7% net job loss in 2010 won't affect Redmond housing targets.

Housing targets unchanged

by 2010  job losses

UPDATED:  Last night, city council reviewed the 2010 employment estimates for Redmond.   Total employment was down 15.2% from  90,704 ('09) to 76,876 in 2010.  Actual employment loss was approximately  7% or 6,000.  The 7,746 jobs (8.25%) lost when Microsoft relocated employees from Redmond to Issaquah and Bellevue in 2009-2010 are not counted.  

As a result, Council voted to lower their 2030 employment target from 126,600 to 119,000.  The source for employment estimates is Puget Sound Regional Council

Councilmember Pat Vache' got a "no" from staff when he asked if the job loss "will affect housing targets."   President Richard Cole had concerns of a housing imbalance, saying "Redmond has been picked on in the past" for being behind in housing goals.  Staff responded, a small imbalance could create an oversupply of housing in our favor.   

The percent reduction in jobs by sector, based on Redmond licensing data is, as follows: 

• Construction Resources,  - 25% 
• Finance, Insurance, and Real estate - 15%  
• Manufacturing,  -23% 
• Retail, --2%
• Services, -4%
• Wholesale, Trade, Transportation - 3%
• Government -4%   [*includes reduction of 19 contracted jobs (2%) paid by Microsoft, B.Y.]
• Education, -5%)

Redmond was ranked the highest for percent job loss 2009-2010, as compared to other cities.  To name a few:  Redmond, -15.25%, Sammamish - 9.59%, Sea Tac 6.80%, Woodinville, -4.75%, Seattle, -2.35%, Mercer Island, - 1.33%, Bellevue, -1.03%, Kirkland ++1.02%, Issaquah  ++5.59 

(Redmond's net job loss is 7% after Microsoft location corrections)

Reported by Bob Yoder

Source:  City document AM 11-166

* 2009 - 2010 city budget manual

Internet photo

Parks and Trails Commission vacancy hard to find on City Website - deadline approaching

Deliver your Parks & Trails

Commission application

 to City Hall

The City has one opening on the Parks and Trails Commission that must be filled by a resident living outside Redmond’s city limits with a Redmond address.  The Mayor reviews your application and makes the appointment.  The Council approves the appointee.  If you are interested it might be a good idea to contact the Mayor's office to talk to a commissioner.  An excellent contact is Sue Stewart.  She is a candidate for City Council and was Chair of Parks and Trails for 6 years.   

The commission may be looking for someone familiar with trails outside the city ie. horse, hiking, biking, running. The Parks and Trails Commission members advise and make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council concerning acquisition, development and improvements to all park facilities.    They also make recommendations and provide input on recreational programming. The Commission meets on the first Thursday evening of the month at City Hall. All board and commission members are volunteers.

Applicants must complete a community service application. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday, August 26.  If you're looking for additional information on the Commission to prepare for the interview visit the new city website:  http://www.redmond.gov/.

The  new city website is challenging to navigate.  If you have trouble, I recommend you write the Office of the Mayor and City Ombudsman at:  mayorcouncil@redmond.gov.  To research this story, I visited the website Search engine and the A-Z Directory. It didn't work, so I emailed the Office of the Mayor and Council for help.  They responded: 

"Bob, if you look at the top of the website and click on Residents, then click down to Volunteer Opportunities and then click to Boards and Commissions, you will see the notice for the opening on the Parks and Trails Commission"    --Talley Hudson, Office of the Mayor

"The press release [link to the job description] was a bit challenging to find, so I've copied it below for your to share with your friend"  

-- Hank Margeson, Ombudsman, City Councilmember

I stumbled on the application on a separate page.  It's unfortunate important commission openings are so hard to find and research.  Those "on the inside" appear to have the advantage.  I'm hoping a Council candidate will address some of these problems in their campaign.

Opinion By Bob Yoder   

Internet photo

"Grasscrete" road supports a fire truck, environmentally friendly, By John Reinke

 This is an environmentally friendly road that filters stormwater and recharges the groundwater / John Reinke

This is an example of "grasscrete," an alternative to a paved fire lane.   It's structurally sound to support the weight of a fire engine.  The City is trying to encourage alternatives to hard surface fire lanes.  If the site is flat, the Fire Department will allow use of this type of product, which is much more environmentally friendly."  

  --Cathy Beam, AICP, Principal Environmental Planner

I think this sidewalk was probably installed when the bridge was built that connected both sides of NE 90th Street, about 15 years ago - but I really don't know. It's just to the west of the big QFC, and just to the north of the Senior Center adjacent to a large rental property.

--John Reinke, Education Hill

LETTER: Regional Transit Task Force member acknowledges Councilmembers Hague and Lambert

LETTER:  As a member of the Regional Transit Task Force (RTTF) I want to acknowledge the leadership of King County Councilmembers Jane Hague and Kathy Lambert on the Congestion Reduction Charge (CRC). To paraphrase the Councilmembers, they didn’t change their mind, they changed the proposal, and they did so in a way that serves their constituents and all the citizens of King County extraordinarily well.

The changes are substantive.

• Accelerating the phase out of the free ride area and implementation of alternative service delivery models honor the recommendations of the Metro audit and RTTF, respectively.
• Complimentary bus tickets for individuals paying the CRC, paired with a ticket donation program, ensure that everyone who pays the CRC will see direct benefit and provides a path for increasing social equity.
• Factoring tolling into service allocation decisions directly addresses the RTTF emphasis on productivity and geographic value.

Each of the changes negotiated by Councilmembers Hague and Lambert move us toward a more vital and sustainable King County Metro - one that better serves the needs of citizens in their districts and throughout the county. In crafting a CRC that includes these provisions the Councilmembers are keeping both our county’s people and its economy moving.

  -Josh Kavanagh 

 Member, Regional Transit Task Force

King County formed the Regional Transit Task Force in March 2010 to consider a policy framework to guide service investments or—if necessary—contraction of the King County Metro Transit system.

Ban Cam Activist responds to Redmond Councilmember Cole's "dismissal of signature gathering efforts"

Activist Scott Harlan

LETTER:  Redmond's Ban Cam Activist Scott Harlan writes to "Voters Decide For Redmond", the following:

Council President Richard Cole said in yesterday's Redmond Reporter:   

"Council's [red light safety program] decision will be based on the infraction and collision data, not a few thousand signatures.

 “Our decision on whether we renew the contract or not will virtually have nothing to do with (Harlan's) signature gathering," said Cole, adding that council members would certainly take notice if Harlan brought in 25,000 signatures. "That would send a message," he said.

Mr. Cole’s dismissal of our effort as being only 1/5th of what it would take to get the council’s attention is a dismissal of the campaign’s volunteers and supporters and their incredible effort. It is a dismissal of at least 3,845 registered voters in Redmond that have, or will, take the time to sign the petition, put a stamp on an envelope, and send it in to us. Please reach out to Redmond Council council@redmond.gov  and let them know that it is their job to listen to the citizens of their city.

The initiative law was written such that 15% of the registered voters in a city can sign a petition to put a measure on the ballot (in the case of Redmond, that is 3,845). The drafters of that law wanted to create a very high hurdle for voter access to the ballot. We hope to hit that high hurdle.Mr. Cole is saying, “Thanks for your efforts, but a few thousand signatures is a drop in the bucket. Bring me five times that amount and then we’ll notice”. 4,000 to 5,000 votes is what it takes to elect a mayor or city council member in Redmond.  Read More >>

City celebrates $107,755 renovation of historic Anderson Park shelter - Rotary Club hosts event

from the desk of Pam Mauk, Executive Director, Together Center... 

Anderson Park shelter is located in Redmond's first park

Rotary Club of Redmond hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate renovation of historic Anderson Park

Rotary Club of Redmond, a key partner in the renovation of a 1938 Anderson Park shelter, will host a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the renovation on Thursday, August 25, at 1 pm. The newly-renovated park shelter is located in the north-east corner of Anderson Park in the heart of Redmond at 7802 168th Ave NE.

All are welcome to join the club for the ribbon cutting and cake. The gathering will last about a half hour.

The Anderson Park shelter is one of the city’s most popular shelters and is often reserved for family barbecues or birthday parties. The Rotary committee chose to participate in this project because of the historical significance it has in Redmond and the shelter acts as a gathering place for individuals in the community.  Read More >>

UPDATE 4: Eastside Community supports Mental Health & Wellness

People did not seek help for mental illness in 2010

A majority of Americans with mental disorders did not receive professional help in 2010, according to a major government study released today

Although about 20 percent of American adults (45.9 million) reported any mental illness in 2010, only 39.2 percent of that group said they got treatment, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration report shows.  Read More >>

By Janice Lloyd
Gannett
January 27, 2012

#####

A Winning Approach to Mental Health:  'Signs and Symptoms of Depression', Overlake's Eastside services and more...

It may be tempting to try to deal with depression, anxiety and similar disorders on your own, but mental health conditions can be just as debilitating as physical illnesses. No one should struggle through each day feeling hopeless and alone. Effective treatments are available from skilled, caring professionals here in your own community.   Read More >>

  --Healthy Outlook, Winter 2012

#####

HERO House, Newsletter, Winter 2011

"On November 3, over 225 attendees fill the Auditorium at the Lake Sammamish Four Square Church, helping HERO  House to raise more than $40,000 for our sponsors.  This year was the inauguration of the Abe Kriger Visionary Award, in recognition and honor of the Eastside's HERO House Founder, Abe Kriger.  The fundraiser was emceed by Dennis Bounds, co-anchor of King5News.  HERO House is located on the Bellevue-Redmond border and provides a safe, non-threatening haven to foster a sense of community support for those in East King County, living with the effects of serious mental illness." 

Contact: Erica Horn, 425-614-1282. 14230 NE 21st St. Bellevue, WA.  98007.  http://www.herohouse.org/.

#####

Chadd

What steps can parents take to promote a positive future for their ADHD children? Challenging behaviors today may well prove to be assets in adult life. Learn how to recognize and promote the positive strengths of your child.

Eastside CHADD is pleased to announce that we offer clock hours for school professionals who attend Eastside CHADD meetings. You will need to attend a minimum of two meetings to earn clock hours through my247ed.com. More details will be provided at the Tuesday's meetings.

Please invite your children's teachers, school nurses, counselors, and psychologists to our meetings and let them know that we offer clock hours at a very reasonable rate.
 
###



Issaquah Mental Health Court serves the entire Eastside

 WHAT IS A MENTAL HEALTH COURT?

The new Issaquah Mental Health Court opened in 2010.  Directions and details are here. 

SPECIAL THANKS TO:  Mike Rynas of NAMI-Eastside, Leadership Eastside, King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert, Redmond Council member Hank Margeson, and the many other individuals and organizations who helped make this human service available on the Eastside. 

King County Mental Health Court website.

EVERGREEN PUBLIC HOSPITAL sponsors community mental health care services by hosting Mental Health and ADHD Forums every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 PM.  Contact: Laurene Burton at lburtnon@evergreehealthcare.org  for details.

For information please call the NAMI Eastside at 425 885 6264 or email info@nami-eastside.org

NAMI-Eastside office is located at "The Together Center,"  Redmond, WA.

Hague reverses position and now supports temporary $20 tab charge

"HERE IS SOME REALLY GOOD NEWS FROM JANE HAGUE -- something moved her to change her position..."    --Richard Morris, Education Hill Neighbor, Redmond, 8/12

Dear Neighbor,

Today I announced my support of the temporary $20 “Congestion Reduction Charge.” My support comes as a result of a bipartisan agreement which addresses my primary concerns regarding the future of Metro.

First, the new legislative package preserves service on the Eastside – nearly 120,000 hours which were slated to be cut. Second, it takes critical steps to make Metro more financially sustainable.

This new proposal initiates meaningful reform that protects jobs and reduces waste. Among the elements of the agreement:

 · The preservation of current levels of Metro service on the Greater Eastside. Under the previous proposal, Eastside service would have been cut by 120,000 hours.

· Implementation of “right-sizing” consistent with the Transit Strategic Plan. Rather than eliminating low-ridership routes that serve lower-density areas, Metro will deploy lower-cost, more efficient Dial-a-Ride Transit service (DART), community access transportation services, Vanpools and vanshares, which will make Metro more efficient and responsive to riders.

· A Transit Incentive Program that will provide eight bus tickets, up to $24, in exchange for each car tab renewal. Individuals will be able to use the tickets for bus rides to anywhere within the county. Or they can choose to donate the value of those tickets for distribution by select human service agencies.

· A phase out of the downtown Seattle Ride Free Area in October 2012, which was called for by the County Council’s 2009 Metro performance audit. The elimination will save $2.2 million a year.

· Language consistent with the Transit Strategic Plan that calls for routes which carry more riders due to the effect of highway tolling, including SR-520, as candidates for added service. I’ve always been a supporter of transit in King County. It is critical that we keep people and businesses moving – especially during this tough economic time.

For more information on the agreement see the press release below. I also want to thank the thousands of concerned citizens that wrote me and voiced their concern. I value your feedback.

For More Information on the New Congestion Reduction Charge (CRC) Click Here 

Click Here to see a Comparison Chart

Sincerely,

Jane Hague

King County Council – District 6

Email: jane.hague@kingcounty.gov

Phone: 206-296-1006

http://www.kingcounty.gov/Hague    http://www.facebook.com/kccJaneHague  

LETTER: King County Councilmember Jane Hague explains position on $20 car tab fee

Jane Hague responds to Richard Morris's "Save Your Bus!" query, on the proposed $20 car tab increase to support METRO.  Richard recommends R-Trip incentives.  Mr. Morris, an Education Hill Neighbor, shares Hague's response...

Incumbant Jane Hague, Pos. 6

King County Coumcilmemmber

Dear Neighbor,

Thank you for writing me and voicing your concern over the proposed $20 car tabs fee.

As you may have read, a vote on the “congestion reduction fee” was expected to take place at the July 25th Council meeting. Instead, this vote was unexpectedly delayed until August 15th. I still oppose a councilmanic adoption of the $20 car tab increase. Further, I am concerned by the fact that the $20 fee will still result in a reduction of bus service for the Eastside and that Metro has not fully implemented plans to control its ongoing budget growth.

As a firm supporter of transit, I have said consistently through this debate that I have many concerns about Metro’s future. First, as I mentioned above, significant route eliminations and reductions on the Eastside will occur even if the car tab fee is implemented. These service hours will be allocated elsewhere. Eastsiders will ultimately be paying for service they will not receive. Second, long term solutions for Metro’s future have yet to be discussed. The fee doesn’t solve the underlying issues and uses important reserves to fill-in budget holes.

I don’t think it’s responsible to my constituents in District 6, nor the people of King County, to endorse a weak “band-aid” solution. Again, thank you for writing. Let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns. I look forward to continuing this debate.

Sincerely,

Jane Hague

King County Council – District 6

Email: jane.hague@kingcounty.gov 

Phone: 206-296-1006

http://www.kingcounty.gov/Hague  http://www.facebook.com/kccJaneHague

Rain water tour at Redmond's Grasslawn Park addresses polluted stormwater run-off, impacts and solutions

City of Redmond Grasslawn Park Clubhouse

rainwater run-off feeds into the garden

from the desk of Maddie Foutch, intern with People For Puget Sound ...

UPDATED:  "As part of my summer internship with "People For Puget Sound" I am putting together a Rain Water tour. Co-hosted by People For Puget Sound, Sustainable Redmond, and Redmond Public Works, the tour will be addressing the issue of polluted runoff and what the City of Redmond is currently doing about it.

Maddie's Rain Water Tour @ Graslawn Park

features rainwater expert guides

Monday, August 15, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

7013 - 148th Ave. NE

Meet at the Grasslawn Clubhouse on the NE corner of the park.

 The tour begins at the northeast corner of Grasslawn Park with an introduction to polluted runoff and the impacts it has on us as everyday citizens. We will then proceed through the park stopping to examine the many solutions the City of Redmond is implementing, including green roofs, permeable asphalt, and rain gardens. The tour will conclude after a Q&A session with the tour speakers ...read more >>

####

From the desk of Cindy Jayne, Chair, Sustainable Redmond ...

After the Rain Water tour, whoever is interested will head over to a nearby pub to have an informal discussion on sustainability, projects for the future, projects in progress, recent activities, etc.

Posted By Yoder

Photo courtesy of Sustainable Redmond

Department of Ecology praises City on quick and correct response to PSE fire explosion

The State of Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) recently praised the City of Redmond for the quick and correct response from the Fire and Public Works departments during the June fire at the Puget Sound Energy substation fire.

A job well done!

The efforts taken by these two departments prevented a potentially serious release of oil and firefighting foam into local surface waters. Quick thinking and coordination between Fire and Public Works safely contained the foam solution and more than 1000 gallons of mineral oil within a stormwater swale adjacent to the fire scene. Upon determining that the fire would be suppressed with foam, the fire incident commander, Battalion Chief Ed Carolan, notified Public Works, which promptly sealed off the swale’s drainage outlet.

Bill Cambell

Dir. Public Works

Jeannie Summerhays, DOE’s Regional Director stated, “We congratulate the City on taking these preventative measures in the stress of a time-critical situation with significant health and safety risks.”

The swale drains directly into a creek that enters the Sammamish River only several dozen yards away from the fire location. The Sammamish is an important salmon river and its bank habitat is home to many species. Foam solution and oil are toxic to fish and wildlife.

“The environmental consequences of this fire could have been substantial,” stated Mayor John Marchione. “Due to our concern for the environment, we train our employees to coordinate emergency response and environmental protection during emergencies.”

Due to the City’s quick action, Puget Sound Energy’s environmental contractors were able to effectively collect oil and foam rinse from the swale and remove residual contamination from the incident site.

Press release

Photo taken of Redmond Fire after a three hour training session

"Save Your Bus Route!", By Richard Morris

King County Council member Jane Hague

3rd from the left

Save Your Bus Route!

LETTER:  If the Congestion Reduction Charge (temporary two-year $20 car tab fee) doesn't pass, several routes are scheduled to be eliminated or scheduled for service reductions and revisions.

Because of the recession, King County Metro's funding from sales tax has plummeted. Metro has already undertaken extreme efficiency measures to keep the buses running, but they are facing a 17% budget gap. Without the temporary $20 car tab fee, King County Metro will have to cut bus service by 17 percent!

This would mean 177 bus routes under King County Metro would be slashed, reduced, or even eliminated. 36% of commuters in King County currently use the bus.

We need transit to reduce commuter gridlock and protect the environment. People rely on King County Metro buses to get to work, school and the hospital. In fact, these cuts will disproportionately affect people of color, immigrants and our elders who make up a large percentage of transit-dependent riders throughout King County.

On August 15, six votes are needed by King County Council to pass an emergency ordinance to put the measure on the ballot or to approve the measure without requiring a public vote.

Please email Council member Jane Hague and urge her to vote YES on The Congestion Reduction Charge on August 15. jane.hague@kingcounty.gov  [and email Council member Kathy Lambert at:  kathy.lambert@kingcounty.gov].

By Richard Morris

Redmond, WA.

Photo:  courtesy King County website

"Sustainable Sidewalk", Art by Reinke, Part One

JOHN REINKE / "Sustainable Sidewalk"

"Sustainable" defined:

a : of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource

 so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged

- Webster's dictionary

Most residents at city meeting favor backyard chickens, but concerns were raised.

(l-r) City Planner Lori Peckol, Howard Harrison

 (a composter),

 Planner Kim Deitz and college intern Andrea May



35 citizens give mostly positive input at August 3 city meeting on backyard chickens.  But, some objections and concerns are raised.       

UPDATED OPINION:   I talked my wife (Pam)  into going to this city-sponsored community meeting last Wednesday on backyard chickens. She was brought up on a farm in California and was one of the few skeptical participants attending.

City planners were requesting citizen input on chickens in preparation for proposing new language for the Comprehensive Plan Update that would allow backyard chickens on lots smaller than 1/2 acre.  Participants discussed seven animal husbandry topics.  Input from this meeting, a city survey and Planning Commission recommendations will be reviewed by city council before they make their decision sometime this year. 

The meeting was loaded mostly with pro-backyard chicken advocates.  About 31 citizens attended plus councilmembers Hank Myers and Kim Allen, and Planning Commission chair Tom Hinman.  Staff presence was heavy, with at least six city planners guiding discussions on seven chicken topics.  

A small minority of participants (~3) expressed genuine skepticism on various issues of backyard chickens. 

Richard Grubb, past Redmond council member, was very outspoken  Read More >>

UPDATED: Redmond Council passes Resolution endorsing Proposition 1: "Veterans and Human Service Levy"

King County Veteran with his family

REPUBLISHED

UPDATED:  In their July 12 meeting, Redmond Council voted on Resolution No. 1363 to support and endorse King County Proposition 1, a 6-year "Veterans and Human Service Levy" renewing and replacing the expiring Levy. After five council members discussed their positions, Council passed the resolution 6-1 (David Carson - opposing).

Bellevue and Kirkland city councils
passed resolutions earlier endorsing the Levy.

In the 2011 August election, county residents will vote on Prop. 1.  The 2011 levy is 5 cents/ $1000 of assessed property value, or $20 in 2012 for the average-priced $400,000 home in King County. A CPI capped-measure is built into the Levy.  Read More >>

Redmond's John Marchione named "Best Mayor 2011" by Seattle Weekly

Mayor Marchione kicking off the city's "First Friday Coffee Chat"

at Redmond's Senior Center, 2009. 

Redmond Mayor named "Best Mayor" in 2011 by "Seattle Weekly"

The re-election campaign of Redmond Mayor John Marchione began with his kickoff breakfast on May 11 and ended one month later when the Elections Department window closed and nobody had signed up to oppose him. The 46-year-old former director of finance and administration at Bellevue’s Meydenbauer Center served one term on the city council, then swept into the mayor’s office in 2007 with a nearly 60-percent majority vote. He’s neighborhood-centric in the once-small town (pop. 54,000 today), where he grew up watching its identity fade into the engulfing exurbia, and his business background helps him stay abreast in the place best known as the home of Microsoft. But first the community, then the corporations, says Marchione. “We shouldn’t predict what the next business will be,” he said at his kickoff, “but we should be a place where the next business would want to come because of the high quality of life.” RICK ANDERSON Mayor’s Office, 425-556-2101, redmond.gov

Read the entire Seattle Weekly's "Best of" article here.   

Read RNB story on Mayor's Coffee Chat topic:  "Mayor Marchione gives his vision of  Downtown"

Photo by Bob Yoder

School District announces LW High School Open House, Tour and BBQ to celebrate new school building

Lake Washington High School and Northstar Junior High host open house to celebrate new school building

Tours of the state-of-the-art school and a BBQ celebration are scheduled for August 16, 4-7PM

Lake Washington High School invites the community to an open house of the newly constructed high school, which also houses Northstar Junior High.

Students will lead visitors on a tour of the new school, which will highlight the academic houses, performing arts center and library among other spaces.

Features of the new school include four academic houses, which are sets of classrooms for teams of teachers who will work with students through their entire high school career.

The building includes a number of sustainable features, including a ground source heating system, solar panel array, daylighting, recycled and rapidly renewable materials. 

BBQ- 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  12033 N.E. 80th St., Kirkland, WA 98033

LWSD Press Release

Redmond man charged with child pornography following largest probe in history

ATTN:  The addesses of  registered sex offenders living in and around Redmond is posted on this link

Redmond man charged with child porn following largest probe in history 

By Levi Pulkkinen, August 3, 2011

SeattlePi.com

"A Redmond man is among 72 men charged with child pornography-related crimes following what’s been described by Justice Department officials as the largest child pornography prosecution in the nation’s history.

Late last month, federal prosecutors in Seattle filed child pornography charges against Eric Karl Myszke-Francis, a Redmond man accused of sharing images of abused children over the “Dreamboard” site."

Read More >> 

Internet photo

Facebook Fan Page:   https://www.facebook.com/redmondblogger

Juel Park, pea patches, and backyard chickens

Carrie relaxing in her pea patch
Juel Community Park

This is a story about Juel Park, pea patches and backyard chickens. 

A rare afternoon of sunshine spotted  Redmond yesterday.  It was a good day to visit one of our many splendored parks.   After running some errands, and a feeble attempt to find work, I was off to PCC shopping center (Avondale and 116th Street) for coffee and a walk to Juel Park, less then a quarter mile away. 

Juel Park is quiet and rustic, with historic farm buildings on the banks of Bear Creek.  Frisbee golfers were scattered on the meadowed course, their heads barely visible over the long grasses.  I was looking for the park "pea patches".  To my surprise, I found my neighbor Carrie working her patch!  She was sitting in her daughters Suzie's garden chair watering while rocking her foster child in a stroller.

"It's hard to grow tomatoes in my shady yard," Carrie said, "that's why I rent this patch from Parks and Rec.  It costs $50 a season for a large plot."  Veggies and flowers were everywhere:  beans, chard, carrots, dill, tomatoes, pumpkins, potatoes peppers, sunflowers, even hops and artichokes.  One "urban farmer" was raising tomatoes for Hope-Link.  The raspberries and herbs are free for growers. 

I asked Carrie if she was going to tonight's backyard chicken meeting at City Hall.  (August 3, 6-8:30 PM at Redmond City Hall.).  To my complete surprise she recounted: 

"I know all about them.  My backyard abuts a neighbor who's had four hens in her backyard for two years.  They built a nice coop painted the same color of the house."  (I asked if they were noisy or smelled.)  "They don't have a rooster. We hear the dog next door.  Only soft "momm"  "momm" sounds from the birds.  They eat the insects.  The manure pellets are fertilizer for her raised garden.  But  the raccoons will eat chickens so at night they're put back in the coop.  My children have learned from the birds and enjoy them.  They're scouts at the Lutheran troop. 

I must say, this was a real lessen for me.  I walk by this house almost every day and had no idea chickens were pecking around.  The friendly owner likes to garden and we say hi when passing.  My perspective on backyard chickens is changing.  I'm beginning to view these critters with a more open eye.  I keep learning more and more about them.  When asked, Carrie told me roosters aren't needed for chickens to lay eggs.  Did you know that?!  The public is invited to the chicken meeting tonight at City Hall.  I've got a lot more to learn about these critters.  Are you going?

Opinion By Bob Yoder 

iPhone

Ananda Mela Festival 2011, Redmond, WA. July 29-31

What is Ananda Mela?

ANANDA MELA FESTIVAL, City of Redmond, WA. July 29-31, 2011

city video

Council member Myers Awarded Certificate of Municipal Leadership - City of Redmond, WA

Hank Myers

Myers Awarded Certificate of Municipal Leadership, City of Redmond, WA

"Hank Myers, Councilmember for the City of Redmond, recently received a Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC). To earn this distinction, Mr. Myers completed over 30 hours of training credits.

The CML program is designed to enhance the ability of elected municipal officials by providing knowledge and skills to effectively operate within the law, plan for the future, secure and manage funds and foster community and staff relationships. To earn this certificate, the official attends a variety of AWC sponsored municipal workshops. The courses help mayors and councilmembers learn the essentials of municipal service and improve their ability to work with council colleagues, city staff and citizens.  Read More >>