Recap of Redmond Police Chief's testimony to Council on New Year's Day Fire.

Seattle Times

Recap of Redmond Police Chief Ron Gibson's testimony to Council on January 4, 2011. 

On New Year's Day the call came in at 2:31 AM about the fire on Sammamish Ridge Apartments, Redmond.  (approx. location:  Redmond Way and 148th Ave. NE). 

Chief Gibson said:

2:31 AM - call came in.
2:32 AM - the call was assigned.
2:34 AM - the first Fire unit responded.
2:37 AM- the first Fire unit was on the scene

 6 minutes after the call was received, the first Fire unit was on scene; this was almost simultaneous with the first Police unit that was on the scene.

The initial response to this call involved over 100 Fire Fighters and Police Department personnel.

27 pieces of apparatus - from the Redmond FD, Bellevue FD, Sammamish FD, Eastside FD, Kirkland FD, and Woodinville FD. 

Initial actions should be noted that two of our Fire Fighters actually entered the apartment and were successful in removing two of the victims through a window; efforts to revive these two victims was not successful. 

The investigation will continue for a couple of months.  It is harmful to speculate the cause and origin of the fire.  Turf issues were non-existent.

Chief Gibson thanked Mayor Marchione for being on-site Saturday and Sunday; thanked Public Works for removing the ice; and thanked two Redmond Fire chaplains for their support within 2 hours of the call.

Redmond Fire Chief Fuller spoke afterwords complimenting Redmond Fire & Police on their teamwork.

Source:
City Council Meeting, January 4, 2010.
Photo:   Google Images - Seattle Times

PTSA News and Parent Education

from the desk of Joanne Hall.... Council PTSA Chair of Parent Education

NOMINATIONS FOR PTSA AWARDS. Each year the LWPTSA Council highlights eight very special awards given to individuals who continually contribute their time toward our schools, PTSAs and the Lake Washington School District. The PTSA Council wants your nominations of people who are actively involved in the community, contributing beyond the borders of a local school. Awards are: Community Service, Outstanding Service, Outstanding Advocate, Certificate of Special Service, Outstanding Educator, Golden Acorn, Honorary Life Membership, and Community Outreach. Nominations are due by January 14th. For more information on awards, nomination forms, and submission instructions, please see the PTSA Council's Awards page.

GREAT CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN PARENTS & TEENS. One of the greatest balancing acts parents face in today's world is knowing when to step forward to help and guide their teens' lives and when to let their teens make independent decisions and choices for themselves. How do families work together in a partnership of trust and respect as children and parents encounter new experiences? In this presentation, you will learn: How to distinguish between hype, myth and facts around potentially risky choices? What are the right questions to ask? What information do your students need? Presenter: Julie Metzger, RN on Monday, January 24th from 7 - 9 PM at the RHS PAC. Sponsored by the Lake Washington PTSA Council. Questions? Contact Joanne Hall, Chair, Parent Education.  Read More >>

City of Redmond hosts Winter Shelter at Old Redmond Schoolhouse

Beginning January 15, 2011, the City of Redmond will host an overnight winter shelter at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 NE 80th Street. The shelter will open every night through February 15.

The winter shelter is in the Community Center auditorium and accommodates up to 50 adults. It opens at 8:30pm and closes each morning at 7:30am. The winter shelter is staffed by trained, experienced staff from Congregations for the Homeless (for men) and Sophia Way Shelter (for women). Staff is on site every night in addition to at least one trained volunteer

City of Redmond
Communications Department

Important Trends You Want To Know About

"Important Trends You Want to Know About"

Fake pot banned by FDA--A few months ago we shared with you the dangers of synthetic marijuana, also called Spice, K2 and herbal incense. It was recently in the news when a driver high on Spice drove into pedestrians at the Pike Place Market. The FDA has used its emergency authority to initiate a ban on this substance for at least a year, making it illegal to sell or possess. They will be studying the chemicals more and the temporary ban may lead to something more permanent.

Teen marijuana use up--Marijuana use is up in American teens while alcohol use has declined, according to an annual government study of 8th-, 10th- and 12th-graders across the country. However, alcohol is still the #1 drug of choice among teens with approximately 23% of high school seniors reporting binge drinking.
For "Seattle Times" survey, Click Here 

Early use of pot may change the brain--Smoking marijuana regularly before the age of 16 causes changes in the brain that can impair a young person's ability to focus, learn from mistakes and think abstractly, according to a Harvard study. To read more, Click Here.

By Patti Skelton-McGougan,
Executive Director
Youth Eastside Services (YES)
Photo:  Google Images

School Resource Officers Program is Renewed

The Redmond City Council approved $40,000 funding from Lake Washington School District to continue the School Resource Program through July 1, 2011.

The City of Redmond will continue to provide three regularly employed Resource Officers assigned to the following areas of coverage:  one at Redmond High School, one at Redmond Junior High, and one at Rose Hill Junior High.   The services provided by the SRO's are in addition to the normal police services already provided by the City. 

Although assigned Redmond High, Redmond Junior High and Rose Hill Junior High the SRO's may provide coverage to other nearby schools and areas surrounding these principle schools.  The goal of the SRO program is to foster a positive image of police officers among young people.  The Redmond Chief of Police, with input from the District, will choose the SRO's.

The School Resource Officers will act as a law enforcement resource, maintain the peace on school district property, provide law enforcement counseling and other duties. 

City Council approved the continued contract with LWSD during the "consent agenda" of their Regular Meeting on January 4th.  Source:   AM No. 11-005 (C7).

Dealing with Behavior Challenges of Special Needs Children

presented by Lake Washington School District PTSA... 

"Dealing with Behavior Challenges"
By Nancy Rosenberg, PhD, Autism Specialist, University of Washington

Are you dealing with meltdowns, aggression, self-injurious behavior, or other challenging behaviors in your child with special needs? Dealing with problem behaviors can present some of the biggest challenges for family members of children with special needs. This talk will present some practical and positive strategies for preventing challenging behaviors from occurring in the first place and addressing them when they do occur.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011
7 – 9 pm
LWSD Resource Building16250 NE 74th St, Redmond 98052 (Redmond Town Center)
You're invited to arrive at 6:30 PM to network with other parents and/or to look at our Lending Library cart.

Nancy Rosenberg, PhD, BCBA is an autism specialist and the parent of a child with autism. Nancy received her doctorate in special education from the University of Washington with primary emphases on autism and Positive Behavior Support. She developed and teaches a class at the University of Washington on Positive Behavior Support and has also developed and taught classes for families on how to address challenging behaviors in their children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nancy currently directs a UW autism study here in the Lake Washington School District. She also provides consultation and training for schools and families around children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Nancy's son, Brian, who has autism, has been in the district since kindergarten and now attends Eastlake High School.

Please invite your peers to join us, too! All are welcome!

No memberships or fees, just the sharing of resources and networking!

To be added to the PTSA Special Needs Group email distribution list, please contact the Chairperson, Julie Shalaby, jmshalaby@hotmail.com  Being on this list allows you to get resource info, meeting reminders and summaries, as well as access to files on our LWSD PTSA Special Needs Group Yahoo! web site. This list is not shared with anyone.

A quick tour of the Swedish/Redmond ER and Imaging Center

A quick tour of the Swedish/Redmond ER and Imaging Center - both are open 24/7.

Swedish/Redmond ER on 18100 Union Hill Road in Redmond has been open for business since  December 21.   If you missed their open house, this slide show will give you some idea of their Imaging Department.  Imaging is located on the 1st floor with the Emergency Department.

On December 16,  Redmond Neighborhood Blog and the Redmond Reporter were given a tour of the new Swedish/Redmond ER facility.  ER Director Brynn Karch, MD gave an excellent tour, patiently and thoroughly answering every question.  Later that day, Swedish CEO Ron Hochman and executives celebrated the ribbon-cutting with Mayor Marchione.    

I knew right where to go for the Saturday, December 18 Open House.  All Swedish imaging equipment is "digital" allowing for immediate transfer of the X-rays to the radiologist.  Most everything is "paperless".  Even patient records are digitalized for your family doctor.  No cumbersome files.

Heather, the Chief CT Tech. made a point that no "developing chemicals" are used, so "digital" is good for the environment.  The actual scan can be as fast at 15 seconds to around 2-3 minutes-or-so, depending on the equipment.  Radiation exposure is minimal.  Dr. Karsch indicated patients are often released within 90 minutes of their admission, thanks in part to digital technology. 

A popular piece of technology is the x-ray camera that takes "live" video showing exactly where to position the needle for a shoulder scan with contrast.  Shawn operated the monitor by touch, like an I-Pad.  Another is the "Tele-Stroke."  Patients with possible strokes can be assessed immediately with "web-cam"  by an off-site Swedish Neurologist.  Chad said the presence of a Specialist is critical during administration of clot-busting drugs.

Costs for the state-of-the-art equipment and the exams themselves weren't quoted nor was the kind of insurance you need for comprehensive coverage.  The building costs $25.5 million and is managed and owned by Hammes Company.  Swedish contracts with Seattle Radiologists for imaging and LabCore for diagnostic lab services.   Later this month Swedish/Redmond will open their outpatient, family care clinic on the second floor.  

Report and Photos by Bob Yoder

Photos taken 12/18/2010

LETTER: Redmond Red-Light Camera "Pilot Program" Allows "Decision Points" For Council Review

LETTER TO RNB
By Councilmember Hank Myers, 9/19

Regarding the KING5 TV video feature on red-light cameras in Lynnwood. 

I went onto the KING5 website and viewed the *report (about the red-light installation in Lynnwood). I think the report was balanced, and represented the various opinions. As you may recall, both Richard Cole and I voted against the fine structure because we did not want to be accused of having the program for revenue. The Mayor and Police Department were also sensitive to the charge, and our version uses excess revenue to fund traffic safety programs and does not go into the general fund. I still do not like the fine structure, and that may be changed by the legislature. Our red light cameras are only going in at the few lights with the most violations, and we authorized only one school zone speed camera because only one school has flashing lights to notify drivers. John Stilin was particularly effective in raising the issue of clarity about when the school zones are active.

The report presented evidence that in Lynnwood the accident rate went up after the red light cameras were put in, largely due to rear end accidents, and then came down to below the original level. This did happen with some early adopters, but a portion of the problem appears to be related to having the warning signs too close to the lights. Once effective warning is provided further in advance, the accident rates dropped. We have a pilot program that allows us some decision points. Both the Public Safety Committee and the Council will be reviewing the program and data carefully.

Best wishes-
Hank Myers, 9/19/2010

Councillor Hank Myers is Chair of the Council Safety Committee
Read all RNB posts on Hank Myers
*http://www.king5.com/news/up-front/Red-light-cameras-good-idea-or-bad-111347179.html

Bobcats at Marymoor Park this morning (12/31)

Quick newsflash:

Tina and I were at Marymoor this morning (12/31) and saw two bobcats in a tree. Walking from the parking lot by the compost piles, through the East Meadow, over the little footbridge, through mosquito haven, just a couple of yards before the long boardwalk, there's a large tree on the left.

Initially I saw the silhouette of one bobcat lying on a more-or-less horizontal branch that grew out toward me. Walking to the other side of the trunk for better light, I saw a second, much more visible bobcat close to the trunk of the tree. They were interested in us but intent on remaining in their sunny perches.

Their legs were wet, so I suspect they had been hunting in the marsh and were taking time to dry out. It was about 10:30/11. I got a couple of good photos which are posted here:

Also spotted was a Northern Shrike in the Eastern Meadow.
Posted By Carla Harrington
petwlkr@doglover.com

None of those (big) dogs have anything to worry about from a couple of Bobcats of course but I wanted the owners of the pocket pooches to be warned.  Have a wonderfull day, Carla

5 Killed, 1 Injured In Redmond Apartment Fire

Photo from http://www.mynorthwest.com/

5 Killed, 1 Injured In Redmond Apartment Fire - News Story - KIRO Seattle:

 148th Ave NE and Redmond Wy

Updated: 8:41 am PST January 1, 2011

REDMOND, Wash. -- An apartment fire in Redmond early Saturday morning left five people dead and another injured.

The fire, which started around 2 a.m., spread through multiple units and floors of the Sammamish Ridge Apartments in the 14800 block of Redmond Way.

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Gary Horcher said a total of five people died in the fire, an adult male and four children under the age of 10." Read more....

Read more and see video from KIRO News.

Small phonto of Sammamish Ridge Apts.- Goggle images

Old news, but Good news: Governor Christine Gregoire Proclaimed December 5-11, 2010 Civil Air Patrol Week!

Redmond Overlake CAP Cadet Honor Guard at Safeco. Cadets meet at LWSD Headquarters every Tuesday, 6:45-9PM
Overlake Cadet Squadron Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/overlakesquadron

Governor Christine Gregoire signed a proclamation last week, making December 5-11, 2010 Civil Air Patrol Week. Local Contact:  Mike Holliday overlake@wawg.cap.gov  Read More >>

Willows Creek After Restoration

Logs and "el-wood" are positioned in Willows Creek

Earlier this year, the City implemented a plan to restore a 800 foot section of Willows Creek to a more natural state.  The creek originates in the Rose Hill watershed of Redmond and empties into the Sammamish River about a half mile north of the 90th Street Bridge.  Migrating salmon gather in the mouth of the creek to find cool water and shade.

Erosion and a significant sedimentation problems occur during periods heavy rains.  The problem is augmented by a stormwater outfall servicing the surrounding roads and homes.  High flow rates reduce the amount and quality of habitat for salmon and cutthroat trout. According to Tom Hardy, city stream specialist cutthroat are present but not salmon.  Read more...

Redmond Police Safety Tips for the Season

Jim Bove, Public Information Officer

Dear Redmond Community and Friends,

1. We’re excited to announce that ski/snowboard helmets are now available at the Redmond Town Center Substation for $15. This in addition to bicycle helmets, which are available for $10. Both are available at cost—money goes to replenishing inventory. Visit our RTC Substation website for more information and, remember, please protect your melon!

2. ‘Tis the season to give…and take. Vehicle prowls and residential burglaries are still occurring (more prowls than burgs right now). Remember to remove all valuables (or anything that may appear valuable to a criminal) from your vehicle….like that gym bag in the back seat with dirty clothes—it may not be valuable to you, but a thief might hope it contains money, wallets, laptops, etc. Most prowls can be prevented by removing all items and locking your door, even if you’re just leaving your car for a few minutes.

As for residential burglaries, be certain to communicate with trusted neighbors when leaving town, stop your mail, etc. See our crime prevention website for more safety tips regarding vehicle prowls, home safety, etc. And don’t forget to call 911 if you see anything suspicious….be a good witness, don’t put yourself in danger….observe and report.  Read More >>

Redmond's Chanel Cogan hospitalized for months from 100-foot fall returns home

 by ERIC WILKINSON / KING 5 News

KING5.com story:   Redmond Teen Hospitalized for Months by 100-foot fall returns home.
Posted by King 5.com on December 29, 2010 at 6:11 PM

REDMOND, Wash. -- Doctors still don't know if Chanel Cogan will ever lead a normal life.

"They used the word 'if' she wakes up from the coma," says her mother Mimi. "That was a very solemn day." Chanel's is a life that's been filled with "ifs" lately.

Chanel had just graduated from Redmond High School and was camping with friends at Lake Kachess when she slipped on a trail and fell off a 100-foot cliff. Her friend Tanner Aaron watched in horror as she waved to him, and then plummeted out of sight.

"That's the main question is why Chanel? Why did this have to happen to Chanel?" says Tanner.

Chanel suffered a traumatic brain injury, complicated by a stroke that came at the same time. Injuries from tree limbs nearly forced the amputation of her arm, but they ultimately broke her fall and saved her life -- barely. She sat in a coma for six agonizing weeks. Her family and friends never left her side, sometimes defying doctors' orders.  Read More >>

Redmond Police Host New Year Polar Plunge Into Lake Sammamish!

Idylwood Park, Lake Sammamish

Redmond Police will be hosting its fourth Polar Plunge on Saturday, January 1, 2011. Gathering and festivities start at 10 AM.  12 NOON PLUNGE!

Bring in the new year by supporting Special Olympics of Washington. The Polar Plunge is a fund raising effort organized by law enforcement agencies throughout the state benefiting Special Olympics Washington.

Police and community members collect pledges and plunge into the frigid waters of Lake Sammamish. Aside from the plunge, prizes are given away for best costume, youngest plunger, oldest plunger, and much more.

Support this event by participating or attending!

Source:  "Experience Redmond" City Tourism Site

Redmond To Open First Electric Vehicle Charging Station January 13 - Bellevue Has Two Operating Stations.

Coulomb EV Charging Station

Redmond Opens its First Electric Vehicle Charging Station; Bellevue has two operating stations at Belleuve City Hall. 

Bellevue opened two Free Coulomb Technologies, Level II charging stations at Bellevue City Hall 450 - 110 Avenue, NE. on November 19, 2010.  In the Bellevue and surrounding areas, Coulomb’s ChargePoint America program is now offering hundreds of free EV charging stations for public and home charging to individuals and businesses. The installation of the City Hall ChargePoint station was provided by Coulomb distributor Charge Northwest.  Editor's Note B.Y.

City Press Release:

Redmond, WA – The first Level II charging station in Redmond for electric vehicles will open with a brief ceremony on Thursday, January 13 at 1pm in front of Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85th Street.

This charging station is one of four to be built in Redmond by Coulomb Technologies, Inc under the ChargePoint America Program. This $37 million program is funded in part through a grant from the United States Department of Energy as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA).

Redmond is one of the first in the region to offer use of these public electric vehicle charging stations. Two stations will be located at City Hall and two will be at the City’s Maintenance and Operations Center, 18080 NE 76th Street.

YES Receives $50K from Moyer Foundation for Camp Mariposa

Executive Director Patti Skelton-McGougan

YES Receives $50K from Moyer Foundation for Camp Mariposa

Camp helps kids who are affected by a family member’s drug or alcohol abuse

BELLEVUE, Wash. (December 27, 2010) — The Moyer Foundation is partnering with Youth Eastside Services (YES) to continue offering a special camp for kids affected by a family member’s substance abuse. Camp Mariposa has helped hundreds of kids by giving them the tools they need to manage the impact of living with a substance abuser. The $50,000 grant will cover the cost of five camps in 2011 for approximately 120 children.

Led by specially trained and experienced counselors from YES, this free camp teaches kids about the impact substance abuse has on them and their family. Read More.

Photo by Yoder

Kay Taylor Named Evergreen's Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Evergreen V.P. Kay Taylor

Kay Taylor Named Evergreen's Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Kirkland, WA – Kay Taylor of Kirkland has joined Evergreen Hospital Medical Center as Vice President of Marketing and Communications. She will be responsible for marketing, communications, public relations, community relations, *community health education and the hospital’s 24-hour Healthline.

Taylor has been a senior marketing executive for 25 years. Most recently she was the Vice President of Communications and Marketing at Exempla Healthcare in Denver. There she directed the marketing for the three Exempla hospitals and its physician network. Highlights of Taylor’s six-year tenure at Exempla include the design, development and implementation of a branding program, introduction of a new corporate identity and revision of existing communications programs. She served as the leader for the group’s Service Excellence task force. She also was Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Maryland, Clarian Health in Indianapolis, the Battle Creek Health System and Oaklawn Hospital in Michigan.

“We are delighted that Kay has joined Evergreen. Her experience and creativity will be an incredible asset to the organization as we serve the health needs of our community,” said Bob Malte, CEO of Evergreen Healthcare.

Taylor received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alma College in Michigan and is a member of several national health care organizations. She has volunteered for numerous community organizations throughout her career. In her spare time, the mother of four enjoys biking, hiking and windsurfing.

Press Release, 12/22

####

RNB Editor's Note:   According to Evergreen Administrative Director, Laurene H. Burton,"Vice President of Marketing and Communications" is a new position.  RNB will publish the Administration's new Organizational Chart after CEO Bob Malte hires a new Chief Operating Officer.  Kay's responsibility over "Community Health Education" may involve interfacing with Evergreen Community Advisers, LWSD, and indirectly with District taxpayers.   B.Y.

First Winter Snow



John Reinke,  first Redmond snow, 2010


Happy Holidays from Redmond Neighborhood Blog!

Mustang Boys Basketball Volunteer At Swedish/ER Open House

 Zach Klein, Conner Flain, Leslie Ellis, Jason Harrington

     Redmond Mustang Boys Basketball Team Volunteer at the Swedish/Redmond:ER Open House.

Here's a picture of four Mustang Boys Basketball Team players (Zach Klein, Conner Flain, Leslie Ellis, Jason Harrington) that volunteered at the Swedish/Redmond: ER Open House on December 18.  They worked the Swedish/Redmond "Tree Maze" loading free evergreen Christmas trees donated by Swedish.   Clients from Hope-link and Redmond's  "Together Center" human services mall  received trees until 3:00 pm.  Free trees were open to the public afterwards.  It was a rainy/snowing day but the place was packed.

SEASON UPDATE:  As of this report, the Varsity Boys are off to a good start at 4-3.  The Team has a primed roster with seven juniors and three seniors. Zach (guard), Leslie (forward), Conner (forward) and Jason (g/f) are all Juniors. Most of their games have been close. They lost league games to the Redmond/Kirkland Lake Washington Kangaroos 42-47 on 12/11, and another squeaker to Skyline 37-41.  A couple nights ago the 'Stangs rolled over Ballard  71-58. Last night it was Camas 52-59.  Watch out for next year, though!  Coach Larson and 'Stangs look forward to the Seattle Prep Slalom Slam Tournament on12/27-29.

Thanks for volunteering 'Stangs.  No doubt, Hope-link and Together Center clients will remember you when they put up their trees!

Report By Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder

Sources:  Mustang b'ball website, Kangaroos b'ball website, Seattle Times, Swedish/Redmond: ER and Outpatient Press Release.

City Takes Time to Educate Citizenry on The Good And Bad Of Red-Light Safety Cameras

UPDATED:  Just before Christmas, Commander Shari Shovlin of the Redmond Police announced a new start date for their Safety (Red Light) Cameras.   The Red-Light camera activation date is now changed from New Year's Day to February 1.  

THE RED-LIGHT PROCESS:  For the month of February, citizens are sent a warning of their infractions. Citations will be issued starting March 1 and can be challenged in court.  However, the city may give you an opportunity to review your infraction on their new website to help save you and the courts some time.

Some good news:  Red-Light violations will be cited "non-moving" so your driver's insurance company won't ding you; and the $124 fine is less than a "moving" violation.  Driving habits change and fewer accidents have been reported over time. 

Some bad news:  Red-Light cameras are controversial in some cities, because they've been reported as a Cash Cow.  KING-TV featured a report on Lynnwood, WA with claims Lynnwood generated 10% of it's total budget from red-light fines.  The reporter interviewed citizens who claimed revenues create a revenue habit for installing ever more red-lights   Also, watch out for rear-end bumps as drivers get used the Pilot.

I alerted City Council to an education, yet alarming 12/5  KING-TV video in early December.  Councillor Hank Myers, Chair of the Council Safety Committee responded with a Letter to RNB a few days after. The 12/5 KING-TV video has since been removed, though text remains.