UPDATED JANUARY 25: LWSD Board looks to community for feedback on their "only most important decision" - hiring a superintendent

Jackie Pendergrass
President, LWSD  Board

UPDATED, Jan. 25:  I'd like to correct the Redmond Reporter's January 6 article: "Community invited to meet LWSD superintendent candidate."   The Reporter writes: "Pierce will replace Dr. Chip Kimball, who is leaving to take a school superintendent position in Singapore." This is misleading. The school board hasn't decided to replace Mr. Kimball with Traci Pierce.  They prefer Traci but are still open to suggestions and feedback. 

Deadline for input is February 22.  Contact: Board@lwsd.org


On December 6, Communications Director Kathryn Reith wrote:

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

I commend the school board on engaging the community in this critical decision they must vote on.  As the Board likes to say, "hiring a superintendent  is the only most important decision they make.";  leaving their decision open to community feedback is a wise and thoughtful action. I have attended many school board meetings and work sessions and have seen Traci in action. She's terrific and a good fit with the Board.  I don't know who could replace her in School Services.

As Traci makes her rounds, I am thrilled parents are getting a glimpse of Jane Todd's leadership skills during district "Town Meetings" on class re-configuration.  Please comment.

In the Evergreen JH Town Meeting and a PTSA newsletter, Ms. Todd speaks to the re-configuration challenge:

“We will get there by small steps and a clear view of our destination, not by grandiose plans that feel too big to accomplish, at least not all at once. When staff members look at me with desperation and fear in their eyes, born out of concern for students more than for themselves, I have been saying, "Take a deep breath and then take one manageable step... And, I mean it.”   

NEW!!  For families of incoming students, there's still time to see Traci and Jane and give your feedback to the school board, as follows:

>>>Traci Pierce's City of Sammamish: Tuesday, January 17 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Sammamish City Hall, 801 228th Ave SE Sammamish, WA

>>>Lake Washington School District: Wednesday, January 25 from 4:00- 5:30 p.m. in the Hughes Room of the L.E. Scarr Resource Center, 16250 NE 74th St., Redmond.

>>>Traci Pierce's City of Kirkland: Thursday, Feb. 7 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Kirkland City Hall, 123 Fifth Avenue Kirkland

>>>Jane Todd's  DATES MOVED AHEAD DO TO SNOW:  RHS Town Meeting for families of incoming students is in the Performing Arts Center, on Jan. 18 (Soph) and Jan. 25 (Frosh).  Call the new RHS number for times:  425-936-1800

Opinion By Bob Yoder

Updated: This Neighborhood Blog is Seeking Volunteers to Report On Redmond Neighborhood News.

REDMOND HAS TEN REPORTING NEIGHBORHOODS

UPDATED: I am seeking neighborhood adult and youth reporters to write for The "Redmond Neighborhood Blog."
News is made every day, in every Redmond neighborhood and this reporter cannot scratch the surface. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to report or comment on local news! Passion for Redmond is the only prerequisite.
Please submit your stories, photos, and video clips for editing and posting. Include your name and neighborhood address. Submissions will not be published without prior written approval.
GOOGLE & YAHOO rank the Redmond Neighborhood Blog the NUMBER ONE "neighborhood blog" in the country (of "neighborhood blogs"). Your stories will be seen and read!
Send your neighborhood stories to my email address at redmondblog@gmail.com.
Thank you!
Bob Yoder
Community Activist, Editor & Publisher
Redmond Neighborhood Blog
425-802-2523

Ex-Councilman Richard Grubb says council needs more debate

This is a Letter Richard Grubb wrote the Redmond Reporter, 1/21/09

From the front page of the Jan. 7 Redmond Reporter, it appears that the Redmond Reporter is almost as enamored with Redmond's elected politicians as they are with themselves. The six pictured white, middle brow, conventional males and two females seem content and smugly satisfied to march in lockstep.

As former Speaker of the House of Representative Sam Rayburn once remarked, when two people agree on everything, only one of them is doing the thinking. The question in Redmond is which one of the eight is thinking for the other seven?

In the Jan. 7 article, Councilmember Richard Cole claims that *boring meetings are a good problem to have. He may be an expert on that subject , but he is wrong.

Good government comes from a rigorous debate, from a clash of ideas, from opposing philosophies bumping up against one another until there is a synthesis that results in sound policy. Ennui in a community's politics more often than not brings on apathy rather than vigour's enlightening involvement.

The poet William Blake noted that "without contraries in no progression". Dissent from the commonplace wisdom of the day clarifies issues through robust discussion.

Perhaps in the next council election cycle, someone will stand who is willing to spike the Kool-Aid punch bowl that the current crop is drinking from.

As a concluding aside for the record and for the Reporter's readers, it should be noted that the two urban centers are not Mayor Marchione's vision for Redmond. They have been city policy since the mid-1990's. 1-21-09

'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.

Updated: Golden Apple Awards Ceremony for Teacher Mike Town is February 25.

Updated, 1/6 - The School Employees Credit Union of Washington, KCTS 9, and PEMCO Insurance recently announced the winners of the 17th annual Golden Apple Awards for individuals and programs that make a positive difference in Washington state education for grades pre-K through 12.

The Golden Apple Awards are scheduled to be broadcast on Wednesday, February 25 at 8:00 p.m. It’s a one hour program. It will be available online the following day.
This year’s recipient of the Stanley O. McNaughton Golden Apple Award is Mike Town, teacher of AP Environmental Science in grades 11-12 at Redmond High School (RHS).

Mike Town is known throughout the Lake Washington School District for his passion for environmental science. He personally advocates for all students to have access to rigorous AP courses and believes strongly that if a student is introduced to college course material and receives credit, the odds of them attending college will increase dramatically.

Because of this, Town has opened his **six AP courses to all students with great success. According to the Redmond-Reporter.com **fifty percent of the RHS student body enrolls in his courses and 90 percent of these score well enough on the AP exams to earn college credit.

Outside of the classroom, Town mentors the RHS Environmental Club, which successfully reduced the carbon footprint by implementing environmental changes at the school, including solar panels, a recycling program and environmentally friendly practices in the cafeteria.

PEMCO Insurance will award each Golden Apple winner a $1,500 grant to support their classroom, school or educational program. For more information visit http://www.kcts9.org/. --

This article was abbreviated and excerpted from a story at Redmond-Reporter.com, 11/12/08

**Correction: The Redmond Blog estimates a student body population of RHS at ~1500. Mr. Town teaches 5 periods/day. 5 classes x 30 students = 150 students/year or 10% of the student body.

UPDATE: Neighbor posts a request for better security at Edge Park

Bob's UPDATE 9/2: Hi Carol - I'm happy Mr. Bove has helped you, as follows: "You may want to contact our Property/Evidence office, they keep all "found" items in case anyone decided to turn anything in(http://www.redmond.gov/insidecityhall/police/records/property.asp).

As for the Redmond Reporter, [the Blotter information] is something they get from the Redmond Police--they print information on cases they [decide or find] as useful. Hope this helps and please let me know if you have further questions." -- Jim Bove, Redmond Police

I forwarded the following request for security at Edge Park to Jim Bove of the Redmond Police. Ms. Singleton gave me permission to post her name and message. I also recommended she post her alert on the new American Towns - Redmond website. (link is in the "Blog List" sidebar)

"Hi Bob - I have a 20-year old niece that often skateboards at the Redmond
Skate Park. Last night her cell phone and car keys were stolen. I had no idea
she does what "all the kids do" and left her things on the cement "bench" on the
edge of the pit. I went there last night around 9:00 PM when she called me. I
talked with a couple other kids who said, "Yah, everyone leaves their things
here." I couldn't believe my niece was so naive.

We need to get word out to the kids and the parents of these kids to tell them not to leave their things out like that. The police department wasn't interested in our
making a report.

How can I get mention of this in the Redmond Reporter? I've seen things in Police Blotter but the police department didn't know anything about that.

Can you put something on the blog?"

Thanks! Carol Singleton

8/25, "Race for Mayor" Reporter article reviewed

Today's Redmond Reporter "Race for Mayor" article by Mary Decker provoked me to express some thoughts I have for the candidates and for Ms. Decker's reporting.

In general, I found Ms. Decker's reporting balanced and fair. She gave the front page color photos to the finalists - Marchione and Robinson; with the larger front page photo of "first-place winner" John Marchione hugging his child with a warm smile on election night. I felt this photo made up for the less expressive one taken by the Reporter prior to the Primary.

Some key points reported by Decker and paraphrased (in color) worth repeating and my comments, as follows:

JOHN MARCHIONE -

• most voters favored Marchione's message of "living within your means - households have to stick to a budget, so why not the city? I absolutely agree on that one. Just look at what's happening to the mortgage markets today from all those easy, 0-down loans!
  
• most voters approved of Marchione's proactive plan to keep more density in the Overlake and downtown areas. Yes, I agree! and said so at recent city council meeting. Hopefully, our chances to preserve some of the open space we enjoy in the neighborhoods will increase by focusing density downtown.
  
• Mr. Marchione is concerned about Robinson's idea of raising business taxes. John thinks that if businesses get driven out by higher taxes the residential property taxes may be raised to make up the difference. Holly Plackett also had no intentions to raise business taxes.
  
• Marchione continued to emphasize the need for a transparent budget with the community knowing where the money is going. hear! hear! Read my blog ON "THE SHELL GAME" (Tag "aaa") describing how the city shifts operating funds and capital funds back & forth at will, frequently for political purposes.
  
• Mr. Marchione emphasized being proactive in managing land use, growth, and housing choices. GOOD! Zoning Amendments need to be done with thought and scrutiny so as not to create further "Perrigo Heights" and "Tyler Creek" zoning oversights. The Development Guide needs to be updated to eliminate the scores of "Exceptions" to land-use approval and unrestrained PRD uses affecting neighboring communities. Holly brought some of these ideas out , as well.
  
• Marchione promotes a more active and lively downtown with dining, etc. Yes! I'd like to see some sidewalk cafe's and book stores and an cooperative art gallery and jazz restaurant.

JIM ROBINSON -

• Jim's central campaign platform is "do you want a hometown or simply an employment center? This tagline brings to attention the growing influx of workers who work in Redmond but don't live here. (I think we have a resident population of 50,000 with another 30,000 commuting to Redmond for work everyday.) So what's the answer to this plateform statement? Quite simple: by building more dwelling units and homes more commuters become residents and our "hometown" will grow. The fact is we have to grow to meet Growth Mangaement requirements. A fallacy is to believe our "hometown" won't change. It's already morphed from horse farms to suburbia & according to the Planning Commisssion (apointed by Ives) will evenually grow to an urban mass-transit center with 6-12 story buildings.
  
• Mr. Robinson attributes much of the traffic and congestion to commuters and a need to lessen it around Education Hill and around town. True! No doubt the commuters add to congestion. Unfortunately, even if you build homes to mitigate commuter traffic (and build our hometown) the traffic will still run through our neighborhoods and congestion will only get worse on Education Hill and around town.
  
• Robinson "sticks to his belief that public safety should have been funded as a priority all along while reserving Levy lifts for road infrastructure and other things". I agree with Jim, as do Marchione and Plackett. But, it seems it's been a standard of practice over the years to put safety out for levy vote. Mr. Robinson's been been a councilman for 16 years. Why haven''t we been able to improve our funding priorities for safety by now?
  
• Robinson associates citizen concern over our environment with the severe weather we've had in December and our lack of control over it. I think the Public Works Dept. has done an excellent job planting native shrubs and trees along river and stream areas--these shrubs help to reduce stormwater flows and preserve habitat and water quality. Jim is Council Chair of Parks. I'd like to see our Chair encourage the Parks Dept. and Police Dept. to pick up and remove their Proposition signs....to help our environment. To "take control" of our climate extremes citizens need to know where the young, old, and disabled can go to find a city shelter.
  
• Jim's supporters are pleased with the idea of updating Hartman Pool. Sure, it's a good idea. I love to swim. It's great excercise and soft on the joints.
  
• Robinson stresses "sustainability". The levy propositions are short term solutions when considering inflation is 5-6%. Jim proposes sit-down sessions and discussions to sort it all out and re-balance the revenues.

HOLLY PLACKETT -

• Saddened by the loss but vows to stay involved.
  
• Will keep working on behalf of the Family Resource Center
  
• and work for Grass Lawn neighborhood
  
• and work with Council to advocate for other HOA's
  
• concerns about Costco impacts to SE neighborhoods.
  
• and she's actively following the campaigns to ensure a robust democratic process during the election.

/> Hey! another neighbor just posted a comment. Press "Comments" below


HOLLY PLACKETT -

Saddened by the loss but vows to stay involved.
Will keep working on behalf of the Family Resource Center
and work for Grass Lawn neighborhood
and work with Council to advocate for other HOA's
concerns about Costco impacts to SE neighborhoods.
and she's actively following the campaigns to ensure a robust democratic process during the election.


BOB THEA:
I have to say, I’m glad it(voter turnout) increased, but it is still a paltry percentage of registered voters. Where is civic pride? Responsibility?Thanks for keeping us updated and informed Saturday August 25, 2007


RICHARD MORRIS:
Robinson's theme of "coming home" feels very nostalgic. There was a time, several years ago, when hot air balloons could safely land in open fields around town. No more hot air ballons.His question "do you want a hometown or an employment center?" has little to do with growth in Redmond. Redmond is currently a hometown *and* an employment center. Redmond is a thriving hometown with strong schools, churches, parks, and plenty of retail outlets. Redmond is, of course, an employment center with manufacturing, retail, and services. Redmond has seen tremendous growth in both homes and employment over the past 25 years. Growth management must accomodate both home (residential) and business needs. Each time Hwy 520 is extended, widened, and ramped more people will want to move into Redmond and work in Redmond. Is Jim Robinson proposing that a fence should be erected to keep out new residents or new businesses?

Co-Founder Hao Hardy's Booklet / RHS 25th Anniversary

7/28/07, My 'Citizen Watch' Reporter column discontinued

The new Redmond Reporter editor from Seattle, Mr. Bill Christianson, appears to have discontinued my "Citizen Watch" column. So best not to waste your time looking for it in the paper.

I wanted you to know the new, young Editor decided not publish my "History of Redmond Mayors" column after recieving a "Press Advisory" from Kim Van Eckstrom, of City Communications. Kim (and the Mayor) complained of "errors" in my "water supply " opinion column. It was clear they were trying to discredit me. Most of my column information that Kim Van Eckstrom said was wrong was taken right off the city website -- edited by Van Eckstrom.

So far, the newspaper has been unable to set the record straight for me and has referred me to the city. Looks like the city 'owns' the paper now. Obviously, during an election politics are heightened. Such is the case. It is known that certain high-level staff members are actually campaigning for Jim Robinson. The "Press Advisory" was triggered by a blog I wrote on Jim's campaign sign "challenge" for safety. At that point, the Administration knew who I was supporting. They have also been frustrated by my blog.

The good news is I'm working with the city administration to improve the factual content on their website, (or stand behind it), encourage a comprehensive water conservation program, and improve communications with citizens who wish to participate in our government.
If you want to read any of my "Citizen Watch" columns they're all posted on the Front Page of this blog under the "MY GROUPS" , "Community ". I've also posted a detailed rebuttal to the Administration about their "Correction" claims there.

Letters to the Editor can me mailed to letters@redmond-reporter.com

Thanks for your readership!
As always,
Bob

RICHARD MORRIS - "Letter to Editor" RR
Bob Yoder’s Citizen Watch column (July 11th) apparently hit a nerve at the Redmond City Hall. I just wanted to clarify our discovery of hidden waste tanks near Evans Creek. Bob and I were doing some field research on Redmond’s Stream Map Update in October 2005. We were concerned about the classification of each stream shown on Redmond’s Stream Map. The map is used by developers to make Land Use Proposals. We discovered hidden waste tanks near Evans Creek along Union Hill Road, and inquired about the status of the tanks with the City of Redmond. After some jurisdiction discussions, King County Councilwoman Kathy Lambert and staff visited the site. The waste tanks were removed in November 2005.I have known Bob Yoder as a neighbor for over 25 years. We have worked together on many Citizen Watch projects as we are both passionate about Redmond’s natural assets. I am proud to know Bob and I can assure you that he strives to do his best to raise awareness about quality of life issues in Redmond. I encourage other readers to support Bob Yoder’s Citizen Watch column in the Redmond Reporter. The newspaper is our community forum.
Saturday July 28, 2007 - 02:00pm (PDT)

RICHARD MORRIS:
Bob, here is an interesting article on http://www.slate.com/id/2171305/fr/flyout about a journalist who is given a second chance. I thought you might find it interesting reading.If the RR gives you a second chance to write Citizen Watch, I have some ideas on how to write a bullet-proof column.I think you have found your voice, and it is effective. If no one in the city hall were reading your column, they would not have “objected to your version of facts”.I hope the RR gives you a second chance to write Citizen Watch. Your column is needed in our town.Thanks, Richard
Saturday July 28, 2007 - 02:02pm (PDT)

YODER
Thanks, Richard. After glancing at this Saturday's RR "opinion column" on trans-fats I realized we do need a respectable citizen Forum in the RR. Maybe they could take my column space and give to the candidates - "Candidate's Turn". If we could get the city to ask - especially Van Eckstrom the young editor would probably move on it. Another idea would be: "Staff's Turn". Then Bill Campbell would be able to explain the continuing Perrigo Springs mess and Kim Van Eck. could defend her "corrections" policy or explain her 16 yeaar old water conservation initiatives. So far, I haven't found them. :) Bob
Saturday July 28, 2007 - 03:12pm (PDT)

COUSIN BRUCEY
hey ho bobo great caesar's ghost kent...perry white woulda never given ya the heave ho... apparently whats news to some is disruptive to others...the squelching of opinion or commentary is a red flag for its need...so it'll be up to the regulars of this blogusphere to stand atop the hill of information you provide and cast its wisdom upon our uneducated masses... probably time to launch that write in candidacy...ey bobo.
Monday July 30, 2007 - 12:36pm (PDT)

FROM: Barb Thompson, Ed. Hill -- I just sent off an email to the Redmond Reporter complaining them about the removal of your column. I want you to know that I appreciate your “cut to the chase, tell the whole story” philosophy.8/5/07

6/13/07, "Redmond Reporter" Editor, John Huether says goodbye

6/07,"Redmond Reporter" editor, JOHN HEUTHER, 'says goodbye'

With sadness and regret, I learned this week, John Huether, editor of the "Redmond Reporter" will be leaving his desk the end of this week. I stopped by the office to say good-bye.

John's departure has special importance to me since he brought me on as a neophyte columnist back in March of 2007. John saw my blog and he believed in me. He gave me freedom to pick my city-related stories. Mr. Huether is a creative writer with wide-ranging experience and judgement. I gladly shared full reign with John in creating the titles for my columns. It's kind of an art. He wrote all the titles. And, gave me some key writing tips.

During my farewell visit yesterday we talked about his son graduating, the layout of the new office-warehouse, the new editor's background (sports writer, editor, the Valley Journal), and yes, Redmond politics!

John asked me who I was endorsing for in the 2007 elections. I told him I wasn't endorsing anyone owing my policy of keeping the Redmond Neighborhood Blog INDEPENDENT. Personally, I've found it difficult to make "early calls" on candidates because the landscape changes so fast. I probably won't be actively campaigning this year, though I have contributed to all mayoral campaigns.

I asked John for his thoughts. He spoke positively about one particular mayoral candidate, Mr. Marchione. He felt Mr. Marchione "was a good politician" -- saying politics isn't a bad thing ... because good politicians have the ability to bring disparate groups together for a common good. He mentioned Mr. Marchione's support from the Chamber of Commerce and a council majority. As for council candidates, Mr. Huether was enthusiastic about Michallea Schuelke. Michallea filed for Mr. Cole's position and will running against him in the August primary.

John Huether, we'll miss you.

2/14/07, My "Citizen Watch" column listings

WELCOME TO THE BLOG! I hope you enjoy Redmond's independent, alternative news and come back often. I update the site weekly with new entries so bookmark now at http://redmondblog.org. Your comments are welcome too so don't be shy! :)

I am an Education Hill citizen volunteer & activist & 27-year resident of Redmond, WA. I've lived on Education Hill for 21 years and a Lake Sammamish condo for 6 years. Illegal Public Notice errors and omissions at the 2004 "Perrigo Heights" land-use project triggered my community activism.

The "Redmond Reporter" can be picked up for free at the: post office, city hall, library, and The Old Redmond School House -- deliveries are Wednesday and Saturday.

An index of my Redmond Reporter columns are below:

1) 2/14/07 - "Redmond residents deserve better land-use notification"

2) 2/28/07 - "Attention, candidates: Can you solve these six traffic problems?"

3) 3/14/07 - "Speak up now if you want to help preserve Perrigo Heights"

4) 3/9/07 - "Will City Council blow chance to put density where it belongs? ( yes , 5-2)

5) 4/11/07 - "Here's why streams need us to speak up in their defense" (Kempin Property)

6) 4/25/07 - "Gateways are the public 'face' Redmond shows to the world."

7) 5/9/07 - "Springtime in our parks mixes renewal with a sense of loss."

8) 5/23/07 - "Living with Tent City: Some success amid a lot of stress."

9) 6/6/07 - "Riparian Habitat means clean water for Redmond"

10) 6/20/07 - Shocking loss of Perrigo Heights affects many in our community"

11) 7/11/07 - "We face a water supply challenge"

CITIZEN WATCH COLUMN DISCONTINUED JUST BEFORE THE PRIMARY AFTER THE NEW EDITOR RECIEVED AN "ADVISORY" FROM THE MAYOR & COMM. OFFICER.

The new Redmond Reporter CITIZEN WATCH column is tentatively scheduled every 2-weeks though, this is subject to change. http://www.redmond-reporter.com/

The City of Redmond Neighborhood B L O G :) is an independent, non-profit reporting and opinion service offering alternatives to traditional newspaper journalism. Much of my material originates from close scrutiny of Council, Planning Commission, and Arts Commission televised meetings. A goal is to provide a catalyst for change & transparency within the Redmond government to encourage citizen & neighborhood participation. "Together we make Redmond better"

The Redmond Neighborhood BLOG:) is different from my new Redmond Reporter CITY WATCH column in that I write on any subject I choose without restrictions, advice or edits to length and content. CITIZEN WATCH is focused mostly on City Hall and neighborhood issues connected in some way to Council. I welcome feedback, advice, and information from my neighbors & friends before writing columns.

This blog has unlimited latitude and will address any issue I feel relevant to the progress of our city and neighborhoods; and for entertainment value. The Neighborhood Blog policy on elections is not to endorse candidates.

What I say in my blog or column may be dated, misleading, inaccurate, of flat-out wrong. My errors & omissions are not intentional. I will not give a friend, neighbor or commissioner's name without their prior approval; I try quote as close to the sources as is possible and ethical.

Thank you for your readership both "here and there" and thanks for sharing!

Bob Yoder

425-802-2523

redmondblog@gmail.com