Derby Days was Delightful - the survey says so!

Updated: The City of Redmond LOVES to survey the neighborhoods on their various projects. So, I decided it was about time the neighborhoods took their own survey of the City's Derby Days Summer Festival! So far only one citizen [moi] has taken the survey. Here goes:

1) Did you like the Festival? Awesome. Lots of community pride. This is the first time my family has attended from start to finish .

2) What was your favorite part? Many: - renewing friendships at the Beer Garden, - evening dancing with my wife to a coool band, the Beatnicks, - parading for the Green Team with my family, - seeing my neighbor in the Criterion race, - recruiting forestry volunteers at the Cascade Conservancy booth, and - laying on the lawn watching fireworks with neighbors from all over the world.

3) What was most meaningful to you about the festival? Being with my family and participating in the events. Watching my daughter lead the Green Team.

4) What was your favorite booth? The Cascade Conservancy GreenRedmond booth #38. People learned about the invasive plants in our Parks, volunteers signed up for the Hartman Greenbelt work party & more. I got to show off my foot-long Himalayan blackberry root. (no it's not edible).

5) What was the largest booth? City of Redmond's "Economic Development" booth. A nice lady walked me though the "Wanted - Redmond residents to bike & walk downtown" poster. It's really coool. http://www.gortrip.com/ . I'm going to walk it with my wife. I saw a map of the The Cleveland Ave. sewer line construction project. It's going to be a 'stink'n traffic mess'.

6) What was most unique and special about Derby Days? Mingling with Redmond citizens from across the world. It was truly an international experience.

7) What suggestions do you have for improving Derby Days? Please don't combine the kid's parade with the Big Parade! Anyone could tell you why. And, the festival is a little spread out with the carnival so far away. Would the RAC rent out parking?

8) What could the neighborhood do to improve this survey? If this survey is less than 12 questions you are doing well. Most city surveys are way too long. Ask about presence (or absence) of staff at booths.

9) Do you have any other comments? Yes, I hope others will take this survey by commenting below or emailing redmondblog@gmail.com . The results will be sent to the City Clerk.

THANK YOU!
- from: "The Neighborhoods of Redmond, WA."

posted in my FaceBook

The Think Tank at Derby Days

While watching the Derby Day Parade, I ran into a few neighbors who know the City inside and out. Our thoughts centered on the towering City Hall foyer and how intimidating it can be to visitors. We decided one of the biggest problems about City Hall is no foyer receptionist to help you find your way. Unfortunatley helpful way-finding signage isn't posted because the landlord has signage requirements. (yep, the city doesn't own their building yet). Thus, we sometimes notice people wandering listlessly around the foyer and halls looking for a "warm body". Can you imagine how first time visitors of Redmond's diverse cultures must feel?

THE THINK TANK: When using the Help Desk Phone, visitor calls often get routed to the wrong department or sometimes not at all. It's disruptive. Long waits at the help desk phone frustrate visitors as they must often listen to endless routing messages. If Public Works were to survey the various City departments on the value of a lobby receptionist many Department heads would probably request a receptionist and even discover efficiencies to pay for one. Why? Stronger service and "efficiency savings" are part the city's budgeting priorities. Also, the Mayor places high regard for customer service and should he uncover efficiencies he might take action. "

And the survey SAYS............" ?

posted in my FaceBook

Velodrome racing is a growing niche sport for youth!

I used to think the Marymoor Velodrome was built for the Goodwill Games, operated by King County, was only for adults, and dangerous to ride on. Wrong on all counts.

Ed, my behind-the-fence-neighbor, has 7 bicycles in his garage, volunteers at "the track" every week and has two young kids taking "Pee Wee Pedaler" classes! So, I took a visit to the Velodrome to find out more.

I bumped into Tela Crane at the cycle rental shop underneath the track; she was great and she filled me in. Tela works for the nonprofit Marymoor Velodrome Association as their Webmaster and Youth Program Director. That's right, this nonprofit, association of 500 volunteer cyclists do all the work at "the Track". The two staff on hand are paid by the Association, not county taxpayers. Just, a few sponsors and $40 dues/year fuel the whole program.

Yes, everybody knows Derby Days is coming up this Saturday, but did you know the "Pee Wee Pedalers" class (ages 4-8) is in the morning, the same day? 9am. That's right!

Tela teaches the "Velokids" (ages 10-16) They use youth size track bikes and learn how to ride and race on the track. M-Th, 4-5:30. Bikes can be rented on-site for $10/day.

"Kiddie Kilo" is a popular, new introductory class to racing. It features a one-lap race for everyone from push bikes to 10 year-olds. 1st & 3rd Friday every month. 60-100 kids are coming out every night!

Yes, "adult track classes" are held on Saturdays at 11am. Those who take the weekend class move up to Thursday evening racing. And, the popular, higher level Friday Night Racing takes place at 7Pm, beer garden nearby.

Velodrome racing is safer than road racing. It's kind of counter-intuitive. The bikes have no brakes and only one gear so there is no sudden stopping or jerky moves. Plus, rules about where you can ride on the track and which lanes helps keep things safer. Racers reach speeds of 40+ mph but with few accidents. Cross winds and rain are the biggest hazards. Most of their "twitts" are about weather conditions.

Yes, youth sports are growing, but niche sports like velodrome racing, rowing, BMX dirt jumping, and mountain biking are growing at fast clip, offering new excitement and discoveries to those who venture. Will you?

Don't miss: FSA Grand Prix (http://www.fsagrandprix.com/ - one of the nation's biggest track racing events- brings in national and international talent). July 24 - 25. !!!

CONTACT: Tela Crane, velokids@velodrome.org

Website: www.velodrome.org/cms/

posted in my Facebook

Redmond's Rising Arts and Literary stars

Tom Flynn's poetry

Eva Moon's music

Abbott A. Smith's art and poetry

I know Tom, Eva and Abbott. They are wonderful people who give lots of volunteer hours to the City. I hope you will enjoy their creative works!

Redmond artists and art students are invited to send me your home pages and individual pieces for posting.

Local artists often congregate and perform at "Soulfood Bookstore of Redmond" on Redmond Way - comprehensive website

&

"Oddfellow's Grill" on Leary Way - website

(Tom and Abbott are considering Poet Laureate)

The City of Redmond is planning to create a Downtown Central Park.

The City is hosting two public open house meetings to discuss the future of this park. The first is on Thursday, July 23 at 7pm in the Lake Washington School District Resource Center, 16250 NE 74th Street in Redmond Town Center. The second is on Monday, August 10 at the same time and location.

“The new Downtown Central Park will be a treasure to the community. It provides a destination for residents and workers,” stated John Marchione, Redmond’s Mayor. “The park will strengthen neighborhood connections and reinforce the historic ‘heart’ of Redmond.”

It would become downtown Redmond’s living room; a place filled with life and activity, surrounded by economic vitality and interest that celebrates Redmond’s past, present and future.

Come to one of the two open house meetings on either July 23 or August 10 and let the City know what you think.

For questions regarding this park project or the open house, contact Jean Rice at 425-556-2378, or jrice@redmond.gov.

OPINION: Independence from my grinding Watch on groundwater quality.

UPDATED, 7/8 - OPINION: Five years ago, a friend and I came upon a hazardous waste site on Evans Creek. The waste was dumped on top of a shallow City wellhead aquifer. The discovery eventually led to a crack-down by 9 regulatory agencies to clean up the site. This experience led to the birth of this blog and my zealous reporting on City protections of our underground drinking water.

This being the eve of July 4th, I'm happy to shout freedom from my "city watch" over the safety of our drinking water aquifer. (I know the City is happy, too.) As of tomorrow, I will stop grinding my axe on the issue. Why now? It's simple. I've watched the Marchione Administration for two years cope with the challenges of protecting our groundwater aquifers and I'm confident we are in very good hands. THIS Administration has replaced the mad scrambles and PR campaigns of the past with a fresh transparency to the challenges and solutions of a more secure wellhead water.

The genuine, transparency exhibited by the Mayor and his staff, of late, was all I needed to claim my independence! Last Tuesday night four staff members (including a stormwater engineer and geologist) -- backed up by the confident DNR Manager and Public Works Director -- covered ALL the sensitive issues...and ones new to me.

The display of transparency was impressive and re-assuring. A few of the points made were, as follows:

• The City is fully vested in protecting our wells! For example, Well #5 supplies 1/3 of the city's drinking (well)water capacity. If Well #5 went down it would cost taxpayers $800,000 per year to replace the water and over $12 Million just to hook into a new pipe. Full protection of our groundwater is a good investment and worth every penny.
• 110 parcels have been identified as threats to untreated stormwater entering the aquifer. Landowner's stormwater fees will be lowered to help them with the expense of retrofitting of these systems, to treat stormwater before it infiltrates into the ground.
• Underground parking is becoming common in Downtown. Often permanent "de-watering" (removing water) is required since the Downtown sits over a very shallow aquifer. The City is on top of this. (no pun).
• Hazardous materials are methodically identified and secondary containment is enforced.
• This information was gathered from the last part of Council's taped June 30 Study Session, linked here: http://rctv.redmond.gov/ondemand/CC063009.wmv

Do you have any comments on this? Thanks to Mayor Marchione and his staff for a very difficult job being well done! I can rest in peace. Free at last!

Staff presents the Commission's P.A.R.C.C. Plan to Council

After months of extensive public input, the Parks, Trails, and Rec. Department presented a rough draft of their new comprehensive 6-year plan to City Council.

Probably, one of the most significant changes proposed are new standards for "levels of service" (LOS). In past years, levels of service focused on obtaining state agency funding for new parks and redevelopment. Planning will be designed more for function and need than grant funding applications.

This go-around, Carolyn Hope and Craig Larsen of Parks & Recreation proposed adding new functional "levels of service'" called-- Walkability, Density, Capacity, Demand and Use. Including the functional parameters will help the City prioritize and allocate City Park & Rec (and Art) resources. Impacts on the City from the "outside uses" of Marymoor Park, school fields, 60-Acres, Willows Golf, businesses, Sammamish river cycling and others can be more easily reckoned.

The foundation of the Plan is extensive public input from: three public meeting workshops, online & phone surveys, citizen advisory committees, and other opportunities. A few of the more enlightening findings from the study are, as follows:

1. The number one activity in parks was reported as: walking. #2 activity was unorganized sports or play, #3 relaxing (birding, meditating, reading). Organized sports were listed at the bottom third for Park activity Could this "surprise" be attributed to use at school fields, 60 Acres, and Marymoor Park, Willows Run?
2. The number one "future park use" requested was Mountain bike parks and trails.
3. The trail type most requested was soft surface trails, preferably single track. 73% of all respondents from all ages wished for soft surface! 27% wanted paved.
4. A Leisure Aquatic Center was the most requested Rec. facility. (Lap pool, shallow rehab/fitness pool, splash pool for kids).
5. A performance center for theatre (vs. concerts) was in demand.
6. As for Rec. programs, Aquatics and Nature were at the top of the list.
7. 52% of citizens drive to city parks!
8. 60% want more trails; 63% use a City park at least once/week.
9. Only 15% or 25% (depending on survey interpretation) said NO to funding by a park bond levy. Fees for use were popular.

Park & Trails commissioners deliberated thoroughly on what to call the Park plan. PRO Plan or PARCC Plan? Which acronym sounds good to you? Please comment below? I'll note their meaning under "comments".
CONTACT: ParksAndTrailsCommission@redmond.gov or Park's Chair hmyers@redmond.gov

Soulfood Book Store - "the heart and soul of Redmond's rising musical and literary artists".

Commissioner Clint McCune and some elementary kids sang "I am Alive" in Council Chambers at the beginning of a Council meeting last Tuesday. I think this is a first! and a feather in the cap for the City! Scroll down to the next story for details. I'm reposting a video clip of the kids singing with Clint and will post websites of Redmond musicians and poets as I learn of them.

Hey Bob -

I just wanted to thank you for all the work you do for our neighborhood. Also, about the kids, they all go to different schools and some of them aren't even in a music class. However, they all gather at Soulfood and play together. [see clip of kids singing with Clint below]

The song we performed was an original of mine called "I am Alive". We only rehearsed all together once the evening of the performance, but they all knew the song from listening to my bands album TWIRL "hope hum stomp strum" and hearing us live on the first Friday of every month. I would also like to invite you to this month's TWIRL show on July 3rd at 8-10pm. Also, we are streaming live all of our big shows and events through soulfood books.com so check it out and help us spread the word.

--Clint McCune, owner of Soulfood Books, Music, and Organic Coffee
"...the heart and soul of Redmond's rising musicians and literary artists"

Soulfood - Redmond's comprehensive website

"I am Alive" (clip)
..as performed in City Council chambers during this week's council meeting.

Tom Flynn's Poetry: http://mythman.typepad.com/poetry/

Eva Moon's music

Abbott A. Smith's art and poetry

Elementary students sing to 200 during a recent Council Meeting

"I want a sense of community and connection with others." *Community Building is one of six budget priorities of the Marchione Administration and participating public.

Teacher Nancy McKay, The Orchestra and Choir Teacher from Rockwell Elementary School was one of three 2009 Arts Commission Local Artist Awardees. Her students, lead by commissioner & guitarist Clint MCune sang in this recent City Council meeting to honor her. Nancy started teaching orchestra 15 years ago with 14 students. She now has 110 students and her former students recently performed in Carnegie Hall. The other awardees were Digipen Digital Technological Institute and Redwood Theatre.

According to the Mayor, *COMMUNITY BUILDING "budgeting by priority" achievement is measured by tracking attendance during the first 20 minutes of Council Meetings.

2009 Arts Commission Local Artist Awardees: http://www.redmond.gov/arts/localartists.asp
Norman Rockwell School WEBSITE: http://www.lwsd.org/school/rockwell/Pages/default.aspx
Clint McCune's Soulfood Books, Music & Organic Coffee House WEBSITE: http://soulfoodbooks.com/OldRoot/

CONTACT: Mary Yyelanjian, Arts Senior Planner, MYELANJIAN@redmond.gov

The performance was 20 minutes. This particular Council meeting lasted until 11:30pm owing to a complicated closed-record quasi judicial meeting. Jill Richardson (pictured lower left) is the applicant of a Rezone ammendent that has been reviewed for over 2-years so far, with hardly an end in sight. Most Marchione council meetings are shorter than the Ives Administration. Meetings start at 7:30 and most end between 8:45- 10:15 pm.

Background on "Goodspaceguy" - Yes, he's a registered King County Executive candidate

Michael Nelson is registered as a candidate on the King County Executive ballot under the name, "Goodspaceguy". He emailed his profile for posting. Below, is an example of how he thinks:

"As an amateur astronomer, I, Goodspaceguy, believe that global warming and global cooling is caused by small variations in the energy output of the Sun. I do not believe that carbon dioxide is causing global warming on the Earth. "

"Because some workers want more leisure, government should lead by creating many flexible, part-time employment programs, such as the three day and four day work week options."

-- Michael Nelson, author of "Our Spaceship Earth", http://colonizespace.blogspot.com/

Now you know a little something about Goodspaceguy. His opinions appear as wacky as his name, actually more so...... Read his blog if your're looking for laughs.

RATED "NOT QUALIFIED" BY THE MUNI LEAGUE OF KING COUNTY

Updated: Downtown's Riverpark Apartments are open for business - rent prices & construction update

This "courtesy photo" of Riverpark Apartments was published in the local Redmond Reporter (6/25) with the Press Release. For "real time" photos & clips scroll down.

Redmond REDMOND, Wash. – June 24, 2009 – Legacy Residential, a West Coast leader in residential developments, today announced the formal opening of Legacy at Riverpark Apartments. A new gateway to downtown Redmond, Legacy at Riverpark Apartments includes 319 luxury apartment homes and 5,700 square feet of street-level retail in three five- to seven-story buildings.

Legacy at Riverpark Apartments is part of the expansive six-acre mixed-use Riverpark development, which also includes a 144-room Hotel Sierra, developed by LodgeWorks; a 106,000-square-foot office building anchored by Group Health; street level retail spaces; and secure, underground parking for 750 vehicles. With the 135-unit first phase now completed, Legacy is focusing on completing the second phase, which includes an additional 184 apartment homes. The second phase will open in September.

Legacy at Riverpark Apartments strikes a unique balance between the energy of an urban, mixed-use village and the serenity of a nearby stream surrounded by expansive open spaces and jogging trails. Riverpark is just a half mile from SR-520 and is a five-minute walk along the newly extended and improved Bear Creek Parkway from Redmond Town Center, a lifestyle center featuring a high-end theater, restaurants, and more than 100 shops and boutiques, including REI and Macy’s. Just two miles from Microsoft, five miles from Downtown Bellevue and 15 miles from downtown Seattle, Riverpark offers excellent commuting options.

--Media Contact: Nate Cole-Daum, Nyhus Communications LLC for Legacy Partners Residential, Inc., (206) 323-3733 or nate@nyhus.com

COMMENT:
I visited the apartments, took some pictures and talked to Nichole, Assistant Business Manager at Riverpark. The "Opening Day" 12-month Lease printed prices (dated 6/18/09) range from:

• a low of **$572/month for a 1-BR Studio (10% of apartments are "affordable" )
• to $2810/mo. for a 3 Bedroom Loft + Den, upper story w/view (presently unavailable)
• Two Bedroom/2 Bath range is $933 - 1452/month.
• Daily Special: 1 Month Free w/12 Month Lease. (apparently month-to-month is offered)
• Free Underground Parking, $500 Deposit ($250 refundable), $40 application fee. $300 pet fee (80 pound limit). $300 pet deposit.
• **Price ranges include the affordable housing by city requirement.

Some apartments are still under construction.

Legacy website of Riverpark: http://www.legacyatriverpark.com/

City description and video of the project: http://redmond.gov/community/02RiverPark.htm

some of my comments are opinions - the press release is abbreviated.

Somthing to think about: The Primary Election for King County Executive is coming up.

The seven (7) Candidates for King County Executive must hurdle over two voter elections to win the race.

• A PRIMARY ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 where the field will be narrowed to only two (2) candidates. This is a nonpartisan election.

• The two top vote getters from the primary election will appear on the ballot for the General Election in November.

I could not find a description in the county website on how the election process works and emailed the county yesterday for an answer.

The following King County Executive candidates (7) must be narrowed down to two candidates(2) in the August 18 primary election:

• Larry Phillips Fred Jarrett Stan Lippmann Alan Lobdell Susan Hutchison Dow Constantine Ross Hunter Goodspaceguy

I think Eastsiders will have a vote on two (2) Port of Seattle seats:

• Port of Seattle Commissioner Position No. 3
  Rob Holland David Doud Al Yuen
  Port of Seattle Commissioner Position No. 4
  Juan Paraiso Max Vekich Tom Albro

I want to thank Ross Hunter http://www.rosshunter.com/ and Larry Phillips http://larryphillips.com/welcome/ for submitting their background information for my readers.

All candidates are invited to send their background information for posting on the Redmond Neighborhood Blog to: redmondblog@gmail.com

The King County Election Web site: http://www.kingcounty.gov/elections.aspx

CONTACT: Janice Case Election Operations Supervisor (206) 296-1565 http://www.kingcounty.gov/

Former city councilmember Richard Grubb speaks up on local politics

Candidates filled with empty cliches

OPINION: How is it that those seeking public office in Redmond over the last couple of election cycles all seem to have been scooped from the same bucket of vanilla ice cream?

A safe, livable city; a vibrant downtown; efficient transportation; fiscal responsibility; sensible—as if there were such a thing—growth; preserve Redmond’s character and so on.
I mean, who doesn’t want those things?

Young, old, male, female, the candidates seem to offer only clichéd, ditto politics. A little imagination is probably too much to expect from politicians and would-be politicians these days, but it would be refreshing to hear from some candidate who gives a small indication that he or she has thought beyond the ordinary and banal.

And those who think that a mayor and council marching in lockstep is good for a community should do a short review of history. Unitary governments, more often than not, lead to a can-do-no-wrong arrogance and authoritarianism. Good government comes out of a clash of ideas. The creative tension of opposing philosophies results in a policy that, while not always perfect, tends to serve the common good rather than a few special interests.

When Jim Robinson was on the council he was, at least, willing to put forth positions and policies that others were afraid to broach. Without council members such as Mr. Robinson who are willing to ask questions that probe and test the conventional and commonplace wisdom of the day, sameness and mediocrity will prevail. It seems as if that may be what we are in for in Redmond.

This time around I think I will write-in none of the above.

Richard L. Grubb, Redmond
(past Redmond Councilmember)

-- SOURCE: the local Redmond Reporter, 6/18/09

Comments to this OPINION are posted below.

Eastside high school teens find work with Dept. of Ecology cleaning up highway litter.

BELLEVUE - High-school-age youths will return to Washington road sides next week to clean up litter tossed by motorists.

Each summer, teens aged 14 to 17 work four-week paid stints in the Ecology Youth Corps (EYC). Statewide, 200 teens are gearing up to clean litter from freeway shoulders and interchanges. The EYC will perform about 40 percent fewer hours of clean up compared to 2008, due to a $4.5 million reduction to the state's 2009-11 budget for litter prevention.

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology), which operates the litter cleanup program, urges motorists to use extra caution when they see the orange "Ecology youth working" signs along state highways.

"These are kids from your neighborhood," said Steven Williams, EYC's coordinator. "We work hard to keep them safe and every driver needs to stay alert when passing a litter crew. We're proud of the work our youths do to helpkeep our environment clean." The young people receive $8.55 per hour.

Last year, the EYC collected more than 1.1 million pounds of litterfrom roadsides and medians across the state, with nearly 450,000 pounds of it collected in King, Kitsap, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties.

EYC lives up to its name as an "Ecology" corps through extensive recycling to reduce its carbon footprint. In 2008 EYC recycled 10.2tons of aluminum, 55.9 tons of scrap metal, 4.5 tons of plastic bottlesand 19.1 tons of glass. This recycling offset 33,320 gallons of fuel, far more than the 23,424 gallons of fuel used by EYC in 2008.

Litter-Crew Training, June 29: Arrive 11:30 to noon for the most interesting activities. Spirit Ridge Park 16100 SE 33rd Pl., Bellevue

--NEWS RELEASE, DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY, 6/22/09.

The 2009 application session has ended for this year. Please contact the City of Redmond at www.redmond.gov or mayor@redmond.gov to plan for 2010. b.y.

Littering can draw fines up to $1,025. Fines for illegal dumping are $1,000 to $5,000 plus jail time. To report litter coming from a vehicle, call toll-free to 866-LITTER-1 (866-548-8371).

Contacts: Steven Williams, EYC coordinator, 425-649-77048
Ecology Youth Corps: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/eyc/

Litter: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/litter/

New traffic intersections called "roundabouts" are planned for Redmond

Short video on how a modern "roundabout" works and why it's safe. (1+min.) click

The City is in early planning stages for "roundabouts" on:

• 36th Street
• West Lake Sammamish Blvd near 43th Street
• NE 116th Street (two roundabouts)
• Novelty Hill & Union Hill (2-lanes)

Last night, Council studied the utility of modern roundabouts (RAB) for possible replacement of several future intersections. The 36th Street roundabout has already been approved. They specifically studied the impact of a roundabout in the View Point Neighborhood on West Lake Sammamish Blvd and 43rd Street. It's unfunded at this time.

Richard Cole was concerned about cars driving down the streets (7) from the west onto W. Lake Sammamish. His questions about their ability to turn left were answered by David Carson. Mr. Carson lives on one of these streets and felt by using the roundabout he could make a safer and faster "left hand turn". (W. Lake Samm. Blvd. is planned for 4-lanes without a turn lane).

From my teenager days of driving "Hawthorn Circle" on the Saw Mill River Parkway in New York, I thought today's modern "roundabouts" might be dangerous. (Wrong.) When driving the Circle, I'd always get tense and stressed trying to merge into it. The cars moved so fast on the circle. I even remember my grandfather almost having a collision (and he didn't even know it!). In actuality, driving modern roundabouts is not a new skill and it's easier and much safer than driving through intersections.

The above video clip tells most of the story on how a roundabout works. According to Pat McGrady, the RAB consultant presenting to Council, modern roundabouts of today are safer than circles and intersections for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, as follows:

• 140 roundabouts exist in Washington State, yet not one collision with a pedestrian or cyclist has been reported.
• In a comparison study of 55 sites vs. intersections, roundabouts had 35% fewer crashes and 76% of the collisions were less severe.
• Clips of a visually impaired pedestrians w/aid dog where shown crossing the street. In a RAB, vehicles approach pedestrians only from the left, yet by training, the dog looked both ways!
• Cyclists can travel faster than vehicles through a RAB since traffic flow in all one-way.
• Pedestrians don't have that silver button to hit again and again to cross.

For more information, the City has a traffic calming web page on roundabouts.

Video clip: http://www.iihs.org/video.aspx/info/roundabout

Contact: Dave Cairns, City Traffic Manager, dcairns@redmond.gov

Updated: Ross Hunter and Kathy Lambert respond to State Audit - many issues need to be resolved.

Updated: FROM ROSS HUNTER'S PRESS RELEASES of 6/23/09
"The State Audit of King County Finances was released today. The report found that King County's internal financial controls are a combination of numerous systems with significant holes, leaving the system open for potential abuse of public funds.

"It's clear that King County government has been grossly mismanaged by the executive and existing council offices," says Hunter. "This audit proves that current government has been asleep at the wheel. The next executive must be someone who comes from outside county government and has real experience managing budgets."

[Phillips called for interim director Triplett to come up with a plan to address the situation within 60 days, while Dow asked that a King County Audit Commission be created.

"Calling for a plan now is like yelling for the horses after you left the barn door open all night," says Hunter.]

Hunter wants to replace the antiquated accounting system with a modern computer system to manage county government, create cooperatives with local cities to streamline processes, and to readjust the permitting process. "We cannot achieve our housing, transportation and public health goals without seriously changing how we do business. I am ready to tackle the problems facing King County and get out financial systems in order."

- Former Microsoft Executive Ross Hunter is a four-term legislator from the 48th Legislative District on the Eastside. He is Chair of the Finance Committee in the Washington State House of Representatives.

FROM KATHY LAMBERT, by email on June 23, '09
"There is a county audit that came out this morning. It has many issues that need to be resolved. The basis of the issue is that the county charter does not allow the council to have direct oversight of the departments. This is a strong home rule charter county where the executive has more powers than I think are appropriate for one branch of government. This is the 14th largest county in the nation and should have more people doing oversight of more details than our charter allows."

- Kathy Lambert, King County Councilmember serves Redmond, Woodinville, NE Bellevue, Sammamish, Duvall, Issaquah, N. Bend, Preston...

Kathy's home page: http://www.kingcounty.gov/Lambert.aspx
Ross's home page: http://rosshunter.com/

2009 Redmond "Cops for the Cure" 3-Day Walk.

2009 Seattle Breast Cancer 3-Day
9/11-13

Join Redmond Cops for the Cure on an amazing journey in the fight against breast cancer! The Breast Cancer 3-Day is a 60-mile walk over the course of three days. Net proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure and National Philanthropic Trust, funding important research.

Cops for the Cure is a team of police officers and support personnel that walk to raise money for a cure. This will be our 5th walk. We are a team from Redmond Police Department but welcome law enforcement personnel from all over and civilians to join us in our walk to stomp out breast cancer. We walk for our loved ones who have survived, for your loved ones that have survived and in memory of those who lost the good fight!!!

-- "Cops for the Cure" website

Cops for the Cure - Register to join team
**Shari Shovlin (pictured in photo - Sheri is a Redmond Police Commander)
Kim Allen
Jim Bove
Paul Edwardsen
Sande English
Allegra Licata
Haley Shovlin
Jill Steele
Craig Werre
Kristi Wilson
**Denotes a Team Captain
Cops for the Cure 2008 Team Goal was: $23,000.00. Achieved: $10,626.00

Comment: Kimberly Allen, Councilmember, City of Redmond first told me of this event. She is one of Redmond's citizens walking with Cops for the Cure. (Kim is also "running" for re-election). I'm thinking of registering since #1 walking is a great "soft" exercise and I need it, #2 my mother died of three cancers, one of which was breast cancer and #3 I want to support Kim. Do you want to register, too? Click the link!

Website: Cops for the Cure (learn more - event headquarters.)
Register: to join and or donate to Kim's Team.
Website: Kim Allen's Page.

Background on Larry Phillips - candidate for King County Executive

From Larry Phillips, submitted by Christina Gebreab

I was born and raised in King County and I am proud to call it home. I grew up hiking in the Cascades, earning my Eagle Scout medal, swimming in Lake Washington and playing varsity basketball for my high school.

After earning a B.A. from the University of Washington in Political Science, and a law degree from Willamette University, I went to work as a legislative aide for U.S. Senator Henry “Scoop” Jackson. While working for Scoop, I earned a Masters degree in labor law from George Washington University.

In 1981, I returned home to manage Randy Revelle’s successful Democratic campaign for King County Executive and then became an integral member of his Executive Office staff, working as his Chief of Staff, serving in that capacity until 1986. In 1988, I was elected by the voters of the 36th legislative district to represent them in the Washington State House of Representatives.

As a legislator, I successfully fought for lower class sizes and better funding for education. I also was a prime sponsor of the state’s Growth Management Act to rein in urban sprawl.
After winning two terms in the legislature, the voters of King County Council District Four elected me to serve them on the Metropolitan King County Council.

As a councilmember, I have championed open space and natural resource protection, expanded local and regional parks and trails, led salmon recovery efforts, and fought for mass transit implementation and expansion.

In 2003, I was elected Chair of the King County Council and served three years in this leadership role. In 2008, I served as the chair of the council’s budget committee. I have served as the chair of the council’s budget committee four times, and despite intense budget pressures, I have made funding for human services, public health and public safety services top priorities each time.

I serve on many local boards, including Sound Transit, the Woodland Park Zoo, the WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council and the Cedar River Council. I am the National Co-Chair to Climate Communities, a national alliance of locally elected officials who work to secure federal funding for climate change initiatives.

My executive and management experience in both the public and private sectors and my vision for King County’s future make me the best qualified candidate to lead our region through these difficult times. I know what initiatives in King County work, how to hire and motivate people to support them, and how to successfully implement them once adopted. But I also know what needs to change, and am the only candidate with significant knowledge of county government and our region to make the changes King County needs.

As King County Executive, I will lead King County to create more family-wage jobs through development of regional infrastructure projects, to protect basic, core services like public health, public safety, transit, and human services despite our tough budget circumstances, and to protect our environment and natural resources.

--Excerpts from larryphillips.com and KCDCC questionnaire, submitted by Christina Gebreab

This is for informational purposes only and not to be construed as an endorsement. The candidate pool for King County Executive is large. I am posting background information from other candidates, as received.

I will post background information on any of those King County Executive Candidates submitting information to redmondblog@gmail.com

The cost of good water quality & what we can do.

Two water tanks adjacent Horace Mann El. were repainted inside and out, retrofitted for safety and seismically upgraded for a total cost of $2.8 million.

OPINION: There is no question, the City is investing heavily into our water supply infrastructure, water quality assurance and water conservation programs. Did you know that residents east of Lake Sammamish and the Sammamish River get all their water from the ground?

• The City has spent millions of dollars retrofitting wellheads to improve treatment and safety standards. ~$11.5 million was recently spent by the City just to upgrade the two wellheads at Anderson Park. Expensive land had to be purchased to save Anderson Park during the wellhead upgrades.
  
• The City plans to build a Regional Stormwater Treatment Center in SE Redmond to treat industrial stormwater before it infiltrates into the shallow aquifer (underground lake). A $40 million regional treatment plant is already underway for the downtown. Overlake Regional Facilty is next. Treating dirty stormwater is expensive, as you see on your utility bill, but the regional systems will reduce costs over time.
  
• Redmond is a member city of the Cascade Water Alliance. Growing eastside cities would eventually run out of drinking water without a new water source. The Alliance is raising millions of dollars to build a pipeline from the Mt. Ranier watershed to the Eastside. **Emmons glacier on Mt. Ranier is receding but plans are proceeding. Lake Tapps has been secured to store the glacial mountain water before it's piped to the Eastside.

• Redmond spends a lot of money monitoring for spills and hazardous waste. The City has it's own geologist to oversee groundwater water quality and monitor the protection zones for our wells. Recently, a potential diesel spillage was discovered and quickly addressed with funding from Council for qualified inspection services.

Some great news came out of the the City Water Quality Report, Summer 2009. Did you see it? With all the talk about the safety of our groundwater supply it appears all is well - no pun intended. Did you read that four (4) fewer "compounds" were detected in our groundwater as compared to the Tolt River watershed that supplies residents west of the river? The city's investment in our groundwater supply definitively appears to be paying off.

One of the more significant contaminants now entering our water supply are pharmaceuticals. Councilmember Margeson brought this up at the last Council meeting and handed me the information. When pills and pharmaceuticals are flushed down the toilet or thrown in the garbage they NEVER get treated. And, we could be drinking them. Low levels of pharmaceuticals in drinking water have been found in 24 cities. Get this, pharmaceutical chemicals have been found in about 80% of our nation's urban streams. Please don't flush or trash 'em! Take your unused pills to a pharmacy for disposal. Group Health, Bartell and others participate.

It's estimated that over 120,000 gallons of water is saved per day by Redmond's Conservation Program. Don't forget to tap into the toilet and clothes washer rebates and check your outdoor faucets and hoses before you go on vacation! You can save a bundle. I learned the hard way.

** Read my '07 post on the receeding glaciers that are feeding the Cascade Alliance water pipeline.

Email your questions to Tom Fix, tfix@redmond.gov, City Water Quality Team.
Cascade Water Alliance informational video clip.
Cascade Water Alliance website.

LWSD Communications wins three Media Awards.

The Lake Washington School District’s Communications Department won three awards from the Washington School Public Relations Association in its 2009 Publications and Electronic Media Awards.

Certificates of Excellence are given to all entries that score an 80 or above out of 100 from judges. Certificates of Excellence were awarded for:

• LWSD 2008-09 Calendar, Category: Calendar. Responsible for the publication: Kathryn Reith, Shannon Parthemer, Shelley Rios; Richard McNamee Photography; Stephanie Schriger, Design & Graphics

• LWSD Annual Report, Category: Annual report. Responsible for the publication: Kathryn Reith, Shannon Parthemer, Chelsea Lee

• A Message from Chip, Category: Video. Responsible for the video: Dr. Chip Kimball, Kathryn Reith, Shannon Parthemer, Sean Valley

Note: The 2008-09 calendar was the last of its kind for the district: the budget for the printed calendar was cut in this year’s budget process. A printable version of the calendar also will be available on the Web site but staff members and parents will not receive a printed calendar in August.

About Lake Washington: Lake Washington School District is a high-performing public school district serving Kirkland, Redmond, and Sammamish, Washington. It is the sixth largest district in the state of Washington, with over 23,000 students in 49 schools.

Comment: I'd like to personally thank Kathryn Reith and Shannon Parthemer for sending the Redmond Neighborhood Blog their invaluable press releases. The LWSD is such a big part of what makes Redmond, Redmond and being informed about our schools counts Big Time. Thank you, Kathryn and Shannon for everything you do for us and CONGRATULATIONS on your three awards! I'll miss you this summer! B.Y.

BMX jumpers & parents work 35 hours to improve the Water District forest.

Above are some of the amazing GreenRedmond volunteers who donated time on Saturday restoring the Hartman Greenbelt. We had a ball! CLICK ON PIC! EXPAND THE VIEW!

Updated, 6/17 - The above crew are mostly BMX dirt jumpers and their parents who donated precious time to improve the Hartman water district greenbelt. The BMX'ers use the greenbelt a lot for their BMX sport so it was rewarding to see many of them pitch in. We had 21 volunteers this day and the space looks so much better now! Several came all the way from Redmond Ridge. Mayor Marchione walked by our site asking twice what we were doing! "Building a park!" Pulling weeds! we exclaimed! He talked a little about the Council elections and how happy he was with Carolyn Hope the new Parks Planner, saying she's achieved so much in four months.

Several months ago, I went through a 6 hour training program put on by the City and Cascade Land Conservancy and PRESTO! I'm now a "Land steward" for the City's GreenRedmond Forestry Program. My job is to recruit and train volunteers who want to improve the Hartman Greenbelt. Mostly, we remove invasive plants, like Himalayan blackberries and ivy. Though, we've also found concrete waste and trash. In the Fall we will mulch and plant. This community work is rewarding in many ways. For example, #1 it's great exercise, #2 at the end of the day look at your work and are amazed about how much everyone accomplished, #3 you feel good about improving the forest habitat and appearance, #4 you meet new people, #5 students can get community credit and recognition from the City.

Norah Kates of the Cascade Conservancy summarizes: "GreenRedmond" is a partnership between the City of Redmond, the residents of Redmond, and Cascade Land Conservancy as exemplified in this photo. (Norah Kates is in the center; Chris from Parks Ops is right; Doug is the assisting steward). GreenRedmond works to restore and maintain all 1,035 acres of forested parkland in the city. So far this year we’ve gotten 215 volunteers who have donated 574 hours of their time to the Partnership, and the field season is just starting.

The Parks and Recreation department will be hosting work parties on the last Saturday of every month, there will be other events on the RedmondGreen website. So far we’re working in Farrel-McWhirter, Grass Lawn Park, Hartman Greenbelt, Idylwood Park, Viewpoint Neighborhood Park, and Westside Park/Bridle Crest Trail."

-- Norah Kates, Cascade Conservancey.

Click the pics to see all the people!

The website for GreenRedmond Partnership Land Steward is here.

Green trees deliver green benefits. - article recommended by Cascade Conservancy.

The new Sammamish Rowing Association BOATHOUSE is approved.

Sammamish Rowing Association Club is on County land and is open to the Public

The Sammamish Rowing Association (SRA) is a fantastic public asset for city and county residents wishing to take up the sport. Hundreds of youth and adults take classes every year to learn how to scull and crew on beautiful Lake Sammamish.

This popular and growing sport has needed more boathouse space for its "shells". exercise equipment and operations for years. Unfortunately, land use permitting by the county and city have delayed the project for many more years!

On June 2 the City Council held a restricted, closed public hearing so SRA and an opposing citizen could explain their case. The opponent did most all of the talking as Council had to decide if they would deny the city use permit based on the citizen's complaints. Ms. Dickson lives across the street from SRA and her primary motivation was traffic and adequate parking. She also tried to make a case for environmental damage from wetland destruction.

SRA was well prepared: 1) a left hand turn lane will be installed on Lake Sammamish Blvd. My whole family rowed at SRA and we know this improvement is critical for safety. 2) at least 15 more parking spots will be installed. 3) traffic mitigation is required, including car pooling, 3) the 12,000 sf boathouse footprint remains 150 feet from the lake, 4) a smaller wetland would be upgraded to the highest level of importance and value - Category One, and 5) hazardous wastes would be self-contained. Council approved the use permit, 7 - 0. A credit to the Mayor, it was the most professional and fairest closed-record Hearing from Council I've seen in five years. But, the appeals process is unfair.

Comment: Council's land use appeal policy : The City Council's land use appeals process (read this story & "comments") is outdated and has been abandoned by almost every city around us. The Boathouse permit is a case in point, as follows: 1) Council was not allowed to walk the site or talk to anyone about the SRA project; yet, Councilman Cole informed me last week he has known Ms. Dickson for years. 2) Neither parties involved nor the community was fully heard or represented by this rigid Review. 3) The code is confusing. Ms. Dickson, the opponent, missed out in filing a "Letter of Reconsideration" to Council and lost a rare opportunity to be heard by Council. She received no representation or assistance from her elected representatives during the Review. Almost all cities leave the judging up the to the justices of county court and free Council to represent and assist their elected. Redmond Council policy is an outlier, leaving them vulnerable to law suit.

The Sammamish Rowing Association website: http://www.srarowing.com/

Diagrams and description of the new Boathouse: http://www.srarowing.com/newboathouse/newboathouse.aspx

This Ordinance was approved by City Council to permit the use of a new Boathouse by the Sammamish Rowing Association. This document shows a map of the project.

Read over 11 comments (some from Councilmembers Carson and Allen) on the city's controversial land use appeal process.

BMX Dirt Jump Bikers get a lift from the City

Bicycle Motocross (BMX) youth design their own dirt jump courses with clay models at Horace Mann El.

Carolyn Hope, Redmond's new Senior Parks Planner and already a "rising star", organized a workshop for the neighborhood BMX dirt bike youth. The kids here are modeling clay mock-ups of course designs to help the city plan a safer, more consistent & challenging, environmentally friendly course. Councilmember Richard Cole was present and positive about prospects for the sport in Redmond. Horace Mann El. hosted the meeting.

Neighborhood youth have been BMX dirt jumping in a neighborhood water district forest for over ten years. Only now has the City recognized the sport, the jump course and forest remnant as a potential park asset. Carolyn Hope has worked hard on the project. This is the second community meeting she has held. On Thursday, July 9th, 1:30 - 6pm Ms. Hope is taking 8 BMX youth on a tour of three established nearby dirt jump parks to get fresh ideas and learn about course construction and design. Assuming the city proceeds, permitting and formal design by a qualified engineer will be required.

The BMX youth are ecstatic about the support from the City. Over eight BMX youth volunteered 32 hours of community service to help clean-out invasive plants from the BMX forest. Many of their parents helped, too.


The BMX tour schedule and park websites:
1. Colonnade Mountain Bike Park with John Lang of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance:http://evergreenmtb.org/wiki/index.php?title=Colonnade
2. Tapeworm Jumps and Pump Track with AJ Johnson of GHY Bikes:http://evergreenmtb.org/wiki/index.php?title=Tapeworm
3. Snoqualmie Dirt Jumps (possibly with DirtCorps):http://evergreenmtb.org/wiki/index.php?title=Trail:Snoqualmie_Bike_Park
http://www.dirtcorps.com/Projects/SnoqualmieBikeSkillsParkPhaseIComplete/tabid/71/Default.aspx

Background on Ross Hunter - candidate for King County Executive

FROM ROSS HUNTER HQ, June 12, 2009
" I am a 4-term incumbent in the Washington State House of Representatives, representing the 48th District since 2003. I currently serve as chair of the Finance committee, and have been a member of the powerful Ways and Means committee since I joined the legislature.

While in the legislature I've served on the information Services Board, responsible for managing complex software projects, particularly those that cross jurisdictional boundaries. I've helped save the state millions of dollars and fixed broken projects.

In a previous life I worked at Microsoft for 17 years, winding up as a General Manager responsible for several hundred people and multiple products. I hold patents related to Microsoft Access, a product I worked on for a very long time. I have substantial experience in managing complex projects, most specifically software development projects.

I attended Yale University, graduating in 1983 with a BS in Computer Science.

I serve on the boards of the Bellevue Schools Foundation and Hopelink, the Eastside's largest human service agency. This gives me insight into the human services needs of King County in a way it would be difficult to learn in the legislature. I've previously served the community as leader of a large Cub Scout pack, and as a member of the Cascade District Committee, helping organize the Scouting program on the Eastside. I received a "District Award of Merit" for the time spent on this."

-- Hunter Releases Questionnaires, excerpt
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 12, 2009

FOR MORE INFORMATION Cynara Lilly 206.915.7821

http://www.rosshunter.com/

Comment: This is for informational purposes only and not to be construed as an endorsement. The candidate pool for King County Executive is large. I am posting background information from other candidates as I receive it. I can say, last year Mr. Hunter responded to a visit from Mr. Cole, Ms. Allen and Mayor Marchione to help secure WSDOT funding for the restoration of Lower Bear Creek. The $10 million restoration will help manage flood hazards and improve habitat for Federally Endangered Chinook salmon. B. Y.

I will post background information on any of those King County Executive Candidates submitting information to redmondblog@gmail.com

The Administration plans to add an environmental education component to their new flood mitigation plan.

Severe Bear Creek flooding behind the Safeway and Redmond Town Center may be less common when the new Flood Mitigation Plan is fully implimented.

Redmond travelers, business owners, and residents have continual concerns about winter flooding hitting our area. Tom Fix, stormwater engineer for the City of Redmond and others in the Administration have worked hard to provide a Comprehensive Flood Hazard Plan for Greater Redmond. The complete update is posted on the city website

The City Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has played a key role on flood mitigation. According to Mr. Hitch, the City has been working to :

• update the City's Hazard Mitigation Plan for all disasters, including flooding. The County is proceeding with flood plain mapping for the river.
• improve the lower channel of Bear Creek as part of WSDOT's construction of four additional lanes to SR520.
• improve habitat restoration along the river that includes removal of some soil, improving flood capacity and planting of native vegetation.
  
• promote "limited impact development" (LID ) , particularly in North Redmond. LID practices should reduce surface flow, and thereby reduce flooding.
  
• mitigate risks to our groundwater protection zones from hazardous materials during flood events; this is part of the evaluation of the City's groundwater protection program.
  
• develop a new water quality facility that may be built in 2009 or 2010 near Bear Creek. This project will include an educational component that will address floodplain issues.

Environmental education and riparian (stream habitat) corridor restoration is icing on the cake. Thanks Steve Hitch, DNR, and the Administration for your dilligence and efforts!

Any of your flood related questions can be directed to Steve Hitch, 425-556-2891 or shitch@redmond.gov

Redmond's Comprehensive Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan city web page.

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.