Fire Drill at the Evergreen Hospital County District Commission Meeting!

I attended my first Evergreen Hospital District Commission meeting last week.  No sooner did I enter the room than fire bells sounded!   The fire alarm was a first for a Board Meeting and a double for me!   This meeting was a "Study Session".   I found them as professional as Redmond council meetings and more formal than the relaxed LW school board  "Work Sessions".  

The Hospital District holds study sessions in their Chambers without video taping them.  The Redmond Council holds their study sessions in Chambers, with LIVE TV, video and audio taping and recorded Minutes.  The LW School Board holds their work sessions in a back room and this Fall, started taking Minutes.   In summation, city council study session governance is the most visible, followed by the hospital district and then school district.

This being my first meeting, I hesitate reporting too much owing to distractions.    

1. Of interest, Mr. Davis, a hospital construction manager, reported 45 construction projects planned or underway.  Evergreen Hospital Medical Center appears it's own little city!   
2. Dr. Weinberg asked for Board Action (on October 20) to:  close the hospital oncology department and contract with Cascade Cancer Center for comprehensive medical oncology services.  My neighbor is a pediatric nurse for the highly regarded Dr. Weinberg and I used to call on him for ADHD sales. 
3. Lake Washington Voc. Tech is expanding allied health, giving the hospital an opportunity for improved visibility there and additional space (400sf) in two years. 
4. The hospital  performance audit will be brought to the public during a November Public Hearing.

Board meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm in the TAN Building #250.  The public has up to 10 minutes, per speaker, to address the Board on 3rd Tuesdays.  Hospital chambers are less intimidating than the towering city hall chambers.  School board chambers are the least intimidating. Regardless, will you turn out at meeting  and share your thoughts and opinions?  Or make a comment below the Blog posts?  Or, send in a story to share at the Blog?   Go for it!      

Everyone was friendly.  Shirley Grindland, Communications put me under her wing.  Steve Brown, CEO and Commissioner Auggie Kemph said hi.  Auggie represents Redmond and Sammamish tax payers.  His email is: auggie@kempfco.com.   Auggie is Chairman of a financial planning, insurance and financial advising company.  He is past President of the Redmond Chamber of Commerce.  (photo on right).

by Bob Yoder

LWYSA is looking for Community Service volunteers to plant thousands of trees on 60 Acres South site.

New Fields at 60 Acres South Under Construction

Final Permitting Approved and Work Begins

We are well under way with the construction of nine new fields on 60 Acres South! Most of the heavy excavation will be completed in the next several days. Currently the contractor is completing the utility connections, and will reopen the trail access in a few days.

We will be planting grass seed on roughly half the site early in the week, as well as starting the planting of the shrubs and trees that will stabilize the site and will ultimately result in a facility we can be proud of.

In the next few months, we will send out a call for volunteers, as we have thousands of plants that need to be planted. This is a great opportunity to fulfill Community Service hours, as well as be a part of the creation of what will be the largest and best soccer facility west of the Mississippi!

We are on track to open the new fields late Spring, and we will be hosting a couple of new events, such as US Club Regionals and ECNL National Finals next summer using the new fields.

by Curt Bateman, Director of Operations
LWYSA Newsletter,  09/2009
photos by Bob Yoder

LWYSA web site
REGISISTER NOW! - CROSSFIRE PREMIER WINTER YOUTH ACADEMIES 2010 !

Do yourself a favor! Sign up to be a school "Lunch Buddy" mentor!

This is a short clip of Dallas riding his bike on the BMX dirt bike jumps.  Dallas was my Lunch Buddy for four years at MANN.   It's LOTS of fun and rewarding to be a Lunch Buddy!  I highly recommend it!  BY

Contributed by Nanci Wehr

LINKS (Looking Into the Needs of Kids and Schools) is recruiting community volunteers to be "Lunch Buddies.".

With the school year well underway, the need for LINKS Lunch Buddies in the Lake Washington School District is growing. We have seen an increase in the need for male lunch buddies and many students, male and female, are on a wait list in the Sammamish, Redmond and Kirkland communities.

The Lunch Buddy Program is a way for caring adults to help local elementary students succeed. Volunteers mentor students by meeting with them once a week and by acting as a positive role model. Lunch Buddies eat lunch together, play games, share talents or just talk. It's an opportunity to make a life long impact on a child.

Mentored students are more likely to do better in school, say NO to drugs and say YES to college! Please help us make a difference.

To become a LINKS Volunteer, contact Nanci Wehr at links@lwsd.org or 425-702-3410.
 
by Nancy Wehr, parent, Education Hill
clip by Bob Yoder

LWSD admits to longer bus rides for some, saying teacher's jobs are saved.

LETTER by Kathryn Reich, LWSD Director of Communications

In cutting bus stops by one third, the district acknowledged that one of the byproducts would be the inconvenience of longer rides for some students. Overall, the district will indeed save hundreds of thousands of dollars, which is saving teacher jobs. The change in route that Ms. Wilkins describes does lengthen the bus ride and is more inconvenient. But the situation she describes is not the entire story.

All Redmond Junior High routes were changed to reduce the number of routes by one. So the primary savings for these routes is from eliminating one bus route entirely. Redoing a set of routes means that some students, like Ms. Wilkins’, who were the last picked up in last year’s route become the second picked up in this year’s.

One of the main issues is that by law, for safety reasons, the school bus must pick up students on Avondale on the bus door side. If students on Avondale were picked up first as suggested, no matter which route the bus took from the bus barn, it would have to turn around and double back on Avondale at some point. The total length of the bus route would be longer, costing more money. Any other reconfiguration of the bus routes that moves the Avondale stop to another route also results in longer routes, costing more money.

The requirement to pick up and drop off students on the door side on Avondale works to Ms. Wilkins’ student’s advantage in the afternoon. The routing used to make sure that happens results in the students at her stop being dropped off first in the afternoon, an average ride time of five to eight minutes.

Ms. Wilkin’s assertions about the time the bus arrives at the stop and at school are not borne out by the Zonar GPS system on the bus. According to that system’s report, which Ms. Wilkins or anyone else is welcome to see, the bus pick-up time at her stop in the morning is between 7:11 and 7:13 and arrival at the school is between 7:30 and 7:31. The average ride time is 18 minutes from her stop.

Finally, making any changes now will not affect the district’s funding from the state for transportation. The district’s ride count week has already occurred. The district’s numbers do show a drop of about 11 students from 23 to 12 at the stop Ms. Wilkins is writing about. There was no significant drop at any other stop on this route.

This change in bus routes is indeed inconvenient but the district will save money, nonetheless.

Sincerely,

Kathryn Reith
Communications Director, Lake Washington School District
10/9/09

"Extra! Extra! Read all about it!" (and don't forget to tune in & scroll).

I have decided it's time to 'put my pen' down an hour a day to drum up some more business for the Blog.  So, early yesterday morning, I hawked my business card at the downtown Redmond Park and Ride.  "Extra Extra - Read all about it!"  It was fun to get back into my old profession of selling again!   The response from commuters was so positive, I will be handing out my card at public places more often.  "Extra! Extra! "

Returning home from the Park & Ride, it dawned on me, not one commuter was reading a newspaper or even carrying one!   And, not one commuter put a quarter in the newspaper dispenser or even picked up the local freebie.  Most travelers were zoning out on their I-Pods or scrolling PDA's.

I have fond memories of my Dad years ago, when he taught me how to fold a newspaper in a New York subway train, so I could open and read it without bothering the commuter next to me.  How the times have changed....

by Bob Yoder

LWSD is not saving money by cutting bus stops and combining routes on Education Hill

NO MONEY SAVED BY CUTTING REDMOND JUNIOR HIGH BUS STOPS AND COMBINING ROUTES ON EAST EDUCATION HILL

Contributed by Susan Wilkins

Lake Washington School District needs to act quickly and restore timely and efficient bus service to east Education Hill.  They should look at other bus routes whose stops have been reduced “for efficiency” and make sure that those routes aren’t being abandoned by students and parents in favor of driving. (Hint: Eastlake High School bus routes are too early to be usable.) The district has a new automated phone dialing system that can quickly call parents to inform them about important updates – like new bus routes. I hope to hear from them.

The really bad news is that the Lake Washington School District will not be receiving very much money from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction since bus transportation reimbursement is based on the number of students who ride the bus each morning. During the month of October, all bus drivers in the state will count the number of students on their buses each morning for 5 consecutive days and the annual compensation that the district receives will be determined by the counts multiplied by the distance that each student lives from the school. This year, nearly 40 seats will be empty and the Lake Washington School District will receive no compensation from the state for the empty seats. What a waste. And the new route was supposed to save money.

Slough Safari: Wildlife you never expected to see in Redmond

Contributed by John Reinke, 20 year Redmond resident. 

"Over the past 4 or 5 years, I have made it a practice to walk along the Sammamish Slough several times a week. I usually start out at the Redmond Senior Center. From there I either head north to the rust colored foot bridge where 105th Street would be (if it existed), or I head south and go to the point where Leary Way crosses the slough. Either leg is about a mile in length, so the total distance is about 2 miles."  (click photos to enlarge)

During that time, I have seen quite a variety of birds and animals in or near the slough, including some I never expected.. Some of them may surprise you, too. (Naturally, I have seen a fair number of salmon, too.)  I carry a small spiral notebook in which I record my observations, noting species, location and time of day. Sometimes I carry a point-and-shoot digital camera also. As I am generally a late riser, almost all of my observations have been recorded between 10am and dusk.

Below is an annotated list of animals I have seen, followed by a list of birds.  (If you'd like to add your observations to the list, please leave a comment!)

Animals seen along the slough  (photo of beaver-gnawed tree)

beaver Mostly seen in retention pond at NE corner of intersection where NE 90th Street crosses slough

deer  At dusk by woodcarver Dudley Carter’s cabin near Leary Way. Very handsome antlered buck.

river otter I have seen a pair of otters 3 or 4 times in the slough.  They are very playful said she saw a mother with 4 kits near the Luke McRedmond.  Bats Seen feeding on insects at dusk over the slough..

Coyote This nervy fellow was nonchalantly loping across the lawn close to the west side of City Hall

Mink Seen poking around in the grass and logs by the retention pond, quite oblivious to my presence 15 or 20 feet away. I think it was young.

Muskrat rarely seen in the slough. -rabbit - turtle Common.

Birds and Waterfowl  (photo of ring-necked ducks)

American widgeon Typically seen in flocks of males and females

Canada geese Common year round -Oregon junco

bufflehead  seen in retention pond at NE corner of intersection where NE 90th Street crosses slough.

cedar waxwing Seen in flocks -chipping sparrow

cormorants Seen in flocks that roost in trees along the slough in winter.

eagle Solitary eagles seen infrequently

gadwall Not common; seen in pairs Common Goldeneye, Not too common

grebe, pied-billed Seen frequently -grebe, western A single pair seen once

heron, great blue A solitary bird seen frequently; more than one spotted along the slough on same day

heron, green-backed Seen once in retention pond; have photo

killdeer - kingfisher Seen a few times

mallards Very common -merganser, common -  merganser, hooded Fairly common

osprey Seen rarely -pheasant Male pheasant seen only once

ring-necked duck, scaup - greater scaup, lesser - Not common; seen in retention pond

wood duck Single pair seen once; have photo

text and photos by John Reinke, Education Hill

Plan to attend levy/bond input sessions starting Oct. 7. LWSD Taxes expected to rise $130 per house.

Plan to attend a levy/bond input session or participate through online process.

Help shape the future of our schools by giving input on what should be part of the school levy and bond measures on the ballot next February. Options include raising money for facilities and technology capital projects, possible bond measure for new schools and school grade configuration change. Parents, community members, staff and students are encouraged to attend.

Oct. 7 – 3:00-4:30 p.m., Redmond Junior High

Oct. 7 – 7:00-8:30 p.m., Eastlake High School

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

If you can’t make one of these sessions, go to www.lwsd.org starting October 7 for more information and to provide input via a Web-based system.
 
For more information contact:
Kathryn Reith, Director of Communications, (425) 702-3342
Shannon Parthemer, Community Relations & Communications Coordinator, (425) 702-3300

According to the LWSD Director of  Communications LWSD taxes are expected (or anticipated) to go up $130 in 2010 on the average house (assessed at $505,000.)
by Bob Yoder

UPDATE, 10/16, A comparison of the City of Redmond & Lake Washington School District governments.

Photo of a "Work Session" when the School Board discusses items requireing action.  A hot buffet is provided.  Accept for the Deputy Superintendent, Director staff rarely speak or present.  Staff is seated on the right.

PART ONE - An opinion on the scope of our elected responsibility, Boad participation and advocacy.

CITY OF REDMOND
In Redmond, seven (7) paid councilmembers are elected to a "position" and represent the people at large.  They divide their "work" responsibilities into Committees, each with a different Committee Chair and two other councilmembers.   The Committees are:  Finance,  Parks and Human Services,  Planning and Public Works, Public Safety, and Regional.  It's best to address the Committee Chairs on their work.   Councilmembers are paid ~ $90/meeting for five meetings/month.

LWSD
Updated, 10/16:  Five (5) unpaid school board directors are each elected to a  "voting district" in witch they live and are assigned a list of schools to represent.  All LWSD high schools and junior highs are assigned  2-4 directors.  Evergreen Junior and Eastside High is the exception, with Mr. Eglington solely assigned.  Most elementary schools are assigned only one Director.  The exceptions are Audubon, Bell, Rush and *Twain which have two Directors.  It is assumed constituents would seek advocacy representation from the Director responsible for their school.  The directors have decided not to accept the minimum $50/meeting pay to which they are entitled.

As an example, we have a daughter residing in Director Ravi Shahani's District No. 5.  Director Ravi Shahani is the sole representative assigned  to Horace Mann Elementary. No other Director is assigned to Mann.   However, Dirctor Shahani  shares his representation and assignment with Directors Doug Eglington and Nancy Bernard for both Redmond Junior and Redmond High.  

In addition, Director Shahani has the exclusive assignment of *Einstein, *Redmond El, Rockwell, Rosa Parks and Wilder elementary schools in his voting district.  Thus, constituents are best to go to Director Shahadi for representation, advocacy (and "voice") at these schools.  Currently, Redmond El and Einstein are under Title 1 federal review for substandard "average yearly performance" in three categories.   Director Ravi is the Board Member most familiar with these two schools:  Director Ravi Shahani's contact information is:  rshahani@lwsd.org or 425-702-3257.

Our five school board directors are responsible collectively for all 51 LWSD schools.  In addition, each Director was elected to represent or advocate for the stakeholders the specific cluster of schools in his/her district.  There is a fine distinction between being responsible and being representative.  Staff  tends to muddy this distinction   I think this is wrong.  I think we should hold our representatives accountable for the specific schools assigned to the voting district they reside in.  (According to policy, "Boards are ultimately responsible for governance and managing daily activities.")  Since elementary schools have usually one assigned representative, Directors should be especially attentive to their needs.    Any comments on this you'd like to share? 

Update:  10/16. of note, the seating configuration in Chambers puts Superintendent Kimpball front and center on the Diaz as "the King and his Court".  The superintendent dominates the conversation in both Work Sessions and Regular Meetings.  Director input is minimal.  Conversely the Chamber seating configuration for the Hospital district and City of Redmond places the CEO at the end of the Diaz allowing speakers to address their elected officials directly.  The President runs the show with the elected in the spotlight.  The hospital and city CEO (Mayor) talk much less, usually defering to the administrative Directors and staff. 

I've observed and scrutinized the City of Redmond government process for over three years. Conversely, this year I've  attended  five LWSD school board meetings, watched another meeting LIVE on their website, attended 3 levy bond input sessions, addressed the Board once in person and in writing and will meet with the Superintendent tomorrow.

text and photos by Bob Yoder

Our aging city website and search engine - Is Redmond government being responsible?

In times of emergencies people go to search engines for fast answers.  Have you tried searching the City of Redmond Search Engine?  Good luck.  The first hurdle is finding it.  Look for the little box in the upper right corner of http://www.redmond.gov/ . 

With winter storms approaching,  search topics like community radio 1650  and tree removal permits are relevant and important to Redmond citizens.  I  searched  the City Search Engine and for both topics with poor results, as follows: 

NEW SEARCH:  Redmond Community Radio 1650
Link to Document Found
http://www.redmond.gov/insidecityhall/police/publicinformation/advisoryboard.asp

SEARCH RESULT:  Redmond Police. 2009 Community Police Advisory Board. Community Policing Advisory Board The Redmond Police Community Policing Advisory Board is a volunteer group of community members who assist with creating and improving problem solving strategies for the diverse problems and issues brought to the atte    5/6/2009 4:40:36 PM

NEW SEARCH:  Tree Removal Permit
Link to Document found:
http://www.redmond.gov/insidecityhall/planning/devreview/questions.asp

SEARCH RESULT:  Frequently Asked Questions. This page contains downloadable forms in the Adobe Acrobat format. In order to view or print the forms you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. (Obtain freeAcrobat Reader. Do I need a permit to build a fence? If you wish to build a fence, you do n
5/2/2007 9:25:17 PM

The above "Redmond Community Radio 1650" search result and link finds nothing about the radio.  The "Tree Removal Permit" search result is meaningless. The link is helpful, but the engine provides no reason to click on it.

Do you want to try a Search for yourself?  Click:  "City Search Engine" and good luck.

You will find, the city search engine craps out on most searches.   The Ives and Marchione Administration have been cognizant of this problem and our severely outdated city website for years, but continue to make no improvements.   To date, all that has been "done" is: 1) conduct an online website survey.  Have you taken  it?  and 2) held a few focus groups. I  attended one, without results.

The public and council authorized $300,000 this biennium to build a new website as part of a budget priority called "Responsible Government".   Almost two years later nothing of substance has been done to improve the city website.   Is this "Responsible Governement"?  Try the website and search engine and decide for yourself.   http://www.redmond.gov/   Then write the mayor and tell him what you think.  mayor@redmond.gov

EDITORIAL - What am I trying to do with this Blog? The importance of my Readers

MISSION STATEMENT: 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 share their lives, be seen and heard in their neighborhoods, come together to find solutions.

After numerous tweaks, I'm satisfied with this Mission Statement and present it to you, my readers and friends.  Do you want to say something?

I am a community activist. I do this for free. My core reporting niche is the scrutiny and daylighting of our local governments.  Believe it or not, only about 1-2% of Redmond citizens really care about the City of Redmond government to participate in it's process.  Present, high vacancies on the city's Boards and Commissions is one example.   As long as the toilets flush, we have water to drink, roads free of potholes, taxes are reasonable, schools educate and we feel safe, then residents have other things to do than watch RCTV, go to a planning meeting, or fill out a city survey.  This blog will help you feel more engaged with our elected.

To strike a balance with tedium and apathy of government (and keep Internet exposure high) I try to write about lifestyle experiences important to me as a resident that I think may interest you.   But, Redmond is so much more than my family's living experience and what I think!   It's about your lives.  It's about what you think!  So, please share your stories and photos, comment below a post, or send an email!   And, please don't hesitate tell me how I can make this thing better. 

I need to focus more on daylighting local governements.  Will you share a Redmond experience?  Do you have something to say about your neighborhood? 

Thank you,

Bob Yoder, Editor
Redmond Neighborhood Blog
Please write to me at:  redmondblog@gmail.com
425-802-2523

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