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City of Redmond Neighborhoods

Best wishes this New Year!

Have you checked out this blog's (RNB) "Neighborhoods" page lately?  It's always on the Header.  Lots of  good information here.  Updated, today!

For "vacation holds" on US Postal mail, this link provides time-saving information on how restore your deliveries and where the new "Annex" is located to pick up your mail. 

You will also find links to the following tips and services, and more:

• The city crime map
• What's the best kept secret in Redmond?  (AM 1650 Redmond Emergency Radio)
• Names and locations of Sex offenders living in Redmond
• Recycle your TV's, monitors and electronics for free in Redmond
• Sign up for Groupons
• Senior and affordable housing resources

Link to Neighborhood Page:  http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/p/neighborhoods.html

Happy New Year! from RNB!

Bob Yoder
Neighborhood Resident-Reporter

Satire on Redmond issue, video clip

"Portlandia on IFC" by Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein.

Portlandia TV series begins Friday, January 6, 8PM Pacific.

Pretty funny! Can you identify three Redmond cultural issues in this clip?

Posted By Yoder

Redmond Historical Society Holiday Invitation

Seasons greetings from the Redmond Historical Society...

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year 2012!

Wouldn’t it be fabulous to be part of creating new extraordinary memories during our Redmond Centennial in 2012?

Please join us at the January 2012 monthly meeting and bring some friends! If everyone could bring a friend we could spread the word about our organization and upcoming events. It would be great to grow our membership to enjoy the Redmond Centennial Celebration with our community during the New Year 2012 and in the future. Please help us preserve Redmond Historical Society for generations to come, see you on Saturday, January 14, 2012.  Read More >>

Winter Wonderland Ride on Education Hill -- 10 sec clip

- captured after 2009 storm
Video by Bob Yoder

SR 520 Tolling starts December 29th - Q & A

Tolling on the SR 520 Bridge - Q & A


FOR ANSWERS TO All THESE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS, CLICK HERE!

When will tolling start on the SR 520 Bridge?  DECEMBER 29. 

Why is WSDOT tolling the SR 520 Bridge?

Why is WSDOT tolling the existing SR 520 Bridge?

Where will the tolls be collected?

Will tolls be collected in both directions?

What is the last SR 520 exit I can take before being subject to tolls?

Will tolling end when the project is paid off?

Are tolls on SR 520 unfair to those with lower incomes?

What are my options for taking transit across Lake Washington?

Will there be signs alerting drivers SR 520 is a tolled bridge?

"Snow-child melts Mom's heart"

Alcott Snow-child melts Mom's heart

Shot on 2/2011 on Alcott Elementary playfield next to the STEM school.  Even after the six mile drive from Education Hill, the Snow-ladies were holding their own in the sun.   

Send me one of your pictures!  redmondblog@gmail.com

Photo By Bob Yoder

STEM = "Science, Technology, Engineering, Math" school.

Taking Responsibility to Stop Sexual Abuse in Children

Taking Responsibility to Stop Sexual Abuse in Children

What every adult should know

One theme that has emerged from the Penn State sexual abuse scandal is the importance of adults taking responsibility for reporting suspicions about child abuse to the proper authorities. But many adults are unsure about what they see or where to report it.

So what do we do if we feel something is amiss? "Trust your gut," says Director of Youth and Family Counseling at Youth Eastside Services, Debbi Halela. "If something doesn't feel right, or your child is exhibiting unusual behaviors, don't ignore it." 

Empower children    Read More >>

Redmond Mustangs dominated the Eastlake Boys on Friday 82-61, next home game Jan. 3

The Mustang SuperFans came out in strength and volume last Friday (12/9) on Eastlake's turf.  Redmond dominated on the road last  beating Eastlake 82-61. Jason Harrington and Leslie Ellis led the charge, as Redmond jumped out to an early lead and never looked back.

The Stangs played  at home against Skyline this Tuesday, losing 58-44.  The 'Stangs travel to San Francisco over the Holidays to play in the Bambauer Tournament, December 27- 31.   

Next home game is Friday night, January 3rd against Roosevelt.  Start the New Year right by coming out to support the 'Stangs!  

Video report by Bob Yoder

Lake Washington School Board's Ravi Shahani recognized for his community service

Ravi Shahani
LW School Board, Redmond

The December 5th business meeting was a big night for Lake Washington School Board member, Ravi Shahani. After 8 years on the Board, Ravi was retiring to spend more time with his career and family. Parents, students, board members and staff gave special recognition to Ravi for his dedicated service to the district.

Above and beyond official school board work,  Ravi is a dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer in our community. He participated in the city Education Hill Citizen's Advisory Committee ~six years ago advocating for Art, our schools, and technology. Ravi is a conscientious board member willing to sacrifice personal time for extracurricular board efforts.  For example, he attended Redmond city council meetings to promote district bond and levy programs. He addressed and informed Redmond Council on the acceleration of new information in our world and the challenge of keeping students current and future ready. And, we know he's done so much more!  Ravi's district BIO was removed from the website. No doubt, board member-elect Siri Bliesner is glad you'll still be around!  And so are we!

Thank you, Ravi for all that you do for our community!

Opinion By Bob Yoder

Ref:  http://www.eastsideindianed.org/

LETTER: Redmond High School Addition will Provide More Permanent Classrooms at Lower Cost

Director Kathryn Reith

LETTER by Kathryn Reith:  in response to Susan Wilkin's Opinion:  "Redmond High Expansion Costs $18,600,000- Ads only 14 classrooms." 

Redmond High School Addition Will Provide More Permanent Classrooms at Lower Cost

By Kathryn Reith, Communications Director, Lake Washington School District

The opinion piece by Susan Wilkins from December 5 on the Redmond High School addition contains significant errors of fact. Let me provide some specific corrections here. To start with, the total budget for the project is $16,400,000, down from the original estimate of $18,600,000.  Read More >>

Microsoft and GE Healthcare to Create New Joint Venture to Enable Better Population Health Management

Microsoft and GE Healthcare to Create New Joint Venture to Enable Better Population Health Management - The Official Microsoft Blog:

Jeffrey Meisner
7 Dec 2011 9:01 PM

I am pleased to share that Microsoft and GE Healthcare have just announced an exciting new initiative aimed at improving healthcare quality and the patient experience. The two companies are creating a joint venture that will combine Microsoft’s deep expertise in building platforms and ecosystems with GE Healthcare’s experience in clinical and administrative workflow solutions. The new venture, which is pending regulatory approval and has yet to be named, will develop and market an open, interoperable technology platform and next-generation clinical applications that will help enable better population health management. The new company will be headquartered near the Microsoft campus in Redmond, WA.

In addition to the new joint venture, GE Healthcare and Microsoft...read more >>

By Nate McLemore
General Manager, Microsoft Health Solutions Group

PC World article

Eastlake Wolves top Mustang girls, 75-53

HEAD COACH: Andre Barashkoff, ASSISTANTS: Case/ Pluschke

#20 Kelsey Dunn top scorer,18 pts, 1 assist, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
#10 Makela Hayward, 9 pts, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
#32 Madison Ohrt, 8 pts, 2 assists, 5 rebounds, 1 steal
#2 Madison Erlandson, 4pts, 1 rebound
#22 Ali Jorgensen most assists, 4 assists, 2 pts, 1 rebound, 2 steals
#45 Jessica Kinssies, 2 pts, 4 rebounds, 1 steal
#14 Lauren Bogard, most rebounds, 6 rebounds, 1 steal

UPDATED: Redmond Safety Alerts

Municipal Emergency Response
Command and Control Room

 UPDATED:  This blog may serve as a  volunteer "communications hub" (node) connecting  neighborhoods and local jurisdictions for purposes of emergency preparedness and response.  RNB is not sanctioned by the City but my services are available much like our local "ham radio operators."

Whenever possible, Redmond Neighborhood Blog (RNB) cooperates with local jurisdictions and neighborhoods to assist in emergency response and disaster preparedness during severe events. Prolonged power blackouts, explosions, severe weather conditions, widespread flooding, severe traffic congestion and re-routing are the more likely emergencies in Greater Redmond.  Earthquakes, pandemics, terrorist alerts, volcanic eruptions an other disasters are unlikely though the City and citizens must be prepared.  
 
During the Rose Hill PSE explosive fire, RNB posted updates to educate and calm the community on this sudden, smokey, grid-locked event.  Some commuters and pedestrians clicked on their Internet devices - found RNB and were advised by RNB to tune into Redmond Community Radio AM 1650  for traffic advisories and event news.  It runs 24/7. 

During the event I called Mayor Marchione requesting AM 1650  "community news" be replaced with real time  "emergency response news".   Since then the mayor personally assured me staff improved the availability, emergency content and response time for AM 1650 announcements.  We are fortunate to have a well "tuned-in" and responsive mayor.  Traditional and online news media attracted to disaster events with helicopters and other means can give heightened awareness of AM 1650 and can broadcast it's availability.  Media advertising can be filtered out and their widespread coverage can be reliably relayed by Redmond's "Command and Control Center" to citizens in their cars!   Here's an rare video showing Redmond's Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) and "EARS."  For additional details Read RNB's 2008 advisory post, "What's the Best Kept Secret in Redmond?." 

AM 1650 reception is best in vehicles and is especially valuable during power black-outs and when battery-powered radios are unavailable.  Citizens are invited to send photos, emails, social media news, and general observations that I may post for readers, with the disclaimer particular news may not have as yet been verified.  RNB will route your news and photos to Redmond's ECC for their review and response.  NOAA, Evergreen Hospital Emergency Response, King County Public Health, State Department of Ecology, Kirkland and other jurisdictions may exchange news, information and response with Redmond's ECC and Redmond Neighborhood Blog.  Read More >>

Redmond Police seek help in finding missing Redmond woman

from the desk of Lt. Charles E. Gormon, Redmond Police Department, Community Outreach Division.

Redmond Police seek help in finding missing person***Updated Release – Search in Progress***                                                           

Redmond, WA – On Saturday, December 10, 2011 King County Search and Rescue is conducting a search of the area where Lorill Sinclaire was last seen. The command post for this search is in the parking lot of the New Covenant Church, 12800 SE Coal Creek Parkway.  Read More >>

School Board could look at other Superintendent candidates

Lake Washington School Board could still take a look at other Superintendent candidates after their preferred candidate, Traci Pierce, is introduced  to the community and the board gets feedback. 

I asked if the Board's preference for Traci Pierce as Superintendent still leaves open the possibility of their voting for an external candidate or a different internal candidate?

Kathryn Reith, Director of Communications responded:  

"The board did not hire Traci. It stated that she is their preferred candidate. She will go through a process of being introduced to the community (meet and greets) and the board will solicit feedback. The board could after that feedback decide not to hire Traci. If that is their decision, they could indeed look at other internal candidates or external candidates." 12/6

Superintendent Chip Kimball wrote on December 6:  "The Board is intending to start their "meet and greets" in January."   President Jackie Pendergrass said in their December 5 public meeting the "meet and greets" would start towards the end of January. 

Reported By Bob Yoder

Comment:  Do you have a preferred candidate?  If you want to introduce or nominate your preferred candidate, tell a friend, write a Letter to 'RNB' at redmondblog@gmail.com, or post a comment below this page.  The Board's email is board@lwsd.org   B.Y.

Thirty-six Lake Washington District Teachers Achieve Board Certification

Thirty-six Lake Washington District Teachers Achieve National Board Certification

197 National Board Certified teachers in districtRedmond, Wash. – Thirty-six teachers in the Lake Washington School District achieved National Board Certification®, as announced by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. That puts Lake Washington at number 17 on the national list of top 20 districts by number of new NBCTs in 2011.

There are now 197 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) working full-time in the district’s schools. Read More >>

WSDOT- It’s official: Tolling on SR 520 bridge starts Dec. 29

Tolls on Evergreen Point Bridge (520) start December 29

WSDOT - 2011 - It’s official: Tolling on SR 520 bridge starts Dec. 29:

It’s official: Tolling on SR 520 bridge starts Dec. 29

Set up a Good To Go! account to get the best toll rate.  Buy any of the five pass options online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/goodtogo

Starting Dec. 29, drivers will pay an electronic toll to cross the bridge and the Washington State Department of Transportation is urging travelers to get ready by setting up a Good To Go! account.

Read the entire WSDOT announcement, learn how to apply for a Good To Go account, and how much it costs.

Redmond's "Winter Lights Festival 2011" - a glowing success, Eastside festival destination

SUZANNE QUERRY/ City Hall Light

Redmond's  "Winter Lights Festival 2011" a glowing success.

OPINION:  The thousands of citizens, families and tourists lucky enough to discover Redmond's "Winter Lights Festival" last Saturday are probably still glowing from their holiday experience in Redmond.  

It was the two magnificent, lit-up trees - one evergreen and the other deciduous - that drew my wife and I to the event.  We drove closer towards the downtown streets and then City Hall to see the trees and get a pulse on the event.  OMG.  The numbers of people moving around  the festival was absolutely astounding.  Never, in my wildest dreams did I expect thousands of residents and visitors would show up!  One of the mayor's favorite words and goals for the city is "vibrancy" and seeing people walking on our sidewalks.  The energy and movement around the various entertainment events and displays was almost frenetic.  The luminary trail lined with families and community from City Hall to Redmond Town Center was absolutely beautiful!... with entertaining "discoveries" at every turn.  Visit the website to see them!

My wife and I fully embraced this grand celebration when we saw the entire community was behind Winter Lights, including the Redmond business community.   Prior to the Marchione Administration, these festivals were funded almost exclusively by citizen taxpayers.  Expansive, city run entertainment is "nice to have" and significant to our culture and heritage, but not required of the city with the same emphasis as  community safety. Read More >>

Lake Washington School District Board announces Dr. Traci Pierce as preferred candidate for Superintendent

Dr. Traci Pierce

In last night's Lake Washington School District public business meeting, the school board announced Dr. Traci Pierce, PhD as their preferred candidate.  According to Director Kathryn Reith, the actual hiring vote won't take place until later in the spring.

A letter by School Board member Dr. Chris Carlson was read by the Board, announcing his reasoning for hiring an internal candidate - not losing momentum was key.  Dr. Carlson was not in attendance.

Dr. Carlson and Ravi Shahani said "hiring a superintendent was the only most important decision they make."  Senior school board member Doug Eglington said "six hours were spent interviewing the candidate as a Board" and "the board has done it's due diligence."  Doug stated there is "no statutory process for hiring a superintendent" and emphasized their "process was transparent."  Read More >>

Cause of devastating New Year's Day Fire at Sammamish Ridge Apartments Ruled Undetermined

"The aftermath"

Redmond, WA – The Redmond Fire Department released its final report regarding the January 1, 2011 fire at the Sammamish Ridge Apartments.

Redmond Fire Investigators recently received the testing results from wiring and electrical outlets sent to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Forensics Laboratory in Maryland. The ATF laboratory determined the electrical samples were not the cause of the fire. This was the last piece of information required to complete the report.

After a thorough investigation, the cause of the fire is ruled undetermined.

“We appreciate the efforts of all agencies outside of Redmond who were part of this response including the ATF, Washington State Patrol, and Seattle Police,” commented Assistant Fire Marshall Lynn Sjolander. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected in this situation including the family, friends, residents, staff, and first responders.”

City Press Release, 12/6/2011
Google Images Photo

OPINION: Redmond High School Expansion costs $18,600,000 - Adds Only 14 Classrooms

RHS Expansion:  14 classrooms, 4 portables, small gym, staff parking

$18,600,000 REDMOND HIGH SCHOOL EXPANSION - Each Classroom costs one million dollars,  By Susan Wilkins

OPINION:  Everybody remember the dire warnings last January before the Lake Washington School District special election? If we didn’t approve the $65 million levy for additional classroom space then our schools will be so overcrowded that there would be double shifting at the high schools and portable classrooms!

The levy was approved in the February 8, 2011 election and the school district started plans to build the new schools right away. The election mailings sent out by the district projected that enrollment would increase from 24,500 to 27,000 in just a few years.

After the predictions of exploding student population growth and overcrowding, the Redmond High School Expansion will add only a small gym and 14 classrooms to the school: 11 classrooms, 2 science labs and 1 art room. At maximum capacity, that’s enough additional space for 448 students.  READ MORE >>

Letter: Council to decide on stripping 1050 trees from Overlake development; Dec. 6 Hearing scheduled at City Hall

NOTICE OF HEARING, DECEMBER 6, 7:30 PM, CITY HALL


from the desk of Mary W., Reader, Redmond Neighborhood Blog

In case you did not see a Notice of the Redmond City Council's "Continued Open Hearing and Vote on the Overlake - Group health proposed development," it is scheduled for Tuesday Dec 6th at 7:30 PM according to the 3rd page of the Redmond City Council Agenda for that meeting.

Hope to see  you there to support the retention of as many of the large significant and landmark trees as possible and the expansion of the park area.

Mary W.

LETTER: "Sustainable Redmond" asks City to save trees in Overlake Village development

Group Healh Overlake Village master plan proposes Exception to city code to remove
every single tree on the site - and create 10 acre canopy forest off-site

LETTER:  One thousand trees are about to fall in our community. All we need to do for this to happen is to keep quiet! Sustainable Redmond, a grass-roots citizens’ action group focused on environmental sustainability, is asking that concerned citizens speak up NOW to persuade the Redmond City Council to consider better, more forest-friendly options in the impending redevelopment of the Overlake Group Health site. The developer of the 28-acre site has proposed a high-density housing and retail shopping complex which will include removing ALL 1,050 trees currently on the site, and with them as many as 120 40-year-old landmark trees. Public awareness and input is extremely important for alternative plans to be requested by the City Council. A public hearing on this issue is scheduled for December 6, 2011, as the third item on the agenda of the Redmond City Council meeting, which starts at 7:30 PM (see http://redmond.gov/cms/one.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=61603  for details.)

Near the planned terminus of the future Eastside Light Rail line, this project stands to become a model for future similar developments on the Eastside. The location of housing and retail near the light rail station to reduce transportation miles is a solid sustainable feature of the plan, but other aspects of this development raise concerns. A distinctive feature of the soon-to-be-demolished Group Health facility is the presence of stands of native woodland, a rarity in that highly developed area. Situated between 152nd and 156th Avenues NE on either side of NE 28th St, current plans call for leveling the existing structures, tearing up the asphalt parking areas, and removing ALL vegetation including ALL trees, some with diameters exceeding 4 feet!

Redmond’s city code states that “In all new developments including additions to existing non-single family buildings and parking areas, a minimum of 35 percent of all significant trees shall be retained.” (RZC 21.72.060). Exceptions can be requested, and the current proposal presented to city council is to allow an exception that all trees can be removed, i.e. 0 percent retained.

Sustainable Redmond is proposing that the city not grant an exception in this case, given that this area is quite unique in that it is the only large stand of trees remaining in the Overlake area, and that at least two stands of existing trees be retained. Please join us at the Council meeting on December 6th at 7:30 PM to help save some of this important woodland area!

 -- Sustainable Redmond
Photo By Yoder

RNB article:  http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2011/10/opinion-group-health-overlake-master.html

Eastside Symphony: Free Christmas Concert, Sunday December 4

State Auditor reports Marchione Administration improves 2003 "overhead allocation plan"

November, 2011 State Auditor Performance Report shows the Marchione Administration improved upon an outdated 2003 "Allocating Overhead Cost plan" 

According to a Performance Audit by the State Auditor's Office on "Allocating Overhead Costs," 11/28/11: 

"Washington’s cities spend about $500 million per year for overhead costs such as information technology, human resources, accounting and facility maintenance. Approximately one-third of these costs are paid from funds whose use is restricted by law, including water, sewer and other utility funds.

As municipalities increasingly face shrinking revenue, they commonly use utility or other dedicated funds to help pay for overhead services. However, our past audits have found cases in which cities overcharged their utilities for overhead, essentially shifting costs onto utility ratepayers that should have been borne by all taxpayers....

The following cities participated in the audit: Aberdeen, Bainbridge Island, Bellevue, Monroe, Mukilteo, Redmond, Spokane and Tacoma.   Read More >>

Redmond High Girls Basketball to host "Jingle Bells" games and contests

Redmond High School Girls Basketball invites Girls Teams and Individuals in 1st -6th Grade to a FUN Holiday Event promoting Girls Basketball in the Community. Games to include the “Jingle Bells Jump”, “Snow Queen’s Court” and other basketball competitions.

Event to take place at Redmond High School Gymnasium, Friday, December 2nd. Gym OPEN at 6:15 PM, GAMES starting at 6:30 PM , AWARDS starting at 8:00 PM for winning Teams and “Most Spirited”…Bring on those Holiday Hats, Bows and Bells!

Coaches are encouraged to participate with their teams; Parents are invited to attend the games. Baked Goods and Raffle items to be on sale during the event. Donations to the RHS Girls Basketball Program will be accepted at the door (suggested $5 per Player).

Click HERE to register On-Line for the Event or Email  katedunn1963@gmail.com  with contact information and a list of participating players.  Season game schedule here.

Also, please mark Your Calendar: RHS Alumni and Women’s Professional Basketball Player, Ashley Graham will be directing this year's Stangs Summer Camp on June 25-29, 2012!