UPDATED: To maintain teachers salaries: Local levy dollars are used, LWSD 2012 calendar shuffled

Dr Chip Kimball

Local levy dollars used

Lake Washington School District 2011-12 school year extended

UPDATED:  Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District’s school year calendar for 2011-12 has been extended to 181 days from 180 and the last day of school moved from June 20 to June 22. May 25 will become a non-student day.

These changes result from an agreement with the Lake Washington Education Association (LWEA) to maintain current salaries, in spite of the state salary cuts, through the addition of two workdays.

The state legislature cut funding for teacher salaries by 1.9% in the recently completed session. Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent, noted that teacher compensation affects retention and recruitment of good teachers, a priority that he shares with district parents.

“Teacher salaries, in real dollars adjusted for inflation, have been declining for 30 years,” noted Kevin Teeley, LWEA president. “Despite that fact, the legislature is asking teachers to take another cut in pay.”

Dr. Kimball proposed to the LWEA keeping teacher compensation at the same level as 2010-11, using local levy dollars to make up the difference. As part of the proposal, teachers would work two additional days, focusing the time on preparing for the district’s change to a new grade configuration in the fall of 2012. Teachers voted overwhelmingly to accept this change to their contract.   READ MORE >>

2011 post: Neighborhood Commercial: Grocery Stores in Neighborhoods?

This is an old 2011 post

Grocery stores in neighborhoods? Coffee shops? Supermarkets?  Retail? Fruit and vegetable markets?  Will our neighborhoods be rezoned someday to allow for these businesses?  

On June 14, 2011 Redmond City Council spent another of many "study sessions" reviewing "neighborhood commercial" (NC) rezoning.  Planner Kim  Dietz's goal was for council to decide on where NC can be situated in the community and how to prevent "commercial creep."

The NC rezone method agreed upon by council includes certain requirements :

• no more than one commercial development concentrated in each of six different neighborhood areas spread throughout the city.
• rezones are no larger than 1-acre and predominantly near residential.
• development must be in close proximity to one of  the following three concentrations: a business, home, or recreation e.g. park. 

Vice President Pat Vache' noted this criteria will keep development on NE 116th only at both ends of the road, east and west. Councilmember Hank Margeson commented earlier this year that the "PCC" development on 116th and Avondale was an example of a good neighborhood commercial development.  Councilmember David Carson was concerned NE 116th could turn into a strip mall.  Vache' reminded Carson only one NC rezone was allowed per neighborhood area.  

Councilmember Kim Allen said "from an historical perspective NC has always been around." Councilmember Hank Margeson said, NC "is more open today but, is not wide open". 

Planner Kim Dietz reminded council that "none of our neighborhood plans (citizen advisory committees) say 'no' to neighborhood commercial.  Some were silent or speak to general support or a higher level of support..."   The Bear Creek neighborhood had a high level of support.

Margeson referred to his experience on the Education Hill Neighborhood Advisory Committee when citizens were committing to keeping an open mind.  He said  "The advisory committee was asked: do you want to encourage NC more?,,, find a spot where it might fit?,,, vs. a simple 'yes' or 'no' question." 

Councilmember  John Stilin wanted to understand what "keeping an open mind meant."   The Idlewood Neighborhood process requires a land use review in addition to a rezone. When pressed, Planner Dietz said neighbors could "opt out" of a project but, the final decision rests with Council. President Richard Cole clarified that when a developer applies for a project in any neighborhood, it would have a "review panel" (composed of neighbors and staff).  Vice President Pat Vache' concurred and the entire council,  agreed in silence.   
 
Council's final review was centered on concerns of 7/11 type convenience stores. Cole is extremely outspoken against these stores in our neighborhoods, as is Allen.  Councilmember Allen, a land-use hearing examiner in Kitsap, said these types of stores would be "regulated out" by hours and large signage.  Stilin said the focus should be on "aesthetics".  "7/11's" have a limited line of goods.  The types of projects allowed by council are:  supermarkets, fruit and vegetable markets, retail, cafeteria, restaurants, take-out, coffee shops.  Councilmember Hank Myers said all commercial projects would be subject to the Design Review Board.  Council will review the development criteria every five years.   

Citizens may comment at the Hearing scheduled for July 19.  Council has a final study session on August 9 and will vote on it September 6, 2011.
 
 Bob Yoder

July 19 Hearing - document

Great Blue Heron with fish




JOHN REINKE / REDMOND NEIGHBORHOOD BLOG

"Great Blue Heron with fish." By John Reinke

John Reinke's heron is foraging under the Leary Way Bridge.  Painting or Photo?  Great Blue Herons are celebrated as Redmond's "Species of Local Importance".  They forage in the riparian habitat of Redmond's streams, wetlands and the Sammamish River. Redmond heron raise their young in the trees of  Issaquah rookeries and Marymoor Park cottonwoods.

Picture by John Reinke
Source:  Cathy Beam, Principal Environmental Planner, City of Redmond.

Two men save Redmond woman's life on local trail

KOMO NEWS.COM :  Karen McClure thanks Ruchir Astavans
and Nichsant Kumar for saving her life after she collapsed
while running on a bike trail. 

Miracle on the hiking trail: 2 men save woman's life,  By Lindsay Cohen, KOMO NEWS.COM:

REDMOND, Wash. - Forty-five minutes is a long time to be without a pulse.

Paramedics aren’t sure if that’s how long Karen McClure was unconscious; they know it was likely longer.

"I’ve forgotten everything that day and the day before," said the Redmond mother of two. "I think my short-term memory was wiped out."

No one is quite sure what led up to the moments when McClure was found - face down, pale, and blue - on a hiking trail May 19 in Redmond. The two men who found her – longtime friends and Microsoft employees – weren’t sure what was wrong with McClure, an avid runner, when they first spotted her from a few feet away. Read More >>

June 16 Explosion near Rose Hill - Power outages - Terrible traffic around town

Mike Siegle/Seatle Times

Katie's Facebook photo taken from 200 feet above ground level

 ROLLING NEWS:

Emily's photo sent by Facebook

Scroll down for more photos

See more news and photos at:
Redmond Neighborhood Blog Facebook page  OR Email us at:  redmondblog@gmail.com

ROLLING NEWS:

All power is restored.  PSE, Allison Stanford, ~ 3:46 PM, 6/16

PSE Report:  Mineral oil is used as a coolant and conductor for the substation.  It appears the cause for the  black smoke.  The mineral oil is non-toxic.  A substation fire/explosion has never occurred in the history of Puget Sound Energy.  They've been supplying energy to the region since 1886.
  -- Allison Stanford, PSE spokesperson.  Reported by B. Yoder  4:33PM

Duvall Police, Kirkland Police, and Redmond Police Explorers assisted Redmond Police with initial response and traffic. Kirkland Fire, Redmond Public Works, Redmond Planning, and the Washington Department of Ecology also responded, assuring there was no further damage.
  -- City of Redmond

KING 5:  Redmond Sub-Station Fire Knocks Out Power to 1000's
http://www.king5.com/home/Redmond-WA-substation-fire-knocks-out-power-124022269.html

READ MORE >>

LWSD PTSA Special Needs announce summer events and camps

from the desk of Julie Shalaby, LWSD PTSA Special Needs Chairperson

• EASTSIDE Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) Presents, June 21      
• Summer day care camp for teenagers with disabilities·June 27    
• Blog Post: Dyslexic 6th grader asks LW School Board for help and understanding - new material

For details, READ MORE >>

Swedish Medical Center Seattle - Swedish/Issaquah Grand Opening Event

Swedish Medical Center Seattle - Swedish/Issaquah Grand Opening Event

ABOUT THE OPEN HOUSE

TOUR THE FACILITY
Come check out the newest medical center in Issaquah. Tour the Surgery Department, Cancer Center, Imaging Center and ER on the first floor, in addition to walking through all of these new clinics and offices in our medical office building: primary care, OB/GYN, orthopedics, cardiology, neurology, surgery, pediatric specialty, spine, pain, allergy, gastroenterology, outpatient rehabilitation and more! Come meet all the Swedish doctors and make your medical appointment.

FREE CLASSES AND FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS
Register to attend a class on joint replacement, sports medicine, heart health, and your spine. There are also classes on allergies, pediatric sport injuries, colon health, keeping your skin healthy as you age, food labels, and more. Pre-register for a free health screening at the open house event.

Read More >>

Source:  Swedish advertisment/Internet

OPINION: The sidewalks on 166th Ave. are dangerously narrow

Sidewalks on 166th Ave NE are so narrow kids have to hike on garden beds

OPINION:  Two weeks ago and a woman running along a road in Chelan was hit and killed by an old man who fell asleep at the wheel.  Could it be a matter of time before a car loses control on 166th and runs into a pedestrian or bicyclist....or worse, a group of kids?  Children may walk in groups to be more visible to traffic and feel safer?  The oldest and tallest child usually walks closest to the street or on the curb. 

The traffic and safety on 166th Ave. has been under the watchful eyes of citizens, city council and administration for years. In the 2007 election one of Brian Seitz's campaign pledges was to slow the traffic and widen the sidewalks and bike lanes on 166th with 4:3 conversion.  The conversion was partially implemented. (Brian lost to Dave Carson by 200 votes).  Objections were concerns of trucks and buses plugging up traffic.   Carson and Cole were particularly focused on freight and buses.  Sue Stewart said Metro bus slowdowns on a conversation wouldn't be significant.  She works for Metro in Safety.  A few weeks ago, Councilmember John Stilin strongly indicated the conversion should be completed.

When you look at the video, picture a bicyclist coasting down the hill between the kids and a car.  No wonder so few bicycle here.  It's surprising to see so many pedestrians using the sidewalks.  Drivers often react by swerving away from small groups.  

Do you think 166th can take the traffic?  Do you think the city should finish the conversion?  The city put in red lights to improve safety at key intersections.  Should the city build safety improvements on 166th with proceeds from red-light tickets?  What do you think?
 

Opinion and photography by Bob Yoder

REPUBLISHED: SR 520 to close during the weekend of June 17-20

Crews will construct the fish passage culverts in a 30 foot
deep trench acrossall lanes of SR 520. Each culvert is
 10 feet tall, 20 feet wide and 150 feet long

REPUBLISHED:  SR 520 Bridge to close during weekend of June 17-20

Full closure begins at 11 p.m. on June 17

WSDOT is planning up to six more complete weekend closures of SR 520 in 2011 to demolish overcrossings, set girders, install more fish passage culverts and complete other work. The next closure is planned for a weekend in July

FAQ and Tools to keep you moving.   Read More >>

Deer roam into Rose Hill neighborhood

Douglas Burchard

"We looked outside our window in the Spirit Brook neighborhood of Rose Hill this evening, and were amazed to see deer. They seemed non-plussed to have us walk outside and take their picture. However, we were careful not to surround them, startle them, or get too close. What a neat city we live in."

Photo album of deer activity in Rose Hill neighborhood.    By Douglas Burchard, 6/12
Do you have photos of local wildlife, too?   Send them on!  

Mental Health News and Current Events

NAMI Eastside  -  Mental Health Support Organization for the Eastside - Current Events

• An Educational Forum On “Eating Disorders: Facts, Myths & The Road To Recovery”
• NAMI is presently recruiting and training Teachers, Presentors, Facilitators
• NAMI Washington Walk 2011 Raises $250,000

*An Educational Forum On “Eating Disorders: Facts, Myths & The Road To Recovery”*

Guest: Mehri Moore, MD

Date: Tuesday, June 21, 2011, 7 PM - 9 PM

Location: *Evergreen Hospital, Suite Tan 100,

12303 NE 130th Lane,

Kirkland, WA 98034

Mehri Moore, MD., has specialized in the treatment of eating disorders for over twenty years and is widely regarded as one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading authorities on eating disorders and related family issues. Prior to founding the Moore Center, Dr. Moore was the Medical Director of the Eating Disorder Program at Swedish Medical Center. In this presentation she will provide an overview of various types of eating disorders, common co-occurring illnesses and the varying levels of treatment. She will also dispel some of the common myths and discuss how to help a family member or friend that is struggling with an eating disorder.

*Evergreen graciously donates the space
This event is free and open to everyone!
For more information: info@nami-eastside.org , http://www.nami-eastside.org/ , 425-885-6264 

Learn how to become a teacher, presentor, facilitator; Read More >>

ELECTION: Sue Stewart challenges Dave Carson for Redmond City Council Position 7

Ms. Sue Stewart filed this afternoon for Redmond City Council Position 7.  Sue is challenging Dave Carson a one-term incumbent. 

Ms. Stewart is a past Chair for Redmond Parks and Trails Commission, recently served as Vice-Chair of the Code-Rewrite Commission and has been active in neighborhood land use and traffic issues.  Sue is a graduate of the city 2011 Citizen Academy.   She works for King County Metro and lives on Education Hill.    Facebook: "Sue Townsley Stewart

Visit RNB Redmond Voters' Guide for all the local election news and opinion HERE!

Sue Stewart, Challenger
183RD AVE NE
REDMOND, WA 98052
stewars51@gmail.com
Sue Stewart Website
http://suestewart4council.com/
(206) 396-8770

David Carson, Incumbent position 7
NE 50TH WAY
REDMOND, WA 98052
dmcarson@hotmail.com
http://www.carson4council.com/
(206) 484-8480

ELECTIONS: Cynthia Hudson and Siri Bliesner file to run for Lake Washington School Board



Cynthia Hudson, Candidate for Lake Washington School Board District One
District  #1 is the Kirkland/Juanita area represented by Jackie Pendergrass

 CYNTHIA HUDSON HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE (see her website) 

*Parent to three children *Resident of Seattle area since 1995 * LWSD resident since 1999 * Graduate of UW School of Pharmacy * Graduate of Vanderbilt University *National Merit Finalist from high school * Community Volunteer *PTSA member

I want to work with the district to create a predictable school schedule so that parents ready to get back to work as the economy recovers can have some regularity for employment. I understand the purpose of early release Wednesdays, noon releases, LEAP days, and Thursday-Friday-Monday breaks, but most job seekers can’t find meaningful jobs with that kind of flexibility.

It is a shame that our legislature feels that cutting teacher pay is an appropriate way to deal with decreasing tax revenues. Teachers must be paid commensurately for the challenging job of mentoring our children 180 days each year. Teaching is rewarding in itself, but our teachers are professionals who require appropriate pay and benefits.

It is thrilling to imagine helping guide the education of tomorrow’s citizens and leaders. What better investment for the future than the education of our children?

Source:  http://www.cynthiahudson.net/   Position One is held by Jackie Pendergrass, who has filed.

Cynthia Hudson
PO BOX 2991
KIRKLAND, WA 98083
cynthia@cynthiahudson.ne t
http://www.cynthiahudson.net/
(425) 736-0044

Jackie Pendergrass
13410 98TH AVE NE
KIRKLAND, WA 98034
jpende47@gmail.com
(425) 821-1157

###

THIS JUST IN:  Siri Bliesner filed to run for Position #5 of the Lake Washington School Board. The position is held by incumbent Ravi Shahani in Redmond. As of 6/10 AM, Mr. Shahani has not filed to run. Siri Bliesner's email is SiriForSchools@gmail.com . 425-881-4306

If Ravi Shahani doesn't file by the 13th, Siri Bliesner will run in the November 8 General Election against any "Write-In" candidates.

RNB emailed and phoned Siri Biesner yesterday.  Siri hasn't returned my call.  6/10

Will our community "Realize" Redmond's Bike Park?

Kids are modeling clay to create bike jump ideas for the park. Bike jump
professionals gave talks. The kids also traveled to neighboring BMX parks for ideas.

Carolyn Hope facilitates bike park
design workshop at Horace Mann
President Richard Cole attended

OPINION:  In this week's City Council meeting at least six or seven parents addressed council in the "public comment period about the "Redmond Bike Park" (RBP) development project. RBP is a BMX/mountain bike jump park project on Education Hill.  It's been delayed by an appeal.

One citizen was adamantly against the park, calling it useful for only a small minority of the city population.  His back-yard faces the park.  Another was not against the park but bothered by the Notice process.  He lives a short walk on Ashford Trail in a nearby housing development.  All the other speakers were fathers of BMX biker youth vested in developing the park from years of volunteerism and seeing the good the sport brings to their children.  They spoke with passion and eloquence.  Dave Randall, was the first speaker.  Dave's comments are recorded in a Letter to RNB here. 

But, my reason for writing is to ask where is "Realize Redmond'' (RR) when the community and city needs their support the most?  "Realize Redmond" is a nonprofit, public-private partnership funded by City Council (6-1, Cole) with $50,000 in taxpayer seed money.  Realize Redmond used to be called the "Redmond Foundation". The mission and vision hasn't changed.  READ MORE >>

Creative marketing in Redmond's historic downtown.

This sign was found in the window of what was "Automated Home Solutions".  The store is on the northeast corner of Leary and Redmond Way in Redmond's historic downtown.  A commercial broker creatively uses demographic data to promote it's lease/sale.  Does any demographic statistic catch your eye?

Reported by Pam Yoder
Photo by Yoder

Transportation, Traffic, and Parking studied by School Board -- STEM school project approved.

"Citizen Participation in the Planning Process -- a horrifying prospect for some administrators -- has proved to be the most effective way to avoid mistakes and unintended consequences."  Duany, Plater-Zyberk, and Speck, Suburban Nation, 2000.

JUNE 16, 2011  On Monday, June 8th the Lake Washington School Board made a unanimous decision to approve Hearing Examiner Jim O'Conner's  recommendation to build the STEM secondary school.  STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math and is sorely needed in the district (and around the country.)

Citizen participation in this STEM project was robust with 15 citizens speaking at the April 5th Hearing and others emailing Sup. Kimball and staff.  Mr. O'Conner conditioned his recommendation with the following  items brought to his attention by citizens at the Hearing:    READ MORE >>

And the drums beat on for Arts in Redmond

Arts Commissioner Clint McCune "playing the drums" with kids

 The City of Redmond and the Redmond Arts Commission offer a variety of arts experiences for citizens of all ages.   Check out the calendar of upcoming arts happenings.

ARTS HAPPENINGS

June - September

click

Dyslexic 6th grader asks LW School Board for help and understanding

UPDATED, 6/15:  The School Board business meeting last night was eventful, beyond the Board's decision to approve the STEM school project.  

After a Lake Washington FOUNDATION *presentation, four parents of children with dyslexia and Katie, an elementary student with dyslexia, advocated for help and awareness.  Judy, the first parent runs a WA-PTSA Special Needs Dyslexia Sub-group with 31 members and growing. 

According to the four parents' making public comment:  Dyslexia is a genetic, life long, neurological learning disability that affects 10-20% of the population both male and female.  Dyslexia includes a spectrum of symptoms:  problems with phonics, decoding, spelling, reading and reading fluently, math facts and foreign languages.  READ MORE >>

Probably, the most influential of all speakers was Katie, a 6th grade student at Robert Frost.  She is an awesome speaker. 

Katie said she was diagnosed in 4th grade and "felt stupid" about slow reading, difficult spelling, math facts, and the need for more time to finish assignments. Katie was self-conscious around her peers.   To improve, she asked the Board for: 1) a calculator during tests, 2) an electronic dictionary, 3) "more time" to finish, 4) and American Sign Language (ASL) training to replace the foreign language requirement.  Katie is bright and excels in sports, writing, acting and singing.

North Shore School District and many across the country teach ASL.  With resources and adjustments from the District, 70-80% can "break the code" in one year, read by 3rd grade, and many go onto college with average and above average intelligence.

Superintendent Kimball summarized the parents requests for:  ALS, a dyslexic advocate on the reading program, technology, and curriculum.  Kimball promised, "we will consider these things."

*The LW School FOUNDATION 2012 fundraising goal is to increase the 2011 contribution by $193K. 

Reported by Bob Yoder
Internet photo

I have signs of dyslexia though never diagnosed.  Bad spelling, slow reading, weak on math, need for more time to finish assignments.  BY

FROM MARGARET ADAMS, 6/15
I have just recently learned about this blog and the questions. I am the Margaret Adams that spoke at the Board meeting. I am the co-founder of the LWSD Special Needs Dyslexia sub-group. Parents or teachers in the District who are interested in joining the group may contact me at margaret-adams@live.com

Here is the source information - the statement is first, then source:
(1)Dyslexia comprises approximately 80% of all learning disabilities [Dr. Guinevere Eden, President of the IDA, statement made in "Journey into Dyslexia" shown on HBO][ http://www.interdys.org/FAQHowCommon.htm ]

(2) Two myths persist even today: [Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation study http://www.tremainefoundation.org/Content/October_2010_Roper_Poll_Results.asp ] (i)43% of teachers believe the home is at least partly to blame for learning disabilities. And (ii)51% of the general population think that children with learning disabilities are lazy.

(3) Keeping in mind that that 10 to 20% of the US population has dyslexia, ( i)In the year 2000, 48% of the Texas prison population was determined to have dyslexia [Dr. Kathryn Moody, Dept of Neurology, Univ. of TX http://anuarsped.blogspot.com/2009/03/dyslexia-in-prison-population.html ] ; and (ii)In a much more recent study 35 % of entrepreneurs were determined to have dyslexia [Julie Logan of Cass Business School http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17611066 ]

UPDATED: Councilmembers David Carson and Hank Myers conditionally prefer 2-acre "cluster" developments in neighborhoods; Margeson opposes "strips".

UPDATED, 6/20/11:   City Council held a Study Session on 6/14/11 reviewing and clarifying the three methods for zoning "neighborhood commercial". 

The preferred rezone method (C-1) was defined as:  a.) only 1 commercial rezone allowed in each of six different neighborhood areas, b.) the rezone is required to be concentrated in proximity to one of three criteria:  

business, residential, or recreation; prominently residential.  C-1 is the method of choice by staff and council.  Myers and Carson preferred the C-3 method, defined as:  market-based, no requirements for proximity other than 1-acre rezones must be separated by 1/2 mile.  Neighborhood commercial rezone must be along collector roads or larger.  Carson suggested the option of grocery stores or establishments in converted residential housing.  Council decided 24-hour convenience stores with a "limited line of goods" (like 7/11) and signage aesthetics unapproved by the Design Review Board would not be acceptable. Public Hearing is set for July19 at City Hall. 

For quite some time, Redmond City Council and city staff  have been studying and planning policy options for creating "neighborhood commercial" zones in our neighborhoods. Fewer car trips to downtown centers, conveniences, and neighborhood gathering places are a few goals.

A significant piece of Neighborhood Commercial policy is "implementation" of size, proximity and types of businesses in the neighborhoods. Councilmembers Allen, Vache, Margeson and Stilin firmly agreed to:  locating commercial within walking distance (~1/4 mile) of residential concentrations (12-30 housing units/parcel) and parks. (Option C-1)  (SEE UPDATE)
.
Preserving neighborhood character is paramount to council.  Councilmember John Stilin commented, "I'd rather have a neighborhood begging us to open up to development, than be pushed..."

Eighty-two Lake Washington District students receive "Reflection" awards from LW-PTSA

Eighty-two Lake Washington District students received awards through the Lake Washington PTSA Council’s Reflections program. This year’s theme for the Reflections art program was “Together We Can.” Students submitted entries in six different categories: dance/choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography and visual arts. These 82 students received the following types of awards: Outstanding Interpretation, Awards of Excellence or Awards of Merit.

CATEGORIES:

Film Production·
Dance and Choreography
Musical Composition
Literature
Photography
Visual Arts

CLICK TO READ MORE:  complete list of student awardees

Visit the new LW-PTSA Council website and listing of new 2011-2012 officers

Source:  LWSD "School News"
LW-PTSA Council website
Drawing:  Internet

Sammamish Trails District announce newest Eagle Scouts from Redmond, Sammamish and Woodinville

June 4, 2011

The Sammamish Trails District of Boy Scouts of America is proud to announce our newest Eagle Scouts. To earn the Eagle rank, a scout must complete a minimum of 21 merit badges demonstrating community service, leadership, and scouting values. Please join us in congratulating the following scouts in their remarkable achievement in earning the Eagle Scout rank.

Sammamish Trails Residence Troop

Griffin Conrad Chatterley Redmond Redmond Troop 550
Spiro Dimitri Diliani Woodinville Redmond Troop 591
Joseph Primo Domingo Redmond Redmond Troop 575
Connor Scott Everson Woodinville Redmond Troop 591
James Warren Salmon Sammamish Sammamish Troop 500
Samuel Reid Haruo Watanabe Redmond Redmond Troop 577

For more information about Boy Scouts contact the Sammamish Trails District Chair, Wally Kempe at 425-445-2564.

By Paige Norman

Redmond High School PTSA holds General Membership and Awards meeting June 8.

Redmond High PTSA General Membership Meeting, June 8. 

PLEASE JOIN US!  The  Redmond High PTSA will be holding a General Membship meeting this Wednesday, June 8th from 7:00-8:30 PM.

We need you: please join us! We will be honoring our scholarship recipients and volunteers, and voting on ways to help students in need in our community. Please join us. We will be in the  Redmond High school's Career Center.

Congratulations to the 2011-2012

RHS PTSA slate of officers

Co-Presidents: Shelley Flores and Jan LaFond
1st Vice President of Program: Peg Hunt
2nd Vice President of Services: Karen Figurelle
Treasurer: Susan Seabrooks
Secretary: Marie Kent

REDMOND HIGH SCHOOL PTSA AWARDS

Redmond High School 2011 award recipients will be announced soon

Golden Acorn, Golden Mustang, Outstanding Educator, Outstanding Advocate.

Congratulations to our Reflections winners!

Excellence in Film - Pierce Adler
Outstanding in Literature - Samvit Jain
Excellence in Literature - Maya Balakrishnan

Redmond High PTSA website

Filing date for 2011 election ends June 10. Eight Redmond area positions remain uncontested.

UPDATED:  6/9 - Filing date for 2011 election ends  June 10.  Eight Redmond positions remain uncontested.

June 6, 2011. Eight (8) elected officials in Redmond are up for re-election in November but no one has filed to run against an of them.  The filing deadline is June 10.  A three-day filing extension is possible. 

The following incumbent positions are uncontested.  If no one files to run against them, each remain in office until the next election.   Click for the latest filing information and candidate resources.

Dave Carson for Redmond council  (incumbent) 4-year term, uncontested candidates stay in office two years until 2013 election at which time the position will be open again. 
Hank Myers for Redmond council (incumbent)
Hank Margeson for Redmond council (incumbent)
John Marchione for Redmond Mayor (incumbent)

August Kempf for Evergreen Hospital County Commission District 2  (incumbent)  6-year terms
To run you must be a resident of the Redmond/Sammamish district; stipend of $107/meeting.  *If no one files Kempf stays in office until the 2013 election.  Hospital commissioners make policy decisions on levy money allocations. Comment:  In my two meetings with Mr. Kempf, he advocated the use levy funds for debt service.  74% of the $15 million levy monies goes to debt service to finance Evergreen Medical Center growth; 26% goes to community health.

Chris Carlson for LW School District Board of Directors (incumbent) 4-year term.  To run for this office you must be a resident of the Kirkland area.  *Uncontested candidates stay in office til 2013 at which time the position will be open again. 
Jackie Pendergrass, LWSD Board of Directors (incumbent)  To run for this office you must live in the Kirkland/Juanita area.
Ravi Shahani, LWSD Board of Directors, (incumbent).  To run for this office you must live in the Redmond area.  UPDATE:  Siri Bliesner filed for Position #5.  Ravi Shahani incumbant for Pos. 5 hasn't filed as of 6/8.

As of 6/9, Carlson and Pendergrass have filed and all the City incumbents. Shahani and  Kempf haven't filed.

*Terry Buckels, Office of the Secretary of State, explains this process in detail, below:  READ MORE >>

LWSD Board approves meeting notification policy for online media

ATTN: Online media serving the Lake Washington School District and district residents,

LWSD is notifying newspapers of meeting agendas and meeting scheduling changes. The Board approved policy in May, 2011 to include online media in the notification process upon request  to Diane Jenkins, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent".  This is a new Governance Process policy voted by consent agenda in May, 2011 and implemented by the District.

Kathryn Reith, Communications Director of LWSD emailed Redmond Neighborhood Blog on June 1:

"On meeting notification, Diane Jenkins is in charge of the [meeting] notification list while I’m in charge of the general media list, which you are on.  I have checked with Diane Jenkins: she faxes agendas and any information on meeting date or time changes [eg. Hearings, 1st Reading of the Budget, Regular Board meetings, and possibly Linkage, and Community meetings] to the Seattle Times, Kirkland Reporter, Redmond Reporter and Sammamish Review [newspapers]. Would you like to be added to the fax list?"

Yes!  The following online media servicing LWSD should contact Ms. Jenkins to be added to the  notification list: Kirkland Views, Kirkland Weblog, KOMO.com, Patch.com, American Towns.com, Seattle PI, TOPIX.com,  My/Northwest.com and others.  Ms. Jenkins' email is:  djenkins@lwsd.org

Reported By Bob Yoder
6/5/11

UPDATED: Council meeting on "Neighborhood Commercial" sheds light on candidates Carson, Myers, and Margeson

L-R, Margeson, Myers, Cole, Allen,
Carson, Vache', Stilin

Council meeting on "Neighborhood Commercial" sheds light on candidates Carson, Myers, and Margeson

UPDATED OPINION:  City council met on May 24 to study "Neighborhood Commercial"(NC).  It's a big deal because they're setting policy on permitting commercial business in our neighborhoods.  Councilmember Allen succinctly described NC as "something you walk to, to get things you need."   Do we want "7-11 convenience stores" on Education Hill, North Redmond, Grasslawn, or Idylwood (View Point) neighborhoods?  'Clusters' of projects?   *Something different or in-between?  Or nothing at all?  *Council re-affirmed from previous meetings, the form of NC they want are cafe's, small grocery stores, spas, professional services, near parks (culture, rec, and government) on 1-acre parcels within .25 miles walking distance from neigborhoods. 

Neighborhood Commercial is an emotional, political issue and something new to Redmond. The May meeting offers fertile ground for insight into how councilmembers think and make decisions. This post (and others) will focus on the three councilmembers running for re-election this year - David Carson, Hank Myers, and Hank Margeson. I hope the review will encourage engaged citizens to run for a council office in the spirit of building a healthy, vibrant Redmond.

Council broke their May 24th study session into three parts: zoning, public notice process and implementation.  Richard Cole was absent.

ZONING:  Rezoning was the shortest conversation.   Council decided:

• NC wouldn't be allowed in  low density residential property, like horse acre properties (R-1)
• Business Parks and Commercial Parks could have delis but no 7-11's, nail salons, dentists, etc.  (Margeson and Myers made a point of this)
• 3-acre residential couldn't be rezoned to NC with the exception of 1) the PCC shopping area on 116th and Avondale and 2) the shopping area on Old Redmond Road and 132nd Avenue.  Myers and Margeson both agreed the shopping areas were stragegic to their neighborhoods.  Myers pointed out their 1+ mile distance from Redmond urban centers and so greater residential need for services.

I watch most Council meetings.  During council meetings in general, it's common for Hank Margeson to lead on neighborhood issues.  (Mr. Margeson was on the Education Hill Advisory Committee and Parks Board.)  In this session, Mr. Margeson actively contributed to the conversation about 5 times and Mr. Myers about three.  Mr. Carson had very little to say.  He asked staff a short question about Overlake Technical Center; and mentioned "a deli."  Council's entire conversation on rezoning lasted 20 minutes.

Neighborhood Public Process is the next subject of my next post.  It's really important to Council. 

Opinion By Bob Yoder
City website photo
Updated, 6/5

Fire fighters play paddle ball at Redmond Junior High



Redmond Fire and Medic Trucks parked at Redmond Junior High
in the sun late Friday afternoon

  

Redmond fire fighters and medics playing paddle ball on
the tennis courts today. 

I've seen fire trucks parked at Redmond Junior High before and wasn't sure what was going on. Saw em again today. Fire gear was out, but no smoke. No alarms. No hoses. No water. No one flat on the ground getting CPR. Then, Pam waved towards the tennis courts....

Low and behold we saw about eight fire fighters playing paddle ball.  They were good!   Lean and agile and moving quickly, these guys are definitely athletes.  With the short paddles they were really zipping around.

You know how Microsoft is known for their "team building" events where they go bowling or do some other activity in small groups?   I figure this is a team building exercise, a moral booster, and a fun way for our fire fighters to stay fit.   The Redmond Police were out running for the Special Olympics today.  Why not a little team building for Redmond Fire where their fitness is on display!

Next time I see them playing, I'll stop by and say hi.  Perhaps I'll see the new fire chief?  Or even the Mayor?   Mayor John lives only five minutes away!

Opinion by Bob Yoder
IPhone Photos by Yoder

Redmond Police Department Carries the Torch for Special Olympics | Kirkland Views

Jim Bove, Redmond Police
Community Outreach

Redmond Police Department Carries the Torch for Special Olympics Kirkland Views:

"The Redmond Police Department participated in escorting the Special Olympics Torch through Redmond shortly after 6:00 a.m. Friday morning.
The torch precession started in Eastern Washington and came through Redmond on its way to Ft. Lewis for the Special Olympics games."

By Rob Butcher
Kirkland Views
Photo By Jim Bove

Redmond Saturday Market Events and "Market Thymes"

What's Fresh - What's New - Events and Happenings at the Best Market on the Eastside!

Redmond Saturday Market
7730 Leary Way NE
Redmond, Washington 98052
May through October - Every Saturday - 9 to 3 PM
Martha Tyler - Market Manager - 425-556-0636

info@redmondsaturdaymarket.org
http://www.redmondsaturdaymarket.org/

Hi Everybody! Here's the latest edition of the new "Market Thymes".  We want you to be informed about all the terrific events we have planned for you this season. Do you want to read Market updates and  know someone who would like to receive the weekly "Market Thymes"? Just go to our website and click on the envelope to sign up for it. http://www.redmondsaturdaymarket.org/

LETTER: Redmond Bike Park a move in the right direction, improves community

Redmond Bike Park - work party -  credit/ cor

LETTER from Dave Randall

This particular location doesn't represent a "new" bike park - rather an "official" bike park. The dirt jumps have been there for years, and have attracted a variety of people and behaviors that are both positive, and not so positive. I see the Redmond Bike Park as a move in the right direction for the following reasons:

1. You have a large group of young people actively and voluntarily engaged in improving their community.

2. These same young people are working with the parks department and city government to bring about change that is important to each of them.

3. The riders will seek out locations to build bike tracks and build them. Without the proper oversight and guidance, are more likely to build inappropriately designed tracks on private property.

4. The riders are in shape! They have traded time with their Nintendos and XBOX's for time exercising, building cameraderie and staying in shape.

5. The location of the Redmond Bike Park will receive more "housecleaning" attention by the riders that are proud of their accomplishments by keeping it cleaner and discouraging illegal behaviors (dumping, drugs, etc)

6. Through interactive discussions with Hillride and other organizations, the riders are learning about smart ways to build, ride and have fun.

I know that many folks, especially Carolyn Hope, have put a tremendous amount of effort into ensuring that the Redmond Bike Park becomes an location that supports off road biking and jumping for all skill levels and maintains the right balance between maintaining the integrity of the location and providing a high quality recreational facility.

As with most change, there are concerns and considerations. And, I have seen and heard concerns come from the riders, the parents, the neighbors, and the community. As a result of the input, there has been an incredibly thorough amount of planning that has gone into the Redmond Bike Park to ensure its success. I anxiously await the announcement for the next scheduled work party!

Sincerely,
Dave Randall
Redmond, WA
June 2, 2011

LW School District PTSA Special Needs Resources for the summer

from the desk of Julie Shalaby...
LWSD PTSA Special Needs Chairperson

"I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Holiday!  Below, are many resources for you"

•  FEAT of Washington: Experience Learning Project (ELP)
•  Volunteers Needed to Help Kids with Special Needs Be Safer
•  Future Planning from the Arc of King County - June 4
• Summer day care for teenagers with disabilities
• Advocating for Change Together (ACT) - A Local Leadership Development Program· UW Autism Center Summer Activities
• Drama Program for Children with Autism: Stone Soup Theatre 

READ DETAILS: READ MORE >>

Redmond Bike Park work party cancelled. Potential for appeal of Site Plan application

Redmond Bike Park - Credit Bob Yoder

Redmond Bike Park work party, scheduled for June 18 and 19, is cancelled until further notice. The City will announce a revised construction schedule as it comes available.

There is potential for an appeal of the site plan entitlement application to be filed. All design materials and the SEPA checklist for are posted on the project website at http://www.redmondbikepark.com/HOME.html  under the document library.

Over the past two years, the City worked with community members to determine how to legitimize dirt jumps built on City property. After a series of public meetings, field trips to other bike parks and trails and design workshops, the community approved plans developed by Hilride Progression Development Group. The design consists of five dirt-jump style trails for BMX and mountain bike riders. There will be a progression of trails from beginner to advanced, including a pump track that can be ridden by people of all skill levels.

The City has two partners on this project, Realize Redmond and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. It is supported or sponsored by Bikes Belong, Specialized Bicycle Components through Pacific Bicycles Company, Whole Foods Market, Sun Belt Rentals, Transition Bicycles and Redline Bicycles.

For more information, visit the project website at www.redmond.gov/bikepark  or contact the project manager, Carolyn Hope at 425-556-2313 or cjhope@redmond.gov

C.O.R. Press Release
Photo by Yoder
Special thanks to Howard Frazier for reporting a broken link.

Movies @ Marymoor!

Wizard of Oz
Wednesday 7/13
7 p.m.

Dodgeball
Wednesday 7/20
7 p.m.

Ghostbusters
Wednesday 7/27
7 p.m.

Mamma Mia
Wednesday 8/3
7 p.m.

MORE

UPDATED: LW School District "Budget Review Process" up in the air.

UPDATED, 6/21

Don't miss the reader comments at the bottom of this post.  Ms. Reith, District Communications Director responds to a reader's comments.   

"Lake Washington School District Budget Review Process up in the air."

Budget Meeting is planned for August 8 but it's not posted on the website per district process.
Please check the front page of the District website for updates. 
 
Here's the news on the 2011-2012 Budget Review Process for Lake Washington School District.   I'll post any updates I hear about, but please check the front page of the district website .  It's the BOARD'S only method of noticing, other than newspapers and select online media.   RNB is the only media posting these budget meeting notices at this time.    

The Administration's "First Reading of the Budget" on 6/20 and Notice of HEARING still aren't published on the District site or announced on the front website page and summer recess is on June 22.  Very few parents will be going to the webite in August!  The Budget meeting(s) and the Hearing times are verified once they're published on the district website, providing the dates don't change.

I've got three sources of  Budget Meeting information from the District summarized, as follows:

1. Pres. Pendergrass -- 6.20.11- Budget Presentation to Board; August 8- Budget Approval (no times)
2. Administration:  District website (front page) - School Board Meetings - no mention of Budget
3. Administration:  Kathryn Reith - June 20 (First Reading of Budget), August 8-Public Hearing, 7pm

So far, it looks like August 8 is the date for the Budget Hearing, including a public comment period. 

#####
Administration writes the Agenda; School Board President approves it

"from the desk of President Jackie Pendergrass on 6/1"....
Hi Bob,    (read more) >>

RHS History Hero Award for 2011

John Couch begs Naomi Hardy to shovel manure in Derby Days Parade  CREDIT/ REDMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

       2011 History Hero

John Couch

During 30 years as Redmond’s director of parks and recreation, John Couch built a network of open spaces that makes our town the green gem that it is. That alone made John a great candidate for our annual History Hero award, but it was his amazing ability to corral volunteers for our Sammamish Valley News scanning project that made him the unanimous choice for this year’s award by the Redmond Historical Society.

John brings incredible energy to the passion of preserving and sharing our heritage – and you can usually see him in action at the Derby Days parade where, in the past, he has ridden his vintage 10-speed bike or shoveled horse manure with our own Naomi Hardy!

The 2011 History Hero award will be presented to John Couch at the Redmond Historical Society annual picnic on June 11, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Anderson Park, 7802 168 Avenue NE, Redmond.

Past History Hero winners:


2010: Brad Best

2009: Randy and Stephanie Reeves, and Paul and Patty Gordon
2008: Dianna Broadie
2007: Charles Payton
2006: Rosemarie Ives

By Doris Schaible
Community Relations, Redmond Historical Society (RHS)
Photo of John Couch portait credited to Brian Ranck

Woodinville out-guns Sammamish 10-7 for first Division II State lacrosse championship

 A Woodinville attackman puts a hit of Sammamish's Sam Chapman in Saturday's boys Division II state lacrosse championship.  Woodinville defeated Sammamish 10-7 to secure a perfect record and their first state lacrosse title. 

Chapman’s four goals leads Woodinville past Sammamish for first Division II lacrosse championship

SEATTLE – Led by senior JD Chapman’s four goals and a smothering defense, Woodinville outlasted Sammamish 10 – 7 to secure a perfect season and capture their first Washington state Division II lacrosse championship, Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Seattle.  READ MORE >>

Lake Washington School District budget news: Teacher salaries and more

UPDATED:  LWSD Administration is charged with implementing $2 million in employee salary cuts and other budet items, per the 2011 State budget.  If you want a say into how the salary cuts are implemented (or any part of the Budget) the school board invites you to attend and comment at the following district budget *meetings:

"The first reading of the LWSD budget will be...on June 20 at 7 p.m.. The public hearing on the LWSD budget will be at the August 8 meeting, a 7 p.m. meeting."   - Kathryn Reith, 5/26

Questions?  Contact Ms. Reith at:   kreith@lwsd.org or (425) 936-1342.  You may email comments for the record or request information for the Hearing at: kreith@lwsd.org.  *LWSD public meetings are subject to change without notice.  Click here to learn how to find the most current meeting times. 


LWSD Budget press release:
Redmond, Wash. – The proposed joint budget released today by the state House of Representatives and Senate will result in about $5.1 million less for Lake Washington School District’s instructional programs for each of the next two years.

The proposed state budget cuts the remaining funding for kindergarten through fourth grade class size enhancements designed to keep classes in those grades smaller. Two million dollars of this revenue was cut mid-year and the remaining $600,000 will be cut in 2011-12 for a total reduction of $2.6 million. In addition, the state will provide about $2.0 million less in revenue due to cuts to employee salary allocations. These reductions are 1.9 percent for teachers and classified staff and 3.0 percent for administrators. Additional program cuts and pension-rate contribution increases amount to another $.5 million per year impact.

“This additional cut further erodes the funding we receive to provide a basic education to our students,” noted Deputy Superintendent Janene Fogard. Plans for how these reductions will be implemented are yet to be developed.

The state House and Senate are expected to vote on this compromise budget shortly. It must be approved by the two bodies and signed by the Governor to become official. 

LWSD Press Release
5/25/11

May 27: Burke-Gilman Trail safety improvements require closure, detour for several months

Burke Gillman Trail - Lake Forest Park - closed 6/15

May 27: Burke-Gilman Trail safety improvements require closure, detour for several months:

Work starts June 15 to redevelop 2-mile stretch through Lake Forest Park – trail’s oldest segment

Work is about to get under way on a much-needed project to improve public safety along the oldest and narrowest stretch of King County’s Burke-Gilman Trail through Lake Forest Park.

A two-mile-long stretch of the trail will be closed for construction beginning June 15, from Northeast 145th Street to Logboom Park in Kenmore. King County has established a 24-hour hotline – 206-462-6348 – to provide updated information and to answer any questions about the construction project, which could last up to six months."

READ MORE

King Couty Press Release
Internet image

Jackson victory is one-hit wonder; Bothell advances / 4A Baseball | Seattle Times Newspaper

Fan BJ Eliason noted: "Redmond had 5 hits and 1 error. Jackson (from Mill Creek) had 1 hit and 5 errors "

Coach Dan Pudwill
KingCo 4A "Coach of the Year - 2008"
KingCo 4A "Coach of the Year - 2010"

Jackson victory is one-hit wonder; Bothell advances / 4A Baseball Seattle Times Newspaper:

"By Mason Kelley

Seattle Times staff reporter

TACOMA — All Jackson coach Kirk Nicholson could do was laugh.

'You know the big saying that has to come out of this, right?' he asked. 'We grouped our hits.' Making it plural was generous.

On a night the Timberwolves committed five errors, they picked up one hit. But it was a big one, as the state's top-ranked team held off Redmond 5-3 Friday in the Class 4A semifinals at Cheney Stadium"
READ MORE >>

Report By Mason Kelley, Seattle Times
Photo and Clip By Bob Yoder

Update:  Mustangs take 4th in state; Bothell topples Jackson 3-2 for state title. 

Redmond Mustang Baseball website..
Dan Pudwill teaches English at Redmond High School.  He was one of my daughter's favorite teachers.

Evergreen Medical Center/Redmond ER gets good reviews

Evergreen Medical Center/Redmond at Bella Bottega
Services:   Primary Care, Urgent Care, Specialty Care, ER, Imaging, Lab 

UPDATED:  My daughter spontaneously told me this morning that "many people like Evergreen".  I asked what she meant.  She said her friend who works at Rockwell went to the Evergreen Medical Center ER in Bella Bottega for a cut and "got really good service."  She said  "The people were really nice.

I was in the medical center yesterday to say hi and see what was new.   A friendly receptionist gave me a brochure about all the primary care doctors that work there.  She said the clinic has a new doctor specializing in "foot and ankle"care.   And, she'd order more Healthline magnets with the free nurse consulting number...425.899.3000.
   

My daughter's friend has excellent health insurance from Microsoft and LWSD. So, the extra charge for convenient, local 24/7 ER services is not a big deal for them.

For those with poor insurance coverage and can't afford ER or who can't get to their primary care physician but have an "urgent" need:  Evergreen /Redmond has Urgent Care service in the same building with 9-5 hours (all week).  Evergreen also has Urgent Care in Woodinville with *better hours.

* M-F 8-8, Weekends 9-5.

Report By Bob Yoder
Graphic from Evergreen website

Redmond Centennial Celebration Plans Are Underway - Read how you can win the $500 award!

30-year Mayor Bill Brown coined the phrase: 
"All roads lead to Redmond"

 Redmond Centennial Celebration 2012

“Redmond was founded by true pioneers, men and women who came up the Sammamish River to a beautiful, yet untamed wilderness. We have been pioneering ever since – first logging and farming, now microchips and bio-engineering, while in the future we look towards a diverse economy with businesses thriving in both the downtown and Overlake.”
  --Redmond Mayor John Marchione

Redmond Centennial Redmond incorporated as a city on December 31, 1912 when the birth of Ernest Alexander Adams brought the city’s population to 300, the number required by State law. The driving force behind incorporation was the ability to tax liquor sales – the funds of which were needed to finance a waterworks system.

Redmond’s Centennial will kick off at Redmond Lights 2011 and culminate in a special celebration at the end of 2012. Throughout the year, special new events will augment Centennial celebrations incorporated into existing community events – the manner of which to be determined by the committee.

See who's on the the Centennial Blue Ribbon Committee!  Learn how you can participate in the Centennial Logo Competition & earn $500!  READ MORE >>

ALL Lake Washington District High Schools to check prom students for alcohol on suspicion

ALL Lake Washington District High Schools to check prom students for alcohol on suspicion

This just in: "Based on legal advice, all of our high schools will be screening students at school events for alcohol use only on individual, reasonable suspicion."
-- Kathryn Reith, Communications Director, LWSD, 5/26
   kreith@lwsd.org , 425-936-1342

Passive alcohol sensor will aid in detection  READ MORE >>

Cyber-bullying: Abuse takes its toll on a new generation of American youth.

Northwest Asian Weekly Cyber-bullying: Abuse takes its toll on a new generation of American youth :

"The state of Washington presumes that children from age 8 to 11 cannot commit crimes.

Think again. On April 23, two sixth grade girls in the Issaquah School District were charged by King County Juvenile Court for cyber-stalking. They hacked into the Facebook account of Leslie Cote, a classmate and former friend. The girls posted sexually explicit pictures and, using Cote’s name, solicited boys for sex".

Read More >>

Reported By Sarah Yee
Northwest Asian Weekly, 5/19
Photo By Johnny Bui, NWAW

Redmond Mayor and Police encourage residents report harassment, potential hate crimes

Mayor John Marchione and the Redmond Police Department are encouraging residents who believe they may be a victim of harassing or threatening actions to report them to the police immediately.

“The City of Redmond does not welcome or tolerate this kind of hateful behavior, and I encourage residents to contact the Police Department if they experience or witness it,” stated Redmond Mayor John Marchione. “Our community is strengthened by the diversity of those who live and work in Redmond and our City continues to reach out to our various faith communities to help prevent such incidents in the future.”

This comes in response to a situation that occurred Monday afternoon when a resident left her vehicle for approximately 10 minutes and returned to find a post-it note with a disparaging comment aimed at the Muslim community.

The case is currently under investigation. If anyone has information regarding this situation, please contact the Redmond Police Department at 425-556-2500.