What's worse than ever rising school property taxes? Planning for them!

UPDATED, 9/23:  Letter from LWSD:  expect a $130 school tax increase for 2010.

Lake Washington School District   School Board and Administration met, 9/14, for a "Work Session" on Levy and Bond Planning.  I sat in, took notes and enjoyed some fruit, a cookie and coffee.  LWSD folks are friendly.  The Work Session had two parts and they were probably trying to figure out what to do with me.

The first part of the Work Session involved study of  three, large 11 X 17 inch budget sheets, revised 09/14/09.   Two of the sheets were on 2010 Four-Year Capital Projects Levies for Facilities and Technology.   The third sheet gave options for the Capital facility Planning Bond 2010 & 2014.   

The Superintendent also presented review of school capacity and configuration and the Juanita Pool.    Superintendent Dr. Kimball appeared to lecture to the School Board (and staff) as he presented the budgeting options for each funding project. Of course, lecturing is common practice of PhD's in education..  Each of the three funding projects had five (5) options.  The School Board, again, left most of the talking to the Superintendent and appeared to settle on the middle option.        

The second part of the meeting had "all the goodies".   Based on the assumptions below, Dr. Kimball anticipated the 2010 Levy rate at $2.87 / $1000 assessed value OR a $1,435 school tax per year for the average house in the District.  The present 2009 tax rate is $2.22.   Increasing the tax rate to $2.87 would raise our school taxes on an average house in the District by $130. 

 Kimball's $1435 tax  suggestion is an example and not etched in stone.   Dr. Kimball handed out a "School Levy/Bond Recommendations" worksheet, asking the School Board to make their own calculations.  By this time the School Board was tired and wanted to fill it out later.  Me too.  So, Dr. Kimball described his own worksheet calculation, as follows: 

1.  He assumed the community would go for the middle planning Option B for both levies and the bond.
2.  He estimated the fair assessed value for the average home is $500,000.
3.  He anticipated the Option B rate of the Capital Projects Levy at: ~ 0.21 for Facilities and 0.20 for Technology. 
4.  He anticipated the Educational Maintenance & Operations levy at:  $1.29 / $1000 assessed value.
5.  He anticipated the previously approved Debt Service Bonds at:  $1.00 / $1000 assessed value.
6.  The additional Cost of Modernization & School Construction Bond is deduced at 0.18 / $1000.

Add it all up:  .18 + 1.00 + 1.29 + ~.21 + ~.20 = $2.87 tax rate / $1000.   $1435 tax /average home

Six public meetings will be held in October LWSD to gather input. At these meetings, Superintendent Chip Kimball will review the various options for each measure, what the cost would be for each option and what that money would pay for.  Citizens can fill out their own worksheets calculate anticipated costs per needs.

Oct. 7 – 3:00-4:30 p.m., Redmond Junior High
Oct. 8 – 7:00-8:30 p.m., Redmond High School
Oct. 13 – 3:00-4:30 p.m., Kamiakin Jr. High
Oct. 13 -- 7:00-8:30 p.m., Juanita High School
Oct. 14 – 7:00-8:30 p.m., Lake Washington High School

Director Kathryn Reith says,  "The district is also looking at a potential bond measure to address potential overcrowding in the next several years and beyond. Enrollment is up by 240 students district-wide at the elementary level this year. Projections indicate that the district will need space for approximately 1300 more students by 2014 and 2500 more students by 2019-20."

by Bob yoder

UPDATED, 12/1- Observations for small, but positive changes at LWSD

UPDATE, 9/29 - It's been a little more than a week since I visited the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) headquarters in Redmond.  I attended the Work Session on Levy & Bond Planning and participated in the Board Meeting during "Public Comments".  I learned a lot about District governance and process, met some friendly and informative staff, including Kathryn Reith, Director of Communications.  Kathryn sent press releases last school year for the Blog.  I feel I have a good relationship with this organization and they actively listen to my ideas. 

I want to list some incremental progress we've already made to create positive changes in the District. 

1.  Printing Problem:   When printing from LWSD website pages, content is usually truncated on the right margin. Important information is lost.  For example:  It couldn't be discerned from the Board printouts that Ravi Shahani is the sole Board Member identified as representing Einstein.  In addition, lots of time and paper is wasted trying to print pages correctly.  For example:  each page has to be shrinked by 85%.

Solution:  Printable pages are now available on the LWSD website!  Look for this printer icon   The "printable page" icon will  improve productivity and convenience for staff and citizens using the site.  Thanks to John Vaille, Chief Technology Officer for getting this job done and for Ms. Reith's communications.   Chip Kimball, Superientent, has a technology background, which doesn't hurt.

2.)   "Work Session Meeting" process:   According to Ms. Reith, the District is not posting Work Session Minutes on the Web site.   However, this Fall they will start posting Session meetings along with Board meetings.  Update: 12/1/09  The "Minutes" are one sentence topics of no value.

3)    "Public Records".   When a citizen presents at Board Meetings, their documents "for the Record", are submitted to the Executive Administrator (Dianne Jenkins) who sits on the Dias with the Board and Superintendent.  According to Ms. Reith, the Records are put in a date-marked file and stored in the Superintendent's office.  Update: 12/1:  The Executive Secretary's technical title is "administrative assistant" yet she takes Minutes, files Public Records, prepares the "Packet" and is the "Executive Secretary"  for the Superintendent.  She informs the public about the website and promotes the Superintendent's policies. She is a key employee.   The District has not included Ms. Jenkins in the "Administrative Directory" so it's difficult to identify and contact her.   Currently, you have to know her name to search for her email. 

4.)  "Agenda".   ADA (hearing impaired) guidelines are not printed on the electronic agenda.  Of course, ADA is a tremendously important priority in schools, so I assume an electronic version of the ADA advisory will be published on the website Agenda. It is not. (12/1).  An electronic advisory will help individuals with disabilities "contact the superintendents' office as soon as possible in advance of the meeting..."

6)  The Superintendent doesn't verbally announce the topic of Executive Sessions.  Though it's in writing someplace the public isn't likely to find it. 12/1.    

5)  Ms. Reith says a group picture of the Board will be taken and posted on the website.  In the meanitme, I'm posting my photo of the Board.  12/1 a photo was never taken by LWSD.  I assume they decided mine was good enough for them.

by Bob Yoder
revised: 12/1/09

CC:  LWSD Administration

A catalyst marked by an event(s)

Lake Washington School District government & process will be studied and reported on this blog.

Five LWSD Board of Directors meet with Superintendent and staff twice a month at 7pm.

Board Meetings are video-taped and archived. 

Click an agenda item for this meeting  to start the video.   

The Lake Washington School District School Board (and indirectly the Superintendent) reports to 102,000 active registered voters!  Parents and caregivers entrust 23,768 of their children to the district.  That's a huge responsibility. 

By contrast, the City of Redmond (C.O.R.) Council and Mayor report to less than 30,000 registered voters.  (The city's residential population is 50,000).   Though, not all voters are property owners, the four-fold increase of voters in LWSD over C.O.R. is significant and deserves attention. 

In August 2009, eight COMMENTS from unhappy Redmond Elementary and Einstein parents were posted on the Blog.   These parents were unhappy from two years of  substandard "Average Yearly Performance" (AYP) ratings in three sub-categories.  I will be reporting on this in greater detail so your COMMENTS are always appreciated. 

The Title One, AYP issue has triggered my community activism at LWSD.  I'm finding the LWSD Administration responsive and very accepting to positive social change. So far, I attended and participated in the 9/14 Board Meeting and Work Session on Levy & Bond Planning; I've observed Suspension Appeal Hearing and studied the archived video of the 9/31 Board Meeting.

In just a short time, I've observed areas where we can come together to solve problems and I will report on them soon.  It is important to remember these are tough times for all school districts.

LWSD Form of Government:"Single Executive Type of School Administration".  Superintendent Chip Kimball (BIO) is the District CEO and Administrator and is hired by the Board.

• 
  
  The Superintendent  is the board's link to the organization's staff and is accountable for achieving the ends identified by the board and carrying out the goals of the organization.  Superintendent's salary is $190,178 + expense reimbursement.
  
  
  

• The School Board is the governing body of the District, with all activities under the direction of the Superintendent.  The School Board is composed of five (5) elected Board Members serving four (4) year terms.  How to contact Board Members 

LWSD Board of Directors responsibilities:  The Board 1) "represents the citizens and lead the organization by asking critical questions and by determining and demanding appropriate and excellent organizational performance", 2) writes policy, 3) studies outcomes analysis, 4) advocates, 5) monitors CEO and Board performance, 6) decision-maker for appeals, 7) authority to hire and fire the CEO.  Directors attend 2 meetings/month and qualify for salary up to $167/meeting ($333/month) but have chosen not to take any pay.

The Superintendent is accountable for achieving the ends identified by the board.   In the future, I will write a story addressing  "the ends". 
  
By contrast, the Redmond (C.O.R.) Form of Government:

• "Strong Mayor" . Mayor John Marchione is City CEO, Administrator, and elected representative.  His inaugural salary is ~ $128,000 plus expense reimbursement.  The Mayor is charged with carrying out the policies of the city council and administering staff and city operations.
• COR Council is composed of seven elected (7) members serving 4-year terms.  Council writes governing policy,  approves the budget, appoints Boards and Commissions, participates in land use review process, participates on Council Committees.  Councilmembers attend at least 5 meetings or events per month and are paid ~$470/month.

report and photo by Bob Yoder

Councilmember Kim Allen begins doorbelling the neighborhoods

Kim Allen - Redmond City Council Position 4.

"I'm doorbelling like mad--and really enjoying catching up with the folks in Redmond's great neighborhoods. So far, the Downtown Park is a general thumbs up and there is a cautious optimism for the growth in Downtown. Careful planning is the key."

"I am proud to report that I have just received the endorsement from Redmond Police!"

          Kim's Election Website, 

           

            Excerpts from FaceBook, 9/21 

            by Bob Yoder

The "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" Mission Statement, Goals, Achievements

Friends and Guests,

 The "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" brings transparency to the City of Redmond, Lake Washington School District, Evergreen Hospital District and other local jurisdictions, to encourage them to listen to their constituents and make positive changes; the Blog helps Greater Redmond citizens to be seen and heard in their neighborhoods and come together to find solutions. Your comments and stories are welcome."

I’ve lived in Redmond 30 years.  I publish the Redmond Neighborhood Blog because I am passionate about where live and I love being active in my community and local government.  The Blog is my avocation.  My goal is that someday the Redmond Neighborhood Blog will be a thriving nonprofit, skilled at connecting and engaging Greater Redmond local governments with our communities. Recognition and Advocacy are central to this Blog.

At the core of my reporting, is scrutiny and daylighting the local governing bodies of  Greater Redmond.  Transparency is a disinfectant.  I've expanded my City of Redmond coverage to include Lake Washington School District, Evergreen Public Hospital District and the local King County Library branch.  The School District has three times as many active voters as the City and represents great potential for additional readership and positive changes.

Alternative neighborhood news, opinion, comment, and  posts contributed by citizens and business engages and connects citizens with our communities and  local jurisdictions.    The Blog strives to be nonpartisan and independent.  Presently, every candidate running for office in the City, School Board, and Public Health District #2 knows about the Blog.

In 2005, preservation of  priority Urban Open Space and the cultural habitat of Perrigo Woodlands and Hartman Wetlands drew me into community activism.  Discovery of hazardous waste on a shallow city aquifer in SE Redmond triggered the beginnings of this blog.  Land use review practices, Public Notice and developer-centric planning were early reports and are ongoing.  In 2008, I worked with the Water Tenders and other citizens to leverage our voice and empower City and regional officials   Our message was successfully targeted to State representatives.  We secured  $8M funding from the State to restore Bear Creek and mitigate SR520 flooding.

Reporting on city governance brings positive changes, as follows:

1. Independent, alternative neighborhood news and reader comments and contributions keeps government  in touch with our needs and each other. 
2. TRANSPARENCY:  Our electeds' work is more visible. Minutes and recordings of meetings are taken and with consistency.  Elected conduct more meetings outside of their Chambers and in neighborhoods.  Committees have more voice.  Electeds' and staff meetings are more visible, efficient and productive.  Senior administrators and CEO's listen and respond.
3. City of Redmond and other local jurisdictions are subjected to public scrutiny for positive change.
4. Land use review process, Public Notice, Public Records and access is improved.
5. Human resource problems are identified.
6. Access to governments' website resources are improved and more transparent.     
7. Commissions, Boards and Councils are energized and empowered.
8. Mistakes and unintended consequences during the planning process are minimized by community participation and more functional internal (staff) communications
9. Neighborhood and community Voice is leveraged and targeted to create positive change in Greater Redmond, the County and State.  

Local and state politicians listen and respond to the problems and opportunities uncovered by the Blog.   A key Goal is to encourage reader participation and contributions to the Blog with their Comment, Letters, Opinion, Tips, and stories.  Probably, the biggest soft spot in this blog is the Lone Wolf Syndrome of One Howling Voice.  Readers want a chorus of thought, opinion, comment and neighborhood news.  Your contributions get top priority over my entries!   Improving site functionality is another key Goal.   I'm open to ideas!
 
The Redmond Neighborhood Blog provides alternative news to traditional  reporting while remaining independent of commercial and government dogma.    I cherish, and pay for this freedom!   I hope you will take advantage of this resource and participate, with your stories, your news, your comments, insight and of course, your readership!

Sincerely,

Bob Yoder
Community Activist
Publisher and Editor
"Redmond Neighborhood Blog"

10019 169th AVE NE
Redmond, WA.  98052
425-802-2523 
redmondblog@gmail.com

9/27/09, revised 10/17/09

Redmond City TV Crew will film the Redmond vs. Eastlake football game!

A few Redmond High School Super Fans and (clip of the "Roller Coaster" cheer)

According to a city press release, the Friday, September 25th varsity football game between LWSD rivals Eastlake High and Redmond High will be recorded and televised on Redmond City Television (RCTV).

Long time Redmond High School stadium announcer and district technology whiz Sean Valley, and former Western Washington Viking, Shelton High School All-League and King Bowl Championship receiver Scott River will provide play by play and color commentary.

The 'Stangs recently lost to Juanita (13 -6) and Bothell (54-0) last night.  Come out in numbers and cheer for our RHS Mustang football team! 

The game will also be available On Demand 24/7 via the City’s website http://www.redmond.gov/ starting Monday September 28. 

"ATTENTION! The comment under this Council Committee story may make you drowsy. Do not operate a vehicle after reading it!!"

For the sake of brevity and your reading enjoyment, I've posted edited excerpt's of my correspondence with City Clerk, Michelle McGehee under "comments".  

To find our Q&A please press the "comments" button underneath this post.

Chair Hank Margeson's Planning and Public Works Committee meeting, 9/17

This committee meeting had quorum and voted to advise staff on an annexation issue.

 L-R Hank Myers, Kim Allen, Richard Cole (by door), Hank Margeson (under clock)

Council President Nancy McCormick

story and photo by Bob Yoder

UPDATED: Councilmembers Margeson and Myers explain the uses and meaning of Council Committee voting.

Second update, 9/19:  I met Councilmember Hank Margeson at the "Leadership Eastside" breakfast meeting this morning and he was aware of my struggle to understand the Council Committees' purpose of voting.   Margeson (left) Chairs the Planning and Public Works Committee.  He said he uses the Committee vote mostly to "give direction" to staff.   Hank Myers (right) touches on this in the below letter he just emailed.  

A double thanks to "both Hanks" and especially to Kim Allen who first alerted me and explained the voting process.  Council President Nancy McCormmick and Michelle McGhee, our City Clerk also helped.   

The take-home message is Council Committee voting is "advisory" in nature and  not a Council decision.  The full Council will still have to vote by consent or nonconsent, on committee advise.

Open government is furthered if committee votes are not only recorded but also announced for the benefit of the viewing audience, media and staff.

A paraphrased, excerpted email from Councilman Hank Myers describes Committee process further, as follows:

Mayor Marchione has a policy of trying to give the Council process three touches on significant issues. Certain actions, such as applying for grants, require Council action. ...And in the case of the bike jump grant request we voted to recommend applying for the grant to show that it had been considered and was not controversial in our view. As a result, it was subsequently considered as part of the Council Consent agenda and passed.    

The Committee meetings are advertised as public so that interested members of the Council may attend and even participate in the discussion without violating the open public meetings act. It is my understanding that only members of the Committee may vote, [and the public my attend but not participate] and when we took the vote to approve the application for the bike jumps Mr. Vache', Mr. Carson and I all voted in favor. Councilmember Cole did not vote.

Hank Myers
Councilmember, View Point Neighborhood
Chair of Parks and Human Services Committee
paraphrased and edited by Bob Yoder

Doug Eglington, LWSD Board Director, District Four

Mr. Eglington has been on the School Board for 20 years.
Doug lives in Sammamish.

 BIO and contact information.

Mr. Eglington is running unopposed.

Julie White filed to run against Mr. Eglington, but she has since withdrawn.

Doug's district has the most schools of any other Board Member. His district  includes six Redmond schools:

Redmond High, Redmond Junior, Inglewood Junior (Sammamish),  Evergreen Junior (Redmond),Smith Elementary (Sammamish), Mead Elementary (Sammamish), McAuliffe Elementary (Sammanish)

Dickenson Elementary (Redmond), Carson Elementary (Sammamish), Blackwell Elementary (Sammamish)

Alcott Elementary (Redmond), Audubon Elementary (Redmond)

                                    Nancy Bernard, LWSD Board Director, District Three

Nancy Bernard has been on the School Board 12 years

 Ms. Bernard is running unopposed

Nancy was PTSA Science Chair for eight years at John Muir in Kirkland

BIO and contact information

Ms. Bernard's district covers 10 schools. 3 high schools, 3 junior highs, 4 elementary schools, including three Redmond schools.

Redmond High, Lake Washington High, Juanita High, Redmond Junior, Rose Hill Junior, Kamiaken Junior, Twain Elementary, Rush Elementary, Muir Elementary, Frost Elementary.

Council "stalls out" on requests from Pomegranate Bistro and Black Raven Brewery for extended hours. Approves recycling uses in SE Redmond Industrial Parks.

OPINION:  Third Update, 9/17.  During their September 15 meeting, the City Council voted on amendments to an ordinance updating the land use designations for Manufacturing Parks (MP) and Business Parks (BP).  Council generally likes to separate residential, business, and manufacturing zones from each other. 

A second related ordinance was considered that would allow additional uses to MP  for medical diagnostics and short term treatment facilities. Vache' proposed keeping medical diagnostics businesses exclusively in the Bear Creek neighborhood.  The Council majority voted with Mr. Vache' (5 -1) since a similar use was already present in the neighborhood and concentrating diagnostics in one MP neighborhood was preferred.

Councilmember David Carson shepherded prior study sessions on MP/BP.   At that time three other businesses requested zoning use amendments, as follows:  Black Raven Brewery, Pomegranate Bistro and Watson Asphalt   It was decided during study sessions that a Public Hearing was necessary.

Restaurants: 
During the Hearing, the owner of Black Raven Brewery complained of losing more than 7-10% revenues from the MP requirement for 10pm closing.   He asked for an amendment to extend his hours to 11pm.   Ms Lisa Dupar, of the Pomegranate Bistro asked for extended hours to 12 Midnight.  Ms. Dupar stated that even her neighbors have requested longer hours e.g. fitness, Xerox, Yoga, a digital store, and especially Microsoft employees.  Council was tied 3-3 on the vote.  The Mayor is not allowed to break the tie for ordinances,  Thus, by procedure, the amendment "died and no decision was made.

COMMENT:    I believe the Black Raven and Pomegranate should be allowed to extend their hours and stay where they are.  Yes, the "City Plan" calls to concentrate restaurants in the Downtown area, to limit competition to the downtown.  But, as Margeson stated, these two businesses "are here".  I'm also concerned about the scarcity of parking downtown especially,with all the new apartments and Business Park services opening up.  The city needs to work through procedural barriers to give these businesses a complete opportunity to be heard.     

Recycling:
Watson Asphalt abuts Evans Creek and recycles asphalt. They provide much of the asphalt Redmond Public Works uses to build city roads.   A Watson spokesman asked that all recycling uses in SE Redmond be approved for industrial parks (IP) zoning in the 2484 ordinance.  Cole sponsored the amendment.  Council passed Watson's request 6-0, to approve the amendment allowing SE Redmond Industries to recycle in their IP neighborhood zone.

COMMENT:   All Wood Recycling (AWR) is another recycling business on the banks of Evans Creek of the SE Redmond.  Besides wood, AWR recycles concrete and who knows what else.  In my hikes and bushwacking into the marshlands and riparian wetlands east of and abutting AWR, I've observed piles of concrete debris (recycled concrete?) pushing into the eastern riparian wetlands and canals.  (They call it flood control). The  Redmond Department of Natural Resources aparently knows all about the concrete spillage and uncovered asphalt deposits and sees no harm.    

(A website for Watson Asphalt, Redmond, WA. could not be found on Internet searches.)

Black Raven Brewery           Pomegranate Bistro          All Wood Recycling - list of products they recycle

Requests for Comment:
Do you think recycling of concrete and oil-based waste should be permitted adjacent to the banks of  salmon-bearing riparian streams and wetlands near underground water supplies?  Well, that's the way it's been done for 30 years.  Can't change it now.  Watson's spokesperson says asphalt is 100% recyclable.  However, very large asphalt hill-sized deposits are exposed uncovered for months and probably years.    Judy Jewell, a R.I.C.E. member with interest in furthering SE Redmond industrial interests has been writing Council by letter, as is ususal during environmentally sensitive issues.

Black Raven Brewery and Pomegranate Bistro are at least 500 feet away from residential areas.  Do think that's far enough away from homes (~ two football fields) to allow extended hours to till 11 or 12 midnight?  If so, and because a Decision was not made, do you think the Hearing should be appealed?

Redmond documents used by the C.O.R. during amendment discussions of Ordinance 2483 and 2484

by Bob Yoder

City Planner Carolyn Hope wins committee vote to apply for a bike jump construction grant.

Upated, 9/18 -  Good news!  Chairman Myers Parks and Human Resources Committee and Parks staff have made serious progress towards the construction and design of Redmond's new BMX Jumps.

During last Tuesday's meeting at Perrigo Park, Senior Park Planner Carolyn Hope announced the exciting news that potential grant money had been found to cover the cost of construction and some design work.   She asked the Committee for approval to apply to "Bikes Belong". for the grant application.  Committee members Vache', Myers, and Carson were present and voted, "yes".   Councilmember Richard Cole's presence had given the Committee quorum so they voted to give Ms. Hope direction to apply.

During a previous BMX meeting held at Horace Mann, Mr. Cole was concerned about liability and that expensive Lloyds of London insurance could be required.   Parks Director Larsen reassured everyone  that the State of Washington's Recreation Immunity Act covers the city's liability.  Case closed!  Council voted to approve Ms. Hope's grant application! 

Ms. Hope said completion of the new Bike Jumps needed support beyond the grant.  Local bike shops and hopefully R.E.I. will donate resources.   R.E.I. may offer grant money, but they require an application from an employee.  Any R.E.I. workers out there?   

Below is an important link to all the hard and thoughtful work Carolyn Hope put into this project.  As you can see, Ms. Hope's portfolio is comprehensive &  thorough and will impress "Bikes Belong".   Planner Theresa Kluver and all the BMX'ers, their parents, and many citizen volunteers all worked together to make this grant application possible.  

PLEASE CLICK HERE to find links to all the cool jump pictures and BMX projects listed below! 

Excellent photgraphs (taken during citizen BMXer field trips) of creative jumps and jump course designs!
Field Trip 1 - Snoqualmie Bike Park, Snoqualmie, WA  
Field Trip 2 - Colonnade, Seattle, WA
Field Trip 2 - Towers of Power, Renton, WA
Work Party - July 31, 2009      (Pictures of volunteer BMX'ers filling holes around trees and building safer jumps; they used over 10 yards of soil!)

Carolyn Hope's City Bike Jump web site:   http://www.redmond.gov/insidecityhall/parksrec/parksPlanning/DirtJumps/Documents.asp

by Bob Yoder
city website photo
Special thanks to Councilmember Hank Margeson for explaining how the Committee voting process works.

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION! Emerald City Gymnastics West Facility! Featuring Discovery Channel's Captain Keith Colburn

NEW Location is in the old Velocity building..
17735 NE 65th Street, Suite 101

After many months of hard work

we are happy to announce the

Grand Opening Celebration!

Please join us as we officially open

Emerald City Gymnastics West Facility

Saturday, September 26, 2009

11:00 am - 2:30 pm

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC / NO CHARGE

LOT'S OF FUN AND ACTIVITIES - LUNCH WILL BE SERVED

ECGA is proud to have Captain Keith Colburn  (http://www.crabwizard.com/)

from the Discovery Channel's hit TV series "Deadliest Catch"

on hand to cut the ribbon (at 11:00) and officially "open" our new location.

DON'T MISS OUT ON ALL THE FUN!!!

WE CAN'T WAIT TO SHOW YOU WHAT WE'VE BUILT!!!

Emerald City Gymnastics would also like to announce that we have added

1992 Summer Olympic Gold Medalist Lu Li

to our already talented coaching staff!

Coach Li won the Gold Medal in Barcelona with a perfect 10 on bars. Lu Li also won the Silver Medal on beam in the same games, tying American Shannon Miller with a score of 9.912

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!

Posted by Bob Yoder for Sandy Spokoiny-Flores, 9/13/09

UPDATED: Council Committees are now meeting in the neighborhoods and voting on staff issues.

Councilmember Hank Myers (looking at us) takes advantage of  the sunny weather
by hosting his Parks & Human Services Committee at Perrigo Park, 9/8
    

Updated, 9/18 - This month, the Parks & Human Services Committee meeting was well attended, with a loaded agenda. It took place in a city park!   Chair Myers said this was the largest turnout of any committee meeting he's held.  I counted 11 staff and 4 councilmembers.  Early this year,  Council Committees started meeting in the community, away from City Hall.  Of signifiicance, Committees are now voting on occaision to strengthen direction to staff.    Today, they voted to approve a Park grant Ms. Hope's application for funding construction of a BMX bike jump course.

The Parks/H.S. Committee, and David Carson's Safety Committee are trying to get closer to the community and city operations..  Carson's last two Safey meetings were in the Police auxillary at Redmond Town Center and the 148th Ave. Fire Station.  Finance and Planning/Public Works Committees still hold meetings in our grand City Hall. 

The committees started making council decisions earlier this year after consulting with the City attourney about a state law governing "open meetings".   To meet State requirements, the City Clerk posts notice of meeting location and quorum on the  "Extended Agenda" and "Current Agenda" of the city website.  You have to search to find the Notice, but it's there.   Committee meetings with quorum (4 councilmembers) are called "Special Meetings."

Government is now more efficient and effective with decision-making committees more engaged with staff.   This is a significant change for the city by Mayor Marchione.  Everyone wins with a more streamlined government to move process forward!

The public is invited to sit in and listen.  Some committee Chairs might let you comment after the meeting, if you ask permission before the meeting starts.  The Committee Agendas are here for your convenience to help you find the meeting location and times.  Unfortunatley, the City of Redmond's website is archaic and lacks a reliable search engnine.  My pleasure.

by Bob Yoder

It's Time to Sign-Up for Scouts! Find sign-up locations and times here!

SCOUT SIGN-UP IS UNDERWAY!   Special thanks to Page Norman and Miranda Otjen for submitting these sign-up locations and times for our local area.

Sign in date:  9/14
Pack 546, Dickinson Elementary/Explorer- meets at Dickinson Elementary Commons, 7:00pm
Pack 556, Alcott Elementary- meets at Alcott Gym, 6:30pm
Pack 565, Thoreau Elementary- meets at Inglewood Presbyterian Church, 6:30pm
Pack 578, Wilder Elementary- meets at Wilder Elementary, 7:00pm
9/15
Pack 554, Lakeview Elementary/Community School- meets at Kirkland Congregational Church, 6:30pm
Pack 561, Audubon Elementary- meets at Audubon Art/Science Room, 7:00pm
Pack 567, Sandburg Elementary/Discovery- meets at Sandburg Elementary, 7:00pm
9/18
Pack 566, Bell/Juanita Elementary- meets at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 7:00pm

9/21
Pack 557/591, Mann/Redmond/Einstein/Rockwell Elementary- meets at First Baptist Church of Redmond, 6:45pm  -  Bring your kids (siblings too) and register your 1st through 4th grade boys for the scouting adventure!  Special thanks to Paige Norman for alerting me to Scout Sign-Up.

9/21
Pack 559, Keller Elementary- meets at Eastside Foursquare Church, 7:00pm
Pack 580, Frost/Muir Elementary- meets at Muir Elementary, 6:45pm
Pack 581, Bear Creek School- meets at Bear Creek School, 6:30pm
9/22
Pack 572, Homeschool/Christian Schools- meets at Rose Hill Presbyterian Church, 6:30pm
Pack 558, Rosa Parks Elementary- meets at Rosa Parks Elementary Commons, 7:00pm
9/23
Pack 428, Rose Hill/Franklin/Rush Elementary- meets at Rose Hill Elementary, 6:00pm
9/29
Pack 595, Twain Elementary- meets at Twain Elementary, 7:00pm
10/6
Pack 550, Kirk Elementary- meets at Kirkland Congregational Church, 6:00pm

If you are interested in Scouts and can't find your local unit go to: http://www.joinscouts.net/

Submitted by:
Miranda Otjen
Sammamish Trails Senior District Executive
Chief Seattle Council, BSA
(206)902-2310

Sammamish Trails District Website:  http://members.doubleknot.com/Sammamish_Trails_District/index.htm

Game Night at Redmond High School Stadium, 9/11

Mustangs vs. Juanita (6-13)
Mustang Super Fans ride the "Roller Coaster"  
The Mustang Band!

photo & videos by Bob Yoder

Updated: Cindy Jayne - An extraordinary Redmond community leader and volunteer.

This strory was authored by Bob Yoder

Cindy Jayne is an amazing Redmond community leader and volunteer.  I first met Cindy reporting on a Parks & Trails Meeting.  I wanted to write her story.  Cindy has taken the summer off and is "working" full time on a backyard landscaping project right now, but she kindly offered a little of her time to share the biography of her volunteer life in Redmond.   Hold your hat, here goes: 

1992  Moved to Redmond - Lives west of Marymoor Park, in the View Point Neighborhood.
2004  Joined Northwest Earth Institute.  http://www.nweiseattle.org/
2005  Steering Committee member for Seattle Northwest Earth Institute
2006  Joined City of Redmond Trails Commission
2007  Joined City of Redmond Pedestrian-Bicycle Citizen Advisory Committee
2007  Laison between PED-Bicycle Advisory Committee and Parks & Trails Commission
2009  Vice Chair of City of Redmond Parks and Trails Committee
2009  Forest Land Steward (with husband Jeff) for Westside Park.
2009  Derby Day Redmond-Green booth volunteer and parade participant.
2009  Starting up "Sustainable Redmond Group",  http://www.scallopswa.org/

Northwest Earth Institute's Sense of Place course is part of what prompted Cindy to join the Trails Commission.   This course focuses on one's knowledge and commitment to the local community. The Institute is giving a presentation of their "discussion courses" for those who want to learn more, Thursday,  September 17, from 7-8 at the Redmond Library, Room. I.   Say hi to Cindy!

Professionally, Cindy worked for 13 years for Physio-Control in Redmond, designing medical devices.  She has a Bachelor's and Masters in Electrical Engineering, and an MBA.  She switched to consulting work in 2008. 

"I had the perfect commute for many years - 5 miles each way, most of which was along the Sammamish River trail. I would ride my bike to work typically twice a week, year round, which both reduced my carbon footprint, and gave me a good workout and fresh air."

Cindy Jayne's personal mission and philosopy on life:

"As I have learned more about climate change, I came to view that as the most critical issue that affects our planet today. It impacts so many other aspects, including poverty, disease, forests, and wildlife. I feel it is a moral responsibility that we all have to try to leave the planet in better shape than we inherited, for the sake of all the world's children (of all species) and future generations.  I am hopeful that not only can we change course, but that doing so will improve our lives by helping bring communities together, and shifting our culture away from consumerism and toward meaningful relationships. As the saying goes, the best things in life aren't things."

Thank you Cindy Jayne for all you do for our community!  

Cindy would love to hear from anyone interested in being part of "Sustainable Redmond".  She can be contacted at cindy@nweiseattle.org.   

by Bob Yoder

"Youth Eastside Services" invites the Community to celebrate the grand opening of a new YES facility in historic Forbes House!

Youth Eastside Services invites you to a free, festive celebration of kids and families in Kirkland's Juanita Park.

Help YES celebrate the grand opening of the new YES facility in the historic Forbes House.

Cake, Treats, Music, Face Painting, Pumpkin Painting, Magic, Pinatas, a Bouncy House, 'The World's Largest Cat' and More

No RSVP required. Free & Open to the Public
Friday, September 25, 2009
4:00 -6:00 p.m.
Forbes House, Juanita Park, 11829-97th Ave NE

CLICK HERE for all the details and to learn more about "Youth Eastside Services"

YES-Redmond/Family Resource Center
16225 NE 87th St.  Redmond, WA 98052  425-869-6036
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 2:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Nancy McCormick remarks about wildlife in Redmond.

Nancy McCormick
 Six-Term Redmond City Councilmember 

"Another neighborhood picnic in the record books, the 28th, and not only did we have a cougar killed the other night on SR520 close by, but it turns out we have also had a bobcat a block away from my house. Wow. Redmond is supposed to be an urban center -- and we have cougar, bobcat, raccoons, deer, and bunnies, all sighted this summer."

  -- Nancy Mauritson McCormick
 posted by permission, photo and source: FaceBook account, 9/09

Lake Washington School District PTSA donations in August total $57,000!

It is so seldom the community hears about the wonderful support our PTSA's give to LWSD schools.  Well, that's going to change!  As Editor of this Redmond blog, I will be reporting the donations and volunteer effort our community makes to District schools. 

At the 8/10 Board meeting, LWSD Superintendent, Chip Campbell read off the list of donations made by PTSA's and other donors in the month of August.  Amazing news!  August donations from PTSA's, LWSF, and Amgen totaled:  $64,155. 

Individual school donors and recipients are listed, below: 

Norman Rockwell PTSA, (Redmond) $4560 - for a sport grandstand and play panel for Kindergartners.

Audubon El PTSA, (Redmond) $11,520 - for field trips and assembly.

Amgen donated  $5,000 to Best High School  for enrichment activities and supplies.

Lakeview Elementary PTSA (Kirkland), $8,000  - for computer lab.

LWSF donated $2000 to the Lunch Buddy program.

Sandburg El PTSA (Kirkland), $12,177  - for swim lessons for 3rd graders, computers, and field trips.

Stella Schola JH PTSA (Rose Hill), $9056 - for stipend for extracurricular activities.

Smith El. PTSA (Sammamish), $2062 - for field trips and enrichment.

Muir El PTSA (Kirkland), $1754  - for music and phys. ed. materials.

Bell El PTSA (Kirkland),  $2000 - for Lunch Buddy

Kirk El PTSA,(Kirkland) $1,031 - for enrichment

LWSF to Evergreen J.H, $1,110  - for Readerboard improvements

Source:  8/10/09  LWSD Board Meeting video archive

Of note, 5/8 of the elementary school donor recipients were Kirkland schools.

Listing and descriptions of LWSD schools.  http://www.lwsd.org/Schools/Pages/default.aspx

UPDATED, 9/19, As City Council "scratches" for issues, my reporting will drill deeper in LWSD news & community comment.

How many chickens should the city let us have in our backyard?

Believe it or not,  zoning  for backyard chickens was cause for 20 minutes of deliberations by our city councilmembers in their Tuesday evening Special Meeting.

The issue of urban sustainablity has aparently brought urban chicken zoning to the forefront of several cities across the country. Read about the Missoula, MT story of the couple pictured here.

As one councilmember said, you never know, food may someday get scarce and we'd be smart to plan for sustainable food sources; and living closer to our food sources is desirable.  Another councilmember said the eggs are as important as the meat.  The Council majority finally concluded chickens would be a neighorhood backyard nuisance and didn't want to change the ordniance.

According to the local Reporter newspaper, the City of Redmond currently allows up to 10 chickens per half acre.  

An Ombudsman letter initiated the discussion and decision for a council zoning vote.  The same citizen sent the Redmond Blog their letter, but I read it in disbelief.  In short, the citizen claimed Seattle allows 3 hens per lot and Bellevue allows 6 chickens per urban lot, so why not Redmond?   Hens are quieter than chickens.

Council concluded  most residents wouldn't want chickens scratching and cockadoodling in their neighbors backyard and advised NO to a zoning change.  Guess it's time to load up on canned meats!

Mayor Marchione is doing a very good job in his first year and a half.  Don't you think?   Council is now left with "scratching" for issues for their Tuesday night City Hall meetings, for this moment.   Thus my coverage is shifting to their Council Committee Meetings - in which it now appears many of their decisions are made.  (Further review reveals voting in Committee Meetings are "advisory" only).  I am starting to cover Lake Washington School Board Meetings, as well.

by Bob Yoder

Redmond's new Qdoba Mexican Grill "Opening Event" this Friday supports the Starlight Children's Foundation.

QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL® OFFERS FREE FOOD IN EXCHANGE FOR DONATION AT REDMOND GRAND OPENING EVENT

Grand opening event at Redmond Way location will support Starlight Children’s Foundation™

In celebration of the opening of the newest Redmond, Wash., Qdoba  Mexican Grill® (http://www.qdoba.com/), the restaurant is offering one free entrée and one free medium size fountain drink to anyone who makes a minimum $5 donation to Qdoba’s national charity partner, Starlight Children’s Foundation (http://www.starlight.org)./

The Opening Night celebration is at the new Redmond Way location on September 11 between noon and 4 p.m.  All donations will be directed toward sponsoring a Starlight Fun Center™ mobile entertainment unit for the pediatric patients at Seattle Children’s Hospital.   Representatives from Starlight Foundation will be attending.

WHERE:   (across from QFC and the new Trader Joes)
15946 Redmond Way
Redmond, WA 98052
425-881-6829

ABOUT QDOBA MEXICAN GRILL®

Qdoba Mexican Grill is an artisanal Mexican kitchen where anyone can go to enjoy a fast, handcrafted meal prepared with fresh ingredients and innovative flavors. Each Qdoba restaurant showcases food that celebrates Qdoba’s passion for ingredients, a menu full of innovative flavors, handcrafted preparation and inviting service. Founded in Denver in 1995, Qdoba is among the nation’s largest Mexican fast-casual chains.

Mayor Marchione gives his vision for Downtown at "Coffee Chat". Some citizens voice concerns about downtown growth.

 Mayor Marchione is seen answering citizen questions and concerns about imbalances between road infrastructure and growth.

Update:  Mayor John Marchione is pictured here during his "Coffee Chat" with citizens at the Redmond Senior Center last Friday.  Over 20 citizens sat in to hear the Mayor talk about his vision for the downtown. The ensuing Q&A centered on citizen concerns and questions about:  1) infrastructure keeping up with high-density growth, 2) adequate parking, 3) height of downtown buildings, and 4)  the departure of longtime retail stores.

The YOUTUBE video starts out with citizen concerns about the 108 unit Mondavio project under construction on RED-WOOD Road.  This talk topic leads to a very interesting thread of mayoral - citizen commentary.  In November 2007, I wrote an opinion during the campaign that "John Marchione shouldn't be blamed for Redmond's skyscraping growth".  

A discussion on retail ensued.  Mayor Marchione noted the COSTCO project for SE Redmond appears to have fallen through (no fault of the city).  Some longtime retail has been fleeing or out of businesss (Linens & Things, Kits Cameras, the Bear Creek frame shop, Joanne's Fabric, Lakeside Drug, Hallmark and various Redmond Town Center shops).  Mayor Marchione has redirected staff to begin an economic development program.

Do you have a thought, opinion, or remark about how downtown Redmond is growing?   Please comment below this post.  Or, send your opinion to redmondblog@gmail.com with your name and permission to publish as a LETTER.

by Bob Yoder

UPDATE: The Redmond Historical Society is 10 years old and growing younger!

Redmond Historical Society

General Meeting September 12 2009

Heading into its second decade, the Redmond Historical Society will discuss its new bylaws, organizational structure and goals at its next meeting, Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center (ORSCC), 16600 NE 80th St.

Coffee and greetings begin at 10 a.m. and the meeting commences at 10:30 a.m., including a chance to view vintage Redmond photos and identify people and events. 
~~~~~~~~~~~

Provide input on the redevelopment of Slough Park, the site where Dudley Carter served as artist in residence between 1987 and 1992.

The site has many unique characteristics: art, culture, history, many key connections to the trail system and downtown.

Large male cougar was hit and killed by a car on SR520 near Marymoor Park Saturday night.

A large male cougar was hit by a car and killed Saturday night near Marymoor Park in Redmond.

 Sgt. Kim Chandler of the Department of Fish And Wildlife says the cougar was hit on Highway 520 West. The driver of the vehicle was unhurt.

It is the second cougar to turn up in a populated area of King County this week. The first cougar, a 140-pound male, had a luckier fate after it was captured in Discovery Park and returned to the wild Sunday.

Chandler said it's unusual to have a cougar running around in the Redmond area. He said the animal's remains will be buried at a rural area later Sunday.

  --  reported by Fischer Communications staff (not the photo)

Nancy Mauritson McCormick - Another neighborhood picnic in the record books, the 28th, and not only did we have a cougar killed the other night on SR520 close by, but it turns out we have also had a bobcat a block away from my house. Wow. Redmond is supposed to be an urban center -- and we have cougar, bobcat, raccoons, deer, and bunnies, all sighted this summer.  -- FaceBook entry  9/09

UPDATED: Five Redmond High MUSTANG Teams host Golf Tournament Fundraiser!

From Laura Jones
President of  Redmond High School Girls Basketball Club

Thank you Curt Ohrt for Coordinating the Girls Basketball part of this years "Mustang Open" Golf Tournament that was held at Bear Creek Country Club this past Monday. We appreciate all of the time you spent at meetings, coordinating Golfers, gathering auction items and of course distributing and collecting wine cooler Raffle tickets. We know this was a lot of work and we appreciate the time and effort you put forth in this great fundraiser.


Also, Kudos to Cindy Bushmeyer, Nan Glass, Pam Yoder, Lisa Pratt and Becky Orht for working the registration tables the day of the tournament. This years tournament was definitely a great success where the community and RHS Wrestling, Football, Girls/ Boys Golf and the Girls Basketball families came together to support our teams.

The RHS Girls Basketball Booster Club
9/16
                                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCEMENT, 9/6

Give the 'Stangs a Kick!  It's not too late to sign up for a game of golf at Bear Creek Country Club and support our Redmond High School Mustangs!

Press here to register for the Redmond High School Mustang Golf fundraiser. (players and sponsors).
It's the 2009 Mustang Open Golf Tournament and Dinner - Auction at Bear Creek Country Club!  Starting Noon, Monday, Sept 14th.  Download a registration form here.

Donation to play is $125.00.  Foursome: $500.00.  Scramble.  Pay online or at the Bear Creek C.C. Mustang Registration Desk on Monday, September 14.  

This golf tournament fundraiser supports five Mustang Teams! 

Mustang Girls Basketball website
Mustang Girls Golf website - 4A State Champs
Mustang Wrestling website
Mustang Football 2009 Team Schedule
Mustang Boys Golf H.S. website

Tournament Sponsorship Opportunities: 

Putting Contest $500.00

Long Drive (women’s & men’s) $350.00 each

Hole-in-One $750.00

Driving Range $500.00

Event Sponsor $2,000.00

To sponsor:  Please call Tom Conway at 425-406-3095 or email at: thomas.conway@lpl.com. and tell Tom if you have a particular team you want to sponsor.
THANK YOU MUSTANG FANS!

Dr. Chip Kimball gives guidance to Teachers on President Obama's 9/8 Televised Address to Students.

UPDATED:  Obama's address is optional for teachers to show based on educational objective

In response to questions from staff and students, Dr. Chip Kimball sent a message to staff today with guidance on President Obama’s televised address to students, scheduled for Tuesday, September 8. He wrote,

“We believe that when the President of the United States addresses the country, the viewing of that address and subsequent discussion is an appropriate educational activity, so long as it fits within the educational objectives of the class. Whether the address is shown will be left to the professional discretion of the individual classroom teacher. If shown, each teacher is expected to ensure activities or discussions provide a balanced view of the issues and viewpoints. Advocacy for a particular political view is not permitted in the classroom. The President’s speech is not expected to be political in nature.”

“Our classrooms are a place where we encourage the open exchange of ideas and viewpoints. Students benefit a great deal through the debate of ideas that impact them and the people around them. If we eliminate this open exchange, we will not be adequately serving our students. It is our hope that students will find our classrooms a place where open agreement and disagreement can take place regarding any number of important issues.”

If parents have a concern regarding how a discussion has been handled in their student’s classroom, they should contact their child’s teacher or building principal to discuss the issue.

--  Source:  LWSD  "News and Announcements"

U.S. Department of Education link to FAQ of Obama's student speech. - 1) watch the speech, 2) read suggested study questions, 3) FAQ.

Evergreen Hospital Medical Center is Ranked Among Top 5% in Nation.

227-bed Evergreen Hospital Medical Center is the cornerstone of Evergreen Healthcare services that include medical groups, home care, hospice, mobile mammography, sleep studies, cardiac wellness &  rehabilitation, stroke, Parkinson's & movement disorders and many more...

Evergreen Hospital Medical Center shines in many ways beyond emergency disaster preparedness.

According to Sherry Grindeland, Evergreen Healthcare's Media Coordinator, in 2009 Evergreen hospital is ranked in the nation’s top five percent of hospitals by HealthGrades, the nation’s leading healthcare ratings company. Nearly 5,000 hospitals were evaluated.

HealthGrades rated Evergreen five-star for general surgery, appendectomy, bowel obstruction, critical care, bariatric surgery, GI procedures and surgeries, GI bleed and pancreatitis. It is five-star rated for maternity care service for five consecutive years and for treatment of pneumonia for four years in a row. It is also five-star rated for heart attack and treatment of heart failure.

HealthGrades reviews nearly 41 million hospitalization records in its annual study. Complete information is available at http://www.healthgrades.com/. More information about Evergreen Hospital Medical Center and Evergreen Healthcare can be found at  http://www.evergreenhealthcare.org/.

Hospital amenities: 

• Free parking in 5-story tower
• Images Cafe - affordable entrees, by chef Shane Lynch, graduate of Culinary Institute of America, N.Y.
• Major art works - Call Kathy Page Feek, Ed.D. to schedule a private group art tour. 425.899.4270
• Gift shop - colorful / loaded with creative gifts.