"Dodge Ball for Dollars" at RHS! -- Olivia Boker's culminating project

[See comment]

link to my opinion story on this event

An incredible event happened at Redmond High School last night, all because of Senior Olivia Boker's entrepreneurial and caring spirit. Some called the event "Dodge Ball for Dollars". Olivia Boker's (photo above) purpose was to excel in her Senior year "culminating project". Her goal was raising money for "The Invisible Children" of northern Uganda and entertain! She had a little help from lots of volunteers. Advisor Erica Gililand, her parents, Natalie and untold passionate others pitched in.


Olivia's Dodge Ball tournament was a gigantic success. I think we may be seeing more of this crazy sport at RHS for years to come. Watching players get nailed reminded us of the days we called it "War". I loved this game!!

Mr. Mayor Marchione attended with two city teams -fire & police- to throw in the opening ball at Oliva's volunteers (below). Unfortunately, he couldn't be around to watch his Fire Team take the trophy from a team of H.S. boy athletes. With two resounding, simultaneous "zingers" at the bell our city department put out the fire!
The colorful Teacher Team was awesome on all counts. If it were me, I'd have voted them "Best dressed". "The Clean Up Crew" -- young boys dressed in garbage bags and duct taped hats won. About a dozen teams played and the bleachers will filled. But, it's Coach Greg's Mustang Girls Ballistics team that got the most photo exposure. Yes, my daughter, #21, is on the team!

I'm not sure how much Olivia Boker's fundraising team earned for the abducted 20,000 Ugandan boys and girls, but it was significant. If you want to make a contribution contact Ms. Gililand in room E206 at RHS or click http://www.invisiblechildren.com/.

A short video clip of Dodge Ball follows, but first some parting facts about the Invisible Children of Uganda:

• Since 1986 20,000 boys and girls were abducted as child soldiers in General Kony's Lords Army Resistance (LAR) militia.
• More than 90% of LRA troops are children.
• 250,000 children in Northern Uganda receive no education.
• 60% of the schools don't function.
• Only one teacher for every 300 students!!!
• and on..... do you want to make a donation? (click on the link)

That jokingly "evil" government form!

That jokingly "evil" PRR government form - "PRR" is a government acronym for "Public Records Request form". Yes, indeed, the public has a wonderful tool to acquire information they need to conduct business with the government and communicate with neighbors. It's the PRR! When you can't get the information you want from city hall you can try a PRR. By state law (and as long as your request is NOT for profit) the city is required to hunt around for what you ask for -- budget information, land use documents and more! And they can't dilly dally. Law states the information should arrive within 5 working days. Obviously, the city doesn't particularly like us snooping around "their records" and it creates extra work on their part. In addition, some would prefer to control the "inside information" rather than give it up to the public. Thus, the PRR is jokingly "evil" to some but a god-send to most.

One of Mr. Mayor Marchione's first actions has been conducting "customer service" training. Hopefully, he will train his staff on the courteous and open availablility of this public document.

- excerpted from my "ODDS & ENDS" entry, 3/18/08

Bob Yoder
co-author
Ed. Hill neighborhood

Where do our Property Taxes go???

After I refinanced the mortgage on my home in Redmond, the county sent me a pie chart to explain "Where do your property taxes go?" I found their answers surprising!

The county slices our property tax into 8 pieces.

How much of your property tax goes to the City of Redmond?

85% of your property tax expenditures are consumed by just three pieces of the pie! And guess what? The City of Redmond's slice is one of the 'Big 3'

The Big 3 slices fund: 1) County purposes including medical services, 2) State and local schools, and 3) Cities & towns.

The largest slice 49.1% goes to State and Local Schools

The 2nd largest slide (17.9%) goes to County & Emergency services

The 3rd largest slice (17.7%) goes to Cities and Towns
The 4th largest slice (5.0%) goes to Fire, Hospital and other Districts
The 5th largest slice (3.6%) goes to Surface Water Management
The 6th largest slice (2.8%) goes to King County Libraries
The 7th largest slice ( 2.3%) goes to Port of Seattle

The smallest slice (1.6%) goes to Ferry and Flood

[Google "ferry" on this blog's search engine for details on the new "Mesquito Fleet" tax. For information on property tax problems and information on appealing assessed values call 206-296-5202.}]

Bob Yoder

Ed. Hill Neighborhood

Our Planning Commission really cares

The Planning Commissioners held a Public Meeting last week on "Home Business Licencing" requirements. I caught the tail-end of the meeting on RC-TV21 and wanted to tell them about a home-based food re-packaging business that was attracting rats in my neighborhood. Guess what? It wasn't too late! They "heard me" even though the Public Meeting had closed!

Usually, citizens can only "comment" before or during Public Meetings. That's changed. At times, they will extend the comment period for a few days after the Meeting. It's clear our commissioners go the extra mile to "listen" to us and encourage participation during their important city decisions.

The planning commissioners can be reached at planningcommission@redmond.gov . We are very lucky our commissioners will often "hear us" after a Public Meeting and before they make their decision. At present, comments made by email are not accepted during Public Hearings or Study Sessions. Hopefully, this policy will change. Usually, several planners sit at the table with the commission with their computers. It would be beneficial to keep this line of communication open.

Below, is the email comment I sent during last week's Public Meeting on business licensing. I learned later, a Redmond resident had already contacted our code enforcement officer, Carl McArthy and these businesses are now shut-down.
Dear Commissioners -

I have a comment on home business licensing for "food repackaging" businesses. Recently, Carl McCarthy had to make a visit to a home in our neighborhood that repackages dated food items and then sells the food at discount prices. The business is messy. It's operated out of the garage, multiple refers and freezers are used. Recently, a neighbor reported a large rat infestation in a nearby home and a few other homes. Lots of food waste is left on the curbs in over packed garbage barrels.

I hope these types of food businesses are shut down. The business is not a charity. It is a money making business. Public health is also a question mark.

Thank you,
[leave name and address]

Bob Yoder
C0-author, Ed. Hill neighborhood

Home sweet home

There's no place on Earth quite like Redmond, Washington.

Our fair city is known by many nicknames (both formal and informal): Bicycle Capital of the Northwest, Microsoft Town, a community of good neighbors.

But for me (and I suspect a great many of my fellow residents) Redmond is synonymous with merely one concise, cherished word. Home.

My attachment to Redmond is all the more powerful because it is the only home I have ever known. I've happily spent all twenty one years of my life here, and can't imagine spending the rest of them anywhere else. While I do love traveling, and sightseeing, there's perhaps nothing more exciting to me than coming home.

I call it returning to Redmond.

My thoughts always turn to coming home when that plane is taxiing to the runway to depart for SeaTac. Or when I'm passing under the 148th Avenue overchange on State Route 520, heading towards downtown. My favorite sight from the highway is when Redmond Town Center comes into view from the sloping hill. You can see the retail district, the forested hills above, and on a clear day, the breathtaking Cascades far and away, towering over the fields of Marymoor Park.

The future and well-being of the City of Redmond are vitally important to me. In fact, concern for Redmond is what led me to become involved in politics and civic affairs just over six years ago.

I was a freshman in high school at the time, and greatly concerned about the impact of Tim Eyman's harmful initiatives. Initiative 747 had recently passed then, putting the squeeze on Redmond and King County, and Eyman was going after Sound Transit, the very agency that will eventually provide me and all other Redmond residents with a way to reliably and quickly get out of town without an automobile.

I had no political experience and no connections back in February of 2002. Just an incredibly strong instinct that what Eyman was doing was harmful to Redmond, harmful to my family, and harmful to my future. So I launched a website to oppose him.

In 2003, recognizing that effectively blunting the impact of Eyman's initiatives was difficult without having better ideas, I founded the Northwest Progressive Institute, a strategy center which I continue to lead as executive director. Today NPI has over a dozen staff (nobody is yet on the payroll, but that will change soon) and more of us live in Redmond than any other municipality in the Pacific Northwest, giving NPI a strong connection to the community.

I am not only a proud liberal, but also a partisan Democrat as well (I serve on the Executive Board of the 45th District Democrats). I may not be an independent, but I am open minded. I enjoy listening to the perspectives of conservative and Republican friends even if I disagree with what they're saying. I pay close attention to reader feedback, whether it's praise or criticism, and I use it constantly to improve my writing.

While I do follow national and state politics very closely, my posts here will usually focus squarely on life in Redmond or city government - this is, after all, a neighborhood blog! Our relationship with the rest of the Puget Sound region is important, however, and I will touch on that, especially in the context of topics like transportation. If you're someone who would like to read my analysis of the presidential race - or another non-Redmond political topic - I invite you to check out NPI's blog, which we update about every day, published (as the description says) from majestic Redmond, Washington.

Or, more simply...home sweet home.

- Andrew Villeneuve

Eggstravaganza coming to Redmond

I can't tell you how excited my kids are that the City of Redmond's Eggstravaganza is just around the corner.

This annual event, held at the Redmond Senior Center on March 22nd, is a big hit at our house. Sure the Easter Bunny visits my kids at home and leaves them baskets of goodies in the back yard next to her hole. And of course we decorate eggs with stickers, crayons and dye that takes days to get scrubbed off my kitchen table. But nothing beats heading down to be with our neighbors and friends hunting eggs with candy inside for the little ones.

The first time we went, we paid for the Traditional Hunt and Pancake Breakfast that is held inside the Senior Center from 8am to 11am and put on by our local Lions Club. This year, it'll be in Classroom #24361, but in the past years that we've been to this event, we've just headed to the actual hunt at 10am (SHARP) and slept in a bit. (Around our house, the Easter Bunny wakes up very early to put those baskets near her dug out hole with the chewed up carrots. Then after she's done, she goes back to bed!) I also like that the "hunt" is held in an open area so I can see where the kids are at all times while I'm having a conversation with the other parents that are there.

After the hunt, we head inside (admission is $5 for kids and $7 for adults) for some face coloring, arts and crafts and games. And who can resist a photo with Mr(s) Bunny ($3 donation) to send back home to the grandparents? It sure beats the photos at Bellevue Square Mall that start at $19!!! Last year they started a Flashlight Hunt and Family Dance from 7pm to 10pm, also at the Senior Center, but our little ones are just to young for such an event.

Thanks to Jill and the City for providing such a great non-religious event that my family can take pleasure in and giving us a chance to see the community come out to enjoy the day. To learn more about the Eggstravaganza, visit the City of Redmond's website and we'll see you there! Rain or shine.

Koloud 'Kay' Tarapolsi
Co-Author, Overlake Neighborhood

"Odds & Ends"

Odds & Ends

Affordable Housing 101

"Thumbs up" on purchasing Lake Tapps

That jokingly "evil" PRR government form!

SR 520 road widening news!

Affordable Housing 101- Many citizens are mis-informed about affordable housing, thinking it is funded primarily by public assistance. On the contrary -- on the Eastside, the majority of affordable housing is funded by the private sector. Visit "Housing 101" to learn more. Mortgage assistance (4% loans, and more!) is available for first time buyers of homes under $361,000 with incomes ranging from $40K - 67K. For details visit "House Key Plus ARCH". And don't forget to tell your children!

-- source: City Council meeting, 2/2008 and Arthur Sullivan, Program Manager, ARCH.

"Thumbs up" on buying Lake Tapps - The city council gave a "thumbs up" on approval of the Purchase and Sale of Lake Tapps (near Tacoma) for the Cascade Water Alliance. The Cascade alliance plans to pipe water into Lake Tapps for storage. The water source is the White River. It drains Emmons glacier on Mt. Ranier -- the ultimate source. A pipe up to 70 inches in diameter will transport the Lake Tapps water to Redmond and other eastside cities and districts. Since 2003 Emmons glacier has been receding. In one study, University of Washington scientists forecast a 59% loss of snowpack by 2050. I've mountaineered Emmons - its huge. The receding glaciers were not discussed publicly as a concern by the either the Cascade alliance or city officials during the council 3/08 meeting. The Cascade alliance pipe, conservation, and a smaller carbon footprint will ALL be required to keep our water supply at capacity. "By 2020 existing water supplies will not be enough to reach forecasted demands" according to the "2001 Puget Sound Regional Outlook". Councilman Cole summarized, we are fortunate to have the resources of Cascade Water Alliance.

That jokingly "evil" PRR government form - "PRR" is a government acronym for "Public Records Request Form". Yes, indeed, the public has a wonderful tool to acquire information they need to conduct business with the government and communicate with neighbors. It's the PRR! When you can't get the information you want from city hall you can try a PRR! By state law (and as long as your request is NOT for profit) the city is required to hunt around for what you ask for -- budget information, land use documents and more! And they can't dilly dally. Law states the information should arrive within 5 working days. Obviously, the city doesn't particularly like us snooping around "their records" and it creates extra work on their part. In addition, some would prefer to control the "inside information" rather than give it up to the public. Thus, the PRR is jokingly "evil" to some but a god-send to most.

SR 520 road widening news - Word is out a few local city and state government officials are "cautiously optimistic" about funding a Bear Creek meander to move it away from the 4 additional lanes planned for 520. The lanes will be built on the creek-side and will consume flood plain capacity and threaten endangered salmon. Meandering the creek will mitigate flooding, make traveling safer, and protect the listed salmon. Citizen Gary Smith (past Trails Commissioner, salmon aficionado and Water Tender ) has spearheaded and coordinated citizen efforts with the city, agencies and legislature and is a large reason for the success we've had to date. You can find Gary's regionally renowned 520-Bear Creek flood video clip here. Gary only recently announced guarded optimism for creek restoration funding.

Bob Yoder

Education Hill neighborhood

A Walk in the Park

Howdy Neighbors, Bob Yoder asked me if I might contribute a few blog posts. Before I realized my commitment, I said, "yes!" My topic is about Redmond Parks and Trails. I am a regular user of Parks and Trails, so this should be an easy task for me.

Let me begin with Hartman Park. If you are new to Redmond, you may not have discovered this jewel yet. Hartman Park is located across the street from the Redmond High School at the top of Education Hill. The park is home to a King County swimming facility and 5 baseball fields. This is the home field of Redmond North Little League.

In 2004, Redmond North Little League won the Northwest region and participated in the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, PA. With Redmond North claiming the Northwest, it is the third team from Washington to claim the Northwest since its inception in 2001. Previous Washington champions were Bainbridge Island (2001), Richland (2003).

I walk thru the park virtually everyday with my companion dog, Sadie. Spring weather is showing color now in the park. The flowering plum trees are on display, and most trees are showing new green! Spring is a time of natural renewal, and plenty of outdoor activity.

I like this neighborhood park, and really enjoy watching the baseball games, and soccer games on the newer "turf" field. There is plenty of activity beginning in the spring, and that continues through the summer. In the summer, when my home windows are open for ventilation, I can easily hear all the baseball fans screaming, "go Johnny, go Johnny!"

My favorite area of the park is the wooded trail that meanders through a forest of cedars. It is walking in the woods that I feel grounded. Sadie likes to run freely on the trail. It is pure joy when she leaps to action and gives chase to a wild rabbit. We walked the park trail today in the rain. I got fairly wet from head to toe, yet the air is clean and fresh. My shoes got wet too, but they usually dry out overnight, for the next walk in Hartman Park.

Richard Morris

Education Hill neighborhood

Co-author

Blog Purpose, 2008

With the important mayoral and council elections over I've been thinking about where to direct my attention next with this blog. Mayor Marchione has been in office for over 60 days and he seems to to have gotten off to quite a good start. Thus, mayoral public relations are no longer called for from this keyboard. The mayor is an excellent administrator (the primary reason I campaigned for him) so, I'm confident his staff is soon up and running. Recently, the mayor completed land use public notice improvements that were initiated by ex-Councilman John Resha. Though, nothing was codified some of the improvements are significant. Thus, at this point I see no purpose in echoing Notices the city gives for land use. (I will amplify and enrich city event notices.) If the city errs or misleads on land use notices (or other areas) and I am informed, I may scrutinize the issue with the public and to bring clarity, transparency and/or reform.

Scrutiny of Redmond city government still remains the keystone of this blog. Neighbors have told me repeatedly they are happy "someone is watching" the city. Connecting and engaging city officials with citizens is the central purpose of this blog. "Together we make Redmond Better." A third purpose has come to the fore recently. I call it "The Big Sell." The Redmond Blog has a unique ability to accurately deliver multi-media messages to layered decision-makers to influence outcomes. Entertaining stories and features encourage readers to come back and to keep sharing this blog with others. And lastly, I advocate.

I'm a community volunteer. I do the best job I can, time permitting. Presently, I'm looking for work and some day soon I won't have endless hours to wile away at my favorite hobby!

It's important this blog keeps current and interesting and reaches out to a broader audience. Sports, cultural, environmental, land use, commerce and other Redmond topics are important to citizens and to the value of this blog. Once I start work, I won't have the time to write up these events. Thus, I'm launching a "team blog" of co-authors, to take the Redmond Neighborhood Blog to the next level of communication within our neighborhoods!



Stay tuned! And, don't forget to tell your friends to google "redmond blog" for the latest alternative neighborhood news!



If you would like to learn about how to be a co-author please email: redmondblog@gmail.com . I'm open to your job ideas, too!


All the best,

Bob Yoder
Education Hill
Redmond, WA. 98052

REDUX: Redmond Junior High 166th Avenue safety improvements

At last night's council meeting, the Council and Mayor gave "the green light" to road safety improvements on 166th Ave adjacent Redmond Junior High. The present 4 lanes will be re-channeled to 3 lanes, wider sidewalks, with bike lanes.

The Mayor is working with LWSD authorities to reconfigure the RJH parking lots to improve circulation. Construction is not not planned for completion until the first quarter of 2009. This is right during the school year. The delay is attributed to ordering light poles for 104 & 166 intersection. The rechannelization will probably be done first to convenience students, parents, and vehicular traffic.

Council felt confident in approving construction owing to the positive survey results at the last RJH public informational meeting. "100 citizens showed up" and 74 completed surveys. With the exception of one* survey question participants were positive about the improvements. *41% of those surveyed felt it would be more difficult to merge onto 166th Ave. The survey found most wanted rechannelization extended to NE 100th Street.

The February 7 Community Meeting SURVEY RESULTS on 166th improvments are listed here. If you were unable to attend the meeting how would you respond to this survey? Interestingly, 20 of 74 surveys were mailed in after the meeting. Can we assume the surveys were completed soley by community meeting residents?

Several councilmembers and the Mayor appear to prefer to rechannel 166th all the way down the hill to 85th, but they want to wait until the residents become comfortable with the RJH road safety improvments first. Councilman Pat Vache stated Redmond already has several 4:3 conversions showing rechannelization works and has safety benefits.

Some concerns about the rechannelization of 166th Ave. were voiced by a few citizens after the public meeting: 1) fencing is too close to 166th and impedes line-of-site. 2) during the AM commute cars may back up to NE 100th St. and make it impossible to turn left. Also, some drivers actually get out of their car now on 100th St. to punch the crosswalk light button. Will a timed light be programed at 100th?

Teenager Mike Ellis officiates 5 high school sports - his story!

While watching my daughter's basketball games I met Mike Ellis, a young official. I was impressed with his love of officiating and curious as to what drew him to it. Mike officiates 5 school sports! It takes a special person with unique skill sets and sturdy self-esteem to be a good official. I tried it once. Not for me. Mike wrote the following story about his job:

"My name is Mike Ellis. I am currently a student at Bellevue Community College and officiating is my income. People constantly ask me how some one my age (18) can handle coaches and fans in such high stressed games. Well, simple for me: its just a game, I'm out there to have fun and give back to the players and community. Most of the comments I find funny and you can usually see me just laughing with a whistle in my mouth. Sure some comments bug me but its never anything that's going to effect the way I officiate. I'm there for the kids not the parents or fans.

(The lacrosse photo on the right is not of Mike. You can find his lacrosse officiating photo at the Redmond Lacrosse Club site header)

I currently officiate 4, High-school sports - Hockey, Lacrosse, Football, and Basketball - and I'm training for Volleyball. Hockey is the most difficult to officiate mainly because it is on Ice and you have to constantly think about how to get into position without falling. Hockey is also a hard hitting sport with lots of decisions based on the intent of what the players are doing -- sort of like basketball but in basketball the fouls stand out a lot more.

Lacrosse vs. Basketball: Basketball is a split second decision making process. Your whistle is in your mouth. In Lacrosse you have a few seconds....the whistle isn't in your mouth but on your fingers so you can think about the call. Lacrosse is obviously a contact sport. For me basketball is more fun to officiate since there are fewer players and you are closer to them on the court so you can joke around -- unlike lacrosse which is played on a large field similar to a soccer field. Usually only 2 officials work a lacrosse game. So, you have to cover 2X as many players as basketball and in a very big arena.

Lacrosse pays the most of the of the high school sports I officiate -- $40 for Middle School games and $70 for High School games. Sure, I could make officiating a career if I could work at the professional level -- but I could never make it by officiating high school alone. I'm majoring in business so I'm sure I can find something else to do (if I don't make it to the professional level).

I started officiating Lacrosse and Hockey four years ago (age 14). Finding time is not hard for me as I take college classes from 10:30 - 1:20pm and most games don't start till after 3pm.

The largest shortage of officials is in Lacrosse and Volleyball. (Growth of lacrosse is limited by the availability of officials, coaches, and fields -- not players). If anyone is interested in learning how to officiate lacrosse a visit to www.waloa.info is a good start. Training clinics are being organized and underway right now."

Thank you,

Mike Ellis

Msellis@comcast.net

425-241-6835

LACROSSE: http://www.waloa.info/

HOCKEY: http://www.kentvalleyhockey.com/hockeyofficials.html

VOLLEYBALL: http://www.gsvo.org/

BASKETBALL: https://www.pugetsoundbasketball.com/content/view/19/50/

Basketball, youth & rec woman's : http://www.sowb.org/

And, thank you, Mike, and all the best in your avocation and possible future career!

March 20 YOUTH SUMMIT gives students opportunity to share their needs and concerns. (This is an excused absence from school).

ATTENDANCE - According to Nanchy Chang, Teen Program Coordinator, 57 students and 37 adults attended. Council Vice-President, Pat Vache was present.

YOUTH SUMMIT - “Cooperation through Communication: Bridging the Gaps”

WORKSHOP #1 It's all about the $$ - looking at money management

WORKSHOP #2 Dealing with it - addressing the issues that teens face

WORKSHOP #3 Expanding your World - looking beyond for opportunities

WORKSHOP #4 Stepping up to H.S. - for junior high students only

WORKSHOP #5 Life After H.S. - what are some options

TIME: Thursday, March 20, 2008 from 8:30am-2:00pm

PLACE: at the Old Redmond School House Community Center.

This is an excused absence for Lake Washington School District students.
The summit will be an opportunity for youth and adults to share their issues and concerns of the needs of youth in Redmond. This summit is sponsored by (RYPAC).

ATTENTION: REGISTRATION IS DUE MARCH 12! Register online here. (scroll down)

The day will begin with some opening remarks and a keynote speaker. We will then break out into different workshops to begin to develop ideas. Each person will have an opportunity to participate in two workshops during the day and input will be shared at the close of the summit.

Unfortunately, we have limited space and we want to have all junior high and high schools in Redmond represented. So if you are interested and want to be a part of this please fill out the online application and submit it for consideration. We will notify all applicants if you are selected. Each school will be responsible for transportation and permission slips so see your school administrator for more information.

Adults we need you to help in this process. Please fill out the online application by March 12 if you are interested in being a part of creating a better place for teens in Redmond. We have a limited number of spaces.

Youth Summit 2008 Registration Form (here) : Because of limited space, only 200 youth from the Redmond area will be randomly selected to attend the Summit. Please be sure to get your registration in by Wednesday, March 12, 2008. We cannot accept any registrations after this date.

When you open the "online registration page" SCROLL DOWN to find the form. If you need assistance, email RYPAC@REDMOND.GOV

THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY: "The Redmond Youth Partnership Advisory Committee" (RYPAC)

My favorite budget priority: "I want a sense of community and connection with others."

The council and Marchione administration are trying a new tack to involve the public in creating a respectable budget for the next two years. It's called "Budgeting by Priorities". [video clip of Mayor Marchione & Pres. McCormick at bottom.]

I went to the first public meeting last Thursday. It was kinda fun. The focus of the meeting was to learn about 6 Budget Priorities that were picked by a Focus Group of 40 citizens and Council. The council chambers were almost full at the meeting. We all had a chance to pick our favorite Priority and talk about it in group breakouts.

I selected the priority group: "I WANT A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION WITH OTHERS". I look at my blog as a way to connect the neighbors with each other and the city and schools. I also like the network of trails that connect developments to parks and schools and roads. With a good trail system, fewer cars (& less congestion) are needed for student commutes; more bicycles are used for errands. And especially, trails and parks are synonymous with lower health costs & increased productivity.

Korby Parnel, a planning commissioner, has been a long-time advocate of city-wide WI-FI. I like the concept too, for convenience, more opportunities to connect with others, and less commuting "home" or to the office to get "hooked in". Some citizens recommended a more comprehensive web site to connect the neighborhoods. Later, I discovered Communications Program Manager, Ms. Gronlund just built-out a Neighborhood site (here)!

My final strategic thought was to keep families connected by expanding housing choices. "Mother-in-law" housing -- also known as ADU's help to keep handicapped or dependent families under one roof. Seniors and boomerang kids is another group that benefit. One citizen reminded us that affordable housing is more likely when buildings are allowed to add an extra story.

It appeared the bulk of the folks in my group were interested in arts and theatre and culture. Many arts commissioners were present,including Tom Flynn, Chair of the arts commission and Mary, the arts staffer. I thought the best idea we agreed upon as a group was one recommended by Tom. He suggested an indoor gathering place similar in concept to the Crossroads Mall. Every weekend live music is played by a different group, kids and adults dance (my favorite attraction), "sidewalk" chess is played, large food court, and a New York style open newspaper rack and bookstore. Tom suggested a public-private partnership. A developer savvy citizen said the X-Roads mall worked, in part, because it was surrounded by high density residential. Good point. Several Arts commissions had brought up Cleveland Ave. for a location idea. With several 6 story residential buildings going up on Cleveland Avenue soon, commissioners may have hit the mark for a mall location?!! Promenades came up briefly, too.

One gentleman recommended we add a 7th Priority addressing aspects of "CIVIC PRIDE". I think it's a great idea! Do you? The 6 Priorities are listed below:

Priorities:
1) I want a well-maintained city whose infrastructure keeps pace with growth.
2) I want to live,learn,work, and play in a clean and green environment.
3) I want a sense of community and connection with others.
4) I want to be safe where I live, learn, work and play.
5) I want a diverse and vibrant range of businesses in Redmond.
6) I want a city government that is responsible and responsive to its residents and businesses.

Is there a place for "civic pride" here? What's our city signature? "Who are we"? How do we budget for it? Is our city "signature" the bicycle capital of the NW? Digital art? Parks & trails? Natural areas? What are we proud of in Redmond and how do we express it?


4 minute clip of Council President Nancy McCormick and Mayor John Marchione talking it up at the 3/4 meeting. The next, last and most important meeting is April 24.

Community Indicator Trend data will be used to help prioritize the budget.

(See a correction in red)

Staffer Jeff Churchill presented fascinating "Community Indicator" trend data at the 2/26 joint council-planning commission meeting. This trend data helps council and the administration -

• track the progress towards goals


• prioritize budgetary needs


• is a tool the Chamber of Commerce uses in working with businesses.

Planning Commissioner Parnell found the trend data very valuable and interesting. Most of the housing indicator trends can be used to help prioritize our budget; to open access to affordable housing -- especially for Seniors and adult children looking for their first apartment or home.

Trends showed the housing price / income ratio increased from 4.9 in 1997 to 7.7 today. That's a 36% increase in housing costs over 11 years with income constant! Indicator trends also demonstrate a 6.2% rise in the price of a home in 2007 AND four consecutive 6% annual increases in years prior. Any citizen involved in the "Results Team" for prioritizing our budget would have to look hard at these skyrocketing housing trends and the abilitiy of working citizens to make housing payments.

At the March 4th Council Meeting "Consent Agenda", council will be approving funding to facilitate several families with housing assistance. Council will allocate $40,000 to "Friends of Youth" in Kirkland to build transitional housing for young adults leaving foster care, between 18-25. A case manager will be on site full time. (detail here) Council will also be asked to allocate $25,000 to build six transitional family housing units in Kirkland. Council will consent approval (details here) of $55,000 for our annual share of ARCH's budgetary needs. ( 13 other cities make proportionate contributions to ARCH - our Eastside Housing Dept.). Over the years ARCH has built 0ver 710 affordable housing units in Redmond city limits. All cities combined received 2300 units - Redmond has fared well. Finally, a 'document recording fee" will raise $3M county-wide for primarily capital costs of housing assistance.

Stream Water Quality trends are measured every year to indicate the health of our environment. Surveys taken between 2004 and 2005 showed "marginal" quality readings of 40 (out of 100). In 2006-2007 measurements were sporadically better in a few places but no stormwater outfall measurements were taken. Stormwater contains the most contaminated water. From a budgetary standpoint, I would hope the Results Team will budget for tertiary bio-filtration treatment at the new Bear Creek regional outfall and at the main trunk outfall at Luke McRedmond Park. Will swirl, media and wetland filtration alone keep water quality readings above 40? Copper and oil run-off from the 520 eight lane widening project will stress water quality measurements even further.

The commerce indicator measurements trended good. Our share of regional employment dipped to 81,844 in 2006 but we were still above forecast. Regional employment in 2005 was 82,073.

Mary, an arts staffer prepared an indicator measurement for "cultural and performance arts" which showed a dramatic increase in attendance to Art Commission sponsored events.

The final "community indicator" document will be published in April and available to the public.

Attn: Boomers - Where in Redmond will our children and parents live when they need housing?

Housing availability for families in Redmond is approaching crisis levels for those who don't have the higher income tech or professional related jobs. This is especially true for our children seeking their first home or apartment and for Seniors over the age of 75. Believe it or not, the population of baby boomer's parents are the fastest growing demographic in Redmond, yet they (and their grandchildren) have the smallest disposable income! Unless we do something to create affordable family housing, many Redmond's young adults and seniors may have to move or abandon their plans to live with their families in Redmond.

Reasonable access to housing is perhaps even more severe for the blue collar worker, low tech worker or lower paid professionals like teachers and salesmen. Already many of these working families are commuting from Monroe, Kent, and other outlying cities to service Redmond residents. As the price of oil increases to $100/barrel will they be able to afford their commute? Growth in Redmond and services could slow and even suffer from lack of workers.

I remember ex-mayor Ives once envisioning Redmond evolving into "another Stamford, Connecticut" where most residents are affluent and and serviced by surrounding communities and extensive mass transit. Do we want our city to be like another Stamford -- lacking in economic diversity?

Last Tuesday, the Planning Commissioners, Council and Mayor tried to address some of these issues. Mayor Marchione stated that we can't solve the worker-commute problem just by building roads and mass transit. Mayor Marchione encouraged staff, council and planning commission to work with Arthur Sullivan, Program Manager of ARCH (our eastside housing department) to create affordable family housing inside Redmond. Adding affordable housing inside Redmond would also help to reduce the traffic congestion problem!

We are certainly not having a problem building $1 million homes AND those homes will need services! 800 million $ homes will soon be built at Redmond Ridge East. 3500 expensive new housing units are scheduled for Redmond Ridge and 3000 expensive units are scheduled in North Redmond over the next 5-10 years. We need to make sure ARCH gets the support it needs to facilitate modest housing for the service workers we need IN Redmond!

ARCH has already funded 737 housing units for Redmond from their multi-city ARCH Trust Fund. Over $6M in Trust Funds have been dedicated to Redmond families and residents in need of housing support. If you have friends or family looking for affordable condos and houses click here: http://www.archhousing.org/ownership/owner_ops_text.html.

Councilmembers Cole, McCormick, Vache and Allen were all pleased with how Redmond has led the Region through efforts of ARCH. Council will decide during their next meeting to approve by consent $65000 for the Trust Fund to build transitional housing for foster-children. How would you vote? Decent priced housing for decent people & workers is something we certainly need! Comments?

The ARCH website is http://www.archhousing.org/.

Multi-Media Program on how the Klondike Gold rush of 1897 affected our area, 3/8.

SAVE THE DATE: On Saturday, March 8, 2008, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at The Redmond Library, 15990 NE 85 Street, Redmond, WA. A special multi-media event will take place!

Come and hear all about the Klondike Gold Rush. Ruth Kerr, of the Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park, Seattle, will cover the 2-year period, starting in 1897, of the gold rush and this area’s involvement. She will take us from Seattle to Dawson City, also discussing the U.S. partnership with Canada. (click to enlarge)

History is happening in Redmond! Visit our RHS website: http://www.redmondhistory.org/.”

Old Redmond Historic Walking Tours Return. If you live in Redmond, you probably drive along Leary Way daily. But do you know the histories of our oldest buildings? Like, which one was both an undertaker's premises and a bordello? Tom Hitzroth will educate and entertain folks with walking tours that explore those histories.

This year’s dates are April 20, May 18, June 22, and September 21, 2008. Tours run from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., and walkers meet on the front steps of the Justice White House, 7730 Leary Way. A tour will not be held if it rains.

An $8 fee helps fund Society research. Pre-registration is required. To register, e-mail Tom at thitzroth@msn.com or phone the Redmond Historical Society office at 425-885-2919.

Mustang Girls stomp out Eastlake 60-47 and create a stampede to Vancouver to play Skyview.

Post Eastlake-game celebration!

New beginnings!!

1.4min video clip of victory celebration!!

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: The Mustang Express (18-7) rolls south this Sat to play the Skyview for a trip to State after defeating Eastlake 60-47! The Stangs are the SeaKing District #3 team. Redmond opened up a 37-21 halftime lead, then withstood an Eastlake rally that closed the gap to 38-34 with own 10-2 run. In the fourth quarter, the Stang defense held the Wolves to eight point to secure the win. Alicia Valentine led all scorers with 20, Courtney Martin had 19, and Mary Petrie added 11. Next up: at Heritage HS (Vancouver, WA) Sat 5PM -vs- Skyview. Mustang Flash courtesy of Jerry Nakata.

See our Woodinville, Ballard, Eastlake, LW, Roosevelt, Eastlake game photos! Above photo of Alicia Valentine courtesy of Jerry Smith.

GO 'STANGS!!!

[Stangs lost to Skyview on Saturday, 2/23. Season is over]

Mustang Flash: #5 ranked Skyview stops the Mustang Express (18-8) 58-32, wins trip to State. This was the final game for seniors Stephanie Egberg, Katie Kruger, Mary Petrie, and Krista Simonson. We wish them well. This ends the 07-08 campaign for the Stangs, the most improved team in Kingco, who last year were 4-16! Congratulations on a great year!
See our Ballard, Eastlake, LW, Roosevelt, Eastlake and Skyview game photos!

Can neighborhoods influence the cost of government?

It's almost been the norm in Redmond to complain or fret about where our tax money is being spent to run Redmond government.

Mayor Marchione is trying to change that by involving our neighborhoods UP FRONT in identifying city priorities on how our tax money is spent.

You can learn about this novel neighborhood-engaged budget process in one of three ways:

1. Scan the concise "Budgeting By Priorities" website.


2. View a 6 minute Q&A video featuring Mayor Marchione here.


3. Attend the Thursday, February 28th 6:30pm interactive meeting at City Hall.

At the Thursday meeting you'll not only learn about Marchione's new approach to spending our tax dollars but you'll have a chance give Mayor Marchione & council your ideas and influence the final results.

These are our tax dollars. And, this an excellent opportunity to influence city officials on how & where our money will be spent. Will you tell your neighbors about this?

Redmond High School Theatre - Midsummer Night's Dream

Romantic Comedy Coming Soon!

Redmond High School Theatre Arts presents

A Midsummer Night's Dream

by William Shakespeare

Circus arts, stage combat and special technical effects tell the story of King Oberon and Queen Titania, whose feud in a magical forest entangles four lovelorn teens and a hapless crew of amateur actors, all looking for their way to a happy ending.

Showtimes:
February 28-March 1 and March 6-8 at 7:00pm
Sunday, March 2 at 2:00pm

Tickets now available online! Visit http://www.redmonddrama.org/
You may also buy tickets at the door or by phone: (425) 498-7150

Redmond Girls slam Roosevelt 51-31 as 'Stangs prepare for Thursday's onslaught over Eastlake H.S.

.......................Kaitlyn Parrott shoots vs. RV.


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 (17-7) advances in the Sea-King District tournament by defeating Roosevelt 51-31! The Stangs raced out to a 29-12 halftime lead in eliminating the Roughriders from the tournament. Courtney Martin led all scorers with 17, Mary Petrie added 12, and Katie Kruger had 11. Mustang Flash courtesy of Jerry Nakata

and.....MUSTANG DEFENSE PLAYER GETS SIGNALED OUT BY THE TIMES !!!....................

SEATTLE TIMES, 2/20, "... Kaitlyn Parrott turned in the defensive performance of the season as Redmond ended Roosevelt's girls basketball season with a 51-31 victory in a Sea-King 4A District loser-out game Tuesday night at Juanita High School.

Parrott held Rachel Harris of Roosevelt to two points — eight below her average. Harris had scored 22 and 15 against Redmond in two previous games, both Roosevelt victories."

Next up: another elimination game, this time a rematch of round 1 -vs- Eastlake
2/21, Thurs. 6:30PM at Juanita HS!

See our Bothell, Woodinville, Ballard, Eastlake, LW, and Roosevelt game photos! Photos courtesy of Jerry Smith


Three 'Stangs score, Krueger rebounds and more - 1.40min clip



Last 6 minutes of game, with starters & upperclassmen relieved by newbies (Heather,Jess, Kaitie, Lexie, Kailin)

Proposed Red-Wood Road improvements don't make sense

Opinion: Council has spent several sessions listening to staff's proposal to widen Red-Wood (202) from two lanes to five lanes. This five-lane "improvement" would extend from 124th St. south to 160th Ave for all of 1.5 miles. Two of the new lanes would be HOV. The third must be for bike lanes and sidewalks?

Now, how is this "improvement" supposed to help traffic? The HOV lanes end after only 1.5 miles! Commuters would find their movement constricted if not grounded in a "parking lot". Councilman Pat Vache called the improvement a 1.5 mile "boa constrictor". Councilwoman Allen agreed. I think most councilmembers felt the road should be expanded to three lanes, not five.

A juggernaut is the 109th Street & 154th Place intersection. Staff insisted the intersection was not up to standards, especially for the southbound right turn. Click link for map of Red-Wood Intersection at 109th St. and 154th

To expand out an additional 3 lanes would cause hardship to property owners near Gateway natural buffers of green trees and byrnes would be clipped and replaced with concrete sound barriers. So, staff was asked to go back to the drawing boards --I hope to design a 3-lane solution.

Councilman Hank Margeson in his ever-humble assessment recommended Willows Road as a better prospect for moving traffic. Transit uses Willows Rd. and and it's easier to enlarge than 202. Mayor Marchione wants to keep 202 a neighborhood road, though I think that's a council decision. How many want 5 lanes? Raise your hands!

Mustang girls in District game Sat. Feb 16th 3PM at Juanita HS.

Mustang Flash: On 2/13 at Eastlake, Redmond (15-7) lost a thriller to Eastlake 56-53 in the Sea-King District tournament. Through three quarters it was a see-saw contest with the Wolves holding a 36-33 lead. With less than a minute to play, the Stangs tied the game at 49 all on Alicia Valentine's three. Ahead 54-51 with 14 seconds left Eastlake missed two free throws but the Wolves' Alyssa Charlston grabbed the rebound, was fouled, and sank the free throws to seal the win. Courtney Martin led all scorers with 22. Mustang Flash is courtesy of Jerry Nakata.

Next up: Sea-King tournment continues with a loser out game @Juanita HS, -vs- LW Sat Feb 16th 3PM.
See our Inglemoor, Juanita, Roosevelt, Bothell, Woodinville, and Ballard game photos!

Photo of Katie Kruger is courtesy of Jerry Smith, team photographer

Mustang Varsity Girls basketball battle Ballard in OT! Tourney info!!

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 (15-6) loses in OT to #4 ranked Ballard 52-47. The Stangs held a seven point halftime lead, but the Beavers tied the game at 44 in regulation on a pair of free throws with 20 seconds remaining. In OT Ballard held the Mustangs to three points to avoid the upset. Courtney Martin led all scorers with 25. Redmond JVs finish season at 15-2 with 58-31 win over Ballard. Mustang Flash courtesy of Jerry Nakato.

First round of the Sea-King tournament! 7:30PM Wed. Feb 13th. The WIAA is reporting that the game will be at Eastlake HS.

Follow the Stangs during post season play in the 2008 Sea-King Tournament. Mustang Boys Varsity tourney info at http://www.redmondmustangs.com/

GAME PHOTOS: See our Inglemoor, Juanita, Roosevelt, Bothell, Woodinville, and Ballard game photos! The photo of Courtney Martin (#23) and all photo albums are courtesy of Jerry Smith, team photographer.

Below are 3 video clips of the Mustang Varsity Girls game vs. Ballard (30 sec. - 2 minutes)


2 minutes of action!




CLIP #2 (30 sec.) - above



LAST PLAY BEFORE OVERTIME - CLIP #3 (2 min.)

High stormwater utility rates under review by council

Two weeks ago past councilman Richard Grubb spoke to council during an "Items from the Audiance talk" about the high costs of stormwater management in Redmond. He was concerned that stormwater fees have increased from $3.00/month in 1988 to $16.56 today.

Granted, stormwater treatment helps to remove sediments and pollutants from run-off before it gets into Bear creek and the Sammamish River. In addition, the city uses stormwater fees & grants to pay for stream and wetland restoration projects for new developments and along Bear & Evans Creek and the Sammamish River. Expensive retention ponds have recently be intalled along the Evans Creek industrial basin. In additon, I think fees have been applied to permit approvals and preservation of Keller Farm wetlands. Keller Farm wetlands are vital to aquifer recharge. Our aquifer supplies 40% of our drinking water. Meandering our waterways to control floods and preserve fish habitat is also funded through stormwater fees & grants.
It is clear, the city really does care about flood mitigation, safety of our drinking water, protection of endangered salmon, and the "swimmability" of Lake Sammamish and the slough. But, as Councilman Hank Margeson stated at the last council meeting -- a 452% stormwater rate increase over 20 years is something to look at. Mr. Margeson is Chair of the Planning and Public Works Committee. It meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at 4:30 pm in the room off of city hall chambers. Hank's committee has responsibility for looking at stormwater treatment issues.

Besides protections of our natural resources and environment stormwater fees will be used to help pay for the new $40 million Regional Treatment facility planned for the Downtown. In 2007 our residential stormwater rate increased by $6.58 to $16.56/single family home just to pay for the Regional facility. Did you notice this on your utility bill last year? According to Mr. Spangler in a 7/25/07 King County meeting, stormwater fees are about 2x those of Seattle.

The city's rational for this 40% increase is "everyone benefits" from the regional stormwater system since about 90% of all treated residential stormwater eventially drains into the Sammamish River. Councilman Pat Vache had concerns about maintenence of private facilities . Maintenance of commercial facilities is "code enforced" and paid by rate fees, according to J. Roetemyer, stormwater engineer. Public Works Director Campbell wasn't clear about maintenance by Homeowners Associations' facilities being "code enforced".

According to Mr. Jon Spangler, city Stormwater Manager, the complete facility will be built by 2011 -12 and have the capacity to ultimately treat 500 acres of future downtown development. Presently, 32.5 acres are developed and will be serviced regionally.

Drivers be aware - a major regional trunk-line on Redmond Way will be built by 2009. You can find the regional stormwater facility MAP "here".

I wrote a story on this in 8/30/07. You can find it on this blog's search engine by searching "spangler regional".

Clip of Mustang JV Boys Basketball game vs. Ballard AND movie of Varsity boys game vs. KANGS, 1/11/08

Mustang JV Boys Basketball game vs. Ballard, 2/8/2008, 49 - 60 Ballard. 8 Redmond players traveled. Noel (#45) is top scorer for Redmond with 31 points, including five 3's.

Alex Whittaker is #15. Kimma is #11. O'Bracta is #40. Hui-Peterson is #24. Pete is #20. Bircher is #22. Coach is Mr. Bordner.

The video clip of the boys JV team is 1.14 minutes. The video tape of the Varsity vs. Kang game of 1/11/08 is over an hour.



Above clip of JV Boys game vs. Ballard

Click the below link to watch the hour long Varsity game.

Mustang Varsity Boys Basketball vs. KANGS, 1/11/08 - complete game taped by RCTV -21.

The "wheels on 166th were in motion" at last night's Public Meeting about 166th AVE corridor improvements.

The wheels were in motion at Redmond Junior High last night! City officials and staff conducted a well-planned, thorough and helpful presentation of their 4 to 3 lane rechannelization proposal. Over 75 concerned citizens had opportunity to enjoy some food, ask questions, give speeches, and make comment after hearing staff's presentation.

I live a 5-minute walk from the Junior High and found only 9 of my neighbors at the meeting! I know they were aware of the meeting. All but two councilmembers were present, possibly 8-10 staff, Martin Snodgrass (past chair of the Planning Commission) but, no current planning commissioners. BTW, there's an opening on the commission.

Councilmember Dave Carson came all the way from his View Point neighborhood to learn about the project and gain some empathy. Council President Nancy McCormick traveled from her Overlake neighborhood. Councilmember Pat Vache left his North Redmond neighborhood home to attend. John Marchione lives so close he may have walked. Richard Cole lived in N. Redmond for years but now lives downtown. Richard attended. Kimberley Allen lives on Ed. Hill. She was present, but I didn't get a chance to talk to her.

A few councilmembers, months ago, had some serious concerns about the proposal but they appeared to have mellowed after the excellent presentation by staffer Don Cairns (a Redmond resident) and a qualified traffic consultant, Victor, from Evans Associates. Ostensibly, travel delays along the corridor would be only about 30 seconds, even when buses, trucks, and cut-though traffic is included.

The gathering public was polite and receptive with ample opportunity to participate. SAFETY is the primary benefit of the project and wasn't argued by anyone.

• Pedestrians and students will have fewer lanes to cross.
• Left land turns are separated from traffic with a dedicated 3rd land - reducing collissions.
• Extending the 3 lane coversion to 100th Street was proven to be the least risky and best improvement option.
• The RHS Prinicpal Prato Barone was emphathic about the safety needs for rechannelization. Many students are walking and 40 student bicyclists are commuting on narrow, unbuffered sidewalks now. To encourage these positive behaviors bike lanes and buffered sidwalks are critical.

A final Public Meeting is planned for the Spring and construction is expected to begin in the summer.

A large white Notice Board announcing the meeting was installed on 104th & 166th for any passerby to see, redmond.gov website was posted, and bulk emails were sent to those who previously commented.

Clearly, Mayor John Marchione is holding up on his promise to "involve the public early in the process" and improve public notice. The complete project review, including a power point presentation and survey from the meeting is found HERE.

Staff engineer Tricia Thomson at tthomson@redmond.gov is project planner.

Video Clips: MUSTANG SQUAD cheers on Varsity Girls - Senior Night

Parents and students invest heavily of their time and resources to excell in Mustang sports, cheer, band, and other school "teams". This is especially true for the 21 member 'Stang Cheer Team. On the right, are senior cheerleaders and their parents on "Senior Night".

The clip (1) below shows the Squad in action as they cheer Mustang Varsity Girls basketball to a win against Bothell. The 'Stang band and officials table are not to be overlooked! (1.3 minutes)


The Cheer Team web site has an excellent video clip (2) of cheerleaders "lifting" and "throwing" and "tumbleing" here. (2.5 minutes). I especially like watching Cody Nielson elivate & lift the girls. Did you know the Cheer Squad entertains for birthdays?

The Mustang Girls Varsity Basketball, coached by Dennis Edwards, was cheered onto a 54 - 33 win vs. Bothell on Senior Night . In clip (1), you'll see senior, captain Mary Petrie assist to senior forward Kaitie Krueger . At the end of the clip you'll see parents Mark Jorganson, Mickey Whittaker and Dan Bushmeyer working "command and control" at the official's table -- well compensated with front row seating!

The Varsity Girls (9-5) are in the Sea-King Tournament starting February 13! I think their first game is HOME. For full details got to http://www.redmondmustangs.com/ . You'll find all 'stang sports team sites here. GO! GO! GO! 'STANGS!!!

The Cheer Team's "Big Event" for basketball is H.S. boys. They switch into tops that say "GO". Football is another big one.

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

# # #

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.”