Girls Lacrosse State Championships this weekend. Boys and Girls Brackets.

Local Girls Teams in the hunt:  Overlake, Lake Sammamish, Eastside Catholic, Issaquah

Local Boys Teams in the hunt:  Redmond (5/15), Lake Washington (5/14), Sammamish (5/14)

Posted by Mason Kelley, Seattle Times Sports Reporter

Here is a press release on this weekend's girls lacrosse state championships at Eastside Catholic High School and Boys and Girls Brackets

SEATTLE – The 2010 Washington Girls High School State Championships for lacrosse takes place, Saturday, May 15 at the Eastside Catholic School in Sammamish.

The Division II title game gets underway at 11 a.m., while the Division I title game starts at 2 p.m. An exhibition Girls Under-11 youth game kick’s-off championship day at 9 a.m.

Quarterfinal girls state tournament action gets underway today with #8 seed Tacoma taking on the #1 seed and defending state champion Lakeside at 6 p.m. at the Lakeside School. #5 seed Lake Sammamish takes on #4 seed Mercer Island at 6 p.m. at Mercer Island High School. #6 seed Seattle Prep takes on #3 seed Snohomish at 6 p.m. at Harvey Air Field in Snohomish and #7 seed Bellevue takes on #2 seed and 2009 state runner up Bainbridge Island at 7 p.m. at Bainbridge Stadium.

On Tuesday, in Division II quarterfinal action, #8 seed Wenatchee takes on #1 seed and 2009 state runner up Issaquah at 7:15 p.m. at Issaquah’s Eastlake Community Field. #5 seed Lakeside takes on #4 seed Eastside Catholic at 6 p.m. at the Eastside Catholic School. #6 seed Ballard takes on #3 seed Overlake at 6 p.m. at the Overlake School and #7 seed and defending state champion Mercer Island takes on #2 seed Kenned at 6 p.m. at Kennedy High School.

Semi-final action takes place for Girls Division I play on Wednesday, May 12 and for Girls Division II play on Thursday, May 13.

The Washington Boys High School State Championships for Division I and II take place on Saturday, May 29 at Seattle’s Memorial Stadium. Boys state tournament play begins on Wednesday, May 19.

Girls Division I State Tournament Bracket: http://www.sportability.com/spx/Leagues/Playoffs.asp?LgID=23023

Girls Division II State Tournament Bracket: http://www.sportability.com/spx/Leagues/Playoffs.asp?LgID=23024

Boys Division I State Tournament Bracket: http://www.sportability.com/spx/Leagues/Playoffs.asp?LgID=22716

Boys Division II State Tournament Bracket: http://www.sportability.com/spx/Leagues/Playoffs.asp?LgID=22715

Posted on Seattle Times by Mason Kelly

Bill Gates, The Lusty Lady and other top stories of the month

Bill Gates, The Lusty Lady and other top stories of the month:

"It was another busy month here at TechFlash. In case you missed out, here are the top 10 stories of the month in terms of page views.  Thanks again to everyone for reading."

Read the top stories

By John Cook
Tech Flash
May 1

UPDATED: Bell Elementary parents question LWSD feeder school changes.

The following is breaking news and opinion from Kirkland Weblog.com about LWSD Bell El. feeder school changes:

Updated, 5/11 - "A lot of Bell Elementary parents in Kirkland are f-u-m-i-n-g right now." 

On May 4th, the Lake Washington School District announced changes to the configuration of elementary, junior high and high schools along with a change to the feeder school for AG Bell and Audubon.  The two changes are slated in 2012, as follows:

(1) schools will run K-5, 6-8, 9-12 (instead of current K-6, 7-9, 10-12)  AND

(2)  Bell students will go to Finn Hill Jr. High and Juanita HS (instead of Kirkland Jr. High and Lake WA HS) while Redmond's Audubon students will be coming to Rose Hill Jr. High and LWHS. These changes were initiated as a result of the need to address a boom in student enrollment.

Now to the fuming part....
Bell Elementary parents were notified via a memo in their children's backpack after the decision had already been voted on and passed. I've heard the principal didn't even find out until 4 hrs prior to the parents.
One Bell parent says,

"We were not included in meetings where this was discussed. This is a neighborhood filled with families who have specifically moved into the area to send their children to AG Bell, KJH, and LWHS but we were given no voice in this."

Some are worried about their property values and are left wondering why their kids would have to walk by KJH in order to get bussed to Finn Hill JH. Bell students also already have friends and connections from their sports teams that align into the same feeder schools. Another Bell parent takes a hard stand stating,

"I expect as a tax paying citizen in this district that this decision will be revoked until the community has a chance to repeal with alternative solutions."

Dr. Chip Kimball, LWSD Superintendent has stated,

“If we don’t make any changes, we will need over 100 portable classrooms at the elementary level and about 28 at the secondary level to house the expected enrollment and to provide space for all-day kindergarten in the next five years. Changing feeder patterns reduces the need at the secondary level."

Dr. Kimball expressed great empathy when I asked him about this situation, but said with the way the population is spread and the overcrowding they are faced with, there just aren't any viable alternatives. He knows this is really tough and plans to be holding meetings at the impacted schools this month.
So, here's what you can do:

• Go ahead and comment/discuss here (http://www.kirklandweblog.com/)  to share ideas and chat about it-
• Concerned families should attend the LWSD Regular Board Meeting on Monday, 5/17,  5:30pm.  Location is:  Redmond Town Center District offices:  16250 NE 74th St, Redmond.  No Public Comments will be taken at this Meeting.   
• OR watch the meeting LIVE (or archived the next day) at this link.  (It's not necessary to download Silverlight.  LIVE meetings sometimes begin up to 12 minutes late.  Wait for the sign-in button)
• Affected families will rally on Thursday 5/20 at 6:30pm in the AG Bell Gymnasium/11212 NE 112th St, Kirkland
• Send a note to the communications office or to Dr. Kimball care of kreith@lwsd.org

Read the complete story here.

This abridged posting is courtesy of the Kirkland Weblog   Contact Kathryn Reith at LWSD or the Kirkland Weblog editor Jan Rabuchin to confirm meeting times.  B. Yoder

LW School District's Senior "Culminating Project" is revamped

Senior Lexie Yoder is downloading her "artifacts" to a school computer while teachers read her resume.

It's second semester in high school and time for all good Seniors to present their "Culminating Projects".  Only this year it's totally different.

Lake Washington School District seniors are no longer required to put very long hours into a project that culminates into something "really big" and "really important".  True, many culminating projects were successful and rewarding.  (Read about the 2008 dodge-ball tournament.)  But, time demands were often so large that some students would "fake it" just to so they could get through and graduate.   So, away with the old.

"Graduation Presentations" have replaced Culminating Projects.  Students stand up and speak about how high school has prepared them for the future.  They present 14 school assignments (artifacts) and relate them to their personal attributes.  They describe three jobs and three schools of interest;  and submit a resume and cover letter for a possible part-time job.

Pam and I sat in on our daughter's presentation.  Lexie wanted us to come.  She described her top three growth assignments:   her college essay, a skit in Mr. Anderson's class, and assisting Ms. Leonard's second grade class.   I can't remember the last time I saw my child perform in a classroom setting, and was awestruck by how she had blossomed into a mature, young woman.    We are deeply touched by Lexie's Graduation Presentation and it's gift.  This was truly a culminating event for our entire family!    We were lucky to have a flexible schedule to see our daughter.  Should the school be more flexible for parents on tight schedules?   This is a once in a lifetime moment. 

This note from a friend about his daughter's presentation speaks for itself:

As the presentation went on, I was overcome with what my baby has become. Moments passed through my head of all the adversity...she faced and how amazing this graceful, smart and beautiful child has emerged. What I want to convey here is, not only to brag upon my child, but to let the community of Redmond know that there are many of these wonders within our midst. 

Entry by Bob Yoder
I-Phone photo by Yoder

Protecting girls from bullying | Patti Skelton-McGougan

Protecting girls from bullying | Patti Skelton-McGougan

Protecting girls from bullying

The recent tragic suicide of a Massachusetts teen as the result of bullying moves me to address a subject I’ve touched on before. Relational aggression is the term for the form of bullying favored by pre-adolescent and adolescent girl.

It’s nothing new and is very common in our schools.  Read entire Column.

By Patti Skelton-McGougan
Belleuve Reporter Columnist
CEO, Youth Eastside Services (YES)

Why are so many yellow signs littering our roadways?

Why do we see so many of these faded yellow signs all around town?   This one was up over two years before the city finally removed it.  

Last year, the city spent months on end writing a new sign ordinance to mitigate commercial sign pollution, but they do nothing about these old land use signs.  Why?  Do some of these signs bother you? 

They serve a useful purpose to notify residents of a new project underway.  But, seldom are they taken down once the project is over.  We have to live with this "litter". 

The city is so good at keeping our streets, parks and boulevards clean.  So, what's gone wrong here?  Part of the problem is the burden of  removing land use signs is left to the developers.   By city code they are supposed to remove the signs within two weeks after the project's "Final Decision".  But, the developer isn't required to remove the signs within a reasonable time.  We are left with the litter.

Personally, I don't mind the yellow and large white signs being up a little longer so we all can  know "something is going on."   But, to leave them up for months on end is "too much information".  The sign in this photo was staked for years on RED-WOOD Road and NE 90th St. at the Bella Bottega entrance.  It was finally removed after a citizen called Steve Fischer, in Planning and Community Development.  Does this sign pollution bother you?

Opinion By Bob Yoder

Photo by Yoder 

Redmond Senior Center hosts community pet fair - for all ages!

The City of Redmond will host a pet fair, Whiskers, Wings & Wagging Tails, on Saturday, May 15 from 10am to 3pm at the Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Avenue NE. This event will be fun for all ages with stories and crafts for children as well as animals ready for adoption, a doggy fashion show and dog demonstrations including agility, canine freestyle and flyball races.

The King County Library system and the Delta Society will host the kids' corner while outside, Bellevue author Wendy Wahman, will participate in a story walk featuring her book, "Don't Lick the Dog." The Seattle Humane Society, King County Animal Control and Care and other local animal welfare organizations will bring a variety of animals for adoption.

"Pets have become an important part of the family over the last decade," stated Teri Burke, Program Coordinator at the City of Redmond. "This fair is designed to help all those interested in animals learn the best ways to look after and love their pet."

The event will also include information and advice for the animal owner, prospective animal owner or those who just love pets. Local trainers, boarding facilities representatives and veterinarians will be available. Redmond's newest pet store, Pet Pros will be on site with giveaways.

Well mannered, house trained pets on a six foot or shorter leash are welcome. For more information, contact the Redmond Senior Center at 425-556-2314 or tburke@redmond.gov

Posted by Yoder
City Website Senior Center Page

Swedish ER & ambulatory care center breaks ground in Redmond

News & Events Swedish Medical Center / Seattle:

"April 30, 2010 – After 18 months of planning, Swedish recently broke ground on a new freestanding emergency department and ambulatory care center in Redmond.

Excavation began April 12, and the facility is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2010. The site is located at 18100 Union Hill Road. A community groundbreaking ceremony will be held later this spring.

“The new facility will provide a vital service to a fast-growing area,” said Kevin Brown, Swedish senior vice president and chief administrative officer. “People who live and work in the Greater Redmond area can travel 15 to 30 minutes, sometimes in heavy traffic, for medical care in an emergency.”

The Redmond ER will be patterned after a highly successful model Swedish developed in Issaquah."  Read More

Posted by Yoder
Source:  Swedish Website

Evergreen Hospital levy increased 1.7% in 2009

Number of registered voters in District: 155,154. (5/7/2019)

SOURCE: Resolution No. 827-09, 11/13/2009

LEVYS: 2010 Regular PropertyTax Levy increased 1.7% over the 2009 Regular Property Tax Levy.

The 2010 Property Tax increased $280,056-- from $14,633,946 in 2009 to $14,914,002 in 2010.

The 2010 Excess Property Tax Levy approved by voters on May 18, 2004 is $9,239,943.

UPDATED: Lake Washington School District makes changes to three feeder schools to handle growth.

Lake Washington School District Makes Changes to Handle Growing Student Population - Lake Washington School District:

Dr. Kimball decides to change the District school configuration and shift three elementary school feeder patterns.

Lake Washington School District is growing, by the equivalent of one elementary school a year for the next five years. The district has looked at alternatives to house this boom in student population and made two decisions to use its current school building space more efficiently, effective 2012-13.  The School Board last night approved  Dr. Kimball's decision to:  1)  change its school grade configuration and 2) shift  three elementary school feeder patterns.  Says Kimball: 

“If we don’t make any changes, we will need over 100 portable classrooms at the elementary level and about 28 at the secondary level to house the expected enrolment and to provide space for all-day kindergarten in the next five years,” noted Dr. Kimball. “Changing feeder patterns reduces the need at the secondary level. I know it will be a difficult change for families who have expectations and connections to specific schools but we have to find the most efficient ways to use our current space and this is one of them. Changing the grade configuration will make another large difference.”

Three changes in feeder patterns are planned, to coincide with the 2012-13 grade configuration change:

Bell Elementary will feed into Finn Hill Junior High and Juanita High School, instead of Kirkland Junior High and Lake Washington High School.

Audubon Elementary will feed into Rose Hill Junior High and Lake Washington High School instead of Redmond Junior High and Redmond High School.

These changes effectively shift population westward, from Redmond High through Lake Washington High to Juanita High School.

In addition, Einstein Elementary students will shift from Evergreen Junior High to Redmond Junior High but will still go on to Redmond High School."

The 2012 - 2013 grade reconfiguration will be:  a change to K-5 elementary, 6-8 middle school and 9-12 high school.   The reconfiguration will shift one grade out of the elementary schools where space is already tight and move the population to the secondary schools, where more space is available.   In Dr. Kimball said at the May 3 School Board meeting he doesn't know how to accommodate the space needs of the high schools and listed three options - capital levys and capital bond and a portable re-design.

Read the entire LWSD website news release.  

A link to this posting was published in the May 5 Seattle Times online edition under "Redmond Neighborhood News" (LOCAL). 

Posted By Bob Yoder
Source:  LWSD website on May 4
including the May 3, 2010 School Regular School Board Meeting video.
LWSD Slide Show

UPDATED: Evergreen Redmond Medical Plaza groundbreaking

Evergreen Public Hospital Commissioners at the April 28th Evergreen Redmond Medical Plaza groundbreaking

UPDATED, 5/8:  Evergreen Hospital's Media Coordinator, Sherry Grindeland, announced in an April 29th press release:  "Evergreen Hospital Medical Center Breaks Ground for Evergreen Redmond Medical Plaza at Bella Bottega."  Yes, that's right!  It's a Plaza.  The location is at 8960 - 161 Avenue Northeast.  The Plaza will be four stories tall and open  for business in about a year.
 
"Evergreen Medical Plaza" will house a 16-room Emergency Department (ED) staffed by 75 ER physicians, trauma-trained nurses, social workers and support staff.  It will be open 24/7, with ambulance service.

Two Redmond-based Evergreen Primary Care practices will be merged and integrated into the Plaza. More than 50 employees will staff the primary care center. Thirty-six primary care exam rooms will house the primary care department.  Total Plaza staff is more than 125.

At the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday morning, April 28, a Commissioner stated the Plaza is "like a mini-hospital".   John Midtling, Medical Director for the Plaza Primary Care called it "a state of the art ambulatory care facility."  There will be no in-patient beds.  Comprehensive laboratory services, CT, MRI, Ultrasound, X-ray will be available.  The plaza medical director was especially pleased to provide the District community better access to  "Specialty Care" services. 

Parking:  Approximately 35 parking spaces within the building are reserved for patients. In earlier April email, Ms. Grindeland wrote, "the owners and managers of the shopping center have designated parking areas for employees which include an area behind QFC and a row of stalls between the movie theater and the mall stores."  But, during the April 28 groundbreaking, two Evergreen executives pointed to the fenced staging area between he Plaza and Coho restaurant as a likely parking location.  
Evergreen Healthcare originally announced availability of underground parking for patients. But, this week, staff confirmed patient parking will not be underground. Rather, patients will park at ground level in the first story.  Emergency vehicles will access the Plaza from the patient parking level.

According to two City of Redmond planners, the project file, and Mayor Marchione, the medical facility was approved by the Design Review Board and Technical Committee originally for three stories but was later redesigned and approved (February) for four stories above grade.  The top two stories (30 feet) of brick and signage will be visible from the adjacent roads (Red-Wood & NE 90th Street).  This is one of three gateways to downtown Redmond.
 
Comments are welcome.  Please send your Letters for publishing to redmondblog@gmail.com  

Redmond Councilmembers John Stilin, Pat Vache', and Richard Cole attended the groundbreaking ceremony.   The Mayor was not present.

By Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder

Northwest Asian Weekly | Actor and martial artist opens kung fu club in Redmond |

"Robin Leong, who stands in front of young students at his new Ch’i Life Studio, has always dreamed of starting a kung fu school for kids. He realized his dream this year, with his first studio in the U.S.  Read More

By Vivian Nguyen
"Northwest Asian Weekly"
Photo by George Liu/NWAW

Address:
Ch'i Life Studio  (in Overlake, new building, near Home Depot across from the Silver Cloud)
2222 152nd Avenue Northeast
Redmond, WA 98052-5506
(425) 746-3838

Hours of operation:  M-F, 11:30 - 7 pm / Saturday 12-4 / Sunday 1-4