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