Juel Park, pea patches, and backyard chickens

Carrie relaxing in her pea patch
Juel Community Park

This is a story about Juel Park, pea patches and backyard chickens. 

A rare afternoon of sunshine spotted  Redmond yesterday.  It was a good day to visit one of our many splendored parks.   After running some errands, and a feeble attempt to find work, I was off to PCC shopping center (Avondale and 116th Street) for coffee and a walk to Juel Park, less then a quarter mile away. 

Juel Park is quiet and rustic, with historic farm buildings on the banks of Bear Creek.  Frisbee golfers were scattered on the meadowed course, their heads barely visible over the long grasses.  I was looking for the park "pea patches".  To my surprise, I found my neighbor Carrie working her patch!  She was sitting in her daughters Suzie's garden chair watering while rocking her foster child in a stroller.

"It's hard to grow tomatoes in my shady yard," Carrie said, "that's why I rent this patch from Parks and Rec.  It costs $50 a season for a large plot."  Veggies and flowers were everywhere:  beans, chard, carrots, dill, tomatoes, pumpkins, potatoes peppers, sunflowers, even hops and artichokes.  One "urban farmer" was raising tomatoes for Hope-Link.  The raspberries and herbs are free for growers. 

I asked Carrie if she was going to tonight's backyard chicken meeting at City Hall.  (August 3, 6-8:30 PM at Redmond City Hall.).  To my complete surprise she recounted: 

"I know all about them.  My backyard abuts a neighbor who's had four hens in her backyard for two years.  They built a nice coop painted the same color of the house."  (I asked if they were noisy or smelled.)  "They don't have a rooster. We hear the dog next door.  Only soft "momm"  "momm" sounds from the birds.  They eat the insects.  The manure pellets are fertilizer for her raised garden.  But  the raccoons will eat chickens so at night they're put back in the coop.  My children have learned from the birds and enjoy them.  They're scouts at the Lutheran troop. 

I must say, this was a real lessen for me.  I walk by this house almost every day and had no idea chickens were pecking around.  The friendly owner likes to garden and we say hi when passing.  My perspective on backyard chickens is changing.  I'm beginning to view these critters with a more open eye.  I keep learning more and more about them.  When asked, Carrie told me roosters aren't needed for chickens to lay eggs.  Did you know that?!  The public is invited to the chicken meeting tonight at City Hall.  I've got a lot more to learn about these critters.  Are you going?

Opinion By Bob Yoder 

iPhone

Kris Bennett organizes scavenger hunt on Education Hill for exchange students

Josep Pau Ballart "We hope the "gorilla" doesn't

 travel to Spain!"  (Kris on right)

Program manager and parent Kris Bennett organized a competitive scavenger hunt on Education Hill as a culminating event to her summer Spanish exchange program.  Here's how Kris describes it in Facebook: 

We had a group of 40 or so Spanish exchange students and host siblings divided into 5 groups roaming the neighborhoods of Education Hill on a scavenger hunt. They each started with a ball point pen and were suppose to knock on doors, use their English skills, and explain they were in a competition to "trade up" for the best object. They had an hour to return and then we voted on who got the best item(s). Look on my Facebook at the pictures of what they brought back (in my second album). Your trophy was traded for the winning gigantic gorilla. Other interesting and close finishers were: a team with a Razor Scooter and X-Box (no cords or controller brought it out of first place), a bag with a bunch of colorful bras, and a Dirt Devil vacuum and CD/DVD Player. It was a great chance for the students to use their English AND see how friendly Redmond residence are. This is just one more activity that leaves them always saying, "I can't believe how friendly and open Americans are! This is not what I expected!" Thanks for participating!

Did they ring your doorbell?

Parents and students wishing to host a family next summer:  Contact Kris at  BennettBunch@aol.com or call the EF Educational Homestay nonprofit organization at:  800-521-0083.  The program also hosts high school girls.

By Kris Bennett

Education Hill parent

Program Manager for Redmond Boy's Exchange Student Program

Published with permission from Facebook. 

Redmond police tracks down teenage suspect with social media

Jim Bove
Redmond Police

from the desk of Jim Bove, Community Outreach, Redmond Police....

UPDATED:  A male juvenile approached a group of kids near the BMX bike park last night, 6/22.   He asked one of the kids if they wanted to purchase an IPOD he had stolen.  Read More >>

OPINION: The sidewalks on 166th Ave. are dangerously narrow

Sidewalks on 166th Ave NE are so narrow kids have to hike on garden beds

OPINION:  Two weeks ago and a woman running along a road in Chelan was hit and killed by an old man who fell asleep at the wheel.  Could it be a matter of time before a car loses control on 166th and runs into a pedestrian or bicyclist....or worse, a group of kids?  Children may walk in groups to be more visible to traffic and feel safer?  The oldest and tallest child usually walks closest to the street or on the curb. 

The traffic and safety on 166th Ave. has been under the watchful eyes of citizens, city council and administration for years. In the 2007 election one of Brian Seitz's campaign pledges was to slow the traffic and widen the sidewalks and bike lanes on 166th with 4:3 conversion.  The conversion was partially implemented. (Brian lost to Dave Carson by 200 votes).  Objections were concerns of trucks and buses plugging up traffic.   Carson and Cole were particularly focused on freight and buses.  Sue Stewart said Metro bus slowdowns on a conversation wouldn't be significant.  She works for Metro in Safety.  A few weeks ago, Councilmember John Stilin strongly indicated the conversion should be completed.

When you look at the video, picture a bicyclist coasting down the hill between the kids and a car.  No wonder so few bicycle here.  It's surprising to see so many pedestrians using the sidewalks.  Drivers often react by swerving away from small groups.  

Do you think 166th can take the traffic?  Do you think the city should finish the conversion?  The city put in red lights to improve safety at key intersections.  Should the city build safety improvements on 166th with proceeds from red-light tickets?  What do you think?
 

Opinion and photography by Bob Yoder

UPDATED: Councilmembers David Carson and Hank Myers conditionally prefer 2-acre "cluster" developments in neighborhoods; Margeson opposes "strips".

UPDATED, 6/20/11:   City Council held a Study Session on 6/14/11 reviewing and clarifying the three methods for zoning "neighborhood commercial".  The complete discussion can be found on hour 1:58 of  the meeting tape: http://rctv.redmond.gov/ondemand/CC06142011.wmv.  The preferred rezone method (C-1) was defined as:  a.) only 1 commercial rezone allowed in each of six different neighborhood areas, b.) the rezone is required to be concentrated in proximity to one of three criteria:  business, residential, or recreation; prominently residential.  C-1 is the method of choice by staff and council.  Myers and Carson preferred the C-3 method, defined as:  market-based, no requirements for proximity other than 1-acre rezones must be separated by 1/2 mile.  Neighborhood commercial rezone must be along collector roads or larger.  Carson suggested the option of grocery stores or establishments in converted residential housing.  Council decided 24-hour convenience stores with a "limited line of goods" (like 7/11) and signage aesthetics unapproved by the Design Review Board would not be acceptable. Public Hearing is set for July19 at City Hall. 

For quite some time, Redmond City Council and city staff  have been studying and planning policy options for creating "neighborhood commercial" zones in our neighborhoods. Fewer car trips to downtown centers, conveniences, and neighborhood gathering places are a few goals.

A significant piece of Neighborhood Commercial policy is "implementation" of size, proximity and types of businesses in the neighborhoods. Councilmembers Allen, Vache, Margeson and Stilin firmly agreed to:  locating commercial within walking distance (~1/4 mile) of residential concentrations (12-30 housing units/parcel) and parks. (Option C-1)  (SEE UPDATE)
.
Preserving neighborhood character is paramount to council.  Councilmember John Stilin commented, "I'd rather have a neighborhood begging us to open up to development, than be pushed..."

Fire fighters play paddle ball at Redmond Junior High



Redmond Fire and Medic Trucks parked at Redmond Junior High
in the sun late Friday afternoon

  

Redmond fire fighters and medics playing paddle ball on
the tennis courts today. 

I've seen fire trucks parked at Redmond Junior High before and wasn't sure what was going on. Saw em again today. Fire gear was out, but no smoke. No alarms. No hoses. No water. No one flat on the ground getting CPR. Then, Pam waved towards the tennis courts....

Low and behold we saw about eight fire fighters playing paddle ball.  They were good!   Lean and agile and moving quickly, these guys are definitely athletes.  With the short paddles they were really zipping around.

You know how Microsoft is known for their "team building" events where they go bowling or do some other activity in small groups?   I figure this is a team building exercise, a moral booster, and a fun way for our fire fighters to stay fit.   The Redmond Police were out running for the Special Olympics today.  Why not a little team building for Redmond Fire where their fitness is on display!

Next time I see them playing, I'll stop by and say hi.  Perhaps I'll see the new fire chief?  Or even the Mayor?   Mayor John lives only five minutes away!

Opinion by Bob Yoder
IPhone Photos by Yoder

AA meetings offered at St. Jude Parish for Tent City residents.

Alcholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings are held in St. Jude Parish
 for Tent City residents and public-at-large

OPINION:   I was driving by the St Jude's Tent City encampment on a Wednesday and noticed this AA sign at the church entrance.  A flyer in the encampment announced AA meetings inside the Parish on Thursday's at 10am.  I was so thrilled to learn ShareWheel (the managing non-profit) and St. Jude (the host) started AA sessions.  Putting a tent over your head is one thing; but helping to solve the medical problems associated with homelessness is a major advancement.  I'm happy ShareWheel is offering more health care for their members than occasional dental work, nutrition, and blankets.  The incidence of alcoholism is high in our society; it's higher for the homeless.  KUDOS for St. Jude and ShareWheel and our community for understanding and accepting our community needs.

Opinion and Photo By Bob Yoder

References: 
Dual Diagnosis of Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Disorder, NAMI, Robert Drake, MD.  2003
Observations and Recomendations for a better Tent City, Bob Yoder, 11/2007

Tent City-4 at St. Jude's Parish

 Tent City
166th Avenue NE on Education Hill
April 26, 2011

LETTER: St. Jude applying for Tent City permit

 "St. Jude Ave.", TC-4  (two years ago)

Dear Bob,

Tent City 4 has asked St. Jude to host their homeless encampment this spring. We are in the process of the applying for a permit with the city. The proposed dates are from April 23 until near the end of July. This would be the third time that Tent City has visited Redmond.

Blessings,

Fr. Dave Rogerson
St. Jude Parish senior pastor
Redmond, WA.
425-883-7685

Photo By Yoder

from desk of Bob Yoder...
RNB is looking for comment balancing this entry.

COMMENT:   OK. We get it already - there are poor people who don't have permanent homes and live in tents. Poverty and homelessness are an age-old problem. We've seen Tent City up-close and what it's like to be homeless (twice so far) and I do have sympathy, but hosting a 10-week camp out every other summer just doesn't solve their long-term social, mental and economic problems and creates security problems for the neighborhood. Maybe St. Jude's should work on building and funding a transitional housing facility, but not in the middle of a residential neighborhood. 
 -- By Anonymous, 3/8

LETTER: A tribute to the great people in my neighborhood! By Jim Contreras

Thanks for the news, Jim...

LETTER:  Last Wednesday while I was out walking in my neighborhood, I stumbled on uneven pavement and fell face first. Two students (I think from Redmond Jr. High) were walking by and came over to see how I was. I asked them to call my wife, which one did and even included exactly where I was in the neighborhood. A school crossing guard also saw me down and called 911. The aid car came immediately and was already assisting me by the time my wife arrived. They were wonderful - very caring, considerate and patient - to this old senior citizen! So a HUGE RAVE to the students, the crossing guard (from Norman Rockwell Elem) the neighbor whose house I fell in front of, and the emergency medical team who helped me. The neighbor stayed with me and swapped stories about being in the Air Force. This is a tribute to the great people in this Redmond neighborhood. Thank you very much! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to contact the students, so I hope they read this in the Times!  [How about the Redmond Neighborhood Blog, Jim? :]

Jim Contreras
Redmond, WA

Google Images photo

Education Hill Car Prowler Activity Caught On Security Camera

Hello Ed Hill neighbors!

Randall's Home Security Web Cam shows prowler 

This week, we had a car prowl at our home on 88th Street – nothing taken as far as we can tell, but the person was recorded on surveillance video. So we have some information that may help you and your families.

At 11:26pm on 11/2/10, the person walked up to each of our three vehicles and tested only one door lock on each car. One of our three vehicles was unlocked and the person stood on the outside of the car and reached in to check through the contents of the center console. A flashlight was used. The person climbed into the driver’s seat and checked the contents of the glove box. Then the person carefully closed the door, and went into the rear car door to check out some items in the rear of the vehicle. Our roadside emergency kit was looked through, but nothing appeared to be taken. The person carefully closed the door, and tried the passenger door lock on our other vehicle.

The best description I can give of the person at the time he was recorded: Male, approx 6’ tall, 180-200 lbs, wearing light colored pants that were baggy around the bottoms of the pant-legs, black shoes, and was wearing a backpack. The person was on foot, and no vehicles were passing up or down the street within 10 minutes of the prowl. A police report was filed, so they are aware of the activity.

The person was walking – no vehicle activity prior to the event, leading me to believe he was local and may walk the route regularly.

Dave Randall
Education Hill, Redmond
Read other RNB contributions by Randall

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM "REDMOND NEIGHBORHOOD BLOG" (RNB) !!

"Cannibal Pumpkter" as found on Patti Margeson's facebook
Carved by Pomegranate Bistro of Redmond 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM "RNB" !!

OPINION: Freedom of Speech and the "doll & cross" Halloween display



This is the original display before it was vandalized.   This display was replaced with brown crosses, Barbie dolls and a sign that says "It's only Halloween!"  Photo By Katie Jones

 OPINION:  Long live freedom of speech. That some find this offensive and scary - too bad. I find it more disturbing that we need to involve our government in complaints like this for a holiday display. Also, the display, on private property, was vandalized this week. Vandalism is a crime. This is no different than art or messages or TV shows we find offensive. It's no wonder schools call it "Harvest Festival" now instead of Halloween. Political correctness and hypersensitivity abounds. If this display is found offensive, there are hundreds of others that the government should ban simply because someone found them scary or offensive or stupid or the wrong color. I will take a display like this over so-called 'haunted houses' put on by radical churches who show displays of abortion. I give full support to this property owner's RIGHT to display this display and the government can stay out of it.

Opinion by Brian Hansford
Education Hill neighbor

This opinion was posted from a comment made by Brian Hansford under the post "What kind of Halloween decorations are these?"

OPINION: What kind of Halloween decorations are these?

Opinion: What kind of Halloween decorations are these?

I’m not sure of the statement that is being made here, but I find it offensive to have this display on a very busy street in Redmond. Education Hill is home to several churches and schools with hundreds of children traveling by this address every day.

In speaking to some of my friends and neighbors, they find the display offensive and a bit scary. My friend’s daughter began crying when she saw the dolls hanging from the crosses.

The house has been reported to the Redmond Mayor’s office who reports that they have forwarded complaints to the Code Enforcement Officer. It may not be against the City code, but it ought to warrant a visit from local law enforcement to ask them to remove the dolls from the display.

One friend suggested that a knock on the door might be more appropriate than the publicity from the council, law enforcement and media agencies. I’m not sure I’d feel safe as a citizen making that request of a person who finds hanging baby dolls from crosses as an appropriate Halloween theme.

There are 21 crosses in this photo; 12 of them that have a baby doll figures attached to them.

Watch last night's KOMO 4 11pm News Report here. 

Opinion by Paige Norman

paige.norman@frontier.com
Photo Credit: Katie J. Redmond, Washington

Rebuttal by Brian Hansford, "Freedom of Speech and the "cross & doll" Holiday display"

OPINION: Thirty Education Hill neighbors attend the city Ed. Hill Network Meeting, By Bob Yoder

OPINION:  I spent two hours at the Education Hill Neighborhood Meeting last night.  I met up with some neighbors I hadn't seen in a while. Unfortunately, less than 30 neighbors showed up. CERT training, traffic on 166th and 104th, were big topics of discussion brought up by the neighbors (who sat around in three groups with staff). None of the staff running the small groups were from Education Hill. One was from Woodinville. Another from a rural city. Another from Idylwood. About four planning commissioners were present. Councilmembers Vache, Cole, Margeson, and Stilin attended, but Allen who lives on Ed. Hill didn't make it. The Mayor showed up for the intro and then left. Staff's big push was the $5000 beautification project available to the micro-neighborhoods (cul de sacs, etc.).  They were also excited about an attractive Ed. Hill web page and Facebook page coming out.  It's too bad city couldn't take us to the next level of engagement - Neighborhood Associations. With the exception of the Redmond Foundation, formation of public-private partnerships with the City appear to move slowly. The networking meeting would be so much more effective if the ratio of staff/elected (12) to neighbors (28)was less top-heavy. When all is said and done, this effort by the city was better than none and we should be thankful that they care so much about those few that attended.  

Opinion By Bob Yoder

How do we improve our neighborhoods? By Bob Yoder

OPINION:  As the Education Hill Neighborhood Meeting approaches on Monday, October 18, you may want to think about ideas to bring up with the city planners.   The city motto for the meeting is:  "We are listening...to you".  So, it looks like the city will be all ears.   The meeting hours are 6;30 - 8:30.  Location:  Redmond Junior High.

You'd think that emergency preparedness and safety would be at the top of the meeting list with all the burglaries recently reported and then El Nina expected to bring heavy rains and winds this year.

One of my pet projects is to encourage the City to adapt "Neighborhood Associations". Hundreds of cities across the country, including Kirkland, WA, organize Neighborhood Associations (N.A.) to engage their residents in city plans and bring vibrancy to their communities.

The City of Bend, OR residents explain what Neighborhood Associations mean to them: 

"Neighborhood associations greatly increase the two-way communications between the city and its residents by providing a clear and organized way for residents to speak to their city government.  Neighborhood associations draw people closer to their city government and closer still to their fellow neighbors.  Neighborhood participation gives residents a strong, united voice in civic life and joins them in shared neighborhood projects.  Neighborhood associations are inclusive, reflecting the diversity which enriches a community.  members include families singles, retired people, youths business owners, faith-based organizations, schools, homeowners, and renters.

N.A.'s operate much like a school PTSA, with officers, regular meetings, a web site, and committees, including fundraising.  The N.A. could select committees for:   emergency preparedness, crime prevention, streets & traffic and bike control patterns, fundraising, a school-linkage, GreenRedmond parks, R-Trip, Block Watch, ThinkRedmond business, Land Use planning for ADU's & Tent City, Leadership Institute, beautification gateways, and neighborhood picnic or holiday event.

READ MORE >> on the city's current position  on N.A.  .

Education Hill Neighborhood Meeting at Redmond Junior High is coming up!

The Education Hill Neighborhood Meeting is scheduled for October 18, 2010.

6:30 - 8:30PM   at Redmond Junior High,

Details are here:  http://www.redmond.gov/intheworks/edhill/
Kimberly Dietz, neighborhood planner

"the city is listening...to you" 

LETTER: School Zones, Speed Limits and Crosswalks on Education Hill, By Susan Wilkins

Letter from Susan Wilkins, a PTSA volunteer and resident of Redmond.

I have been working on bus transportation for Horace Mann. I got mail from [LWSD Deputy Superintendent] Janene Fogard that said Title 1 funds could not be used on non-AYP transportation so Horace Mann students were not allowed to ride the Einstein or Redmond El buses. I have been reading Title 1, Part A documentation and there is a lot to read to familiarize myself with the details.

I couldn't find any documents that said or could be interpreted to mean that Horace Mann students weren't allowed to ride in surplus seats on AYP buses. I sent email to Ms. Fogard to ask her to clarify what she meant and where this rule is cited. I haven't heard back.

The attached article came about as a response to [neighbor] Paige Norman questioning the varying speed limits and school zones along 166th at the end of one of my letters. I had read so much about traffic and crosswalks while researching the NE 116th Street crosswalk and speed cameras, that I decided to organize my thoughts and explain what I had found.  I hope people find it interesting: 

###

"School Zones, Speed Limits and Crosswalks on Education Hill", By Susan Wilkins

We have a lot of schools on Education Hill – a high school, a junior high, five elementary schools and numerous preschools. We also have a variety of street signs and zones surrounding the schools, but there is a lack of uniformity in how the signs and zones are assigned. While going through official documents pertaining to school safety and crosswalks and making observations in the neighborhood, I have found that the implementation of school zones and speed limit signs appears to be uneven, inconsistent, overused and possibly misused on Education Hill.  Read More >>

MudBay Grand Opening at Bella Bottega - a howl of a good time!

Neighbors at MudBay Grand Opening in Bella Bottega

Saturday was a beautiful day to run around town, with lots to see and do!  MudBay's pet store "for healthy dogs and cats" celebrated their Grand Opening at Bella Bottega, in their little "village" of tents.

A crowd favorite was Dan Nelson's exhibit with tips on dog care.  Did you know your dog is dehydrated when the scruff of its neck fur stands up after you pull it?   And, the Mountaineers publish a  "Best Hikes with Dogs" book, written by Dan?   He also writes the Seattle Times, "Getting in Gear" feature on Thursday's.

Jenny Solomon, Owner of  "Wag More Dog Walkers" was giving away collapsible water dishes.  She runs a neighborhood dog-walking business on Education Hill.   When you're busy or out of town Jenny will walk you dog one-on-one for $22.50 per half hour.   (The Solomon family are active city volunteers- Brad volunteers for the Redmond Historical Society; their daughter Michelle was a leader in the City's Youth Partnership Program.)

So what's with MudBay?

MudBay is family owned and operated higher-end "natural dog and cat food pet supply store."   They started in a feed store in Olympia overlooking Mud Bay, in l988.  The founder's son and daughter, Lars and Marissa Wulff,  have since expanded to 20 Puget Sound stores with Mercer Island and Redmond the most recent.  Contact MudBay at Info@mudbay.us. 

It appears MudBay has big plans to keep expanding.  The family recently hired two Starbuck's executives, including Redmondite, Brad Stevens,  a past  Starbucks Vice President of Marketing - America.  Brad says the Puget Sound market is home to some of the most educated and knowledgeable pet-owners in the country.  He says it's a great market for a company like MudBay that appeals to healthy dogs and cats.

Report and Photo By Yoder

The Education Hill Network

Education Hill Network  details are here.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2010 FROM 6:30-8:30pm

REDMOND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Cafeteria

Residents helped update the Education Hill neighborhood plan in 2007.

Come share your thoughts on how things are going since the plan update!