2009 WHSBLA High School Division II State Tournament Lacrosse Playoff Ladder

Redmond plays Sammamish at Redmond High School, Saturday, 5/16, 1pm. Coached by "J.C."

Eastside Catholic plays Blanchet, 5/15, 7pm at Eastside Catholic. Coached by Bill Brouseau.

Above 30 sec. video clip is Redmond vs. Overlake (10-15, Overlake)

Overlake scores vs. Redmond, same game - 20 sec. clip

Below Video clips are from Redmond vs. Snohomish game (15-5, Redmond):

Tyler (attack) and Sean (defense):
Stadium chatter:
Barry McDonough rips it:
Jim Anderson coaching from the bleachers - Jim is the Boys Middle School Coach at Lake Washington and past Boys Eastside High School Coach.
Jake Bernstein (Sophomore starter)
Valiant D - Coach stays positive
DJ Ohlstrom (Senior):
McDonough (Sophomore) :

OPINION PART ONE: "Moving Redmond Forward" on Land Use Appeal Decisions

KING COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT

Kirkland, Bellevue, Sammamish, Issaquah, Woodinville, Mercer Island, Seattle, Edmonds, Everett all use the King County Superior Court land use appeals. Redmond still uses City Council for land use appeals.

According to Rob Odle, Redmond Planning and Development Director, in the mid-90's, most cities abandoned the council Q-J land use appeal process for appeals by the King County Superior Court.

OPINION UPDATED, 5/17, Opinion: "Moving Redmond Forward" was Mayor John Marchione's #1 campaign slogan when he was running for office two years ago. John has been living up to his promise, unfortunately not the Council majority. The Council "majority" just moved Redmond two steps back during a conversation on Land Use Appeal Decision process in their last council meeting.

The council majority of David Carson, Richard Cole, Pat Vache' and Hank Myers took a straw vote, tallied by Carson, to keep their dated "quasi-judicial role" for preliminary plats. The quasi-judicial (q-j) role gives Council powerful legal and legislative appeal authority over a city-designated land use attorney's decision. (Hearing Examiner.)

After hours of deliberation in two Committee meetings last year, Councilmembers Hank Margeson and Kimberly Allen offered reasons to move our city forward in utilizing the King County Superior Court rather than keeping Council for land use appeals. Only Redmond and Bothell rely on Council for initial appeal decisions in our area. Below are reasons for moving forward:

• Redmond's present appeal process requires Council by law to thoroughly review every page, document, and blueprint in the Hearing Examiner's file for accuracy beyond reasonable doubt.
• Council is not legally qualified, nor has the time, to thoroughly review the Examiner's file for inaccuracies.
• Society is more litigious and will challenge Council's ability to craft a correct Record. The City is liable and vulnerable to expensive, drawn-out lawsuits by appellants and landowners.
• During land use decisions, which can take over a year, citizens are not allowed to communicate with their councilmembers about the project. When legislative mistakes of interpreting Land Use Code are made, Council cannot fix the problem up-front, by mediation, or in a pre-hearing meeting. Participation, citizen/landowner engagement, and transparency are severely limited by a WALL between the People and their Representatives.

The land use decisions subject to council's Q-J appeal process are called "Preliminary Plats". Some examples of Preliminary Plat appeals in Redmond gone a muck are: CAMWEST'S Perrigo Heights, CAMWEST'S Pearce, Shauhanessy, and CAMWEST'S Tyler Creek - all of which were strung out by Council's legal and legislative interpretations of a poorly crafted Examiner Record.

PART TWO, 5/20/09, "Thoughts on Redmond's Land Use Appeal Policy"
PART THREE: on "Moving Redmond Forward on Land Use Appeal Decisions" will focus on significant Preliminary Plat mistakes and unintended consequences from Redmond's Q-J process.
Chair Margeson's Planning and Public Works Committee meeting, 11/08
Chair Margeson's Planning and Public Works Committee meeting, 07/08

Redmond High orchestra wins a performance spot at Carnegie Hall

Redmond Students to Perform at Carnegie Hall May 24, 2009

Redmond, Wash. – Students from the Redmond High School orchestras have learned the way to Carnegie Hall: it takes practice, practice, practice… and a great conductor!

A group of 40 students from the Redmond High School String and Chamber Orchestras and the Redmond Junior High School Advanced Orchestra and their conductor, Lake Washington School District teacher Paula C. Ferguson, will be traveling to New York City over Memorial Day weekend to perform at Carnegie Hall. The students won a coveted performance spot at the famous concert hall by submitting a recording of their best work from the last several years.

Redmond High School principal Jane Todd, who will be accompanying the group to their Carnegie Hall debut, is enthusiastic in her praise of the students and their conductor. “Thanks to Mrs. Ferguson’s work, we’ve built an orchestra that’s second to none,” Todd said. “We’ll be taking our Mustang pride all the way to New York City.”

--May 13, 2009 Contact: Kathryn Reith, kreith@lwsd.org or 425-702-3342

John Stilin, strong arts advocate runs for Council this fall

Part One of John Stilin's March 16, 2009 Press Release to the print media.

John Stilin announced his campaign for Redmond City Council, Position 6 on March 16. The seat will be vacated when Council President Nancy McCormick retires later this year.

“Local government has the biggest impact on our daily lives,” said Stilin. “I want to work with the citizens of Redmond to ensure that we are making the best decisions when addressing the needs of our community for today and the future. Change is inevitable. However, we need to preserve the uniqueness of Redmond while managing change. I want to make sure that Redmond is a safe, culturally rich, and economically vibrant city that we can proudly call ‘home’. I envision a Redmond where its citizens are actively involved in the community and its governance, and where a tradition of pride in our city makes Redmond a great place to live,” said Stilin.

Stilin has served on the Redmond Arts Commission since 2006, and is currently the Chair. John also serves as Co-Chair of the Viewpoint Citizens Advisory Committee that is formulating neighborhood planning recommendations for inclusion in Redmond’s Comprehensive Plan."

OPINION: Mr. Stilin is a strong and powerful advocate for the arts. He is a leader in empowering the Arts Commission to leverage the Arts towards the economic revitalization of our growing Downtown. Another goal is to develop youth awareness and skills in the Arts which could bring more Art into the neighborhoods. Mayor Marchione and Mr. Stilin appear to have a close working relationship.

John read the following Mission Statement at a 2006 Arts Commission meeting: "diverse arts opportunities are a principle reason why citizens love living here, why artists are attracted to live and work here, and why tourists visit Redmond."
-- Bob Yoder

Comments?

Councilmember Kimberly Allen will seek reelection this fall.

Part One of Kimberly Allen's 5/12/09 Press Release:

Redmond City Councilmember Kimberly Allen announced today her intention to seek reelection this fall. Allen is completing her first term in position 4 on the Redmond City Council where she has served as the chair of the Council’s Public Safety Committee, and has been a member of the Parks and Human Services Committee and the Planning and Public Works Committee.

“Redmond continues to grow and change all around us, even with a downturn in the national economy,” stated Allen. “As a member of the city council, I’d like to continue to help guide the growth that will continue to come, in a way that preserves Redmond’s character and environmental beauty while promoting green building practices. I also want to ensure that there are plenty of opportunities for neighbors to be heard and for them to see their perspectives reflected in the important decisions we make as a city.”

Contact: kimonthcouncil@yahoo.com
Phone: 425-894-8237

Mayor Marchione talks to the neighborhoods once a month.

An interview with Mayor John Marchione will be video-taped once a month as part of a new "INSIDE REDMOND" multi-media program. The Mayor's monthly video will be available here, on RC-TV 21 and the city website. On the RC-TV link click "informational programs" to find Marchione's interview.

The Mayor's INSIDE REDMOND innaugural Video is about 20 minutes long. The good news is Mayor Marchione speaks first for only 8 minutes and packs in a lot of good information on: 1) the Overlake Urban Center, 2) the downtown project map, 3) the state of the local economy 4) police department transition, 5) light rail and more. The Mayor's assistant, Jane Christiansen, is a lively interviewer.

Several Public Service Announcements break between the Mayor's interview and talk by Parks Dept. (You'll see Carolyn Hope, our new Senior Parks Progam Manager.). On May 15, Starbucks is sponsoring a "Bike to Work" event. And, the Cascade Water Alliance explains how 10,000 gallons/year can be saved per family by using "Watersense" low flow toilets.

If you're pressed for time, fast forward the video 57 seconds and you won't miss a thing. For multi-tasking, minimize the video and listen to "the radio" -- though, you'll miss some good graphics.

Connor Knapp, Eagle Scout - completes culminating project for Redmond Presbyterian Church

CONNOR KNAPP, Eagle Scout
click collage to enlarge

Connor Knapp's Culminating EAGLE SCOUT Service Project was this natural outdoor amphitheatre for the Redmond Presbyterian Church. The land was donated by the church after review of Connor's proposal. The project was designed by Connor for compatibility with the forest, form and function. Not one tree was removed. Connor planned and organized the project from the beginning to the end. Under the mentorship of his father, Connor raised funds for the materials and recruited all the labor and then supervised the construction. The project's timeline was completion by Easter. They made it!

The church is very happy and blessed by Connor's project. The first use of the amphitheater was the Youth program's sponsored Easter "Sunrise Service". Boy Scouts from Connor's Troop 520 have held meetings here. Spaces within the church, including the amphitheatre, are open to the public, when available. For reservations, call 425-885-2811. The church is located on 166th Ave & NE 100th Street.

Connor's troop meets at the Redmond Presbyterian Church every Monday at 7pm, under the guidance of Dan Weinmeister, a Scoutmaster. Other Scout Troops on "the Hill" meet at Faith Lutheran, First Baptist, Redmond United Methodist, LDS, and Norman Rockwell.

CONGRATULATIONS, CONNOR!

Eagle Scout requirements - minimum of 21 Merit Badges - Connor has 26. Connor is the 5th Eagle scout to come out of Troop 520 (2.5 years old)

Redmond father & son lacrosse family invents THE LAX TIMER

When this ref's whistle blows, "the Clock" goes on auto-pilot.

My son Nolan created the http://www.laxtimer.com/ web site that we use to sell the "Lacrosse Timer" software. I'm the CEO of a local software company, Prime Recognition Corporation. Nolan's a junior on Redmond High School Varsity Lacrosse team, but has sat out this year with injuries. But prior to that he was on some all star teams including Starz.

As I mentioned, we actually give the software away to anyone in the Pacific NW, as payback for all the things that have been done for us in the 5 years Nolan's been playing. Anybody can download the software and use it for 30 days for free to see if they like it before buying it.

I wrote the software after a couple of years of doing timing the conventional way with stop watches, horns, etc. I much prefer this approach [in large part, because keeping track of multiple penalties is so much easier and less stressfull].

Regards,
Kenn Dahl
Redmond, WA.

Barry McDonough rips it: click for 40 sec. Redmond H.S. lacrosse video.

click to enlarge the "face-off" photo

UPDATE, 6/15 - We Lost. Redmond High School is an essay finalist & needs your vote to win a hybrid bus!

Help Lake Washington School District win this $200,000 hybrid bus! VOTE!

We're very happy to announce that Alexander Chen of Irvington High School in Fremont, CA has won the America's Greenest School Contest! Alex's essay "Irvington Vikings Sail Toward Sustainability" (one of nearly 2,000) won his school district an IC Bus plug-in hybrid electric school bus. He also won a $5,000 scholarship for himself. Way to go, Alex!

The following letter was forwarded to me by RHS Principal Todd for posting. Redmond High School student Hilary Polis wrote the letter.

Readers, please register to vote now! Please forward www.americasgreenestschool.com or this blog to your friends and 'friends of friends' so they can register and vote! Thank you, Hilary!________________________________________________________________________

Dear Redmond High School Principal Todd, Ms. Pointer, and Mr. Higgins,

I just wanted to let you know that our school has been chosen as a "Top Ten Finalist" in the America's Greenest School Contest. For this contest, we wrote an essay describing why Redmond is the greenest school in America, and our essay was chosen as one of the final 10/2000.

The grand prize for this contest is a hybrid school bus worth $200,000 for our school district AND a $5000 scholarship. The winner will be chosen by online voting next week (May 11-17). Register to vote NOW! Online voting will begin this Monday, May 11 and continue through Sunday, May 17.

TO REGISTER AND VOTE: Click http://www.americasgreenestschool.com/.

You can vote online 7 times (once per day from May 11-17)

Thanks so much for your help!
Sincerely,
Hilary Polis

slight edits

Energy Refuge story on hybrid buses
Hybrid bus - FAQ

Our Parks & Trails Commissioners are reaching new heights.

UPDATE, 5/10 - Opinion: I attended the Parks & Trails Commission Meeting tonight at Grass Lawn Park in the new building. Every time I go to Grass Lawn Park something about it amazes me. This time, it was watching heavy rain hit the pervious blacktop trail and not splash.

The Commissioners, led by able Chair Peter McDonald, brainstormed park and trail ideas, some 10-20 years into the future. To name a few:

• Indoor aquatic pool - climate change is bringing cooler weather and older adults need "soft" exercise for their joints. Children need a warm place to splash. A regional pool was discussed.
• Expand our partnership with the school district to share environmental resources, use of fields, and on.
• Build a network of soft surface walking trails for some of the best low impact exercise you can find. Provide for equestrian use.
• Outdoor performing arts amphitheatre with a focus on youth.
• The Downtown Park with a myriad of gathering places.
• Completion of the Centennial Trail that loops around the city and through the neighborhoods.
• Facilitate the growth of alternative sports from around the world: Equestrian, Cricket, Lacrosse, and Tai Chi. Plan for BMX Dirt Bike Jump parks.

Chairman McDonald made several pleas at the meeting, as follows: 1) a policy for wayfinding signage in parks and trails. Un-named trails run through parks unknown to the visitors. 2) a Parks Foundation to raise funds for the Downtown Park, an Aquatic Park, Amphitheatre and other goals. Find $10K in seed money for the Foundation. 3) Complete all the trail connections, 4) Park land acquisition - even in this economy landowners aren't selling.

Our Commissioners appear to be metamorphosing -- from task masters "wading in the weeds" -- to creating & implimenting higher-level, visionary, goal driven, work plans. Director Larsen was out ill but, three new resourceful planners offered excellent support! The commissioners are holding firmly to the reigns as they steer, ever upwards, into the 'high country' of Parks & Trails planning. I'm confident saying we can thank Mayor Marchione and his administration for the Commission's advance.

Moving speech by Environmental Teacher Mike Town

Mike Town, Redmond High School environmental AP teacher won the "Golden Apple" teaching award this school year. Mike's grant award was sponsored by PEMCO and KCTS -9.

Many of you may know of Mike's efforts with Washington Congress members to move the state towards federal protection and conservation of the Wild Sky Wilderness Area.

Click this KTCS-9 "Share me" link for the short video of Mike's motivating acceptance speech.

Thoughts on Redmond parks and arts

UPDATED: Opinion: I just came home from a city Parks Public Meeting. The city objective was to get us to "vision" what kind of parks and art our city will have 6-20 years out. Carolyn Hope, the new senior parks planner (of 3 months), led the meeting. I think she is also a Program Manager. I've seen Ms. Hope present four times, including a double presentation to the Planning Commission and an outdoor Dirt Bike public meeting. She was also interviewed for the inauguaral "ON REDMOND" RC-TV series. It appears the Marchione Administration has made an excellent hiring decision.

The city gave an electronic survey to all 25 participants. It was clear Redmond has grown way beyond it's last 6 year plan. For example, "soft surface" trails and "open space" was by far the most desired choice of nine park, rec, and art assets. Multi-use soft surface trails got a lot of interest - for hikers, equestrian, runners, and mountain bikers. A soft surface trail following the Sammamish River on the west bank drew a lot of chatter.

The city was definitely featuring art in their presentation. I found it interesting over 24 pieces of outdoor art rest permanently in Redmond but are not owned by the city. We have so much outdoor art, why can't we loan out some of our collection for others to enjoy? John Stilin, Arts Commission Chair and a city council candidate, brought up a valid argument to improve the enrichment of our youth with art education. Apparently, a clay throwing studio for kids just opened up at the Old Redmond School House; and the Teen Center has some great music programs.

One of the Downtown Park visions appeared as an expansive promenade, with covered seating and tables. Looked good. On my turn, I suggested "micro neighborhood parks" where neighbors could open satellite outdoor markets to sell things like "native plants", "nature photographs", and "home-made art & baked goods". Education Hill has a corner forest where this actually took place at one time.

Finally, the city showed a cool picture of "Redmond West Park" wetlands. Do you know where it is? Click here for slide shows of all our city parks.

Outdoor Public Meeting on the future of BMX Dirt Biking draws 70 citizens.

City Parks hosted an outdoor Public Meeting last night to explain the safety and environment issues of the current BMX Bike Course. Carolyn Hope, Senior Parks Planner and Theresa Kluver, Parks Operation Supervisor, were there just as much to listen and learn as talk. For technical support, Parks invited John Lang, Executive Director of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.

The Mayor personally initiated this meeting after consulting with city staff. Turnout and participation was "huge". Approximately 70 residents and youth attended. 95%+ of the parents and youth in attendance spoke favorably about the value of the location and sport. Many offered excellent recommendations i.e. tool storage, more dirt to build safer jumps and cover exposed roots, use cell phones more to call the city for help, community service, different courses for different skill levels, assigning "captains" to carry the city message, using dirt bike stewards to monitor the course, and get safety support from Performance Bicycle in Overlake. Come back soon for more stories, pictures and clips!

video clip: young BMX'ers talk on tools

video clip: parent talk on safety (one lady speaking has not kids)

Do you have any comments?

LWSD cuts $7.7 from budget and raises fees to keep class sizes the same and avoid layoffs.

When putting together the proposed budget for 2009-10, Lake Washington School District Superintendent Chip Kimball heard the message of parents and staff loud and clear: don’t increase class sizes. Through a series of administrative cuts, program cuts and increased fees, the district will keep class sizes the same and will not lay off teachers, despite cutting $7.7 million from its budget.

Community feedback also advocated protecting safety net programs for struggling learners, early learning and investments in quality staff. The new budget reflects those values through keeping like Ready Start preschool and safety net programs.

The largest cuts came in central administration and professional development, over $2 million dollars.

• Just over ten positions will be eliminated, including four administrators, two professional/technical staff members and just over four professional development staff positions.


• All central office departments will face five percent cuts in their operating budgets.


• The district will no longer produce a printed school calendar, which traditionally is mailed to all parents at the beginning of the school year.

The next largest area of cuts comes in building support, totaling $1.8 million.

• Five percent of the building operating budgets will be cut.


• The building budgets for professional development will be cut by 75 percent.


• Much of the cut in this area involves reducing staff stipends to provide support for high school graduation, teacher leaders, teachers on special assignment and teachers who lead advisory programs in the secondary schools.

The district will increase fees and cut some programs, for about $1.1 million in savings or increased revenue:

• About $700,000 will be gained through an increase in the fee for All-Day Kindergarten and other safety-net programs.


• A new fee for transportation for the one day per week gifted enrichment program will raise $45,000.


• Operation of the pool at Juanita High School will be contracted out, saving $150,000. If no contractor can be found, the pool will be closed.


• A significant change will be in funding for activities and athletics, resulting in about $800,000 in cost savings and increased revenue.


• The largest change will be a substantial change in athletics fees, rising from $35 to $105 in junior highs and from $75 to $275 in high schools.

Support services will cut about $600,000 through increased efficiencies in using a different custodial services model, increased energy savings and transportation route efficiencies. LWSD is working smarter to increase efficiences! Kudos.

The district’s Board of Directors will hold a public hearing on the budget at its June 22 meeting. The budget must be approved by the Board in August.

This is an abbreviated and edited LWSD Press Release, 5/5/09. Contact: Kathryn Reith, Communications Director, LWSD, (425) 702-3342 for the entire release.

Old Wheelbarrow on the Hill

Have you seen this?

A visit with Audi Murphy, of Tent City-4

This is Audi Murphy. He's a Tent City resident, waiting for the bus to go to the library. Audi is carrying a comedy book, the Bible and computer with no web service.

Audi lives about 1/4 mile away from my home in a tent pitched on a parking lot at St. Jude's Church. His neighborhood is called "Tent City-4" though you could barely call it a home. I bumped into Audi at the Junior High Metro bus stop. He said I could interview him. Audi speaks English well.

Audi's life story is one of broken homes and far away places. He is the son of an Irish Philipino and didn't move to the States until 1998. His mother and brother moved to Los Angelos, when he was only 2 years old, leaving him behind. Audi lived with his "father" in the Philipines for eight years until his mother called for him. Audi is a gentle soul and when abusive fighting started with his mother he developed anxieties and anger issues. So, he left to join the Navy.  Working on a Navy boat was his best job but it only lasted 3 years. Audi was dismissed because he started drinking, probably as a way to manage his anger?

Audi moved to Las Vegas and then Kent, WA. He found a Mission in Seattle but, unable to find work, he couldn't pay the $5/night fee. So, he moved to Mercer Island TC-4. He's lived in various Tent Cities for over a year. After Mercer Island he pitched in Kirkland, Woodinville and finally Redmond. He left Kirkland for Alaska to fish for mackerel but got kicked off the boat because he was too small and slow. So, he worked on the dock for 3 months before coming "home" to Redmond.

Audi must be about 20 years old? He wants me to visit him at TC-4. I told him I would. Audi's a kind, quiet soul, eager to find his place in this world.  Audi is itinerent.  He already moved on.

SPOTLIGHT ON COACH "JC"

Players huddle up with Coach

The Redmond Lacrosse Club is undefeated this year, with 10 - 0 record so far. Last year Coach J.C. took the Mustangs to the DII quarter-finals and won. The challenging Snohomish H.S. game is coming up May 9, at Redmond High School this Saturday, 3pm. It's a big one! The last game went into overtime. RLC won 12-4!

Redmond’s Jean-Claude “J.C.” de Raoulx has been coaching lacrosse for over 24 years and is no doubt, passionate about the game. He learned to play back East in New Jersey and New York. J.C. began his coaching career in Redmond as the founding Coach for the Eastside Middle School Boys Lacrosse Team. In the off season, from August to the beginning of March, he coaches grades eight and under.

de Raoulx played collegiate lacrosse for the Ohio Wesleyan Cardinals and in 2007 coached the Central Washington University men’s lacrosse team to their first-ever playoff appearance. "J.C." still coaches at Central.

“Lacrosse is a unique and exciting sport combining elements found in soccer, basketball, hockey, rugby and football,” J.C. explained. “Anyone who has played becomes a member of a worldwide fraternity or sorority of current and past players, young and old.”

He likes to remind his players: "Only those who have the patience to do simple things perfectly will acquire the skill to do difficult things easily."

Video clip (20 secs) Senior DJ Ohlstrom rips one into the net

The team website is Redmond Lacrosee Club.

Regional lacrosse website is http://www.walax.com/

Sources for this story are from: an interview with J.C., my personal experience coaching and playing the game in Redmond, the Redmond Reporter, and last but not least, the RLC website. J.C. is a prostate cancer survivor.