OPINION: Evergreen Medical Center of Bella Bottega will change look and feel.

EVERGREEN MEDICAL CLINIC project of Bella Botttega Shopping Center, Redmond, WA. was recently approved by the City.  A 36-car underground garage is planned.  Construction is scheduled for this summer.

The 3-story medical clinic will  be almost three times the size of the Bella Bottega building in the photo.  12,500 feet retail will be replaced by 35,000 square feet medical office.

No question, the three story building will visually impact the evergreen tree views and shopping center look and feel.  The drive down Redmond-Woodinville Road will change, too.  Hopefully, the landscaping plans call for a treed buffer along the high building roadside wall.

Consider bookmarking this page?  And come back in the summer to see how the two artist renditions live up to the finished project?   Do you think a 3-story building will enhance the look and feel of Bella Botega, or not?   

For additional information, you might want to try the Evergreen Healthcare website:    http://www.evergreenhealthcare.org/.  

The top artist rendition was sent to me by a PR firm.  The bottom rendition was published in the Reporter.

story and photo by Bob Yoder

Chandler Jones named Arizona Cactus Jam Tournament MVP

Mustang Girls Varsity elevated themselves in the Arizona "Cactus Jam Tournament" during Winter Break.  Players sold program advertising and car washes to raise money for the trip. 

Redmond (3-5) defeated Dorsey (LA) 62-50 to win the Cactus division!

Chandler Jones led the way with 21, Marissa Pratt had 15 and Stacey Kimball added 12. The day before in the 57-49 win over Wireglass (Fl), Jones led the Stangs with 33. Chandler Jones was named tournament MVP. Jones, Marissa Pratt, and Stacey Kimball were named to the all tournament team.

Next up Wed Jan 6th at home -vs- Woodinville. JVs at 5:45PM Varsity at 7:30. See our Issaquah, Newport, Inglemoor, and Garfield game photos here.

photograph of Chandler Jones, courtesy of  Jill Flynn
story from http://www.mustangbasketball.com/

LWSD PTSA Special Needs Group Update: Autism

From the desk of Beth Angelo, Chairperson for the LWSD PTSA Special Needs Group:

Happy New Year!

Parent Support Group-Supporting Positive Behavior:
Tuesday, January 5th   6:30-8pm   Puget Sound Autism Services
5105 200th Street SW, Suite 100 Lynnwood, WA
For information Contact Cynthia Allen-Weissinger cxa0833@yahoo.com
(Thank you Jamie Coonts)

King County Chapter of the Autism Society 
MEETING:  Wednesday, January 6th, 2010
6:30 - 8:30 pm
(last 30 minutes for networking)
Bellevue Regional Library, Meeting Room 1
1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue 98004

♦ Understanding and Supporting Your Child with Autism - Sara Gardner  (last 30 minutes for networking)

Families  may be interested in a new effort called “We All Belong”.

The goal of "We All Belong" is to call attention to items Governor Gregoire proposed in her budget to reform how Washington supports and cares for people with developmental disabilities.
You can also check out the effort's website at http://www.weallbelong.org/

Check their website  http://www.weallbelong.org/  where you can learn more about the effort and sign up to receive newsletters about the effort's progress.

Take care,
Beth Angelo
Chairperson, LWSD PTSA Special Needs Group
1/3/10

Witnesses sought in Highway 202 bike accident

Witnesses sought in Highway 202 bike accident

The State Patrol is seeking witnesses who saw a red minivan that reportedly forced a bicyclist off the road Saturday on Highway 202 east of Redmond.

Troopers said the bicyclist rode into a ditch to avoid being struck head-on by the erratically driven van. The bicyclist suffered serious injuries and was taken to Overlake Hospital Medical Center in Bellevue.

by Seattle Times staff

"Reflections Art Show" coming soon!

Reflections Art Show 

PTSA sponsored arts recognition and achievement program!

Theme: " Beauty is..."

Reflections Art Show - Friday, January 8, 2010

6:30-8:30PM

LWSD Resource Center

Art is on public display during normal business hours after the show from 1/11-13.  Reflections is sponsored by the Lake Washington PTSA.  Fabulous youth art on display!!!

Students and parents!  Send a photo of your art work for display on the Redmond Blog!  Attach your photo (jpeg) and a message to my email at:  redmondblog@gmail.com. 

posted by Bob Yoder

Top 25 posts of the year

Top 25 posts of the year, by Todd Bishop

Goodbye 2009. Hello 2010. Here's your chance to catch up with the most read posts of the year on TechFlash. Enjoy!!

1.) "Rule No. 1: Hide the iPhone from Ballmer at the Microsoft meeting" (143 comments)

2.) "iPhone app wins top honors at Microsoft sponsored event" (19 comments)

3.) "One force of nature vs. another: Bill Gates tries to stop hurricanes" (76 comments)

4.) "Pioneering Internet 'detox' center looks to cure online addicts" (47 comments)

5.) "Microsoft cancels campus pub" (72 comments)

Bio-swale near "Avondale Villas" (Avondale Crest) is improved.

A unique stormwater treatment facility is located at the NW corner of 104th Street and Avondale Road   It's called a "bio-swale".   It's behind a reddish, metal fence and hard to see, but I've been monitoring it since 2007.  Bio-swales treat stormwater by oxygenation and by filtering silt, chemicals and other contaminants. 

The left photo shows the swale after a downpour in 2007, prior to the Marchione Administration.   It is filled with debris and contaminants.  The inlet pipes are clogged and one is buried.  This bio-swale is in serious need of maintenance. 

The right photo was taken in December, 2009.  It is in immaculate condition.  The swale has been broadened and dug to improve treatment.  Old, contaminated soil is removed.  The inlet pipe at the "elbow" is visible and functional.  Concrete blocks now line the swale walls to prevent erosion.  Surrounding vegetation is clipped and cleared.  Doesn't it look good!?   The city really cares!

This bio-swale is particularly important because it treats stormwater flowing into salmon bearing, Bear Creek.  Stormwater flows through two inlet pipes from several upland developments and Avondale Road.   It exits the swale to Bear Creek through a culvert under Avondale Road.

It is my understanding:  Owners of Avondale Villas (L090117) will use the bio-swale after pre-treatment by "wet-vaults".  Based on an earlier 9-lot short plat review (Avondale Crest), the landowner will not have to pay for bio-swale maintenance, but will have to pay for the wet-vaults and their maintenance.  I'll confirm.
by Bob Yoder
photos & story

cc:  City Planner, Thara Johnson, tmjohnson@redmond.gov

Redmond Rotary Foundation donates $12,500 from popular RED-SPOKE bicycling event.

100 finishers in Spokane, 2009.  Next ride:  7/14-18/2010.  300 miles from Redmond to Spokane

Redmond Rotary Foundation donates $12,500 from popular RED-SPOKE bicycling event to Hope-link.

Hopelink is proud to have been chosen as a recipient of the proceeds from this very popular and successful fundraiser.

Funds will be used to support emergency services and asset building programs aimed at giving individuals and families the tools, knowledge, and support they need to make lasting change in their lives. Thank you Redmond Rotary for this wonderful donation.  by Hopelink News

Photo by RED-SPOKE

Port of Seattle completes rail corridor purchase - BNSF donates the "Redmond Spur".

Port of Seattle completes rail corridor purchase

King County plans to build hiking and biking trails on the line south of Woodinville. BNSF donated the southern portion of the corridor between Woodinville and Renton and the Redmond Spur that goes through the City of Redmond.   by Seattle Times

Microsoft response to Google maneuvers in China | Seattle Times Newspaper

Microsoft response to Google maneuvers in China Seattle Times Newspaper:

To get around Web censorship in China, Google has found a hack -- by redirecting users to its search engine in Hong Kong."  read article

Posted By Sharon Pian Chan: 206-464-2958
Seattle Times

UPDATED, 01/02: Body found in Redmond.

Redmond police investigate "suspicious" death, 01/02

Redmond police are investigating the death of a man who was found face down in ivy on Wednesday near the old Group Health campus on Bellevue-Redmond Road.

The body of the man, who appears to be in his late 40s or early 50s, was found at 10:35 a.m. by a passer-by who called 911. The body was in a planting strip near an unused parking lot in the 15400 block of Bel-Red Road.

The King County Medical Examiner's Office will perform an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death, said Bove. The medical examiner's office will also release the man's identity.

According to Bove, police are investigating the death as suspicious because investigators determined the body had been on the ground for more than 24 hours and there was blood at the scene.

Seattle Times staff.

Breaking news on the body found in Redmond, 12/30

UPDATE on the body found in Redmond, 12/30

PTSA, Pemco, JSF donated $53,743 to LWSD schools in November

November Donations to District schools, reported at the School Board Regular meeting, 12/7

$7132  Christa McAuliffe PTSA donation for grants, supplies, stipend.

$13,880  Ben Franklin PTSA for stipends.

$1006 Juanita School Foundation to Juanita El. for stipend

$1500 Pemco Foundation to Explorer Community School for Golden Apple Funding Award

$15,525 Renaissance School PTSA for outdoor education

$2000 Helen Keller PTSA to support library

Peter Kirk PTSA to purchase basketball hoops

Norman Rockwell PTSA for choir, council and education stipends.

Total  $53,743

Source,  12/7  Regular Meeting packet

Redmond Digital Arts Festival: High Tech Meets High Touch

Redmond Digital Arts Festival: High Tech Meets High Touch

The Redmond Arts Commission welcomes you to the 2nd Digital Arts Festival, beginning with special events in December 2009 and featuring workshops and presentations on January 15 and 16, 2010. Here are some of the free featured ....more

by the Redmond Library Blog

Redmond to get its own "Central Park"

Redmond to get its own "Central Park" 

The city already owns about half of the property, which contains some old office buildings and a strip mall, said Jean Rice, a senior management analyst for the city's parks department.

A foundation is being formed to solicit private donations for the purchase. The total cost is estimated at $16 million to $17 million, she said.

by the Seattle Times

The Google-Microsoft rivalry now extends to Santa Web sites

The Google-Microsoft rivalry now extends to Santa Web sites

We'd be totally into this if we were 6-year-old kids on Christmas Eve. Since the 1950s, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has tracked the whereabouts of Santa Claus as he makes his global journey across the continents.

The system has evolved over the years, and it now includes a pretty fun implementation of Google Earth and Google Maps. When I checked in, Santa was making his way through Africa. Along the way, NORAD has compiled some entertaining videos of Santa as he ....more
.

Best books of 2009 - Holiday gift ideas from the Redmond Library

King County Library System - Books and Reading--Best books of 2009

As the year comes to a close, take a moment to review the King County Library System’s Best Books of 2009. The books on this list can also make great (very) last minute holiday gifts!

by Redmond Library Blog

Redmond's Downtown Central Park is Approved, Opening New Possibilities

The new Downtown Central Park site is behind & just east (left) of the Redmond Shopping Square.  This old mall will be leveled, 161st Street extended and converted to a promenade connecting Redmond Way to Cleveland St.

Redmond's Downtown Central Park is Approved

http://redmond.gov/aboutredmond/pressreleases/pr09149.asp

After Council approved the downtown park last week, retiring six-term Councilmember Nancy McCormick handed Mayor Marchione a donation check for the new Downtown Park Foundation.  (About a year ago, Ms. McCormick donated $30,000 to Hope-link).
 
The approved site is located between Cleveland Street and Redmond Way and bounded to the west by the proposed 161st Street extension and to the east by the historic Stone House property. (I've heard that a "linear park" along the BNSF rail spur connecting to the Downtown Park is on the drawing boards). 

The Park is close to transit service and has many opportunities for pedestrian access. It is a short walk to Redmond Town Center, Slough Park and the Sammamish River Trail.  Additional parking will be provided along Redmond Way and Cleveland Street after they are both returned to two-way streets.  (In about six months).
MORE

Human error cited for flooding on SR 520, adjacent Bear Creek.

REDMOND, Wash. - State Transportation officials got an early morning call today that can strike fear into the heart of any highway project manager; water on the roadway. It's especially worrisome when it's on a major route like SR 520 through Redmond...more

by GARY CHITTIM / KING 5 News
Posted on December 21, 2009 at 5:25 PM

Rare, 1964 photos of flooding along what is now Bear Creek Shopping Center.

"I was at the King County archives last March looking for photos of the Cadman Gravel pit and found these photos of flooding along Bear Creek dated January 2, 1964. For reference, Redmond Way and the railroad tracks run parallel through the photos and cross Bear Creek just south of what is now the Bear Creek Shopping Center. The original photos were sharper -- I'm not a very good photographer so these are slightly out of focus. Let me know if these photos arrive.

--Susan Wilkins, geologist
Education Hill - PTSA volunteer
Redmond, WA.

by Susan Wilkins

* With Ms. Wilkins permission, these photos were shared with the Redmond Historical Society and Steve Hitch, C.O.R. Stormwater Engineer.

Week in Windows: Fewer support calls, more tools for online help

Week in Windows: Fewer support calls, more tools for online help

...The Redmond company has also launched a new site to help lead people through the process of installing, uninstalling and/or upgrading Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.   Net blogger Mary Jo Foley notes that the site could be particularly helpful and timely for people who get Windows 7 or a new PC -- or both -- as a holiday gift  more...

Camwest's "Perrigo Heights" landscaping incomplete. (Part One)

UPDATED:  This photo shows a gaping hole in the greenbelt behind Camwest's 2-year old, 24 home "Perrigo Heights" development.  The damage occurred when Camwest felled a Landmark Maple into the   understory. According to a city planner, the greenbelt is supposed to be repaired with three evergreen trees.   As of June, 2012 the hole is filled and understory looks complete. 

The City paid Camwest over $300,000 for the greenbelt to buffer Ashford Trail and Hartman Wetlands from the housing project.  The greenbelt extends to the stone wall and a large concrete vault; all of
the significant trees here were removed.  According to Steve Fischer, Principal Planner, the City Permit Center is withholding all three landscape performance bonds.   The project is now fully developed and sold out
. 

For a brief narrative of the homes and greenbelt visit my video clip here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukfLNA1nvKI&feature=player_embedded
(corrections:  slip landslide (not avalanche); about 8 homes built -see CW website)  

Camwest's Perrigo Heights website is here. 

photo and story by Bob Yoder

PTSA donations to LWSD schools for November

November Donations...and a little bit more!

$8050 from Inglewood JH TSA to Inglewood JH  for drug awareness and Think Tank programs.

$4100 from Kirkland JH PTSA to Kirkland JH for stipends for Homework Lunch and Power Hour.

$13,350 from Laura Ingalls Wilder PTSA to Wilder Elementary for teacher stipends, curriculum materials, sound system and instruments to support arts, phys. ed. equipment, field trip support.

$11,071.50 from Lakeview Elementary PTSA to Lakeview Elementary to provide teacher stipends.

$2288 from Albert Einstein PTSA to Einstein Elementary for new directories and a choir stipend.  

$5000 from Heller Keller PTSA to Keller Elementary for special ed. materials, music, phys. ed., counseling, reading specialist and three homework club stipends.

$18,1777 from Emily Dickinson PTSA to Dickinson Elementary to provide teacher stipends for choir, school, technology, Technology club, Explorations in Math club, Outdoor Ed, and ASB.

$5000 from Community School Parent fund to Community School to support outdoor education.

$6322 from Norman Rockwell PTSA to Rockwell Elementary.

TOTAL NOVEMBER DONATIONS ACCEPTED BY THE SCHOOL BOARD IS $73,358.90

"A little bit more"

To read the complete report go to this link and click on the "Packet".  All the School Board handouts used at Regular Meetings are here, too!!

Hot off the press! Toys 4 Tots!

Hot off the press!

Any child that receives any kind of benefits from DSHS (Food Assistance, Medical Assistance, Cash Grant, Child Care) can receive a toy from the Toys 4 Tots Program.

Families can go to a DSHS office between 9:00am and 4:00pm on the date listed below to receive a toy.

Monday December 21, 2009

King North CSO: 907 NW Ballard Way Seattle, WA

Auburn CSO: 810 28th NE Auburn, WA

White Center CSO: 9650 15th Ave SW Seattle, WA
 
by Beth Angelo
Chairperson for the LWSD PTSA Special Needs Group

Redmond Police arrest suspect linked to 29 burglaries

12/18/09  Redmond Police arrest suspect linked to 29 burglaries

Redmond Police arrested a 24-year-old Bellevue man thought to be responsible for at least 29 burglaries in the Redmond area alone. Property stolen includes laptop computers, televisions, and smaller electronic items totaling an estimated $60,000...more

press release posted on City of Redmond Facebook Fan  http://bit.ly/77UP3C

Evergreen Hospital CEO Steve Brown to step down in February

Steve Brown's Ribbon cutting ceremony:  clip of  "Santa and his elves" playing with their new $1,750,000 da Vinci robot.

According to the 12/17 online edition of the Kirkland and  Redmond Reporters:

"Steve Brown, chief executive officer at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center since 2002, has announced his resignation to become the President/CEO of the Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pennsylvania.

Brown announced his departure to the Evergreen staff via a personal e-mail. The move, Brown explained, will allow him and his wife to move closer to their families and their grandchildren while giving him a new career challenge.

In Brown’s eight years as Evergreen’s CEO, he has overseen vast expansion of both facilities and services. Evergreen Hospital added a new Emergency Department, an eight-story patient facility and the five-story DeYoung Pavilion along with the development of the Evergreen Neuroscience Institute...."

A press release of Brown's resignation wasn't found on Evergreen's web site, as of 12/17.

CEO Brown's total compensation in 2008 was:  $819,728.01.   Base:  $558,578.40  and  Incentive Bonus:  $261,149.61 (Paid in 2009), as reported by Laurene Burton,  Evergreen's Public Disclosure Act Officer, upon my request.  Retirement and benefits are not included in the total.

Why would anyone want to step down from that salary?  According to the Redmond Reporter, Brown explained he will have a new career challenge and be closer to his grandchildren.

Under the Freedom of Information Act I'm requesting additional information.  Do you think Mr. Brown's salary is appropriate for his position?   Evergreen is a Public Hospital, supported in part by a property tax levy.
by Bob Yoder
(read comments below)

A new coaching era begins for Redmond Basketball

A new coaching era begins for Redmond Basketball

Coach Coldie is seen talking to her team during a time-out at Wednesday's game vs. Inglemoor.  Coach Sara Goldie is entering her 9th year of coaching high school girls' basketball. Coach Goldie grew up in the Redmond area and is a graduate of Eastlake High School  more...

Photo by Bob Yoder

Take the New Year's Day "Polar Plunge" for the Special Olympics!

 New Year's Day event at Idylwood Park to benefit the Special Olympics!

PLAN TO TAKE THE POLAR PLUNGE! The 2010 Polar Plunge, sponsored by the Redmond Police Department and benefiting Special Olympics, will be held at *10 a.m. of January 1, 2010 at Idylwood Park. Mark your calendars and plan to attend,.or even better, join us in taking a dip into the warm water of Lake Sammamish. They're calling for warm, sunny temperatures that day, not necessarily here in Redmond, but somewhere. Bring in the New Year with Redmond Police Department and Special Olympics!

*The pre-plunge festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with the actual plunge taking place at noon.

Email Jim Bove (Redmond Safety Facilitator) jbove@redmond.gov with any questions you may have.

How do I take the Plunge?   Right Here!

Compliments of the Mustang News.

Windows 7 leaving Redmond's help desk less busy

Windows 7 leaving Redmond's help desk less busy

There are many ways to measure how Windows 7 is doing. There are reports on new PC sales, tallies of boxed copy sales, and surveys of planned enterprise adoption, to name a few.

But one of the most encouraging signs for Microsoft is the lack of phone calls it is getting from people with problems. Overall, Microsoft said the volume of calls to its support lines is half of what it expected.
(Credit: Microsoft) "Overall we are finding our call center volume is down significantly more than we expected," said Barbara Gordon, vice president of customer support for Microsoft.

The drop in calls isn't just due to the fact that Windows 7 appears less problem-plagued than its predecessor, though. In the weeks leading up to and following the operating system's release, Microsoft also added two new ways to get help--through an online forum called Microsoft Answers and via the Microsoft Helps feed on Twitter.

"What we have found is we are seeing far more take-up of self-service...forums and Twitter to get responses," Gordon said in an interview this week.

With the Microsoft Answers forums, which launched late last year, users submit questions and experienced community members offer answers that Microsoft workers later validate to make sure they are correct.

by Ina Fried, CNET
December 17, 2009
abbreviated

LWSD has 141 Board Certified Teachers.

Redmond, Wash. – Forty teachers in the Lake Washington School District achieved National Board Certification®, as announced today by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. There are now 141 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) working full-time in the District’s schools.

“We are very proud of our teachers who have achieved this prestigious designation,” noted Superintendent Chip Kimball. “All staff members and students benefit when teachers achieve National Board Certification, as these teachers share their knowledge and expertise with those around them. In Lake Washington, we have exceptional faculty, and it is no surprise that so many of our teachers achieve this status.”
 
-LWSD press release, 12/16.

Rebecca Meredith is the City of Redmond's first Poet Laureate

The City Council approved Rebecca Meredith for Redmond's first Poet Laureate. 

Rebecca's Poetry Collection Journal

I am a poet and psychotherapist in Bellevue, Washington who conducts poetry therapy groups as a part of my practice. My work has appeared in The Forum, a psychoanalytic quarterly, as a part of Seattle's Jack Straw Writer's Program, and others. I am a Hedgebrook Fellow as a result of my work in short fiction as well.  -Rebecca Meredith*

According to a city ordinance adopted this year, The Redmond Arts Commission has considered the position of Poet Laureate of the City of Redmond since 2006. The position is based on the concept of the Poet Laureate first established in America by the Library of Congress in 1985. Since then, States including Washington have established such positions.

The objectives of the program will be to broaden the awareness of poetry, express the spirit of Redmond culture through poetry, and raise the level of discourse during discussions and debates in the City.

Funding for the Poet Laureate will not exceed $5,000 a year and is part of the Arts Activity Fund budget. These funds would be used to contract for services from the Poet Laureate such as providing public writing workshops, poetry readings, or publishing poetry.  - city ordinance.

Samples

posted by Bob Yoder

The December 15 City Council Meeting is eventful and sets records.

In order of significance:

1. Nancy McCommick retired tonight after 24 years of service as a councilmember, 8 years as Council President, 6 years as planning commissioner.  She is currently on the Code Rewrite Commission. 
2. The Mayor read a Proclamation about Nancy, Nancy gave a check to the Mayor for the Downtown Park Foundation.  Richard Grubb faxed in a poem, a Safety Officer thanked Nancy during Items from the Audience, six councilmembers gave tribute (Vache' was absent), the RYPAC city youth group gave her a poster, and Parks Director read tributes from three citizens. Councilmember David Carson was dressed in a bow tie / tuxedo.
3. Council approved a record 20 consent agenda items, three salary ordinances (more on this later), a Rose Hill annexation ordinance and resolution.   Redmond's Poet Laureate was approved.   
4. "The Russians are coming"!   City Hall chambers were packed for the second time with the Russian community defending their Special Edition business park.  They said the Sears Parking Lot was a better location for the Overlake regional stormwater treatment facility.  Comment: ...a no brainer. 
5. Councilmember Hank Myers defended the city's 1% property tax levy increase.

Code Rewrite Commission:  http://redmond.gov/insidecityhall/planning/RCDGrewrite.asp

by Bob Yoder

Bing surpasses 10%, but at the expense of Yahoo, not Google

Bing surpasses 10%, but at the expense of Yahoo, not Google

Microsoft appears to be taking market share not from its nemesis Google but from its partner-in-waiting, Yahoo. Google's U.S. market share rose slightly, reaching 65.6 percent.

Work Study Sessions - The LW School Board's "Diamond in the Rough".

Interested public, including PTSA members and board candidates may observe from seats to the right.   

Have you ever wanted to know who your School Board members are and what they do?  Perhaps you're thinking of running for a school board office and want more information about the job?  Perhaps a concerned PTSA member?  Or a member of  the community at large.  Attending a "Work Study Session" is just the ticket!

This fascinating learning experience isn't well known or attended because the public work session meeting times aren't announced during Chair Pendergrass's Regular Meetings.  The sessions are held in a back room from the Board Room.  Some of the study Topics from this year are:

1)  Vision 2020,  2) Technology & Science, 3) Graduation Policies, 4) Special Education, 5) Quest & AP, 6) Bond and Levy "Advisory Committee" Recommendations, 7)  Meet Bob Hughes, State Board of Education and past LS Board member, 8)  Culminating Projects in H.S. and Beyond,  9) Culture. 10) Planning for a meeting with the legislatures. 

Don't worry about having to speak.  Public isn't allowed to comment.  Superintendent Kimball usually does most of the talking in these sessions, while staff listens.  Sometimes he'll present slides with helpful handouts; the sessions aren't taped.  These meetings are held during the dinner hour and last about an hour, so feel free to bring something to eat.  The Board Members and staff eat while in session, too.

Work Study Sessions are held the 1st and 3rd week of the month at 5:30pm.  For exact times and room location go here.  Both study sessions and regular board meetings are held at L.E. Scarr Building in Redmond Town Center.  162050 NE 74th Street.  The Regular Board Meeting usually follows at 7PM.

This meeting is a 'diamond in the rough' opportunity for anyone curious or wanting to know more about District governence and our elected.  Three Board Members will be up for election in 2011.  Do you want to learn more?

Work Study Session - Agenda
Work Study Session - Minutes

Board Packet  (budget items, Minutes, PTSA donation list, grants, agenda, etc.)  Pick these up at the reception desk counter.    Quesstions:  contact  Kathryn Reith at kreith@lwsd.org

Community Digest III

Excerpts from MUSTANG NEWS, 12/14

NEW ACADEMIC & CAREER PLANNING RESOURCE. "Academic and Career Planning" is a new page on the Redmond High web site. The page contains information about college and career planning, Graduation Portfolio announcements and requirements, copies of important documents related to the Graduation Portfolio, links for post-secondary planning, resources and links for scholarships and financial aid, and information about colleges, careers, and much more. Be sure to check this page regularly for all the latest information about life after high school.

DIGIPEN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. Digipen is offering a series of four workshops exploring computer graphics and game programming careers. The workshops are held on the four Saturdays in January starting January 9th. If you are interested, please contact Elvin Bucu. Cost is $20.

LAKE WASHINGTON SCHOOLS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2009 GRANT AWARDS. LWSF awarded 38 classroom grants to our schools this year - 5 to high schools, 13 to junior highs, and 20 to elementary schools - resulting in over $63,000 awarded in 21 different schools in our district. LWSF Trustees and community members assisted in evaluating the grant proposals. RHS received two grants, one for reading materials for English Language Learners, and one for robotics club supplies. For more information about LWSF or to learn how you can donate to help our Lake Washington schools, check out the LWSF web site.

 LITTLE LEAGUE REGISTRATION OPEN.  Redmond West Little League and Redmond North Little League are currently accepting registration from boys and girls ages 5 through 18. Sign up now and get ready to play ball!

CITY OF REDMOND TEEN CLASSES AT THE OLD FIREHOUSE TEEN CENTER. Start the New Year by learning something new! (And don't forget, classes make great gifts!) All classes will be held at the Old Firehouse Teen Center at 16510 NE 79th Street. For more information or to sign up for any of these classes, please call 425-556-2300, e-mail Chris Cullen, or download the Old Firehouse schedule.  The January classes are:  Silkscreen Co-Op: and Drumming 102: 

by Mary Bourguignon
Editor, Redmond Mustang News

Mustang News is published by the Redmond High School PTSA. To subscribe, please contact rhs.ptsa.news@gmail.com . For more information about the PTSA, please visit our web site at http://www.redmondhsptsa.org/ .

Balloons Aglow: The Brightest of the Redmond Lights

Balloons Aglow: The Brightest of the Redmond Lights

One of the most spectacular events of Redmond Lights 2009 was the lighting of the hot air balloons next to Redmond Town Center. 

by Redmond Library blog

MONSTER TRUCKS are in the neighborhood!

MONSTER TRUCKS are in the neighborhood!    This one is an EVAC truck - a giant sucking machine.  PSE was using it to vacuum out 5 feet of soil to install new street light poles.  These toys cost $275,000. 

The City of Redmond has a number of them to vacuum debris from stormwater drains, catchments, and  vaults.  200 feet of stormwater piping can be cleaned at  time. Last winter, the roads had to be sanded and EVACS were busy sucking out sand and pebbles from the stormwater pipes. This winter they won't be as busy, because the city will be spraying a brine-sugar beet solution to de-ice, rather than sand.  Yes, sugar beets! So, expect to see some "blood" on the roads when they "sand"!  Sanding the roads was a problem last year because silty suspensions drained straight into the streams - past the catchments.  (As you know, street stormwater in Redmond drains into Bear Creek and the Sammamish River.)  Silt is not healthy for the salmon and stream habitat.  The brine-beet de-icer is more enviro-friendly - and less abrasive on our cars!  (picture of right is a PSE truck vacuuming light post holes.)  MONSTERS!   What do ya say?

-- photos and story by Bob Yoder

Sports participation fees at LWSD schools

During the  LWSD - Redmond City Council Study Session of 12/8, Commissioner John Stilin raised the question of  sports participation fees.

Superintendent Kimball answered:

 A renewed levy will still not cover the full cost of sports participation fees.  The total cost of one sport/kid/year is $600.  Parents will still pay $275/year/sport and the levy will subsidize the remaining $325.  Recent State budget cuts necessitate the use of levy fees for basic education rather than sports fees, and the like. 

reported by Bob Yoder

Eastside residents invited to join virtual town hall with Rep. Ross Hunter on December 15

Washington State House of Representatives
Rep. Ross Hunter – 48th Legislative District

December 11, 2009

Online or on the phone - Eastside residents invited to join virtual town hall with Rep. Ross Hunter

Rep. Hunter will take questions about state budget, education reform, SR 520 and more on December 15

OLYMPIA – At 6:30 p.m. on December 15, households across the 48th Legislative District will receive a phone call from state Rep. Ross Hunter (D-Medina). Those who pick up will be invited to participate in a one-hour telephone town hall during which they can learn about the upcoming legislative session and share their thoughts and questions with Hunter.

Hunter will also be live blogging the town hall and residents have the option of logging on and following along virtually.

To participate by phone: Only those with land lines will receive a phone call on December 15, so those wanting to participate via cell phone can call toll-free 877-229-8493. Participants will be prompted to enter an ID code which is 15390. The number will be available about ten minutes before the town hall begins.

To participate online: Click through from Hunter’s website at www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/hunter  or on Twitter by following @rosshunter or searching #huntertownhall.
# # #
Contact: Rep. Ross Hunter: (425) 453-3064 or hunter.ross@leg.wa.gov

A Streetside View of Redmond, from Bing Maps

A Streetside View of Redmond

You can now see a street-level view of downtown Redmond using the new version of Bing Maps. While you might have used the bird's eye views in Bing Maps, the new beta version provides a ground-level, or Streetside, view.

by Redmond Library Blog

U.S. News and World Report awards two Lake Washington district High Schools.

International Community School Ranked in Top 100 Schools, Achieves Gold Rating

Redmond High School receives a silver rating

Redmond, Wash. – U.S. News and World Report magazine named International Community School (ICS) in Kirkland, Wash. number 29 out of the top 100 high schools in the nation in their annual America’s Best High Schools rating, and gave the school a gold ranking. Redmond High School (RHS) received a silver ranking.

ICS had a College Readiness Index of 89.3 and RHS had a score of 42.6.

This is the third year that ICS has been recognized in the top 100 schools. Last year, it was number ranked  number 24. In 2007, it was ranked  number 17 and was the highest-rated school in Washington. This is the second year that RHS received a silver rating.

“We are honored to once again be recognized as one of the nation’s top 100 high schools,” noted ICS Principal Cindy Duenas. “It is truly a reflection on the students and staff at our school that we have achieved this ranking for the third year in a row.”

“We are so proud to once again be recognized with a silver ranking,” noted RHS Principal Jane Todd. “This recognition helps to support our students and staff in their efforts to reach high standards every day.”

“It is always an honor to see our schools recognized nationally for the level of success that the students and staff have achieved,” noted Lake Washington School Superintendent Dr. Chip Kimball. “I am consistently impressed by the hard work of our students, staff and parents in schools throughout the district.”   [I'm guessing the School Board will probably recognize ICS and RHS at a Regular Meeting. B.Y.]

ICS was one of only four schools to receive a gold ranking in Washington state. RHS was one of only nine schools in King County to receive a silver ranking, and one of only 17 in the state.  
 
Thanks to LWSD Communications for their press release.

Evergreen Healthcare scheduled to occupy a new building in Redmond's Bella Bottega

Update, 12/12:  Evergreen Healthcare is on schedule to complete a new three-story medical office building  by summer 2011.  The project site is near RED-WOOD Road and Northeast 90th Street in Bella Bottega shopping center.  The building will include Evergreen's family practice, urgent care and radiology clinics. Construction is planned for this spring where Gray Barn Nursery used to be at the Bella Bottega shopping center, which includes Regal Cinemas, QFC and Bartell Drugs.

Do you have any thoughts or comments about this proposed development?  If so, please share your comments here.  Or, email or call city project planner, Gary Lee, at glee@redmond.gov or 425-556-2418.

Comments sent to the city by 12/16 will receive special privileges.

site plan map

by Bob Yoder

Google, Microsoft jockey for position on the environment

Google, Microsoft jockey for position on the environment

As the world gathers this week at the International Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, there's an interesting subplot playing out between Microsoft and Google. Both companies are trying to position themselves to supply technology that scientists can use to better understand the environment, and they're using the event to talk about their efforts

Sonic Forest at Redmond Town Center - Last Night is December 15!

Play and dance in the Sonic Forest until December 12, at Redmond Town Center!

This is an innovative and exciting interactive sound and light sculpture.  Children love it, too! It was created by internationally known artist/architect, Christopher Janney. This is one of Janneys urban instruments played by people waving their hands over different parts of the sculpture. Brought to Redmond Town Center, December 2009 by the City of Redmond and the Redmond Arts Commission.

Video by Eva Moon
Facebook

The Rotary Club and Redmond Reporter partner to award a Community volunteer MVP

The Redmond Reporter and the Rotary Club of Redmond want to honor a star volunteer in our community with the Rotary Community MVP of the Year Award. E-mail your nominations for a Community MVP who has committed an extraordinary amount of volunteer time in Redmond to redmondrotary@yahoo.com . The deadline for nominations is Dec. 15. The winner will be honored with an award at The Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon Jan. 20, 2010.

The nominations must include the name and contact information for the nominee and the name and contact information for the person making the nomination. The nomination also must include a brief paragraph about what the nominee has done to help out in the community through volunteerism.

So as we celebrate the holidays with family and friends, let’s provide a helping hand to those who might need an extra boost — and highlight those people making a difference in Redmond.

Bradley D. Lehrer
Bannersonaroll/Lehrer & Van Allen, Inc.
17509 NE 31st Court
Redmond, WA 98052
425.883.7400

http://www.bannersonaroll.com/

My nomination is Miguel Llanos. (below).

UPDATED: Superintendent Dr. Chip Kimball is the Lake Washington School District's Magic Bullet.

Editorial:

Updated 12/13:   Dr. Chip Kimball, Lake Washington School District Superintendent,  has been working long and hard  - very hard - launching the School Board's levy/bond measures to the public.  In the brief time I've been following the District, I'm aware of fifteen (15) public presentations

• 6 community school input meetings
• 2 Regular School Board Meetings
• 1 community advisory meeting, including PTSA
• City of Redmond, City of Sammamish, City of Kirkland
• Redmond Chamber of Commerce, presented 11/24, per Dianne Jenkins, lwsd.
• Kirkland Chamber
• Sammamish Chamber

Last Tuesday, Dr. Kimball addressed three organizations in one day.  At this point, Chip's pretty much on auto-pilot but his talk (like an infomercial) remains dynamic and draws a lot of questions and interest.   Chip could use a little more help.  School Director Shahani and two  volunteer citizen-'lobbyists' pitched in during his City of Redmond presentation.  It was effective.  Mr. Shahani gave a persuasive talk and I hope he continues his activism and public support for the Bond.

I don't know if Chip has taken his 'Dog-&-Pony' show to the Redmond Chamber of Commerce but, he needs their support, too.  I'm confident the Chamber will advocate for the School Board measures.  The question is, how will they support him?  By endorsement only?   Or will  the Chamber motivate their membership to actively promote the ballot measures?  The Bond needs a 60% majority to pass.

The ducks are lined up for Dr. Kimball by the Redmond Chamber:   1) The Chamber has a new strategy for their Mission Statement:  "political advocacy". 2) A Board of Trustees membership is skewed toward politics and government. (Membership includes three elected officials, two staff from quasi/government organizations and a trustee for governmental affairs.)  The chamber's guns are loaded for the February 9 election.  The question is will they fire bullets or blanks? 

Chamber Board membership has a tilt toward government and away from education.  Were it not for Trustee Pat Vache', the Chamber would probably lack a direct connection to job training and education.  Mr. Vache'  is a founding trustee for the Lake Washington School Foundation.    During the December 5 Redmond city council meeting, Mr. Vache' remarked, it's clear that everyone knows that a key attractor for business is education and the two must be linked together. 

While the Redmond Chamber's gun may be loaded for the good cause of education, it's missing fire power.  Dr. Chip Kimball, as Ex-Officio. would be a magic bullet for the chamber.   Adding a school district executive or School Director means more government, but it would bring a refreshing vibrancy and economic gusto to Redmond, Kirkland and Sammamish commerce and their communities.

by Bob Yoder

COMMUNITY DIGEST, December 7 (Part One)

Excerpts from  MUSTANG NEWS

CAREER PANEL:  "RUNNING A BUSINESS!"  January 12, 7:00 - 8:30pm at Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center (16600 NE 80th ST, Redmond, WA). Come listen to what our local panel of entrepreneurs have to say about starting your own business and what it takes in today's economic climate.

Confirmed business owners include Dennis Ballen of Blazing Bagels, and Mike Tenhulzen of Tenhulzen Remodeling. We will have snacks and refreshments from Whole Foods. Please click here to RSVP for the event.   Mike Tenhulzen is a Trustee on the Redmond Chamber of  Commerce.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE REDMOND DIGITAL ARTS FESTIVAL. The Second Annual Digital Arts Festival will be held on January 15 and 16, 2010. It will feature classes and workshops at DigiPen, as well as activities at Redmond City Hall and around the city. And don't miss the Sonic Forest at Redmond Town Center through December 12th!

PARENTS - BECOME A DECA JUDGE! During early 2010, over 3,200 marketing students from around the state will compete in the Washington DECA State Career Development Conference. Experts from the business world are needed as judges. On Friday, January 29th, 60 judges are needed to evaluate student-written business plans, market research, and projects. On Friday, March 5th, 600 volunteers are needed to evaluate student presentations. Can you help?  Learn more at the DECA web site.

Mary Bourguignon
Editor, Redmond Mustang News

Mustang News is published by the Redmond High School PTSA. To subscribe, please contact rhs.ptsa.news@gmail.com . For more information about the PTSA, please visit our web site at http://www.redmondhsptsa.org/ .

Volunteers Needed to Work With Children in Schools

My Lunch Buddy, Dallas

LINKS (Looking Into the Needs of Kids and Schools) is a volunteer program of the Lake Washington School District (LWSD).

With the school year well underway, the need for LINKS mentors, academic support and Lunch Buddies in our schools is growing.  LINKS has 70 open requests for academic and social mentors district wide.

Do you have one hour each week to act as positive role model?  If so, LINKS has a place for you!
To learn more about how you can help, contact Nanci Wehr at links@lwsd.org  or (425) 702-3410.

Nanci Wehr
LINKS Program, LWSD
425-702-3410
links@lwsd.org

*photo of Dallas on BMX bike approved by parent

LWSD PTSA Special Needs Group

"If you would like to be part of the LWSD PTSA Special Needs Group email distribution list, please contact the Chairperson, Beth Angelo 4bangelo3@verizon.net  and she will add you to this private list. You will then receive resource and meeting info emails."

posted by Bob Yoder

City Council approves funding for BMX park study

Two community driven public meetings, two youth field trips, two work parties, passionate volunteers, and an intense staff effort may soon lead to a new Redmond dirt jump park for bicycles --  Bicycle Motocross (BMX)!   (photo - City Planner Carolyn Hope facilitates a clay modeling dirt jump workshop at Horace Mann; a councilmember, two consultants and parents attended.)  

Last Tuesday, the Council approved (6-1) a proposal to hire a consultant to move the community-driven dirt jumps forward.  Councilmember Richard Cole was the only NO vote. 

According to the city, "the contractor proposed for this project would begin immediately and participate in community meetings regarding site selection and design concepts. Once the design is permitted, the contractor will hold training sessions for the builders, who will primarily be volunteers from the community and some city staff. Construction is anticipated to be complete by early summer".  (photo shows BMX youth and parents after a day of forest restoration near the jumps.)

The contractor's fee is $61,000.  Some in the community are concerned about pouring more money into the parks, public works art, and other projects when the economy is so depressed and public safety funding has needs.  Fortunately, "new money" is not needed for the dirt jump project.

The City Council approved a budget of $179,652 for the Trail Development Plan for 2009 and 2010.
By the grace of God, the "Trail Development Plan" budgets are still unused leaving, $100,000 for design and construction of this project.  Presto we have the funds for the contractor!

The final hurdle Council faced was considering  two alternate options to the present city water utility property site.   The Administration recommends looking at two alternate site options in Hartman Park (away from the sports fields) in case the water utility property isn't secured.   The contractor will assess all three sites for critical areas, cost drainage, and size of the jump course.  Community meetings will soon be held to engage the Hartman Community Park users and neighborhoods.  Council will make the final site decision.    

Dirt Jump city website:  http://www.redmond.gov/insidecityhall/parksrec/parksplanning/DirtJumps/default.asp.

City link to document showing dirt bike site locations and  BMX youth repairing tree damage and jumps.  (scroll down for pictures) http://redmond.gov/insidecityhall/citycouncil/20091201pdfs/AM09264.pdf

photos and editing by Bob Yoder

COMMUNITY DIGEST, December 7

Excerpts from  MUSTANG NEWS: 

ANIME & MANGA INTEREST GROUP. Head over to the Redmond Regional Library on December 15th from 4:30-5:30 PM for the first meeting of the Redmond Library's Anime and Manga Interest Group. Preview the library's newest editions of Manga and view anime selections. Teens in middle, junior high / high school welcome to attend. Snacks provided!

RYPAC MEETING. December 17, 6:30 - 8:30pm.Join us at RYPAC as we finalize the 2010 activity program for RYPAC (Redmond Youth Partnership).  We will have snacks and refreshments. Room 207 at the Old Schoolhouse Community Center (16600 NE 80th St).

EASTSIDE SKI & RIDE. Register by December 28 for Saturday ski and board lessons at Summit Central.

HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES. There are many local performances this holiday season. Don't miss:
· Treasures of Venice: Sparkling Songs for the Holidays by the Kirkland Choral Society December 11 at 7:30pm, Northshore Performing Arts Center.
· The Nutcracker by Emerald Ballet Theatre December 12 and 13 at 2pm, Northshore Performing Arts Center.

PLAN TO TAKE THE POLAR PLUNGE!  The 2010 Polar Plunge, sponsored by the Redmond Police Department and benefiting Special Olympics, will be held on the afternoon of January 1, 2010 at Idylwood Park. Mark your calendars and plan to attend,.or even better, join us in taking a dip into the warm water of Lake Sammamish. They're calling for warm, sunny temperatures that day, not necessarily here in Redmond, but somewhere. Bring in the New Year with Redmond Police Department and Special Olympics!

Mary Bourguignon,
Editor, Redmond Mustang News

"Mustang News" is published by the Redmond High School PTSA. To subscribe, please contact rhs.ptsa.news@gmail.com. For more information about the PTSA, please visit our web site at http://www.redmondhsptsa.org/.

UPDATE: The School Board members keep an arms length from their neighborhoods.

Update: Evergreen Public Hospital District #2 has a five- member Board of Commissioners similar to the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors, but their governance is more representative (than LWSD).

The Hospital commissioners have chartered their District to allow for representation of their entire District AND representation of key urban areas within the broader District.

They accomplish this by designating two representatives as "Commissioners at Large". On the ballot their title is "Commissioner *Position #4" and #5. The remaining three Commissioners represent: 1) Kirkland/Kenmore, 2) Redmond/Sammamish, and 3) Bothell/Duvall/Woodinville. On the ballot these commissioners are titled "Commissioner District #1", #2, and #3.

At a Hospital District Board meeting, Commissioner Kempf introduced himself as being my Representative when he learned I lived in Redmond.

How different, for the School Board Directors who rarely wish their presence known within their own community!  And, they justify this substandard level of representation by claiming they are responsible for the ENTIRE District.

The School Board could move forward under the Hospital District model; and be more representative of their constituents and local community.

But, as it is, they prefer to stay distant from the neighborhoods of their community.
by Bob Yoder

High School Sports | Thursday's detailed prep swimming results | Seattle Times Newspaper

High School Sports Thursday's detailed prep swimming results Seattle Times Newspaper

Redmond 132, Sammamish 51
200 medley relay — Redmond (Ryan Beliel, Nicholas Kodati, Kevin Creekmore, Michael Pavlov), 1:59.66.  more....