Mayor John Marchione nomitated for Sound Transit Board

News Release [edited]
Date: Feb. 6, 2008
Contact: Carolyn Duncan 206-296-4063

Mayor Marchione is nominated for Sound Transit Board

Redmond Mayor John Marchione was nominated today to the Sound Transit Board, completing King County’s appointments to the board for 2008. Eighteen individuals are charged with the responsibility for governing Sound Transit, ten of whom are from King County.

“As mayor of an Eastside urban center that is experiencing rapid growth in jobs and new residents, Mayor Marchione is in a unique position to provide direction and oversight to Sound Transit,” said King County Executive Ron Sims. “His vision of transportation priorities dovetails well with the mandate of Sound Transit.”

“One of my priorities for 2008 is to move Redmond towards playing a more active regional role and there is no more pressing issue in the region than transportation,” states Mayor Marchione. “I am honored to be able to serve with many distinguished colleagues and to build on their prior work as we move towards a Sound Transit plan for the future.”

DeLee Shoemaker, Microsoft state government affairs director stated: “Sound Transit is a key agency addressing transit and facilities challenges. We are pleased that Mayor John Marchione has been nominated to serve on the Sound Transit Board. He recognizes these challenges facing the region and will represent the entire Eastside community.”

Members of the Sound Transit Board of Directors provide oversight to the agency charged with the development of a regional high capacity transit system. The agency has implemented a regional express bus system, a commuter rail system, and is working on the intial segment of a regional light rail system from Downtown Seattle to SeaTac, scheduled to open in late 2009.

Mayor Marchione’s appointment must be approved by the Metropolitan King County Council.

The unedited release is posted on the King County Executive’s Web site, at www.kingcounty.gov

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Mr. Town and 5 Redmond High School students are planning a trip to DC to accept a regional environmental award!

These Redmond High School students, from left, Emily Guo, Jamie Hall, Joseph Hegge, Zachary Doleac and Laura Wang were among the students who launched a program to reduce waste. Seattle Times, 11/15/2007

Dear 'Redmond Blog',

I thought you might be interested in hearing that the 5 Redmond High School students pictured above were selected by the Environmental Protection Agency as the winning school's project in EPA's Region 10.

As reported in the SEATTLE TIMES (here) ,the students launched a conservation program last year dubbed "Cool Schools." The program's goal was to reduce carbon emissions by 1,000 pounds per classroom. Students did energy audits and worked with teachers and fellow teens on how to decrease consumption and increase recycling.

The group and their high school environmental science teacher, *Mike Town will be honored at the White House in April. They will formally present their project to the EPA while they are in DC and are scheduled along with other Region winners to be recognized by President Bush or a representative of the President at the White House.

Please contact Mike Town at mtown@lwsd.org for more information. The group is trying to raise money to finance the trip as the EPA will only fund the cost of one student and one teacher. Donations can be sent on their behalf to Mike Town (Redmond High School).

Bev Doleac
One proud Parent

*Science teacher Mike Town and his students are working to lower Redmond High School's carbon emissions, one classroom at a time. Last year, their campaign reduced the school's carbon footprint by 72 tons and saved the school about $7,500 in its electric bill alone.

Did you know we have state caucuses ?

Many people are not aware that our state delegates for the presidential race are chosen in state caucuses. The Primary ballot vote demonstrates support for your candidate, but it is the caucus that counts for who wins the Presidential Primary.

Both Party Caucuses will be held Saturday, February 9th, 1:00 sharp for about an hour.

To find your where your local caucus is meeting and learn more, click the links below:

King County Republican Caucuses King County Democratic Caucuses

Procedure for caucusing: You will arrive and sign in for your candidate. You will then gather with the group of other like-minded folks. If there are any candidates with very small numbers, their supporters will then choose which group they want to join. Everyone says it's lots of fun and builds a feeling of community. Your special interests are 'heard'. Are you going?

COMMUNITY MEETING ON February 7th: Do you want 3 lanes on 166th Ave NE??

You are invited...

166 Avenue NE Corridor Improvements - Community meeting!

P U B L I C W O R K S
T R A N S P O R T A T I O N S E R V I C E S ANNOUNCEMENT

Thursday, February 7, 2008 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Redmond Junior High, Commons area.
6:30 to 7:00 Sign in and look at displays
7:00 to 8:00 Welcoming address from Mayor Marchione

Question and Answer Open Forum 8:00 to 8:30
City staff will be available to answer individual questions
LIGHT SNACKS WILL BE PROVIDED

A new traffic signal will be constructed at the intersection of 166 Avenue NE and NE 104 Street, funded by a Federal Safe Routes to School grant. Why is the City installing a traffic signal on 166 Avenue NE at NE 104 Street? The primary reason is to improve pedestrian safety at the intersection where high volumes of young pedestrians walk to Redmond Junior High, Horace Mann and Norman Rockwell elementary schools. The traffic signal will more clearly assign right-of-way, eliminating confusion for drivers and pedestrians at the existing 4-way stop.

Why consider reconfiguring lanes at the intersection and along the school frontage from four lanes to three and adding bike lanes?

A safer travel environment is created when bike lanes are provided and when there are three lanes to cross instead of four. Conversions help moderate vehicular speed. Safety is improved for all roadway users—drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

What about the proposal to continue the conversion down the hill to NE 85 Street? The proposal to continue a four to three lane conversion south to NE 85 Street would implement the community’s vision to reclaim Redmond streets for all roadway users. A conversion will provide refuge areas for left-turning vehicles and create separation for pedestrians and bicyclists. www.redmond.gov/connectingredmond/projects/edhill.asp

Tricia Thomson, P.E. (Project Manager) email: tthomson@redmond.gov or phone: 425.556.2776


How can three lanes improve traffic flow and safety?

FOR DRIVERS:
• Sight distance improves. Drivers face only one thru lane in each direction instead of two.
• Center turn lane provides a refuge for drivers entering or exiting side streets.
• No delay behind left-turning vehicles when they are removed from the flow of thru traffic and given a dedicated left turn lane.
• Collisions are reduced. Drivers no longer weave and change lanes to avoid left-turning vehicles.

FOR PEDESTRIANS:
• Pedestrians are less exposed to traffic with three lanes to cross instead of four.
• Bike lanes provide a safer, more comfortable separation for pedestrians on the sidewalk from the flow of traffic.

FOR BICYCLISTS:
• Bike lanes provide bicyclists with their own lane of travel, separate from pedestrians and thru traffic.
• Bike lanes remove slower moving bicycles from thru traffic.

“Better connections within the community for all modes of travel are needed to tie neighborhoods and commercial areas together, improving efficiency and economic vitality while promoting continued high quality of life.”

Council interviews Jane Hague on county happenings.

Back row (left to right): Pete von Reichbauer (R), District 7, Vice Chair Dow Constantine (D), District 8, Kathy Lambert (R), District 3, Bob Ferguson (D), District 1 Front row (left to right): Larry Phillips (D), District 4, Jane Hague (R), District 6, Larry Gossett (D), District 2, Chair Julia Patterson (D), District 5, Vice Chair Reagan Dunn (R), District 9

Redmond City Council & Mayor Marchione met with King County Councilmember Jane Hague at City Hall on January 29 to learn about a variety of exciting, new county programs. Jane Hague is county Vice Chair of the Growth Management Committee. She's been a county council member since 1994. Redmond officials asked for input on the following:

1. A "Misqueto Fleet" of foot-ferries will have three new routes - a) Eliot Bay water taxi, b) Vashon - W. Seattle, and c) run from Kirkland to Seattle. The run includes dock improvments and will provide emergency service if the Evergreen Bridges breaks down. A 5.5 cent property tax per thousand dollars was passed for funding.

2. The new county mental health sales *tax will be collected in April. Jane Hague said it will help with earlier intervention "which we all need." Redmond council gave conditional support of the tax not knowing how the monies would be dispersed. Vache and most councilmembers felt Eastside cities should administrate the funds. Redmond councilman Hank Myers is Chair of the Human Services committee (hmyers@redmond.gov) and wanted to be certain the funds were put to best use for Redmond. *1 penny/$10,000 property

3. Bus Rapid Ride Linkage between Bellevue - Overlake - Redmond is scheduled for 2011! Boy, do we need that and ANY improvements Metro can bring traffic-weary residents!

4. The BNSF railroad corridor is being actively considered for "best use". Redmond is the site of a BNSF spur that used to service T&D Feed store and a passenger station. Hague indicated the council may allow the spur rails to be pulled. If so, Redmond could create a "mixed use park" that would greatly enhance our downtown! Mayor John Marchione is counting on this.

Ms. Hague was very gracious and helpful and offered to revisit council on future updates. King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert is Redmond's other representative and it is hoped Kathy will visit council, as well. Kathy is a Redmond resident on Education Hill. Her jursidiction includes Union Hill, Novelty Hill, Redmond way traffic corridors. Ms. Hague indicated a willingness to assist Ms. Lambert in trying to find traffic solutions.

Mustang Varsity Girls Basketball play Roosevelt game in memory of Coach James Rose

The Mustang Girls Varsity game vs. Roosevelt was played in memory of Coach James Rose. Each player penned "JR" on their arm for the game.

Memorial service/party Sunday, Feb 10, 4-6, Inglemoor

(see www.pugetsoundflight.org for details & Flight try-out activities)

The Puget Sound Flight Basketball Club and Redmond Mustang friends are saddened to announce that James Rose, the current 6th grade Flight Blue team coach (and the current Inglemoor High School girls JV coach), a dedicated contributor to the Flight program over the last five plus years, has unexpectedly passed away at the very young age of 39. Although James did not have any kids of his own, he volunteered his time year after year in the Flight program as well as to the Inglemoor girls and boys select and High School basketball programs . He loved the game of basketball, being in the gym, being around kids, and giving his time to teach and mentor youth. It was a big part of his life...a big part of what made James happy. We are all going to miss James and miss what he meant to the Flight program, to youth basketball in the Puget Sound area, and to the hundreds of kids that he has impacted over the years. A basketball scholarship fund is being set up in James's name...if you would like to contribute, please send your checks to: Puget Sound Flight Girls Basketball Club James Rose Scholarship Fund 14206 192nd Avenue NE Woodinville, WA 98077. Please check back with us, as soon as we have information on a service or celebration of life, we will update. www.pugetsoundflight.org . Quote found on PSF website. Go to "timely topics" sidebar for Seattle Times article.
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Click here for: Mustang Varsity Video Clip, 1/30/08

We are the Redmond High School Mustangs from Redmond, Washington. We are a member of the Class 4A KingCo Conference. Welcome and please sign our guestbook.

Mustang Flash: Redmond (13-5) loses to Roosevelt 72-60. The Mustangs were up 23-12 early in the second quarter when rallied to take a 31-30 halftime lead. The Roughriders relied on their three point shooting to build a 64-54 advantage. Redmond rallied to trim the score to 66-60, but Roosevelt went 6 for 6 from the line to seal the victory. Courtney Martin tallied 16 and 9 boards, Mary Petrie had 14 with five assists, Marissa Pratt had 12, and Chandler Jones added 10.

Next up: Senior Night Fri Feb 1st at home -vs- Bothell JV 3:45PM Varsity 6:30.
Redmond City TV televised the LW boys and girls games, the games can be viewed on demand. Former Stang announcer Sean Valley does the play-by-play.

See our Eastlake, LW, Garfield, and Franklin, and Inglemoor and Juanita game photos courtesy of Jerry Smith, parent and team photographer.

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Mustang JV's lost a close one to Roosevelt (STATS AND VIDEO CLIPS BELOW)

Heather - 5, 3-pointers!!.....................Melissa - DEFENSE!

Mustang JV STATS: (compliments of Jones & Co.)

'Stangs lost a close one:

Heather: 17pts-5,3's; 2RB; 1 Assist; 1 Steal
Kaitie: 8pts-2,3's; 5RB; 3 Assist; 2 Steals
Melissa: 5pts; 4RB; 1 Assist; 4 Steals
Kailan: 9pts; 1RB; 2 Assist; 3 Steals
Lindsey: ; 3RB; 5Assist; 1 Steal
Jessica: 2pts; 3RB; 3 Assist;
Lexie: 4pts; 5RB;
Magen: ; 3RB; ;

Click link for a: Video clip of Mustang JV girls vs. Roosevelt, 1/30/08, 30 secs.

Click link for: # 2 Video clip of Mustang JV girls vs. Roosevelt basketball, 1/30/08 30 secs.

Photographs courtesy of Jerry Smith, parent and team photographer.

Opinion: The Open Meeting Act - what is it good for?

I attended the Council Study Session last night to: 1) watch Jane Hague, KC councilmember meet with council and 2) listen into the "Open Meeting Act" in-service by city attorney Jim Haney.

I left the Hall early because all I could see were the backs of Haney, Hague, Marchione, and staff -- much better to watch from the couch at home with strong cup of coffee!

Last year during the elections, a campaigner raised a big stink about a supposed "open meeting act violation". That's the only time I can remember it being a significant issue. Political banter and vitriol is about all that came of it.

The Act requires that the public and all council members be invited and/or present at "meetings" when any city business is transacted or discussed. To bring the law into perspective, a $100 personal fine is charged to violators....the equivalent of a speeding ticket. KUDOS to council and mayor for holding this meeting to lay the ground rules for legislative civility!

Several compliance issues were discovered during council's meeting that were lacking during the previous Administration (Ives).

>> Linda, the Information Officer, informed council/mayor that council emails were not being archived by the city. Thus, email research cannot be conducted during a violation claim. But, do taxpayers want to pay for the extra labor and computer storage to archive emails just to enforce a violation that's on par with the cost of a traffic ticket? And, what is the standard of practice in neighborhing cities?

>> Council Committees (for Safety, Public Works, Parks, etc.) are composed of 3 councilmembers. When a 4th councilmember shows up, the meeting becomes -- by letter of law -- a bonafide Council Meeting and "advertisement to the public" is required. Even if the visiting councilmember just listens, it's considered a council meeting, according to Haney. As I see it, the inclusion of "listening" as active participation hinders the legislative process and penalizes councilmembers and commissioners who want to be involved.

This Act is loaded with holes and gray areas. "Telephone calls in series" mixed with "emails" to transact business can never be fully documented. Hey, anyone can open a blind email address to communicate in confidence with another. Finally, a councilmember can phone/email others with "intentions to deliberate" but at what point does "intention" become "discussion"?

Councilman Myers was rightly concerned the Act - by letter of law - could interfere with a well-meaning, productive legislative process. I believe the Act should be upheld for the public as a precautionary measure and guidline to encourage the council's awareness and discussion of timely issues of city importance. Any comments on this?

Mayor Marchione and council are to be commended for devoting hours of their time to understanding an Act that benefits citizens and guides our representatives.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Factoids:

The state legislature is not bound by this Act! State agencies, local governments, and boards & commissions are bound by it. WAC 42.30.010 - .920

It takes only 4 councilmembers actively participating in an unadvertised "meeting" to violate the Open Meetings Act. "Meetings" include emails, phone trees, and informal chats where city business is discussed or transacted.

Exclusions to the Open Meeting Act are: 1) real estate transactions, 2) litigation, 3) collective bargaining. These items are transacted behind the closed doors of an "executive session".

Violations can result in a recall election if misfeasance or malfeasance is involved. I compare a recall to being thrown in jail for drunken driving and having your licence removed. Actually, recall would less punishing for most?

The Act was initiated by a citizen in 1971 (before emailing was used - according to Haney) .

Clip: "Slow Down - Curves Ahead" on WSDOT's proposed 520 widening project

Credit / Bob Yoder

Bear Creek flooding behind Safeway Bear Creek Shopping Center on 12/4/08. Yes, that is a park bench.

PLEASE WATCH THIS 1-MINUTE VIDEO FIRST. Click HERE . You will be taking a drive with "Citizen Gary Smith" westward on 520. While looking toward Redmond Town Center you will see Bear Creek flood waters encroaching only 20 feet from the SR520 freeway. Enjoy the music on the way.

When WSDOT builds four more lanes on top of the Bear Creek flood plain you are watching, where will the water go? Local geologist Susan Wilkins is HERE to tell you.

"SLOW DOWN - CURVES AHEAD!"
In response to WSDOT’s proposal to widen SR-520 between the new Redmond Way flyover and Sammamish River, citizen leaders, activists, and staff say “Fine, but do it in an environmentally responsible way.” We urge everyone in Redmond to carefully consider the unintended consequences of proposed 520 widening to our safety and welfare; flood hazards are a central issue. The project would fill & build 4 additional lanes into the flood plain – this, at a time with Olympia is recognizing “climate change” impacts to highway flooding. Potential life threatening flood hazards combined with destruction of endangered, listed species habitat creates critical concerns about the WSDOT plan. However, all parties agree to the value of a road widening to 8-lanes.

On January 8, 2008 our Redmond city attorney gave notice to Ben Brown at WSDOT regarding WSDOT’s refusal to apply for a “buffer variance”. WSDOT plans to encroach up to 100 feet into Redmond’s Critical Area buffer breaking our city land use laws.

The City’s solution is to meander Bear Creek to the north and away from SR 520; but that’s $10M WSDOT doesn’t have. Mayor Marchione, Councilmembers Cole and Allen, and Staff Managers Beam, Spangler, and Cairns. have been outspoken and supportive of alternatives. Spangler indicates $2.5M could be funded through city grants. Cole and Allen traveled to Olympia. Citizens and students are writing letters to their State Representatives.

NEWS FLASH: State Representative Ross Hunter corresponded on 1/27/08: “ We are working on trying to fix this”. Rep. Hunter is the Finance Committee Chairperson. There is hope!

You can help by writing your State representatives or State Transportation Committee Chairperson: Representative Judy Clibborn of Mercer Island.

Stay tuned....

Thanks to Gary Smith, past Trails Commissioner, for creating and producing the the 520 flood video clip and organizing citizenry participation. 

UPDATE: The lanes were later widened with embankments to keep 520 from flooding and protect the Bear Creek riparian and stream.   BY, 12/13/19

Video clip of Mustang wrestlers on Senior Night!

The Mustangs wrestled last Thursday night at Redmond High School for the 2008 KINGCO 4A championship. They lost, leaving a 3-way tie with Woodinville and Mt. Washington HS. I'd never seen the 'Stangs wrestle. Have you? Below are some pics and an exciting 1 minute video clip of an arm-wrenching match! Awesome. The Kingco tourney is starts on Friday, 1/18 at 3:30p.m. and concludes on Saturday (10 a.m. start).

"Watch his arm! Watch his arm! " 1-minute clip

click pictures to enlarge!

.........................Pre-game huddle ..................Seniors with parents .................Eating after weigh-in...

Manufacturing Parks are feeling the squeeze from 'higher uses'.

Manufacturing and Industrial Parks have been an important part of Redmond ever since 1936 when Horace Cadman acquired a gravel pit from Columbia Lumber Company to start up his concrete business.

Cadman and all industrial and manufacturing parks these days are feeling the squeeze of rapid residential growth, congested roads, higher land costs, scarce parking, and the higher uses of business parks. Software companies, R&D, retail, office and residential are all competing for downtown space and manufacturing parks are feeling the brunt of it.

On January 18, 2008, Mayor John Marchione held a Breakfast Forum to study these Manufacturing and Business Park issues. The meeting was run by staffer Sarah Stiteler and most planning staff councilmembers and planning commissioners were present. The Council chambers seemed almost full with many Chamber of Commerce members present.

One of the biggest problems is competition for land within the city owing to the relatively low cost of manufacturing parks (MP) in Redmond. According to an Overlake chamber member warehouse space costs only 70 cents/SF vs. $1.70/SF - $2.00/SF in Bellevue.

Some interesting factoids:

1) 7.4% of total land in downtown is zoned manufacturing - 737 acres. 2) 11.5% of total employment in the city is manufacturing, decreasing from 15% in 2001. 3) total business park space is 529 acres or 5.9% of the downtown. 4) total industrial space is 79 acres.

"Higher and better" uses discussed by MP businesses were, as follows:

• the Firestone and car care businesses on Redmond Way complained the area is "going retail". Traffic and parking issues arise from incompatible zoning.


• a commercial real estate executive in Overlake complained of rent increases and losing space to office, R&D, and software.


• Olympian Precast just wants to be "left alone" from housing and any encroachments.


• Overlake Church was upset with corporations using their parking lots. Microsoft is actually looking for land for a shuttle park.


• Cadman claimed the truck traffic to Costco (Taylor Park Development) will go past their business on Union Hill owing to nearby incompatable residential zoning. Rising construction costs make manufacturing projects unfeasable. Thus, the Taylor Development is appealing to Costco.

Some possible solutions? 1) zone to "bridge" manufacturing parks to business parks 2) charge for parking, 3) zone for business diversity, 4) limit residential near MP by building more units in Overlake Urban center. Councilmember McCormick was pleased Mayor Marchione encouraged this Forum. She said it had been years coming. I think the city will be developing a comprehesive plan for MP soon.

I wonder what the neighborhoods think? Or, do we even care?

Redmond Boys bounce back against Inglemoor in overtime, 74-71

The Mustangs bounce back with an impressive and gutsy win over the Inglemoor Vikings. It took an extra period to settle the game, but Redmond, led by seniors Marcus Flynn, Andrew Lindquist, and Zach Doleac showed their leadership and poise to win the game 74 -71 in overtime. After a slow start in which Redmond was down 22-10 in the first quarter, the Mustangs stiffened their defense and outscored the Vikings 19-4 in the 2nd quarter to take a 3 point half time lead. In the last two minutes of the 4th, Marcus hit two straight threes to tie the game at 61. Finally, in the overtime senior captains Lindquist and Flynn, along with Will Ellis hit clutch free throws to seal the game. Marcus scored 29 points including 5 three-pointers, Zach Doleac scored a season high 14 points, and Andrew Lindquist scored 13 including a huge basket in the overtime. Next up is Juanita at home this Friday!

Mustang girls Varsity & JV get mixed results at Inglemoor

................................Kaitlin Parrott #33 Top Mustang Varsity scorer vs. Inglemoor!.....................

Lexie (sophomore)






Kailan (sophomore)
...........................Krista Simonson #34 (senior)

Katie Whitaker #15 scores her first Varsity bucket!

- a sophomore!

The Redmond Mustangs are a member of the Class 4A KingCo Conference. Welcome and please sign our guestbook.

Mustang Flash: Redmond (12-4) loses a close one to 10th ranked Inglemoor 52-49. The Stangs took a 32-23 lead into halftime, only to have the Vikings go on an 8-0 run in the third to cut the lead to 34-33. Redmond regrouped in the fourth to take 43-35 lead but Inglemoor tied the game at 45 and won the game from the foul line in the final minute. Kaitlyn Parrott led Redmond in scoring with 10.

Jessica and Heather's photos were deleted during reformating. They will be posted after the Roosevelt game.

Redmond City TV televised the LW boys and girls games, the games can be viewed on demand. Former Stang announcer Sean Valley does the play-by-play.

See our Juneau Capital City Classic, and Australia NITCP, Eastlake, LW, Garfield, and Franklin, game photos! - Jerry Smith, Team Photographer

Reference: redmondmustangs.com

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Girls JV Update: Coach Greg's 'Stangs won again, beating Inglemoor 57 -48 !

Jessica Bushmeyer earned top ranking on the Stat Sheet, prepared by Jim Jones & cronies

*STATS:
Jessica: 12 pts., 2 assists, 4 steals, 3 rebounds

Kailan: 10 pts, 2 assists, 3 steals, 3 rebounds

Heather: 7 pts, 5 assists, 2 steals, 5 rebounds

Lexie: 8 pts, 1 assist , 3 steals, 5 rebounds

Megan: 7 pts, 1 assist, 3 steals, 2 rebounds

Melissa: 5P 1A 4RB

Lindsey: 2P, 2A 2RB 2S

Kaitie: 4P 2RB 2S

Liz: 2P

Do we want "tall buildings" in Redmond?

Today's Seattle Times article about some residents in Kirkland resisting tall buildings, brings attention to our land use plans for Overlake and Downtown Urban Centers. (On the left is Redmond's first "skyscraper", the downtown 6-story Cleveland Building condos.)

Kirkland has a lot at stake in their decisions about building heights. They are blessed with the beauty of Lake Washington views from hillside neighborhoods, lakeside parks, waterfront businesses, and their harbor charm. Yes, Kirkland must cope with GOOGLE moving into downtown with their 640 parking spaces. But GOOGLE is no Microsoft.

At present, most everyone in Redmond agrees that Overlake Urban Center is "no spring chicken". Actually, the only views we might have in Overlake would come from building tall buildings!

A quick look at the approved Overlake Urban Center plan map gives a concise summary on how Overlake will grow. Months of planning took place. Citizens participated in design and visual preferences conferences. Planning commissioners, led by Tom Hinman and staffer Jame Jonas jjonas@redmond.gov , worked tirelessly to build a thorough, indexed planning document; everything you'd want on the Overlake Urban Center plan is here.

So what was decided about building height, design and visual preferences? Take a look at the links above, but in short, it looks like the city will take "baby steps" in the "build-up". The premier Group Health site will be built on rolling topography where a proposed 12 story building will blend with the land. Concerns for building heights over 5 stories centered around adequate lighting, view preservation, and enclosed courtyards.

In one sense, scenic waterfront and territorial views in Overlake are rare so building-up is less challenging than Kirkland. Equally fortunate, Overlake is ideally located next to Microsoft! Workers will have easy access to their employer and many may walk or ride bicycles! Thus, building high density with taller buildings (and underground parking lots) in Overlake is a natural.

Two other amenties exist for the area: 1) access to 520 and future high capacity transit and 2) the international cultural flavor of the center. If you want to eat international cuisine, some of the best is right here.

As long as we follow Mayor John Marchione's lead to "take small steps" as we build "up", I think we are on the right track for a visually appealing and functional Overlake. Don't you?

And then, there's our downtown! I've heard about shorter heights there -- up to 6 stories?

Redmond Youth Lacrosse - "the little sports engine that could"

,






        .

  
a game of thrills, quickness & skill has long been called .......

......."the fastest game on two feet" & "the little brother to war"

(Have you see the movie "The Last of the Mohegans?")

.... and after watching lacrosse in Redmond grow from "Smitty's" original Redmond Men's Lacrosse Club I played with in '83, to the Redmond Lacrosse Club and it's scores of teams today...I like to call it "The little sports engine that could!" Kids begin playing in 3rd grade. And yes, girls play too!

One can only say, Lacrosse is so much more. Every year it's evolved and grown, with hundreds of youth & high schoolers playing at Redmond schools and parks.... or wherever they can find a field, coach, or referee!

For the scoop on just how big lacrosse is in our area a must visit is Fred Wilmot's WALAX site. WALAX.com is the headquarters" for Northwest lacrosse. The game is a "Spring sport" that's evolved to year-round play. You'll find winter indoor clinics starting up now!

On the LEFT, that's a Seattle Lacrosse Club player in blue. He is looking to "feed" the ball or "dodge" to the goal. I played with Seattle once. The red defenseman is trying to get this blue attackman out of the goal area. I played "D".

Look at the goalie below "filling the hole" of the cage. The "keeper"
on the right really shows you how to fill it

Thirty-six years ago in college, I picked up my first wooden stick and a leather helmet. My passion for the game and camaraderie is lasting. Would you like to know more about what's going on with lacrosse in Redmond?  Don't worry! Many avid Redmond fans will be happy to tell you their angle on the game!

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Additional links:

Eastside Eagles Girls Lacrosse 3rd-8th Grade

Lake Sammamish Girls Lacrosse Club  9th - 12th Grade 
Redmond Boy's Lacrosse 3rd - 12th Grade

http://www.walax.com/ The Northwest's #1 Lacrosse Website

- additional links and youth photo contributed by Tom Wehe

(For more information on Lake Sammamish Girls Lacrosse Club contact Mary Kayser at mary_kayser@comcast.net or 425-836-8849.)

Mustang Wrestling - 2007 Kingco 4A Champs!

Visit Coach Paul Mullen, his team and Boosters on the Redmond Mustang Website! They have an awesome site....just like their team!

Still plenty of matches to watch. Kingco Tournament is 2/1 at Juanita HS, all day.

Click photos to enlarge!

GOOOOO 'STANGS!

Woodinville, 1/22, 6:30 at RHS

Lake Washington, 1/24, 6:30 at RHS

JV Kingco Tournament, 1/26, all day, at RHS

Will you be going to any home matches? I'm shooting for the KANG event on January 24!

Comments are welcome below....

The Redmond Mustang Band!

My daughter plays on the Mustang girls basketball team and everytime I watch a game I'm so glad the band is there! They bring lots of excitment and really bolster up our fans & teams.

Just about every basketball fan going to boys and girls games would tell you they love the excitement, enthusiasm and spirit the 'Stang band brings to Redmond. Their performances and contribution to Redmond aren't often recognized.

The 'Stang band, led by Band Director Andy Roberston, does more than basketball. They play at football games, state playoffs, tailgate parties, Derby Days and other festivities.

The band is associated with more than 'Stang sports. Many play in the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band. Their annual Winter Jazz Concert is January 30th. In March they travel to Disneyland!

Listen to them play on their website! It's found at www.redmondmustangs.com with a quick scroll down. Enjoy, and thank you 'Stang band!

Hey, who is that student-band leader that plays while jumping up and down and leading with a cheer? Awesome.

Mustang girls varsity upset by Franklin, 59-51, JV wins again!

The Mustang Girl's JV Team is headlined with another win tonight, this time Franklin took the drubbing, 54 -41.

Congratulations Coach Greg and JV girls! Our young 'Stangs are 12 - 1 for the season! A few stats: Top shooters were Heather (10), Kailen (10), and Jane (9). Most assists were Heather (3), Jessica (3), and Jane (3). Most rebounds were Lexie (14) Mellissa (7) and Katie (5). Most steals were Lexie (5), Jane (4), and Jessica (3).

JV team photo

THE VARSITY REPORT FOR TONIGHT'S GAME, 1/18 :

We are the Redmond High School Mustangs from Redmond, Washington. We are a member of the Class 4A KingCo Conference. Welcome and please sign our guestbook.

Mustang Varsity Girls Basketball Flash: Redmond (12-3) upset by Franklin 59-51. The Quakers stormed out to a 14-5 lead late in the first quarter. Midway through the second they increased it to 25-12, before the Stangs closed to 27-21 at the half. Redmond finally tied the score at 40 all midway through the final quarter before Franklin pulled away for the win. Mary Petrie and Courtney Martin led the Stangs in scoring with 14 each, Chandler Jones added 10. Next up: Wed Jan 23rd @Inglemoor, JV 5:45PM Varsity 7:30.

Redmond City TV televised the LW boys and girls games, the games can be viewed on demand. Former Stang announcer Sean Valley does the play-by-play.

See our Juanita, Hazen, Juneau Capital City Classic, and Australia NITCP, Eastlake, and LW game photos!

Planning Commission hears the new mayor

One of the Planning Commission's most important jobs is to be "a hearing body" for the City Council on land use issues.

But, rather than the public, they heard from Mayor John Marchione. "Mayor John" made a visit to the Planning Commission this week (1/16) to introduce himself and bring them his top three priorities:

1) "Budgeting for Priorities" - John and council's new program is a plan to prioritize and measure for the best uses of city funding BEFORE money gets spent. Public input up front is a key component.

2) "Customer Service" training -- to promote safety and courtesy -- will take precedence over "efficiency" e.g. better to be safe, than efficient.

3) "Achieving greater predictability of our Permitting System" for the betterment of the whole community --- to help speed the process and improve results.

To improve the permitting system John plans to re-write our outdated "Community Development Guide". It's not readable or workable as it stands now.

This Guide governs Public Notice and Reviews (7) of land use permits ranging from felling hazardous neighborhood trees to plating major land use development projects and annexation. Last year, it was used to guide the city on Tent City permits....and not very well at that.

When a commissioner asked Mayor John which issues the people were most interested in, John smiled: "traffic, traffic, and growth" and not all in that order. He said the electorate understood the relevance of Redmond's two urban centers in offering a variety of housing choices for all generations. Plus, land east towards the Cascades is "saved" from sprawl.

On regional issues John said neighboring cities were frustrated with Redmond in the past because our council and mayor were fractured and couldn't decide amongst ourselves. So we were easily dismissed by Bellevue, Kirkland and others.

The Planning Commission welcomes public comments by email at planningcommission@redmond.gov or during their 7pm Wednesday night meetings in City Hall. They are citizen volunteers and receive no remuneration.

Mustang girls varsity basketball rolls over Garfield, 70-45

(left to right, Courtney Martin ( leading team scorer) Mary Petrie (top free-thrower) and Marissa Pratt (sophomore) defend! photo by Jerry Smith during a Kang game.

We are the Redmond High School Mustangs from Redmond, Washington. We are a member of the Class 4A KingCo Conference. Welcome and please sign our guestbook.

Ref: www.redmondmustangs.com: Redmond Varsity Girls (12-2) defeat Garfield 70-45. The Bulldogs scored the first four points of the game, but the Stangs went on a 13-0 run on their way to a 23-8 lead at the end of one. They increased their lead to 44-19 at the half and 61-26 at the end of the third quarter, to wrap up the W. Courtney Martin led all scorers with 21, Mary Petrie had 14, and Chandler Jones added 10. Petrie and Martin each had six rebounds. Redmond JV 56 Garfield 32. Next up: at home Fri Jan 18th -vs- Franklin, JV 3:30PM Varsity 6:30.

Redmond City TV televised the LW boys and girls KANG games, the games can be viewed On demand. Former Stang announcer Sean Valley does the play-by-play.

See team photographer Jerry Smith's Juanita, Hazen, Juneau Capital City Classic, and Australia NITCP, Eastlake, and LW game photos! (Click on score for team stats)

GIRLS J.V. TEAM:

The fabulous girls JV team, coached by Greg Bruns, won their 12th, trouncing Garfield 56 -32. Lexie Yoder (#42) got her first "double double" with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Jane Glass (#25) had team-high 4 steals and Katie Whitaker (#15) clocked in with 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. In the first 11 game season Heather Corbett (#10) leads the team with 19 three-points.

Clip: Mayor John Marchione has big plans to enhance Derby Days!

John announces a HUGE infusion of resources to Redmond's traditional "Derby Days" Event with "a little help from a friend". Must see!

Short, 1- minute clip of John Marchione during his first mayoral visit to the Historical Society Meeting of Saturday, 1/12, 2008 at the Library.

And, a video collection of John's election campaign is available for viewing by pressing "Menu" at the end of this clip.

The city's first strip mall will be torn down next year & replaced with a road.

This historic 1950's structure - now the remodeled into "Kanishak Cuisine of India" --will be torn down next year to build a downtown connector road to Bear Creek Parkway. It's located on Redmond Way and 161st Street in Redmond's first strip mall, still named "Redmond's Shopping Square" and now very unattractive.

"Mayor Bud Young did not own Bud’s Drive Inn, nor was he related to the other Bud who did own it. Bud’s laminate-topped tables, strong coffee, hot soup, ashtrays aplenty, pour your own refills. Town business was decided by the regulars at Bud's." -Neo Hardy, RHS.

This description kinda sounds like popular downtown "Victor's Coffee" on Gilman Street, only without the ashtrays and wood replacing the laminate.

1/20 Edit: Modest "Shoreline View Corridor" regulations are recommended by the Planning Commission

The Planning Commission recently heard, reviewed and recommended regulations for "Shoreline View Corridor" protections as required by the Department of Ecology's Shoreline Master Plan Amendment.

Regulated Shoreline View Corridors (see "Shoreline Map") are intended to protect scenic views for the public as they walk or drive by Lake Sammamish, the Slough, and Bear and Evans Creek waterways. (Photos posted soon!)

A key decision by the commission was made to keep Single Family Homes (existing, new and remodeled) exempt from Shoreline View Corridor restrictions. The commission recommended Multi-family homes NOT be exempt from the Shoreline View Corridor regulations.

The Single Family Home exemption is especially favorable to the West Lake Sammamish Association residents. They stormed commission meetings in numbers several times to defend their property rights and complain about poor "public notice". A 30-foot easement would have been required of homeowners to protect shoreline views. Some trees would have to go.

Commissioners Querry and Parnell were disturbed by the exemption and the severe pressures put upon Staff and but agreed Public Notice was poor. They praised staff's work, led by Environmental -Principal Planner, Cathy Beam. I think Council will make a decision on the commission's recommendations and the State Department of Ecology will sign-off.

The View Point Neighborhood Citizen Advisory Committee may be another opportunity to review view corridor protections in the West Lake Sammamish neighborhood.

Edit: Some of the the Planning Commissioners acted as if they were 'taking a bullet' from property rights activists for the greater community, especially owing to timing with the local elections. Commissioner Parnell and Querry indicated they felt "like pawns" during the process. In the end, West Lake Sammamish residents appeared to get what they demanded. They were organized and some spoke for their rights eloquently; others were harsh and belittling.

**this report was written after cursory review of Planning Commission meetings recorded on RC-TV21 . Please read the above linked Shoreline Master Plan Update document for accuracy.

Shops in downtown "B&B" strip mall to get "the boot"

161st Street will punch straight through Redmond Way and B&B Auto to connect with Bear Creek Parkway. This red roofed, unsightly strip mall will be leveled. Redmond's first skyscraper (Cleveland building ) is in the background. (Taken from 161st / Redmond Way intersection.)

Small businesses are just beginning to exit the older downtown strip malls of Redmond and more will follow. Downtown real estate is expensive so these shops are being forced out of their digs by "higher and better uses."

The historic and now unsightly "Redmond Shopping Square" (pictured above) is scheduled for demolition by 2009, according to tenants. The 58-year old 8-store strip mall is anchored by B&B Auto Parts, Frederick's Appliance Center and Parker Paint. It's at the intersection of Redmond Way and 161st St. According to tenants & historical society, "Sol" has owned the property since about 1955. Before that, I think it was a grocery store run by a Filipino farming family - but the Historical Society or Sol would know best.

I visited almost every store in the Square including having a savory lunch buffet at Kanishka Cuisine of India. Great food and I discovered taste buds never known! Sol wasn't happy when the city asked him to demolish his Square for the road. At last resort, the city had to "take" Sol's (with compensation) property because improving traffic circulation downtown is now critical. Luke at Frederick's Appliance said they were happy with the city's relocation support and terms.

The 161sth Street extension will move B&B, Frederick's, Parker Paint and Kanishka Cuisine of India out of the immediate downtown but I don't know what will happen to the smaller eastern shops. Rumor has it a "modern" retail and or parking may go in. Will our fair city convert 161st Street to an attractive, pedestrian friendly "promenade" with outdoor shops, book stands, dining, bicycle racks, and...? Is this an opportunity!

Where will the small businesses flee? It appears most prefer to be associated with Redmond, but downtown real estate is expensive ....up to 5 times more expensive than their strip mall digs, according to a tenant. The Bell-Red and Rose Hill areas were mentioned a lot. Parker Paint is planning to merge with their Bellevue Store when they move and focus more on retail business. I hoped for Kanishka Cuisine, they would move to the evolving Overlake urban"international district".

When my neighbors watch Black-tailed deer wander down 116th St. looking for a new forest home taken by redevelopment, I'm saddened. Fortunately, these small businesses aren't on the "endangered list" - in fact, I'm counting they will thrive. We WILL miss our "old friends" at the Redmond Shopping Square and look forward to rediscovering them when they find their new homes next year. In the meantime, this historic mall and their tenants will be in business all this year so stop by, and say hi!

A native of Redmond owner of the EASTSIDE GYM ( 95st St. & Willows Rd.) first told me about the proposed extension of 161st St. The Gym is friendly & affordable & I can bike to it from my home on Ed. Hill. It was dis-located last year from a strip mall demolished to build a new Group Health clinic and multi-family housing. (near the construction cranes.)

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Outdoor Art funding to be decided for the Public Safety Building during Council meeting of 1/15

Approved outdoor art for Police Building (right)

"Redmond Arts Commission (and baby)" picture posted on the Arts Commission Website

A city proposal to approve an "Art tax" to fund a $30,000 Outdoor Art project for the remodeled Public Safety Building is linked HERE. A photo of the artwork was provided courtesy of councilman David Carson.

Council will "vote" on this proposal during their meeting on Tuesday, 1/15. This item is on the "Consent Agenda" so council automatically authorizes use of existing funds & conversation will avoided unless a councilmember "pulls Item #4".

The Arts Commission has been recently rejuvinated and reorganized with nine capable, creative, enthusiastic citizen volunteers and outstanding staff. Some of them are my friends. The commission holds public meetings advertised on their website. Comments from citizens are welcome and appreciated by the commissioners by email RAC@REDMOND.GOV or during meetings.

Comments? Opinions? Thoughts?

Mustang Boys & Girls Varsity basketball post wins vs. Lake Washington!

01/11/08 Mustang Girls Basketball Flash: Redmond (11-2) over Lake Washington 62-55.

The Lake Washington Kangs held a 34-24 lead early in the third quarter before the Stangs rallied to take a 59-50 advantage with 1:46 left in the game. LW made things interesting at the end, going on a 5-0 run to trail 59-55 before Redmond pulled away for the win. Courtney Martin led all scorers with 23, Mary Petrie added 12. Next up: at home Wed Jan 16th -vs- Garfield, JV 5:45PM Varsity 7:30.

- photos courtesy of Jerry Smith, Redmond team photographer - (click photos to enlarge)

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The Redmond Mustang Boys Basketball team traveled to Lake Washington and entered a hostile environment. But, they pulled it out! 47-40. The Lake Washington Kangs looking to break their losing streak were stifled by the Redmond defense. Senior Andrew Linquist led the Mustangs with 17 points and Justin Alexander added 12 as the Mustangs improved to 8-3 on the season. Junior post man Dominique Redeau provided a huge spark with some important rebounds and clutch free throws. The game will be televised today, January 12 on channel 21 @7:00PM. For more details visit the www.redmond.gov web site.

Reference: Redmond High School Basketball website

Lake Washington School Kangs website (The westside of Redmond goes from 148th Ave. west to LWS. I think Mayor Marchione was a Kang.)