Lake Washington School District Board endorses two Kirkland levy Propositions

UPDATED:  As we all know, Redmond has great parks and great funding to support them.  Just look at the most recent $278,200 plus funding approval to re-turf the Hartman Park Babe Ruth baseball field used for Redmond High home games and practices.

Kirkland is not so fortunate.  According to a Parks Board/PTSA  member speaking at a recent School Board Hearing, Kirkland has had to reduce funding for parks maintenance by 20% and reduce capital park improvement by 38% between 2008-2011.   In the meantime, Kirkland has annexed three  neighborhoods including 5 new parks   Kirkland has a "YES to Parks" Proposition 2 levy campaign underway to raise $2.35 million/year to fund parks capital improvements and maintenance, including $1 million to upgrade school play fields. 

Kirkland Parks Levy Proposition 2, if approved, would increase property tax for an average assessed house ($346,000) in Kirkland by $55.36 annually.   The Board voted to endorse the City of Kirkland's Park Proposition 2 unanimously (4-0, Bernard absent).  The proposed tax is scheduled for 2013.  

The City of Kirkland funding gap doesn't stop with parks.  Kirkland, lead by Councilmember Dave Asher asked the School Board to endorse a $3 million/year Proposition One restoration, maintenance, and enhancement levy for their streets and sidewalks:   $2.7 million would fund arteriole preservation, $150,000 for city safe walk routes to schools, and $150,000 for neighborhood traffic, bike, and pedestrian safety measures.  The proposed tax is scheduled for 2013. 

Under the Streets Levy:  50 crosswalks would be upgraded with electronic warning devices.  500 new ADA wheelchair ramps installed. 230 crosswalks re striped. 

Kirkland Streets and Pedestrian Safety Levy Proposition I, if approved, would increase property tax for an averaged assessed house ($346,000 value) in Kirkland by $70.58 annually.  Redmond School Board member Siri Bliesner was "very supportive" of both measures.  Kirkland Councilmember Chris Carlson is a soccer coach and said "they'd be playing in the weeds" without Kirkland's support.  Carlson also noted how the bumps on yellow ADA ramps at intersections provide the blind with tactile feedback for safety.   The Board voted to endorse Proposition One unanimously (4-0, Bernard absent). 

Reported By Bob Yoder 

LW Institute of Technology receives Four-Year Baccalaureate Accreditation

Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) Receives Four-Year Baccalaureate Level Accreditation

Includes Bachelor of Technology in Applied Design (BTAD) This program is geared toward people who work with technology (graphic designers, game artists, video production folks, architecture, mechanical/industrial design).

Kirkland, Wash.: Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) received accreditation at the baccalaureate level this month from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the region’s authority on higher education accreditation. The new designation includes the college’s Bachelor of Technology in Applied Design (BTAD) degree and came in conjunction with the accreditation of LWIT’s associate degree level programs.  Read More >>

Ecology and other agencies respond to oil spill on SR 520

Thin coating - a sheen - of oil on water

Oil spill on SR 520 flows into storm drains that empty into Creek.

Oil is toxic to the environment and the damage starts as soon as the oil hits water. A single quart of oil has the potential to foul more than 100,000 gallons of water.

Washington Department of Ecology news
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Feb. 22, 2012
12-062
   
 Ecology and other agencies responding to oil spill on SR 520
     
      BELLEVUE - The state Department of Ecology is on the scene of a traffic accident on westbound SR 520 west of I-405 in Bellevue to respond to fuel spills from one or more of the vehicles involved.  Ecology is cooperating with other agencies responding at the scene.  Read More >>

PUBLIC FORUM: Involuntary Treatment of family members needing mental care.

2011 Nami Walk in Kirkland

A FREE EDUCATIONAL FORUM OPEN TO PUBLIC

"THE INVOLUNTARY TREATMENT ACT PROCESS

BY DESIGNATED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS"

Guest: JoEllen Watson, LICSW, PH. D

Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2011, 7 PM - 9 PM

 Evergreen Hospital, Suite Tan 100 - Directions

12303 NE 130th Lane

Kirkland, WA 98034

JoEllen Watson, Ph. D. is the Coordinator of King County’s Crisis & Commitment Services. She has worked in emergency services at Harborview and Swedish Medical Centers. As a "Designated Mental Health Professional" (DMHP), Dr. Watson is involved in making the decision as to whether or not a person should be involuntarily committed, voluntarily hospitalized or other less restrictive alternatives. In this presentation she will talk about: the Involuntary Treatment Act process, role of the DHMP, current board crisis and the increase in detention rates in the last few years.

This is your opportunity to learn more about the system.
Join us! This event is FREE and open to EVERYONE!
PHONE: 425-885-NAMI (6264)

WEB: http://www.nami-eastside.org/  E-MAIL: INFO@NAMI-EASTSIDE.ORG

Notes on "Ashes to Hope Observance of 9/11" - Bridge-building to another's culture

Kirkland Performance Center - "Ashes to Hope" Observance

OPINION:  Today is 9/11.   I was in Anchorage when it happened 10 years ago.   I decided to observe the anniversary.

I left our garage sale early to drive to Kirkland's "Ashes to Hope" Observance of 9/11 in the Kirkland Performance Center.  I'm not a big church go-er but found this service deeply moving.    

The Observance was hosted by the Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church and the IMAN Center.  IMAN is a regional non-profit Muslim organization "fostering the development of socially responsible and spiritually mature individuals."  They do a lot more for the community, too.  Their music is beautiful!   A standing room only audience of over 400 witnessed an Islamic  "Noon prayer"..... an experience to remember.

Clergy from many religions of the world preached, talked, sang and emoted.   One expressively "danced with his hands" while singing a rich, prayerful song.   His name is Rabbi James Mirel of Temple B'nai Torah.

One of the more 'awakening' moments was a roll call given for every nation that lost loved ones.   As each country was called, their citizen rose holding a sign and "the number."   Scores stood.  Clearly, 9/11 struck at the heart of the world.  Read More >>

Cities of Redmond and Kirkland observe 10th Anniversary of 9/11

10th Anniversary of 9/11

CITY OF REDMOND OBSERVANCE

Marking the moment with Bells, whistles, sirens at 10 a.m.

The City of Redmond encourages the observance of the 10th Anniversary of 9/ll with "a moment of remembrance."

The moment is to last for 1 minute beginning at 10 a.m. and to the maximum extent practicable ceasing all work or other activity;

and marking the moment in an appropriate manner, including by ringing bells, blowing whistles, or sounding sirens

And in recognition of the sacrifices made on this Day of remembrance and Patriots Day, all flags at City of Redmond facilities will fly at half staff. 

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CITY OF KIRKLAND OBSERVANCE

"Ashes to Hope: An Interfaith Observance of 9/11"

Time:  1 PM
All are welcome

Location: Kirkland Performance Center
350 Kirkland Avenue
Kirkland, WA

Ten years ago the September 11 attacks changed our world.  From the devastation, healing and hope emerge.  From interfaith dialogue grows peace, hope and respect.  People of all ages, cultures, and spiritual traditions – all are welcome as we observe the 10th anniversary of 9/11.  Together we will remember, reflect, and open our hearts to the possibility of peace.
  -- Toby Nixon, Kirkland, WA.

Ten Christian, Muslim, Jewish and non-denominational organizations conduct an Interfaith program to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the events of 9/11 to amplify the connectedness of all people and to build healing; collection taken for Habitat for Humanity; people of all ages, cultures and spiritual traditions are welcome.   Contact:  Rev. Marian Stewart, 425-822-0171
  -- Seattle Times, 9/7

Redmond's Ben Wobker - owner of Lake Washington Physical Therapy - "Gives Back" to Eastside community

Ben Wobker and Mandie video-tape client running on the treadmill   during "gait analysis"  Ben and Mandie evaluate and video client walking Ben Wobker, P.T., community leader and owner of Lake Washington Physical Therapy, performed a free "gait analysis" for 30 Eastside residents on Saturday morning.  The event was advertised on the clinic's facebook page and word of mouth. UPDATED:  If you've been to any Redmond High School basketball, football, or cross-country sporting events you've probably heard of Ben Wobker.  Ben, the son of  Horace Mann teacher David Wobker, graduated from RHS with seven letters in Football, Cross-country and Leadership honors.   Ben is an award-winning* physical therapist and runs a successful eastside therapy business.  To me, three words describe him best: Ben Gives Back...to his community!   Ben analyzes gait with client and makes recommendations Every year Ben councils Coach Villineuve's highly ranked Cross Country teams with free "gait analysis" and discounts on shoes. Once the co-owner of Redmond Physical Therapy, he offered free fittings and discounts on knee and ankle braces for Mustang teams. You'll also see Ben at high school career fairs and mentoring students in his clinic. But, Ben's food drive efforts with HopeLink may be his biggest community contribution. Two years ago, Ben started "March Can Madness" -- a competition between Redmond businesses -- to collect the most food from their customers for HopeLink. To this day, Ben still waives the $30 fee for missed appointments with a food donation!  Next year, Lake Washington Physical Therapy will sponsor HopeLink's "Turkey Trot" fundraiser.   After eight years service as co-owner at Redmond Physical Therapy, Ben decided to expand his brand to Kirkland. Last month he celebrated his first year as owner of Lake Washington Physical Therapy.  Already he plans to hire a 4th therapist! Mandie Majerus, PT worked with Ben for years in Redmond. Both graduated from University of Montana. (Mandie's entering the Iron man in Canada; she worked as a therapist in Antarctica for a year!)  Some trivia:  In Washington, many insurance companies don't require a physician referral to see a physical therapist.     Brooks, Mizuno, Asics track shoes fill the display windows. Ben contracted "Everyday Athlete" to sell the shoes. "Even though Kirkland's downtown vacancy was 22% last year we still had to meet "non-medical retail" zoning requirements," said Ben.  *Ben Wobker was voted "2010 Best Physical Therapist" by the readers of Eastside's "425 Magazine". Ben's Bio,  Address:  209 Kirkland Ave., adjacent the Heathman Hotel. 425-629-3502.  Directions. Opinion and Report By Bob Yoder Photos By Yoder

UPDATED: Redmond Council passes Resolution endorsing Proposition 1: "Veterans and Human Service Levy"

King County Veteran with his family

REPUBLISHED

UPDATED:  In their July 12 meeting, Redmond Council voted on Resolution No. 1363 to support and endorse King County Proposition 1, a 6-year "Veterans and Human Service Levy" renewing and replacing the expiring Levy. After five council members discussed their positions, Council passed the resolution 6-1 (David Carson - opposing).

Bellevue and Kirkland city councils
passed resolutions earlier endorsing the Levy.

In the 2011 August election, county residents will vote on Prop. 1.  The 2011 levy is 5 cents/ $1000 of assessed property value, or $20 in 2012 for the average-priced $400,000 home in King County. A CPI capped-measure is built into the Levy.  Read More >>

Kirkland Chamber of Commerce celebrates new visitor center

The local business community and City of Kirkland officials celebrate the grand opening of the new downtown Visitor Information Center during a ceremony on Wednesday.

Contributed by Bob Gassen/Humanature Photography

 Kirkland Chamber of Commerce celebrates new visitor center - Kirkland Reporter: "Jul 14 2011, 5:51 PM

The Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce and Kirkland Downtown Association (KDA) members celebrated the grand opening of the organization's new offices and Visitor Information Center during a ceremony on Wednesday.  Read More >>

Redmond Police Department Carries the Torch for Special Olympics | Kirkland Views

Jim Bove, Redmond Police
Community Outreach

Redmond Police Department Carries the Torch for Special Olympics Kirkland Views:

"The Redmond Police Department participated in escorting the Special Olympics Torch through Redmond shortly after 6:00 a.m. Friday morning.
The torch precession started in Eastern Washington and came through Redmond on its way to Ft. Lewis for the Special Olympics games."

By Rob Butcher
Kirkland Views
Photo By Jim Bove

NAMI | NAMIWALKS - in Kirkland, Saturday morning, May 14

NAMI NAMIWALKS

My brother, Rick died suddenly at the age of 47 from a severe mood disorder complicated by medication withdrawal. Our team "rickyoderteam" is walking for Rick on Saturday. So far, my wife, Pam and daughter, Lexie are on our team. If you'd like to join us, click: www.nami.org/namiwalks11/SEA/rick. I'd be happy to tell our team Rick's his story during and after our walk.

I hear there's lots of support for this Walk. Members from Redmond, Kirkland and Bellevue City Councils are walking.  Redmond Mayor Marchione may attend.   Fairfax Hospital is the Presenting Sponsor.  Evergreen Hospital, Overlake Hospital, TEAM Virginia Mason Hospital, Woodinville Rotary, and Fairwinds are primary Gold Sponsors.

The 7th annual NAMI Washington Walk will be staged along the picturesque banks of Lake Washington starting at Marina Park in downtown Kirkland, Washington on Saturday, May 14, 2011. Registration and Check-in 8:30 a.m.  Walk at 9:30 a.m.

The annual walk is the primary fund-raising activity in support of the state organization and its affiliates. Funds are directed to providing education and support classes for those afflicted with mental illness and whose families are in needed of resources and support.  To register or make a donation click: www.nami.org/namiwalks/WA

Please contact coordinator Annie Koch with any of your questions at (206) 396-0990 or via email at anniekoch@speakeasy.net    NAMI Walk facebook page

Swedish doctor to speak at Evergreen on ADHD; NAMI Walk approaching!

NAMI Walk starts at Kirkland's Marina Park

The 7th annual NAMI Washington Walk is staged along the picturesque banks of Lake Washington starting at Marina Park in downtown Kirkland, Washington.

 7th Annual NAMI Washington Walk
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Marina Park Kirkland, WA.
Registration and Check-in 8:30 a.m. Walk at 9:30 a.m

This annual walk is the primary fundraiser in support of the state National Alliance of the Mentally Ill organization and its affiliates. Funds are directed to providing education and support classes for those afflicted with mental illness and whose families are in needed of resources and support.

 CONTACT:  Annie Koch at (206) 396-0990 or via email at anniekoch@speakeasy.net
FACEBOOK:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/NAMI-Walk-Washington-State/122088801185347

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NAMI-Eastside, National Alliance on Mental Illness
An Educational Forum “ADHD: Across the Lifespan”
Guest: Gerard Zanolli, MD
 Tuesday, May 17, 2011, 7 PM - 9 PM
 Evergreen Hospital, Suite Tan 100
12303 NE 130th Lane,  Kirkland, WA 98034

ADHD is the most commonly studied and diagnosed disorder in children, affecting about 3% to 5% of children and adults in the US. Although individuals with ADHD can be very successful in life, without appropriate identification and treatment, ADHD can have serious consequences.

Dr. Zanolli is a staff psychiatrist at Swedish Hospital Medical Center and also owns a private practice in Seattle. He will talk about the incidence of ADHD in children, how it changes in adolescents and into adulthood, as well as treatment management.

Join us! This event is FREE and open to EVERYONE!

CONTACT:
Pamela Schulenburg, NAMI-Eastside volunteer
info@nami-eastside.org

425-885-6264

UPDATED: Redmond City Council Will Vote To Confirm Salary Commission Appointments

UPDATED, 10/5 -  By Consent Agenda, tonight, 10/5, the Council silently voted unanimously "aye" to confirm the Salary Commission appointments.

In the October 5 City Council Meeting, Council will vote to confirm the appointments of seven citizens to an "independent Salary Commission." The Commission is charged with reviewing Council’s $850/month salary and benefits “to determine if an adjustment is needed.”  Council member Richard Cole estimates each council member works significantly more than ~672 hours/year.  2004 was the last time Council’s compensation was reviewed. What initial thoughts do you have?

Fifteen citizens applied for the seven-member Salary Commission, in response to city advertisements this September 2 - 24.  Senior council member Richard Cole wrote:

"We (council) have agreed that each council member will pick one person. The names will go to the Mayor who will make the appointment. The council will still have a confirmation vote just like the other commissions. There will be seven commissioners".

It is not known at this time which council member picked which candidate. According to document AM-No.10 194  the following citizens are appointed by the Mayor:  Mary Bourguignon, Sally Chen, David Chicks, Rand-Scott Coggan, Karin Duval, Marilyn Rice, Sheri Sanders.   It's expected commissioners will begin their work mid-October with a decision by December 1, 2011.

The Mayor’s compensation will be reviewed this year, as well, but not by the Salary Commission.  READ MORE >>

Kirkland and Sammamish are lukewarm to a community aquatic center

Prior to the closing of  Hartman Pool on June 18, Redmond City council had been actively seeking a city partner for funding a community aquatic center.  

During joint meetings with Kirkland council on May 28 and Sammamish council on June 8, Redmond floated the idea of creating a new taxing district to fund a community aquatic center.  Kirkland staff estimated a new aquatics facility would cost between $42-46.5 million.

According to the Kirkland Reporter:   Councilmember Allen said the Redmond pool was "on life support" and that recommended economies of scale between Kirkland and Redmond could pencil out.   Redmond City Councilmember Pat Vache' felt that, "Trying to combine parks departments would create all sorts of complications that we are not even thinking about," saying "Cities have different philosophies on how to run their parks."  Another issue of combining the city's Parks departments would be existing funding.  Mayor Marchione wasn't present at the Kirkland meeting. 

According to the Sammamish Review:  Council members in Sammamish grappled over the question of why citizens would want to tax themselves for a new facility when they could wait for a neighboring city to build one and go use it.  While the Sammamish council said they’d keep the idea in mind as discussions continue, their response was lukewarm.   "Read More" for my comments:

Tent City 4 | Kirkland | moves into location on the Kirkland-Redmond border.

Tent City 4 moved to its new location Friday, April 23 at Lake Washington United Methodist Church on a busy street (132nd Ave. N.E. on the Kirkland-Redmond border). Some neighbors have voiced concern for Tent City 4 residents being in such an exposed location.  Read More.

By Matt Phelps
Kirkland Reporter
4/27/2010

Tent City 4 | Kirkland | Focus Northwest - Photos of move-in to TC-4 on April 23 - 26
By Chad Coleman, 4/27/2010
Photo Journalist for Focus Northwest

Seattle Times announces more local news partners

Seattle Times announces more local news partners

The Seattle Times is expanding its partnerships with local news Web sites with the addition of eight more sites today. That brings the total number of partner Web sites to 19. (See the complete list, along with their latest headlines.) complete story.

--Seattle Times staff, 1/20

The Redmond Neighborhood Blog and Kirkland Views are two new Eastside web sites partnering with the Seattle Times.  I'm excited my readers and their contributions and comments will have wider exposure!   Bob Yoder

LETTER - "KirklandViews" publisher writes of Kirkland Council's woes.

LETTER:  Rob Butcher of Kirkland, posted this comment under my Kirkland "sister city" story of 9/3.  .

Bob,

Excellent article. I know that as a citizen of Kirkland, I look to Redmond as our close neighbor from which Kirkland can learn a great deal. Kirkland's neighborhood vs. businesses mentality is what most needs to be remedied in Kirkland. Redmond, as I see it, has a bit more harmony. Our City Council reflects the tensions in our community (1) and it is to the detriment of the region when one city is functioning at such a level. I am certain Redmond is not perfect either, but I do look at Redmond for inspiration and for lessons we can apply in Kirkland. And much of my Redmond information comes from the Redmond Neighborhood Blog.

Thanks for your hard work.

Cheers,
Rob Butcher, Publisher
http://www.kirklandviews.com/
September 3, 2009 8:24 AM

1. Bitter Infighting at the Kirkland City Council; 4-3 vote to investigate sitting council member  B.Y.

'National Review Online' explains the loss of print media to blogs

The following excerpt was taken from the "Kirkland Views" blog. 01/05/09.

National Review Online has posted an article by Mark Krikorian, dated December 31, 2008, in which two local Kirkland blogs are mentioned. An argument is made that bloggers are filling the demand for “hyper-local” news once covered by local newspapers. Kirkland Views was mentioned by "National Review".

The discussion centers around how local coverage by small newspapers is diminishing as they struggle to remain profitable. Many small newspapers are relying on wire services for stories and “articles” promoting local businesses rather than covering the local news. The argument is made that the business model of traditional newspapers is difficult to sustain because of enormous costs they incur that online competitors do not share. Among the various perspectives given was one from a reader of Kirkland blogs. The reader says he/she is better informed than ever by reading local blogs and other online media. "Read all about it" at Kirkland Views.

As for the Redmond Neighborhood Blog, ask your friends to search "redmond blog". Forwarding and word-of-mouth is how my blog and others are distributed. Thank you for your readership and support! BOB Y.

"Boring budgets" are ANYTHING BUT...in Kirkland!

Most information, excerpts and the photo are courtesy of Rob Butcher's recent articles on his KirklandViews, 12/17/08

UPDATE: The Mayor of Kirkland told his Council they need to follow Redmond's Budget By Priority process! Hear and see Mayor Jim Lauinger say it!
-------------------------------------------------
During Redmond's Budget proceedings, Mayor John Marchione gave strong warnings about "digging a hole" in our City budget. He cautioned if Council didn't raise the 1% property taxes we could end up like Kirkland, in a hole. Kirkland's "gap" was $13.8M -- 12% of their General Fund!

Kirkland has recently taken extreme measures to balance their budget. The problems started when Council authorized 6% salary and 10% cost increases. (Lesson to be learned?). A cursory listing of of actions taken to balance their budget are, as follows:

• Kirkland's existing business tax was replaced by a "Head Tax". Every business in Kirkland must now pay $100 for every full-time employee hired.


• Utility taxes increased.


• Property taxes were increased


• Service levels were cut. Nix Economic Development Manager , Communications levels, etc.


• Cut $3M from the capital budget.

Citizen attendance at Kirkland (and Redmond's) budget meetings were telling. According to KirklandViews, in Kirkland's October meeting only 6 of 48,000 citizens showed. Most were there to protect their interests. At Redmond's final Hearing only 7-8 showed up to speak...again most to further their interests. Council President McCormick proudly said on at least two occasions that Redmond citizenry were "fully engaged" in our budgetary process based on the "excellent turnout" at the final *Hearing.

"KirklandViews", reported that Kirkland's Council Chambers were overflowing at their final Budget meeting. Now, that's participation! Only two of eight citizens at Redmond's budget meeting addressed ideas for cutting costs; I was one. Is that "engagement"? Or, does the City have a way to go?

*Active citizenry participation in Marchione's "Budget by Priority" Public Workshops (2) and the six citizens on staff's Results Teams probably provides a more valid demonstration of public participation.