LWSD will not run the bond measure again this year

Community Survey Shows School District Support, Economic Concern - Lake Washington School District:

"In the February election, the Lake Washington School District bond measure reached a majority of yes votes but did not get the 60 percent supermajority needed to pass. As a result, the District commissioned a survey of district residents to explore concerns around the bond measure and attitudes about the school district. The good news is that those surveyed generally are impressed with the district. Residents cited concerns about the economy and taxes as the most likely causes for less support for the bond measure.

“Given the cost of running a bond or levy election, it’s critical that we know what our community thinks,” noted Dr. Chip Kimball (left), superintendent. “What we heard from district residents is that now is not the time to ask for money for school construction, even though in general residents are very positive about the district. As a result, we will not run the bond measure again this year but will look carefully at the most cost-effective alternatives for dealing with the student population that will be coming in the next few years.”"   Read full press release

###

According to an email by Kathryn Reith, LWSD Communications Director:  

400 LWSD residents were surveyed at random.  "Residents of the district were surveyed and we have many staff members who live in the district, so they may have been part of the survey but there is no way to tell.  It was done by an independent research company. Some of the questions in the survey are ones that this group has used over many years with other districts in the state while others are very specific to this situation, of course."

Is this 400 resident survey of value if it is not statistically significant?.  Almost 100,000 voters populate LWSD.  Was the taxpayer money spent on this survey worth it?  

By Bob Yoder

Photo by LWSD

Redmond resident Andy Hill runs for State Senate

Andy Hill for State Senate -45th District   "'The only way to change government is to change the people we elect to represent us'

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I moved to Washington twenty years ago, and love the Pacific Northwest. But the state is headed in the wrong direction. After watching our government over the past few years, it’s apparent that our elected representatives have lost touch with the voters and their families. There is a fundamental disconnect between what the people want and need--- and how our legislators represent us."

Read Andy Hill's entire letter and website .

Multitasking on iPhone, at last

Multitasking on iPhone, at last:

"Multitasking on iPhone, at last. Down at Apple's Cupertino, Calif., headquarters this morning, CEO Steve Jobs announced something that many iPhone application developers have been waiting a long time for: Multitasking for third-party apps.

'Happy day,' said Bryan Trussel, the CEO of Redmond-based Glympse, when I called and told him the news. 'We’ve been lighting incense and worshipping at the altar of Apple to get that,' he joked." ....more

Todd Bishop
Tech Flash

Environmental teacher Mike Town and Congressman Jay Inslee brief City Council on student energy projects

BREAKING NEWS

UPDATED:  A video of Redmond High School teacher Mike Town and U.S. Congressman Jay Inslee addressing Redmond City Council on April 6 is here. 

Mike (on left) briefed the Council about student energy assessment projects with Redmond schools and the city Fire Department.  Redmond High with a few other schools has saved $30,000/year in energy and waste compared to three years ago.  

Under the suggestion of Mayor Marchione, Mr. Town's students audited six Fire Stations, all competing for 1st Place in energy savings.  Town said our Governor is impressed and now wants all state buildings audited for energy consumption.  The Bellevue EPA building is the first state building to be audited  for energy consumption and savings and waste.  Mike Town's students have been given the task.  

Congressman Jay Inslee proclaimed: 

"Redmond has two natural resources that have made it world famous, and that is Microsoft and Mike Town and the Redmond Mustangs."

Congressman Inslee lauded Mike Town for recently winning a highly competitive National Science Foundation fellowship to advocate in D.C.  Inslee said "local CO-2 reduction is being replicated nationally." 

Watch the video to learn more about Town and Inslee's briefing, Inslee's response to Downtown Park funding and Councilmember Kimberly Allen's remarks on reducing the city's carbon pollution.   

http://rctv.redmond.gov/ondemand/CC04062010.wmv

By Bob Yoder
Video by City of Redmond

UPDATED: Spicy Talk : stalking the Szechuan chef now in Redmond

Spicy Talk: Stalking the Szechuan chef now in Redmond

.... But early this year Cheng Biao Yang and his wife reappeared, quietly opening Spicy Talk Bistro at 16650 Redmond Way, in a Redmond strip-mall adjacent to Frankie's Pizza & Pasta. There, in addition to many of his signature dishes (plus a handful of Cantonese classics) he was serving -- gulp! -- sushi. That foray into exotic waters didn't last long, Hoang later explained, all but slapping herself upside her head for their momentary lapse of judgment.

A month in, it was out with the new (86 sushi!) and in with the old -- favorites, that is, albeit on a somewhat truncated menu offered every day but Tuesday. Two weeks ago, I got news of their whereabouts. And last week I high-tailed it to Redmond, where I treated myself to food every bit as good as I remember...

Read complete article

Posted by Nancy Leson
Seattle Times

Evergreen Hospital announces new emergency department in Redmond's Bella Bottega shopping center

Evergreen's Redmond Medical Clinic and Emergency Department to be located in Bella Bottega

"Evergreen Hospital is pleased to announce it will open a freestanding emergency department in downtown Redmond in 2011.  Ground breaking for the three level, 48,000-square-foot facility is set for May of this year.  (Thirty-six underground parking stalls and nearby parking is planned to service patients and 50 staff.)   

The emergency department will be part of a new Evergreen medical complex that will be built in the Bella Bottega shopping center. The facility will also house lab services and advanced diagnostic imaging; it will also merge Evergreen's two Redmond-based primary care practices - Evergreen Medical Group Redmond and Family Medicine of Redmond.

When completed, the emergency department will have the capacity to provide care for 35,000 patients per year and will open with 16 emergency care exam rooms. Open around the clock, it will be staffed by a team of board-certified emergency room physicians, trauma-trained nurses and social workers.

"Evergreen Hospital has provided exceptional care to the communities in our public hospital district for the past 38 years," says Al DeYoung, president of the Evergreen Board of Commissioners. "We have a responsibility to our rapidly growing service area to provide access to the highest standard of health care, including emergency and primary care."

Evergreen plans to invest approximately $15 million in the project.  An estimated 50 staff members will work the new Emergency Department and clinic.  Underground parking for 36 cars is planned within the building.  For more information go to http://www.evergreenhealthcare.org/.

Do you think there will be enough parking space for this facility and others around it? 

Posted and edited by Bob Yoder
Source:  Evergreen Hospital website

If you want to participate in the budget process, who do you contact?

Open Government: Collaboration, Transparency, and Participation in Practice

The next Budget by Priorities meeting is 7-9 p.m., Monday, May 3 at City Hall.   It may be the last.

The Budget Priorities and Results Team contacts are listed below.  (I had to fill out a  Public Records Request for this contact information).  The Mayor appoints the team members and Executives oversee them.  The Results Teams rank and screen citizen and staff proposals and make recommendations to the Executives and Mayor.  If you have a specific budget need or budget request, you can email the Results Team leads:

INFRASTRUCTURE AND GROWTH
"I want a well-maintained city whose transportation and other infrastructure keeps pace with growth."

Joel Pfundt  (lead)  Traffic Planner, jpfundt@redmond.gov
Jamie Aspach, Human Resources
Carolyn Hope, Senior Parks Planner
two other low profile staff.
Dianne Needham (citizen)

CLEAN, GREEN ENVIROMENT
"I want to live, learn, work, and play in a clean and green environment."

Dave Tuchek (lead)  Parks Operations Manager, dtuchek@redmond.gov
other four members are low profile staff
Kerry Smith (citizen) presently a Human Services commissioner

COMMUNITY BUILDING
"I want a sense of community and connections with others."

Jean Rice (lead), city management analyst for parks, jrice@redmond.gov
Charlie Gorman, police lieutenant
other three members are low profile staff
Siri Bliesner (citizen)
       [Arne Tomac was the citizen on 2008 Results Team, past councilman, Bike Advisory Committee chair]

SAFETY
"I want to be safe where I live, work, and play"

Colleen Kelly (lead) Director of Human Services, ckelly@redmond.gov
Nancy Chang, Teen Center
Kurt Seemann - Transportation planner.
other 2 members are low profile staff
Val Merrill (citizen)
    [Sue Stewart, was the citizen on 2008 Results Team, past Parks Commission chair, CRC commission]

BUSINESS COMMUNITY
"I want a diverse and vibrant range of businesses and services in Redmond"

Erika Vandenbrande (lead), Transportation manager, evandenbrande@redmond.gov
Brain Coats - police
Jim Roberts - Development planner
other 2 members are low profile staff
Ralph Kleim (citizen)
     [John Stilin was the citizen on the 2008 Results Team, past Arts Commission chair, present councilmember]

RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT
"I want a city government that is responsible and responsive to its residents and businesses."

Kelly Wood (lead), Treasury Manager,  kwood@redmond.gov
Ken Wong - Teen Center
other 3 members are low profile staff.
Ray Smalling (citizen)   newly appointed a parks and trails commissioner

You can also send feedback to: BPquestions@redmond.gov.

Did this information help?   Do you or your neighbors have a budget need or want? 

March 22: Constantine signs order reaffirming public access to King County's public records

Open Government: Collaboration, Transparency, and Participation in Practice

March 22: Constantine signs order reaffirming public access to King County's public records:

"Update to Executive Policy designates a management sponsor for each department and reinforces citizens broad rights of access to public records

King County Executive Dow Constantine today signed a new Executive Policy that affirms public access to public records and commits the county to an open and transparent government. The policy update expands and details existing policy and incorporates model rules issued by the state attorney general.

“Under the law, public records belong to the public,” said Executive Constantine. “This policy reaffirms my commitment to open government, transparency, and customer service, and provides guidance to our public records officers in support of their duties to respond to requests under the Public Records Act.”" read more

#####

The focus of Open Government on this blog is on Lake Washington School District, the City of Redmond and Evergreen Public Hospital.
 
Is "open government" important to you?   Do you think you would ever need to send in a Public Records Request?  Do you know where to find the request forms?  .

Bullying: case study of a 15-year old student

Dear Bob,

Judy and her husband were reluctant to move between states because it meant a new high school for their 15 year old daughter Emma at a sensitive time in her life. But with a stylish new haircut and the perfect pair of jeans, Emma did everything she could to fit in at her new school. Six months later she felt so alone and frustrated that she begged her parents to let her move back to her old town and her old school. "I finally found out that a group of girls were actively excluding and bullying my daughter because she somehow got on the wrong side of a very popular classmate," says Judy.

Emma's life took a turn for the worse when the group's cold shoulder treatment turned into more active bullying. Kids were calling her vile names in the hallways, via social network sites and in text messages. Some were even threatening physical violence.

"I felt helpless," says Judy. "She had great teachers but they couldn't do much either." Judy turned to Youth Eastside Services where Emma worked with a counselor to re-gain her self-esteem and learn techniques to safely stand-up to bullying. YES also introduced Emma to her local teen center so that she could widen her social circle.

"Inter-personal bullying is more of a problem than parents and even teachers suspect and the damage it does is far reaching. I'm so grateful to my courageous daughter for standing up to the bullies and to YES for helping her find her way."

Thank you for helping YES help kids like Emma.

Sincerely,
Patti Skelton-McGougan
Executive Director,  YES

Peter Chee's thinkspace holds second annual thinkcamp

Peter Chee is owner of thinkspace in Redmond.  Thinkspace provides reasonably priced shared office space and services to help start-ups and entrepreneurs launch their business.  His phone is 425-629-6204.  Peter held a 2nd annual ThinkCamp seminar early this week.  I attended and was totally impressed by the quality of speakers, the topics, and energy of the audience.  Below, are introductions of ThinkCamp's speakers.   Email  Peter for more information, peter@thinkspace.com     

Twitter for Business
Steve Broback
The Parnassus Group (@sbroback)

Twitter is a great platform for engaging with your customers and generating new business. In this session Steve Broback will show some of his favorite tools, techniques, and sites that are helping organization of all sizes grow their revenues. steve@parnassusgroup.com

Protect Your Business Assets
Stacie McClure
Stacie McClure, CPA, PLLC (@staciecpa)

Join tax expert Stacie McClure, CPA, for her information-packed session on things you should do to protect your business assets. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn business tax do’s and don’ts from one of thinkspace’s resident CPA’s! stacie@staciecpa.com

Start-Up: The Non-Profit Way
Jeni Craswell
The Redmond Foundation (@RedFound)

We’ll explore the steps to forming a non-profit organization that are particularly effective in setting the stage for success and discuss how this approach differs from a traditional entrepreneurial project. jeni@theredmondfoundation.org

Building Brand Advocates through Influencer Engagement
Sean O’Driscoll
Ant’s Eye View (@seanodmvp)

This session explains how identifying and fostering deeper connections with a company’s most loyal and respected fans – influencers – can help to infuse the customer’s voice back into the business and empower customers to become advocates in speaking on behalf of the brand. sean@antseyeview.com

Getting Back to ‘Business as Usual’ After an Unusual Disaster
Sam Shmikler
Resilient & Tested (@resilienttested)

If a major disruption stopped your business in its tracks how would YOU quickly recover your: a) physical location b) computer systems c) staff (e.g. Pandemic) or d) business processes? This session will cover what should be planned, where to look for recovery options, and how to calculate the cost of impact of disasters. sam@resilientandtested.com

Psychology of Sales
Paul Anderson
Prolango (@prolango)

Utilizing his background in business psychology and communications, Paul will be teaching you how to learn how to close more sales and increase your chance of success during these tough economic times. paul@prolango.com

Local Search Optimization
Shannon Evans
Practical Local Search (@shannonevans)

Shannon will explain what Local Search Optimization is and how you can make it work as a web hub for your business. shannon@practicallocalsearch.com   http://www.practicallocalsearch.com/    Shannon is a boys lacrosse coach!

Caffeine Awareness Month brought to you by the people with the caffeine calculator

Caffeine Awareness Month brought to you by the people with the caffeine calculator

Not everybody buys the new research that caffeine is good for you.

Read more..

Posted by Melissa Allison
Seattle Times

All School District Budget Input Meetings Posponed Pending State Budget

Remainder of School District Budget Input Meetings Postponed Pending State Budget


Redmond, WA – Last week, Lake Washington School District postponed budget input meetings for March 16 and 17 pending determination of school funding in the state budget. The range of potential budget cuts for the district based on different proposals remains from no cut to as much as $15 million. There is still no word from Olympia on how state funding for Lake Washington School District will change next year. As a result, the budget input meetings scheduled for March 24 and 25 at Redmond High School and Eastlake High School also are being postponed.

The legislature continues to meet in an extended session and final budget numbers for K-12 education are still in limbo.

“We continue to wait for the numbers, from Olympia,” noted Deputy Superintendent of Operations Janene Fogard. “Once we know, we are prepared to move quickly.” Fogard noted that the district’s spring break takes place March 29-April 2. If the final state budget numbers translate into significant budget cuts for the district, meetings will most likely be scheduled during the weeks of April 5 and 12. An online input page will be open around the same period.

Information on a new schedule for these meetings will be posted on the district web site, http://www.lwsd.org/ as soon as it is available.

By Kathryn Reith, Communications Director
LWSD
March 22.

Bumper to Bumper | Excess water not damaging I-5 pavement | Seattle Times Newspaper

Bumper to Bumper Excess water not damaging I-5 pavement Seattle Times Newspaper:

"Question: If you're as observant as Redmond resident Robert Matzdorff, perhaps, in your travels, you've spotted water in the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 at the Military Road South overpass when the rest of the freeway is dry." read more

By Charles Brown
Seattle Times staff reporter"

"Redmond Reflections...from Settlers to software"

 If you are a history buff, a newcomer, or curious student, Naomi Hardy's "Redmond Reflections" is the best best book on Redmond history.  In fact, it's the only comprehensive history book we have that's been updated.  A city this size (40,000) is lucky to have a  history book at all.  Hardy's soft-cover book has over 800 images.

The book's full title is "Redmond Reflections...from Settlers to software".  It's packed with photographs, some that go all the way back to 1852.  My favorite picture is on the front cover.  Cattle are grazing along Bear Creek on a drained marsh and wetland. A rolling green hill is in the background, still  one of Redmond's distinguishing characteristics.

I like reading about the early pioneers, the McRedmonds and the Perrigos.  I think of them and when hiking down Ashford Trail past Perrigo Springs - Redmond's first potable water supply.  I imagine the Indians eating abundant fresh water clams of Bear Creek and trading salmon for Perrigo's brass buttons. 

My favorite section is "The nine mayors of Redmond".   Bill Brown was Redmond's second mayor presiding for 30 years (1919 -1948)!   He coined the phrase "all roads lead to Redmond".   When he opposed annexing Education Hill, he lost his job.  Redmond's oldest living Mayor is Chris Himes (1980 - 1983).  If you want to meet her come down to a Redmond Historical Society Meeting.  "Hurricaine Himes" is President and very friendly and approachable.  Redmond  has a rich heritage of horse ranches and open space and Chris played a significant role is sustaining this culture.

All profits from the book (including mine) go back to the Redmond Historical Society.  Their office is in the Old Redmond School House Community Center on the 1st floor.  16600 NE 8th Street.   Monthly multi-media meetings are in the same building.  425-885-2919.  http://www.redmondhistory.org/

Do you think you'll order a book?    What about Redmond history catches your eye?   Comment below.

King Conservation District announces board of supervisor position election winner

http://www.kingcd.org/pdf/news-election-2010-post-election-results-final.pdf

King Conservation District announces results of public election for board of supervisor position

Max Prinsen of Renton has been elected to a three-year term as a member of the King Conservation District (King CD) board of supervisors following a final canvassing of votes cast in the district-wide election held March 16, 2010.

The final vote tallies for elected board position included Prinsen (1,772), Mara Heiman of Auburn (1,488), Mary Embleton of Seattle (519), Kirk Prindle of Seattle (402) and Teri Herrera of Redmond (51)
 
complete announcement

Bing Maps adding Foursquare

Bing Maps adding Foursquare:

"Microsoft .... previewed a series of updates for its Bing search engine, including an application that will integrate real-time data from the popular Foursquare location-based social networking service into its Bing Maps interface. Users will be able to see where people have checked in on Foursquare, who has been crowned the Foursquare 'mayor' of a specific location, and other information."

By Todd Bishop
Tech Flash

UPDATED OPINION: The city's "Budget By Priorities" process could be better

City government hasn't encouraged citizen participation and awareness of the budget process so far this year. 

BACKGROUND:  Two years ago Councilmember Richard Cole introduced a novel approach to streamlining the city budget process, called "Budget By Priorities" (BBP).  One of BBP's best features is citizen participation.  Today, citizens are mostly unaware that they can participate. Will it improve?  

 In 2008, the initial community meeting was well attended by over 60 citizens.  This year 6 citizens signed in at the registration desk.   Mayor Marchione presented  six budget priorities:  1) Clean Green Environment, 2) Community Building, 3)  Responsible Government, 4) Safety, 5) Business Community, and 6) Infrastructure and Growth.   The city government's priorities haven't changed from two years ago.

In 2008, citizens attended a second meeting of workshops on each priority when everyone got to talk and share their requests.  It was excellent.  This year, workshops aren't planned or announced.  

In 2008, I participated the Community Building workshop.  My "request " (as the lingo goes) for city-wide WI-FI was rejected by staff during the workshop, though  WI-FI is now planned for the Parks.  After the workshops, the Mayor sent his "Results Team" (1 citizen/5 staff)  to work, ranking and screening staff and citizen requests.  This year the Results Teams were formed before the first Community Meeting and according to a Team member "they have been working very hard".   

PROBLEMS WITH THE PROCESS THIS YEAR?   Our city government is shuttering shut a window here and a window there - participation and transparency is fading, as follows:

1. Two councilmembers (~30%) were missing at the opening BBP meeting.  Council makes the final decisions on the budget.  They represent us on city spending.    
2. After the meeting I asked if I could be on a Results Team.  The Mayor responded by email, quote:  "As for the Results Teams, the application date closed February 19th and they have been appointed."  What??  Where was the advertising?  The notices?  The mailers?  The RCTV bulletins?  The city website notice?   The city press release was simply:  "City Seeks Residents for Budget Teams".  What Teams?  What budget?  No reference was made to "Budge By Priorities". 
3. The Administration wouldn't disclose who was on the Results Teams. I had to file a Public Request.  Why shouldn't we know the names and titles of  these important teams?   (stay tuned).  We may want to ask a question or make a request.     
4. The Results teams weren't introduced at the March meeting and most didn't even make the meeting.  Only one Results Team member signed in at the March community meeting.  Yet, the mayor emailed he "needed the priorities and results teams to come together on March 1".   Why? 
5. The Mayor elects the 6 volunteers for the results team.  Deputy Administrator Jane Christenson wrote in an email, "the City advertises for interested citizens...the Mayor then considers those who have expressed interest for the assignment...".  Hmm. Advertises? 

Enough said.   

The question to ask is what do you YOU think??  Is participation in the budget process important to you?  Am I nit-picking?  Do you care about this?  If you are so inspired, please comment! ....

Opinion By Bob Yoder

"A funny thing happened at Redmond Business Meet-Up today"

I went to the Redmond Business Meet-up for the first time a few weeks ago. I funny thing happened.

As we went around the room introducing ourselves and handing out cards Cherie Seymore's message was a little different.  It came with a song....a beautiful, soul-full song!  You can listen to it here.  Cherie and Tolga were promoting their "custom marketing CD company".  http://www.imaginecds.com/  Wow!  They got my attention!

Stacia Loo is the founder and kicks off each meeting.  She always talks about the -"Go-Giver" book and how it's helped her succeed in life and her business http://www.everyswipecounts.com/.  The Go-Giver book can be purchased from Amazon here.

I promised Len McAdams I'd post his new website - http://www.mcadamsbuilders.com/.  Len has been remodeling homes for years.  He partially remodeled my house about 25 years ago;  I still remembered his thoroughness and professionalism after all this time! 425-822-6555.

Other folks I met with whom I may do business are:  Elizabeth Hansford of Zephyr 47 in Redmond.  http://www.zephyr47.com/.  Elizabeth may help me design features into my new blog platform.  Jonathan Yockey of Mendatech Web Design Design@Mendatech.com in Everet.  He may build my new blog platform.

Joe Townsend is special for me because he volunteers some of his time for the Redmond Historical Society.  Joe has a Photo Restoration & Retouch business.  http://www.jjtownsend.com/.  It's amazing what he can do with a tattered and faded family photo.  206-890-3804.

Of the four personal coaches presenting probably use Sandy Bjorgen, M.A. Trainer/Coach.  She coaches people how to think and speak under pressure.  http://www.improv-ableresults.com/  Her tagline is "Better Business Communications with IMPROVisation.".  That's what I need! 

Some other nice folks I met are Ken Foster of Terleon Custom Painting  http://www.borntopaint.com/  and John Crispala, a low pressure, good linstening financial planner. 206-601-7319.  I heard lots of other nice folks but I can't name them all!   The Meet-Up is growing fast.  Currently, they meet at Panera Bread, Monday's at 10AM in Redmond's Bear Creek Shopping Center.  Redmond Business Meet-up is on Facebook.

By Bob Yoder
Video by Yoder

Emily Dickenson Elementary won $5000 donation from BING

http://www.10000rockets.com/ (20 sec. launch)

Emily Dickinson Elementary in Redmond, Washington is receiving a $5,000 donation from Bing, Microsoft’s search engine, as a winner of the Mission:10,000 Rockets competition, where students were asked to draw the “rocket of tomorrow.” Sixth grade teacher David Meisner encouraged his students to enter, and with more than 20 qualified entries submitted, Emily Dickinson Elementary entered and won one of eight $5,000 donations nationwide.

The school is kicking off its Science Fair and Science Celebration this week. In honor of the win, the $5,000 donation check, original student rocket designs and 3-D models for the three grand prize winner rockets* will be showcased at the school’s old gym tomorrow night, Thursday, March 25, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. You’re invited to stop by and check out the display as well as the science projects students will be exhibiting.
 
Posted by Bob Yoder
Emily Dickinson Elementary

Bellingham school cancels classes for 'sun day' | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News Bellingham school cancels classes for 'sun day' Seattle Times Newspaper:

A forecast of warm clear weather has prompted Bellingham Christian School to cancel classes Wednesday for a 'sun day.'

Principal Bob Sampson says sun day celebrates spring, promotes positive school culture and is 'just for fun.'" complete story

Every kids dream.  Every Superintendent's nightmare! B.Y.

Recommended by Eli
FaceBook

Face Book commentary on health care bill spurs local debate.

The following comment from Kamal on the health care bill was found on FaceBook.  He argues against the requirement of buying health insurance. 

From Kamal Siegel, Redmond, WA
"The subject of US healthcare reform has been a huge subject of discourse among my family and friends and through it I’ve been able to formalize my thoughts on the matter as follows:

Universal healthcare is definitely something I could get around to supporting. Healthcare that is paid for by the government through our taxes, that is. But I simply cannot support the idea of being forced to hire a private company to cover my health expenses because that creates motivation for us to remain sick & unhealthy whereas if the government paid for it, there'd be motivation to keep us healthier. More thought might then be put into preventative care.

For example, just imagine that the police force or fire departments were privatized. Bad idea! Any service that is designed to battle the ills of society should be paid for by the government. If it's privatized then there's only motivation for the ills to persist.

And let’s face it. We’re really trying to fix the wrong problem here; that people don’t have health insurance. The right problem to solve would be that people without health insurance can’t get health care. That’s the real issue."

Kamal Siegel (Redmond business owner)
Posted by Bob Yoder with permissions from Kamal 

Local food bank winning in March Madness - Seattle News - MyNorthwest.com

Local food bank winning in March Madness - Seattle News - MyNorthwest.com

There are March Madness brackets to decide just about everything now: the sexiest women, the best players of all time, and even the best Seattle sportscaster. One Eastside business is using a bracket to fill the shelves of the local food bank.

Redmond Physical Therapy has challenged 15 businesses to weekly food donation weigh-ins.  MORE 
Hope-Link partner
The Final Four :
Eastside basket ball club
Vs
Hancocks bakery

Redmond physical therapy
Vs
McDonalds book exchange  

High school graduation requirements will change by 2013

Did you know that the academic challenge of high school courses is the most important predictor of success?  This hit home for our family when we were shopping for colleges this year.  Course rigour is exactly what colleges are looking for.  "Too much choice without a concentration of activities can be a bad thing"  according to Dan Phalan, Chief Academic Advisor for LWSD.

I sat in on a recent LW School Board Public Work Session and learned the State is revising graduation requirements, effective 2013.  The goal is to ensure students are prepared for a four year college or university.   Dan Phelan says,  "Our current credit requirements in Mathematics, World Languages and Science do not ensure students are even able to meet the minimum entrance requirements for a 4-year university." 

• Beginning with 2103, the State is requiring all students complete math courses through advanced algebra. 
• LWSD wants to add the requirement for students completing Advanced Algebra prior their senior year.  They must take a higher level quantitative course (Physics, AP Statistics, AP Economics, and Math Analysis).  
• Currently, the State has no requirements for World Language.  The want to add two credits. 
• Require two credits of Science lab will be required with one credit being algebra-based (Chemistry or Physics). 

The Washington State draft core standards for English/Language Arts and Mathematics are now available for public review and comment through April 2.  LW school board Director Chris Carlson suggested the public be made aware of the link to make comment.  http://www.corestandards.org/

Anyone interested is encouraged to review the drafts and complete one of the feedback surveys found at http://www.corestandards.org/

By Bob Yoder

Reporting on the 3/15/2010 LW School Board Work Session.

Juel Park farm house is renovated. Gardening and Yoga offered.

Juel Park, on the SE corner of Avondale and NE 116th Street, is pretty well known to Frisbee golfers, pick nickers, Bear Creek nature lovers and hikers and that's about it.  But, not for long.  Community gardening and Yoga will soon be added to the Juel Park venue.

I took a visit to Juel Park last Friday.  On the left is grassy area marked off for garden plots.  A gravel road has been extended towards the patch and irrigation water is piped in.  On the right is a new pole fence surrounding an historic farm house.  The farm house is undergoing restoration - new paint, new windows, new roof.   A neighbor in the Redmond Historical Society thinks the farm house is about 70 years old.

A year or so ago, a park consultant suggested the farm building house history displays or an environmental center.  The construction workers I met on Friday said old farm house is soon to be a "Yoga House". 

Parks and Rec already offers eight yoga classes - five are held at the Senior Center, one at the Adair House, and two NEW kids yoga programs are held by the Orange Blossom Society - The Studio on 16715 NE 79th Street.

With eight Parks and Rec yoga programs and over nine Redmond business yoga operations one wonders how far this "exercise in harmony" can grow.  My answer was found on page 30-31 of the new Parks and Rec. guide.   The Yoga House aka  "Golden Lotus School" is working with the city to provide three youth-oriented yoga programs.  But, there's more!  Beyond yoga this eclectic school offers:  "jewery making",  "drawing and discovering yourself",  "world story time", "healthy cooking", "print making", "gardening", "mixed media art class", "natural health", and "wildlife awareness".  Take your pick.

For details on Juel Park community gardening and the Golden Lotus School programs contact the Recreation office at 425-556-2300 or recreationoffiice@redmond.gov.  Plots will rent for $40-$50.  May 1-Oct 31.  What more could any Redmonite want?   Will you be in Juel Park this summer?

A citizen tells the Administration to get on with the city website fix.

http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2009/10/have-you-tried-searching-for-something.html

Brian Dennis spoke at last week's City Council Meeting during the public comment period.  Dennis is a Redmond citizen and owner of Small Business Pioneers, a local company that creates websites.  Brian and several councilmembers have concerns about city delays in fixing the old city website (redmond.gov).  Brian read to Council and Mayor, the following:     

For the one or two people out there that don't know, I am a strong advocate of websites as powerful tools to disseminate information and engage individuals. Yet quality websites cost real money, time and effort to develop, maintain and market. Keeping content fresh multiples costs. Based my professional experience I have strong reason to believe city staff has neither budget, time, nor the expertise to deliver on this proposed project. Putting this project out for bid into our own community assures the City has the expertise and a firmly grounded budget number by which to make an informed decision. As a bonus, this process would support the very nature of the project - sustainability - within our own business community.  

Council members Allen, Stilin and I all question the relationship of your other proposed project (a separate and distinct "green" website) and the fixing of redmond.gov website.  Remember, $300k has been allocated for work to fix redmond.gov yet with no tangible, discernible results, and staff is now looking to spin off a new "green" website. Why spin up a new website?  Fix redmond.gov!  (This fix has been in the making ~two years.) 

What do you think of  http://www.redmond.gov/?   If you've only seen it once, would you go back?   Can you think of reasons why the city is dragging their feet on fixing their website?  Why are they starting a "green website" when redmond.gov isn't fixed?   An improved website would open our government.  Are they hiding something?  Or afraid of something?   Please enter your comments below.

Read my 10/4/2010 post:  "Our Aging City Website -- Is the City of Redmond  being responsible? 

UPDATED: Beloved 31-year old Redmond resident found dead in Perrigo Park

Benjamin Lewis May passed away suddenly last week in Perrigo Park when in a depressive mental state.   Many remember their beloved Ben for his smile and for making people laugh (read memorial notes).  Ben moved from North Carolina to Redmond, WA to be with Nichole Almond.  His Memorial is in Perrigo Community Park on the wooden fence in the upper lot.   Pictures, candles, flowers, a Peace Booklet, prayers & thoughts from loved ones, and colored pens are left for friends and passersby to write a note or prayer.  CLICK on the photos to read the notes and prayers.   

I met this Redmond couple and their baby last week in tears at Ben's memorial.  They knew Ben from Wake Forest college days.   The mother wrote on the Memorial:  “Ben, I still remember you as a scrawny freshman…” and the father added ”(and Sadie)”.

Ben May, is a 2001 graduate of Wake Forest University, moved to Seattle in 2008 and worked as a data management analyst at Starbucks Coffee Co. from March 2008 to June 2009, according to the article by the Davidison News.  The News said Ben was the son of Jamie May, a longtime administrator at Davidison College who now lives in Chapel Hill. ~ Bob

Read the Seattle Times brief & comments 

Read Ben's Davidson, N.C. home town news story

"In Memoriam of Ben May" Facebook Group (over 2,000 members - mostly from Ben's hometown areas)

Please share your comments and thoughts below this story.  

Re-Posted By Bob Yoder

Photos By Yoder

Thanks to one of my readers (Mike) for the notification.

Ben's story has attracted over two thousand visitors to Redmond Blog from all over the country.  

March Madness Hogs Bandwidth

http://www.techflash.com/seattle/2010/03/march_madness_at_the_office.html

The sun is shining in Seattle. And the March Madness basketball tournament is entering its second day. That begs the question: Is anyone getting any work done today?

Well, according to a recent survey by Challenger Gray & Christmas, the NCAA basketball tourney alone could cost employers as much as $1.8 billion in unproductive wages....more

By John Cook
Venture Blog

Letter from Mayor Marchione

http://www.efocusonredmond.com/home.html

Letter from the Mayor

In this first letter of 2010, I want to reflect on 2009 and share some thoughts on the coming year and what I see ahead for our community... more

By John Marchione

Microsoft ranks No. 1 in patents

Microsoft ranks No. 1 in patents

Microsoft's business is under attack by Google, Apple and others. But there's one place where the software giant still rules supreme... more.

By Todd Bishop
Tech Flash

Lake Washington Schools Shine in Washington Achievement Awards

http://www.k12.wa.us/Communications/PressReleases2010/SchoolAchievementAwards.aspx

Lake Washington Schools Shine in Washington Achievement Awards

More Lake Washington Schools recognized than any other district

Yesterday, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) announced the Washington Achievement Awards, for 174 schools that “profoundly affect student learning.” The list of schools includes 14 schools in Lake Washington School District, more than any other district in the state. These schools will be recognized at celebrations around the state on May 5.

“I am so incredibly proud of these schools and all the hard work of students, teachers and parents,” said Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent. “These awards confirm what I know and see every day; our district has some of the best schools in the state, helping all kids achieve and excel.”

Schools will be recognized as top performers in six categories: Overall Excellence, Language Arts, Math, Science, Extended Graduation Rate, Gifted Education. Some schools are honored in more than one of these categories.

Ten Lake Washington schools will be recognized for overall excellence: Audubon Elementary, Juanita Elementary, Mann Elementary, McAuliffe Elementary, Mead Elementary, Redmond Elementary, Smith Elementary, Wilder Elementary, Inglewood Junior High and Eastlake High School. The eight elementary schools represent 15 percent of the elementary schools honored from the entire state.  MORE
 
By Kathryn Reith
Communications, LWSD
Photo By LWSD

UPDATED: Budget By Priorities: "And the survey says!"

Updated:  OPINION:  The Mayor and his Deputy Administrator, Jane Christensen, held a Community "Budget By Priorities" Meeting March 1.   Judging by the sign-in sheets, citizen turn-out was low with only six citizens registering at the desk.  Surprisingly, only 5 of 7 city councilmembers were present; and they are the citizens who approve the Mayor's Budget.  I saw only two or three commissioners.   Having the meeting on a Monday night didn't help.

Council President Richard Cole addressed the audience stating "This process only works if the citizens who live in town and staff get involved."  Staff was definitely present in force.  I know many of them from my city volunteer and media work.  Many of these staff are residents of Redmond and may have been voting in the silent touch-pad survey.   Ms. Christensen said "staff are hear to listen" but based on the numbers voting, it appears that she was implying non-resident staff.  Unfortunately, they registered on the touch-pad and not at the front desk.

Jane Christensen made an startling statement about future growth in Redmond.  She said,

"Washington State requires all cities to accommodate their share of state's growth.  In the next 12 years the city expects to accommodate 20,000 more residents and 28,000 more jobs.  Most of the growth will be accommodated in the Downtown and Overlake to preserve existing single family neighborhoods."

WOW!  For real?  Survey questions probed how we think the city will to accommodate the expected population density, for example:

1. Question:  What is your overall experience with traffic in Redmond (not counting SR520)?   70% of the respondents were dissatisfied to very dissatisfied.
2. How satisfied are you with the city's plans to accommodate growth?  42% of those in a citizen's survey last year were neutral to very dissatisfied.  84% were neutral to satisfied in the staff-loaded survey.  Of course, city planners are paid to plan for growth! 

Do you think the city can comfortably handle 20,000 new residents in 12 years?   The city will have lots of new parklands but not for cars!  Where will the 40,000 additional cars park?  Can the administration build enough roadways to circulate the traffic?  Where will the roads go?  Will the administration have to zone for more and taller apartment and condo buildings?  Will the downtown start to sprawl?   How long can the neighborhoods remain untouched by density?  Will apartments and commercial villages take hold?

The Mayor concluded, by thanking "the 50-70% of the residents who have come out, who don't regularly engage in civic process."  Huh?  Marchione didn't give a head count.  Interestingly, one of the survey questions asked  "How engaged are you in city events and meetings?"  69% said they were not engaged to somewhat involved.  The next meeting is on another Monday, May 3, when according to the Mayor, "you give your ideas of what to do".

Contact:  bpquestions@redmond.gov OR please comment below this post for all to read.  What are your ideas??

Opinion By Bob Yoder
Updated:  3/18

LW School administrators and support staff agree to collaborative bargaining

Support staff, Lake Washington administrators agree to collaborative bargaining

The Lake Washington School District and members of the Lake Washington Educational Support Professionals announced Wednesday afternoon they have agreed to a collaborative bargaining process to reach a settlement in the support staff’s year-long contract negotiations.

“The goal of this type of bargaining is to meet the interests of both parties,” noted Deputy Superintendent Janene Fogard. “We have found with other bargaining units that it helps to foster good working relationships.”

LWESP members have agreed to suspend all community organizing activities while the process unfolds. The district will postpone employee investigations it launched last week, and union staff for the LWESP will suspend any challenges to those investigations.

“We have mutually agreed to seek collaborative bargaining in an effort to settle this contract. We need to return to our focus of providing a high-quality education for all students,” LWESP Chief Bargainer Donna Lurie said.

The two sides will work with John and Carol Glaser, a highly skilled pair of facilitators. Both the district and union are committed to reaching a contract settlement through this process. Timing of the sessions is still being worked out, but the sessions are not expected to begin before the district’s spring break begins on March 29.
 
Kathryn Reith, LWSD, 425-702-3342
Dale Folkerts, WEA (for LWESP), 253-765-7039

Five arrested in Kirkland home invasion. 20 detectives find 300 plus pot plants

5 arrested in Kirkland home invasion.  20 detectives find 300 plus pot plants

King County sheriff's detectives have arrested four men and a juvenile male in connection with Monday's early-morning break-in and shootout at the home of a medical-marijuana activist near Kirkland.
One of the suspects, a 19-year-old Renton man, was shot and critically wounded by homeowner Steve Sarich.  read more

By Mark Rahner and Sara Jean Green
Seattle Times staff reporters

Redmond's Neighborhood News

Advisory:   The links on this page are "broken" and are under repair by the city webmaster.   

I've been working on a new feature to include a map of Redmond Neighborhoods and the news associated with each of our city's 11 neighborhoods.  A Redmond city senior planner, Kim Dietz, is working on a similar project for their new website.  Kim's an excellent contact if you have questions about Redmond's Neighborhood News. Email Kim:  kdietz@redmond.gov.  My Redmond Neighborhood Blog site will tag right along with Redmond's Neighborhood News site! 

Mayor Marchione looks at the growing Downtown as a neighborhood.  View Point Neighborhood -now called Idylwood Neighborhood, Overlake Neighborhood, Bear Creek Neighborhood and SE Redmond Neighborhood are some of Redmond's newest neighborhoods.   You may contact Kim Dietz at 425-556-2415 to sign up for "Neighborhood Citizen Committees" now forming to give your input on established neighborhoods, like Education Hill Neighborhood, North Redmond Neighborhood, and Grass Lawn Neighborhood.  Become a "Friends of Riverwalk".  Visit "Neighborhoods History".  Ride the velodrome in Marymoor Park.  So, expect some exciting developments when the City of Redmond launches their new site.  Deputy Administrator Jane Christensan announced a  Budget by Priorities meeting that the enhanced city website is expected to be launched in six months!  You can sign up with "Redmond News Subscription" to subscribe to Redmond Neighborhood News here.  (But, be careful, I couldn't find a disclaimer on the sign-up form that your email address can't be used for commercial use.)

Neighborhood Parks and Trails
Redmond's Neighborhood Map
Contact:  neighborhoods@redmond.gov

OPINION: Customer Service is inadequate at City Hall.

UPDATED, 3/14

http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2009/07/what-does-derby-days-and-city-hall.html      

OPINION:  I was one of the few non-staff citizens, who attended the first "Budget By Priorities" community meeting on March 1.   At the meeting, Mayor Marchione announced an emphasis on improving customer service; it was directed mostly to the staff-side of the chamber.  Hopefully, customer service is one of his priorities again this year. 

Redmond Police Commander clarifies facts on the air-soft pellet shooting case.

http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2010/03/why-are-air-soft-pellets-banned-from.html

Last Saturday I reported an unsafe air-soft pellet gun shooting incident that I had personally witnessed in a park.   Later, I  I learned the police had misinformed me on several occasions.  In the interest of public trust, I'm clarifying the inaccuracies.

 Redmond Police Commander Shari Shovlin called today to inform me of the facts:    

1. According to Police Commander Shari Shovlin, the three juveniles shooting the air-soft guns were not arrested or cited for misdemeanor (even though the lead officer on the scene said the boys would go to court.) 
2. The Public Information Officer told me air-soft pellet guns are legal in parks.  According to Commander Shovlin, the Redmond Municipal Code states air soft guns are illegal in parks if pointed or shot.  
3. The game-shooting incident is a misdemeanor, but it was not reported on the Police Blotter.  

If you want to verify the facts or make an inquiry, contact Commander Shari Shovlin at 556-2564.

Do you know air soft pellet shooting is a game like paintball?   If played with face protection and in a safe location it's a fun game.  Police make mistakes just like anyone, but do you think there could be something more to these errors and ommissions?   

100 Year Scouting Service Campaign Teams Up with GreenRedmond

Eagle Scout Leader Tracy (left photo) and Volunteer Land Steward Doug Schmidt (right photo) teach scouts how to plant trees.   This work party was a 100 Year Anniversary Scouting Service event.   

The weather was extremely cooperative as more than 35 boy scouts, scout leaders, fathers and some siblings gathered at Hartman Park to finish the project which had been started a week earlier. The youth were members from packs, troops, teams or crews from units 612 and 613 which meet at the LDS stake center adjacent to Hartman Park and troop, team and crew 597 from the Novelty Hill neighborhood. Although the weather was cool and crisp when they gathered at 8:00 am, the sun was soon shining down on them as they continued the process of eradicating the invasive blackberry bushes that had overtaken the area they been assigned to clean up. The youth and adults learned a very valuable lesson from GreenRedmond volunteer Doug Schmidt, the supervisor of the project. Doug instructed them that it was not enough to simply cut down the stalks and remove the roots. Even the smallest pieces of green stock needed to be removed from the area. If any were left lying on the ground, they could root out and start a new blackberry plant.

Once all the insidious plants were eradicated and a thorough sweep of the area was completed, removing any trace of the invasive plants, new trees were carefully planted throughout the section. In just a few hours, a section of the park which had been overgrown with blackberries had been transformed. Stepping back and looking at the results of their efforts, the volunteers realized there is a significant amount of work required before all of Hartman Park looks like the small area they had worked on. But for now, there was some satisfaction as they admired the transformation that just a few hours of volunteer labor was able to perform.
 
By Bruce Salmon, Volunteer for Boy Scouts of America and LDS Church
Photos by Salmon

Redmond Ladies Mustang Basketball Senior Night

REDMOND MUSTANG BASKETBALL SENIOR NIGHT, 2010

Marissa Pratt #44 - the one hamming it up - set a Mustang Career Record of 169 blocked shots.  She's actually a lot taller than she looks here. 

Game photos, stats and much more can be found on the Team Website.

Photo by Bob Yoder

Why are Air Soft pellets banned from Redmond city parks? When do you call 911?

I was watching GreenRedmond volunteer Doug Schmitt ride his mountain bike on the dirt jumps this afternoon and "a funny thing happened."

We were walking the improved course to get a feel for it.   Off to the right,  I was startled by four high schoolers is "army colors" loading pump guns and shooting pellets over head.   I yelled out : "Watch it, I want to keep my eyes!"   They said not to worry and kept shooting. 

It just didn't seem right.  I asked two elementary-aged girls what the boys were shooting.  "Airsoft pellets" they said.  They opened their hands to show me hundreds multi-colored "bullets" they had collected.  One little girl said she was hit in the finger from a distance.  (Apparently, it's a shooting game similar to paint-ball.)

According to Wikipedia: 

"Airsoft pellets typically leave small wheals (welts) on human targets. While mildly painful, pellets are not especially damaging to the skin. Eye protection is universally required to prevent damage to eyes. It is also often recommended that full face masks and body protection be used during airsoft matches to protect the players' teeth and ears."  Wikipedia

I remembered. in my youth it was cool to shoot copper pellet Beebe guns, but my parents never let me because beebes could break the skin and kill an eye.    Well, no sooner did we round the corner than two uniformed Redmond police officers came running onto the course.  Apparently, some sixth-graders were bullied off of the jumps and their parents called 911. 

I was surprised, but totally impressed with how the two officers handled the situation.  The lead officer must have spent 45 minutes with the bullies explaining the seriousness and illegality of their activity.  The officer said it was so illegal that they: 1) could have to go to court and 2) talk to Judge.   He made them call their parents for a talk-out on the site.  I think he confiscated their paraphanlia.

The take-home message for me was:  if something is suspicious, doesn't look right, and could be dangerous, CALL 911.   Don't even hesistate:  Call 911.  We all have cell-phones.  We need to use them.  I guarantee you, I won't hesitate next time.  I'll be calling 911 at the slightest doubt.  And, so will my trail  friends.

Have you ever called 911 for suspicious activity?   Are you hesitant or afraid to call 911?  Did you know your taxes pay for 911 police service?   Is there a place in Redmond where it's legal for kids to play with "airsoft pellet guns"?  Do you think the police should have been more lenient? 

"Legacy for Learning" foundation lunch set for April 28.

Legacy for Learning Lunch set for April, 28, 2010 - Volunteers needed.

Mark your calendars. The 2010 Legacy for Learning Lunch is set for Wednesday April 28, 2010 from 11:00 to 12:30. Click here to learn more.

Volunteers Needed for Legacy for Learning Lunch

Luncheon Set Up/Tear Down - Event set up is Tuesday, April 27th, the day before the luncheon. Along with the help of JHS PE students rolling out the floor mats, we can use volunteers to set up the stage and do table placements, table settings, decorations, displays, registration table, etc. This will begin at 2pm and last approx at 6pm. Any time a volunteer has to give is welcome!

Tear down is immediately following the luncheon at approximately 1:00pm on Wednesday, April 28th with removal of aforementioned items.

Posted from Lake Washington School Foundation website.

If you would like to volunteer, visit our volunteer sign up page or email volunteer@lwsd.org.

City of Redmond Installs Sculpture at Redmond Junior High

City of Redmond Installs Sculpture at Redmond Junior High

The mascot for Redmond Junior High is the GRIZZLEY.  So it's fitting the city of Redmond installed a new outdoor sculpture called "Bear".  "Bear" was installed on Thursday March 4, 2010.  It''s in the front of the school.  You can't miss it.  

The artist, James Madison, was present, working with four members of the City of Redmond Parks Department instatllation crew. The piece will be at RJH until at least June 2011, in partnership with the Redmond Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition. This sculpture is the second installed at RJH through this partnership.  Do you think the Bear has a Native American design look to it?   Who is James Madison?   Does James have a Native American Indian ancestry?   Does he live in Redmond?

UPDATED: HSBC in Redmond Center makes a donation to Lake Washington Schools foundation.

HSBC in Redmond Center made a Generous Donation to the Lake Washington Schools foundation during their Grand Opening this winter.

HSBC Bank USA, N.A, part of one of the world's largest financial services organizations, has officially opened the doors to its latest full-service retail branch, situated in the heart of Redmond.

To mark the occasion of its Redmond launch HSBC made a generous donation of $7,500 to the Lake Washington Schools Foundation at a grand opening ceremony on January 28, 2010.

Byron Shutz and Sherry Wartelle, Co-Presidents of the Lake Washington Schools Foundation, said, "The Foundation appreciates the commitment and collaboration of leading businesses such as HSBC in the support of an engaged school partnership with the community."

Dominic O'Hagan, West Coast Regional President, HSBC Bank USA, N.A., said, "The city of Redmond, with its strong cross-border connections, made it the obvious place in which to enhance our Seattle area branch network. As 'The world's local bank', we fully understand the importance of serving the Redmond community locally while helping them to make the most of opportunities globally."   LWSF site.

###

Legacy for Learning Lunch for 2010

Mark your calendars. The 2010 Legacy for Learning Lunch is set for Wednesday April 28, 2010 from 11:00 to 12:30.  Click here to learn more.

Eastbound SR 520 in Redmond closed overnight for next two weekends.

Eastbound SR 520 in Redmond closed overnight for next two weekends

REDMOND - Crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will close all lanes of eastbound SR 520 between West Lake Sammamish Parkway and SR 202 in Redmond Friday and Saturday nights for the next two weekends. During the closures crews will install new drainage underneath the roadway. This work is part of a project to widen SR 520 in Redmond by adding a new HOV lane and merge lane.

A signed detour will direct eastbound drivers left on West Lake Sammamish Parkway, right onto Leary Way NE, right onto Bear Creek Parkway to SR 202/Redmond Way ...more 
 
WSDOT