Soul Food Book's "Sustainable Redmond" forum for tree preservation in Overlake a success.

City Council approves plan to strip out ALL 1,000  trees on this 28 acre Group Health site
Sustainable Redmond files lawsuit at Superior Court.

"Sustainable Wednesday" at Soul Food Books to feature Sustainable Redmond - Group to Speak for Tree Preservation in Overlake Village Redmond, WA

OPINION:  On Wednesday, March 28, Sustainable Redmond will be featured at the Soul Food Books’ monthly Sustainability Wednesday series.The program begins at 7pm and all are encouraged to attend. The discussion will focus on plans for the 28-acre Group Health hospital site in Overlake.  Read More >>

UPDATED: LW School District's "Best Kept Secret"

UPDATED:  The school district's  "Safety Tip Line" could be called LWSD's best kept secret.  I stumbled onto it on the Administrative Directory page of the district website.   The Tip Line website is here.

The "Safety Tip Line" is an independent service to help parents, students and the community report safety issues anonymously.  Have you heard of it, or used it?  The number is:  (866) 548-3847

You should call them   Here's how they explained it: to me:

You can call them for just about any safety problem your child could encounter within the jurisdiction of the District.   Substance abuse.  Sexual harrassment by a student, coach or staff member.  Bullying.  Suicide ideation. Gun slinging. Just about anything related to safety.  Read More >>

UPDATED: Marymoor Community Gardenn plots up for grabs

King County Parks Photo/ Marymoor Park Garden 'Pea Patch'

12 – 20 plots available. First come, first served. Details? Yeah we’ve got em right over here.....

READER COMMENT:  Love your website.  Quick correction on the above link, our business is known as the Marymoor Community Garden Association.  Or simply the Marymoor Community Garden.  We aren't techincally a "pea-patch" but a non-profit business operating out of Marymoor Park by concession just like Subway etc.  Not that it matters! We appreciate your support! Thanks for referring people to our garden.

King County Blog

Swedish Hospital system losing $250,000 a day, warns staff of likely layoffs

Swedish hospital system warns staff of likely layoffs

Swedish Medical Center delivered some grim news to employees Monday: Swedish is losing $250,000 a day and it likely will have to lay off workers.  Read More >>

By Carol M. Ostrom
Seattle Times health reporter
March 19, 2012

NOTE:  Swedish opened a stand-alone ER/Primary & Specialty Care clinic in Redmond on Novelty Hill Road last year.  B.Y.

UPDATED: Overlake adds to the out-patient medical market of Greater Redmond

Overlake Hospital Medical Center

UPDATED:  Medical care organizations continue to migrate into Greater Redmond.   Overlake Hospital Medical Clinic opened it's doors yesterday with 9-5:30 p.m. service, joining the long list of medical services competing for our insurance dollars.  They offer same-day appointments for "acute conditions" (not run-of-the-mill.)

The Overlake Hospital Mendical Center Clinics of Redmond is located at Redmond Town Center, 16315 NE 74th Street.  Their 'Grand Opening' today is celebrated with free smoothies and cholesterol screenings. The convenience of their location is comparable to Evergreen's Redmond Medical Center of Bella Bottega. 

Alan Ertle, MD, Overlake’s vice president of network development was quoted on their website  “Each clinic is connected to our hospital’s acute care, emergency services, outpatient imaging, lab and affiliated specialist physicians, offering patients a full spectrum of medical s the services.”

According to the Overlake-Redmond Clinic's front desk they have a clinical laboratory, but no pharmacy, CT, MRI, or ultrasound equipment.  Availability of on-site specialty care is unknown.

Evergreen Redmond Primary Care Clinics (Redmond, Sammamish, Woodinville), Virginia Mason Clinic (Kirkland, Issaquah, Bellevue) Swedish ER-Redmond provide extensive specialty care services, full-service imaging, clinical laboratory.  V. Mason has a free consulting pharmacist for patients for med-management, BP checks, cholesterol. 

Of the five Greater Redmond medical service organizations surveyed, Evergreen Primary Care - Redmond had the most flexible hours for Primary Care and diagnostic services.  Evergreen-Redmond Clinic of Bella Bottega is open for same-day appointments M - TH (7 -7), F (7 -6) and Saturday (9-3).  Virginia Mason - Kirkland was a close second, open 7 - 8 p.m. M- TH. and 7-6 p.m F, and 8-12 for same-day appointments. (Call 425-814-5100 for exact hours of operation for specialists)  Both have 11 physicians.

By Bob Yoder
Internet photo

Disclosure:  My wife and I go to V. Mason-Kirkland and Evergreen.  My daughter goes to University Physician's Neighborhood Woodinville Clinic when she's home.  I report on the Evegreen Community Hospital Board of Commissioner meetings for my blog.

First in an eight-part series on the rush of new medical services in Greater Redmond.

LW-PTSA announce: ADHD and Dyslexia Forums at Evergreen Hospital; school survey

from the desk of Julie Shalaby, LW-PTSA, Chair, Special Needs...

Below is a link to the LWSD survey for parents and community members. This is a great opportunity to advocate for our children and let the district know we are here. :) The survey is available until March 30th. Also, check out Eastside CHADD's meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, March 20.

http://research.zarca.com/survey.aspx?k=SsWYVTsQRYsPsPsP&lang=0&data

For upcoming ADHD and Dyslexia Forums at Evergreen Hospital,  Read More >>

8th Annual Cub Scout Derby at Redmond Town Center

Come have fun with us at the Sammamish Trails District Pinewood Derby!

Saturday May 5th, 2012

Racing starts at 11:00am

Northwest Scouters is pleased to sponsor the 8th Annual Sammamish Trails District Pinewood Derby races. Everyone had an outstanding time at last year's event and this year we are set to have very exciting and fun filled day for the Cub Scouts and their families. Come join us and watch the racing action!

Redmond Town Center will host this year's races. RTC is located in Redmond, WA, just east of intersection of 166th Ave. NE and Cleveland Street.  Read More >>

PHOTOS: City builds stormwater ponds and nature trail behind Safeway next to Bear Creek

City of Redmond builds stormwater ponds, a guided nature trail, salmon viewing sites, and plants native shrubs behind Safeway on Bear Creek trail.

Last year the city Department of Natural Resources constructed three stormwater ponds behind Safeway to treat dirty run-off from Bear Creek parking lot before it enters Bear Creek.  Salmon run in the Fall. Now is an great time to walk or bike the trail to see how it is handling the recent heavy rains!  

This Safeway stormwater facility cost several hundred thousand dollars and was funded mostly by grant money.  Bear Creek provides stream habitat and spawning grounds for Federally endangered Chinook salmon.  Slowing storm flows is critical towards protecting these fish.    

The city will install storm ponds, plant native shrubs and curve the banks from straight ditching done years ago.  On March 16th, Council approved $48,415 to study a plan to curve the creek and improve creek buffers further downstream. 

Reported by Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder

"Suicide Prevention" forum at Evergreen Hospital

Nami-Eastside invites you to a forum on...

"SUICIDE PREVENTION”
Kelly McDonald, MPH

Tuesday, March 20, 7 PM - 9 PM

Evergreen Hospital,

Physicians and Surgeons Building, Suite Tan 100 

Kirkland, WA 

Kelly McDonald, MPH has worked in suicide prevention for more than 10 years, including with the US Army at Fort Lewis and Kitsap County Health District.

She currently facilitates suicide awareness education and training for Washington State’s Youth Suicide Prevention Program and is providing support to community groups in King County and to schools in the implementation of peer-to-peer suicide prevention education.

In this presentation she will talk about suicide (facts, warning signs), the higher risk of gay, lesbian and bisexual youth, the relationship between suicide, bullying and depression. She will also offer information on how to help someone with suicidal thoughts and the resources available in the community.

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

425-885-NAMI (6264)
http://www.nami-eastside.org/
INFO@NAMI-EASTSIDE.ORG

Lake Washington Institute of Technology to offer aerospace manufacturing certificate

Lake Washington Institute of Technology 

Eleven community and technical colleges in Washington state are among the first in the nation to implement a new national program touted by President Obama as key to getting Americans back to work.  Lake Washington Institute of Technology will participate.

A certificate is earned in computer-numeric controlled machining and designed to meet employers’ needs by quickly getting them workers with the required knowledge, skills and abilities and to meet students’ needs by giving them employable skills now plus college credit, something they can build on in the future. 

“This is the first time we have a group of community and technical colleges all teaching the same curriculum, providing skills that are closely tied to employers’ needs and offering a nationally recognized certification,” Bredeson said. “Washington leads the way in aerospace manufacturing and now we’re leading the way in aerospace manufacturing training.”  Read More >>

Lake Washington District schools excel in State Board of Education rankings

The Annual WPC Public School Accountability Index was released in February and Lake Washington School District (LWSD) passed with flying colors!   LWSD has 15 schools rated "Exemplary," 13 schools rated "Very Good," 16 schools rated "Good," only 4 rated "Fair," and 2 are "Struggling."

The WPC Public School Accountability Index rates the quality of more than 2,075 public schools across the state.  The Index is based on data compiled by the State Board of Education’s 2011 Achievement Index, using results from the 2010–11 school year.

LWSD met or exceeded index ratings from 871 schools sampled.   Our district exceeded schools rated: "Exemplary" by 18%,  "Very Good" by 12%, "Fair" by 26% and "Struggling" by 4%.   The district equalled the sample's "Good" ratings;  34% of schools were rated "Good."   

For a complete list of LWSD school ratings go here.  The list is organized by District, Rankings, and Schools.  To name a few school ratings:  Exemplary:  LW High, Eastlake High, Redmond Junior, Audubon, Rockwell and Juanita El.; Very Good:  Inglewood Junior, Redmond High, Evergreen Junior, Einstein, Carson; Good:  Juanita High, Kamiakin Junior, Alcott, Bell, Keller, Dickenson;  Fair:  Finn Hill Junior, Sandburg El, Community, Struggling:  Best Sr., Futures. 

The purpose of the "Accountability Index" is to determine whether and to what extent school officials are fulfilling their paramount duty to provide a quality education for every child residing within the borders of the state. The Legislature stated:  Read More >>

Principal Jane Todd: preparations underway for Reconfiguration at Redmond High

Principal Jane Todd presents to the School Board

Dear Parents:
I have been having what I think are Reconfiguration dreams. I'll spare you the details, but they are dreams in which I lose something I value (I find it again), I lose my patience, I lose my bearings and I get lost. And sometimes, in the way of dreams, things don't make much sense. However, and this is the important part: All the way along in those dreams, there have been people there to help me - people to pay my way, people to help me find what I had lost, people to get me home. And I wake up smiling. I hope that will be as comforting to you as it has to me.

To update you on some Reconfiguration doings:  Read More >>

Lake Washington Kangs snuff Bainbridge 11-10 in Lacrosse Opener

Lake Washington Spoils Bainbridge Island Opener, March 9.

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. – Cody Bernstein connected on the go-ahead goal with 3:23 remaining in the game as Lake Washington hung on to down Bainbridge 11-10 to open the 2012 Washington state boys high school lacrosse season at Bainbridge Stadium  . Read More >>



Washington State Chapter of US Lacrosse announces 2012 schedules for boys and girls high school lacrosse

SEATTLE –The Washington State Chapter of US Lacrosse today announced the 2012 schedules for boys and girls high school lacrosse for its 34th season in Washington state.  Read More >>


If you think you like Washington State lacrosse or know you do, this site is THE Go-To place www.WashingtonHSLAX.com.

Topped Cottonwood Trees on 90th Street NE almost make you gag

Topped Cottonwoods - "roadside attraction" on NE 90th Street

OPINION:  Last year, the city Council designated Cottonwoods as urban "garbage trees" because they crack open sidewalks, drop debris and the white cotton puffs blow around.  In 2011, the City ripped out all the Cottonwoods along southern NE 90th and replaced them with "street trees" and new sidewalk.  It looks pretty good.

The problem is they girdled and  topped these Cottonwoods growing in a stormwater facility further down the road.  Wildlife habitat is abundant here.  I just about gag everytime I have to pass them.  Anyone driving to Comcast, the Eastside Gym, Vertical Club, or any number of office buildings has to look at it. 

The City is setting a painful example to citizenry and students of what NOT to do with  trees.  Comments? 

By Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder

Picture Story of Group Health Overlake Center Trees, by Max Feingold

Picture Story of Group Health Overlake Center

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Max Feingold publisher of Cat's Paw Images, Blog  "Exploring the Seattle Area Camera in Hand"

In 1871, Warren Wentworth Perrigo and Captain Luke McRedmond became the first white men to stake a claim and settle the land that would become the city of Redmond.  Read and See More >>

Photo and Story by Max Feingold

These pictures tell the story eloquently. Hopefully, they will help decision-makers realize what they’ve got in this urban jewel before it’s gone. Enough of paving paradise! We can have the transit-oriented village AND a good percentage of these beautiful trees; they are not mutually exclusive unless the only consideration is profit.  Thanks for all the work you put into this post.
-- Comment by Katheryn, Reader of  "Cat's Paw Images - Blog"

State Supreme Court rules that Local voters can't ban red-light cameras

Redmond councilmembers Cole, Margeson
and Stilin review citations during
the Red Light Safety Pilot Program.

State Supreme Court: Local voters can’t ban red-light cameras

Posted by Emily Heffter
"Seattle Times," Local News, March 8, 2012 at 11:06 AM

(Updated with Eyman’s comments.)

The Washington State Supreme Court has ruled that a 2010 Mukilteo ballot initiative banning red-light cameras is invalid.

The long-awaited ruling means initiative efforts in other cities around the state, including Longview, Bellingham, Monroe, Redmond and Wenatchee, are also invalid.


It’s a big loss for initiative king Tim Eyman, who had adopted the cause of banning the cameras and helped people in cities across the state fight to have them banned.  Read More >>

Redmond Police Report Incidence of Residential Burglaries and Vehicle Prowls and more

Smash and Dash - GPS most common target

Safety Updates from the Desk of Jim Bove, Redmond Police...

Residential Burglaries:  We have had approximately 26 reported in two months from January 1 – February 29.

Of those, just over half  had smashed windows, damaged doors and/or signs of forced entry….the rest gained entry through an unlocked door or window.

In fact, one had both – forced entry through the garage door only to find an unlocked door leading into the home. Most people are always certain to lock the main entry used to get into the house, but often forget side doors, garage doors, and other points of entry that are seldom used. Lock ‘em all! 

Vehicle Prowls:  From January 1 – February 29th, we have had approximately 62 vehicles prowled or parts stolen from them. Of these, at least 25 were left unlocked or had no obvious signs of forced entry.  Read More>>

PTSA Forum: Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues

from the desk of Julie Shalaby, LW-PTSA Chair of Special Needs Group...

Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues

Lake Washington School District
PTSA Special Needs Group Meeting
Tuesday, March 27th 7 – 9 pm
You are welcome to arrive at 6:30 PM to network

LWSD Resource Building
16250 NE 74th St, Redmond 98052 (Redmond Town Center)
 
 Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues
 
Going through puberty and adolescence can be a confusing time for kids and parents both. This will be an opportunity for you to talk about your concerns about the social/sexual development of your family member. Robbie Rigby will lead a discussion on social skills, relationship development, sexuality, and personal safety as it relates to teens and young adults with special needs. Join us to talk about these topics-it’s sure to be lively!  Read More >>