crik

 Introduction: Cricket is the world’s second-largest sport, with over 2.5 Billion followers across the globe. 1 The Puget Sound region is one of the largest cricket markets along the West Coast and in the United States. The Cricket Academy of Puget Sound has approximately 200 youth, 450 adults, and over 2000 recreational cricketers in the Puget Sound.2 In the 2016 PARCC (Parks, Arts, Recreation, Culture and Conservation) plan community engagement, when asked if building new sports fields was a priority, 26% of those interested in prioritizing new fields were in favor of cricket sports fields. Redmond’s recent growth has resulted in the community becoming increasingly diverse. This demographic directly influences changes in the types of needs for recreation programming, such as cricket. The Redmond Parks and Recreation Department has received multiple requests, reaching back to at least 2004, to provide opportunities for cricket. The City’s PARCC plan, adopted in 2017, includes 13 references to cricket with a goal to provide “fields flexible enough to support a wide variety of sports such as lacrosse and cricket…” Cricket in Redmond Redmond does not currently have dedicated Cricket fields or any permanent cricket pitches. We allow a modified version of cricket to take place on our turf sports fields. Without a permanent pitch installed on these fields, user groups must move the pitch to various locations to limit wear and tear on the turf. Cricket in Redmond mostly takes place on soccer and baseball fields at Grass Lawn Park, Perrigo Park, and occasionally on fields at Hartman Park. Redmond Parks & Recreation does not currently provide any recreation programming related to Cricket but is considering contracting with local youth Cricket groups to provide classes and camps for the community. Community groups have expressed interest in expanding cricket opportunities. Major League Cricket Academy of Seattle, for example, has a goal to have a facility for Minor League Cricket in the Redmond area. This facility would allow youth to advance their skills and generate local exposure and enthusiasm for the sport.

Reflecting the City’s diversity, cricket in Bellevue has continued to grow and the city is looking at additional sites, including one in the SW portion of Marymoor Park. King County Parks (Marymoor) has one formal cricket pitch and youth markings on two synthetic soccer fields. These are generally booked to capacity during the spring-summer season. The City of Kirkland does not currently have any cricket fields and has not received inquiries to date. The need will be evaluated as part of the City’s PROS (Parks, Recreation and Open Space) plan updates in 2021. Microsoft Expansion (Redmond Campus) will have one athletic sized (non-regulation) cricket pitch installed as part of the Microsoft Campus refresh project that is currently underway. Use of the fields is for MS employees and additional uses, if any, have not been decided at this point. The City of Renton offers cricket at Ron Regis park. The City worked with the American Cricket Club to upgrade the pitch to the desired specifications and it is used all day Saturday and Sunday, between mid-March through November. The City of Sammamish has one cricket pitch at Klahanie Park that is slightly undersized, and one practice cricket pitch. The pitch is constructed between two existing soccer fields and both must be rented at once for cricket. Nearly 60% of the reservation times at the two fields was for cricket. To help reduce scheduling conflicts, the City’s crew installed an 11 feet wide x 110 feet long practice cricket pitch to the west of the existing cricket field in April 2019. The Sammamish Cricket Club purchased a portable netting structure to enclose the pitch during practice. In doing this, they were able to open up more reservation times during the week for both soccer fields. The Sammamish Cricket Club has been growing over the past few years. The City of Sammamish is currently completing a master plan for Klahanie Park and one of the requests from the cricket group is to expand the field space at Klahanie in order to allow for a full-size cricket field. The City of Woodinville does not currently have space for cricket and has not received community requests. 

In addition to finding permanent places for cricket, the City of Redmond has also looked for interim opportunities. Juel Park is identified as a potential interim location. There are challenges given the current nature of the park. Juel Park lies in King County, outside the Urban Growth Area, so the City is unable to extend sewer to the park for permanent restrooms and would need to permit through the County. Additional requirements include relocating the disc golf and potentially the garden plots, possible parking improvements, stormwater management, drainage for an interim field to be playable, and servicing portable restrooms. In addition, there is no potable water on-site. Major League Cricket Academy of Seattle has expressed interest in two fields at Juel park, but initial evaluation shows this most likely will not be feasible given setbacks from Bear creek and wetlands on the eastern portion of the 38-acre park.

 During one of your Board meetings I listened to Director Stuart describe his enjoyment watching a game of Cricket. It's really catching on in the community.  In fact, several team players commented publicly at a Redmond Council meeting last week.

Director Mark Stuart started a Cricket conversation on Facebook today.  He introduced their President. The following was my reply:

I love the Cricket I've seen on YouTube. Honoring the game in our District and City acknowledges a critical segment of our Indian population and their culture. The biggest obstacle to growth and acceptance of the game is FIELD SPACE. Currently, they play at Marymoor Park (#1) Perrigo Park, and Redmond Middle School. I've also seen them at Hartman Park fields. Lacrosse consumes significant field space. The District should open their fields to make Cricket happen. Same with the City with their parks. Smith Park and possibly Grasslawn? Thanks Mark W. Stuart for increasing awareness of the sport and what it means to the players, parents and community at large.   BY

You will find this link on the history of the game and how it's played interesting:

https://youtu.be/g-beFHld19c

Warm regards,

 

The forested area just west of Redmond Town Center
by John Reinke

comm ctr funding

 Recommended Funding Plan Funding Source Amount Currently budgeted in 2021-2022 CIP $17.116 million Surplus Park Impact Fees from 2019-2020 $1.648 million State capital grant $1.25 million General Fund surplus appropriated to facilities per City Council 8/2021 (2019-2020 biennium) $8.5 million Surplus REET from 2019-2020 $2.486 million Councilmanic bonds or 2021 year-end cash $13.0 million Total $44.0 million Annual Debt Payments and Interest on Options (20-year bond at 3% interest) Annual Debt Payment 873,804 Total Debt Payments (20 yrs) 17,476,080 Cumulative Interest (20 yrs)* 4,476,080 * Cumulative interest represents an additional project cost over and above $44.0M

Vice President Jeralee Anderson's Priorities

 

Council V.P. Jeralee Anderson

"In the next four years, communication is key. COVID has introduced great disconnection, isolation, suffering, loss and uncertainty into everyone's lives. As we work through this collective trauma and grief to heal together, I will work to create an inclusive, resilient Redmond for everyone, where you feel welcome, heard, and empowered. I believe that responses you receive about policy decisions from the Council and Mayor should be transparent, thoughtful, accountable, and most importantly, respectful. I think that looks like a participatory, accessible planning process where community input is truly valued and not overlooked."

-- Candidate Councilmember Jeralee Anderson

Jeralee's priorities and pictures

Progressive Voters Guide Recommends Janet Richards For Council Position #2.

Commissioner Janet Richards

"There are two progressive candidates in this race. Our interviews and extensive conversations with Eastside community leaders and partner organizations revealed greater differences in style and approach than policy positions. Both candidates expressed progressive values and complete support for the vital Health through Housing initiative in Redmond.  

While both candidates have progressive endorsements, we lean toward Richards to bring a new perspective and collaborative approach to the council."

-- Progressive Voters Guide

 

Steve Fields Supports "Health Through Housing" Homeless Hotel Initiative

 

Steve Fields at his Down Pour coffee shop

"I offer my sincerest apology to our unhoused community members for that poor wording and any harm it may have caused" -- Steve Fields

-- Progressive Voters Guide

 

• How should the City work to increase its supply of affordable housing?

• Should the City take steps to protect small businesses that provide many living wage jobs in Redmond? If so, what steps?

• What should the city of Redmond’s priorities be when planning for significant growth?

• Global warming is a concern for all of us. There are many proposals being discussed to require new construction and existing buildings and homes to become more energy efficient as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, all of these will add cost and may contribute to further reduction in housing affordability in Redmond. How do you feel the competing priorities of sustainability and affordability should be addressed? If one or the other should be given priority, which is it?

  Janet Richards, Redmond City Council, Position 2

  “… Microsoft is re-imagining their campus to be carbon neutral in the future … we can do this in an innovative way that enables us to continue on track from a sustainability and a housing perspective.”

  Steve Fields, Redmond City Council, Position 2

  “What I would like to see is more focus on the other factors that are driving up the cost of homes, which are the market forces, and this is something that we may have a little bit of control over.”

  Melisssa Stuart, Redmond City Council, Position 4

  “… our comprehensive plan update is the time to tackle the tough questions that are going to allow us to live out this vision of having both …”

  Dennis Ellis, Redmond City Council, Position 4

  “… I think that what we need to do still is not overly tax people at the expense of something that we may not even be able to manage.”

  Tara Van Niman, Redmond City Council, Position 6

  “… in terms of the end user costs, the government can step in and we can find ways to subsidize the building so that in the long run, they are providing the energy efficiency that we need them to.”

  Jeralee Anderson, Redmond City Council, Position 6

  “I don’t believe that they’re competing priorities. I believe that both sustainability and affordability are achievable.”

• What in your opinion is the most important issue the City of Redmond is facing and what are your plans for addressing it?
• 
  

Patch

Starting Monday,10/24 King County adults will need to bring proof they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or recently tested negative for the virus, before they can participate in a variety of activities, from dining indoors to attending concerts gyms and sporting events.

King County announced the new public health order back in September, aiming to give businesses and customers several weeks to prepare for the Oct. 25 change. Last week, local leaders demonstrated how the process would work and unveiled a new online "toolkit" to help business owners get up to speed.

Seattle's professional sports teams and many of its music venues already require proof of vaccination voluntarily, but the new rules will not be optional. King County is one of the nation's most vaccinated regions, with nearly 88 percent of eligible residents having at least one dose and more than 82 percent fully vaccinated.

PATCH article

Edited by Bob Yoder

Forested area just west of Redmond Town Center
by John Reinke

 

PATCH Election Guide And Redmond News

PATCH 2021 Election Guide 

(click link) 

Plus News On Redmond

UPDATED: Councilmembers Steve Fields And Jeralee Anderson Should Renounce "Safe Eastside"

OPINION, 10/27:  As you know, housing in Redmond (and across the Eastside) is terribly unaffordable. Those without technology jobs can barely afford to live here.  Add the COVID dilemma and some people just can't pay rent or their mortgage. Sadly, a few unlucky souls are left homeless, living in their cars and on friends' couches.

The County is trying to do something about it.  About a month ago they bought the Silver Cloud Hotel in south Redmond near Microsoft to provide a sanctuary for some who've lost their homes. Support services and warm meals will be provided. Information about the hotel is found HERE.  I can't thank the County and City enough for extending their hand to these traumatised people.   

There's a boisterous group known as "Safe Eastside" on a mission to terminate this homeless hotel.  This group is the cause of a lot of misinformation.  Signs are staked all over town and near schools warning "no injection sites." Parents, students and neighbors have been frightened. 

I've sat in on council meetings where they've verbally attacked the Mayor, her staff, a councilmember, and commissioner. They often blame and shame the mentally ill.  This hurts because I and many others have serious illnesses, yet are able to have a productive career and a nice home or apartment. 

Safe Eastside is actively campaigning, and endorsing Dennis Ellis, Councilmember Jeralee Anderson and Councilmember Steve Fields in the election.  I'm not sure what they did to earn these endorsements. Dennis, Jeralee, and Steve should emphatically renounce this spiteful group and support the greater good.

-- Bob Yoder, 10/21/2021

UPDATED: LWSD To Place Three Levies On February 8 Ballot

Two replacement levies and Building Excellence Capital Levy

The Capital Levy while needed, is a new tax.

These measures will be on the February 8, 2022 ballot

Redmond, Wash. - Lake Washington School District is planning three ballot measures for the February 8, 2022 election. The measures are a replacement of the existing Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy, a replacement of the existing School Technology and Capital Levy, and a Building Excellence Capital levy. A recommendation was presented to the Board of Directors on October 4, and they formally approved the levies at their October 18 board meeting. 

This Building Excellence Capital Levy will be "new taxes"

• Building Excellence Capital Levy – To continue meeting the needs of our growing district, this levy will help us add classroom space to our schools. The Facility Advisory Committee provided recommendations for future facility projects to accommodate our rapid enrollment growth and continue to provide learning environments that promote excellence for students. The board considered these recommendations, received information and feedback from the Levy Advisory Committee and considered multiple options for addressing short and long-term capacity needs in seven study sessions between January and September 2021. This levy would fund the first step of three funding measures to provide required student space by 2034. This Levy funds critical capacity needs required by 2024: 
• Elementary: Redmond area 
• Middle: Juanita, Kirkland and Redmond areas 
• High: Kirkland, Redmond and Eastlake areas

• How much are the installments of the Capital Levy and for how long do they last? 

  The 6-Year Building Excellence Capital Levy annual amounts are:

  2023 $35 Million

  2024 $45 Million

  2025 $45 Million

  2026 $58 Million

  2027 $56 Million

  2028 $56 Million 

"Eastside Business Alliance" Endorses Janet Richards

The Eastside Business Alliance endorses Janet Richards’ for Redmond City Council position two. Richards’ extensive volunteer work and community leadership prove the kind of councilmember she will be – a dynamic, active, and effective voice for all members of the community.

An almost 30-year Microsoft veteran, community service has been a lifelong passion for Richards. As a Human Services Commissioner for Redmond, she has been an advocate for some of Redmond’s most at-need residents. Richards also served as an early member of the Redmond Police Department’s Community Equity Action Team, where Richards helped daylight the concerns of historically underrepresented community members. Richards also volunteers on the Seattle Children’s Hospital Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion council and co-chairs the hospital’s Family Advisory Council. She was the only non-hospital employee included in the task force charged with reforming the hospital’s security policies to be more inclusive.

As the city and region face unprecedented growth it is essential that we elect experienced community leaders with proven ability to balance competing interests and complex issues. Janet Richards will be such a councilmember.

Candidate Janet Richards Will Bridge The Divide In Redmond City Council

 

Commissioner Janet Richards

Janet Richards is the vice chair of the Redmond Human Services Commission, which advises the mayor and city council on funding and policy on a range of issues from child care assistance to senior services. She's running for Redmond City Council, Position 2 to expand the city's sustainability efforts while equitably managing growth and advocating for a safe city that thoughtfully considers everyone's needs. 

Richards notes that the introduction of light rail is an opportunity to manage growth, and wants to see the city plan ahead for this with climate change and quality of life in mind. As an early member of the Redmond PD Community Equity Action Team (CEAT), she states that she is an advocate for gun violence prevention as well as engaging residents of color on the issues of policing and community safety. Richards also emphasizes the need for green education programs and investments in electric vehicles for the city.

 As a member of the Human Services Commission, Richards feels that the budget for COVID recovery does not adequately cover the community’s needs for additional mental health, food, and housing security, and wants to see a change in governance that reflects more voices in the community, both racially and socioeconomically. Richards also earned the endorsement of our partners at Washington Conservation Voters for her plans to turn her environmental positions into concrete action.

Supporters of both candidates point to division on the current council as an obstacle to passing important progressive legislation. If elected, we hope that Richards can help bridge this divide and be a force for progressive change on the Redmond City Council.

Progressive Voters Guide

sewar

 

King County recognizes that trees help slow climate change and provide many important benefits for human health and well-being, water quality, and habitat. When we design this project, we try to limit the number of trees we need to remove. Where we can’t protect trees, we make replanting a priority with a goal of creating a future tree canopy that is equal to or better than what exists today. I’ve attached a factsheet here with more information on our approach to trees for this project.

 

Our initial engineering plans did call for the removal of the stand of four cedar trees just north of the Central Connector where it crosses over the Sammamish River Trail. In response to community concerns, we were able to adjust our design to save two of the four trees.

 

The two trees that must be removed are located within the trench that we will have to dig to install the new sewer pipe. Unfortunately, there is no alternative sewer route or feasible way to narrow our construction footprint that would allow us to save those two trees.

 

We are looking at options for how we can incorporate the two removed trees back into the landscape. We will also consider how we can pay tribute and tell the stories of these trees. If you have ideas for how we could best do this, please do let me know.

 

Thank you again John for sharing your concern for these trees with us. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you have further questions.

 

Best,

Kelly

Thank you John Reinke for your photo and finding the status of these trees. 

Vote Katie Grainger For "EvergreenHealth" Public Health Hospital Commissioner District No. 4

Katie Grainger lost to Chuck Pilcher

Commissioners are elected to 6-year terms!  The incumbent has been at EvergreenHealth for 47 years.  Is that long enough?  We need a leader with a fresh perspective, who's a good listener and a community neighbor who will reach out to us!  Vote for Katie.

Katie Grainger is endorsed by the LD 48 Democrats and the National Women's Political Caucus of Washington state.

Katie Grainger

Nice to meet you. I'm Katie Grainger. I'm the first in my family to do many things and that now includes running for office. 

I never thought I'd have the courage to do something like this, but then I was diagnosed at 28 with an autoimmune disease. I lost my best friend at 30 to a rare cancer. I developed a rare renal condition at 31. Since then, I've served as a volunteer ambassador for the Sjogren's Foundation, and I've lobbied on behalf of the Sarcoma Foundation of America. 

All of these experiences motivated me to work in healthcare. Having worked in clinical care operations for the third-largest non-profit health system in the United States, I see both the challenges facing healthcare and possibilities for reform. 

I know firsthand the struggles of navigating a system that is not always affordable or accessible. I continue to be an advocate for health by promoting awareness for autoimmune diseases and fundraising for cancer research. I don't need to be the medical expert in the room to provide governance that positively impacts my community. 

I intend to help make healthcare better for all Americans and that starts with impacting decisions made at the local level as Public Hospital (EvergreenHealth) Commissioner for District 2. 

Incumbent Chuck Pilcher, District #4 retired in 2010 after 36 years of service in the Emergency Department at EvergreenHealth.  We've discussed mental health at Public Meetings several times. He's numb to psychiatric care services. Sadly, there are no full time community psychiatrists or Advanced Nurse Practitioners at Evergreen, this at a time when we need them the most.