PTSA COMMUNITY DIGEST

"LIVABLE REDMOND FORUM. You are invited to an engaging evening featuring sustainability enthusiast and area resident Andy Wappler. This event will begin a dialogue on sustainability related to two key city planning updates. Please come share your ideas and stories, ask questions and help shape Redmond's future! Wednesday, November 3 from 4:30-8:30PM at Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85th Street.

READY FOR SNOW?  -- Info Night at RHS on November 9th at 7 PM

LACROSSE!   Boys registration on November 16, 7-9 PM ;   Girls registration on November 10, 7:30 PM

RUGBY!  Eastside Lions Youth Rugby, Ages 7 -18,  Season starts January 12.

READ MORE FOR DETAILS >>

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" !!

Local News | Convicted sex offender charged with two-year-old Redmond slaying | Seattle Times Newspaper

Arpana Jinaga was slayed in 2008 at a Redmond Halloween party.

 Local News Convicted sex offender charged with two-year-old Redmond slaying Seattle Times Newspaper
Article by Seattle Times
Photo by King County Prosecuter office

Learn where the Redmond sex offenders live in your neighborhood (click)

A big quarter for Microsoft, from Office 2010 to 'Halo: Reach'

A big quarter for Microsoft, from Office 2010 to 'Halo: Reach':

"The latest installment in the blockbuster Halo video-game franchise generated a gigantic $350 million in revenue for Microsoft in its most recent quarter. But the bottom line in the company's Online Services Division continued to look like the aftermath of a 'Halo: Reach' firefight -- ending up some $560 million in the red.

Those were among the highs and lows in the company's latest quarter, underscoring the challenges that Microsoft faces in the consumer market. But the company's core business technology groups more than picked up the slack -- leading Microsoft to significantly top expectations for overall revenues and profits.

Continue reading for a breakdown of Microsoft's divisional results, with charts."

By Todd Bishop
Tech Flash

Help shape healthcare by volunteering as a Community Advisor

Kirkland, WA - Evergreen Hospital Medical Center needs volunteer Community Advisors to help shape programs and address healthcare issues. Advisors offer input to the Evergreen Board of Commissioners and Administration.

Advisors attend seven educational sessions during the year to learn about healthcare issues facing the community and about Evergreen programs and services. Additionally, they serve on internal hospital task forces and committees and represent Evergreen at regional events.

The 36 advisors serve three-year terms beginning in January. Qualifications include community involvement, professional and/or volunteer experience, strong interpersonal, oral and written skills and an interest in healthcare delivery.

Advisors should be residents in the Evergreen Hospital Medical Center District, which encompasses Bothell, Duvall, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish, Woodinville and portions of northeast, unincorporated King County.

Applications are available online at http://www.evergreenhospital.org/  or by calling 425-899-2664. Applications must be submitted by November 12, 2010.

Follow us on Twitter, http://twitter.com/#!/EvergreenHosp
and become a fan on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/EvergreenHospital.

-- Evergreen press release

Special Notice:   Evergreen Hospital's Board of Commission public meeting Minutes are now available online!  Go to the Evergreen Leadership Page to read the archived Minutes!  (another public service 'gift' from RNB open-government coverage! see "about us".)

Salary Commission asks: how do councilmembers see themselves - as citizen-councillors or paid professionals?

Redmond City Council

UDATED:  With direction from Council and in accordance with municipal code, the Mayor appointed  seven citizens to sit on a Salary Commission to decide if Council should get a raise.  Last night, I attended the third (of seven) Salary Commission meetings.  A public Hearing is scheduled for November 10.

It's been six years since Redmond's elected officials' compensation was reviewed.  In that time, the CPI has increased 16.5%.  Redmond city councilmembers are paid $10,500/year as part-time city employees and some receive health care benefits.  Each councilmember works an average about 90 hours/month.  Hourly pay is approximately $10.50/hour with no cell phone or milage allowance.  Some work a lot more, others less.  Most councilmembers have full or part-time jobs.   

Commissioner Mary Bourguignon raised a policy question:  "Are we to look at Redmond council as a "citizen-council" doing public service and paid an honorarium OR as salaried professionals, paid a pro-rated salary?

Commissioner Marilyn Rice asked, "Do we want to act as a small city"?  Commissioner Bourguigonon said she used to work for the City of Seattle City Council where the Mayor had a paid chauffeur as part of his automobile allowance.   Commissioner Rice asked:   "How does council view themselves"?   Commissioner David Chicks suggested the Reporter run a poll to engage the community on these questions, though concluded they are not statistically valid.

Commissioner Karin Duval started a discussion on the number of candidates participating in the last council election.  Commissioner Sally Chen said she and three councilmembers (Vache, Stilin, Allen) ran for council office in the last election.  Vache' and Stilin ran unopposed.   One commissioner asked why candidate turnout is so low.  Commissioner Randy Coggan bluntly concluded:   "Apathy".  Ms. Chen suggested younger candidates on lower incomes may be less likely to dive into a race. 

COLA's were discussed by committee facilitator, Kerry Seivers (HR Director).  Most cities use the CPI-W index to benchmark adjustments.  Redmond is one of the few cities using a more flexible and some might say more subjective "nonuniform index".  The city HR department includes some of the largest employers in the city and small businesses, along with municipalities in their index.  Commissioner Sherry Sanders asked if LWSD salaries were included in the nonuniform index.  Ms. Seivers' immediate response was "yes" and then changed it to something less.  Ms. Sanders indicated LWSD shouldn't be included in the nonuniform index. 

The CPI-W increased 16.5% since council's last 2004 pay adjustment.  How will the Salary Commission keep Council's COLA uniform with the rest of Redmond's city workers?  CPI-W appears the only constant.    

The Salary Commission is holding a public Hearing on Wednesday, November 10 in the City Hall Council Conference Room (1st floor).  Public is invited to address the Commissioners and staff.   The Mayor's compensation will be reviewed later this year by Council in open Hearings.

Reported by Bob Yoder
This is my first report on the Salary Commission and I am unfamiliar all the commissioners and their names.

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?"

Comments requested on proposal to build wildlife crossing across Novelty Hill Road

King County Road Services has applied for a federal grant to construct a transportation project entitled: “Safer Wildlife and Community Mobility through the Novelty Hill Road Corridor.”  The proposed project is to build a wildlife crossing across NE Novelty Hill Road just west of the QFC, near the Puget Sound Energy powerline corridor and the King County designated Wildlife Habitat Network.  Comments are requested!

Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), the regional agency that processes these grants, is encouraging people to comment on all of the 25 projects proposed to receive this grant funding. (Comments recieved after the due date will still be considered). They initially received 88 competitive proposals, evaluated them, and selected 25 to recommend funding. The PSRC Executive Board will make a final decision on the funding at their Executive Board Meeting to be held October 28. PSRC is encouraging public comment on these projects and I have attached their press release announcing the comment period in the link below. Note that the first project example listed is our wildlife grant.

http://www.psrc.org/about/public/news-releases/psrc-seeking-comment-on-25-transportation-projects/

Our wildlife crossing project would provide safer travel for people driving as well as for many animals by constructing a wildlife crossing. Many animals (from cougar and bear to deer, coyote, and bobcat just to name a few) inhabit this area and utilize the remaining habitat in this rapidly developing area. This project would help keep the animals off the road, reducing wildlife/vehicle collisions and to reconnect habitat that is currently fragmented by NE Novelty Hill Road. By reconnecting these remaining large areas of undeveloped land, animals will be more free to safely move about and fulfill their life cycle needs. The crossing would also reconnect isolated populations, thus increasing genetic diversity.

Feel free to comment on the proposed projects and distribute this message to folks who may not be aware of the request for comments. (Comments received after October 28 will still be reviewed).

How to comment: 
By email:  tipcomment@psrc.org

By Mail:  Puget Sound Regional Council
ATTN: Kelly McGourty
1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98104-1035
Phone: (206) 205-1561

Submitted By Barbara Lau
RNB reader

16 Redmond Rouser's Rotarians are Changing the World

Redmond's Rouser's Rotarians - Students of the Month

16  Redmond Rousers' Rotarians are Changing the World

The Redmond Rousers Rotary Club meets at 5:30 PM Tuesdays for dinner & fellowship at Fairwinds Leisure Care at 9988 Avondale NE (at the corner of Avondale & Novelty Hill Road). We have just added 11 new members, to further our goals of helping others & promoting peace, says Club President, Kelly Kyle.

Tuesday Oct 19th, our Students of the Month honorees were Saleem & Holly from EHS. These kids are so awesome, said musician Janet Baltzo, a new member. "I could listen to their stories all day. This is so cool!" The Redmond Rousers honor students who have turned their lives around and picked up the pieces. "Everyone has troubles now and then, stated Saleem, "You just go on & try harder". Many people in the audience, nodded their heads in agreement, while new member Scott Bell video recorded the meeting to post later. Scott is looking for others who are interested in recordings and reaching out to do social media or promoting their business. You can reach him or others by going to our website and clicking on their names. It will take you right to their site.

Thursday, Oct 21st, at 11am, the Rotary Rouser members gave 61 FREE dictionaries to the Einstein Elementary 3rd grade kids. This year we have a new way to give the books. The sponsors & the club go in half & half on the cost, but the sponsor gets to pick the school. This year, new member, Dr. Aditi Agarwal, local Dentist on the corner of Avondale & 116th decided to pick the closest school to her new business. The students were thrilled when we told them they had a NEW BOOK to take home. President Kelly talked about the eradication of POLIO worldwide, and why healthy kids all over the world are so important to Rotarians. Dr Aditi brought in her large teeth display & explained why cleaning teeth is so important for good oral hygiene. All the kids had so much fun looking up new words in their new book, and each 3rd grade teacher received a new book for their classroom too. 

READ MORE >>

OPINION: Offensive Halloween Decorations

Katie J. Redmond / credit

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.

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

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

"Parent's Role in Sports," by Tim Driver - two upcoming LW PTSA sponsored events

brought to you by LW PTSA Parent Education

LIFE LESSONS FOR ATHLETES: REDEFINING THE TERM ATHLETE. A program for parents and students on October 28th from 7:00-8:30 PM at the Eastlake High School Theater. Tim Driver of Proactive Coaching will lead a session on the life lessons one should attain from being part of a team and also how to apply these values to everyday decision making including combating the challenges and temptations that come our way.Sponsored by the Lake Washington PTSA Council. Questions? Contact Joanne Hall, Chair, Parent Education.

PARENTS' ROLE IN SPORTS. This presentation on November 16th from 7:00-8:30 PM at the Rose Hill JH Theater is for PARENTS only. During the presentation, Tim Driver of Proactive Coaching will outline the most effective strategies parents can use before, during & after the game to support their young athletes throughout their time in school. Learn what our kids would like to tell us about how to help their performance and create great memories, but probably won't. Sponsored by the Lake Washington PTSA Council. Questions? Contact Joanne Hall, Chair, Parent Education.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! More parenting presentations coming later this fall and winter: A to Z Toolbox for Successful Parenting on December 2nd and Great Conversations between Parents & Teens: Top Ten Talks to Have Together on January 24th. Sponsored by the Lake Washington PTSA Council. Questions? Contact Joanne Hall, Chair, Parent Education.

Mustang Weekly, October 18 issue

UPDATED: Please Vote NO on I-1100 and I-1105.

Drop off your ballot at City Hall !

UPDATED OPINION:  The City Council and Mayor worked their tails off last night - for over three hours.  A Budget Hearing took up a lot of their time.  (The final Budget Hearing is November 16).

Over six human services organizations lined up to request funds or thank Mayor Marchione for funds budgeted. Every presentation stirred emotions and elicited concerns. The one that touched me the most was Therapeutic Health Services (THS). They treat folks with severe drug, alcohol and mental illness. My younger brother, Rick, had all three, including prescription drug addiction, and died in his 40's.

Manager Joellen of THS rattled off some startling statistics:  A least 10% of the general population is afflicted with either mental illness or drug abuse (or both). Mothers Against Drunken Drivers say every 45 minutes someone is killed by a drunk; and for every one DWI conviction, the violator will have driven an average of 87 times without getting caught.

So how does the Council help fund these human services to treat the afflicted and get them safely back to a normal life?   One citizen*  recommended eliminating the 1% Cost of Living increase ($680,000) that's budgeted for 624 city staff -- to help fund requests (and keep down property taxes.)  This election offers another possible source of funding:  If voters defeat state liquor store privatization measures I-1100 and I-1105 the city will  save over $350,000 in tax revenue/year. 

I've lived in New York, Florida, Ohio, and Arizona where liquor sales were privatized and a bottle could be had at any street corner; please not here. The TV ads show giggling, liquor-toting youth, jumping into cars after tricking convenience stores into a sale. Yes, my brother would remember these times, if he were alive.

Please vote NO on I-1100 and I-1105.

Opinion By Bob Yoder*
CC:  Council
Letter to:  Redmond Reporter