Bumper to Bumper | Excess water not damaging I-5 pavement | Seattle Times Newspaper

Bumper to Bumper Excess water not damaging I-5 pavement Seattle Times Newspaper:

"Question: If you're as observant as Redmond resident Robert Matzdorff, perhaps, in your travels, you've spotted water in the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 at the Military Road South overpass when the rest of the freeway is dry." read more

By Charles Brown
Seattle Times staff reporter"

"Redmond Reflections...from Settlers to software"

 If you are a history buff, a newcomer, or curious student, Naomi Hardy's "Redmond Reflections" is the best best book on Redmond history.  In fact, it's the only comprehensive history book we have that's been updated.  A city this size (40,000) is lucky to have a  history book at all.  Hardy's soft-cover book has over 800 images.

The book's full title is "Redmond Reflections...from Settlers to software".  It's packed with photographs, some that go all the way back to 1852.  My favorite picture is on the front cover.  Cattle are grazing along Bear Creek on a drained marsh and wetland. A rolling green hill is in the background, still  one of Redmond's distinguishing characteristics.

I like reading about the early pioneers, the McRedmonds and the Perrigos.  I think of them and when hiking down Ashford Trail past Perrigo Springs - Redmond's first potable water supply.  I imagine the Indians eating abundant fresh water clams of Bear Creek and trading salmon for Perrigo's brass buttons. 

My favorite section is "The nine mayors of Redmond".   Bill Brown was Redmond's second mayor presiding for 30 years (1919 -1948)!   He coined the phrase "all roads lead to Redmond".   When he opposed annexing Education Hill, he lost his job.  Redmond's oldest living Mayor is Chris Himes (1980 - 1983).  If you want to meet her come down to a Redmond Historical Society Meeting.  "Hurricaine Himes" is President and very friendly and approachable.  Redmond  has a rich heritage of horse ranches and open space and Chris played a significant role is sustaining this culture.

All profits from the book (including mine) go back to the Redmond Historical Society.  Their office is in the Old Redmond School House Community Center on the 1st floor.  16600 NE 8th Street.   Monthly multi-media meetings are in the same building.  425-885-2919.  http://www.redmondhistory.org/

Do you think you'll order a book?    What about Redmond history catches your eye?   Comment below.

King Conservation District announces board of supervisor position election winner

http://www.kingcd.org/pdf/news-election-2010-post-election-results-final.pdf

King Conservation District announces results of public election for board of supervisor position

Max Prinsen of Renton has been elected to a three-year term as a member of the King Conservation District (King CD) board of supervisors following a final canvassing of votes cast in the district-wide election held March 16, 2010.

The final vote tallies for elected board position included Prinsen (1,772), Mara Heiman of Auburn (1,488), Mary Embleton of Seattle (519), Kirk Prindle of Seattle (402) and Teri Herrera of Redmond (51)
 
complete announcement

Bing Maps adding Foursquare

Bing Maps adding Foursquare:

"Microsoft .... previewed a series of updates for its Bing search engine, including an application that will integrate real-time data from the popular Foursquare location-based social networking service into its Bing Maps interface. Users will be able to see where people have checked in on Foursquare, who has been crowned the Foursquare 'mayor' of a specific location, and other information."

By Todd Bishop
Tech Flash

UPDATED OPINION: The city's "Budget By Priorities" process could be better

City government hasn't encouraged citizen participation and awareness of the budget process so far this year. 

BACKGROUND:  Two years ago Councilmember Richard Cole introduced a novel approach to streamlining the city budget process, called "Budget By Priorities" (BBP).  One of BBP's best features is citizen participation.  Today, citizens are mostly unaware that they can participate. Will it improve?  

 In 2008, the initial community meeting was well attended by over 60 citizens.  This year 6 citizens signed in at the registration desk.   Mayor Marchione presented  six budget priorities:  1) Clean Green Environment, 2) Community Building, 3)  Responsible Government, 4) Safety, 5) Business Community, and 6) Infrastructure and Growth.   The city government's priorities haven't changed from two years ago.

In 2008, citizens attended a second meeting of workshops on each priority when everyone got to talk and share their requests.  It was excellent.  This year, workshops aren't planned or announced.  

In 2008, I participated the Community Building workshop.  My "request " (as the lingo goes) for city-wide WI-FI was rejected by staff during the workshop, though  WI-FI is now planned for the Parks.  After the workshops, the Mayor sent his "Results Team" (1 citizen/5 staff)  to work, ranking and screening staff and citizen requests.  This year the Results Teams were formed before the first Community Meeting and according to a Team member "they have been working very hard".   

PROBLEMS WITH THE PROCESS THIS YEAR?   Our city government is shuttering shut a window here and a window there - participation and transparency is fading, as follows:

1. Two councilmembers (~30%) were missing at the opening BBP meeting.  Council makes the final decisions on the budget.  They represent us on city spending.    
2. After the meeting I asked if I could be on a Results Team.  The Mayor responded by email, quote:  "As for the Results Teams, the application date closed February 19th and they have been appointed."  What??  Where was the advertising?  The notices?  The mailers?  The RCTV bulletins?  The city website notice?   The city press release was simply:  "City Seeks Residents for Budget Teams".  What Teams?  What budget?  No reference was made to "Budge By Priorities". 
3. The Administration wouldn't disclose who was on the Results Teams. I had to file a Public Request.  Why shouldn't we know the names and titles of  these important teams?   (stay tuned).  We may want to ask a question or make a request.     
4. The Results teams weren't introduced at the March meeting and most didn't even make the meeting.  Only one Results Team member signed in at the March community meeting.  Yet, the mayor emailed he "needed the priorities and results teams to come together on March 1".   Why? 
5. The Mayor elects the 6 volunteers for the results team.  Deputy Administrator Jane Christenson wrote in an email, "the City advertises for interested citizens...the Mayor then considers those who have expressed interest for the assignment...".  Hmm. Advertises? 

Enough said.   

The question to ask is what do you YOU think??  Is participation in the budget process important to you?  Am I nit-picking?  Do you care about this?  If you are so inspired, please comment! ....

Opinion By Bob Yoder

"A funny thing happened at Redmond Business Meet-Up today"

I went to the Redmond Business Meet-up for the first time a few weeks ago. I funny thing happened.

As we went around the room introducing ourselves and handing out cards Cherie Seymore's message was a little different.  It came with a song....a beautiful, soul-full song!  You can listen to it here.  Cherie and Tolga were promoting their "custom marketing CD company".  http://www.imaginecds.com/  Wow!  They got my attention!

Stacia Loo is the founder and kicks off each meeting.  She always talks about the -"Go-Giver" book and how it's helped her succeed in life and her business http://www.everyswipecounts.com/.  The Go-Giver book can be purchased from Amazon here.

I promised Len McAdams I'd post his new website - http://www.mcadamsbuilders.com/.  Len has been remodeling homes for years.  He partially remodeled my house about 25 years ago;  I still remembered his thoroughness and professionalism after all this time! 425-822-6555.

Other folks I met with whom I may do business are:  Elizabeth Hansford of Zephyr 47 in Redmond.  http://www.zephyr47.com/.  Elizabeth may help me design features into my new blog platform.  Jonathan Yockey of Mendatech Web Design Design@Mendatech.com in Everet.  He may build my new blog platform.

Joe Townsend is special for me because he volunteers some of his time for the Redmond Historical Society.  Joe has a Photo Restoration & Retouch business.  http://www.jjtownsend.com/.  It's amazing what he can do with a tattered and faded family photo.  206-890-3804.

Of the four personal coaches presenting probably use Sandy Bjorgen, M.A. Trainer/Coach.  She coaches people how to think and speak under pressure.  http://www.improv-ableresults.com/  Her tagline is "Better Business Communications with IMPROVisation.".  That's what I need! 

Some other nice folks I met are Ken Foster of Terleon Custom Painting  http://www.borntopaint.com/  and John Crispala, a low pressure, good linstening financial planner. 206-601-7319.  I heard lots of other nice folks but I can't name them all!   The Meet-Up is growing fast.  Currently, they meet at Panera Bread, Monday's at 10AM in Redmond's Bear Creek Shopping Center.  Redmond Business Meet-up is on Facebook.

By Bob Yoder
Video by Yoder

Emily Dickenson Elementary won $5000 donation from BING

http://www.10000rockets.com/ (20 sec. launch)

Emily Dickinson Elementary in Redmond, Washington is receiving a $5,000 donation from Bing, Microsoft’s search engine, as a winner of the Mission:10,000 Rockets competition, where students were asked to draw the “rocket of tomorrow.” Sixth grade teacher David Meisner encouraged his students to enter, and with more than 20 qualified entries submitted, Emily Dickinson Elementary entered and won one of eight $5,000 donations nationwide.

The school is kicking off its Science Fair and Science Celebration this week. In honor of the win, the $5,000 donation check, original student rocket designs and 3-D models for the three grand prize winner rockets* will be showcased at the school’s old gym tomorrow night, Thursday, March 25, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. You’re invited to stop by and check out the display as well as the science projects students will be exhibiting.
 
Posted by Bob Yoder
Emily Dickinson Elementary

Bellingham school cancels classes for 'sun day' | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News Bellingham school cancels classes for 'sun day' Seattle Times Newspaper:

A forecast of warm clear weather has prompted Bellingham Christian School to cancel classes Wednesday for a 'sun day.'

Principal Bob Sampson says sun day celebrates spring, promotes positive school culture and is 'just for fun.'" complete story

Every kids dream.  Every Superintendent's nightmare! B.Y.

Recommended by Eli
FaceBook

Face Book commentary on health care bill spurs local debate.

The following comment from Kamal on the health care bill was found on FaceBook.  He argues against the requirement of buying health insurance. 

From Kamal Siegel, Redmond, WA
"The subject of US healthcare reform has been a huge subject of discourse among my family and friends and through it I’ve been able to formalize my thoughts on the matter as follows:

Universal healthcare is definitely something I could get around to supporting. Healthcare that is paid for by the government through our taxes, that is. But I simply cannot support the idea of being forced to hire a private company to cover my health expenses because that creates motivation for us to remain sick & unhealthy whereas if the government paid for it, there'd be motivation to keep us healthier. More thought might then be put into preventative care.

For example, just imagine that the police force or fire departments were privatized. Bad idea! Any service that is designed to battle the ills of society should be paid for by the government. If it's privatized then there's only motivation for the ills to persist.

And let’s face it. We’re really trying to fix the wrong problem here; that people don’t have health insurance. The right problem to solve would be that people without health insurance can’t get health care. That’s the real issue."

Kamal Siegel (Redmond business owner)
Posted by Bob Yoder with permissions from Kamal 

Local food bank winning in March Madness - Seattle News - MyNorthwest.com

Local food bank winning in March Madness - Seattle News - MyNorthwest.com

There are March Madness brackets to decide just about everything now: the sexiest women, the best players of all time, and even the best Seattle sportscaster. One Eastside business is using a bracket to fill the shelves of the local food bank.

Redmond Physical Therapy has challenged 15 businesses to weekly food donation weigh-ins.  MORE 
Hope-Link partner
The Final Four :
Eastside basket ball club
Vs
Hancocks bakery

Redmond physical therapy
Vs
McDonalds book exchange  

High school graduation requirements will change by 2013

Did you know that the academic challenge of high school courses is the most important predictor of success?  This hit home for our family when we were shopping for colleges this year.  Course rigour is exactly what colleges are looking for.  "Too much choice without a concentration of activities can be a bad thing"  according to Dan Phalan, Chief Academic Advisor for LWSD.

I sat in on a recent LW School Board Public Work Session and learned the State is revising graduation requirements, effective 2013.  The goal is to ensure students are prepared for a four year college or university.   Dan Phelan says,  "Our current credit requirements in Mathematics, World Languages and Science do not ensure students are even able to meet the minimum entrance requirements for a 4-year university." 

• Beginning with 2103, the State is requiring all students complete math courses through advanced algebra. 
• LWSD wants to add the requirement for students completing Advanced Algebra prior their senior year.  They must take a higher level quantitative course (Physics, AP Statistics, AP Economics, and Math Analysis).  
• Currently, the State has no requirements for World Language.  The want to add two credits. 
• Require two credits of Science lab will be required with one credit being algebra-based (Chemistry or Physics). 

The Washington State draft core standards for English/Language Arts and Mathematics are now available for public review and comment through April 2.  LW school board Director Chris Carlson suggested the public be made aware of the link to make comment.  http://www.corestandards.org/

Anyone interested is encouraged to review the drafts and complete one of the feedback surveys found at http://www.corestandards.org/

By Bob Yoder

Reporting on the 3/15/2010 LW School Board Work Session.

Juel Park farm house is renovated. Gardening and Yoga offered.

Juel Park, on the SE corner of Avondale and NE 116th Street, is pretty well known to Frisbee golfers, pick nickers, Bear Creek nature lovers and hikers and that's about it.  But, not for long.  Community gardening and Yoga will soon be added to the Juel Park venue.

I took a visit to Juel Park last Friday.  On the left is grassy area marked off for garden plots.  A gravel road has been extended towards the patch and irrigation water is piped in.  On the right is a new pole fence surrounding an historic farm house.  The farm house is undergoing restoration - new paint, new windows, new roof.   A neighbor in the Redmond Historical Society thinks the farm house is about 70 years old.

A year or so ago, a park consultant suggested the farm building house history displays or an environmental center.  The construction workers I met on Friday said old farm house is soon to be a "Yoga House". 

Parks and Rec already offers eight yoga classes - five are held at the Senior Center, one at the Adair House, and two NEW kids yoga programs are held by the Orange Blossom Society - The Studio on 16715 NE 79th Street.

With eight Parks and Rec yoga programs and over nine Redmond business yoga operations one wonders how far this "exercise in harmony" can grow.  My answer was found on page 30-31 of the new Parks and Rec. guide.   The Yoga House aka  "Golden Lotus School" is working with the city to provide three youth-oriented yoga programs.  But, there's more!  Beyond yoga this eclectic school offers:  "jewery making",  "drawing and discovering yourself",  "world story time", "healthy cooking", "print making", "gardening", "mixed media art class", "natural health", and "wildlife awareness".  Take your pick.

For details on Juel Park community gardening and the Golden Lotus School programs contact the Recreation office at 425-556-2300 or recreationoffiice@redmond.gov.  Plots will rent for $40-$50.  May 1-Oct 31.  What more could any Redmonite want?   Will you be in Juel Park this summer?

A citizen tells the Administration to get on with the city website fix.

http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2009/10/have-you-tried-searching-for-something.html

Brian Dennis spoke at last week's City Council Meeting during the public comment period.  Dennis is a Redmond citizen and owner of Small Business Pioneers, a local company that creates websites.  Brian and several councilmembers have concerns about city delays in fixing the old city website (redmond.gov).  Brian read to Council and Mayor, the following:     

For the one or two people out there that don't know, I am a strong advocate of websites as powerful tools to disseminate information and engage individuals. Yet quality websites cost real money, time and effort to develop, maintain and market. Keeping content fresh multiples costs. Based my professional experience I have strong reason to believe city staff has neither budget, time, nor the expertise to deliver on this proposed project. Putting this project out for bid into our own community assures the City has the expertise and a firmly grounded budget number by which to make an informed decision. As a bonus, this process would support the very nature of the project - sustainability - within our own business community.  

Council members Allen, Stilin and I all question the relationship of your other proposed project (a separate and distinct "green" website) and the fixing of redmond.gov website.  Remember, $300k has been allocated for work to fix redmond.gov yet with no tangible, discernible results, and staff is now looking to spin off a new "green" website. Why spin up a new website?  Fix redmond.gov!  (This fix has been in the making ~two years.) 

What do you think of  http://www.redmond.gov/?   If you've only seen it once, would you go back?   Can you think of reasons why the city is dragging their feet on fixing their website?  Why are they starting a "green website" when redmond.gov isn't fixed?   An improved website would open our government.  Are they hiding something?  Or afraid of something?   Please enter your comments below.

Read my 10/4/2010 post:  "Our Aging City Website -- Is the City of Redmond  being responsible? 

UPDATED: Beloved 31-year old Redmond resident found dead in Perrigo Park

Benjamin Lewis May passed away suddenly last week in Perrigo Park when in a depressive mental state.   Many remember their beloved Ben for his smile and for making people laugh (read memorial notes).  Ben moved from North Carolina to Redmond, WA to be with Nichole Almond.  His Memorial is in Perrigo Community Park on the wooden fence in the upper lot.   Pictures, candles, flowers, a Peace Booklet, prayers & thoughts from loved ones, and colored pens are left for friends and passersby to write a note or prayer.  CLICK on the photos to read the notes and prayers.   

I met this Redmond couple and their baby last week in tears at Ben's memorial.  They knew Ben from Wake Forest college days.   The mother wrote on the Memorial:  “Ben, I still remember you as a scrawny freshman…” and the father added ”(and Sadie)”.

Ben May, is a 2001 graduate of Wake Forest University, moved to Seattle in 2008 and worked as a data management analyst at Starbucks Coffee Co. from March 2008 to June 2009, according to the article by the Davidison News.  The News said Ben was the son of Jamie May, a longtime administrator at Davidison College who now lives in Chapel Hill. ~ Bob

Read the Seattle Times brief & comments 

Read Ben's Davidson, N.C. home town news story

"In Memoriam of Ben May" Facebook Group (over 2,000 members - mostly from Ben's hometown areas)

Please share your comments and thoughts below this story.  

Re-Posted By Bob Yoder

Photos By Yoder

Thanks to one of my readers (Mike) for the notification.

Ben's story has attracted over two thousand visitors to Redmond Blog from all over the country.  

March Madness Hogs Bandwidth

http://www.techflash.com/seattle/2010/03/march_madness_at_the_office.html

The sun is shining in Seattle. And the March Madness basketball tournament is entering its second day. That begs the question: Is anyone getting any work done today?

Well, according to a recent survey by Challenger Gray & Christmas, the NCAA basketball tourney alone could cost employers as much as $1.8 billion in unproductive wages....more

By John Cook
Venture Blog

Letter from Mayor Marchione

http://www.efocusonredmond.com/home.html

Letter from the Mayor

In this first letter of 2010, I want to reflect on 2009 and share some thoughts on the coming year and what I see ahead for our community... more

By John Marchione

Microsoft ranks No. 1 in patents

Microsoft ranks No. 1 in patents

Microsoft's business is under attack by Google, Apple and others. But there's one place where the software giant still rules supreme... more.

By Todd Bishop
Tech Flash

Lake Washington Schools Shine in Washington Achievement Awards

http://www.k12.wa.us/Communications/PressReleases2010/SchoolAchievementAwards.aspx

Lake Washington Schools Shine in Washington Achievement Awards

More Lake Washington Schools recognized than any other district

Yesterday, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) announced the Washington Achievement Awards, for 174 schools that “profoundly affect student learning.” The list of schools includes 14 schools in Lake Washington School District, more than any other district in the state. These schools will be recognized at celebrations around the state on May 5.

“I am so incredibly proud of these schools and all the hard work of students, teachers and parents,” said Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent. “These awards confirm what I know and see every day; our district has some of the best schools in the state, helping all kids achieve and excel.”

Schools will be recognized as top performers in six categories: Overall Excellence, Language Arts, Math, Science, Extended Graduation Rate, Gifted Education. Some schools are honored in more than one of these categories.

Ten Lake Washington schools will be recognized for overall excellence: Audubon Elementary, Juanita Elementary, Mann Elementary, McAuliffe Elementary, Mead Elementary, Redmond Elementary, Smith Elementary, Wilder Elementary, Inglewood Junior High and Eastlake High School. The eight elementary schools represent 15 percent of the elementary schools honored from the entire state.  MORE
 
By Kathryn Reith
Communications, LWSD
Photo By LWSD

UPDATED: Budget By Priorities: "And the survey says!"

Updated:  OPINION:  The Mayor and his Deputy Administrator, Jane Christensen, held a Community "Budget By Priorities" Meeting March 1.   Judging by the sign-in sheets, citizen turn-out was low with only six citizens registering at the desk.  Surprisingly, only 5 of 7 city councilmembers were present; and they are the citizens who approve the Mayor's Budget.  I saw only two or three commissioners.   Having the meeting on a Monday night didn't help.

Council President Richard Cole addressed the audience stating "This process only works if the citizens who live in town and staff get involved."  Staff was definitely present in force.  I know many of them from my city volunteer and media work.  Many of these staff are residents of Redmond and may have been voting in the silent touch-pad survey.   Ms. Christensen said "staff are hear to listen" but based on the numbers voting, it appears that she was implying non-resident staff.  Unfortunately, they registered on the touch-pad and not at the front desk.

Jane Christensen made an startling statement about future growth in Redmond.  She said,

"Washington State requires all cities to accommodate their share of state's growth.  In the next 12 years the city expects to accommodate 20,000 more residents and 28,000 more jobs.  Most of the growth will be accommodated in the Downtown and Overlake to preserve existing single family neighborhoods."

WOW!  For real?  Survey questions probed how we think the city will to accommodate the expected population density, for example:

1. Question:  What is your overall experience with traffic in Redmond (not counting SR520)?   70% of the respondents were dissatisfied to very dissatisfied.
2. How satisfied are you with the city's plans to accommodate growth?  42% of those in a citizen's survey last year were neutral to very dissatisfied.  84% were neutral to satisfied in the staff-loaded survey.  Of course, city planners are paid to plan for growth! 

Do you think the city can comfortably handle 20,000 new residents in 12 years?   The city will have lots of new parklands but not for cars!  Where will the 40,000 additional cars park?  Can the administration build enough roadways to circulate the traffic?  Where will the roads go?  Will the administration have to zone for more and taller apartment and condo buildings?  Will the downtown start to sprawl?   How long can the neighborhoods remain untouched by density?  Will apartments and commercial villages take hold?

The Mayor concluded, by thanking "the 50-70% of the residents who have come out, who don't regularly engage in civic process."  Huh?  Marchione didn't give a head count.  Interestingly, one of the survey questions asked  "How engaged are you in city events and meetings?"  69% said they were not engaged to somewhat involved.  The next meeting is on another Monday, May 3, when according to the Mayor, "you give your ideas of what to do".

Contact:  bpquestions@redmond.gov OR please comment below this post for all to read.  What are your ideas??

Opinion By Bob Yoder
Updated:  3/18

LW School administrators and support staff agree to collaborative bargaining

Support staff, Lake Washington administrators agree to collaborative bargaining

The Lake Washington School District and members of the Lake Washington Educational Support Professionals announced Wednesday afternoon they have agreed to a collaborative bargaining process to reach a settlement in the support staff’s year-long contract negotiations.

“The goal of this type of bargaining is to meet the interests of both parties,” noted Deputy Superintendent Janene Fogard. “We have found with other bargaining units that it helps to foster good working relationships.”

LWESP members have agreed to suspend all community organizing activities while the process unfolds. The district will postpone employee investigations it launched last week, and union staff for the LWESP will suspend any challenges to those investigations.

“We have mutually agreed to seek collaborative bargaining in an effort to settle this contract. We need to return to our focus of providing a high-quality education for all students,” LWESP Chief Bargainer Donna Lurie said.

The two sides will work with John and Carol Glaser, a highly skilled pair of facilitators. Both the district and union are committed to reaching a contract settlement through this process. Timing of the sessions is still being worked out, but the sessions are not expected to begin before the district’s spring break begins on March 29.
 
Kathryn Reith, LWSD, 425-702-3342
Dale Folkerts, WEA (for LWESP), 253-765-7039

Five arrested in Kirkland home invasion. 20 detectives find 300 plus pot plants

5 arrested in Kirkland home invasion.  20 detectives find 300 plus pot plants

King County sheriff's detectives have arrested four men and a juvenile male in connection with Monday's early-morning break-in and shootout at the home of a medical-marijuana activist near Kirkland.
One of the suspects, a 19-year-old Renton man, was shot and critically wounded by homeowner Steve Sarich.  read more

By Mark Rahner and Sara Jean Green
Seattle Times staff reporters

Redmond's Neighborhood News

Advisory:   The links on this page are "broken" and are under repair by the city webmaster.   

I've been working on a new feature to include a map of Redmond Neighborhoods and the news associated with each of our city's 11 neighborhoods.  A Redmond city senior planner, Kim Dietz, is working on a similar project for their new website.  Kim's an excellent contact if you have questions about Redmond's Neighborhood News. Email Kim:  kdietz@redmond.gov.  My Redmond Neighborhood Blog site will tag right along with Redmond's Neighborhood News site! 

Mayor Marchione looks at the growing Downtown as a neighborhood.  View Point Neighborhood -now called Idylwood Neighborhood, Overlake Neighborhood, Bear Creek Neighborhood and SE Redmond Neighborhood are some of Redmond's newest neighborhoods.   You may contact Kim Dietz at 425-556-2415 to sign up for "Neighborhood Citizen Committees" now forming to give your input on established neighborhoods, like Education Hill Neighborhood, North Redmond Neighborhood, and Grass Lawn Neighborhood.  Become a "Friends of Riverwalk".  Visit "Neighborhoods History".  Ride the velodrome in Marymoor Park.  So, expect some exciting developments when the City of Redmond launches their new site.  Deputy Administrator Jane Christensan announced a  Budget by Priorities meeting that the enhanced city website is expected to be launched in six months!  You can sign up with "Redmond News Subscription" to subscribe to Redmond Neighborhood News here.  (But, be careful, I couldn't find a disclaimer on the sign-up form that your email address can't be used for commercial use.)

Neighborhood Parks and Trails
Redmond's Neighborhood Map
Contact:  neighborhoods@redmond.gov

OPINION: Customer Service is inadequate at City Hall.

UPDATED, 3/14

http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2009/07/what-does-derby-days-and-city-hall.html      

OPINION:  I was one of the few non-staff citizens, who attended the first "Budget By Priorities" community meeting on March 1.   At the meeting, Mayor Marchione announced an emphasis on improving customer service; it was directed mostly to the staff-side of the chamber.  Hopefully, customer service is one of his priorities again this year. 

Redmond Police Commander clarifies facts on the air-soft pellet shooting case.

http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2010/03/why-are-air-soft-pellets-banned-from.html

Last Saturday I reported an unsafe air-soft pellet gun shooting incident that I had personally witnessed in a park.   Later, I  I learned the police had misinformed me on several occasions.  In the interest of public trust, I'm clarifying the inaccuracies.

 Redmond Police Commander Shari Shovlin called today to inform me of the facts:    

1. According to Police Commander Shari Shovlin, the three juveniles shooting the air-soft guns were not arrested or cited for misdemeanor (even though the lead officer on the scene said the boys would go to court.) 
2. The Public Information Officer told me air-soft pellet guns are legal in parks.  According to Commander Shovlin, the Redmond Municipal Code states air soft guns are illegal in parks if pointed or shot.  
3. The game-shooting incident is a misdemeanor, but it was not reported on the Police Blotter.  

If you want to verify the facts or make an inquiry, contact Commander Shari Shovlin at 556-2564.

Do you know air soft pellet shooting is a game like paintball?   If played with face protection and in a safe location it's a fun game.  Police make mistakes just like anyone, but do you think there could be something more to these errors and ommissions?   

100 Year Scouting Service Campaign Teams Up with GreenRedmond

Eagle Scout Leader Tracy (left photo) and Volunteer Land Steward Doug Schmidt (right photo) teach scouts how to plant trees.   This work party was a 100 Year Anniversary Scouting Service event.   

The weather was extremely cooperative as more than 35 boy scouts, scout leaders, fathers and some siblings gathered at Hartman Park to finish the project which had been started a week earlier. The youth were members from packs, troops, teams or crews from units 612 and 613 which meet at the LDS stake center adjacent to Hartman Park and troop, team and crew 597 from the Novelty Hill neighborhood. Although the weather was cool and crisp when they gathered at 8:00 am, the sun was soon shining down on them as they continued the process of eradicating the invasive blackberry bushes that had overtaken the area they been assigned to clean up. The youth and adults learned a very valuable lesson from GreenRedmond volunteer Doug Schmidt, the supervisor of the project. Doug instructed them that it was not enough to simply cut down the stalks and remove the roots. Even the smallest pieces of green stock needed to be removed from the area. If any were left lying on the ground, they could root out and start a new blackberry plant.

Once all the insidious plants were eradicated and a thorough sweep of the area was completed, removing any trace of the invasive plants, new trees were carefully planted throughout the section. In just a few hours, a section of the park which had been overgrown with blackberries had been transformed. Stepping back and looking at the results of their efforts, the volunteers realized there is a significant amount of work required before all of Hartman Park looks like the small area they had worked on. But for now, there was some satisfaction as they admired the transformation that just a few hours of volunteer labor was able to perform.
 
By Bruce Salmon, Volunteer for Boy Scouts of America and LDS Church
Photos by Salmon

Redmond Ladies Mustang Basketball Senior Night

REDMOND MUSTANG BASKETBALL SENIOR NIGHT, 2010

Marissa Pratt #44 - the one hamming it up - set a Mustang Career Record of 169 blocked shots.  She's actually a lot taller than she looks here. 

Game photos, stats and much more can be found on the Team Website.

Photo by Bob Yoder

Why are Air Soft pellets banned from Redmond city parks? When do you call 911?

I was watching GreenRedmond volunteer Doug Schmitt ride his mountain bike on the dirt jumps this afternoon and "a funny thing happened."

We were walking the improved course to get a feel for it.   Off to the right,  I was startled by four high schoolers is "army colors" loading pump guns and shooting pellets over head.   I yelled out : "Watch it, I want to keep my eyes!"   They said not to worry and kept shooting. 

It just didn't seem right.  I asked two elementary-aged girls what the boys were shooting.  "Airsoft pellets" they said.  They opened their hands to show me hundreds multi-colored "bullets" they had collected.  One little girl said she was hit in the finger from a distance.  (Apparently, it's a shooting game similar to paint-ball.)

According to Wikipedia: 

"Airsoft pellets typically leave small wheals (welts) on human targets. While mildly painful, pellets are not especially damaging to the skin. Eye protection is universally required to prevent damage to eyes. It is also often recommended that full face masks and body protection be used during airsoft matches to protect the players' teeth and ears."  Wikipedia

I remembered. in my youth it was cool to shoot copper pellet Beebe guns, but my parents never let me because beebes could break the skin and kill an eye.    Well, no sooner did we round the corner than two uniformed Redmond police officers came running onto the course.  Apparently, some sixth-graders were bullied off of the jumps and their parents called 911. 

I was surprised, but totally impressed with how the two officers handled the situation.  The lead officer must have spent 45 minutes with the bullies explaining the seriousness and illegality of their activity.  The officer said it was so illegal that they: 1) could have to go to court and 2) talk to Judge.   He made them call their parents for a talk-out on the site.  I think he confiscated their paraphanlia.

The take-home message for me was:  if something is suspicious, doesn't look right, and could be dangerous, CALL 911.   Don't even hesistate:  Call 911.  We all have cell-phones.  We need to use them.  I guarantee you, I won't hesitate next time.  I'll be calling 911 at the slightest doubt.  And, so will my trail  friends.

Have you ever called 911 for suspicious activity?   Are you hesitant or afraid to call 911?  Did you know your taxes pay for 911 police service?   Is there a place in Redmond where it's legal for kids to play with "airsoft pellet guns"?  Do you think the police should have been more lenient? 

"Legacy for Learning" foundation lunch set for April 28.

Legacy for Learning Lunch set for April, 28, 2010 - Volunteers needed.

Mark your calendars. The 2010 Legacy for Learning Lunch is set for Wednesday April 28, 2010 from 11:00 to 12:30. Click here to learn more.

Volunteers Needed for Legacy for Learning Lunch

Luncheon Set Up/Tear Down - Event set up is Tuesday, April 27th, the day before the luncheon. Along with the help of JHS PE students rolling out the floor mats, we can use volunteers to set up the stage and do table placements, table settings, decorations, displays, registration table, etc. This will begin at 2pm and last approx at 6pm. Any time a volunteer has to give is welcome!

Tear down is immediately following the luncheon at approximately 1:00pm on Wednesday, April 28th with removal of aforementioned items.

Posted from Lake Washington School Foundation website.

If you would like to volunteer, visit our volunteer sign up page or email volunteer@lwsd.org.

City of Redmond Installs Sculpture at Redmond Junior High

City of Redmond Installs Sculpture at Redmond Junior High

The mascot for Redmond Junior High is the GRIZZLEY.  So it's fitting the city of Redmond installed a new outdoor sculpture called "Bear".  "Bear" was installed on Thursday March 4, 2010.  It''s in the front of the school.  You can't miss it.  

The artist, James Madison, was present, working with four members of the City of Redmond Parks Department instatllation crew. The piece will be at RJH until at least June 2011, in partnership with the Redmond Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition. This sculpture is the second installed at RJH through this partnership.  Do you think the Bear has a Native American design look to it?   Who is James Madison?   Does James have a Native American Indian ancestry?   Does he live in Redmond?

UPDATED: HSBC in Redmond Center makes a donation to Lake Washington Schools foundation.

HSBC in Redmond Center made a Generous Donation to the Lake Washington Schools foundation during their Grand Opening this winter.

HSBC Bank USA, N.A, part of one of the world's largest financial services organizations, has officially opened the doors to its latest full-service retail branch, situated in the heart of Redmond.

To mark the occasion of its Redmond launch HSBC made a generous donation of $7,500 to the Lake Washington Schools Foundation at a grand opening ceremony on January 28, 2010.

Byron Shutz and Sherry Wartelle, Co-Presidents of the Lake Washington Schools Foundation, said, "The Foundation appreciates the commitment and collaboration of leading businesses such as HSBC in the support of an engaged school partnership with the community."

Dominic O'Hagan, West Coast Regional President, HSBC Bank USA, N.A., said, "The city of Redmond, with its strong cross-border connections, made it the obvious place in which to enhance our Seattle area branch network. As 'The world's local bank', we fully understand the importance of serving the Redmond community locally while helping them to make the most of opportunities globally."   LWSF site.

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Legacy for Learning Lunch for 2010

Mark your calendars. The 2010 Legacy for Learning Lunch is set for Wednesday April 28, 2010 from 11:00 to 12:30.  Click here to learn more.

Eastbound SR 520 in Redmond closed overnight for next two weekends.

Eastbound SR 520 in Redmond closed overnight for next two weekends

REDMOND - Crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will close all lanes of eastbound SR 520 between West Lake Sammamish Parkway and SR 202 in Redmond Friday and Saturday nights for the next two weekends. During the closures crews will install new drainage underneath the roadway. This work is part of a project to widen SR 520 in Redmond by adding a new HOV lane and merge lane.

A signed detour will direct eastbound drivers left on West Lake Sammamish Parkway, right onto Leary Way NE, right onto Bear Creek Parkway to SR 202/Redmond Way ...more 
 
WSDOT

UPDATE: FEATURE STORY: A reader comments about our neighborhood's drug bust story.

An Aging Babyboomer Gardener said...

It’s always a surprise what I can learn by reading the Redmond Blog, especially this thread on the drug arrests at Redmond High School on Feb 19. It’s also interesting what I can’t find out. The press release said 11 students were arrested for selling drugs including marijuana, heroin, cocaine, MDMA(Ecstasy) and methamphetamine, although the mother who wrote in said that her son was arrested for selling marijuana only. How many of the other students sold marijuana only and how many sold the much more hard-core drugs? The Redmond Police Department’s grouping of all of the students under a single umbrella of all the drugs creates a guilt-by-association atmosphere. The department should be specific about the various drugs and quantities that each student sold so we can determine the magnitude of the problem.

What surprised me most was how much marijuana costs!!! It appears that 1.5 grams costs about $20 and that works out to almost $3000 per pound. As an avid gardener who grows vegetables and flowers from seed, I would guess that marijuana is no more difficult to grow than hothouse tomatoes or petunias. And yet, the most a pound of tomatoes goes for is $3.00. It is astounding to me the amount of money that is involved in the pot trade, and it’s all because it’s illegal, not because it’s difficult to grow. I can now see why drug cartels have become so powerful and violent considering the amount of money to be made on such an easy-to-grow plant. Governor Gregoire is busy trying to add penny taxes to bottled water and chocolate. The states’ governors should get together and urge the Federal Government to legalize marijuana and then control it and tax it the way alcohol is distributed and taxed. (Remember that Prohibition didn’t work and just made Al Capone a household name.)

With the benefit of hindsight, I can tell you that there were pot-heads in my junior and senior high schools in the 1970s – most were experimenting but there was a small group that would find a way to get their drugs no matter what. Alcohol and tobacco replaced marijuana and I know the dedicated marijuana users became alcoholics and heavy smokers (many are now AA members.) As for the cocaine-heroin-LSD user that I knew of in my high school, he had serious behavior issues in elementary school and was psycho-violent as an adult and is now halfway through a 65-year sentence for slashing one of his rivals into pieces during a drug-robbery. In my view, all drugs are not equally dangerous.

As for the 11 students who were charged with selling drugs, it was also surprising that so many people automatically assumed they were guilty. And yet the Feb. 24 edition of the Seattle Times had an article about how crime labs make errors and do shoddy work. Did the crime lab actually analyze the drugs from the busts or did they falsify the data as sometimes happen to expedite the results? Maybe the kids just put some oregano in a bag and sold it to make some quick money? What about this Monika, the informer? How do we know that she didn’t taint the evidence to make it appear that she was more effective?

Some writers commented that this was a wake-up call for parents, and implied that the kids would be off the hook and back in school. If anyone has read the Becca Bill, the often-cited bill that’s supposed to keep kids in school, they’ll discover that students 16 and older are treated differently than students 15 and younger. So these drug busts are most likely one-way tickets to the dropout line for most of these kids. In 10 years, how many of these students will be alcoholics? Do we even care?


Submitted by "an Aging Baby Boomer Gardener"  under the February 24 drug bust story.
 
This comment was posted under the February 24th drug bust story.  This reader took a lot of effort and time to put her thoughts down so I moved it up to a Feature page.  Please do her the honor of a comment?  
 
Do you agree with all she has to say?   Is she right on?   Or way off base?  Is her arguement missing a key piece of information?  Do you think her article is good, but too long?   Does any one want to kick off with an opinion or thought?  Thank you for your consideration and interest. 

The Seattle Times is writing a neighborhood story about graffiti and wants your opinion.

Several of the Seattle Times partner sites will write local stories about graffiti in their neighborhoods.  The TIMES will sinc their own story to Redmond's story and other partners.  Redmond Neighborhood Blog is participating and your opinions and commenting will help write our story with the TIMES. 

What are your thoughts and comments about graffiti in Redmond?   Is it an issue for you?   Or, do you just leave it up to the police if a place gets tagged.   When graffiti is reported by your neighbors does the City quickly respond?  What is graffiti to you?   Have you seen the "art graffiti" on the Edge Skate Park tag wall?    Are these walls often tagged with graffiti?   Or, are they more an artist's canvass?   Should the city monitor the tag walls at Edge Park more frequently? 

Will you help the TIMES to write this story?   If you want to help or just have something to say about  local graffiti, please comment under this post.   (Click on the map to find links to the partner sites). 

View Seattle Networked News Initiative in a larger map

Public input will help determine budget cuts at LWSD

Public input will help determine cuts again this year

Redmond, WA – While the state legislature is still working on the state budget, indications are that K-12 public education will get even less money next year from the state. Estimates of the revenue loss for Lake Washington School District based on current proposals range from $3.6 million to $8.4 million. Cutting that much more from the district budget after last year’s $7.7 million reduction will be difficult.

“Last year’s process really helped us understand community priorities,” said Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent. “I encourage all citizens, especially parents, to come and weigh in on what is most important for our school district.”

Meeting dates and times:
March 16 – Juanita High School, 7-9 p.m.
March 17 – Rose Hill Jr. High, 4-6 p.m.
March 17 – Lake Washington High School, 7-9 p.m.
March 24 – Redmond High School, 7-9 p.m.
March 25 – Eastlake High School, 7-9 p.m.

By Kathryn Reith, Communications Director, Lake Washington School District

Updated: March is a big month for Redmond Chamber of Commerce membership renewals.

Gold 20 - 29 Years (1980 – 1989)  Microsoft Corporation 1985

Silver 15 - 19 Years (1990 – 1994)  King Co Library - Redmond 1992; Lee Johnson Chevrolet - Mazda 1992; Accents et Cetera 1993; Boys & Girls Club Redmond/Sammamish 1994; Wells Fargo Bank - Redmond 1994

Bronze 10 - 14 Years (1995 – 1999) ABODA 1996; Aviation Spares & Services Int’l Co 1996; Everything Party 1996; Frontier Bank 1997; Second Story Repertory Theatre 1998; Cascadia; Community College 1999; DeJong Sawdust & Shavings 1999; Emerald City Gymnastics 1999; Hugh G. Goldsmith & Assoc. Inc. 1999; Rainier Welding 1999; Red-E Topsoil 1999; REI 1999; Stanford Signs, LLC 1999

Renewing:  Charter Bank 2000;Transportation Solutions, Inc. 2000; Outback Steakhouse 2002; Canyons Restaurant 2004; Passport Unlimited 2004; Protrade International Corp. 2004; Cascade Plaza; Retirement Center 2006; Universal Mechanical Service Co., Inc. 2006; Foot Solutions 2007; i-Mate 2007; Repro NW/Ford Graphics NW 2007; Heartland Payment Systems 2008; Strategic Planning Partners, LLC 2008; The Growth Coach 2008; Sammamish Rowing Assoc. 2009; Seattle Eastside Building Inspections - SEBI 2009

Italicized:  are companies whose services I've used.  

http://www.redmondchamber.org/ 

Redmond Scouts reforest Hartman woodlands in celebration of 100 years of Scouting

Redmond Scouts prepared Hartman woodlands for reforesting in celebration of 100 years of Scouting.  Redmond Boy Scouts from units 597, 612 and 613, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spent the morning of Saturday,  February 28th clearing invasive ground foliage from the bicycle trail south of Hartman park to prepare for reforesting the park. The scouts dug up and pulled blackberry bushes, removed ivy and cleaned up garbage to commemorate. This is one of 100 service projects planned by scouts in the Chief Seattle Council in 2010 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of BSA. For more information on the 100th anniversary of scouting go to http://scouting.org/100years.

Top photo:  Spencer (left), Forest Steward Doug Schmidt (center) and Charlie holding blackberry root (right).

Middle photo:  Forest Stewards Doug Schmidt and Bob Yoder

Bottom photo:  Thirty scouts put in 60 hours of restoration work.  Two troops were from the local "Hartman building" and one was from the Novelty Hill LDS Church

By Nate Niederhausern, Scout Communications, LDS
Photos by Niederhausern
Nate is a long-time reader & FB friend. 

THANKS TO THE SCOUTS AND DADS FROM TROOPS 597, 612, 613!!   Special thanks to Paige Norman for informing us of the "100 years of Service Program."   And thanks to the GreenRedmond Partnership of  Citizen volunteers, City workers, and Cascade Conservancy administrators.   

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GreenRedmond be having an orientation for prospective new volunteer Forest Stewards on Saturday, March 13th.  Join our team of  dedicated volunteer Stewards and learn how you can adopt your own restoration project!  Email greenredmond@cascadeland.org  for more information.

To register and learn more:  http://www.cascadeland.org/stewardship/green-cities/green-redmond-partnership/Forest%20Steward%20Program

Spicy Talk: staling the Szchuan chef, now in Redmond

'Spicy Talk: stalking the Szechuan chef, now in Redmond'

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/allyoucaneat/2011426448_spicy_talk_stalking_the_szechu.html#continue"

"Did you read Calvin Trillin's story in the New Yorker about those chowhounds chasing after a Szechuan chef?" wondered several of my well-read friends.  more...


Nancy Leson
Seattle Times food writer

LETTER: Thank you for making a good choice

LETTER:  Thank you for making a good choice

Thanks to the Redmond Police Department and Redmond High School Staff for choosing to stand their ground and teach the students more than just reading, writing and arithmetic. Drug use and sales are certainly not a new issue; whether at Redmond or any other High School. Breaking the law and attempting to get away with it are also not new ideas. Although innocent until proven guilty; I applaud the efforts of the school and Police Department to make it abundantly clear that drugs are not acceptable or tolerated in any form on school property. The alleged offenders had choices – don’t sell, don’t offer, don’t participate in drugs. Economy may be the rationale given for their choices, but the reality is that the choices had little to do with economy, race, or family. Participation in any illegal activity has obvious consequences; regardless of the level of involvement, age of the participant or the method of arrest. Teaching our children and students the value of choices, consequences and legal ramifications may be of higher significance for their future successes than in educational achievements alone.

Paige A. Norman
Redmond resident

Do you want to post a comment?    Do you want to write a LETTER?  Mail your LETTER with your name and city residence to redmondblog@gmail.com

Annual Horace Mann Pancake fundraiser not so ordinary!

HORACE MANN PTSA ANNUAL
PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER

Dad's have to get up at  5:30 a.m. to start whipping up the batter.  (Moms sleep in?) 

The grill is just outside the school kitchen.  Other dads are in back frying up some bacon and cutting orange wedges. 

This year the gate opened at 7 a.m. The kids were treated to ring-side seats of the Greatest Saturday Morning City Show On Earth!

A large contingent of police and fire workers turned-out!  They all bought tickets to support the PTSA and fill up on cakes.  Then John Marchione, our Mayor, stepped in.  Four  councilmembers came too!  On the left with hat, is Council VP Pat Vache', Mayor John Marchione is in the middle and on the right is John Stilin - our newest councilmember.  Mr. Stilin brought his two sons.  He's the Council Chair of Parks & Trails.  Not seen is Council President Richard Cole and Councilmember Hank Margeson.  Hank Chairs the Finance Committee.  Hank had to leave early to get to a baseball  Referee Certification Progam.   Hank informed us about the breakfast when he announced the event on RC-TV during a council meeting. Thanks, Hank!

The kids got a huge bonus when the fire trucks stopped by.  "Hey, this is better than chocolate milk"!

I can't remember my daughter Lexie ever sitting down with her pancakes to an event of this proportion.  Wow.  What a treat!

The PTSA mom's were happy, too!   

By Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder

Do any other Horace Mann parents remember these times?   Do you want to share a memory?  Or, comment on the fundraiser experience of your school? 

Redmond Small Business Meetup

One of the missions of my new digital media site is to be a catalyst for small and micro business development. I learned from Laura English (one of my FaceBook friends), that she was going to this Redmond Small Business Meetup.  Hmmm.  So, I went with Pam today.  We were taken by the vibrancy and supportive energy of this group. Stacia Loo, from "Every Swipe Counts" leads the meeting. Today was their largest turnout -at 20.

Having lived in Redmond for over 30 years, it was rewarding to meet-up with some old aquaintances: Len McAdams from McAdams Builders - Len braced my crawl space for earthquake mitigation about 20 years ago. Joe Townsend of Photo Resoration & Retouch - Joe was at the last Redmond Historial Society picnic and helps them out. Laura English is a school neighbor and "Life Coach". She has her own "Moonshine & Happiness" blog: http://www.lauraenglish.net/.  Bloggers will be "contributors" on my new site.

By Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder

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Redmond Small Business Meetup - Redmond Small Business Group (Redmond, WA)

Stacia Loo, Founder and Moderator. 

"At our get together on Mondays at 10 a.m., business owners get a chance to do a one minute commercial about their business. We also state what we need help with for the week to come. Weekly attendance is not mandatory but encouraged to help build strong business relationships. We meet weekly at Pandora in Bear Creek Shopping Center.

Cherie Seymore and Stacia Loo (right).  AN AMAZING EVENT TOOK PLACE AT THIS MEET-UP.  Come back soon to find out!!!

We also have time for testimonials and announcements. We are here to help each other succeed. If you are looking to start your business, come and join our group to get ideas on how to market your business." website, contact info, and testimonials

By Stacia Loo
Founder of Redmond Small Business Meetup
Consultant:  "Every Swipe Counts"

Do any of you go to a social or business network?  Will you try one?