The Eastside Symphony and the Concert Opera of Seattle perform at Redmond Performing Arts Center

 Eastside Symphony and the Concert Opera of Seattle Presents Tenor: Gino Lucchetti

Hey Bob,

I was given your card by John Vasko our Oboe player in the Eastside Symphony. He said you are friends and ran into each other in front of the school during our last rehearsal on Thursday evening  and exchanged cards.  I am wondering if you would post our press release below on the Redmond Neighborhood Blog to help us promote our upcoming concert on November 21 at the Redmond Performing Arts Center.  Thank you!

Valentina Giovannetti
Eastside Symphony VP

The Eastside Symphony and the Concert Opera of Seattle will combine forces on November 21 in a concert version of Verdi's renowned opera, Rigoletto, conducted by Alexei Girsh. Featured soloists include tenor Gino Lucchetti, soprano Christina Kowalsky, baritone Charles Stephens, and bass Craig Grayson. Rigoletto is one of the most popular operas in the repertoire, known for such famous melodies as "La donna è mobile" and "È il sol dell' anima." Tickets for this special event are available in advance at www.eastsidesymphony.org at $17 general, $12 student/senior. Tickets at the door are $20 general, $15 student/senior.

Concert is November 21 is 8:00 p.m. at the Redmond Performing Arts Center,
Redmond High School,  17272 NE 104th St.

Contact eastsidesymphony@gmail.com
Eastside Synphony -  http://www.eastsidesymphony.org

Beautiful, but is it worth $4, 068,000?

Redmond's $4 Million Dollar Water Tanks

Come back soon to hear "the rest of the story" about these tanks on NE 104th Street.

The mural paintings were probably paid for by a 1% arts fee on the $4M project.  The Arts Department gets to keep 1% of the cost of Public Works projects to install art on site.  The bulk of  the money was spent on seismic reinforcement, three coats of paint, and retrofitting two other water tanks - one behind this one and a smaller one by Perrigo Springs.

by Bob Yoder, 11/28/09

photo by Bob Yoder

The Municipal League of King County opposes Initiative 1033

RECOMMENDATION and RATIONALE

The Municipal League of King County opposes Initiative 1033.

"Washington State is experiencing a severe recession. State and local governments have instituted drastic budget cuts affecting education, health care, human services, parks, corrections and many other programs that citizens rely on, especially during hard times. Now is the worst possible time to further hamper government’s flexibility to meet public needs and to help with economic recovery.

Previous statewide initiatives have already slowed government spending significantly and elected officials are already very cautious about authorizing tax increases to meet service needs. While it may be a good idea to encourage government to prioritize services and live within its means, this initiative is filled with complex provisions that will make government’s ability to govern much harder and further exacerbate the structural problems of our system of financing public services."

Link to Municipal League of King County I-1033 report, recommendation and website.
http://www.munileague.org/issues/ballot-issues-archive/ballot-issue-reports/nov-2009-i-1033

The Municipal League is a volunteer-driven, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works toward better government in King County, Washington.

Attn Readers! Post your election endorsements here!

Post your endorsements here!   You are invited to email your endorsement to Bob Yoder at  redmondblog@gmail.com for posting on this page.  (please include your address for verification purposes)

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I have gotten to know Susan Hutchison over the last few years. She is a woman of integrity, a hard worker, a collaborator and one that is willing to look for new and better ways to do things. It would be so refreshing to work with an executive that cares about all the citizens in this county.

Kathy Lambert
Education Hill neighborhood
Redmond, WA.
10/24
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Dear Bob,

"Kudos to Council President McCormick for her strong endorsement of Councilmember Allen. We have been observers and sometimes participants in Redmond politics for nearly thirty years. Never has the City faced such a confluence of adverse circumstances as it does today. To steer the City through these hard times requires steady, experienced hands at the wheel of government. Compare these days to the crash of the US Airways flight in the Hudson River: those fortunate souls survived only because they were in the hands of a mature and experienced pilot.

Kim Allen belongs in that category. She has years of experience and a maturity shared by few in government. Hers is a steady hand. She is the type of person we can trust at the wheel. These are not just words. We have known her (Marty worked with her on the Redmond Planning Commission), and observed her sterling performance on the City Council for years. She is the real deal and we are lucky to have her. We certainly commend Ms. Chen for her interest in good government. However, now is not the time and the City Council is not the place for a beginner. When Ms. Chen has put in years learning the ropes and demonstrating her competence, we would then consider her for a position on the Council, but not now and certainly not as a replacement for someone of such demonstrated competence, intelligence and experience as Kim Allen."

Marty & Lori Snodgrass
Redmond, WA
E: help@snodgrasslaw.com
10/23
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"I have known Kim Allen since she joined Redmond’s Planning Commission in 2002 and we have served together on the Redmond City Council for the last 4 years. I have watched Kim quickly learn her way around the issues in the areas of transportation, planning, growth management and environmental stewardship and we have gone together to carry Redmond’s needs and concerns to our state legislators, many of whom have endorsed Kim’s reelection—as have I.

Kim and I represent Redmond’s interests in transportation as voting members of Eastside Transportation Partnership where we have worked to secure more buses and transit for Redmond. She has promoted Council’s presence in the community and I look forward to working with her as Council lead as we rewrite Redmond’s zoning code. Her background and connections to the Redmond community give her an understanding of our city’s interests and have made her an effective Councilmember for Redmond. That’s why I am supporting her campaign for the chance to serve another 4 years."

Nancy McCormick
nmccormi@halcyon.com
10/22
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"Most of you probably skip voting for Hospital District Commissioner like I usually do because you don't know any of them. I have known Charles Pilcher for 25 years, he was my boss for several of those, is a good MD, headed the emergency department at Evergreen for many years, supports health care reform and is a good person. I think he would do a great job for us and Evergreen."

Terry Lavender
10/20

How do LWSD high schools rank with other Districts in University of Washington's admission decision?

Photo is of Redmond High School Principal Jane Todd (speaking), Associate Principal Lloyd Higgins, and Associate Principal Melissa Pointer during an October school board meeting.  (According to Ms. Todd, 83% of  RHS students go directly into a post-secondary institution upon graduation.  Does this surprise you?)

How do LWSD high schools rank in the UW’s admission decision?

In making admission decisions, UW ranks high schools based on how big the drop is between the high school and the UW’s GPAs. Most high school students experience a drop in their GPA going from high school to the University of Washington, the most academically selective public university in the state. Schools with the smallest GPA drop receive the highest rank and are awarded the most points by the UW.  231 Washington State schools were ranked.  These students attended the UW in the time period 2000-2004 during the Don Saul Administration.   How do LWSD high schools compare to others?

Private:  Bush ranked #1, Lakeside #2, NW Yeshiva (Mercer Is.) #4; University Prep (Sea) #5,  Charles Wright Acad. (Tacoma) # 6;  Overlake #10; Eastside Catholic #48; Bear Creek #100; Bellevue Christian #114

The Islands:    Bainbridge Island HS #8, Vashon Island HS #9, Mercer Island HS #14. 

Bellevue School District:  Bellevue International #7; Newport HS #28; Bellevue HS; Interlake HS # 47; Forest Ridge #51

Issaquah School District:   Issaquah HS #15; Skyline HS #25

LWSD:   International Community (Kirkland) #3; Redmond HS #13;  Eastlake HS #63; Juanita HS #82; Lake Washington HS #103.

North Shore School District:  Woodinville HS # 71; Bothell #76; Inglemoor HS # 80.

Seattle School District (Tier 1): Blanchet #18; Shorewood #36; Ballard #61; Roosevelt #77; Shorecrest #79, O'Dea #110.

It's looking like LWSD is living up to our local real estate agents' persistent claims of "desirability", though lots of other good schools are out there.   Tacoma, Kent, Lynwood, and Montlake Terrace are ones to keep away from.  Yakima's district schools (4) all do well with one ranked #19.

The above data represents "end results" of high school performance for the retired Don Saul Administration.  Chip Kimball was hired as LWSD Superintendent about two years ago. 

On 9/28, the LWSD School Board reviewed Superintendent Chip Kimball's "end results" for the first two years of his Administration.  The  relevant available data was from 3-year cohort K-2.  It appears the end results for students were: 71-85% at standard for writing.  76-85% at standard for literature and drama.  K-2 students were 23% at standard for speaking a second language at home.  (Spanish is the 2nd largest and Chinese the 3rd largest second language at home).

Source: - to find the rankings, click "source".   Look on the left side bar under "high school ratings".

Report and photo by Bob Yoder
Re-published on 1/21/2011
Unedited

Major Ballot Mistake on I-1033 by King County Elections.

Thanks, Hank for bringing this huge snafu to our attention. 

Unfortunately, I've already voted and I MISSED IT.   But, I'll tell my wife.  Thank you, Hank!

Bob

LETTER from Hank Margeson, 10/20

Friends,
A big mistake by the King County Elections office is causing huge numbers of King County voters to overlook I-1033 on their ballots. I-1033 is Tim Eyman's latest effort to slash funding for schools, health care, and other public services.

Make sure you don't miss it! I-1033 is on the bottom, left-hand corner of the first page, underneath the instructions, where it's very easy to overlook. See the graphic below.

The key to beating I-1033 is a big no vote in King County and Seattle -- where voters are strongly opposed. But thousands of King County voters are overlooking I-1033 on their ballots, even when they want to vote No.

Please forward this message to your friends and family members! This election is going to be incredibly close. We can't afford to have any No voters overlooking I-1033 on the ballot. We appreciate your help getting the word out about this confusion.

Thanks for your help,

Hank Margeson, Education Hill
Dayle “Hank” Margeson for Redmond City Council 2007
Hank@FriendsofHank.com
http://www.friendsofhank.com/

- sample ballot submitted by Hank Margeson

Reforesting the Sammamish Slough

Ling Niu is a Redmond software engineer from China - with daughter

Reforesting the Sammamish Slough, by John Reinke

In a torrential downpour on Saturday morning, twelve of us gathered under a tent set up along the path that parallels the slough, just south of the Leary Way Bridge. Our group was composed of Redmond residents and crew members of local nonprofit Earth Corps.

We were there to replant tree and shrub seedlings in the open area by the slough. The idea is to create a “mini wilderness” to the maximum extent possible, so as to improve and preserve the salmon and wildlife habitat. City of Redmond environment officer Peter Holte instructed us in how to dig holes in the dirt and then remove seedlings from their pots and plant them properly. The seedlings had previously been set out in their desired locations, so we just had to find them and set to work.

As the morning progressed, the rain subsided considerably, and more residents showed up to help. The newcomers were instructed and assisted by the Earth Corps crew members. These young folks were made up of Americorps Volunteers and a young woman and man from Morocco and Cambodia. (Go to http://www.earthcorps.org/  to learn more about their environmental restoration work.)

The reforestation effort has been going on for several years. Nearby were 10 foot high trees that had been planted three years ago on the bank of the slough. Jane, who was there with her daughter, said she had helped plant them back then. Funds for this work come out of the stormwater runoff control fees paid annually by Redmond homeowners.

By the time 12 noon rolled around, Peter estimated that we had planted 200 to 300 seedlings. Despite being wet and muddy, we all felt pleased and proud of our work!

photos and story
by John Reinke
Redmond resident

Administration requests $226,220 to track groundwater recharge and potential influx of contaminants.

The Administration is requesting $226,220 for groundwater monitoring engineering services at their 10/20/09 City Council Meeting.   

UPDATED 10/21, City Council approved the funding for this project.  We (Administration) propose installing twelve additional groundwater monitoring wells and three "high pressure water monitors" at selected sites for use in conjunction with surveying and monitoring. The proposed monitoring facilities are designed to track the recharge of groundwater and the potential influx of contaminants into the Redmond alluvial aquifer.  We propose contracting for professional engineering services in an amount of $226,220 for the Groundwater Monitoring Network Project.

The objective is to obtain additional monitoring data that will lead to a better understanding of movement of groundwater and contaminants within the Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA) and understand the primary mechanisms by which groundwater in the City’s alluvial aquifer is recharged. Three principal recharge processes are recognized, as follows:

 Direct infiltration of surface water flows into Bear Creek, Evans Creek, Sammamish River.

 Stormwater infiltration from retention ponds, vaults, storm drains and other infiltration facilities throughout the City; and infiltration through previous surfaces (dirt, sand, beddings, grass, etc.)

 Upland runoff that percolates into the margins of the alluvial aquifer at the valley floor.

Documents and Maps of the critical recharge areas, proposed groundwater monitoring wells and pressure monitors and streams  : http://redmond.gov/insidecityhall/citycouncil/20091020pdfs/AM09225.pdf

BACKGROUND
The City of Redmond operates five shallow groundwater supply wells that deliver between 3.5 and 5 million gallons of water per day, supplying approximately 40 percent of Redmond’s drinking water. These five wells, which draw from the shallow alluvial aquifer, are located in the heart of Redmond’s downtown and industrial areas, and are highly susceptible to contamination due to the local geology and proximity to potential pollution sources. In October 2003, the City Council adopted a wellhead protection ordinance to meet federal, state, and regional requirements for the protection of the Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA) and the City’s drinking water supply. An important requirement of the ordinance is the establishment of a city-wide groundwater monitoring program to detect the presence of contaminants and declines in water levels before they impact a water supply well.

Hazardous Materials Questionnaire and Aquifer Map.
Source:  Redmond City Council Consent Agenda, 10/20/09

posted by Bob Yoder

Vote YES on King County Charter "Open Space Amendment" #4

Letter from the Water Tenders

We have endorsed King County Charter Amendment 4, on your November ballot. The Open Space Amendment (OSA) will provide enhanced protection for approximately 156,000 acres of natural open space owned by King County.  (photo of Cougar Mountain)

Through a new section in the county charter, the Open Space Amendment  (#4) strengthens protection of certain high conservation value properties by requiring a 28-day public comment period, a finding of facts, and a supermajority vote (7 of 9) of the County Council before the property could be sold or transferred. This public process will help to safeguard our most cherished green spaces for future generations.

These properties are among our most treasured conservation and recreation spaces. County lands to receive additional protection include all the Bear Creek Waterways properties in Unincorporated King County (Cold Creek Natural Area, the Upper Bear Creek Conservation Area, Evans Creek Natural Area and many more) Squak Mountain/Tiger Mountain Corridor, Cedar River Waterways, Cougar Mountain, the Upper Raging River Forest, and the Snoqualmie Forest.

The properties protected by the Open Space Amendment are already owned or held in a conservation easement by King County – the amendment involves no new land purchases or direct costs.

The Open Space Amendment is unanimously supported by the County Council, Executive, Municipal League, many environmental groups, and community leaders. You can see a full list of endorsements and learn more about he Open Space Amendment at http://www.openspaceamendment.org/.

We urge you to vote Yes on King County Charter Open Space Amendment #4. 

The Water Tenders
submitted by Terry Lavender
9/4

Artist Christopher Janney's "Sonic Forest" will connect and inspire the public at Redmond Town Center

"The Sonic Forest" is coming to Redmond Town Center

Recently, an arts enthusiast and neighbor told me Christopher Janney’s exciting light and sound “Sonic Forest” art will be installed at Redmond Town Center Dec. 4-12. Perfect timing for Redmond's “Winter Festival of Lights!

Mr. Janey is an architect and jazz musician, world renowned for his "sound and light" art installations found in public spaces throughout the nation. Read my report and opinion  on Janey's May 15 interview with the Redmond Arts Commission and learn more about his installation art!

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

Last week the Arts Commission pounded out their new Vision Statement: "The community is connected and inspired by arts and culture". Will you connect and be inspired in the Sonic Forest December 4 -12?

Michelle Vallene, our longtime PEPS group friend, educator and mother of three announces a New York City media blitz of her new book!

"What Children Need to Learn to Read, by Michelle Vallene" - The Complete parent's guide to ensuring literacy, a love of reading, and school readiness.  Birth through the Early Grades. 

Hi Bob,

As you know, I was accepted to attend the National Publicity Summit in New York City this next week to promote my new book. I am leaving on Saturday and won’t be back until the following weekend.  In New York, I will be meeting with producers from TV shows like Good Morning America, The Today Show, etc. and magazine and newspaper editors and radio show producers. It is like speed dating with the media. I have been working with a media coach and taking on-line classes for the last couple of months to prepare my story/show pitches for the media.

I am excited, but very nervous about going!  By the way, we have extended the pre-order date to October 30th so people can still pre-order my book at our current website.

Pre-order book here:  http://www.chateau-education.com/book.html

Thanks for your support!

Michelle

Bob's note:   Wow, Michelle!   Congratulations!  Thanks for sharing your book and this "breaking news" with me!  I look forward to your feature story in the local reporter.  Good luck on your tour!  I will try to find the AMAZON.com link to add to my site so readers can order your book!   When you come home next week from New York and have some time, I want some coffee time with you at Tulleys!   

-Edited by Bob Yoder
Photo by Dave Randall

The King County Elections ballots are in the mail! "Let the games begin"!

Council President Nancy McCormick is retiring after 6 terms of dedicated service to the City of Redmond.

Redmond Council Vice President Pat Vache' and Arts Commissioner John Stilin are both running unopposed. 

Councilmember Kimberly Allen is running for re-election (Seat #4) against upstart Sally J. Chen.   

Chuck Pilcher is running for commissioner of  Evergreen County Hospital District #2 against Rex Lindquist.  Dr. Pilcher is endorsed by every hospital district commissioner except Lindquist.  Redmond Fire and Medics endorse Pilcher. 

King County Charter Amendments One, Two, and Three are mostly housekeeping.   Charter Amendment Four is significant and deserves study.   The Municipal League of Woman Voters recommends "yes" on all four. 

LWSD Directors Nancy Bernard ("Kirkland" area District 3) and Doug Eglington ("Sammamish Plateau" District 4) are again running unopposed.   Julie Wright has withdrawn from the race, according to LWSD. 

King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert is running unopposed.

The Big Race is for King County Excecutive.   "Outsider" Susan Hutchinson is running against King County Councilmember Dow Constantine.   Do you care who just got the Seattle Times endorsement?

All local candidate websites and charter amendments are posted on this sidebar.

For these and all other Eastside races, the link to the King County Candidate website is:    http://www.kingcounty.gov/elections/elections/200911/contestscandidates.aspx

text and photo by Bob Yoder

Rafa's story of overcoming gangs and bullets with help from Youth Eastside Services

Dear Bob,

Eighteen year old Rafa was born in Pakistan and lived there until he was in fourth grade. He is now a senior at an Eastside high school and his outgoing presence, personal creativity and generosity of spirit make him the perfect driving force behind the poetry/rap slams he helps organize.

But like many children with immigrant parents, Rafa is the liaison between his parents and the culture and language of the U.S. "By the time I got to high school I didn't know where I belonged," says Rafa. "I'm more American than my parents, but I don't fit easily into the white, Latino or black cliques and cultures at school."

As a freshman and sophomore, Rafa often feared for his safety at school. Racial slurs became shoving matches which escalated into physical threats and violence. "I decided to join a gang after I was shot at while walking home alone from school one night."

But Rafa knew he needed help and he found it from a Youth Eastside Services (YES) school-based counselor. His counselor helped him disassociate from his gang and introduced him to the Newcomer Program at YES. With the help of YES, he learned to cope with his feelings of isolation, embrace his dual cultures and find safety outside of a gang affiliation.

Rafa's story is just one of thousands of stories of youth who come to YES and - thanks to a giving community - find the help they need to meet and overcome the challenges they face.

Best Wishes,

Patti Skelton-McGougan
Executive Director
http://www.youtheastsideservices.org/
stock photo

Neighbor asks: HAVE YOU SEEN HER? Redmond High sophomore Jamie Stevens is missing.

JAMIE HAS BEEN FOUND AND SHE IS BACK HOME. 11/01

Bob, I'm passing this along to Redmond friends. 15-year old Jamie attends our church and Redmond High School and has been missing for 3 weeks. It would be great of you to pass this along. 
   by Steve Hitch

HAVE YOU SEEN HER?  A 15-year-old Redmond High School sophomore ran away from home Sept. 21 and her mother is now fearing the worst.  Jamie Stevens stormed out her parents' home in unincorporated King County near the Woodinville-Redmond border three weeks ago and has not returned, according to Jamie's mother, Judy.

"She left angry and frustrated and walked off with nothing but the clothes on her back, she has nothing, no money, no ID, nothing," Judy said. "It's really a big mystery."

Judy and her husband, Jim, contacted all of Jamie's friends and nobody had seen her the day she ran away. They went around the neighborhood, the high school and her favorite hangouts, hoping to find some clues that would lead to the whereabouts of their daughter.

Judy said she finally got an e-mail from her daughter the night of Sept. 29, telling her mother that she planned to come home soon and that she just needed some time to "cool off."

But since then, "nobody has heard anything," Judy said. "She has not been on Facebook or MySpace, she's not responding to e-mails, so I know something is happening. She has stopped communicating with us and that's our biggest concern."

Judy and Jim are working with an investigator from the King County Sheriff's Office, trying to find their runaway daughter, who got into a verbal altercation with her father before running away.

"We've done lots of follow-up work in this one but haven't tracked her down yet," said Sgt. John Urquhart, spokesperson for the Sheriff's Office.
Judy said they have turned up some leads as to who she is with, and "it's not good. They are people we don't know and they seem to be caught up in bad things."

Judy said Jamie "was frustrated and stressed out" with her home life, but Judy never expected her to run away and not come back. Jamie is a talented artist and was a strong student in the classroom, according to Judy. Jamie told her parents that she planned to compete for the Redmond High track and field team in the spring, Judy said.

"It's very hard," said Judy, who is also working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. "She's talented, she's smart and she's really engaging. I know wherever she is, it's bad. I just don't know how bad it is."

Jamie has dark hair and is diminutive in stature, around 5-foot-2, 105 pounds, according to her mother.  If you have seen Jamie, call Judy at (425) 260-7054 or (425) 895-8566 or call Jim at (206) 491-6858.

Submitted by Steve Hitch   
Redmond, WA.

The Mayor Crowns Kaily Trussel Homecoming Queen at Redmond High.

Mayor John Marchione crowns Kaily Trussel   

...and brings a few of his firemen to the game to celebrate "Fire Prevention Week"  

photos by Bob Yoder

Evergreen Hospital Medical Center is Ranked No. 1 in State for Stroke Care

KIRKLAND, WA. − Evergreen Hospital Medical Center was ranked first in Washington and in the top five percent of hospitals in the nation for treatment of stroke by HealthGrades, the country’s leading healthcare rating system. Evergreen also was ranked in the top five for gastrointestinal services. For the sixth consecutive year, Evergreen received five-star rating for maternity care. The rankings for 2010 were released by HealthGrades today.

In addition, the hospital was named one of the Top 10 in Washington for general surgery, overall critical care and overall pulmonary services.

HealthGrades studies nearly 5,000 hospitals each year, reviewing more than 40 million hospitalization records before it awards the ratings. Complete information is available at www.healthgrades.com. More information about Evergreen Hospital Medical Center and Evergreen Healthcare can be found at www.evergreenhealthcare.org.

Contact: Sherry Grindeland, Evergreen Communications Director, 425-899-1882

October 13, 2009

Matt Campbell launches "Sportspixs.com" photo sharing service for Greater Redmond community.

Hi Bob,

My name is Matt Campbell.  In 1971 my family moved to Redmond from Seattle. I have been a citizen of Redmond since I was five years old.  Thanks for getting involved and doing this blog to make Redmond a better place to live.

I have a hobby website, that posts sports pictures I take of Redmond High School, Redmond Junior High and other events. My wife is the RHS Cheer coach.  Lately, I've posted pictures of  Mustang Football, Wrestling, and Cheer.  At the request of the  local Reporter, I've worked with them to photgraph the Girls Soccer team.  I'm going to try to get around to the community and support other groups, like girls and boys lacrosse.

I recently took a few photos of the kids in the park.  These kids do amazing things on bikes and boards and get little recognition for their sport.  Look for a folder called "Skate Park"!

My site is becoming a place where people can go to see their pictures, share them and in some cases download them.  Some pictures, but not all, can be freely downloaded.  However, they may all be viewed and enjoyed.  I'm an IT guy for a manufacturing company in Woodinville and this is a total side job that helps support my passion for photography,

I'd like to share the site with you and your Readers.  Please feel free to use some of my pictures for community Blog stories, at no charge to the Redmond Neighborhood Blog.  All I ask is you please reference my name and website with the pictures you post.

Contact:  matt@sportspixs.com
Site:  http://www.sportspixs.com/

by Matt Campbell
photo & text by Campbell

edited by Yoder

October Donations to Lake Washington School District

October Donations to LWSD

Lake Washington Schools Foundation gives $30,500.00 to LWSD for support of LINKS (Lunch Buddy) Program.

Lake Washington Schools Foundation gives $1,496.24 to John Muir Elementary School  to purchase assessement materials for the library.

Mark Twain PTSA gives $4535.00 to Twain Elecmentary to provide tutoring stipend ($1735) and support fireld trips ($2,800). 

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