News and Opinion on Neighborhoods, Schools and Local Governments of Redmond, WA.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Twenty-five LWSD teachers achieve National Board Certification
Twenty-five Lake Washington Teachers Achieve National Board Certification
204 National Board Certified teachers in district
204 National Board Certified teachers in district
Redmond, Wash. – Twenty-five Lake Washington School District teachers achieved National Board Certification®, as announced by theNational Board for Professional Teaching Standards. There are currently 204 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) working full-time in the district’s schools.
“Lake Washington School District prides itself on the caliber of its teaching staff and we’re grateful to have so many teachers commit themselves to excellence,” said Superintendent Traci Pierce. “The National Board Certification process directly benefits our students because teachers increase their capacity to evaluate the best classroom strategies for academic success.” Read more >>
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Community Digest of events for the week
VIEWPOINT PARK WORK PARTY. Join the Green Redmond Partnership for a work party at Viewpoint Park from 12:00-2:00 on Wednesday, Jan 16th 2013. Contact Marilynn Leland to register. If you are under 18 and attending the event without a parent or guardian please come to the event with the waiver below signed by a parent or guardian. If you are under 18:Click here to download the Youth Volunteer Waiver.
OLD FIRE HOUSE CONCERT. Come to the Old Fire House Teen Center for Suggestion Box & guests on Friday, January 18th at 7 pm. Cost: $8
FACING FAMILY TROUBLES? If you are a parent whose child is challenged with drugs, poor behavior, or other problems, the Sammamish Plateau Parent Networking Group invites you to two free workshops featuring Bill Dean, who has assisted hundreds of families to become whole and healthy through his coaching. Workshops will be held on January 28 at the EX3 Teen Center (825 228th Avenue NE, Sammamish) at both 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM and 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. For more information, contact Cherry O'Neill.
COLLEGE SORORITY INFORMATION FORUM. The College Sorority Information Forum will take place Tuesday, March 5, 7 p.m., at the Redmond Library in Meeting Room 1. This is designed for high school girls and their parents who want to learn about college sorority membership.Overlake Alumnae Panhellenic sponsors the event, which is free and registration is not required. For more information visit www. overlakealumnaepanhellenic.org .
WILDERNESS SUMMER CAMPS. The Wilderness Awareness School offers a variety of overnight camps for teens.
INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CAMP. The Northwest School offers an International Summer Camp for students up to 16 years old.
Source: Redmond PTSA Mustang Weekly
Friday, January 11, 2013
Lake Washington Institute of Technology receives $10,000 grant for emergency operations center
LWIT Receives $10,000 Puget Sound Energy Foundation Grant
Kirkland, Wash.: Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) recently received $10,000 from Puget Sound Energy Foundation to support the development of an emergency operations center (EOC) for the College. An EOC works as a centralized communications command post for police, fire, campus security and any other agency involved in a campus-wide emergency such as a fire, hostage situation, shooting, gas leak, or other life-threatening situation.
“We’re excited to develop a fully-functional EOC thanks to this generous grant,” said Patrick Sturgill, LWIT manager of safety and security. “We’ll now be able to effectively manage an emergency response, coordinating with local first responders like police and fire to increase the value and speed of response. While it’s mainly a service for our campus, our EOC will be available for local agencies to utilize in our immediate neighborhood if needed. ” Read More >>
Kirkland, Wash.: Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) recently received $10,000 from Puget Sound Energy Foundation to support the development of an emergency operations center (EOC) for the College. An EOC works as a centralized communications command post for police, fire, campus security and any other agency involved in a campus-wide emergency such as a fire, hostage situation, shooting, gas leak, or other life-threatening situation.
“We’re excited to develop a fully-functional EOC thanks to this generous grant,” said Patrick Sturgill, LWIT manager of safety and security. “We’ll now be able to effectively manage an emergency response, coordinating with local first responders like police and fire to increase the value and speed of response. While it’s mainly a service for our campus, our EOC will be available for local agencies to utilize in our immediate neighborhood if needed. ” Read More >>
King County and Seattle to hold gun buyback safety event
King County and Seattle to launch Gun Safety Initiative
First gun buyback program in 20 years to take place later this month
King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, Seattle Police Deputy Chief Nick Metz, Dr. David Fleming of Public Health – Seattle & King County, Renee Hopkins of the Seattle Police Foundation, and Reverend Aaron Williams of Seattle’s Mount Zion Baptist Church today announced a new Gun Safety Initiative, including a gun buyback program. Former Seattle mayors Greg Nickels, Norm Rice, Charles Royer and Wes Uhlman are serving as co-chairs of the program.The countywide gun buyback initiative will provide a monetary incentive to individuals who turn in firearms, while engaging our communities toward a common goal of reducing gun violence. The first gun buyback will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, in downtown Seattle in the parking lot underneath Interstate 5 between Cherry and James Streets. Read More >>
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Two citizens protest impacts of proposed Valley Furniture redevelopment
Valley Furniture in downtown Redmond (8178 164th Ave NE) sits on quite a large lot - 1.15 acres with significant trees. MacDonald's Book Exchange sublets on the site. Both are scheduled to be torn down with the trees sometime this summer providing permits are approved for a new 215 unit multi-family residential project containing over 4500 square feet of retail.
Two citizens complained about the project at the last council meeting saying the project would change the look and feel of the neighborhood, stress nearby 165th Ave NE, and cause parking congestion.
Kimberly Price said the project is "equivalent to a Redmond 160 or Cleveland building in her townhouse backyard". She quipped her kids would be yelling at the builders as the six-floor complex was raised above her two-story townhouse. She complained that 165th Ave. had poor visibility and wasn't designed to service 215 additional units and retail space.
Heather, the first speaker, scrutinized the parking plan and the land use process complaining citizens weren't given notice of the complete removal of the landmark trees. She said that only 230 parking stalls are planned by the city for the project when 272 are required according to code. She quoted city code that 1.25 parking stalls are required for all projects over 6 units and 3.5 stalls are required for every 1000 sf of commercial space. (Limited additional structured and street parking will be available). Heather was concerned that 50% of the parking space was marked for compact cars and that larger vehicles would have to park on the street or elsewhere.
The mayor advised council that an appeal has not been filed at this time. Kimberly asked Council to "reconsider the size, scale, scope of the project and how close it comes to the property boundary" of the adjacent residences.
Reported by Bob Yoder
Two citizens complained about the project at the last council meeting saying the project would change the look and feel of the neighborhood, stress nearby 165th Ave NE, and cause parking congestion.
Kimberly Price said the project is "equivalent to a Redmond 160 or Cleveland building in her townhouse backyard". She quipped her kids would be yelling at the builders as the six-floor complex was raised above her two-story townhouse. She complained that 165th Ave. had poor visibility and wasn't designed to service 215 additional units and retail space.
Heather, the first speaker, scrutinized the parking plan and the land use process complaining citizens weren't given notice of the complete removal of the landmark trees. She said that only 230 parking stalls are planned by the city for the project when 272 are required according to code. She quoted city code that 1.25 parking stalls are required for all projects over 6 units and 3.5 stalls are required for every 1000 sf of commercial space. (Limited additional structured and street parking will be available). Heather was concerned that 50% of the parking space was marked for compact cars and that larger vehicles would have to park on the street or elsewhere.
The mayor advised council that an appeal has not been filed at this time. Kimberly asked Council to "reconsider the size, scale, scope of the project and how close it comes to the property boundary" of the adjacent residences.
Reported by Bob Yoder
Citizen submits 70 signatures to Mayor Marchione requesting safer crosswalks in Grasslawn Park
At this week's Council meeting a Grasslawn resident, Carl, asked the Marchione Administration for additional traffic safety on the Grasslawn Park crosswalks adjacent NE 70th. He recommended, flags, additional lighting and blinking lights at the crosswalk similar to what the City of Kirkland installed a mile west. Carl said he almost lost his grandson on December 14 at the NE 70th Street crosswalk at Grasslawn Park. He submitted 70 signatures from residents to the Mayor asking for improved safety measures.
Reported by Bob Yoder
Reported by Bob Yoder
Sustainable Redmond voices support for urban tree conservation at Redmond Planning Commission
Just over a year ago, a controversy arose in Redmond regarding preservation of over 1,000 trees in Overlake. Much of the discussion centered on the manner by which the public was informed about plans to remove significant and landmark trees and the administrative exceptions to City tree protection regulations that would enable cutting 100% of the trees on a given property. In the process, many ecological and community benefits of mature urban trees were emphasized by speakers in public testimony to Redmond’s City Council.
In trying to learn from that experience, Sustainable Redmond submitted proposed amendments to Redmond’s Comprehensive Plan last April. Those proposals are now coming before the Planning Commission for review as they make their way to the City Council for consideration. The amendments seek to improve public notice processes, enhance opportunities for public engagement and promote a better understanding of the process by which tree exceptions are granted. (Exceptions are currently granted behind closed doors by a Technical Committee.) The Comprehensive Plan amendments also seek to retain some mature trees in urban centers when possible rather than have them replaced by smaller specimens with lesser ecological value.
Join Sustainable Redmond in voicing your support for these regulatory improvements at the Planning Commission on Wednesday night, January 16th at 7pm. The full amendment package can be found at: http://www.redmond.gov/cms/ One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId= 556 More information will also be posted at www.sustainableredmond.org. Your support of these amendments is encouraged so we can create positive change and move beyond the status quo in protecting natural resources in our community.
Tom Hinman, Board Member
Sustainable Redmond
Redmond WA
Introduction to the Birds of Brightwater clean-water facility
Birding workshop, plant tours round out Brightwater Center winter events
Educational activities geared toward older kids, teens and adults
Shake off winter blues with Brightwater Center’s free educational activities geared toward older kids, teens and adults. Brightwater Center is located at 22505 State Route 9 S.E. in Woodinville. Events are free and children accompanied by an adult are welcome.Birds of a Feather, Saturday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to noon Join the IslandWood naturalists for a winter bird event for ages 8 and up. Participants will learn about our feathered friends that don’t fly south for the winter through a guided expedition and bird-themed art project. Register at http://winterbirds.eventbrite.com.
Intro to the Birds of Brightwater, Saturday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m. to noon
Adults and teens (ages 14 and up) are invited to a workshop focused on birds that call Brightwater home year-round. Islandwood naturalists will lead a walk through the habitat area and share birding tips. Register at http://brightwaterbirds.eventbrite.com.
Open House and Plant Tours, Saturday, Jan. 12 and Feb. 9, 10 a.m. to noon
Take a tour of King County’s newest clean-water facility and learn how waste is treated, recycled and safely returned to the environment. Children must be at least 9 years old to take the tour, and sturdy close-toed shoes are required. Register at: http://green.kingcounty.gov/wastewater-education/apptrequest.aspx.
For additional information or to request reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities at any of the events, please contact Kristin Covey at 206-263-9412, 711 TTY Relay, or kristin.covey@kingcounty.gov.
People can also learn more about Brightwater Center on the Web at http://www.kingcounty.gov/brightwatercenter.
###
Residents enjoy clean water and a healthy environment thanks to King County's wastewater treatment program. The county’s Wastewater Treatment Division protects public health and water quality by serving 17 cities, 17 local sewer districts and more than 1.5 million residents in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties. The regional clean-water agency has been preventing water pollution for nearly 50 years.
Residents enjoy clean water and a healthy environment thanks to King County's wastewater treatment program. The county’s Wastewater Treatment Division protects public health and water quality by serving 17 cities, 17 local sewer districts and more than 1.5 million residents in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties. The regional clean-water agency has been preventing water pollution for nearly 50 years.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Superintendent recommends moving students from Rosa Parks to Wilder next fall to reduce overcrowding
Superintendent Announces Temporary Boundary Recommendation
Moves students from Rosa Parks Elementary to Wilder Elementary next fall to reduce overcrowding
UPDATED: Redmond, Wash. – Today, Dr. Traci Pierce, superintendent of Lake Washington School District, shared via email her proposed temporary boundary change with the parents of students at Rosa Parks Elementary and Wilder Elementary Schools. Dr. Pierce will recommend the temporary boundary committee’s recommendation of Scenario C for the temporary boundary change between these two schools for the 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years.
Dr. Pierce will make that recommendation to the district’s Board of Directors at its Monday, January 14, meeting. The board will vote on the specific proposal at its meeting on January 28. Read More >>
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Redmond Council approves $200,000 funding for "OneRedmond"
As part of the
2013-14 budget, the City Council approved funds for economic
and community development
through participation in OneRedmond. OneRedmond is the newly formed
public-private partnership for the Redmond community. It was formed
by bringing together the former Redmond
Economic Development Alliance, Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce,
and Realize Redmond into a single
organization with a common vision, mission, and
purpose. OneRedmond is commined to increasing the
number of high wage jobs,
cultivating partnerships between business and education, and
implementing entrepreneur
and small business growth programs to drive consistent economic
expansion and continuous community enhancement in Redmond.
When National
Community Development Services was hired in 2011 to perform an assessment of the viability and
fund raising strength or OneRedmond as a
concept, their report highlighted the strength of the
OneRedmond model for economic and community development. Through a series of
stakeholder meetings, along with candid and considered input from business
and community leaders, four key initiative areas were identified as key priorities
for OneRedmond. These are:
I . Business
Retention and Expansion: This includes
development and implementation of a formal business
retention and expansion program that includes
building strategic business partnerships
and increasing opportunities for growth
within Redmond's business clusters, a myriad of
small business services. and a Government Affairs function that fosters
bridges between large and small businesses
and government.
2. Business
Attraction and Recruitment: This entails
a program that includes site selector relationships, a web
site that differentiates Redmond, and targeted recruiting missions to enhance local industry
clusters.
3. Community Building: Priorities
include development of partnerships between businesses and educational
institutions, establishing of marquee business and cultural events, and promoting the
arts and science.
4. Investor Relations: Key
focal points include creating transparent and involved engagement of community
stakeholders, including creating leadership level advisory groups for business
clusters, pipeline project reports, and business visitation/red carpet teams.
These initiatives are
supportive of and are integral to the City realizing its vision of two vibrant urban centers,
diversity of choices, a vibrant economy, and connected community. As OneRedmond
focuses on implementing its economic and community development strategy, the
$200,000 ($100,000/ycar) from the Planning and Community Development Department's
OneRedmond budget offer would be distributed to support OneRedmond strategic economic development and
community development initiatives.
- Text is sourced from Redmond City Council Agenda, 1/8/13
Redmond Police bargaining unit negotiates new city contract to increase wages
In their Regular Business meeting this week, City Council approved the 2013-2015 Police Pay Plan with Redmond Police Association union. Under the plan wages will increase 1.5% in 2013, 2% in 2014 and 2.5% in 2015. The Detective's clothing allowance will increase from $600/year to $700/year. Total incremental costs of the collective bargaining unit Pay Plan amount to $216,903 in 2013, $357,154 in 2014 and $529,081 in 2015.
Detectives on special assignments get 4% above their regular base pay. The average police officer wage in 2013 is $66,228 for a new officer and $76,716 for an officer with 49 months seniority. Police Leutenants' mean 2013 salary is $87,816. K-9 officers get 3.5% above base pay and one hour overtime each week.
Disability, health, and life insurance pay is negotiated including 96 hours vacation for 1-2 years of service and 142 hours vacation at 10 years. 12 paid holidays. 5 days bereavement leave.
Reported by Bob Yoder
Source: 1/8/13 City of Redmond Agenda.
http://www.redmond.gov/common/pages/UserFile.aspx?fileId=90234
Detectives on special assignments get 4% above their regular base pay. The average police officer wage in 2013 is $66,228 for a new officer and $76,716 for an officer with 49 months seniority. Police Leutenants' mean 2013 salary is $87,816. K-9 officers get 3.5% above base pay and one hour overtime each week.
Disability, health, and life insurance pay is negotiated including 96 hours vacation for 1-2 years of service and 142 hours vacation at 10 years. 12 paid holidays. 5 days bereavement leave.
Reported by Bob Yoder
Source: 1/8/13 City of Redmond Agenda.
http://www.redmond.gov/common/pages/UserFile.aspx?fileId=90234
LWSD and PTSA cosponsor Cyber-Safety Seminars
Cyber Safety and Social Media Risks — What Every Family Needs to Know
Lake Washington School District and PTSA Cosponsor Cyber-Safety Seminars
Redmond, Wash. – With the proliferation of smart phones and the growth of social media, everyone is connected, especially young people. Yet those same young people may not recognize the risks they face electronically, from predators to bullies to bad decisions that can haunt them for years. Parents can help their students understand these risks but may not know how to talk to them about it.
In a parent education program sponsored by the Lake Washington PTSA Council and Lake Washington School District, Seattle attorney Charles Leitch will help parents understand the risks and how to approach their children about these issues. These cyber-safety seminars will be held during January and February at district high schools. Read More >>
PTA members go to Olympia for Focus Day on January 24
Focus Day Update
Thursday January 24, 2013 is the BIG day!
The Washington State PTA legislative platform for the next two years is set. Now we have to do something with it! Focus Day is fast upon us. On January 24th in Olympia, we have our next, and perhaps best, opportunity as a large voting block to advocate for our kids with a loud, cohesive voice by sharing our new legislative platform with our legislators and our state.
Focus Day is important. This year, in particular, it's very important. We have a new governor, new legislators, and new jobs for key incumbent legislators. Come January 24th, the long legislative session will have just begun, and the McCleary school funding decision and the state budget will be on the minds of everyone in Olympia. We must ask Olympia to make the hard choices! Revenue, budget cuts, tax reform, closing the opportunity gap... The choices they must make are daunting, but they must make them.
This is a huge opportunity, not only to deliver our message directly and personally to our legislators and insist they make the hard choices, but to engage in PTA outreach by encouraging participation by members in historically under-represented regions, and to increase membership and general civic involvement.
January 24th, 2013, will be our big day. Bring three friends. Let's make it count!
Thank you and please check out http://wsptafocusday.blogspot.
We need your help to make this Focus Day successful. Please spread the word and register today.
See you there!
- Jason Rothkowitz and David Berg
Source: Council PTSA Newsletter
Monday, January 7, 2013
Over 30 volunteers transplant native shrubs to Marymoor BirdLoop
Over 30 volunteers from Audubon and King County Youth turned out this Saturday to transplant native shrubs salvaged from Group Health, to the Marymoor BirdLoop. Redmond Councilmember Hank Myers volunteered. 670 plants were installed on a fenced bird-viewing hill that overlooks wetlands and marsh adjacent Parking Lot G. Wildlife habitat will be greatly improved once the shrubs take hold. The hill looks terrific! You must come by and see for yourself! Take a look at the educational kiosk while you're at it. Every Thursday morning guided bird-watching tours stop by this hill to view birds. Anna's Hummingbirds and Cackleing Geese entertained the work party. (Visit the sidebar of this blog for more information on bird-watching). Photos by Audubon Photographer Mick Thompson.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
City of Redmond hosts two safety classes in January
Greetings,
Two great opportunities below—don’t miss out!
The Redmond Police Department will be presenting a free Women's Personal Safety class on Thursday, January 24th at6:30 p.m. at the RPD Training Room (8701 160th Avenue NE…usually about 90-ish minutes). Please note this isnot a self-defense class, this is a proactive approach to safety rather than "reactive" and is suitable for ages 15 and older. To RSVP,please email mdowd@redmond.gov and feel free to forward to others.
Some of the topics covered include:
- How to prevent becoming the victim of assault or robbery.
- Potentially dangerous situations and how to avoid them.
- How to handle "road rage" and prevent accidents.
- The pros and cons of weapons for personal security.
- How to make a safety plan.
Also, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is hosting “Redmond Ready Day 3” on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at Overlake Christian Church (9900 Willows Road NE) from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. The City’s “Redmond Ready” campaign encourages citizens to be trained in three areas:
1) First Aid
2) CPR
3) Personal preparedness
Redmond Ready Day provides training in all three areas with the only cost being a discounted rate of $14 for first aid and CPR training (usually costs much more). The two-hour personal preparedness class is free. Seats are limited so register today at www.redmondready.org. If you have questions, call Janeen at 425-556-2251.
Be safe,
Jim Bove
Redmond Police Department
Community Outreach Facilitator
8701 160th Ave NE
Redmond, WA 98052
Friday, January 4, 2013
Police Blotter report for January 4: Ed Hill Burglary and two car prowl thefts
RPD Public Info for 24 Hours preceding 05:54:01 on Friday, January 4 2013
Burglary, Resident, Unlawf Ent
|
15:06:36 01/03/2013
|
13-000147
|
EDUCATIONHILL
|
115xx block of 179 CT NE
| |
Redmond Police investigated a residential burglary.
|
Theft-From Mtr Vehicle
|
10:58:02 01/03/2013
|
13-000133
|
EDUCATIONHILL
|
92xx block of RED-WOOD RD
| |
Unknown suspect(s) entered an unlocked vehicle and stole random items.
|
Theft-From Mtr Vehicle
|
09:40:27 01/03/2013
|
13-000122
|
EDUCATIONHILL
|
167xx block of NE 120 ST
| |
Redmond Police responded to a car prowl. There was no forced entry and a purse was taken from the vehicle.
|
Theft of Automobile
|
09:25:23 01/03/2013
|
13-000120
|
OVERLAKE
|
34xx block of W LK SAMMAMISH PKWY
| |
Redmond Police investigated a report of an auto theft at a local residence.
|
[Unknown Description]
|
07:45:26 01/03/2013
|
13-000110
|
EDUCATIONHILL
|
117xx block of 167 CT NE
| |
Redmond Police responded to a car prowl. There was no forced entry and paperwork was taken from the vehicle.
|
Redmond Fire Fighters raise $7,675 in donations to Hopelink
LETTER: I was hoping that you might get the word out to our Redmond community on the success that we all had in our contributions to Hopelink over the holidays. Job well done Redmond.
Cash/Checks: $3174.64
Food Donations: ~2000 Lbs. (which HopeLink values at $1.50 per lb. = $3500)
Toy Donations: ~$1000 worth
Total value of Donations ~$7674.64
Food Donations: ~2000 Lbs. (which HopeLink values at $1.50 per lb. = $3500)
Toy Donations: ~$1000 worth
Total value of Donations ~$7674.64
John Stockman
City of Redmond Battalion Chief
Washington State Council of Fire Fighters
Thursday, January 3, 2013
UPDATED: Twenty-five citizens show up for Tent City Public Meeting
Tent City encampment at St Jude four years ago |
One of the children asked what kind of medical care tent city residents get while camping out. Several adults asked what kind of support system is set up to help get residents transitioning out of the encampment. Contact St. Jude to donate food and supplies.
There were several security questions. All tent city residents have background screens before they are allowed on camp. Those that fail the screen are given a bus pass and walked to the bus stop. Tent city members self-govern and patrol their encampment on a regular basis.
This is the fourth time in six years Tent City 4 may be hosted by St. Jude. (The appeals process ends in a week.) Pastor Rogerson of St Jude said Kirkland and Woodinville have both held their Tent City encampments in two different locations. After the meeting he said there was another community in Redmond with a church who indicated an interest in hosting a subsequent encampment.
Photo and Report by Bob Yoder
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Transplanting Group Health plants to Marymoor BirdLoop
A few of the plants that will be transplanted at Marymoor BirdLoop |
LETTER:
About 30 community volunteers salvaged 670 native plants last month from the old Group Health site in Redmond. This Saturday (January 5) we had work for at least as many volunteers as we put the plants into the ground on the Audubon BirdLoop at Marymoor Park. Reusing the ferns, mahonia, and salal at Marymoor will improve cover and food sources for the park's birds and other wildlife.
Work started at 8 a.m. and continued until 2 PM. About 40 remaining plants were planted the following month.
I'm attaching a self-portrait by our photographer, Mick Thompson, who stands amid a relative few of the plants we transplanted this Saturday. Clearly it was a big job.
Reported by Bob Yoder
Reported by Bob Yoder
ATTN BUSINESSES: Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service
LETTER: I hope that things in the Redmond Neighborhood Blog are doing well. I have an item I was hoping you would be interested in: United Way is looking for local businesses to volunteer for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service.
Here’s the link where businesses can select a project. United Way will connect them with project leads and all of the information they need to get involved.
I have a vested interest here, because Green Redmond is hosting three MLK Day projects. But, there are tons of worthy projects listed in addition to ours.
Thanks!
Norah Kates
Forterra | Green Cities Project Coordinator
Formerly Cascade Land Conservancy
CREATING GREAT COMMUNITIES
and CONSERVING GREAT LANDS
LETTER: Union to file lawsuit to overturn charter school initiative
Union to file lawsuit to overturn charter school initiative
http://www.washingtonpolicy. org/blog/post/union-file- lawsuit-overturn-charter- school-initiative
January 2, 2013
By Liv Finne, Washington Policy Blog
Over the holidays, Washington Education Association executives decided to sue voters over Initiative 1240, the people’s charter school initiative, according to a posting on Facebook. I-1240 gives priority to new charter schools that serve at-risk students from low-performing traditional public schools. Here is the union’s statement:
“Though our candidates won, we are disappointed that corporate interests with their $11 million were able to pass the charter school initiative. Looking forward, your board of directors has decided to fund a legal challenge against the new charters law and, as we did with McCleary, are seeking partners and developing an approach and timeline for this effort. More details about this will come.”
The union has a communications network which distributes political messages to teachers, school employees and parents. The union also has an annual budget of $33 million of taxpayer dollars taken as dues from teachers' paychecks.
The union faces a costly, uphill battle. A lot of information about successful charter schools in other states is now available. New research about charter schools shows they are a successful option for students within the public school system. Editorial boards of all Washington’s major newspapers endorsed Initiative 1240. By a clear majority, voters ignored union opposition and passed I-1240, demonstrating that voters want charter schools in Washington state.
The union’s lawsuit is based on shaky legal reasoning. Initiative 1240 is clearly constitutional. The lawsuit may delay Washington’s charter schools, but it will not stop them. The lawsuit scheme provides additional evidence the union is a reactionary force determined to block change. Union executives want to protect their monopoly power and influence within the system, regardless of the cost to disadvantaged children trapped in failing public schools in Washington state.
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