Councilmember Allen to campaign and train

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kimberly Allen
16804 NE 92 St.
Redmond, WA 98052
425-894-8237
kim@kimonthecouncil.com

Councilmember Allen to campaign and train

Councilmember Kim Allen welcomes the chance to hit the campaign trail and meet as many Redmond residents as she can. Allen remarked:“I think those of us who hold public office should have to explain what we have accomplished and why we should be returned for another term. I welcome the debate.

This fall is especially exciting for me because of 2 big events: The election and my first Seattle Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk with a team from the Redmond Police Department. The team is named ‘Cops For The Cure’ and I am privileged to be a part of such a great group of people walking for such a great cause. The walk is 60 miles over the course of 3 days. My teammates who have done the walk before recommend training by walking Redmond’s hilly neighborhoods so I am going to combine my training with campaigning this summer, as I get out to talk to folks. My longest walk so far was 7 miles but I hope to stretch that to 10 or 12 miles before the big day.”

For more information on the campaign, go to http://www.kimonthecouncil.com/.
The website for Cops For The Cure is www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/SeattleEvent?pg=team&fr_id=1300&team_id=51350.

Assembly at Redmond High about drunken driving hits home.

George Jannusch, Security Officer at Redmond High School lost a daughter (sober) 21-years ago to a drunken driver. Every three years, George speaks to the students about the dangers associated with drinking and driving. George loves the kids and they love him back. Beloved George Jannusch is retiring this year. (47 sec clip).

Redmond Police Officer Sandy English, lost a son (sober) three years ago to a drunken driver. Officer English was a driving force in setting up the General Assembly at Redmond High School. After three trips to Monroe she obtained approval for an 8 minute video story from the imprisoned Redmond student who wrecked this car and killed his innocent passenger. The video was shown during the General Assembly. He was booked for vehicular manslaughter.

"THINK AGAIN!"

Bracelets

The drunken driver of this car was a graduate of Redmond High School. He is serving 6 years in the State Penitentiary in Monroe for killing a sober passenger friend while speeding down Redmond Way (.24 alcohol). A road bumper is wrapped around and into the passenger seat. The Redmond Police have kept the wrecked car to demonstrate the dangers of drinking and driving at public events. Click on the picture to see the "good side" of the car.

Special thanks to Ms. J. Todd for background on this story.

LWSD announces National Merit and PTSA Council Scholarships & more.

College-Sponsored National Merit Scholarship Winners Named

Four Lake Washington School District students have been announced as winners of college-sponsored National Merit Scholarships. These awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship.
The following students received Merit scholarships from these universities:

• Patrick Gilbery, Juanita High School –Arizona State University ·
• Ashoat Tevosyan, Redmond High School –University of Washington·
• Elizabeth Nelson, Redmond High School –University of Washington·
• Ashton Hemphill, Eastlake High School –University of Washington
  

Lake Washington PTSA Council Announces 2009 Scholarship Awards

These student recipients will each receive a $1,000 college scholarship:

Emily Chen, International Community School
Allen Liu, Eastlake High School
Vera Hoang, Lake Washington High School
Callum Dickson, BEST High School
Lars Myren, Juanita High School
Dylan Portelance, Redmond High School
Ngoc-Khuyen Tran, Redmond High School - Adria Klein Memorial Scholarship
Elizabeth Tayler, Juanita High School – Dr. L.E. Scarr Scholarship
Ryan Rae, Juanita High School – Dr. Don Saul Scholarship
Claire Wilson, Lake Washington High School – Bob Hughes Scholarship: At Large Christian Casolary, Eastlake High School – Jay Ellis Scholarship: Music Education
Jacqueline Vautin, Redmond High School – LWEA/Karen Bates Scholarship
Kristin Dorr, Eastlake High School – Seattle Foundation Scholarship Andrew Marzano, Eastlake High School – Seattle Foundation Scholarship

Arts Night at Rosa Parks Elementary School

Rosa Parks Elementary School will hold an Arts Night on Thursday, June 11 from 6 – 9 p.m. Some of the events that will take place at the Arts Night include:
· shadow puppets· brain dances· art displays· Indian classical music· Bollywood music· hip-hop, jazz, ballet· video-graphic design· drum circle· ukulele band performance· student-directed drama performances (directed by students)· critter displays· digital art· sculptures· fashion design· guest speakers

Redmond High School Students Win RedSpoke Bike Poster Contest

Michelle Shepard, a junior at Redmond High School (RHS), was selected as the winner of the Redmond Rotary RedSpoke Bike Poster Contest. Three other RHS students were selected as the runners-up: Jennifer Maes (sophomore), Katie Rohrbach (junior), and Becca Wyant (senior). All four students will be honored next Thursday, June 11, at the Rotary luncheon.

For more information contact: Kathryn Reith, Director of Communications, LWSD (425) 702-3342 Shannon Parthemer, Community Relations & Communications Coordinator, (425) 702-3300

Promoting Cross-Cultural Connections in Redmond

"This summer will mark the 4th consecutive year that summer high school exchange students have come to Redmond to experience American culture and family life. Last year we had over 70 students come from France, Spain, and China and study here for 4 weeks while living with local Redmond host families. We have 80 students coming this summer and we still need 20 volunteer Redmond host families!!!" Thank you for anything you can do. Many thanks, --Jessica Falkner-Horine 425.830.9978

Open your home to an Educational Homestay international student for 3 or 4 weeks this summer! Twenty Redmond host family spots are still available! It's an educational and cultural opportunity of a lifetime for your family.

The first Educational Homestay Program (EHP), a non-profit based in Cambridge, MA, is bringing students from France and Spain to the Redmond area this summer to study English and experience the American way of life. We are currently looking for homes on the Eastside for these students, and we’d love for you to get involved!

Here's how it works:

• Junior High students will be visiting from July 9th- August 5th & July 22nd- Aug 10th .


• The students will be under the supervision of Program staff from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (M-F), attending language classes in the morning and participating in a variety of organized educational activities and field trips.


• Host Families are asked to provide a bed, meals and transportation to and from the drop-off point from which students will be transported to their classes at Redmond Jr. High.


• Contact: Jessica at 425-830-9978 for additional information and to register.

Thank you for sending this story to the Redmond Blog, Jennifer! BY

SPOTLIGHT ON COACH "B" - Founding Coach of Eastside Catholic Boys Lacrosse - 2009 State Finalist

Coach B is the 3rd coach from the left - with his Eastside Catholic team

Bill Brosseau - "the heart and soul of NW Lacrosse."

• Leader
• Mentor
• Lacrosse Entrepreneur

UPDATED, 6/7 - I have played and coached with Bill Brosseau and can tell you Coach "B" is an awesome individual. In the early 1980's, Bill helped the sport with Everett Smith in coaching "Lake Washington Lacrosse Team". Bill's an original. He's a pioneer of lacrosse in the Northwest - both for boys and girls.

In 1983, Bill took over as Varsity Head Coach of the first Eastside Boys Lacrosse Club. He guided his Club to State Championship appearances in '84 and '85 and placed 10 players on the All League Team. The Eastside Lacrosse Club became the spawning ground for players, coaches, and referees. The fast growth of "Eastside" helped many teams to get started -- Redmond Mustangs, Issaquah, Sammamish, Evergreen, Overlake, North Shore, and Bellevue. Bill's heart and soul was given to many of these young players from day 1. Could Coach B be considered one of the Founding Father's of NW lacrosse? That's up to you, but please keep reading.

Bill Brosseau is a born leader, youth mentor and lacrosse entrepreneur. He honors the game, probably as much or more than any coach I've known. Bill is a humble, giving individual, coaching from his heart, with civility, and respect, never shouting derisively at his players for "the easy fix". I know of no other coach who honors his players with the depth of belief and faith he shares. Bill inspires. He is a tall, imposing figure with an Army background. He once sold Nautilus weight building equipment. You get the picture! His players listen! (Photo of David Carlton shooting)

Coach "B" has achieved amazing success with his current Eastside Catholic (EC) High Schoolteam of Sammamish, WA. In just three short years, Bill built the program from a JV team to a Division II State finalist! EC was undefeated in their Cascade Conference (12-0). Bill built his team from the ground up. In three short years he developed three All-Cascade Conference players: Robert Pfluger, Nick Pizzitola, and Kyle Decker. Michael Creswell (#17) is pictured in the photo with Coach B. during the semi-final game vs. Redmond.

I played Defense with Bill (and Everett Smith) for the Redmond Lacrosse Club in the mid-eighties and briefly helped Bill with his EC JV team. Every time our paths crossed, Coach Bill would ask me to coach! First it was the Eastside Middle School Boys team. Then it was the Eastside Catholic Girls Varsity team. Yes. Bill was an early innovator of Girls lacrosse. Finally, it was Eastside Catholic boys JV. Bill's persistent invitations were his way of honoring the strong camaraderie, respect, and brotherhood of lacrosse, the values he so cherishes. Bill Brosseau is a class act. He's a gentleman in every sense of the word.

Bill is from the East, as are most "originals". As a child he was the "Ball Boy" for the Army Lacrosse Team. Bill played on the West Point grounds in his youth and high school from 1965-1971. . Upon graduating from Salem College, VA. in 1975 with a B.S. in Physical Education he taught and coached at the New York Military Academy in upstate New York. He became the Defense Coordinator of the Cadet Lacrosse Team and helped steer them to two Hudson Valley League Championships two years in a row.

Bill's lacrosse coach mentors were: Hall of Fame Coach Ace Adams, Hall of Fame Player and Coach Bill Rich, and Hall of Fame Coach Everett Smith. Bill Brosseau and what he has done for the NW game while mentoring many hundreds of players is deserving of our recognition. Bill  is right up there with the best. I hope the Washington Chapter of the US Lacrosse Association and the Washington Lacrosse Association will someday honor Bill as he has honored Washington lacrosse during his 30-year love fest with the game.

Bill  couldn't have done it without the support of his wife, Dianne. With two children and four grandchildren, Bill has been busy off the field. All his grand kids have had sticks since birth and they're all lefty's. Watch out Syracuse!

Click photos to enlarge. A photo album of pics & clips from the 2009 WHSBLA State Championship. Girls lacrosse is growing fast. And, Bill coached the girls, too. Learn more about the Girls Lacrosse game here.


BILL'S EMAIL The sources for this post are: the 2009 EC Lacrosse Program, the 2009 WLBSC Program, and my personal experiences with B and the game. Any comments or opinions are welcome! (click on the "comments" button below).

Eastside Catholic High School Sports Web Page
Factoid:
For the last decade, lacrosse has been one of the fastest-growing team sports in the
country. US Lacrosse chapters have been established in 39 states and more than 500,000
played on organized teams in 2008 compared to just over 250,000 in 2001.
Youth lacrosse participation has more than doubled in just seven years. US Lacrosse, '09

"THIS PLACE MATTERS" - PERRIGO SPRINGS

Richard Morris and his dog stand on the spillway and two children 
  holding a sign "This Place Matters."  (click pic to enlarge)

THIS PLACE MATTERS - PERRIGO SPRINGS

Perrigo Springs was Redmond's first "watering hole."  Indians and early settlers first used the spring.  "Daughters of the American Colonists" placed a 2004 rock marker and planted a Corkscrew tree near the spring. 

Perrigo Springs was purchased by the Redmond Water Department in 1914 and was the first water supply for the newly incorporated town of Redmond. A dam (spillway) was originally constructed to impound the water for storage, with the transmission main a 4” to 8” wood stave pipe. This site was Redmond’s only water supply until 1927 and served as a major source of supply until 1962. Ref: Nao Hardy, 6/07.  

The spring's water source is the Perrigo Creek wetland watershed.  Perrigo Creek drains the Hartman wetland watershed.  Its cooled water "springs up" into a shallow pond filled with natural stones. From there the spring water flows over a small concrete spillway into the creek below and continues downstream.  Upper Perrigo Creek is a dry stream bed much of the time but the spring is active all year.  

It's a quiet place. Children and small dogs playing in the spillway  These children were floating cork boats.  Musicians softly play their guitars while meditating by the Spring.  Small families picnic nearby. The city monitors the Spring.     

This picture and story was submitted to the "National Trust for Historic Preservation contest named THIS PLACE MATTERS."    

-- Bob Yoder 

   June, 2009 ,

   updated 9/28/2024

The County "Open Space Amendment" impacts Redmond and Woodinville

About the Open Space Amendment (OSA) - Informational Meeting, June 15, 7pm, Redmond Library.

The Open Space Amendment (OSA) provides additional protection for over 100,000 acres of open space land owned by the county. According to County Executive Sims, these lands are among our most treasured natural spaces, and were originally acquired for their high conservation value. Upper and Middle Evans Creek Natural Areas and Middle and Lower Bear Creek Conservation Areas are on the List. (photo is Bear Creek)

This amendment to the county Charter strengthens protections against the sale or transfer of protected properties by the county. The conservation-oriented uses of the lands would also be permanently preserved. There would be no change in how residents currently use these spaces.

The specific properties protected by the Amendment were chosen for their high value in safeguarding the county’s drinking water, habitat, recreation opportunities, and rural economy: Clean drinking water – protects the water quality of rivers, lakes, streams, and aquifers that county residents rely upon for their drinking water.

An informational meeting on June 15, 7pm at the Redmond Library will review a draft list of properties that would receive higher conservation protection and information on the potential methods for managing that list under the proposed “open space amendment”.

No new land would be purchased under the proposed open space amendment. No direct costs are associated with the proposed amendment.The Council is expected to decide by July on whether to put charter amendments on the ballot for a public vote.

A few of the over 100 open space properties in the Redmond area that the OSA would protect include: Cougar Mountain Regional Park, Evans Creek Natural Area, Lower Bear Creek Natural Area, Middle Bear Creek Natural Area, Cold Creek Natural Area, and Tiger Mountain Regional Park. Maps of all 100+ of the open space properties are available in PDF.

Open Space Charter Amendment King County web page.

Boys Lacrosse State Championhip results! It's the Issaquah Eagles and Overlake Owls!

The Overlake School Owls take Division II State Championship. Defeat Eastside Catholic, 17-11 at Memorial Field.

Eastside Catholic Crusaders of Sammamish fall prey to The Overlake School Owls of Greater Redmond in Division II State Finals.

Eastside Catholic lacrosse is only 3 years old and is coached by NW lacrosse pioneer, Bill Brouseau. The Owls and Crusaders defeated the Redmond Mustangs to get to the Finals.

For the complete game report on the D-II Championship game visit: Fred Wilmot's story

Great feed and shot, 27 sec. clip - Eastside Catholic team offense.

Max Saffle to Andrew Carlton for score!, 58 sec. video clip of Eastside Catholic on offense.

The Overlake School DII State Champions... click for video Highlights of the game (6 second download) Video credit: Steve Mataya Owner http://www.reallife-media.com/

Issaquah Eagles take the D-I Championship two years in a row. Defeat Mercer Island, 10-9 at Memorial Field.

Mercer Island goalie makes save (right).

Issaquah Eagles defeated the Mercer Island Islanders (10-9 )for the Division I State Championship. Issaquah goalie makes save with one second remaining.

For the complete game report read:
Fred Wilmot's story!

The city partners with neighborhoods to create "micro-parks" - Neighbor gives feedback

These cul-de-sacs were improved using the City-sponsored Neighborhood Matching Fund - the one on right was spoiled by a bad neighbor (since departed).

One of the few partnerships between the City of Redmond and it's neighborhoods is called the "Neighborhood Matching Fund." The program was started under the Ives Administration. Open space is created from cul-de-sacs once filled with thick, bushy ground cover (also good habitat for rodents) and it can improve neighborhood gateways. Impenetrable groundcover was removed from the above cul-de-sacs.

How it works: The City supplies cash (or in-kind services) for a neighborhood project and the neighborhood matches the City's contribution with local resources of volunteer labor ($17/hr), donated materials or professional services ($30/hr), or cash. The funds are awarded on the basis of merit, with a maximum of $5,000 available from the City per project.

Here's the rub: If maintenance is required in the agreement, it is the responsibility of the neighborhood project leader to do it. One of my neighbors living on the cul-de-sac, depicted in the right photo, complained the city would not fix the damaged curb because "they don't own it". Apparently, the curb damage is caused by large trucks e.g. Waste Management trying to navigate the 20' road. My neighbor said a truck once ran over potted plants where you now see shrubs. Waste Management said they would repair the curbs only if all the neighbors wheeled their containers up to the collector road. Obviously, the cul-de-sac road was never designed for large recycling trucks. Hmmm. What about the City's new fire trucks?

According to the project leader of the cul-de-sac on the right, it once had a nice park table in the center and beauty bark. A problem neighbor claimed the table was a hazard and threatened a law suit. The neighbors removed the table. Police were called regularly to deal with this nasty neighbor. They have since moved.

Look at the cul-de-sac on the left. All the neighbors took serious pride on this street and were never bothered by a nuisance resident. They installed a beautiful vine maple and two park benches. I admire their "little park" every time I walk by it. Scores of school children and parents walk by it on their way to MANN El.

I hope the City encourages further development of neighborhood micro-parks and partnerships. What do you think?

Read the city description of the "Neighborhood Matching Fund".

Use this Application Form to apply for a Neighborhood Matching Fund.

click photos to enlarge.

Federal taxpayers give Redmond $11 million to help build the "Microsoft Bridge" and stimulate our economy. WHY?

Look at the maps for the NE 36th Street Bridge.



















UPDATE: 6/9/09 - According to Councilmember R. Cole, $6M of the $11M was re-allocated to a Bremerton stimulus project. Aparently the cost of construction of the NE 36th Bridge was much less than anticipated. None of the surplus was given to Microsoft.

"The 36th Street Bridge project in Redmond is not a hunk of federal stimulus that benefits only Microsoft. To the contrary, say guest columnists John Marchione and Bob Drewel, this public/private partnership will help reduce congestion in the whole area and help our economy and environment." Read column Seattle Times, 3/24/09

Total bridge cost is: $36,000,000

$17,000,000 is Microsoft's contribution.

$11,000,000 is contributed from the "Federal Economic Stimulus Package."

Why does Microsoft and Redmond need an $11 million economic stimulus from Uncle Sam? Read comments from readers of the Seattle Times 3/24/09 column by Mayor Marchione and Drewel. What do you think of this bridge and how it's being funded? If you have something to say, you are invited to comment below.

Maps are courtesy of the West Redmond Real Estate Buzz Blog and the Redmond Library Blog.

Redmond High School Fastpitch Wins Kingco 4A Title - advances to State

Redmond High School Fastpitch Team Wins Kingco 4A Title

click picture to read players/coaches names

5/20/2009 --- With a 5-2 victory over the Woodinville Falcons, the Redmond High Mustang Fastpitch team won the 2009 Kingco 4A championship last night at Hartman Park in front of a large crowd.

With over 150 fans, friends and interested softball enthusiasts watching from the stands and hills at Hartman Park, the Falcons and the Mustangs faced off in a winner to state game between the Crest and Crown division champs. Woodinville led 1-0 going into the 4th inning when Maria Reisinger sent a line drive over the right field fence to score two runs. A single by Emily Squiers and a double by Lindsay Cristobal scored another run for the 3-1 lead.

The Falcons mounted a charge in the 5th inning, loading the bases and scoring one. However, the Mustangs showed poise and defensive strength with another strikeout and putout to again leave the Falcons with bases loaded to end the inning. It was in the 6th inning, with two outs, that the Mustangs took final control on solid hits by Lindsay Cristobal and Lauren Nabseth that each drove in a run, pushing the Mustang’s cushion to 3 with the 5-2 lead. Although the Faclcons were able to get runners on base, Erika Hendron continued to pitch a strategic game striking out 3 of the last 5 batters in the 6th and 7th for a total of 11 strikeouts in the game. A great pitching effort against the good hitting Falcons.

Congratulations to the Team on earning the Kingco Championship Title for the first time in Redmond Fastpitch history, and earning the #1 Kingco berth to the State Tournament next weekend in Tacoma. This will be Redmond’s second trip to State, following last year’s 3rd place finish. Deserving of the title, the Mustangs were the only Kingco team to defeat every other Kingco team this season.

The Mustangs will now prepare to advance in the State tournament along with 15 other 4A teams.

~Alan Gero
RHS Fastpitch Booster Club

Redmond H.S. Theartre Arts Program to Perform in Edinburgh

Redmond Drama Booster website

Redmond High School (RHS) Theatre Arts accepted to perform as a part of The Edinburgh Festival Fringe (commonly known as The Fringe). They were nominated by the American High School Theatre Festival (AHSTF). The trip to Edinburgh is currently slated for August 2011. Students going on the trip will visit parts of Scotland and London as well as promote and perform a short play twice a day at one of The Fringe’s premier venues.

Students going on the trip will visit parts of Scotland and London as well as promote and perform a short play twice a day at one of The Fringe’s premier venues. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe started in 1947 when eight theatre groups turned up uninvited to the first Edinburgh International Festival (EIF).

Redmond High School students will begin raising funds and preparing for the trip in the Fall of 2009. For more information or to make a donation please contact Redmond High School Drama Boosters at http://www.redmonddrama.org/.

Hyperlocal news blogs are becoming an alternative to traditional print media.

The following story on local news blogs was written by Rob Butcher of the Kirkland Views. Rob's blog is being broadcast on the Seattle Times Online and his news aggregator "Eastside TODAY". Hyperlocal news blogs such as Kirkland Views are increasingly a complement, if not an alternative to traditional news media.

Given the the turmoil in the newspaper industry, traditional news organizations are finding it difficult to adequately cover smaller markets such as Kirkland and Redmond. In an effort to improve their news coverage of local communities, The Seattle Times initiated discussions with local in bloggers earlier this year. (The Redmond Blog was one).

The closest thing to a daily paper citizens of the Eastside have is the various editions of the Reporter. These free weekly and semiweekly newspapers are distributed in parts of Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah and Bothell/Kenmore. These papers are vital to the local communities they serve, but the papers themselves can scarcely be called “local” as the profits they generate do not stay in the local economy. The Reporter papers are published by Sound Publishing which is owned and operated by Black Press, Ltd., a Canadian firm with 115 newspapers in western Canada, Washington State and Hawaii.

The days of print news in its current form are numbered. The traditional news media needs to adapt to the changing environment. The Seattle Times is attempting to do just that with its pilot program to partner with local blogs.

A little history:

In 1976, Bellevue’s Journal-American was founded as a merger of the Bellevue American and the Eastside Journal from Kirkland. In 1996, the Journal-American was renamed the Eastside Journal. In 2003, the paper morphed into the King County Journal. In November of 2006, the King County Journal was purchased along with its nine sister Reporter publications by the Canadian firm firm, Black Press Ltd. The King County Journal published its last issue on January 21, 2007.

-- story by Rob Butcher, Kirkland Views & Eastside TODAY, 5/18/09

OPINION Part Two: Thoughts on Council's Land Use Appeal Policy

UDATED OPINION, 6/13, Opinion: Councilmembers Kimberly Allen and Hank Margeson recently proposed taking the legal land use appeal component out of council's hands and into King County Superior Court. As Mr. Margeson stated, it's the Council's job to write policy, not to interpret it. Citizens would still maintain their right to appeal the Hearing Examiner's decision. In addition, Council could hold a secondary, legislative appeal to address code issues brought up by citizens. 

Most area cities choose to take the lawyering out of their Council's job description and give it to the county superior court i.e.  Kirkland, Bellevue, Issaquah, Sammamish, Woodinville, Edmonds, Seattle, Everett, and Mercer Island.  We should, too.  Only Redmond and Bothell land use appeals remain "judged" by city councils. 

After trying to participate in the review of three deforestation projects by CAMWEST, the Shauhanessy deforestation project, and Tent City review process, I agree it's time for a change. In fact, Council President Nancy McCormick described her frustration, if not agony, while presiding over the TC-4 and 172nd Ave extension appeals. The 42-lot Shauhanessy Plat/PRD drew a similar response from Nancy when an appeal to Council was remanded by Council back to the Hearing Examiner for a second Public Hearing. Shauhanassy is the longest land use review in the history of Redmond and the project still isn't built.

After thanking Ms. Allen for articulating the Shauhanessy case so well, Council President Nancy McCormick movingly stated:

"The public process may not have been violated but it was twisted. I can't keep from thinking about that couple who appeared at the Tent City public meeting and signed up to the Party of Record only to be denied on appeal to be heard.

The public needs accurate information and timeliness of an appeal, otherwise we make a mockery out of Public Hearings and caring about public involvement."

It is clear recent land use cases have demonstrated that our present public process needs fixing. The public has not been getting accurate information because their elected representatives are not allowed to represent or inform them. Conversely, staff gives full support and guidance to developers who already know the system and what questions to ask.

Councilmember Pat Vache' (and Cole, Carson, Myers) openly support the present quasi-judicial appeal process. They prefer not to give up their lawyering power in judging land-use policy. Rather, Mr. Vache' (and Mr. Myers) look at the present process as a "learning experience to get the feel for the impact of how code impacts the stakeholders". What Mr. Vache' doesn't learn about are his constituents' feelings and their understanding the project during the Review. Thus, mistakes get made (that could have been fixed in legislative appeal to council). Mr. Vache' says the Q-J process is more efficient. Shauhanssey PRD lasted years. Tent City-4 was a breath away from the State Supreme Appellate Court. Perrigo Heights,  The 172nd extension, Pearce, and Tyler Creek land use actions all took valuable time from Council policy-making duties while stressing the neighborhoods and landowners on code issues. No wonder Council work has become a full-time job.

Interestingly, Mr. Vache’ voted for the CAMWEST Perrigo Heights Plat Steep Slope Exception concluding "where else are we going to put the homes"?  Mr. Vache’ lives right off of NE 116th Street behind what later became Mosaic Meadows plat and sown 116th from CAMWEST'S huge Pearce PRD. 

Over time,  part of the issue is Council gets too close to the stakeholders and their judgment becomes affected, despite the appearance of distance and objectivity.
Part One: "Moving Redmond forward on Land Use Appeals"

Urban Musical Instruments - a new art idea for Redmond

Chrisopher Janney - creator of "urban musical instruments"

Opinion: The Arts Commission (left) was LIVE on RC-TV May 14 hosting Christopher Janney, architect, jazz musician, and world renowned "sound and light installation artist". Awesome. Mr. Janney integrates music and lighting with architecture to stimulate social interaction and gathering in public places. The best way to understand the nature of Christopher's creative work is to view this video (2m) highlighting some of his installation art from around the country.

Paraphrasing Arts Commission Chair John Stilin: 'Art connects people. The purpose of Art in Redmond is to build community. Art brings people together. It's what gets people talking together.'

Before the meeting, John Stilin and staff took Mr. Janney on a tour through the city to brainstorm for ideas on Cleveland Avenue and the Downtown Park. Mr. Janney suggested: linear street lighting transformed into 'musical instruments' as pedestrians walk by. Also, "Sonic Trees" in a plaza could "act as a magnet" to citizens by the music they generate from human activity.

Christopher Janney was impressed with Redmond's nature and technology assets. He perceives nature and technology as harmonic. Mr. Janney looks at his installation art as enhancing the work of a landscape architect.

Christopher Janney is an impressive, incredibly creative individual, specializing in "thinking outside of the box." Janney has a B.A. in Architecture from Princeton, 1973 and is a jazz musician, winning the prestigious New York Talent Poll in 1975. He has a Masters in Environmental Art from M.I.T. Janney's thesis was: "SOUNDSTAIR: The nature of environmental / participatory art." The Arts Commission has really done their homework bringing Mr. Janney to Redmond. I hope he will 'enhance' our Downtown someday.

Website: http://www.janney.com/

Department of Natural Resources uses digital photography to map impervious surfaces for more accurate stormwater billing.

Stormwater treatment infiltration pond next to Evans Creek. Infiltration systems on sensitive Evans Creek properties will be more closely monitored by the City.

UPDATED, 5/21. Opinion: The council voted (7-0) last night to modify stormwater billing to improve billing accuracy. New digital aerial mapping technology allows stormwater engineers to more accurately identify all impervious surfaces (roads, parking, structures) that contribute to dirty stormwater run-off. According staff, an "opt-out" condition only applies to the city-center (downtown) sub-basin, and is only applicable to properties within that sub-basin that are adjacent to the Sammamish River. No change in treatment requirements will apply from this ordinance.

The SW industrial businesses (R.I.C.E.) earlier had lobbied for "infiltration" and against regional treatment improvements. Staff is working with RICE to develop an assessment for existing infiltration systems, and to develop a process and timeline to modify existing systems (if necessary) to reduce risk to the aquifer. The City is building a SW Regional Treatment Plant to treat dirty stormwater more comprehensively and economically along the industrial district of Evans Creek and SW Redmond. Councilmembers Hank Myers and Pat Vache' lended their support to the R.I.C.E. industries during negotiations.

The Administration made some concessions to pass the modification. With staff approval, industries and landowners living adjacent the river would be allowed to "opt out" from hooking into the new Downtown Regional Stormwater Facility. To qualify for reduced rates, a professional engineer would have to make sizing and cost estimates for properties building a private water treatment facility. Department of Ecology water quality standards must still be met. A business could "opt out" for lower rates if their plan was approved by the Staff. Another concession, driven by Myers, was to allow businesses to appeal their bill by October, 2009. Landowners who "opt out" will be reimbursed for the value of their land lost to an on-site facility. Finally, staff had requested that "gravel" count as an impervious surface. The Administration and council decided not to include gravel as impervious, but to study and decide on the issue by December, 2010.

The new digital photography mapping techniques to identify parcels with impervious surfaces is more accurate than on site visits. 78 letters have been mailed to property owners with NEW stormwater bills. Also, the unit measurement of impervious has been "truncated" which will bring higher revenues to the city. In addition, billing by parcel, rather than property owner will add to revenues. Credits will be given for "rain harvesting".

Public Works Director Bill Campbell and Stormwater Manager Jon Spangler, have been progressive and innovative in meeting city needs for cleaner water, all the while, dancing the political jig for council and property owners. Councilmember Hank Margeson concluded the billing modification was really all about cleaner water for our streams (and aquifer zones). Margeson Chairs the Planning & Public Works Committee.

Link to the Modified Stormwater billing ordinance

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21 Acres Center for Local Food & Sustainable Living. Ground breaking June 6.

Excellent 6 minute video about 21 Acres!

Building Beyond Green – 21 Acres Center for Local Food and Sustainable Living. Unprecedented Facility Breaks Ground Featuring Largest Solar Array in Washington State. Demonstrates Technologies for Long Term Energy Efficiency.

We invite you to join the celebration as we break ground Saturday, June 6, for an unprecedented, cutting-edge facility in western Washington, that will provide vital infrastructure and education to support small farms.

Demonstrating new technologies for energy and water conservation in commercial and residential buildings, the 21 Acres Center for Local Food and Sustainable Living will feature a year-round farmers market, community kitchen, publicly available classroom space and a 50 kW PV solar panel array. Phase 1 of the project- the 8,500 square foot East Wing of the Center- will be located in otherwise urban western King County and will be a community venue for education on farming, sustainable living, and energy and water saving systems.

Read more: http://www.21acres.org/building-beyond-green-breaking-ground The ground breaking ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., in conjunction with the ongoing Sustainable Saturday series of farm tours, workshops and volunteer community service projects.

Please carpool, take the bus, bike or walk! Map and bus routes: http://www.21acres.org/directions-to-21-acres. For more information or directions log on to 21acres.org; e-mail: generalinfo@21acres.org, or call 206-442-2061.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

Gretchen Garth,

Board President, and the 21 Acres Team21 Acres

http://www.21acres.org/

New video just posted! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF6SGF8M48A

A Tale of One Redmond Trail

Ashford Trail ..............................................................................................Perrigo Woods Trail

Both trails are one and the same. The photo on the right was taken in 2004 during the "Save the Woodlands Walkathon" before the CAMWEST project was built. The photo on the left is the same trail five years later, in 2009. The city named it "Ashford Trail" after the Ashford Condominiums on Avondale Road.

The Ashford Trail was "developed" by the city to service the CAMWEST waterline and stormwater line. Crushed rock is blended into the forest soil to harden the surface and limit trail mud, though it's now close to impervious.

The soft-surface Perrigo Woods Trail is "pre-CAMWEST". In days past it was used by the Vallene family and others living east of Perrigo Springs for hiking and equestrian travel.

The western Trailhead is at the terminus of NE 100st near 171st Ave. It passes by the Hartman Wetlands and CAMWEST development to Avondale Rd.

Redmond Lacrosse Club a top seed in Division II Tourney

The Washington Boys Lacrosse Tournament is underway!

2009 WHSBLA High School Division II State Tournament Lacrosse Playoff Ladder

Redmond plays Sammamish at Redmond High School, Saturday, 5/16, 1pm. Coached by "J.C."

Eastside Catholic plays Blanchet, 5/15, 7pm at Eastside Catholic. Coached by Bill Brouseau.

Above 30 sec. video clip is Redmond vs. Overlake (10-15, Overlake)

Overlake scores vs. Redmond, same game - 20 sec. clip

Below Video clips are from Redmond vs. Snohomish game (15-5, Redmond):

Tyler (attack) and Sean (defense):
Stadium chatter:
Barry McDonough rips it:
Jim Anderson coaching from the bleachers - Jim is the Boys Middle School Coach at Lake Washington and past Boys Eastside High School Coach.
Jake Bernstein (Sophomore starter)
Valiant D - Coach stays positive
DJ Ohlstrom (Senior):
McDonough (Sophomore) :

OPINION PART ONE: "Moving Redmond Forward" on Land Use Appeal Decisions

KING COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT

Kirkland, Bellevue, Sammamish, Issaquah, Woodinville, Mercer Island, Seattle, Edmonds, Everett all use the King County Superior Court land use appeals. Redmond still uses City Council for land use appeals.

According to Rob Odle, Redmond Planning and Development Director, in the mid-90's, most cities abandoned the council Q-J land use appeal process for appeals by the King County Superior Court.

OPINION UPDATED, 5/17, Opinion: "Moving Redmond Forward" was Mayor John Marchione's #1 campaign slogan when he was running for office two years ago. John has been living up to his promise, unfortunately not the Council majority. The Council "majority" just moved Redmond two steps back during a conversation on Land Use Appeal Decision process in their last council meeting.

The council majority of David Carson, Richard Cole, Pat Vache' and Hank Myers took a straw vote, tallied by Carson, to keep their dated "quasi-judicial role" for preliminary plats. The quasi-judicial (q-j) role gives Council powerful legal and legislative appeal authority over a city-designated land use attorney's decision. (Hearing Examiner.)

After hours of deliberation in two Committee meetings last year, Councilmembers Hank Margeson and Kimberly Allen offered reasons to move our city forward in utilizing the King County Superior Court rather than keeping Council for land use appeals. Only Redmond and Bothell rely on Council for initial appeal decisions in our area. Below are reasons for moving forward:

• Redmond's present appeal process requires Council by law to thoroughly review every page, document, and blueprint in the Hearing Examiner's file for accuracy beyond reasonable doubt.
• Council is not legally qualified, nor has the time, to thoroughly review the Examiner's file for inaccuracies.
• Society is more litigious and will challenge Council's ability to craft a correct Record. The City is liable and vulnerable to expensive, drawn-out lawsuits by appellants and landowners.
• During land use decisions, which can take over a year, citizens are not allowed to communicate with their councilmembers about the project. When legislative mistakes of interpreting Land Use Code are made, Council cannot fix the problem up-front, by mediation, or in a pre-hearing meeting. Participation, citizen/landowner engagement, and transparency are severely limited by a WALL between the People and their Representatives.

The land use decisions subject to council's Q-J appeal process are called "Preliminary Plats". Some examples of Preliminary Plat appeals in Redmond gone a muck are: CAMWEST'S Perrigo Heights, CAMWEST'S Pearce, Shauhanessy, and CAMWEST'S Tyler Creek - all of which were strung out by Council's legal and legislative interpretations of a poorly crafted Examiner Record.

PART TWO, 5/20/09, "Thoughts on Redmond's Land Use Appeal Policy"
PART THREE: on "Moving Redmond Forward on Land Use Appeal Decisions" will focus on significant Preliminary Plat mistakes and unintended consequences from Redmond's Q-J process.
Chair Margeson's Planning and Public Works Committee meeting, 11/08
Chair Margeson's Planning and Public Works Committee meeting, 07/08

Redmond High orchestra wins a performance spot at Carnegie Hall

Redmond Students to Perform at Carnegie Hall May 24, 2009

Redmond, Wash. – Students from the Redmond High School orchestras have learned the way to Carnegie Hall: it takes practice, practice, practice… and a great conductor!

A group of 40 students from the Redmond High School String and Chamber Orchestras and the Redmond Junior High School Advanced Orchestra and their conductor, Lake Washington School District teacher Paula C. Ferguson, will be traveling to New York City over Memorial Day weekend to perform at Carnegie Hall. The students won a coveted performance spot at the famous concert hall by submitting a recording of their best work from the last several years.

Redmond High School principal Jane Todd, who will be accompanying the group to their Carnegie Hall debut, is enthusiastic in her praise of the students and their conductor. “Thanks to Mrs. Ferguson’s work, we’ve built an orchestra that’s second to none,” Todd said. “We’ll be taking our Mustang pride all the way to New York City.”

--May 13, 2009 Contact: Kathryn Reith, kreith@lwsd.org or 425-702-3342

John Stilin, strong arts advocate runs for Council this fall

Part One of John Stilin's March 16, 2009 Press Release to the print media.

John Stilin announced his campaign for Redmond City Council, Position 6 on March 16. The seat will be vacated when Council President Nancy McCormick retires later this year.

“Local government has the biggest impact on our daily lives,” said Stilin. “I want to work with the citizens of Redmond to ensure that we are making the best decisions when addressing the needs of our community for today and the future. Change is inevitable. However, we need to preserve the uniqueness of Redmond while managing change. I want to make sure that Redmond is a safe, culturally rich, and economically vibrant city that we can proudly call ‘home’. I envision a Redmond where its citizens are actively involved in the community and its governance, and where a tradition of pride in our city makes Redmond a great place to live,” said Stilin.

Stilin has served on the Redmond Arts Commission since 2006, and is currently the Chair. John also serves as Co-Chair of the Viewpoint Citizens Advisory Committee that is formulating neighborhood planning recommendations for inclusion in Redmond’s Comprehensive Plan."

OPINION: Mr. Stilin is a strong and powerful advocate for the arts. He is a leader in empowering the Arts Commission to leverage the Arts towards the economic revitalization of our growing Downtown. Another goal is to develop youth awareness and skills in the Arts which could bring more Art into the neighborhoods. Mayor Marchione and Mr. Stilin appear to have a close working relationship.

John read the following Mission Statement at a 2006 Arts Commission meeting: "diverse arts opportunities are a principle reason why citizens love living here, why artists are attracted to live and work here, and why tourists visit Redmond."
-- Bob Yoder

Comments?

Councilmember Kimberly Allen will seek reelection this fall.

Part One of Kimberly Allen's 5/12/09 Press Release:

Redmond City Councilmember Kimberly Allen announced today her intention to seek reelection this fall. Allen is completing her first term in position 4 on the Redmond City Council where she has served as the chair of the Council’s Public Safety Committee, and has been a member of the Parks and Human Services Committee and the Planning and Public Works Committee.

“Redmond continues to grow and change all around us, even with a downturn in the national economy,” stated Allen. “As a member of the city council, I’d like to continue to help guide the growth that will continue to come, in a way that preserves Redmond’s character and environmental beauty while promoting green building practices. I also want to ensure that there are plenty of opportunities for neighbors to be heard and for them to see their perspectives reflected in the important decisions we make as a city.”

Contact: kimonthcouncil@yahoo.com
Phone: 425-894-8237

Mayor Marchione talks to the neighborhoods once a month.

An interview with Mayor John Marchione will be video-taped once a month as part of a new "INSIDE REDMOND" multi-media program. The Mayor's monthly video will be available here, on RC-TV 21 and the city website. On the RC-TV link click "informational programs" to find Marchione's interview.

The Mayor's INSIDE REDMOND innaugural Video is about 20 minutes long. The good news is Mayor Marchione speaks first for only 8 minutes and packs in a lot of good information on: 1) the Overlake Urban Center, 2) the downtown project map, 3) the state of the local economy 4) police department transition, 5) light rail and more. The Mayor's assistant, Jane Christiansen, is a lively interviewer.

Several Public Service Announcements break between the Mayor's interview and talk by Parks Dept. (You'll see Carolyn Hope, our new Senior Parks Progam Manager.). On May 15, Starbucks is sponsoring a "Bike to Work" event. And, the Cascade Water Alliance explains how 10,000 gallons/year can be saved per family by using "Watersense" low flow toilets.

If you're pressed for time, fast forward the video 57 seconds and you won't miss a thing. For multi-tasking, minimize the video and listen to "the radio" -- though, you'll miss some good graphics.

Connor Knapp, Eagle Scout - completes culminating project for Redmond Presbyterian Church

CONNOR KNAPP, Eagle Scout
click collage to enlarge

Connor Knapp's Culminating EAGLE SCOUT Service Project was this natural outdoor amphitheatre for the Redmond Presbyterian Church. The land was donated by the church after review of Connor's proposal. The project was designed by Connor for compatibility with the forest, form and function. Not one tree was removed. Connor planned and organized the project from the beginning to the end. Under the mentorship of his father, Connor raised funds for the materials and recruited all the labor and then supervised the construction. The project's timeline was completion by Easter. They made it!

The church is very happy and blessed by Connor's project. The first use of the amphitheater was the Youth program's sponsored Easter "Sunrise Service". Boy Scouts from Connor's Troop 520 have held meetings here. Spaces within the church, including the amphitheatre, are open to the public, when available. For reservations, call 425-885-2811. The church is located on 166th Ave & NE 100th Street.

Connor's troop meets at the Redmond Presbyterian Church every Monday at 7pm, under the guidance of Dan Weinmeister, a Scoutmaster. Other Scout Troops on "the Hill" meet at Faith Lutheran, First Baptist, Redmond United Methodist, LDS, and Norman Rockwell.

CONGRATULATIONS, CONNOR!

Eagle Scout requirements - minimum of 21 Merit Badges - Connor has 26. Connor is the 5th Eagle scout to come out of Troop 520 (2.5 years old)

Redmond father & son lacrosse family invents THE LAX TIMER

When this ref's whistle blows, "the Clock" goes on auto-pilot.

My son Nolan created the http://www.laxtimer.com/ web site that we use to sell the "Lacrosse Timer" software. I'm the CEO of a local software company, Prime Recognition Corporation. Nolan's a junior on Redmond High School Varsity Lacrosse team, but has sat out this year with injuries. But prior to that he was on some all star teams including Starz.

As I mentioned, we actually give the software away to anyone in the Pacific NW, as payback for all the things that have been done for us in the 5 years Nolan's been playing. Anybody can download the software and use it for 30 days for free to see if they like it before buying it.

I wrote the software after a couple of years of doing timing the conventional way with stop watches, horns, etc. I much prefer this approach [in large part, because keeping track of multiple penalties is so much easier and less stressfull].

Regards,
Kenn Dahl
Redmond, WA.

Barry McDonough rips it: click for 40 sec. Redmond H.S. lacrosse video.

click to enlarge the "face-off" photo

UPDATE, 6/15 - We Lost. Redmond High School is an essay finalist & needs your vote to win a hybrid bus!

Help Lake Washington School District win this $200,000 hybrid bus! VOTE!

We're very happy to announce that Alexander Chen of Irvington High School in Fremont, CA has won the America's Greenest School Contest! Alex's essay "Irvington Vikings Sail Toward Sustainability" (one of nearly 2,000) won his school district an IC Bus plug-in hybrid electric school bus. He also won a $5,000 scholarship for himself. Way to go, Alex!

The following letter was forwarded to me by RHS Principal Todd for posting. Redmond High School student Hilary Polis wrote the letter.

Readers, please register to vote now! Please forward www.americasgreenestschool.com or this blog to your friends and 'friends of friends' so they can register and vote! Thank you, Hilary!________________________________________________________________________

Dear Redmond High School Principal Todd, Ms. Pointer, and Mr. Higgins,

I just wanted to let you know that our school has been chosen as a "Top Ten Finalist" in the America's Greenest School Contest. For this contest, we wrote an essay describing why Redmond is the greenest school in America, and our essay was chosen as one of the final 10/2000.

The grand prize for this contest is a hybrid school bus worth $200,000 for our school district AND a $5000 scholarship. The winner will be chosen by online voting next week (May 11-17). Register to vote NOW! Online voting will begin this Monday, May 11 and continue through Sunday, May 17.

TO REGISTER AND VOTE: Click http://www.americasgreenestschool.com/.

You can vote online 7 times (once per day from May 11-17)

Thanks so much for your help!
Sincerely,
Hilary Polis

slight edits

Energy Refuge story on hybrid buses
Hybrid bus - FAQ