SE Redmond Industries Pollute Evans Creek, A Review

Industrial septic stormwater pond 60 feet from
salmon-bearing Evans Creek

CONCLUSION: 

Evans Creek is salmon bearing according to the City yet a grandfathered 50 foot buffer is all that separates polluting industries from infiltrating dirty septic stormwater. Current code requires a 200 foot buffer.    

King County Environmental Health Manager Fay reassured me that fecal coliform bacteria issues should probably not be a big concern from the old SE Redmond city septic systems. Many thanks to King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert (and Redmond resident) for her assistance in this matter. Dave Garland of Ecology also reported inconsequential fecal bacteria in Evans Creek.

It appears the industries & City will achieve a workable solution by re-routing Evans Creek 500 feet to the south to widen the buffer.  County Councilmember Kathy Lambert, and Redmond Councilmembers Hank Myers, Dave Carson and Jon Spangler (Redmond DNR) toured of the Evans Creek county shoreline with me to study the Evans re-route and the industries proximity to the creek.  The city is working with the polluting RICE industries on a regional stormwater plan while the old sewers on 197 Ave. NE are replaced. 

BACKGROUND:   7/14 - 

Two unintended consequences arose today during my meeting with staff:

1) The inaccurate city-county "zoning jurisdictional city web map" caused undue strain and waste of staff and citizen time during this fact-finding process. 

2) Presently, no planner is assigned to the SE Redmond industrial district to review permit applications on site for either conforming or nonconforming uses. Photos are not required by permit to identify the "creeping" of uses like oil trucks onto the Evans Creek buffer in SE Redmond. 

Councilman Hank Margeson, Chair Public Works Committee noted at a council meeting I was concerned about the integrity and safety of the county septic systems in SE Redmond. This is inaccurate and a misunderstanding; and probably attributed to the outdated & confusing jurisdictional map on the city website.  

 I've since edited my article to clarify my concern is about city septic systems. Mr. Jon Spangler, DNR, was aware of my intentions and concern about aging city septic in SE Redmond at: Cadman Gravel 'Olympian PreCast,' Skanska, Rainier Welding and most likely Genie Industries. I may be requesting public records to identify & confirm the location of these septic systems (and the newer sewer lines partially servicing 192nd Ave. Ne ) city industrial. In talking to the Redmond Department of Natural Resources (DNR) East Redmond Properties, LLC (Watson Asphalt Co.) appears hooked up to the sewer line on 192nd Ave NE, though the department was unsure if All Wood Recycling, Inc. (AWR) was hooked up to sewer...hmmm.

UPDATED, 6/26 - after a 30 minute conversation with Jon Spangler of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) I was told the SE Redmond city septic systems are safely operating and probably good for at least another five years.

During the June 17 council meeting, Public Works presented a proposal to install the regional city stormwater facility for SE Redmond. The facility would service over 300-acres in the vicinity of Union Hill and 192th Ave. NE adjacent Evans Creek. 

Below are excerpts from the staff report:

"Stormwater infrastructure in the area is primarily characterized as uncontrolled flow of stormwater from paved surfaces into sandy gravel areas where the water seeps into the ground to enter groundwater flowing towards the City’s municipal drinking water wells." !

"With minimal stormwater infrastructure, this contaminated stormwater can flow into the City’s groundwater (drinking water supply) and into Evan’s Creek, jeopardizing water quality for both of those resources." !

"In response to the need to end the practice of infiltrating potentially contaminated stormwater in this area, and in response to three currently proposed projects (Costco, extension of 188th Ave NE, and Union Hill Road Phase 3) City staff have worked to identify and size potential regional stormwater facilities to meet the current and future needs in this watershed."

In review of the archived tape of the 6/17/08 Council meeting, it sounds like most of SE Redmond's untreated stormwater currently flows slowly towards Wellhead #5. According to the Public Works director Jon Spangler Wellhead 5 is our most productive well and very important to our supply for affordable drinking water and is some places the aquifer is only 6 inches deep.  

According to Jon Spangler of the Redmond Department of Natural Resources, within the last two years SE Redmond city businesses have partially converted to city sewer. In past decades the city businesses relied exclusively on city septic tanks and septic drain fields to treat wastewater. The drain fields are decades old and are buried near the shallow aquifer.

"R.I.C.E" businesses on the 192nd Ave. NE sewer line  ("East Redmond Properties." "Cadman Gravel' Olympian PreCast,' Skanska, Rainier Welding  All Wood Recycling, Inc. (AWR) )and possibly Genie Industries lobbied Council to water-down the proposal (against new municipal code) to continue infiltrating and not improve the 50-year flood capacity of the facility.  SE Redmond city businesses are located in a 100-year floodplain above a very shallow aquifer

Think about the benefits of sewer and regional stormwater when you look at the filthy industrial stormwater pond. This detention pond is the only one I'm aware of in SE Redmond. It's located adjacent Evans Creek on 42nd Street on city property. 

Take a quick look at the Department of Ecology's "Citizen Guide to Monitoring Streams - fecal coliform bacteria". Does this answer some of your concerns? Click this link to read my last story on "Evans Creek - what went wrong?"

And not to forget, the City of Redmond "2007 Water Quality Report" has city contact information. This 2007 report was printed & delivered this summer of '08. The city's new slogan is: "Safe Drinking water is our highest priority" ... sure looks like they are working hard towards that end. Thank you, Department of Natural Resources & Council for your efforts!

-- Bob Yoder, 2007 Opinion, Edited 9/29/2024

cc: city council, mayor, city clerk, Redmond Code Enforcement Officer. WDOE.

Our drinking water quality then...and now

After Nao Hardy co-founder of the Redmond Historical Society read my earlier story about aging SE Redmond city septic systems, she submitted the following newspaper article printed 75 years ago in the East Side Journal. The Journal reporter is almost as entertaining as the county nurse! 

Nao says:

"Frank Buckley's garage was at the northeast corner of 164th Av &
Redmond Wy. Buckley's was combo gas station, auto repair garage, bar [yep,
beer for the road]. This intersection was the hub of the traffic wheel
planned by Mayor Brown to bring all roads to Redmond, and thus, the busiest
stretch of road in town."

"That testing showed the water to be excellent, despite gas
and oil spilled, splashed and dripped at the site, makes one wonder if, back in
the day, our aquifer was so pure and deep that it could drink anything without
indigestion, or if perhaps the County nurse did her testing at the bar. "

--Contributed by Nao Hardy
Co-founder and past President of the Redmond Historical Society
Compiler and Editor of "Redmond Reflections, settlers to software"
To order Nao's "Redmond Reflections" soft cover, call 425-885-2919

Redmond Derby Days

This Saturday is one of our family’s favorite days in Redmond possibly for the entire year. It's the best day for meeting our neighbor's, making new friends, getting to vote on important issues (which brand of peanut butter at PCC is better) and be a part of a parade.

That's right, it's Derby Days! Every year, our children take part in the Kid's Parade, but this year, we're doing things a bit different. In the past their favorite thing is that they feel they have a job, since they get "paid" by Kempf & Co and Clark Raymond & Co to walk in the kid’s parade, so this year we'll need to explain that they don't get paid for being in the Grande Parade. It’s all part of being a good ambassador of this great city we live in!

I'm actually organizing an entry in the parade and have been feeling all the joys of trying to get 50 people to agree to come together for one morning and walk in a semi-group. A few months ago, I organized a parade entry for the Dalai Lama at Quest Field, but considering the entry in the Derby Days Grande Parade involve much more children, I can already tell it's not going to be as easy as trying to impress His Holiness.

After the Parade, my kids love going into the activity area and creating some crafts from local vendors and vote at the PCC booth. Meanwhile, we adults love to listen to the music at the Microsoft stage. My husband tries to sneak over to the bike races later in the day while we enjoy the food and drinks vendors.

Then afterwards we head over to the Redmond Community Center for the Carnival before finishing off our perfect day with the Fireworks. We go home an exhausted and happy bunch, our countdown already started for next year's Derby Days.

Koloud 'Kay' Tarapolsi
Co-author, Overlake Neighborhood

OPINION: Four Mayors and a Clerk - The duties of our City Clerk

City Clerk Doris Schaible's retirement party on 3/22/1995: Selwyn "Bud" Young ('68-'79; d '99), Christine Himes ('80-'83), Doreen Marchione, ('84-'91), City Clerk Doris Schaible, Rosemarie Ives ('92-'07)

That's quite a picture of retired City Clerk Doris Schaible (in green) with Redmond's four most recently retired Mayors. Doris Schaible was our City Clerk for 25 1/2 years and she worked with everyone of these Mayors.  

Did you know that the City Clerk is the oldest of public servants in local government, along with tax collectors?  A case in point is our first mayor, Frederick A. Reil, 1913 -1918. He was Redmond's first postmaster and town clerk before running for mayor, unopposed. (1)

My personal experience with the Office of City Clerk began about four years ago. A large group of Education Hill neighbors were trying to appeal the Camwest, Inc. Perrigo Heights plat Steep Slope and Landmark Tree Exception. We needed ordinances and code information and we discovered the Clerk's office was a big help.  Today, I like to copy the Clerk on important emails to help my correspondence get circulated to the right people and "for the record".  When I want a public record for some information on, say, SE Redmond septic tanks and our aquifer - I submit my written request to the City Clerk.  cityclerk@redmond.gov.    

Our city clerk is the "hub of government" and direct link between "us" and city government. Probably no one knows more about what's going on in the city then the City Clerk. At a 2008 council meeting, Mayor John Marchione likened the Office of City Clerk as "a rock to stand on".  (I'm not sure what this means).  Since then, public records request service has improved dramatically.  Over time the Clerk's knowledge of the city's recorded history builds. The Clerk is highly respected and a certain amount a power comes with that knowledge.

According to various sources, (3) a City Clerk needs to be highly diplomatic, apolitical, unflappable, patient, versatile, and alert. I might add careful and assertive. One understands why a city clerk has these traits when reading their job description, as found on the city website, as follows:

1. supports the Mayor and City Council, oversees the Hearing Examiner function,
2. coordinates City elections and monitors state legislative actions.
3. responsible for coordinating and distributing agendas and information in support of City Council meetings.
4. is the official Public Records Officer of the City and maintains official City records including minutes, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds and titles.
5. In conjunction with the Police Department, the Clerk's Office oversees and responds to public records requests.

This old website description barely describes the duties of the Office of the City Clerk. In  2010, Mayor John Marchione added additional work load to the City Clerk's job.  The Office of the Clerk (3 FTE's) is now responsible for updating the Council portion of the City Web site.  The Clerk is also Program Manager for the new City Hall  Volunteer Front Desk Program.  As the Administration has grown, so have the number of meetings needing a Record by the Clerk.  The record at meetings is taken by notes, recordings, email, and video.

When City Clerk Malissa Files was promoted by Mr. Mayor to Finance Manager, Michelle McGehee was promoted to City Clerk.  I think Michelle was hired by Mayor Rosemarie Ives.  

Our new City Clerk, Michelle McGehee, is a "Certified Municipal Clerk". She is extremely well qualified, friendly, and committed. Michelle moved from Alaska to take the job.  Michelle, or her deputy clerk Liz, can be reached at 425-556-2190 and by EMAIL: CityClerk@redmond.gov.

Michelle's job has definitely grown from the clerking days of Doris Schaible! (2) In 1969, the population of Redmond was 9,213. There were 60 employees. 1 Parks employee. 5 firefighters. 10 police. 1 traffic light (Redmond Way & 164 Ave. NE).  Today, the population is over 50,000 by night and 90,000 by day. 

References:

(1) "Redmond Reflections...from settlers to software", Naomi Hardy, 2006; (2) Doris Schaible, Community Relations, Redmond Historical Society. Photo courtesy of Doris Schaible; (3) Wikipedia - (click title page).

Posted:  June, 2008.  Updated:  5/28/2010

By Bob Yoder
Photo donated by Doris Schaible

The new downtown "Street Art" bicycle racks - how do you use them?

Redmond's new "Street Art Bike Racks" have made their debut! "Ain't she a beauty"?

PART ONE: What is this Street Art? And how is it used?

The city's original pilot rack was placed outside the Library for over a year before the city launched their Bike Rack program big-time this year. This one in front of Redmond Physical Therapy and the original library pilot now have the company of numerous others downtown. Perhaps someday they'll vary the theme with a High-Wheeled bike rack like the Historical Society's Logo or the one pictured in this storefront window; or another design or color?

According to the city, "The rack allows both wheels and frame to be secured using a u-style bike lock, an anti-theft device that is significantly more effective than traditional chain or cable locks. Two to four bikes can easily be locked parallel to the rack, leaving the sidewalk clear for pedestrian traffic." U-Locks can be purchased at Target, Sammamish Valley Cycle and other bicycle retail outlets.

When the city launched Street Art racks I wasn't too surprised no one was using them. (Have you seen a bike hooked up?) Probably a combination of factors limit their use: 1) bicyclists not knowing this green street art has function and 2) the downtown core is hollow designed for pass-though traffic rather than business, residents, pedestrians, and bicyclists, and 3) the price of gas is still too low. In any event, I decided to try the racks out for myself and give you a critical review.

The first two racks I found were near the 80th Street & 164th Street intersection by Victor's Coffee. I hooked my bike up to the first one (right) with a U-lock. It was easy to hook up because I could lean my bike against the street tree.


But soon I realized my bike gears and chain were chaffing the street tree and over time I was concerned the tree could get girdled or diseased.

The other Rack I tested was right on the intersection close to a bus stop by Banner Banka. See below photo. Unfortunately, again another tree was in the way AND flower pots. A time may come (gas is $8/gallon in Europe now) when rack space is hard to find. Obviously, it's unsafe. A far better location for the rack is to the left and right of the bus stop and back a few paces. Bicyclists and pedestrian commuters using the bus would find the Rack more convenient and be safer. I don''t know who in Public Works installed these racks but it's evident beauty and visibility ranked higher than safety, function, and location.

Finally, on the left is a picture of the favorite...."hitching post" at Victor's Coffee on Gilman, across the street from the bus stop. The city could have looked more carefully for location clues when making placement decisions. One may notice the bikes hitched to deck railing partially obstruct the door and could possibly impede passage during an emergency. A great place for a rack is on the sidewalk seen in the foreground. Victor's and three other businesses on Gilman Street are well buffered from arteriole traffic. This is a wonderful "mid-block connector" street. One day it could redevelop and become a vibrant gathering place for pedestrians and bikes. Gilman Street is a great place for bike racks!

This is the only "hitching post" I found on Gilman Street. "Redmond Vacuum," a basket store, re-sale maternity and children clothing store are just down the street. With 7000 people expected to be living in downtown Redmond in the next 10 or so years, Gilman Street could someday be a core asset for revitalizing our downtown. I'd like to be a property owner here!

Guidance on how bicycle funds are spent in Redmond is provided by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee. -- dedicated citizen volunteers.

Redmond's excellent & undiscovered "Bike-Ped" web site on bicycle resources is HERE.

PART TWO: a critique of the Bike Rack review process:

During their 10/8/07 committee meeting, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee conducted a final review of the bike racks, according to the 10/8 Minutes on record. The Minutes show Staff made the decision to implement the "bike bike rack" program on a larger scale in 2008. The Arts Commission was not included in the formal decision-making process. The actual installation and larger implementation of the program took place at the beginning of Mr. Mayor's term.

The Ped-Bike Citizen Advisory Committee's final decision to "go ahead" with the project city-wide was made after an on-site visit with staff to the library pilot rack. Specific site visits to planned placement locations may have been left up to the Public Works staff. On-site visits by the Advisory Committee were not recorded in the 9/10/07 Minutes./p>

The "Bike Bike Street Art" Public Works project is under the guidance of the Ped-Bike Citizen Advisory Committee and management by the city transportation staff. So far, the only time the public has directly been engaged in this project was during the Ives Administration via 1) a press release survey when the pilot project was announced, 2) by a city website survey, and 3) citizens driving or walking by the library Pilot rack.

CONCLUSION: On-site vetting and observation by staff , advisory committees and commissions is recommended especially during the implementation of a project, however small in scope. Urban design and implementation decisions are lasting and deserve on-site scrutiny. The downtown rack project can be improved with better rack placements, a press release and public education. The project has merit and motivates us to think about our urban design and the importance of on-site vetting. These are my opinions; your comments are always welcome.

My first 11/07 story with comments is: "Redmond's new hybrid bike - bike rack or street ornament?" and it can be found by clicking on this link and then scrolling down or clicking on the title of this story and scrolling.

Bike rack made by Dero

Tips on Redmond's #1 crime - short video clip

Did you know Car Prowls are the #1 crime in Redmond and GPS units are the #1 car theft on the Eastside? "Smash and Grab" GPS thefts are up 360% from 2006. Visit Herb Weisbaums's KOMO NEWS 4 short video clip HERE on Redmond's problem and learn what to do about it. Herb interviews Redmond Police.

Notice:

On June 25, Redmond Police are giving a free clinic on personal safety for women, ages 15 and up at the Public Safety Building (Police Dept.) -- 1-block north from the library adjacent City Hall. DATE & TIME: Wednesday, June 25, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Redmond's Saturday Market culture (and fresh food source)

This is a picture of Duane at his vegetable market. A young child is admiring one of his cucumbers. Duane is one of 80 vendors at the "Redmond Saturday Market" open from 9 -3pm every week from May 3 - October 25. Duane's friendly smile and table of his fresh, locally grown tomatoes & large display of a variety of potatoes drew me to his "shop". I was hungry, too! Duane farms his organic produce on leased land and greenhouses in Sultan, Snohomish, and Puyallup. Tomatoes ($2.50/pd) have to be kept warm and waist-high to propagate.


Duane's wide variety of potatoes are $1.25/pd. He told me his shallots ($3.00/pd) taste good "caramelized". What's a caramelized shallot? Guess I'll have to pull out a cook book and see what he means. I told Duane my grandfather Yoder's two brothers started up a tomato greenhouse in Ohio that eventually grew into an international crysanthumum propagating business & fresh mushroom business. We had an instant connection.

So, just what is the "culture" of this Market? For starters, Redmond Saturday Market is the "Oldest Open-Aired Market on the Eastside". It's celebrating 33 years! All fresh produce, farm products, high quality crafts and specialty foods sold in the Market must be locally grown or made in Washington. Joanne Westlund's "Market Thymes" semi-annual newsletter has some wonderful news about the Market revealing market culture:

1) Food vendors Jim and Martha and their
children collect fresh produce donations at the market and donate it to a nonprofit, faith-based food bank called "Love, INC". Jim and Martha provide other human services for rent and utility assistance, car repair and clothing. Stop by their Hawaiian Ice and Hot Dog stand and say hi.

2) "Kids Day Selling" is an opportunity for an entrepreneurial or creative child to experience creating a craft and then presenting it to the public for selling! The dates this year for Kids Day Selling is July 19 and August 16. Stop by Joanne's information booth to learn more.

3) Have you ever had a question about what was killing off your plants, getting rid of gophers, or what plant to buy for a special place in your garden? The Redmond Saturday Market has "Master Gardeners" who can help you!

4) Eleven days with music!

You can't miss the Saturday Market (Downtown Redmond, on Leary Way next to Redmond Town Center). Ever since the Marriott Residence Inn closed their parking lot, the hard part is finding parking. Joanne purchased 5 new garden carts to help transport heavy purchases to the Leary loading dock. The best parking is the LWSD and RTC lots.

President and Treasurer of the Saturday Market, Joanne Westlund is a busy lady. But she still finds time to participate on the Redmond Historical Society Board. Her phone is 425-556-0636. Stop by and say hi to her.

Nostalgia for Baby Boomers; insight for their kids.

THOSE BORN 1920-1979

To all the kids who survived the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!

> First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.
> They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.
> Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.
> We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.
> As infants &children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags.
> Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.
> We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.
> We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
> We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because,
> WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!
> We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
> No one was able to reach us all day.And we were OK.
> We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
> We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or chat rooms.......
> WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
> We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
> We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
> We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not poke out very many eyes.
> We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!
> Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!
> The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
> These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!
> The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
> We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!
> If YOU are one of them CONGRATULATIONS!
> While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave (and lucky) their parents were.

A quote from Jay Leno:

'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'

-- contributed by my friend, Bill Brouseau, founding Eastside Catholic Boys Lacrosse Coach and teacher.

Summer Reading in Redmond

Books are big in our house. We have shelves upstairs devoted to board books, paper books, princess books, books in the shapes of animals and even books in the bathroom about poop. Downstairs in our house, I'm always being asked for tape from my daughters who put together books they have written. Some are LOL funny about stuffed animal adventures, some sad about our cat that went to go visit her sister far far away *sniff* while others are historical, depicting trips we've taken. Every night the girls get to take turns picking one long and one short book to be read by their dad.

So were do you go in Redmond to quench a thirst for books? Half-priced books (7805 NE Leary Way, 702.2499) is always great for little allowances. And it's healthy for the earth to buy books that have been read before. McDonald's Book Exchange (16415 NE 83rd St, 885.4773) is another place that's been around forever selling used books. Plus, you can teach your kids about the old way of exchanging their books for new ones!

Soulfood Books (15748 Redmond Way, 881.5309) has a really terrific story time every second Saturday starting at 11am. I love this groovy place because while you're ordering your tea in the cafe or browsing the store, you can keep an eye on your kids in the children's book area.

Borders in Redmond Town Center (16549 NE 74th St, 869.1907) is another one of our favorite place for buying books. My oldest daughter still remembers being read to by Beryl at their story time but now Todd and Stephanie have taken over on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Stephanie's story time involves head bobbing and is not to be missed. There used to be two story times, one at 10:30am and one at 11am, but now there is only one at 10:30am each day, so it gets very crowded and loud sometimes.

But the very best place in Redmond to find books? Our awesome Redmond Library (15810 NE 85th St, 885.1861) of course! They have various story times throughout the week for different ages and cultures. And after the story time, you can check out the books that were just read, head over to the children's area for your own personal puppet show (well, I usually get my own at least) or find CDs or DVDs to rent for a month. Can't locate something on the shelf? Then you can request them to bring it to you from another library! I once had a book from Oregon sent to me through the interlibrary loan system. Plus starting June 16th, the Summer Reading Program begins.

So happy reading!
Koloud 'Kay' Tarapolsi
Co-author, Overlake Neighborhood

UPDATED: Evans Creek - Where is it? Where does it go? What went wrong?

OPINION:



click on the pics to enlarge









Can you guess where Evans Creek is in this picture?

Find a graphic satellite map HERE of Evans Creek running through the industrial park and connecting with Bear Creek. Can you find the confluence of Bear & Evans Creek on Keller Farm on the left of the map? Zoom in. Can you can find the stream culvert and creek banks?

Evans Creek is a important salmon-bearing stream located in SE Redmond. The picture on the right is the beginning of Evans Creek near the county - city border. This photo was taken on the historic Red Brick Road looking west. See the beaver dam? You pass over Evans Creek everytime you drive on Union Hill Road near 192nd Avenue NE, just south of the Red Brick Road. Another good landmark is Legacy Roofing.

In the photo on the left, Evans Creek is further downstream into the industrial park running through a pipe (culvert) under the gravel road. A small bridge over Evans Creek is marked by orange posts. The creek flows left (west) under the tiny bridge & parallel to NE 84th Street through this industrial business and several others. About a half mile downstream adjacent Millennium Park it connects with Bear Creek on Keller Farm.

Bear Creek and Evans Creek are state and city protected salmon-bearing streams. Federally endangered wild Chinook salmon run through the Evans Creek industrial area on their way to spawn upstream. I don't know how far they make it. Evans Creek is supposed to have a 150 -200 foot buffer but the industrial businesses on 84th Street have been grandfathered for scores of years with a 25 foot buffer. As you see from the left photos the 25-foot buffers have been ignored by the landowners and city. Trucks, junk and debris sit directly on top of the bank.

Without a buffer, the salmon and other in-stream critters and wildlife lose the natural "riparian" food and protections they would have received from trees, shrubs, logs, and spongy earthen banks. Every truck, car, and piece of junk on the stream bank contributes to polluted run-off into Evans. The city's Department of Natural Resources has a distant goal to re-locate Evans Creek north and away from the industrial park. The stream banks could be restored with 200 foot buffers. The business owners land values on NE 84th Street would increase, too, and redevelopment would be possible. If you want to send a message to the city about Evans Creek buffers contact Code Enforcement Officer Carl McArthy or Mayor John Marchione. "What went wrong" with the buffers was not Mayor John Marchione's doing. (In this photo, the creek runs right to left between the trucks/cars and the trees).

6/3/08 Planning Commission's report (currently under review by Council): "[The Planning Commission] did however, discuss the issue of how to address existing industrial users along Evans Creek and the Sammamish River. The Planning Commission acknowledged lands zoned for these users are limited, and it is appropriate to allow these structures to continue to operate and possibly expand under certain circumstances."
- 2007 Shoreline Master Program Update staff report is (here)
At the 6/3 council meeting, Councilman Cole mildly reasserted the Planning Commission's recommendations. Councilman Myers said he wasn't interested in the Shoreline plan going to court. Councilwomen McCormick & Allen discussed holding multiple study sessions. The Department of Ecology Hearing and final decision will be made by December 1, 2009. Comments can be sent to Cathy Beam, Redmond Environmental Principal Planner and David Pater, State Ecology Shoreline Planning Manager. A statement by Mr. Pater is under "comments".

State Department of Ecology Website: Shoreline Master Program (SMP)
King County Website: Evans Creek Natural Area
If you or your friends and family are interested in taking a closer look at Evans Creek, the Water Tenders (a local nonprofit that cares about Bear Creek Basin), is sponsoring a car tour of the Evans Creek riparian corridor this Sunday afternoon, June 8. Please contact Bob Yoder (me) for details.

Lacrosse & Basketball Summer Camps & Events

Scroll down for Boys & Girls Basketball

WALAX May 3rd Newsletter
2008

LAST WEEK TO SIGN UP FOR SUMMER LEAGUE.

SUMMER LEAGUE STARTS JUNE 16th

Summer league starts on Monday 16th June and there are only a few more days left to sign up. We are still accepting individual and team signups for our girls and boys leagues in Seattle and Redmond.

Check out the sessions we have available and just email us if you have any questions. It promises to be a great summer of lacrosse and we're exciting to introduce you all to some great players we have coaching summer league this year.

Click here for the summer league schedule and links to sign up online.

Remember if you've not signed up before you'll need to set up a username on the registration site (not the walax website)

2008 Washington Lacrosse Games

If you haven't heard of the 2008 Washington Games it's only a matter of time. Organised by the Seattle Sports Commission, the games are taking place from July 10-20th throughout WA. Lacrosse is one of 22 sports taking part in this olympics type games.

Walax is working with the SSC to host a youth tournament to celebrate the growth of youth lacrosse in a festival type atmosphere. 16 teams will come together in a one day tournament on July 12th at Marymoor Park.

To learn more about the Washington Games and to learn how to register your team for the tournament, just click on the links.

USA U-19 Team Comes To Seattle

The men's US U-19 team are stopping off in Seattle prior to travelling to Vancouver for the World Games taking place from July 3-12th. Hosted by the WA State Chapter, the U19's will be holding a youth clinic and playing a Washington All Star team on Sunday June 29th at Mercer Island Stadium.

The 2 hour clinic is open to players from 3-8th grade with participation being limited to 250 players. The U-19 team and coaches will be running the clinic so it's going to be a great opportunity for all youth players to get some amazing coaching. Pre-registration for the clinic is now open so make sure to reserve your spot early.

In addition to the youth players clinic, there will be 2 exhibition games. The US U-19 team will take on the NW College All-Stars and later in the evening Team Washington will take on Team British Columbia. Here are some cool guys coming to the camp this year:

Jamison Koesterer 2x NCAA Champion from Johns Hopkins, Face-off Midfielder
Steven Brooks 2008 NCAA Midfielder of the Year, All-American National Champion Syracuse
Nathan Kinney 2005 NCAA Champion Virginia, semi-finalist Syracuse
Jesse Schwartzman 2x NCAA Champion goalie, Johns Hopkins, 2007 Tournament MVP

For the schedule or to register for the clinic click here

Recaps from the Spring Season
It was a great season that came together on May 17th at Memorial Stadium. To read the regular season and championship recaps just click the links below.
High School Boy's
High School Girl's

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REDMOND H.S. GIRLS BASKETBALL CAMP - REGISTRATION

Redmond H.S. Girls Basketball Camp (grades 3-9) M-TH, June 23-26, 1-5. Varsity players assisting. To register call Varsity Coach Dennis Edwards at 425-885-0782 or "click here"

Redmond H.S. Boys Basketball Summer Camp - Registration (grades 3-7) M-TH, June 23-26, 9-12:30pm. RHS Gym. Register with Varsity Coach Jeff Larson, jlarson@lwsd.org or visit http://www.redmondmustangs.com/

Opening Day of Wild Sky Wilderness - RHS Teacher Mike Town hikes in with Sen. Patty Murray

 Mike Town, left, environmental-science teacher at Redmond High School and founder of "Friends of Wild Sky" leads Sen. Patty Murray, right, and Rep. Rick Larson on a walk through Wild Sky Wilderness on Friday. (photo by Seattle Times, 5/31/08)

Wild Sky Wilderness is Washington's first wilderness area in more than 20 years. The 106,000 federally protected acres are near the town of Index, only 48 miles from Redmond, an hour away!

THANK YOU, REDMOND TEACHER MIKE TOWN, FOR 9 YEARS OF TIRELESS EFFORT AND LEADERSHIP IN MAKING WILD SKY WILDERNESS A REALITY. WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!

What did Mike Town do to promote Wild Sky and move it forward towards a federally protected wilderness? Find out HERE.
Read THE SEATTLE TIMES, 5/31/08 article "Their wildest dreams come true: Wild Sky Wilderness Opens".
Read THE SEATTLE TIMES, 5/9/08 article "Bush signs bill for Wild Sky Wilderness".

Neighborhood Block Watch - more than security

For years, my wife and I were upset with how little we knew of our neighbors. Come the long, dark winter months, the whole block seemed in a state of hibernation. With the exception of a few friends, our little neighborhood of two cul-de-sacs and a hilly collector road near Redmond Junior High just never seemed to gel.

When we first heard about the Redmond police "Neighborhood Block Watch" (Watch) program I felt a spark of hope. Though, our neighborhood hasn't experienced much crime in our *22 years, the program sounded like it might bring other key benefits besides "security".

Last week we read an announcement in the "Redmond Reporter" about a "Watch" program scheduled for 5/28. I jumped at it and started calling my neighbors. It was then I realized how few neighbors I could really call "neighbors"! You know, the kind you bring popcorn to on a kid's birthday; have over for a spur of the moment snack; borrow an egg, swap a curbside story, pick up the paper when they're gone.

The police Block Watch program hosted by Community Outreach Facilitator Jim Bove (425-556-2545) was a smashing success for us! (see photo). The next program is 10/29. Many of my neighbors were interested and 5 showed up at the meeting! We are now gathering names, phone numbers, and addresses to post on a neighborhood map. Mr. Bove gave us lots of safety literature to share and the Police may send a quarterly Block Watch newsletter. We have nascent plans to build a phone tree and hope to gather for a potluck during National Night Out on August 5. Great! I may get another chance to use my new backyard patio! And, now we're in "the lottery" for a party visit from a fire truck, a councilmember, aid car, or even the mayor! Steaks on us! If all goes as planned for our "Watch" and we get at least 75% participation we will earn a "Block Watch Sign" for our neighborhood! Car prowlers beware!!

Like most, our neighborhood has gone "international" and Block Watch is already helping to connect our cultures so we can be closer to each other... more neighborly! It really works! Already I feel our neighborhood is being responsible and empowered by Block Watch. Thanks, Redmond!

*On the subject of crime: It's hit home once for us in 22 years. My company car was stolen for a day. Some pills on my front seat attracted them. Remarkably, the Redmond police found the car! Several neighbors have reported car prowlers. - especially of GPS units. View KOMO video on GPS theft HERE, with Jim Bove. One neighbor said her mail was taken. We have 1 officer for every 10,000 residents, so watchful neighbors are needed to observe and report.

For tips on starting a Neighborhood Block Watch go "here".

Neighborhood Block Watch Captains are chosen by neighborhoods to help organize the program.
To see how NOT to be a Captain view Jim Carrey's hilarious skit of Saturday Night Live "Lifeguard (captain) on Duty" - video clip here. It will keep you rolling for 6 minutes. Jim Bove played this during our break.

Poor maintenace of underground stormwater vaults lowers stream water quality

OPINION: As you drive or walk by new construction sites you may notice large concrete boxes or "vaults" like the one pictured at the right. Vaults are used to manage pollutants and erosion from stormwater running off of roofs, driveways, and lawns. Many new vault installations can be found in North Redmond, especially around 116th Street NE. This particular one is quite large and was built by Camwest Development, Inc. adjacent the Perrigo Woods Trail between Lookout Ridge and Hartman Wetlands.

These concrete vaults "try" to function like the open "retention" ponds you see around the neighborhoods to filter stormwater and clean it but treatment is not as effective. Unfortunately, vaults are underground and higher maintenance than open ponds. Contaminated sediment builds up in these "underground ponds" and they must be periodically vacuumed out by large trucks.
The vaults are expensive for developers to install but without them some lands could never be fully developed. The main problem with these concrete vaults is they are below the surface, usually can't be seen and are often forgotten by homeowners and homeowner associations. After contaminated stormwater is collected in the underground "ponds" and partially treated it is discharged into a stream. When homeowners neglect to vacuum their vaults thick sediment contaminated with copper, phosphates, fecal bacteria, and other toxins can build up. After heavy rains, stormwater stirs up this dirty vault soil and discharges it into the streams.
Did you know Redmond currently has "marginal stream water quality"? Read the state report here. Regular maintenance of our stormwater facilities (vaults, detention ponds, storm drains) would help a lot to keep the streams, creeks and Sammamish River clean. Pictured here is a new stormwater retention pond on NE 116th Street.
Redmond has a serious shortage of stormwater inspectors. According to a city engineer in the Department of Natural Resources, Redmond has only ONE full time inspector to cover commercial and multi-family systems , "just barely". The city doesn't have one inspector for the proliferating, private, residential developments! Maintenance standards are in place but it's up to each owner or homeowner association to report problems or ask for inspections. Inspections are NOT proactive.
According to the same city engineer, Redmond is "not adding an inspector position to the proposed budget". Rather, "we are proposing to hire a field technician to help with inspections and monitor water quality." The question arises, how much contamination can our streams take from the growing numbers of hidden vaults and frequent flooding before we finally stop reacting to a problems helter-sketer? In the meantime, we entrust our neighborhood surface water quality to ONE, hopeful part-time technician!
We need proactive residential inspections and code enforcement before our streams deteriorate any further. Gigantic new regional stormwater facilities planned for our downtown will soon impact our stream water quality even further. The Redmond Department of Natural Resources and our councilmembers aren't at fault. Perhaps, Mayor Marchione can work his magic with a timely budget transfer or other maneuver to fund needed inspectors and code officers? As we all know, "a cleaner, greener environment" is a key budget priority for the city this year.
{See a short clip of open retention ponds in the Glenshire construction site "here". A wetland was once here. This large Glenshire development is in the North Redmond neighborhood adjacent what will be 172nd Avenue. Stormwater run-off is absorbed or eventually travels into nearby creeks. The "clean-out" is probably a sewer manhole}
CC: Mayor Marchione

UPDATE: Restoration funding for Lower Bear Creek keeps getting closer! Rep. Ross Hunter indicates his "okay" at recent Town Hall Meeting.

UPDATE: At the 5/20 Town Hall Meeting in City Hall, Rep. Ross Hunter alluded to Endangered salmon and $50M in damages attributed to state road flooding last year. He indicated his okay for a "culvert funding transfer" to pay for mitigating SR 520. Ross deferred us back to Mayor Marchione for the formal announcement.

The impacts of the proposed SR 520 widening to Redmond are huge. Over 14 stories on the subject are recorded in this blog. (search "520").

In short, 4 lanes will be added to SR 520 between Redmond Way and E. Lake Samm. Pkwy. Economic and safety issues from severe flooding and threat to federally Endangered salmon are at stake. $10 million is needed to alter the creek's path away from SR520 and restore the flood plain and salmon habitat. The city can budget only $2M.

GREAT NEWS! According to Terry Lavander, member of the Sammamish-Cedar River "WRIA-8 Salmon Recovery Council", the City of Redmond may soon have the money needed to restore Lower Bear Creek and mitigate flooding. Negotiations are moving forward.

During the May 15, WRIA-8 Salmon Recovery Council meeting, Mayor Marchione told the council-at-large he expected to be able to announce $8 million in funding from the State for restoration within the next two weeks. Coincidentally, State Representative Finance Chair Ross Hunter along with Rep. Deborah Eddy and Senator Rodney Tom held a TOWN HALL MEETING tonight, May 20, 6 PM at Redmond City Hall.

In addtion to the $8 million request for funding from the State, the City of Redmond requested $227,000 from the King County Conservation District. According to Ms. Terry Lavander, $220,000 was awarded by the district for the restoration. Ms. Lavander is also an original member of Water Tenders.

The WRIA-8 Salmon Recovery Council played an important role in facilitating these funding requests. I've attended a couple of their meetings; the council is impressive. Jon Spangler, Redmond Stormwater engineer, is playing a key role implimenting plans. The WRIA-8 council is comprised of mayors, city council members, county council members and 3-4 citizens-at-large from over 20 cities in King County. Under the administration of Jean White, the Council wrote a strong letter to Governor Gregoire to urge funding.

Ms. White alluded to the flood pictures and video clips Redmond citizens took of the severe December 3, 2008 floods. She said citizen flood documentation was important. Citizen Gary Smith's short video clip of the flooding along SR520 is amazing and entertaining.

A photo "linked here" by Citizen Susan Wilkins depicting the 100-year flood plain encroaching Redmond Town Center is somewhat frightful.

My dirt bike'n "lunch buddy", Dallas

Above, is a short clip of my buddy Dallas riding the "dirt bike trail." The trail is behind the Mormon Church, adjacent to the Water District land and Perrigo Woods Trail. Just as soon as the drier months of Spring arrive, Dallas and his pals soup up their BMX bikes, fix-up the course and hit the jumps.

Dallas and his chums spend much of the summer "hanging out" here and at the Edge Skateboard Park. He bikes .5 miles from his home to the trail almost every afternoon and weekend. I don't know what he'd do to fill the empty hours without these parks.

I met Dallas in the Horace Mann El. "Lunch Buddy" mentoring program when he was in 2nd grade. We've been spending lunch and recess together, once a week for five years now. Dallas graduates this year and I hope the junior high will have a mentoring program. They did once before.

The Mann Lunch Buddy program currently has 25 volunteer mentors. Our hearts are filled by these children. We come back year after year. Kids who have lunch buddies are recognized and admired by their peers. Some are shy or have single parents and all love being in the program.

Dallas and I are usually one of the first to get lunch. We don't have to eat in the cafeteria, usually preferring to eat in our "clubhouse" by the stairway. We often play games in the gym before heading out to the soccer fields. Sometimes we visit his desk and artwork. Or, look for BMX bike parts on the school computer. Over time, I've gotten to know his mother, Lisa, and little brother Cruz and our families do cool stuff together.

The program wouldn't exist without the passionate commitment of office managers, Ann Glassey (rt) and Susan Nauman. (lft). They keep the program going on a shoe-string and a trickle of money from United Way donations. But, mostly it's a labor of love. Every year Ann and Sue hold an ice cream social; they do craft projects to make holiday gifts for us; they match us up; and they work with the parents, mentors, buddies and counselors to improve our lives.

If you are interested in learning more about the Lunch Buddy program at Horace Mann, please contact Ann Glassey or Sue Nauman at 425-881-9696.

An act of sportsmanship in Washington State heard round the world!

A 2 minute video is posted HERE.

By the time you read this incredible story, it will have probably been on national news. The above photo of heroic Central Washington University softball players speaks for itself. For the complete story read the article in The Oregonian, 4/30/08. (patience)

My neighbor Larry told me about this tear-jerker this afternoon. I couldn't believe it. My heart melted and eyes moistened as he told the story. It's about sportsmanship. It's in the New York Times and hundreds of blogs across the country.

If you look at the list of sports teams on my blog in Redmond (see sidebar) it's clear many, many Redmond players and coaches will by touched by this story. Just think how many times Redmond coaches and parents try to instill "good sportsmanship" and character in their children. Now, they have it!

I know two Redmond basketball coaches who went to Central Washington University. Mustang Girls Basketball Coach and FLIGHT President, Dennis Edwards played football under Central's present softball coach Gary Frederick. My daughter's FLIGHT coach, Jenny Jammerman played at Central, too. Do you know anyone?

Websites:

Central Washington University

Western Oregon University

OPINION: Marchione administration's $40 million parks bond proposal-- a hoax?

I am very disappointed the Marchione Administration and 6 park commissioners would even CONSIDER a preliminary $40,000,000 parks bond for 2009. Specifics of the proposal were described in detail by Parks Director Larsen (photo above) at the last Council study session. (Please look for "comments" below this story for elaboration).

Citizens just finished spending 6 hours of their evenings participating in Mayor Marchione and Richard Cole's "Budgeting by Priorities" (BP) workshops. When Parks Director Larsen discussed "the number" ($40m), I never heard him refer to the BP workshops or citizen requests for more park services. I think it was a councilmember who remembered a vague request for more natural open space.

Did you know, Council recently approved $2,300,000 in taxpayer money for 0.9 miles of park "trail" --a 15 foot-wide black-topped 'road'? (Click on the title of this story to read all about it. )

Only last year, the Council proposed and passed a $637,122 park bond and allocated an additional $605,000 of capital improvement funds (CIP) to our parks and recreation program. In addition Council passed city-wide impact fees on developers. For an eye-opening summary of where our 2007 park levy and capital dollars will be spent READ THIS.

As a result of last year's park levy, our property taxes increased on average $21/year. The proposed $40,000,000 park levy alone would increase our property taxes an average of approximately $140/yr per household. The increase is over 6.6 x last year's increase! It's almost equivalent to last year's "fire & police" increase of $143/yr/household.

Gas is over $3.60/gallon, fruit and vegetables are now priced by "the each" rather than "the pound", we burn gas in traffic jams because city roads can't keep up with growth, and the needed fire station in North Redmond isn't built. The list goes on.

Yes, you can read Richard Morrises informative reports here about the splendor of our parks. They truly are what makes Redmond, Redmond. But, at what cost to further the park system?

Did you know, every year 5% of our General Operating Fund is transferred to our Capital Fund? Most interestingly, 19% of the total 2007 - 2012 Capital Fund of $216,000,000 is allocated to Parks! Yikes! That's $40,000,000!

$40M (proposed bond) + $40M (capital) + $637K ('08 levy) = $80,637,000 total park & rec. budget allocation -- wished for by the Marchione Administration in 2009... This isn't counting impact fees.

My goodness! This can't be real! Is it a hoax? I feel manipulated. When citizens cry "NO" to this incredulous $40M bond proposal the Council is then positioned to say "NO" to many of the citizen's requests for funding their projects. It appears the Marchione administration is "conditioning" us to lower our expectations for our budget priorities. In the least, he's applying the fundamental principle of negotiations: "start high".

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REF: All of my research was taken from Links to city documents on the sidebar of this blog (scroll down) and by searching "levy" in the blog search engine .

CC: Council, Mayor, Parks Director, Parks & Trails commissioners

Running with Dogs -- Ashford Trail

Contributed by Richard Morris
Here is how the city of Redmond describes Ashford Trail 1/4 mile: Soft surface equestrian and hiking trail linking Hartman Park with Avondale Road through the Ashford Park development along 180 Ave NE.
Ashford Trail has historical roots. This short trail follows alongside Perrigo Creek, which begins at the top of Education Hill, and ends when it joins Bear Creek. Perrigo Springs, long ago, served as the source of water for Redmond. The pioneer-day Perrigo Farm on top of Education Hill used water from Perrigo Springs.

Naomi Hardy, Redmond Historical Society, contributed this bit of history: "The little Perrigo Springs was purchased by the Redmond Water Department in 1914 and was the first water supply for the newly incorporated town of Redmond. A dam was originally constructed to impound the water for storage, with the transmission main a 4” to 8” wood stave pipe. This site was Redmond’s only water supply until 1927 and served as a major source of supply until 1962. Currently the spring is still there, trickling through a small, forested valley, past the city’s Perrigo Springs Reservoir and makes its way to Bear Creek. There is a wide trail near the spring that goes up Education Hill. Hikers and school kids and the curious use this trail".
Near the reservoir is a commemorative tree and plaque marking this historic water source. You can read more about historic Perrigo Springs on a previous post

Ashford Trail before it was widened and graveled by the City

You can enter the Ashford Trail from Avondale at 180th Ave. This is the entrace to Ashford Park, a condominium community in Redmond. Just drive (or bike) up 180th Ave, until the road ends. There is a water tower (recently renovated by the Water Department) and an old concrete dam across Perrigo Creek. A camera was installed at the top of the water tower to record people who might damage the marker and Corkscrew Willow tree.  See a map of this area.

Richard Morris with Saddie

You can also enter the Ashford Trail from the top of Education Hill where NE100th St ends at 171st Ave NE. The first 1/2 mile walk is flat, then the trail sharply descends to the water tower and becomes 180th Ave NE. If this steep trail looks to difficult, you can cross over Perrigo Creek and enter the "back side" of Hartman Park. This short connector trail comes out on 176th Ave NE (King County Swimming pool is located at the end of this street).

If you are adventurous, and like a hiking challenge, walk down Avondale (south towards Redmond Town Center), until you reach NE 88th PL . Go the end of the road, and you will find a trail leading up Education Hill. You can climb back up the hill (very steep) and the trail comes out at Nike Park. My companion dog, Sadie, is good at scrambling up the steep slope, but it is slow climb for me to find my footing on the loose forest soil.
Richard Morris, co-author, Education Hill neighborhood

Playdates & Perks at RTC

Contributed by Kay Tarapolsi

In order to save my sanity midweek, I decided to get my three kids (ages 6, 4 and 1) out of the house to try the 'Playdates & Perks' that the Redmond Town Center features every Thursday from 10-2pm. I had been told about this from another mom who loved to stop by with her kids and get a Kid's Creation for a reduced fare. Our first step was at the Information office to get the membership card and a list of participating stores. The first disappointment of the hunt for Perks? Cold Stone is no longer offering their Kid's Creations for $1.50. When I asked why, the information hostess had no answer for me. Additionally crossed off the list was Cosi, who is no longer at RTC (what's more, the RTC website lists a discount at Rubber Sole, another defunct business). We also realized we were too late for the Hush Baby Boutique story time that was at 11am. Too bad, I heard they have fabulous cookies. Undeterred, we headed to Pizza Schmizza for a kid's slice of pizza. As usually, it was superb. It just came out of the oven and was perfect sized for the price ($1).

After our snack we mozzied over to Learning Quest for the free gift. The girls were given little lizards that they loved and they were still playing with the next day. Next we stopped at the Paint Away and were shown three birth plaques (of which we would pick one) we could receive for free if we purchased $20 worth of items. I asked the sales clerk if they had other options that were for kids since these were adult projects and was told no (even after showing her the list that says "children's activity" next to their name). I actually would have spent the $20 on extra items if we were given a "children's activity" to decorate that was more appropriate for a child of 6 or 4. We left Paint Away with the girls being let down that they wouldn't get to participate.

Looking at the list of other stores, it seemed that others offered services that just weren't very 'Playdate' friendly. Some of the stores listed (Laura Victoria and Lucy) don't even offer children's clothing or items while others (Sahib Cuisine of India) are not child suitable and are geared more towards the business lunch crowd. And whereas Regis does offer a $5 off a children's haircut, I don't know that many kids that need a 20% discount on chemical services.

I think the 'Playdates & Perks' is a really fabulous idea and while we were sitting at Ruby's enjoying the free kids meal (with a purchase of an adult entree), I realized it just needed a bit of work to make it more 'Playdate' friendly for children. Start by handing out an updated list of 'Perks,' with non participating merchants removed and matching the RTC website. Next, make a separate list for places that offer discounts for moms, but maybe at a time without the kids. How about a MNO (Moms Night Out) that includes dinner at Sahib and price cuts at Laura Victoria, Lucy, Chico's, Victoria's Secret, etc followed by some deliciously discounted brew and gossip at Tully's? My final suggestions to make this concept work? Encourage more stores that appeal to children to participate, places such as Gymboree, Gap Kids, Claire's, Red Robin, REI, Uncle's Games and Wetzel's Pretzels. These merchants need to be reminded that the Redmond/Woodinville/Duvall area has more children under the age of 5 then any other surrounding city. As they should have said in Field of Dreams "build it for the kids and the parents will come."

Koloud 'Kay' Tarapolsi
Co-author, Overlake Neighborhood