Wal-Mart announces $75,000 in food bank donations at Redmond City Council Meeting

A Senior Public Affaires Manager for Wal-Mart announced donations to Eastside food banks totaling $75,000 at last night's Council meeting.

$25,000 will go to "Eastside Cities Emergency Feeding Program".   $50,000 will go to Hope-link, a community services program developed by Doreen Marchione, a past Redmond Mayor. 

Is it possible Wal-Mart is considering a store in the SE Redmond neighborhood and building political capital?  Costco tabled plans to build in SE Redmond.  In any event, the food donation is needed by our Eastside community and was well received by both agency representatives.

by Bob Yoder

Say YES! for student alcohol counseling!

The story below of  Robert's experience with alcohol was commonplace when I went to high school in New York (40 years ago) and is common today on Education Hill.  I was a jock and it was almost expected we drink, drive and party hardy. Same is the case at Redmond High School and other Lake Washington schools. I'm thankful to be sober and alive today. Tell your friends about Youth Eastside Services. (YES)  They can help!    -- Bob Yoder

Letter from Youth Eastside Services

Dear Bob,

"Looking back on it now, I'm one of the lucky ones," says Robert. "I easily could have died from an accidental overdose."

Last August, 17 year old Robert decided to throw a party while his parents were out of town. When he blacked out and fell to the ground around 1:00 a.m., most of his friends were high or drunk.

"I had alcohol poisoning and was severely dehydrated because I hadn't drunk any water in the last 48 hours. At first my friends thought it was funny. Then they didn't want to risk getting into trouble by driving me to the hospital. I guess someone at the party called 911 and after a painful and scary night in the emergency room, I was okay."

The incident was a wake-up call for Robert and his parents. Through counseling and the YES sober support group, Robert was able to address his problem and regain his parent's trust.

"Drugs and alcohol can be so easy to get if you are motivated and believe me, I was motivated. Thanks to YES, no way will I ever spend a night like that again."

Thank you for making sure kids like Robert don't become just another statistic.

Best wishes in the New Year,

Patti Skelton-McGougan

Executive Director, Youth Eastside Services (YES)

photo from Google Images.

CEO Steve Brown expected to leave Evergreen Hospital in February - Search begins for his replacement.

Evergreen Hospital and Medical Center CEO is expected to leave the end of February, 2010 - Search begins for his replacement.

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

Richard Wisniewski, CPA is currently President and CEO of Mt. Nittany Medical Center, according to the Nittany website.  Brown  emailed staff on December 17 that he was stepping down for family and career reasons.  Brown's resignation was abrupt, without a transition team in place.

According to the Evergreen website front page, of January 6:

"In early January, the board will interview and select an executive recruitment firm, which will conduct a nationwide search for qualified candidates.

An internal search committee will be established, consisting of all five board members, two medical staff leaders, two community advisors, and an Evergreen Foundation board member. The internal search committee will work with the recruitment firm to narrow the candidates. We expect the search could take five to six months.

The board will hire an external interim CEO, who will be in charge until the new CEO is hired. It was decided to bring in an interim CEO from outside of Evergreen so as not to disrupt the current work distribution of the executive team, allowing them to continue to focus on the day to day operation of Evergreen.

In Brown’s eight years as Evergreen’s CEO, he has overseen a 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 development of the Evergreen Neuroscience Institute."

According to records obtained from Evergreen Hospital's Public Disclosure Act Officer, Mr. Brown's 2008 salary and incentive bonus totaled $819,728.01, not counting retirement and other benefits.   Evergreen is a Public Hospital supported, in part, by property taxes.  Brown's salary is 4-6 times higher then the Mayor of Redmond and Superintendent of  Lake Washington School District's individual salaries.

The quoted segments of  this story are currently posted on the front page of the Evergreen webite.  Evergreen's website is subject to change without notice.  The opinions stated or implied are my own,.  1/6/2010. 

(UPDATE:  Evergreen's front page and news page was changed today, 1/7.  Mr. Brown's transition announcement was removed; copy on file).  

by Bob Yoder

Lake Washington School District Receives a $375,000 State Energy Grant.

Lake Washington School District Receives Energy Grant from State

Projects at seven schools will save the district money on heating, lighting costs. 

Lake Washington School District is one of 59 districts in the state to receive funding for energy-related projects thanks to a grant program funded by the Washington State Legislature. Lake Washington will receive $375,000 for projects at seven schools that include upgrades to heating/ventilation equipment and controls, and lighting upgrades.

“We have been able to do quite a few utility conservation programs that will pay for themselves quickly using local capital levy dollars,” noted Forrest Miller, director of facilities, Lake Washington School District.   “This grant money makes it feasible to complete additional projects with longer payback periods.” The annual savings expected after these projects are completed is $61,000 so the Lake Washington School District cost will be paid back in under 11 years.

Statewide, the projects will save an estimated $2.1 million in energy costs each year. In units of energy – primarily electricity and natural gas – the savings can be compared to the annual energy use in 2,700 average Washington homes.

This grant program is administered by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
 
Project List:

Eastlake High School, Sammamish – heating/ventilation controls improvements
Evergreen Junior High, Redmond – heating/ventilation controls improvements; heating/ventilation equipment upgrades; lighting upgrades to gym and commons areas
Inglewood Junior High, Sammamish - heating/ventilation controls improvements; lighting upgrades to gym and other areas
Lakeview Elementary School, Kirkland - heating/ventilation controls improvements; heating/ventilation equipment upgrades; lighting upgrades
Redmond High School, Redmond – Lighting upgrades to gym, commons, corridors
Redmond Junior High, Redmond – Lighting upgrades to gym, commons, corridors, library
Twain Elementary School, Kirkland – Lighting upgrades to gym, library, other areas

Source:  LWSD press release, 1/5

If you like the movie AVATAR, you'll enjoy this January 10th Digital Arts Festival special!

SPECIAL:  Virtual and Live Concert previews the  Digital Arts Festival - totally cool!

As a preview to the Digital Arts Festival, a musical event, both live and virtual, will happen on Sunday, January 10 from 3 to 5pm at Soul Food Books, 15748 Redmond Way and on Second Life (http://www.secondlife.com/). The event is free.

Six to eight musicians will perform in an open mic format. This performance will be streamed onto Second Life where a corresponding virtual event will take place at Gwampa's Dance Kamp - a beautiful, large outdoor amphitheater in the sky. The musicians will be on stage at Soul Food Books while their avatars are on stage in Second Life. Audiences in both worlds will listen and enjoy the concert.

Both venues will also have the benefit of watching the other concert side-by-side. Video of the live concert will stream on Second Life beside the avatars and the virtual concert will be projected onto a screen at Soul Food Books. To watch the event on Second Life, log in and search for Redmond.

xxx

The schedule for the Digital Arts Festival is available at http://www.redmondartsfestival.com/ .  

Redmond’s second Digital Arts Festival will take place on January 15 and 16, at Redmond City Hall, DigiPen Institute of Technology and Digital Double Motion Capture Studios. The all-ages event is a celebration of digital arts in video game production and digital technology. Registration is free for much of the festival.

Three workshops take place on Saturday, January 16 at DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond.   Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online through the festival’s website at http://www.redmondartsfestival.com/ .

Source:  City of Redmond press release.

Mayor Marchione recommends support of Lake Washington School District ballot measures.

UPDATE (1/6):   Council approved the Mayor's resolution 6-1.

Tonight, the Redmond city council will vote on the Mayor's resolution to approve Lake Washington School District's two levies and bond ballot measures.  The Resolution is clear and concise and worthy of your review.  It's main points are as follows: 

1.  LWSD must rely on local levy dollars for almost one-fifth of the general operating funds that pay for basic expenses like textbooks, teacher training, transportation...

2.  LWSD relies on local levy dollars for technology for learning and efficient administration.  (Some extras:(1:1 computing will be added to secondary and intermediate school levels:  $2M.  Staff training, professional development, and equipment safety will be added: $2.5M).

3.  LWSD relies on local levy dollars to protect taxpayer's investment in school building to ensure timely replacement of major building systems like roofs and floors and enhance energy conservation and safety.

4. LWSD is prudently preparing for an increase in students by planning for more classroom space to prevent over crowding. (high schools will be reconfigured to 9-10-11-12; the need for 2 additional elementary schools will be eliminated; modernization of Juanita High School.) .

FISCAL IMPACT:   The Office of the Mayor says the three measures will cost property owners approximately $14 per month for an average 2010 assessed home in the district of $505,000.  (Assessed property values are assumed to increase 2% in 2011 and 4% in 2012 and beyond). 

Passage of the Capital modernization and remodeling Bond requires 60% voter approval. 

by Bob Yoder

Sources:  - AM No. 10-002:  Approval of Resolution Supporting the Lake Washington School District Propositions (Executive, City of Redmond)
a. Resolution No. 1318: A Resolution Supporting Passage of Lake Washington School District's February 9, 2010, Proposed Ballot Proposition Nos. 1, 2, and 3: Replacement of Existing Educational Programs and Operations Levy, Replacement of Existing Capital Projects Levies, and General Obligation Bonds in an amount of $234,000,000

The Stinky Spoke Mountain Bike Fundraiser

So, what's the Stinky Spoke??!!

It's the short name for the Stinky Weather Poker Run. It's a 16 mile mountain bike loop where you gather five playing cards in hopes of having a good enough hand at the end to win a prize. We picked what SHOULD be the worst day of the year for weather (combination of the rainiest and the coldest). 2009 gave us fog and sunshine at the end (yes, sunshine).

And where do all the proceeds go?
Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center - Check them out at this link:  http://www.littlebit.org/


Register at the Stinky Spoke website: http://www.stinkyspoke.org/   Rider Limit: 500
Saturday, January 16, 9:30 a.m.  Start and Finish at Redhook Brewery.  See you there?!

- original source:  Woodinville Blog and Redhook Brewery.

Teen community partners with Redmond Chamber on Career Panel.

Some very exciting news!

Three exciting, local business entrepreneurs will present a Career Panel on "Running a Business" January 12.  This is a rare opportunity for youth and parents to ask questions and learn about what it takes to start your own business in today's economic climate!

Three business owners are confirmed to donate their time and business expertise to students and parents in the Lake Washington School District on Tuesday, January 12, 7:00 - 8:30 P.M. at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center (16600 NE 80th ST, Redmond).

Confirmed business owners include Dennis Ballen of Blazing Bagels, Mike Tenhulzen of Tenhulzen Remodeling, and Mary Bourguignon of Steeple-jack Consulting.

Mike Tenhulzen of Tenhulzen Remodeling has a well established family remodeling and real estate business;  Mike is a Redmond Chamber of Commerce Trustee and well known in the business community and his neighborhood. Tenhulzen Remodeling has an awesome multi-media website - full of resources, tips, and advice.  Mike writes a monthly home improvement column for some of the local Reporters. 

Dennis Ballen of Blazing Bagels has a newer, thriving business in Redmond and Bellevue.  The  Redmond Location is 6975 176th Avenue Northeast  Redmond, WA  (425) 883-1550.  Blazing Bagels are found all over Puget Sound - in hospitals, businesses, restaurants, and groceries.  Read reviews here!   Dennis recently renewed his membership at the Redmond Chamber.

Mary Bourguignon of Steeple-jack Consulting.   "Steeple-jack is Mary Bourguignon. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and two boys. I ride my bike a lot. And I spend a lot of time helping people get their ideas down on paper, on the web, and in the classroom..."  Consulting expertise:

Research, writing, and editing
"In terms of credentials, I’ve got degrees in English from Northwestern University and Public Policy from the Kennedy School at Harvard....."

Policy analysis -
"I’m often hired to help community members and elected officials solve policy problems...."

Curriculum development -
"Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry began conducting oral histories to document the way people work in early 21st century Washington.  I turned their work into a high school curriculum series, creating 45 case studies that help students explore challenges in careers from biotechnology to machining to web site design...."

Web Content -
"For five years I created the content for the Boomerang Box geography education web site..."

Snacks and refreshments will be provided  by Whole Foods.  Please click here to RSVP for the event.

by Bob Yoder
Source:  Mustang News and Company websites.

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