Redmond Center's Trader Joe's to open Friday, October 9th

Contributed by Debra Sinick   Trader Joe’s (on Redmond Way next to QFC) will be a huge asset to Redmond. There are now fabulous shopping options in Redmond all the way from Whole Foods, Larry's (now Top Foods), QFC, and soon Trader Joe’s. Since all the stores are close to the downtown core, it gives shoppers the option to pick and choose what they buy at each store. The addition of Trader Joe’s will also help increase traffic to the other stores in the area.

Thanksgiving is coming (hard to believe) and it’s one of the few times I actually cook! It’s made easier by Trader Joe’s because they’ll have packages of chopped veggies, onions, and yams. Not having to chop something like onions is a huge time saver.

Trader Joe’s not only has some great prices, but some great food. I love to buy cheese there, because it’s a much better value than most any other grocery store in the area. The selection is a good, basic selection, not nearly as complete as Whole Foods, but it’s reasonably priced. But my one true Trader Joe’s love is the dark chocolate 1 lb. candy bar. Try it, you’ll like it. Their frozen cheesecake is yummy, too! Oh, and they have great frozen appetizers you can heat up quickly in a microwave and….

What are your Trader Joe’s favorites?

by Debra Sinick
West Redmond Real Estate Buzz

Trader Joe's, 15932 Redmond Way, will be open from 9am- 9pm.  Their retail category is "organic and imported food and beverages and everyday prices."  This 12,000 SF Trader Joe's is an anchor store for the "Redmond Center" mall.  It will feature art with local themes.  Redmond Center's, Driftmier Architects  were praised by city officials for investing in "installation art" at the Center. Edited by Bob Yoder 

Mental Health Court and Emergency Preparedness are 'studied' by Council

City Council Study Session with City Directors present

Updated:  The City Council and staff are pictured above in their September 29th  "Study Session."   Council President Nancy McCormick chairs the sessions twice a month on Tuesdays.

The Directors and Council were in session to get emergency preparedness "training" on how they fit into the  "Incident Command System" (ICS) program.  ICS is a nationally mandated standard cities must follow to qualify for federal funding disaster relief.  Pictured with backs to us, giving the training are (l-r) Mayor John Marchione, Emergency Specialist Tom Osborn, and Deputy Fire Chief Tom Norton.

Stephanie D. Mapelli, President of Leadership Eastside, was a first presenter at the Study Session. Leadership Eastside is a three-year teaching program that promotes connections, develops and enriches emerging  leaders, and provides a catalyst for communities.  John Marchione, Jeni Craswell, Hank Margeson, and Tom Flynn are a few who have graduated from the program.  Arts Commission Chair, John Stilin and Deputy Fire Chief Norton are "on deck".  The student mix is:  60% profit, 20% government, and 20% non government non profit.

Ms. Mapelli brought up the issue of Mental Health.  She stated that pretty much everyone knows someone afflicted with a brain disorder.  She commended Mayor Marchione and Councilmember Hank Margeson on their work through Eastside Leadership, to push for a suburban  Mental Health Court.  (The hard work has been done by our leaders, yet, the suburban mental health court is delayed by lagging taxes of the poor economy).

Council President Nancy McCormick usually holds a "council talk time" at the end of the session.   Hank Myers said that 70 citizens showed up at a weed-pulling work party at a city park.   Mr. Myers is known for biking to these programs with his large clippers.

Would you like to see how LWSD "sessions" compare to the city's sessions?   They are strikingly different.  Come back and see? 

story and photo by Bob Yoder

updated to correct "Mental Health Court" link. 

LETTER - Register to vote now on heated races for King County Executive, Council and Hospital District positions and important Measures!

LETTER

Every Vote Counts! Are you registered to vote? Is your voter registration address current? If not, act now! Monday, October 5 is the deadline to register online or by mail if you want to vote in the statewide November 3rd election. Register to vote online here. Change your voter registration address online here.

A lot is at stake this election, and your vote counts! Referendum 71 asks voters to approve or reject the domestic partnership law that was passed this spring by the Legislature and signed by Governor Gregoire. Tim Eyman's Initiative 1033 would cap state revenue. There are also heated races for King County Executive and Redmond City Council.

Ballots will be mailed out starting October 14. If you haven't received yours by October 20th, contact King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683)

by Laurleen Blender

Are there new possibilities for the western trail of the Sammamish River?

On the right is a photo of the artistic railing of the 116th Street Bridge.  It crosses the Sammamish River.  The bridge marks the northernmost beginning of the "western river Powerline Trail" paralleling the Sammamish River.  Mountain bikers, runners and hikers will use this mostly unknown, gravely trail.  The trail crosses over "Peters Creek" by the 90th Street Bridge storage centers and ends at Aegis Living near the 7/11.  The western river "Powerline Trail", with several bridges along the way, is a good alternative to the trafficy Eastern Sammamish River Trail. 

The 116th Street Bridge is known fondly as York Bridge, named after York (1897), a town once situated on the western bank. The art railing and bridge are separate, yet compliment each other.  The artist, Cliff Garten, worked with the bridge engineers to design an arc into the deck.  According to the county bridge plaque "the curving movements of the railing system are memory traces of the braided streams and salmon habitat of the Sammamish River prior to being channeled."

This Sammamish River picture (left) was taken from the York Bridge, looking south towards the city.  You can see both trails, the eastern river trail (left) and western river "Powerline trail."  Note the kayakers pulled up on the eastern banks.  A few years ago, a city consultant (Berger Associates) suggested the city consider diverting some of the hectic eastern trail bike traffic, over the river, to the western side.  His plan is to slow down the eastern side and transition it into quiet, grassy, gathering areas accessing the river.  What do you think about this idea?   Have you been on the Western Sammamish River (Powerline) Trail, yet?   The main trunk of of the western trail ends near a beautiful, huge willow tree and picnic area across the river from from Luke McRedmond Park and the new RiverPark Apartments.  The western trail isn't developed for road bikes at this time, but mountain biking, hiking, and strolling will "get you there.”   Do you think the city should route road bikes to the west for a stretch?

story and photos by Bob Yoder   

Evergreen Hospital Commissioners Endorse Dr. Chuck Pilcher

Charles A. Pilcher, MD

Candidate for Commissioner

 King County Public Hospital District #2

The Evergreen Hospital district includes the Lake Washington School District, Duvall and that part of the Northshore School District in King County.

Evergreen Hospital Commissioners Endorse Dr. Chuck Pilcher

Dr. Chuck Pilcher today announced several endorsements including all of the current hospital commissioners except his opponent (who's a commissioner) and several key community organizations.

Pilcher is running against incumbent Rex Lindquist for a seat on the Evergreen Hospital Board of Commissioners. The remaining four commissioners - all of whom are endorsing Pilcher - include: Al DeYoung, Woodinville; Rebecca Hirt, Kirkland; Augie Kempf, Redmond; and Jeanette Greenfield, Kirkland.

"Decisions will be made in the next six years that the Board has never had to face," says Pilcher. "Because of my experience in not only planning for the needs of the hospital and its patients but actually using the facilities and technology, I believe I am more capable than my opponent of helping the Board successfully address these challenges.”

Al DeYoung, Commission President, agrees. “Rex Lindquist should be commended for his service but impending challenges in healthcare require the skills and perspective that Chuck Pilcher will bring. It is time for a change.”

Besides the support of the hospital commissioners, Pilcher has been endorsed by Bothell Firefighters (IAFF Local 2099), the Kirkland Police Guild, Redmond Firefighters (IAFF Local 2829), the Redmond Medic 1 Paramedics, and a host of community leaders and citizens who have come to know him personally and professionally over the years.

A list of Pilcher’s endorsements can be found on his website a http://www.pilcherforevergreen.com/ .

Pilcher, a 34-year resident of the hospital district, retired in February after a 35 year career as an Emergency Physician at Evergreen. He was Medical Director of the ER for 25 years and served as President of the Medical Staff. In 2004 he was the voice of the successful "Yes for Evergreen" campaign to build the new Emergency Department and patient bed tower. He also received the Received the Evergreen Board of Commissioners “Community Service Award” in 2005.

If elected, Pilcher would be the first physician in 30 years to serve on the Board of Commissioners.
Says Pilcher, “A position on the Board will give me an opportunity to continue serving the community I have been serving for all these years. Since my retirement, I have been humbled and gratified by the number of people who have encouraged me to enter this race.”

http://pilcherforevergreen.com/endorsements

chuck@PilcherForEvergreen.com
10127 NE 62nd Street
Kirkland, WA 98033
206-915-8593
Released 9/29

posted by Bob Yoder, 9/30
updated, 10/1

Redmond Town Center Police and Fire Substation

Redmond Town Center Police Fire Auxiliary

The Redmond Police and Fire Departments have a substation located at the Redmond Town Center.

16321 NE 74th Street, just down from Tully's and across the street from Marriott.  425-556-2692

Monday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

**PLUS** Special appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog every final Thursday of the month!!

CURRENT FREE RESOURCES:  

1. Child ID Kits -- are you prepared should your child go missing? Receive fingerprints, DNA sample, and picture to help identify them.
2. Engravers -- check out an engraver to engrave valuable items/electronics with your drivers license number--this helps to return found property when recovered if lost or stolen
3. Gun Locks -- While we neither encourage or discourage gun ownership, we do ask that if you choose to own one to please lock them. FREE locks are available at the substation. 
4. Crime, Fire, and Disaster Preparedness Material --  about prevention of crime and fire, disaster preparedness, Neighborhood Watch Program, and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Neighborhood Program.  N1H1 "Swine" Flu prevention and emergency phone to Evergreen Hosp.
5. Smoke Detectors -- we have limited supplies remaining, but they are available while they last.

-- this city website information can be found on the city search engine.

posted by Bob Yoder

Superintendent Chip Kimball reports September donations to LWSD totalling $35,641.43

LWSD  Donations for the month of September, 2009  total:  $35,641.43

Laura I. Wilder PTSA to Wilder $1,036.53

Juanita Schools Foundation to Juanita El $7000

Juanita School Foundation to various schools $2703

Microsoft Matching Gifts To Ben Franklin El $3730

Rose Hill PTSA to rose Hill Jr. High $5000

Louisa M. Alcott PTSA to Alcott El $5296.90

Eastlake H.S. PTSA to Eastlake H.S. $1500

Finn Hill PTSA to Finn Hill Jr. $9375.00

read by Sup. Chip Kimball
posted by Bob Yoder,
School Board Mtg Agenda., 9/28

The Parent's Role in Athletics, by Bruce Brown

Bruce Brown, Teacher, Coach, Athletic Administrator

Special thanks to the RHS Women's Soccer Team (4-2) for posting this Letter on their team website.  His teaching applies to all sports.  Their next five home games are  9/29, 7:30 pm vs. Garfield ; 10/6, 7:30 pm vs. Woodinville, and 10/13, 7:30 vs. Lake Washington, 10/15 vs. Bothell, 10/23 vs. Skyline.

Bruce (BIO) has been a teacher and coach of youth, HS and college athletics for 30 years in the state of Washington. He is currently a special presenter for the NAIA and speaks around the country on the role of athletics with players, coaches and parents.  Below, are Mr. Brown's observation and advice he has given to our Redmond youth over the years:

Athletic Pyramid - “70% of all children stop playing organized sports by the age of 13”

Bruce let us know that he was here to represent kids - that he was going to share with us what he's heard from kids over the past 35 years - - the things kids would like to tell us about how to help their performance and create great memories, but probably won't.

Before the season begins:
Parents, write out your goals, role and success criteria for a successful season. Then have your children write out their goals, role and success criteria. If your answers do not match their answers, throw yours away and adopt theirs!
Scholarship Athletes:  If your goal is to have your child earn a scholarship – take them out of soccer and spend 3 hours a day with them at the library. There is 1 athletic scholarship for every 100 academic scholarships.
Why Kids Play Soccer @ RHS
Kids play soccer to have fun, gain recognition, and represent their school!

What are the responsibilities of parents of RHS soccer players?
Release your child to the program. Release them for the opportunity to be responsible for their actions and outcomes – all the success and problems are theirs to experience. Issues with playing time, with other kids (team members and opponents) and with coaches are their responsibility.

As parents we have so few opportunities to release our children to manage an activity completely on their own. Athletics are one of the few opportunities for some children to succeed or fail in a safe environment.

Red Flags!  Here are a few red flags that you may be too involved in your child’s athletics:
1/ You share in the credit after a game when things go well
2/ You attempt to resolve your child’s problem with the coaches
3/ You continue to coach them when it is obvious that they know more about the sport than you
do…usually around age 13
4/ You talk or yell at a referee
5/ You make excuses for failures on the field
6/ Your kids avoid you after the game – physically or conversationally
7/ You are more nervous about a game than your child
8/ The outcome of the game good/bad lasts longer on you than it does on your child

Parents Role During the Game:  We want to provide an atmosphere of support, sportsmanship and encouragement. Please review the following five rules the coaching staff would like you to follow to maximize your child’s experience.
1/ Practice Objectivity: Soccer is a fast contact sport in a confined space that makes it very subjective. The game is perceived by what color jersey your child is wearing. Go to a game where you don’t know anyone, and you’ll be amazed at what good coaching and refereeing there is!
2/ Model Appropriate Behavior: We have all seen screaming parents. Remember that you are a role model for your child and that your actions may negatively impact their experience.
3/ Focus on the Team: Try to avoid having a spotlight on your child throughout the whole game. Soccer is a team sport. It can place additional pressure on your child.
4/ One Instructional Voice: Release your child to take instruction from his coach. Support, encourage, and yell positives all night, but leave the instruction to the coach.
5/ Four Roles: You can be a player, coach, referee or a fan. We all must pick one role…we can’t be two!

Parents Role After the Game:   Most HS kids don’t want to rehash each and every play of the game and get your analysis. Practice your quiet, reflective listening skills; kids will explore the game in the manner and time that it is appropriate.
Worse Memories for Athletes:  It is surprising to find that so many kids in HS define their worst HS sports experience as riding home with parents.
Praise – Don’t Criticize:  Any kid will tell you that they love having their family at the game. The only exception is when a parent is not modeling appropriate behavior. Your child’s athletic career goes by very quickly…enjoy the experience with your child.
Common Player's Statement – I loved having my grandparents come to my games, they didn’t care if we won or lost, they only said “they loved watching me play.”

Bruce Brown's Biography:  http://www.hitrunscore.com/bruce-brown-biography.html
Bruce Brown's Book:  http://www.proactivecoaching.info/
Redmond High School Women's Soccer Team: http://schools.lwsd.org/RHS/athletics/soccer/Girls/index.htm
* My daughter plays RHS Varsity Basketball and we've heard Bruce's inspiring talk. Coach Dennis Edwards invited Bruce Brown to speak to Woman's Basketball Teams several years ago.

Do you know Redmond has volunteer Chaplains to serve city Fire and Police?

Chaplains Pat Hammon and Phyllis Rogers with Redmond firemen.

Did you know the City has their own Chaplains? Two years ago, I was walking home from church on 166th Ave. and saw a tangled bicycle in the middle of the road. Chaplain Hammon was on the scene. Last month, Chaplain Rogers invited me for an interview. And, as the saying goes.. "I had nooo idea....."

Our city Chaplains are professional volunteers trained to support our Police, Fire and Medic personnel whether it is job related or personal. My original impression of a chaplain's purpose was "death notification". Supporting a family during and after death notification is a challenging part of their job description but not their primary responsibility.

Chaplain Hammon and Rogers first priority is to the Police, Fire (including Emergency Medical Technicians) and Medics. Do you remember when a wall collapsed at a Microsoft site on 520 and a worker was killed? It was a frightening time. Chaplains from Redmond and one from Bellevue were at the scene for five hours performing what they do best -- the calming "ministry of presence".

Chaplains are professionally trained in critical incident stress management. They are trained in helping build resilience by: 1) being available to talk, 2) giving guidance, and 3) helping victims get connected with their support system. Chaplains administer emotional and relational support and only on request provide spiritual support.

The Chaplain's "gift of availability" is a cornerstone of their work. Their work doesn't end with "the event" or an incident. Chaplains are there for our Fire, Medics, and Police, 24/7. They carry pagers. Pat jokingly calls his presence at the station as "loitering on purpose". Chaplains regularly do "ride alongs" and station visits with Police, Fire, and Medics. They even wear bullet proof vests with the police.

Phyllis Rogers has been City Chaplain for 2 years. She is also a Licensed Family Therapist with a depth of personal knowledge and experience. Pat Hammon, a paster, started the program full-time in 1997 when he formed a nonprofit to support his City Chaplain service. City Church (Kirkland) is his largest donor. The City of Redmond supplies office space, some training, and radios. The City is looking for 3-4 additional Chaplain volunteers from the faith community of any faith to be on call for 24 hrs/ week. Contact Chaplain Pat Hammon, pat@pcitychaplain.org to volunteer.

"The City Chaplain" nonprofit service organization mission statement

Providing Leadership, Training and Professional Standards for Police and Fire Chaplains who have a Shared Vision of Partnering with Local Churches in Serving Their City Through Times of Crisis.

story and photo by Bob Yoder

UPDATED, 12/1 LWSD expects the school tax increase is $130 for the average house for 2010.

UPDATE, 12/1 - On 12/23 the School Board approved a $170 increase in school taxes in 2011.  Over four years the increase will be $294.  - ref:  http://www.lwsd.org/  

Letter  from Kathryn Reith, Director of Communications, Lake Washington School District

Thanks, Bob, for taking on a very complex subject. Let me clarify a few things, though.  The 2009 tax rate is $2.22 per thousand but that is based on an average assessed value of $594,000, for a tax of $1319. For 2010, the estimated tax rate will be $2.87 because the average assessed value dropped to $505,000, for a tax of $1449.

Our rates have been declining, from $4.01 per thousand in 2000 to $2.22 in 2009 because the average assessed value continued to rise during that time. For 2010, the rate is expected to rise mainly because of the decrease in assessed value.

The expected increase of $130 for the average house for 2010 is primarily because the amount voters approved for collection increased.

Input from Public Meeting workshop sessions will determine what goes into the measures that will go on the ballot in February, which would affect taxes beginning in 2011.  LWSD residents will be able to determine what the tax impacts will be of each of the options at during those sessions. For those who cannot make it to one of those sessions, we will have the same information posted on the district Web site, at http://www.lwsd.org/.
 
Comment by Kathryn Reith, Communications Director, LWSD.
Edited  by Bob Yoder, 9/23

cc:  LWSD Administration

Tribal Archaeological Excavation Sites adjacent Bear Creek

Archaeological excavation - an important phase in relocating Bear Creek from 520 widening

photos by Bob Yoder.

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