Evergreen Hospital levy increased 1.7% in 2009

Number of registered voters in District: 155,154. (5/7/2019)

SOURCE: Resolution No. 827-09, 11/13/2009

LEVYS: 2010 Regular PropertyTax Levy increased 1.7% over the 2009 Regular Property Tax Levy.

The 2010 Property Tax increased $280,056-- from $14,633,946 in 2009 to $14,914,002 in 2010.

The 2010 Excess Property Tax Levy approved by voters on May 18, 2004 is $9,239,943.

UPDATED: Lake Washington School District makes changes to three feeder schools to handle growth.

Lake Washington School District Makes Changes to Handle Growing Student Population - Lake Washington School District:

Dr. Kimball decides to change the District school configuration and shift three elementary school feeder patterns.

Lake Washington School District is growing, by the equivalent of one elementary school a year for the next five years. The district has looked at alternatives to house this boom in student population and made two decisions to use its current school building space more efficiently, effective 2012-13.  The School Board last night approved  Dr. Kimball's decision to:  1)  change its school grade configuration and 2) shift  three elementary school feeder patterns.  Says Kimball: 

“If we don’t make any changes, we will need over 100 portable classrooms at the elementary level and about 28 at the secondary level to house the expected enrolment and to provide space for all-day kindergarten in the next five years,” noted Dr. Kimball. “Changing feeder patterns reduces the need at the secondary level. I know it will be a difficult change for families who have expectations and connections to specific schools but we have to find the most efficient ways to use our current space and this is one of them. Changing the grade configuration will make another large difference.”

Three changes in feeder patterns are planned, to coincide with the 2012-13 grade configuration change:

Bell Elementary will feed into Finn Hill Junior High and Juanita High School, instead of Kirkland Junior High and Lake Washington High School.

Audubon Elementary will feed into Rose Hill Junior High and Lake Washington High School instead of Redmond Junior High and Redmond High School.

These changes effectively shift population westward, from Redmond High through Lake Washington High to Juanita High School.

In addition, Einstein Elementary students will shift from Evergreen Junior High to Redmond Junior High but will still go on to Redmond High School."

The 2012 - 2013 grade reconfiguration will be:  a change to K-5 elementary, 6-8 middle school and 9-12 high school.   The reconfiguration will shift one grade out of the elementary schools where space is already tight and move the population to the secondary schools, where more space is available.   In Dr. Kimball said at the May 3 School Board meeting he doesn't know how to accommodate the space needs of the high schools and listed three options - capital levys and capital bond and a portable re-design.

Read the entire LWSD website news release.  

A link to this posting was published in the May 5 Seattle Times online edition under "Redmond Neighborhood News" (LOCAL). 

Posted By Bob Yoder
Source:  LWSD website on May 4
including the May 3, 2010 School Regular School Board Meeting video.
LWSD Slide Show

UPDATED: Evergreen Redmond Medical Plaza groundbreaking

Evergreen Public Hospital Commissioners at the April 28th Evergreen Redmond Medical Plaza groundbreaking

UPDATED, 5/8:  Evergreen Hospital's Media Coordinator, Sherry Grindeland, announced in an April 29th press release:  "Evergreen Hospital Medical Center Breaks Ground for Evergreen Redmond Medical Plaza at Bella Bottega."  Yes, that's right!  It's a Plaza.  The location is at 8960 - 161 Avenue Northeast.  The Plaza will be four stories tall and open  for business in about a year.
 
"Evergreen Medical Plaza" will house a 16-room Emergency Department (ED) staffed by 75 ER physicians, trauma-trained nurses, social workers and support staff.  It will be open 24/7, with ambulance service.

Two Redmond-based Evergreen Primary Care practices will be merged and integrated into the Plaza. More than 50 employees will staff the primary care center. Thirty-six primary care exam rooms will house the primary care department.  Total Plaza staff is more than 125.

At the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday morning, April 28, a Commissioner stated the Plaza is "like a mini-hospital".   John Midtling, Medical Director for the Plaza Primary Care called it "a state of the art ambulatory care facility."  There will be no in-patient beds.  Comprehensive laboratory services, CT, MRI, Ultrasound, X-ray will be available.  The plaza medical director was especially pleased to provide the District community better access to  "Specialty Care" services. 

Parking:  Approximately 35 parking spaces within the building are reserved for patients. In earlier April email, Ms. Grindeland wrote, "the owners and managers of the shopping center have designated parking areas for employees which include an area behind QFC and a row of stalls between the movie theater and the mall stores."  But, during the April 28 groundbreaking, two Evergreen executives pointed to the fenced staging area between he Plaza and Coho restaurant as a likely parking location.  
Evergreen Healthcare originally announced availability of underground parking for patients. But, this week, staff confirmed patient parking will not be underground. Rather, patients will park at ground level in the first story.  Emergency vehicles will access the Plaza from the patient parking level.

According to two City of Redmond planners, the project file, and Mayor Marchione, the medical facility was approved by the Design Review Board and Technical Committee originally for three stories but was later redesigned and approved (February) for four stories above grade.  The top two stories (30 feet) of brick and signage will be visible from the adjacent roads (Red-Wood & NE 90th Street).  This is one of three gateways to downtown Redmond.
 
Comments are welcome.  Please send your Letters for publishing to redmondblog@gmail.com  

Redmond Councilmembers John Stilin, Pat Vache', and Richard Cole attended the groundbreaking ceremony.   The Mayor was not present.

By Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder

Northwest Asian Weekly | Actor and martial artist opens kung fu club in Redmond |

"Robin Leong, who stands in front of young students at his new Ch’i Life Studio, has always dreamed of starting a kung fu school for kids. He realized his dream this year, with his first studio in the U.S.  Read More

By Vivian Nguyen
"Northwest Asian Weekly"
Photo by George Liu/NWAW

Address:
Ch'i Life Studio  (in Overlake, new building, near Home Depot across from the Silver Cloud)
2222 152nd Avenue Northeast
Redmond, WA 98052-5506
(425) 746-3838

Hours of operation:  M-F, 11:30 - 7 pm / Saturday 12-4 / Sunday 1-4

Steelhead coalition banquet in Redmond | Outdoors - The News Tribune

Steelhead coalition banquet in Redmond - The News Tribune:

Published: 05/02/10, 12:05 am

The Wild Steelhead Coalition is holding its conservation award and fundraiser banquet on May 15.

The event begins at 6 p.m. and will be held at the Redmond Marriott Town Center, 7401 164th Ave. N.E., Redmond.

The night includes an auction. Among the items up for bid will be guided fishing trips, fishing equipment and artwork.  The cost is $65. The deadline to register for the event is Friday, May 7.

You can register online at www.wildsteelheadcoalition.org/fundraiser

Compiled by Jeffrey P. Mayor, staff writer
The News Tribune

Redmond Lacrosse Club is strong despite losing 12 players to the Kangs.

This 17 second clip is a ground ball skirmish near the Gig Harbor goal just before half-time.  The Redmond Boys Lacrosse Club is 5 -5 regular season is almost over with one home game remaining on Tuesday, 5/4, 7:30 at Redmond High against Liberty.  (Redmond beat Liberty earlier in the season 13-0.)   Their last season game is away vs. South Kitsap on 5/8. (Redmond lost to So. Kitsap several weeks ago, 13-0.)  The real fun begins after the season with tournament play. 

Redmond Lacrosse were co-champs of Division II last year.  But, they lost 13 Seniors this year.  In addition, 12 players were lost to Jim Anderson's newly formed Lake Washington High team....of note, the Bernstein brothers.  The Kangs are burning hot with an 11-0 record.  

No question the split hurt Redmond Lacrosse, but the 'Stangs have a stable of six freshman and ten sophomores, some with 3-6 years playing experience  Only four seniors are on the roster:  Defenseman Brad Bomberry, Brain Davies, Joesph Mernaugh, and "D" Clement Signoretty.

Coach "JC" spoke highly of his players:

"Our "D" is lead by senior co-captains Clement Signoretty (honorable mention last year) and Brad Bomberry. Both are long poles. Junior, and also co-captain, Niko Shewey stands tall between the pipes. He should receive all- conference recognition this year. So, yes, our defense is strong."  

Redmond Lacrosse runs developmental teams ranging from 3rd to 8th grade.   Coach Bill Hanaford coached the 7/8 team for several years.  His son, Brett Hanaford #37 used his quick feet and stick skills to get open for the shot.  Brett is a freshman.  Casey Downey #9 was working out front with deft shots and passing.

Casey's dad, Mr. Downing says  the after game BBQ that we put on for the traveling teams.is always a big hit with them -- and it’s great seeing young men locked in battle and then minutes after eating together celebrating the game.

The Redmond Lacrosse Club helped the city this winter during "Redmond Lights Festival". They volunteered to set-up and take down the light displays.   Don't forget the game this Tuesday night, 7:15 at RHS!.

Saturday's Detailed Prep Lacrosse Results - Seattle Times Sports Blog:
Redmond 13, Gig Harbor 1 (Joseph Mernaugh, R, 4 goals, 4 assists; Jacob Kappes, R, 3 goals, 8 ground balls; Nico Shewey, R, 5 saves; Cody Olson, GH, 1 goal, 3 ground balls; Ricky Chenoweth, GH, 6 ground balls; Arron Wolfe, GH, 12 saves).

By Bob Yoder
Video Clip By Yoder

Legacy for Learning Luncheon raises $156,000 for schools

Dr. Chip Kimball, speaking at the Legacy for Learning Luncheon on the topic of “Future Ready in an Uncertain Future.”

The Legacy for Learning fundraiser just made a huge difference for our students and our schools.  The Lake Washington Foundation raised $156,000 at the luncheon fundraiser held April 24 at Juanita High School.  This is the most raised at a luncheon in the foundation's 5 year history. With help from the commuity and corporate sponsors, this event will fund critical programs for the Lake Washington Schools Foundation.

Arny Leslie, 9th Grade Teacher at Redmond Junior High, and his students explain how high tech lab equipment helps students learn better.  The "probware" demoed in this video cost $47,380,  made possible by Lake Washington Foundation donors.  My daughter was fortunate to take a class from Mr. Leslie.

By Bob Yoder
Photo and video from Lake Washignton Foundation Facebook Fan Page.

Click "Lake Washington School Foundation" Facebook for Dr. Kimball's keynote address and other video presentations by students and faculty.

Redmond Historical Society features developer Kemper Freeman on May 8

Redmond Historical Society May Newsletter is bursting with present-day news!

We are pleased to welcome developer and long time Eastside resident Kemper Freeman, Jr. Please join us on Saturday May 8, 2010, as he shares stories of growing up in what is now Marymoor Park, where he and his sister raised cattle. He is now one the eastsides' most successful developers transforming his families' strawberry farm into Bellevue Square. We will be meeting from 10:30 to noon at the auditorium of the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 NE 80th St located at the corner of NE 80th and 166th NE in downtown Redmond.  PUBLIC INVITED.

Come See Patti Simpson Ward at the Saturday Market

Come to the Saturday Market opening on Saturday, May 1 and see our Board member and local artist, Patti Simpson Ward, and her poster, which is this years' adverstising poster for the market.

Come See our Display at the new Liquor Store

Our stated purpose as a society includes sharing and celebrating Redmonds's heritage, so we jumped at the chance to do so by showcasing our collection in the windows of the new state liquor store going into Bill Brown's Garage (previously Underhill's Furniture). Each of the five windows highlights a different theme: the Old Trading Company, mid 20th century homes, logging, Bill Brown's Legacy and a huge aerial shot of the city from the 1960's.

Please Click Here to Read our Newsletter [PDF]

Submitted by Redmond Historical Society

Redmond girls golf streak marches on | Seattle Times Newspaper

High School Sports Blog:   Redmond girls golf streak marches on

"It took a tiebreaker, but the Redmond girls golf team pushed its unbeaten streak in KingCo to 74 on Tuesday after edging Eastlake.

Playing at Sahalee, a course coach Jake Crowley joked his players had only competed on virtually -- playing the Tiger Woods video game -- the Mustangs finished their round tied with Eastlake at 235." Read More

By Mason Kelly
Seattle Times High School Sports Blog
Photo By Dean Rutz, Seattle Times

Jeff Bezos, Michael Dell and Drew Carey back health care startup

Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, Dell Computer founder Michael Dell and comedian Drew Carey are among the new investors in Qliance Medical Management, a Seattle startup that's trying to shake up the health care industry by delivering high-quality and affordable primary care to patients by eliminating insurance companies from the process.  Read More

Jeff Cook
Tech Flash
4/27/2010

A head-on collision on East Lake Sammamish sends woman to Harborview.

Redmond Police reports:  We had a head on collision yesterday about 3:00 p.m. in the 6400 block of East Lake Sammamish that closed the road for about 90 minutes.

A Land Rover driving northbound swerved into the southbound lane hitting a truck. The driver of the Land Rover, a 40 year old Sammamish female, was rushed to Harborview with injuries to her head. She was in critical condition last night and in intensive care today. The driver of the truck and her daughter did not sustain major injuries. The cause of the collision is still under investigation, however, speed does not appear to be a factor.

The important message in this one is that the driver rushed to the hospital was not wearing her seatbelt, which may have prevented serious injuries."
 
By Jim Bove
Redmond Police

Redmond Council confirms Ron Gibson for City Police Chief

At its April 27 meeting, the Redmond City Council confirmed Mayor John Marchione's choice for City Police Chief, Ron Gibson, currently the Deputy Chief of Colorado Springs, CO (population 418,076).

"Throughout the interview process, Ron displayed the characteristics and traits required of a director on my management team," stated Mayor Marchione. "His leadership and management skills, along with excellent interpersonal skills, will make him a valuable addition to the City's Police Department and the community."

Councilmember Dave Carson said,  "The thing I took away from our first meeting was you are just personable and I think people really want to see that.... We were just really impressed with your demeanor your skills and background....and your personality."

Councilmember Hank Margeson said, "This police force you are about to take over is one of the elite, in my mind, not only in the state but in the nation.  I couldn't think of a better candidate to help lead those many, many leaders that we have on the streets making critical decisions every day...."

Councilmember John Stilin said:  "I like to make things pretty personal for me, and I would want to work for you.  When I heard you talk about how you would grow people -- it's something that I heard from a former boss that I had.  He called it "Sandbox Theory":  you give people a place to play, you tell them to kinda go and do the best they can do and you come up with solutions and you let them run."

Councilmember Pat Vache' appreciated Ron's "inclusiveness, openness, and getting community involved -- I think that matches well with the department we have now... and  learning how to get continuously better."

Councilmember Hank Myers is Chair of the Public Safety Committee and will interact with Chief Gibson extensively over the next 20 months. Mr. Myers commented about Gibson's "history of interaction with the community, human service agencies,  non profits,  civic agencies community agency to help  broaden the appeal and the cooperation between police department and community."

After the Council confirmation, Richard Cole, City Council President remarked, "The process to hire a new Police Chief took just over one year and has been well worth the time."

Mr. Gibson holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Colorado State University, a Masters of Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Center for Creative Leadership.   Mr. Gibson will relocate to Redmond and begin his position as Redmond's Police Chief in June.

By Bob Yoder
Source:   Council Meeting tapes & city press release

Tent City 4 | Kirkland | moves into location on the Kirkland-Redmond border.

Tent City 4 moved to its new location Friday, April 23 at Lake Washington United Methodist Church on a busy street (132nd Ave. N.E. on the Kirkland-Redmond border). Some neighbors have voiced concern for Tent City 4 residents being in such an exposed location.  Read More.

By Matt Phelps
Kirkland Reporter
4/27/2010

Tent City 4 | Kirkland | Focus Northwest - Photos of move-in to TC-4 on April 23 - 26
By Chad Coleman, 4/27/2010
Photo Journalist for Focus Northwest

Sammamish River Trail closes May 3-14 near Marymoor Park for emergency repairs

April 27: Sammamish River Trail closes May 3-14 near Marymoor Park for emergency repairs:

"Sammamish River Trail closes May 3-14 near Marymoor Park for emergency repairs. A portion of Sammamish River Trail just north of Marymoor Park needs repairs, and King County is closing that stretch of the trail May 3-14 to ensure continued trail user safety.

The trail, which runs along the river from Marymoor Park to Bothell, will be closed to all access between Leary Way and Northeast Marymoor Way near Redmond at the Marymoor Park west entry, as crews rebuild the 200-foot-section of the trail, including repaving.

There is no viable detour route, so trail users who commonly use Marymoor Park for parking will need to use alternative access. Trail users can access the Sammamish River Trail north of Leary Way Northeast via Redmond’s Bear Creek Trail, which runs alongside Redmond Town Center.

The Sammamish River Trail can also be accessed at other points along the Sammamish River in the Redmond and Woodinville area, including Sixty Acres Park at Northeast 116th Street near Woodinville Redmond Road Northeast.

There will be no direct trail access from the East Lake Sammamish Trail via the Marymoor Connector Trail through Marymoor Park."ce

Source: http://www.kingcounty.gov/

Redmond Lacrosse Club hosts "all day game day" on May 1

Redmond Lacrosse Club is hosting an all day game day for grades 3-12 at Redmond High school stadium this Saturday, May 1st from 10-7.

The 5/6 grade team plays from 11-12
7/8 grade team  plays from 1-2,
3/4 grade team plays from 3-4
 9-12 grade team plays from 5-6.
Please check out our website: http://www.redmondlacrosse.com/ .

The first four high school games are: 

Wed. 4/28   7:00 p.m. Redmond at Sammamish (Interlake High School)
Sat. 5/1       5:00 p.m. Gig Harbor at Redmond (Redmond High School)
Tues. 5/4     7:15 p.m. Liberty at Redmond (Redmond High School)
Sat. 5/8      3:00 p.m. Redmond at North Kitsap (North Kitsap High School)

By Mike Downey
Redmond Lacrosse Club
Public Relations

Graffiti art in "Edge Skate Park"

A few slides show a chipped "Free Wall" with about an inch of graffiti paint!  The wall has been painted over so many times that you can find layers of paint dating back 15 years.  The walls you see have been painted more than once in the last month.  

Graffiti art has been painted on the “Free Walls” of Redmond’s downtown Edge Skate Park from the day it was dedicated, over 15 years ago.  Anyone is free to paint graffiti on the walls.  These walls are special not only for their art, but for mitigating unwanted graffiti tags from migrating into the skate arena itself.

The skate board and BMX community and neighborhoods have great pride in Edge Park. Skaters say the creative graffiti art usually lasts on the Free Walls for 2-4 weeks before it has to be painted over again.  An unidentified community of passionate graffiti artists re-paint the walls.  According to Ken Wong of the Teen Center, the graffiti artists aren't managed by the City.

Redmond's one-of-a kind Edge Skate Park is located a stone's throw from the downtown Fire station and Metro Bus Park & Ride on 8420 161st Ave. NE.  The Free Walls facing the Park & Ride usually have the best graffiti art. Their tags are probably painted over more often owing to their visibility to commuters.  The paint thickness shows it.

Redmond Parks Operations Manager, Dave Tuchek, says the Park was conceptualized in the mid-1995's by Nick Lovell of the Redmond Police Department.  It was built during the Rosemarie Ives Administration. Dave says, periodically - less than 5-6 times/year - obscenities or graffiti are tagged in the concrete skating arena by outsiders.   Dave says, if the tags aren't removed within about 24 hours it gets worse and spreads.  He takes pictures of the tags for the police report.  Police and Fire have presence too; their refueling station is next door.  

By Bob Yoder
Seattle Times Communities Partner
Photos by Yoder (35 photos)

The Seattle Times graffiti story (4/26) is here 

OPINION: April, 2010: The city's new liquor store -- you can't miss it.

OPINION:  Look at the loud signage of the new liquor store on Redmond Way - smack in the middle of downtown Redmond on Redmond Way near Cleveland Avenue.  The liquor store is moving into this beautiful, brick building, a 1920's historic landmark known as mayor "Bill Brown Garage".

According to Rob Odle, City Director of Planning and Development "the Comprehensive Plan does not get down to describing the specific location of specific uses. Liquor stores are not singled out for special consideration and are considered to be general retail."  

Longtime resident Andrea Quenneville wrote city council and the mayor complaining about the large, tacky signs in front of the building, saying the signs were "offensive, 'ghetto' looking, and loud", and that "it doesn't present a good image for downtown Redmond".  She wrote "do we not want a clean, pleasant image for the city of Redmond since it's and right down the street from the park-to-be?". 

Jim Roberts, the city staffer in charge of  economic development replies:

"Believe me, we were disappointed about the proposed location right in the heart of downtown in a very prominent historic building. What a great restaurant site it could have been. I have no information about the lease arrangements. We're trying to get them to put historic information about the town in the store windows to make them more interesting for pedestrians than booze ads. Any other ideas of what could go in the windows would be appreciated. I'm not sure we can make it happen, but we could try." 

According to Landmarks commissioner Miguel Llanos, a city planner from the Landmarks Commission asked the Redmond Historical Society if they would display some artifacts in the windows and the Society happily obliged.  The Bill Brown Garage was built in 1920 and used to be a 20-car repair shop.  Brown was Redmond's longest serving mayor (1919-1948).

I wonder if other cities have been able to influence the State Liquor Board on site location or signage.   Any thoughts on  Redmond's downtown signage? 

Opinion and story by Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder

Tiny Redmond Pianist Wins Big Competition

Redmond fourth-grader Alex Lu, 10, plays the piano in his stocking feet in order to operate the pedal-extension box.

Tiny Redmond Pianist Wins Big Competition

Because he's just 10 years old, Alexander Lu's legs are too short to reach the piano pedals, and his hands are too small to play the chords in many classical music pieces. But he does have a secret weapon: his eyebrows.

When he plays, Alex gets so wrapped up in the music that his whole body moves expressively with the piece, weaving and swaying (see video).  Read More 

By Katherine Long
Seattle Times Eastside Reporter
Video and Photography By Ken Lambert, Seattle Times
Posted By Bob Yoder, Seattle Times Communities Partner

"Last Saturday" Special Needs Matinee

On the last Saturday of each month, the North Bend Theatre is proud to offer a Special Needs Movie matinee for families with children with special needs.  The next matinee is Saturday, April 24, 11 am - 1pm. 

The lights in the auditorium will be on and the volume will be lowered to make this an event the entire family can enjoy.  $5.00/person. Location: North Bend Theater, 125 Bendigo Boulevard North, North Bend. Phone: 425.888.1232

By Beth Angelo
Chairperson, LWSD PTSA Special Needs

Four vehicles involved in crash on Novelty Hill

This video from Air 4 shows a dump truck, pick-up truck, and two cars in a crash on Novelty Road this Tuesday, April 20. Two people had to be freed from their cars. Amazingly, no one was seriously injured. The video shows one person being loaded onto a stretcher.

The accident occurred just east of Redmond on Novelty Hill Road near the W. Snoqualmie Valley Road intersection.

KOMO News
Fischer Communicatons

Windows saves the day, but the rest of Microsoft business is mostly blah.

Microsoft's strong earnings report today was fueled by solid sales of Windows 7, but digging deeper into the numbers, it's clear that many of the company's businesses have seen better quarters. Despite a a big in advertising revenue, increased expenses pushed the company's online business ever deeper into the red. And Microsoft's business-software units continued to show the effects of sluggish corporate spending.
Here's a division-by-division breakdown of the results...Read More

By Todd Bishop
Tech Flash
4/22

Garbage and recycling resumes

Waste Management Service interruption

For Friday April 23, 2010 - Garbage and recycling service will  resume Friday on a normal schedule. Customers that were not serviced on Wednesday or Thursday should bring in your materials from the street. You may put out up to twice the regular amount on their next scheduled collection day.  Questions?  Call:  1-800-592-9995.  

Posted on http://www.redmond.gov/

Important Budget By Priorities Open House is Monday evening, May 3.

Budget By Priorities Open House for residents and businesses is Monday evening, May 3.

Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond is hosting an open house for residents and businesses to tell City officials and staff what programs, services or projects they would like to see either added or deleted to the City budget. The meeting is on Monday, May 3 beginning at 7pm in the Redmond City Hall Council Chambers, 15670 NE 85th Street.

Members of the six *priority teams will present guidelines for developing budget proposals. This information will guide City staff in determining what programs and services to request for the 2011/2012 budget. Following the presentations, those present will have time to discuss their budget preferences. The suggestions made at this meeting will be distributed to appropriate staff to evaluate alongside additional budget proposals.

City Press Release

Note:  * "priority teams" is probably another name for "results teams".

Notes on last night's Evergreen Hospital Public Commission meeting.

OPINION:  Last night, I attended and spoke at the Regular Public Meeting of Evergreen  Hospital.   Many citizens don't know that Evergreen is a King County Public Hospital and district residents pay taxes to Evergreen Hospital. 

The most exciting news from the meeting came at the very end when our elected commissioners formally approved and announced their new CEO, Bob Malte.  (see my press release story).  Mr. Malte is replacing the popular Evergreen CEO Steve Brown.  Malte will start permanently May 10, though he will be attending the black-tie Evergreen Gala fundraiser on May 1.  According to the Evergreen website, the Gala is sold out. 

My favorite part of the meeting was Dr. Wechin's update on Resolution 1000 the "Death with Dignity Act."   Evergreen campus hosts a Hospice Center with family support services.  I attended their support classes when my mother passed from a prolonged battle with three cancers and congestive heart failure.  The support classes are taught by experienced volunteers.  It's advisable to seek professional help if your sadness turns to depression, which was my case. 

Dr. Wechin said 70% of  patients choosing to die under the Act are cancer victims.  20% have ALS, and 10% have heart failure.  The common reasons for their choice are:  1) loss of autonomy, 2) lost of dignity, and 3) loss of ability to participate and enjoy life.   My mother died in Florida.  I'm not sure about the Florida law at that time, but she died a tortuous, tramatic death, almost impossible for our family to endure.  After prayer and without hesitation, I voted for the Act in Washington.  

Less than 1% of Evergreen's hospice patients (10) were dispensed phenobarbital medication last year and 10 died.  So far this year, 6 patients were dispensed medication and 4 died.  Prescriptions cannot be ingested on hospital property.  Most choose to die in their homes.

                                                                                         ###

In my public talk,  I introduced myself as a citizen-journalist and hospital district taxpayer of 32 years.  I explained my public service mission of  "Open Government", bringing government closer to the People.  In light of health care reform (driving higher numbers of insured to hospitals), I questioned the hospital's need for taxes.  A brief chat with a commissioner and staffer afterwards was a helpful start for dialogue.     

We the People (and taxpayers!) are invited to speak to the commissioners at Evergreen Hospital on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The board of five elected-commissioners are receptive and friendly, though their experience with the Public and government reporters appears quite limited, so be patient.  (Disclaimer:  Use of recording devices for accurate reporting by the public and media are not allowed; this policy is under study .)

By Bob Yoder

High School Sports | Redmond girls risk golf win streak

High School Sports Redmond girls risk golf win streak:   Seattle Times Newspaper

By Ron Newberry
Special to The Seattle Times

The Mustangs have won 71 consecutive dual matches against KingCo teams.

REDMOND — Jake Crowley hasn't been sleeping well lately.

Any thoughts of sustained sleep ended when Crowley's newborn son, Elijah, arrived March 27. But that's not all that's kept the Redmond High School girls golf coach's mind a bit scattered recently. More.

Robert Malte Named CEO at Evergreen Hospital

ROBERT MALTE NAMED CEO AT EVERGREEN HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER

Bob Malte was formally appointed CEO during the Hospital Commission's Regular Public Meeting on 4/20.  It was announced he would be attending the Evergreen Gala event on May 1 in Marymoor Park. 

Kirkland, Washington – Robert (Bob) Malte of Littleton, Colorado, has been named CEO at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center in Kirkland. A committee that included the hospital board, physicians, and community members picked Malte after extensive interviews. More than 125 people applied for the position. He will begin May 10.

Malte most recently was president and CEO at Exempla Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Prior to that he served as senior vice president at ThedaCare and CEO at Touchpoint Health Plan in Appleton, Wisconsin. He earned a Master of Business Administration at The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business in 1982 and bachelor degree in economics at Ripon College in Wisconsin.

“Many qualified candidates were considered but Bob stood out as the best fit for Evergreen,” said Al DeYoung of Woodinville, president of the Evergreen board. “We are pleased with his leadership expertise, experience and dedication to the community.”

Malte has a strong commitment to community service. He has been a board member of the Colorado Hospital Association since 2007, and serves on the YMCA of Denver Metro board as well as a number of other organizations.

He is married and has two children, 14 and 12. His interests include skiing, long distance cycling, tennis and

Malte replaces Steve Brown who left in February to become President/CEO of the Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pennsylvania.

Evergreen Hospital Press Release
By Sherry Grindeland
Photo By Local Health Guide Online
Photo, Subtitle and Evergreen Gala announcement posted By Yoder

UPDATED: Notes on tonight's school board meeting

OPINION:   I walked into the School Board Chambers tonight to walls decorated with creative, colorful art drawn by elementary students from Benjamin Franklin Elementary in Kirkland.   The Principal and her staff gave glowing reports.

Award-winning Mike Town was on the agenda but couldn't make it.  His video was played. 

Three citizens spoke during the "Public Comment" period -- a Co-Chair of Lake Washington School Foundation advertising his Legacy Luncheon fundraiser, a new Council PTSA officer and myself.

Updated:  I urged the School Board (five elected officials) to work harder at selling the Capital Improvement Bond next time.  The few times Directors actively campaign are when they run for office and sell district funding measures to constituents.  Based on my observations at 4 input sessions, over 5 Work Sessions, and 4 Board meetings, the Board majority didn't appear to work hard or smart in selling the bond.  They relied heavily on a Levy Committee phone bank, chaired by Board President Pendergrass.  With the exception of Ravi Shahani and possibly Pendergrass, it appears from my polling of the Administration, that several dropped the ball.  Ravi assertively and effectively addressed the City of Redmond Council and Mayor.  He also attended a community input meeting at Redmond Junior High, though did not participate.   Clearly, Ravi demonstrates he cares about the District in which he lives - Education Hill, Redmond, WA. -- better than most.  Pendergrass met with the Levy Committee twice/month for several months.  I asked President Pendergrass to try to "speak as One Voice" in the next election (and work harder in their home-district).  Hopefully, the Board will write a joint Letter to local newspapers, attract TV media and hold a public forum.  What do you think they could do better?   Or, is something else needed?

Next, the Board reviewed an internal report on "governance process".   The results were hard "to read" and generated little enthusiasm.  However, one item kindled the Board to think about organizing additional constituent groups into a 2-way dialogue with the Board. 

Superintendent Chip Kimball gave insight into the District's budget needs.  The district will collect about $4.5 million more in the 2010-11 school year, based on the levy authorized in February’s election. That increased local levy revenue will restore the $3.5 million in state revenues lost and about $800,000 lost in federal Title I dollars. The result is a flat budget for next year.

Even though the District could collect an additional 1.5% next year from taxpayers if they wanted, Dr.Kimball recommended against it owing to survey results and the economy.  Dr. Kimball and his School Board made a prudent decision.  The City of Redmond had a similar choice last year but raised their taxes by 1% (the maximum) under the prodding of Mayor John Marchione.  Comments? 

Opinion by Bob Yoder

UPDATED: Mike Town celebrates his NEA award at Redmond High.

Redmond High teacher Mike Town receiving award from Phillipe Cousteau

UPDATED:  Excitement abounded at Redmond High School this morning.  The Performing Arts Center overflowed with students and citizens as dignitaries from the state and around the country were on hand to recognize and award Mike Town for his NEA Green Prize in Public Education.

The NEA Foundation presented Mr.  Town a $25,000 award and national recognition for his Cool School Challenge curriculum.  In addition to the NEA award, it was announced Mike won a 1-year Fellowship to work in Washington D.C. under the National Science Foundation.  His absence will be noticed in the Pacific Northwest community next year.

Through Cool Schools Challenge and Wild Sky Wilderness efforts, Town has developed strong relationships with Congressman Jay Inslee and Governor Gregoire.   A Keynote speaker, Phillipe Cousteau commented that Mike has an ability to reach out to legislatures.  "In talking to Mike last night, he knew more about congressmen and staffers than I did", said Cousteau drawing a chuckle from the audience.  Phillipe lives in D.C. and frequents the Hill.   Phillipe is Correspondent for Green Planet and the grandson of Jacque Cousteau.

Town competed with 38 applicants for the award.  Town's Cool School Challenge curriculum has helped students, teachers, and school districts from over 150 schools nationwide reduce over 1.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.  Through infrastructure changes and the students' work, Redmond High School has saved over $30,000 per year in electricity and waste costs and reduced their carbon dioxide emissions by over 200,000 pounds.

In addition to the success of the Cool School Challenge project, Town has the highest enrollment of an AP Environmental Science class in the state, with approximately half of every of the Redmond High School graduating class taking his course.  Town thanked Principal Jane Todd and acknowledged ex-Mayor Rosemary Ives for her support.    

Video clips of Mike and from Governor Gregoire were played.  Mike has always lived in small towns outside of cities.  He said "the single biggest point source for green-house gas is local high schools.  And, ""the best way of mitigating environmental problems has and always will be education."   Governor Gregoire praised Town for his work to reduce the carbon footprint at Redmond fire houses and she plans to take Mike's program to schools statewide.   

Congressman Jay Inslee will join Mike Town and other panelists in Bellingham, Saturday, May 15th to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Western Washington's Huxley College of the Environment.  Town is a graduate.  According to Manca Valum, Director of Development, Huxley is "probably the oldest college in the country with the sole purpose of studying the environment."  It was founded in 1969.  Ms. Vahum was in the audience.

The teaching curriculum can be freely downloaded from the Cool School Challenge web site.  It helps student teams gather data about the carbon footprint of each class and, based on their findings, create an action plan to reduce their impact.

Reported by Bob Yoder

Pictures by Yoder

Redmond Chamber of Commerce members renewing in April

Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce April Renewing Members

Platinum 30+ Years

Precision Press 1978

Western Industrial Tooling Inc.1978

Gold 20 - 29 Years (1980 – 1989)

Evergreen Healthcare 1980

Genie Industries 1982

Silver Cloud Inn - Redmond 1982

McDonald’s Book Exchange 1983

Overlake Christian Church 1988

Redmond Wekshop 1989

Silver 15 - 19 Years (1990 – 1994)

Family Resource Center 1993

B.E. Meyers & Co, Inc. 1994

Bronze 10 - 14 Years (1995 – 1999)

Strobe Data Inc. 1996

Julin & McBride, PS 1997

J E Cumming Corporation 1999

Redmond Endodontics 1999

Sound Mental Health 1999

Renewing

Redmond Self Storage 2001

Habitat for Humanity East King Co.

US Healthworks 2002

Speedware Motorsports, LLC 2005

Edward Jones 2006

Send Out Cards 2007

Essential Moves Inc. 2008

White Coyote Technology 2008

Eakins Insurance Agency 2009

Express Employment Professionals

Heart of the Clutter, LLC 2009

Hilton Valve Inc. 2009

Rubbish Truck 2009

Source:  Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

By Bob Yoder

"Lake Washington School District Will Not Cut Next Year’s Budget
More local levy dollars will fill in for state cuts

Redmond, Wash. – While the final state budget, adopted yesterday, includes cuts to state funding of K-12 education, Lake Washington School District has analyzed the impact to its budget and determined that expected cuts will not be needed for the 2010-2011 school year.

The legislature’s local levy authority package as enacted will allow the district to collect enough in local levy dollars to make up for those state cuts. Because the budget will be flat for next year, the district will not hold budget input meetings this spring.

“We’ve gotten a reprieve,” noted Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent. “I’m relieved that cuts ended up being less than anticipated in the proposed budget packages. However, I’m concerned about the state’s increasing reliance on local taxpayers to pay for what the state should provide, and am concerned about the loss of federal stimulus dollars in another year.”"

Excerpt from LWSD press release