Lake Washington School District has some really "choice" schools!

During this week's Lake Washington School Board meeting, Northstar Junior High was featured.  Northstar is one of eleven alternative "CHOICE" schools within the district.

Principal Nell Ballard-Jones and staff gave a presentation of their progress to the Board.  A few items of distinction were:  1) 97.3% of their 8th graders excelled in reading, 2) a third of the students in 8-9th grade attend high school to study math, music and world language.  Northstar is a high achieving school with above average WASL scores in the district and state.

Northstar was founded in1981 and is located closed near Lake Washington High School.  Students are not graded and classes are mixed in age with focus on the whole student.  As with all CHOICE schools admission is selective and with enrollment limits. A lottery and/or wait list is not uncommon.

Each CHOICE school appears to have it's own niche.

• Family Learning Center (K-12) enriches home-schooled students.  175 students.
• Stella Scolla (6-8) requires two years of Latin and students have the same teacher all day.
• BEST (9-12) takes 175 students behind in graduation requirements, like state reading and writing.
• International  Community (7-12) ranks 24 of top 100 high schools in nation by US News & World, with 380 students.
• Community School (1-6) is non competitive with 69 students.
• Discovery School (1-6) is safe and supportive with higher parent involvment.
• Explorer School (1-6) spend time on field trips with parent involvement.  72 students.
• Environmental Adventure (6-9) has 140 students.

Remaining choice schools are Futures School (10-12) and Renaissance School of Art and Reasoning (7-9).  You can find quick facts and web sites of all the CHOICE Schools HERE.  Parents must arrange their own transportation.

Do you know about these schools?  I didn't.  Do you think you have a child who would want to apply?  Many of them almost sound like "private schools" or "charter schools", but they are not.  CHOICE schools are supported by property owners within the Lake Washington School District.   For additional information contact:  kreith@lwsd.org. and visit the district web site at http://lwsd.org/.

by Bob Yoder

Youth Eastside Services (YES!) is a Jewel.

Patti Skelton-McGougan, Executive Director of Youth Eastside Services (YES)

YES!  Youth Eastside Services!   Patti Skelton, the Executive Director of this incredible and caring nonprofit gave me a fascinating tour of their Crossroads facility yesterday.  I don't know where to begin to tell you what an amazing resource Youth Eastside Services is for our community, our schools, our teen centers, our families, our children.

Patti has been the Executive Director for over 12 years, but the organization was founded 35 years ago and has grown to be the largest provider of youth and family mental health and social services in East King County!   A few of YES! family services are:  substance abuse treatment, sexual abuse counseling, depression and suicide counseling, mentoring school kids, and culturally-based assistance for immigrants.

Their commitment to our youth and parents is huge.  No matter what their financial circumstances, YES is committed to providing help to any youth or family regardless of ability to pay.   Counseling is offered on a sliding fee scale, based on family income.  Services cover the economic spectrum from homeless to affluent.   YES! has over 24,000 clients with offices in Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue and Samammish.  They have certified counselors in all Lake Washington School District Junior and Senior High schools, including the Old Redmond Firehouse Teen Center.

The organization's benevolence is made possible by passionate support from the community.

Every year YES holds an "Invest in Youth" breakfast to support the cost of uncompensated care.  Last year over 550 guests attended and donated $290,000 to the "Lifeline Fund".    This year, the breakfast will be on Wednesday, March 3rd, 7:30-8:30 at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue.  The breakfast  is spearheaded by Costco Wholesale and Microsoft, but you can start a table with your friends. More info.  I'll be sharing the news on my FaceBook!

Factoid:  As many one third of high school students experience violence in an intimate or dating relationship. YES! can help.  Call 425-747-4937.   Website

by Bob Yoder

The Art of Rock

The Art of Rock

Alluring, creative groupings of natural stones balanced and fitted into art forms.  Beautiful, natural local photography.  see art here

by Redmond Library blog.

xxx

Notes from the King County Library Proposition 1 ballot brochure:

Some facts:

• KCLS is the thrid busiest library system in the U.S.
• Nearly 90% of the 1.2 million resident in KCLS' service area have a library card.
• KCLS is not part of the King County government.  It is a separate jurisdiction under State law with the sole mission to provide library service to area residents.
• 96% of all funding comes from local taxpayers. 
• On Feb. 9 KCLS will be asking us to vote for a small increase (50 cents) in property taxes to make up for a $1.9 million cut in the 2009 operating budget.

by Bob Yoder

Hospital picks Evergreen CEO Steve Brown to guide expansion | Penn State News | Local - Centre Daily Times

Hospital picks CEO Steve Brown to guide expansion Penn State News Local - Centre Daily Times

Head of Seattle-area facility has skills overseeing growth.

The CEO who has overseen dramatic growth at Evergreen Hospital, near Seattle  has been selected to guide similar developments as chief executive officer of Mount Nittany Medical Center, PA. 

Steve Brown is credited with overseeing the financial turnaround of Evergreen Hospital Medical Center in Kirkland, Wash., and an expansion in both the hospital’s facilities and services during his eight-year tenure CEO.   Read more

by Nick Malawskey- nmalawsk@centredaily.com
centerdaily.com

Nintendo Wii to get Netflix

Nintendo Wii to get Netflix

Nintendo will become the last of the Big Three console makers to offer Netflix instant streaming, announcing plans this morning to add the feature to the Wii this spring. The move will give Netflix a substantially bigger market for its on-demand service.  read complete story

By Todd  Bishop
TechFlash

Note:  Wii games are available at the Redmond Senior Science Center.  The Center is open to teenagers over 17.  (Sign-in at the front desk)  B.Y.  

How does local government recognize and show appreciation for our local elected officials?

OPINION:   Updated:  This blog covers the process, behaviors and actions of our local governments, including the City of Redmond, Lake Washington School District, and Evergreen Public Hospital.  I'm of the opinion the City of Redmond sets the "gold standard" for governments in our community.

One of the positive elements of city behavior is the recognition the CEO/Mayor gives councilmembers.  Mr. Marchione always gives the Council Committee Chairs the opportunity to explain and be recognized for their committee work.  Councilmembers work very hard outside of their Regular and Work Study meetings at chairing various committees.   The viewing public learns from these council committee reports and develops an appreciation and respect for the councilmembers' hard work.

No doubt, the viewing public would appreciate similar recognition for our Lake Washington School Board members, but we are not getting it.  CEO/Superintendent Kimball has been working hard to get the word out on the funding ballot issues.   But,  by law, only School Board members are allowed to "sell" the funding measures.  Maybe I'm wrong, but I've never seen Dr. Kimball and President Pendergrass recognize Board members by name for their individual work in promoting the bond and levies.  Without open recognition of specific efforts by individual school board members, the viewing public can't appreciate what our School Board members are doing to promote the bond. 

President Pendergrass gave accolades to three citizen-lobbyists' efforts at the last school board meeting, but didn't mention the name or effort of a single Board Member promoting the bond.   Superintendent Kimball appears as remiss about recognizing Board Members ballot efforts, but for the most part President Jackie Pendergrass is responsible for crediting the Superintendent and Board members.

I personally know Board member Ravi Shahani did some great work selling the bond to Redmond City Council.  I watched his presentation on TV.   But, what are the rest of the Board members doing?  And has Ravi done other work for which he is not being recognized? 

by Bob Yoder

"Feeling trapped by your computer or out of control video gaming?"

"Computer Addiction":   Hilarie Cash, Ph.D., is a nationally recognized expert from Internet/Computer Addiction Services  http://www.icaservices.com/ .   She will be speaking on Computer Addiction at Evergreen Hospital on January 19. 

Children with ADHD, Autism, Social Anxiety and low self esteem are more vulnerable to internet and gaming addictions;Adults, too. Learn how to recognize signs of addiction and what you can do to prevent it.

If you or someone you care about is feeling trapped by their computer or out of control video gaming, you will want to hear about this widespread phenomenon.

Tuesday January 19th, 7 - 9 pm
Evergreen Hospital Medical Center
Surgery & Physicians Center
12040 NE 128th Street
Kirkland, WA 98034
Room TAN 101

CONTACT: For more information, call (206) 622-2127  or info@nwchadd.org

xxx

ADD Resources event on "School Success Strategies"  Feb. 6th

go to: http://w3.addresources.org/index.php?q=node/315

- special thanks to Beth Angelo for this information
 Beth Angelo is Chair, Special Needs, LWPTSA Council

Take another look at high school hoops rankings

Another take on boys and girls high school hoops rankings
Seattle Times High School Sports Blog
by Mason Kelly

Woodinville, Issaquah and Newport-Bellevue ranked in Girls State Top Ten.
                                                                      xxx

              

MARK YOUR CALENDERS: 

Redmond Girls Mustangs play:
Eastlake on Friday, 1/15, 6:30pm (h)
Lake Washington, 1/20, 7:30 (h)

Issaquah on Friday, 1/22, 6:30pm (h)

Newport on Friday, 1/29, 6:30pm (h)
Skyline on Wednesday, 2/10 7:30pm (h)

photo of Redmond Mustang Stacy Kimball chasing down the ball vs. Woodinville.

Photo courtesy of  Mel Thompson. http://www.redmondbasketball.com/

H1N1 vaccination now available in Redmond for those who can't pay.

H1N1 (Swine) vaccination is now available in Redmond for those who can't afford to pay:

HealthPoint Redmond (16315 NE 87th St, Suite B6)
Saturday, January 16, 23, 30; 9 am - 12 pm

Over 600,000 people in King County have been vaccinated against the H1N1 influenza ("swine flu"), but many people in King County do not yet have immunity and remain at risk to a virus that continues to circulate in the community. With vaccine availability continuing to widen, now is a good time for anyone six months of age and older to take advantage of the vaccination opportunity.

Influenza illnesses severe among certain groups, including children, as well as pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions and weakened immune systems,"

More information is available at www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1

Source:  KingCounty.gov

Eastside legislators talk 520 tolls, education and budget cuts

Eastside legislators talk 520 tolls, education and budget cuts

Education, budget cuts and tolls on the 520 bridge were front and center during a forum of more than 60 people with 48th District Washington State legislators at Kirkland City Hall Thursday.

Sen. Rodney Tom (D-Bellevue), Rep. Ross Hunter (D-Medina) and Rep. Deb Eddy (D-Kirkland) affirmed their commitment to hold on to funds for education that will be threatened by budget cuts, through the new legislative session that began Monday.

"We have to support education first," said Tom.  .... But it took three separate questions from audience members before the legislators got specific on what would be the first thing to be cut in education if the budget axe once again falls on schools.

"First thing we will cut out of k-12 is class size reduction money," said Hunter. "We are not going to start charter schools this year." (see complete story)

By MATT PHELPS
Kirkland Reporter Staff  Writer
Today, 1/11, 10:52 AM

Support our local businesses at the upcoming Bellevue Home Show

THE BELLEVUE HOME SHOW - January 22-24

Let's support our Redmond businesses at the upcoming Bellevue Home Show

They are: Classic Nursery, Habitat for Humanity, Hanson Chiropractic, Kitchen Krafters, Landcape Design & Construction, Larry Haight's Roofing, Luxury Bath, Marymoor Construction, Pacific Landscape Mgmt and Signature Landscape Services.

Bellevue Home Show is January 22 - 24 at Meydenbauer Center; http://www.bellevuehomeshow.com/  for more information.

by Rosanne Cohn 
(from "comments".)

Local Boys Scouts invite you to nominate community service projects.

“To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, the Chief Seattle Council invites YOU to nominate community service projects. The Boy Scouts have long been known for their service to others and we look forward to living up to our oath of helping others at all times. Please submit your request at our website: https://viecommunication.wufoo.com/forms/tell-us-how-the-boy-scouts-can-help-you/”

Earlier this year, the Scouts responded to several citizen requests to restore a section of the Sammamish River bank and install "no dump" buttons on street stormwater drains.  The Scouts are sincere!  Send them your application request today!  by

Paige Norman

Steeple-jack Consulting, Tenhulzen Remodeling, and Blazing Bagels give tips on "Running a Business" to Youth.

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!

 WHEN:   Tuesday, January 12, 7:00 - 8:30 P.M

WHERE:  Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center (16600 NE 80th ST, Redmond).

Confirmed business owners donating their time and expertise 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! Dennis is an active member of the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce.

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..."  Mary is also a long time Parks Commissioner and PTSA editor of  "Mustang News".

Refreshments provided by World Market.  Youth and parents are invited to this evening event!

posted by Bob Yoder. source: Mustang News

UPDATED: Local News | Neighborhood news partnerships | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News Neighborhood news partnerships

In an effort to provide readers with the most comprehensive and up-to-date news from throughout the region, The Seattle Times has forged partnerships with a number of local news Web sites.

Bob Payne
Director of Communities
seattletimes.com
206.464.2154

Comment (by Bob Yoder):  The Redmond Neighborhood Blog has been invited by Bob Payne to join this local news partnership with SeattleTimes.com.  I have three options:  join, ask for periodic postings of my stories, or remain independent of mainstream news.  What do you think?

UPDATE, 1/19  Ross Hunter responded by Facebook recommending I join the partnership as an "added value".  One of the local bloggers suggested a partnership would improve credibility.  I attended their meeting at the Seattle Times Building and joined the partnership. 

Continued landscaping delays at CAMWEST Development's "Perrigo Heights" project.

 

UPDATED, 10/18/2018:  Trees and shrubs were planted along with irrigation lines.  The forest has since grown back and you can't see this stormwater vault.  Group Health planted the trees as part of an off-site mitigation requirement.

B. Yoder

"March Can Madness" single elimination food drive tournament!

Hello local business owners (and friends)!

Redmond Physical Therapy and Hopelink, a human services nonprofit serving the Eastside, have teamed up to create a fun way to raise food donations for Hopelink’s Redmond food bank. “March Can Madness” pairs up businesses in a series of competitive food drives held each week in March. We have room in the “tournament” for 16 businesses and we’re hoping yours will be one of them!

March Can Madness is patterned after the single elimination bracket style tournament in college basketball. The first week of March, the businesses will be paired up in eight “games” in which each gathers donations of canned food. On Friday, the businesses bring their food to Hopelink for weighing. The pounds raised will be divided by how many employees in the business, making it fair for all. The eight businesses with the most food in their bracket will advance to the next week’s food drive competition, and so on until the last week in March when the two remaining businesses will compete for the “championship.”

The Redmond Reporter will publish the weekly bracket results and Hopelink will e-mail the participants weekly so everyone knows how they did and who advances in the tournament.

The timing for March Can Madness couldn’t be better as food donations always drop off after the holidays, even as hunger continues to haunt hundreds of Redmond families.

For more information and to register, just visit here and complete the registration form and send it to Hopelink. If you have any questions, please e-mail me. Thanks for your time and support!
Thanks for time and your support!

Sincerely,

Benjamin Wobker

BenWobker@RedmondPT.com
http://www.redmondpt.com/
425.881.3001

Email Entries to Hopelink c/o:
Lil Klein
lilk@hope-link.org
entry form

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