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.

Current Events: Redmond Historical Society

In 1910,  Bill Brown (mayor) built his first retail business, a wood-frame saloon on the SE corner of Leary and Cleveland.

Old photographs provide a wonderful insight into life in the early days of Redmond. The Redmond Historical Society is interested in making copies for placement in its archives. If you have historical photos to share, or know of someone who does, and you would like more information, please call Monica Park at 425-885-2919, or email her at our email address:  info@redmondhistoricalsociety.org  or mail the photographs to Redmond Historical Society, Attn: Monica Park, The Old Redmond Schoolhouse, 16600 NE 80th Street, Room 106, Redmond, WA

Join us for our annual picnic! We'll meet on Saturday, June 11, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Anderson Park, 7802 168 Avenue NE. Bring family, friends and a favorite potluck dish to share. The Society will provide the rest, including ice cream! The Old Time Fiddlers are providing entertainment. Don’t miss this last get-together until September.

Do you know Redmond has four living mayors?  John Marchione, Rosemary Ives, Doreen Marchione, and Christine Himes.  Last year two Redmond mayors attended the annual picnic: John Marchione and Christine Himes.  Who will show up this year?! B.Y.

We'll also be selling tickets for the quilt raffle in honor of Redmond’s Centennial in 2012. Tickets sell for $2 each and are also for sale at the office.

Newsletter:  Take a look at the Redmond Historical Society Newsletter!

Walking Tour:  Take a Redmond Historical Walking Tour of  "Old Town".  Next tour is June 19, 1pm

RHS Press Release
Art from RHS website

Redmond Police share "red light" infraction data with Council today

OPINION:

Even I (Scott Harlan) am surprised by the data shared with the council today by the police department:

· 90% of all violations are for rolling rights on red. 6% are for running red lights straight-thru (267/4510).

· In March and April, the cameras caught just over one straight-thru violation per day per intersection (267/3/61 days).

· There has been a reduction in accidents of one from last year to this year.

· Yet, the city issued $560,000 in tickets for those two months. Over $500,000 in citations were issued for rolling rights on red. That $560,000 bought essentially no decrease in accidents.

· The city accepted 9 out of 10 of the vendor’s recommendations.

Opinion By Scott Harlan
Ban Cam Activist, Redmond, WA.