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