Commissioner Tom Hinman Leads Council Session On "Sustainability"

UPDATED (8/12):  At the Redmond City Council Derby Days booth our representatives weren't just handing out ice-cold  "Otter Pops" !   Councilmembers also listened to comments from passing citizens..

According to a Council report, one citizen wanted to learn more about the Planning Commission and how to connect to them.

Presto!   Wouldn't you know it?   Council invited the Planning Commission to their study session meeting last night - to address the value and need for "Sustainability" in Redmond.  Commission Chair Tom Hinman masterfully lead the thought provoking conversation.   Do you care to listen in?

Tom's 4+ minute talk begins right at the start of the meeting.  The entire council joins in.   This is one of the most revealing  Council meetings (video) I've seen.

Definition of "Sustainability": "to satisfy the needs of today without compromising the future's ability to meet its needs." The three components of sustainability are: environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Ref. United Nations.

Reported By Bob Yoder
Commission Photo on City Website - Tom Hinman (purple shirt)

Rough notes on the meeting  (read more)

UPDATED: Minutes from Evergreen Hospital's Public Meeting sheds light on the organization

>>  In a June, 2010 Public  Meeting CEO Rob Malte announced  Evergreen Medical Center has been recognized, as follows:   

o Seattle Business Magazine – one of the best places to work;

o King County – one of the best places for recycling;

o Seattle Magazine & 425 – Evergreen had over a 100 physicians listed as best doctors; and 

o Healthgrades – Evergreen Maternity Center was ranked inthe top 5% in the country

In addition, Administrative Director Laurene Burton  recorded the following  Minutes: 

>>  "Ms. Peterson, Executive Director of the Evergreen Healthcare Foundation, introduced Teddy Overleese, Chair of the Foundation Board.  Ms. Overleese provided an overview of the Foundation’s accomplishments, including the website redevelopment, inaugural Hospice luncheon, and the annual gala.  Events have raised over $900,000. It was noted that in 2009, there was an increase in major donors of 18% over 2008 and there were 970 first-time donors to the Foundation. Ms. Peterson closed by thanking Ms. Yamada (Dir. of Finance) and her staff for all of their assistance in helping with the finances of the Foundation. Commissioner DeYoung thanked Ms. Peterson and Ms. Overleese and offered appreciation for all the work they have done for the Foundation."

>> "The recent focus on RN specimen collection has demonstrated 100% knowledge of the correct collection process and consequence of errors, and Dr. Pheifer was pleased to see a declining trend in collection errors."

Why Every City Needs A Beat Reporter

This article starts out with an extreme example of  prolonged public apathy....

They are worth more than you think.  Just ask the residents of Bell, CA.

There’s a municipality in Southern California called Bell. Thirty-eight thousand people live there. It’s largely inhabited by Latino immigrants, and the per capita income is just $25,000 per year. It may be hard to believe, but had its residents banded together five years ago to hire a top-notch beat reporter, even paying him the handsome salary of $200,000 per year, the return on their value would’ve been immense. 
Read More.

By Conor Friedersdorf, 07/29
Forbes.com

Aug. 6: King County Primary off to Strong Start!

Aug. 6: King County Primary off to Strong Start!:

"King County voters are returning ballots at a greater rate than projected for the first week of the Primary Election. Over 100,000 ballots have already been returned and Elections officials are busy processing them. As in all elections, there are some ballots that can't be opened because of problems associated with voter signatures.

'It's really helpful that voters are getting their ballots mailed back to us early,' noted Sherril Huff, Elections Director. 'The top two reasons some ballots never get counted are due to being mailed back to us too late or the voter forgetting to sign the oath on the back of the return envelope.'

In the previous election, almost 6,000 ballots could not be counted for these reasons." Read More

King County website

Resources:  "Voting for Judges"
Municipal League of Women Voters recommendations
Posted by Yoder

Recovery Updates - Fundraisers continue to raise support for Redmond High graduate Chanel Cogan to pay for medical bills

IMPORTANT UPDATE:  12/29/2010: Click for Story  http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2010/12/redmonds-chanel-cogan-hospitalized-for.html

 Last night was a home run derby fundraiser.   Today, 8/7,  is a car wash fundraiser at the RAC from 8 - 3 p.m.   Future fundraisers and news of Chenal's recovery progress will  be posted here.

Chenal fell off a 100 foot cliff while hiking near Kachess Lake and was air-lifted to Harborview a few days ago.  As of last night she was in a medically induced coma for brain damage, her spleen was removed, and she has a severely broken arm.

Posted by Yoder, 8/7
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chanelcogan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORQAFjS5ZVw&feature=player_embedded

UPDATES:    Chanel Cogan's Support Group - Facebook Updates

Update:  August 11:  GOOD NEWS! MISS CHANEL WAS EXTUBATED AT 3:40PM TODAY!!!'


It feels so good not to have that tube down her throat, she's been sleeping ever since!!! Breathing away in dream land she rests peacefully, and so do we :)
Correction on the radial nerve surgery, the arm remains bent because the nerve is short and will heal stronger if not stretched out straight too early!

Chanel will probably not cough so much now, trying to get that tube out, her face is so beautiful without the garb and hardware on.

Now, with all possible tests done the elevated level of white blood cells remains a mystery??? She's been tested head to toe, inside and out for any type of infection. Her feeding tube was switched to the other nostril today too.

We keep our knees bent and one foot on the ground at all times. We couldn't be more proud of you today, Chanel !!!

I think you almost have a smile on your face :)      MeMe & Pat

Redmond is Restoring The Upper Reach of Willows Creek

Willows Creek

Have you ever been to Willows Creek?  Oh my!  It's probably one of the most beautiful, urban natural open spaces remaining in Redmond.   If you look hard you'll find an unmarked trail-head in Willows Creek Park that will take you to it.  We hiked the creek a couple of weeks ago and took a few pictures. 

Willows Creek is good size stream that drains the western "Rose Hill" watershed area.  It flows into the Sammamish River in the vicinity of Willows Golf Course.   According to Tom Hardy of the Redmond Department of Natural Resources Department, (DNR) federally protected Chinook salmon often find "safe harbor" in the cool waters of the mouth of Willows Creek.   Chinook linger in Willows Creek as they swim upstream toward Bear Creek to spawn.   But they no longer spawn in here owing to habitat destruction.

Years ago, the creek forests were severely logged  and the salmon stopped spawning to the upper reaches of the creek.  As you can see, it's a beautiful meandering stream with gravel beds, perfect for salmon rearing.   Tom Hardy's crew has a project underway this summer to restore the creek banks and improve the habitat for fish. 

UPDATED: Chanel Cogan, Redmond High graduate seriously injured in fall - Car wash fundraiser planned for Chanel on 8/7/10

12/29/2010 UPDATE:  http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2010/12/redmonds-chanel-cogan-hospitalized-for.html

According to an article in the Redmond Reporter today, Chanel Cogan a recent Redmond High graduate fell 100 feet off a cliff near Kachess Lake, on July 31 and has been air-lifted to Harborview where she is in an induced coma.

My daughter played soccer with Chanel and they were classmates at Redmond High.  This is so sad.  If you'd like to support the Cogan family they are hosting a car wash on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at the R.A.C. between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. The donations will help pay for Cogan's medical expenses and, of course, the family appreciates your emotional support.  The car wash location is at the Redmond Athletic Club, 8709 161st Ave. NE. 


By Bob Yoder
Courtesy photo

Public Records & Open Meetings Laws Forum, 8/11

City Council planning Downtown building heights up to eight stories. How would you know?

The Administration wants to hang this poster in City Hall to demonstrate the Downtown Urban Center plan for building height.   There wasn't a poster for the Overlake Urban Center.  Click

 

This Council-approved plan for the Downtown diagrams story heights between 3 - 8.  Bella Bottega is in the HL-5 district (five stories).  Heights at Overlake Urban Center go up to 13 stories.  Click.

The City of Kirkland has a large 3-D exhibit in their City Hall lobby.  It's readily noticed and easily understood.  Building heights are scaled and proportional to the topography.  Click 

The City is planning to add 23,000 new residents by 2022, according to the Mayor's 2010 Budget Workshop.  1/3 of the growth to the Downtown; 1/3 to Overlake Urban Center; and 1/3 to mostly North Redmond neighborhoods.   How do you want to be informed?

Sources:  2010 Budget By Priority March workshop / interview with Lori Peckol, city planner.

Development Guide.  20C.40.35 -020  Building Height Restrictions.

2D rendering and diagram from city documents library

City of Kirkland 3-D Exhibit photo by Yoder

"Waste on the Water" - Photo Journalism by John Reinke

In a July 30th post, Grist  (an enviro website headquartered in Seattle) presented their photo contest winners on the topic of: "Waste on the Water".

Now I ask your opinion, which photo is worse:

a)  the Grist contest winner at this link  or

b)  these  photos of Bear Creek near a park area in Redmond.

Well, maybe the Grist photo is still the champ, but these might have qualified for 'honorable mention'!    I took these creek photos on July 14, near NE 80th Street & Avondale Way.

Pretty nasty looking, huh?

Story by John Reinke
Education  Hill, Redmond

Photos by Reinke

The top photo shows an "island" of waste trapped within the clear waters of Bear Creek.  The bottom photo is an enlargement.

LWSD Seeks Comment on 2010-11 Budget Proposal

Barbara Posthumus is addressing the School Board and public during a June Work Study Session

At the June 21 Board of Directors meeting, Barbara Posthumus, Coordinator of Business Services, presented the draft budget for the Lake Washington School District for the next school year. Characterized as a “no cuts, no adds” budget, there were no major changes in programs funded for next year. However, the district would like to hear from parents and community members.

The draft budget has been posted on the school district’s website at http://www.lwsd.org/  since late June. Public comment on the draft budget is invited: community members can e-mail publiccomment@lwsd.org  or write to the district at P.O. Box 97039, Redmond, WA 98073-9739. The board of directors will hold a public hearing on the budget at its August 9 meeting, which will take place at 7 p.m. at the district’s Resource Center, 16250 NE 74th St., Redmond. Public comments will also be welcomed at that meeting.

A total of 342 more students enrolled in the district in 2009-10 than expected. The proposed budget for 2010-11 accounts for that increase and an additional 89 students expected, for a total of 431 more than last year’s budget planning. Since basic education funding from the state is provided on formula based on the number of students, the district’s revenue will increase accordingly. A 12% increase in the number of students in the special education program also triggered some additional funds to help pay for those services, although these services are not fully funded by the state.

The state legislature changed the formula that limits how much money the district can raise through local levy dollars. With this temporary higher levy cap and the amounts approved by voters in last February’s election, the district will be able to collect more in local levy dollars next year, for an increase of about $4.5 million.

Camping Equipment worth $50,000 stolen from Redmond Church

As of 7/29 Police were looking for the thieves who stole a rental truck loaded with camping supplies for 300 kids in a Redmond church youth group, said Jim Bove of the Redmond Police Department.

Volunteers at Redmond's Overlake Christian Church are scrambling to replace and pack more than a ton of kids' camping supplies, worth more than $50,000.

Camping supplies owned by the church were packed in a white Penske rental truck and stolen out of the church parking lot late Wednesday night. Also in the truck was electronics and kitchen equipment.

Top Foods was more than a grocer

Top Foods on Redmond Way is closing on Sunday.  What a bummer.  Today, one of our blog readers emailed they are giving 25% off on everything this weekend.  It was a good excuse & reminder to visit the store for the last time.  Top Foods is special from the rest.   The short-order restaurant atrium - with it's garage doors -  will be a sorely missed gathering place.  Sports teams and parents would meet-up before, and after.  Families.  Business workers.  I loved to bike the Bear Creek Trail, snack and rest-up.  Quite a few visited the Creek - you can see the Cottonwoods - from here.  (photo)

I bumped into the Manager today. With a strained smile he said he'd take a week off and go to Hawaii for two weeks; not certain what to do next. Others were offered jobs at nearby Top Foods stores or lost their unemployment insurance by saying "no".  One self-stocker was happy about his new job in the Kent store. He commutes from Puyallup.  The workers are all friendly.

I had heard rumors why Top Foods was closing. The Manager filled me in. It was a combination of things: 1) Traffic is excellent to the Plateau but the store is set-back and unseen. 2) The city wouldn't permit a "pillar sign" on Redmond Way. 3) Redmond Town Center owns the property; many leases tripled.

I'll miss this place: it was more than a grocer.  I wonder what will replace it?

By Bob Yoder
IPhone photo

Budweiser Clydesdales visit Redmond en route to SeaFair

This afternoon a couple of long Budweiser vans appeared in the QFC parking lot at Bella Bottega. I happened on the scene just as the last of the famous Budweiser Clydesdales was being unloaded. They were brought up here for this weekend's SeaFair Parade. A QFC employee said the company had arranged for the horses to be put on display at the store for a 3 hour appearance, ending at 6 pm. She said they had recently been handing out flyers about the event.

These horses are huge! The trainer told me they are 18 to 18.1 hands high at the shoulder. (A "hand" is 4 inches.) They weigh a ton or more each, I was told. The fully assembled rig of 8 horses marched around the parking lot a few times, pulling the famous red Budweiser wagon, complete with accompanying Dalmatian dog. Naturally, a large crowd clustered around and took lots of pictures. The horses stood by, quite unperturbed by all the attention.

By John Reinke
Photo by Reinke
Education Hill, 7/30

150,000 golf enthusiasts expected in Redmond area for U.S. Senior Open

"Home town favorite" Fred Couples on left with Tom Watson

Visit this Senior Open Website to buy tickets, look up tee times, read the course map and get tips on attending and etiquette. 

Tickets - Multiple ticket options are still available. Buy your tickets online or at the main admissions gate. Kids 17 and under are admitted FREE with a ticketed adult.

$45 admission for one day.  This Friday - Sunday

Parking is complimentary at Marymoor Park.

Shuttles are complimentary to and from Marymoor Park from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Spectator Info - All the facts on attending the Senior Open, including the prohibited items list

Source:  KING 5
Posted By Yoder, 7/29

Political Signs growing like city weeds

Election 2010 is upon us and the campaign signs are 'growing like weeds'.   This intersection of 166th AVE NE  and NE 104th St. is one good example.

If you think the signs are abundant for Election 2010, just wait til next year.   Election 2011 will feature 9 local elections!   This blog will help you learn about the candidates.   The following positions are up for election in November, 2011: 

• City of Redmond - Mayor John Marchione and Councilmembers Hank Myers, David Carson, and Hank "Dayle" Margeson are all up for election in Novermber, 2011.  In addition, Richard Cole will retire from his 24 year city council career.
• Lake Washington School District:  School Board members Christopher Carlson, Ravi Shahani, and Jackie Pendergrass terms will end and their districts are up for election November, 2011
• Evergreen Public Hospital Commissioner Augie Kempf  term ends 2011.

As of today, my blog will report more specifically on these candidates and their actions throughout 2010 and 2011- and their challengers.  I gather much of my information by watching and attending their meetings and corresponding.   To report fairly, comprehensively, with balance and color, my blog depends on your input, comments and opinions!  So, please send in those cards and letters!  If you want to write a specific Letter about a candidate (and include your photo), please do! 

As for the city weeding this roadside island?   You might try Mayor John Marchione.  The Mayor is over all City Operations.  Hank Margeson is a good bet, too.  Both John and Hank live about 1/4 from this intersection.  

Posted by Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder
7/29 

Windows 7 Phone turns heads but 'gadget hounds' on the fence

Walking around the packed gdgt live event in Seattle last night, we were surprised at the large crowd pushing into Microsoft's booth -- until we realized that the company was demonstrating Windows Phone 7, giving people a glimpse of something they won't see in stores for a few months.

These were hard-core technology users, the types of people that Microsoft would like to win over to help turn around its mobile business. So we took the opportunity to ask for their impressions.

Read More or Click Video

By Todd Bishop & John Cook
TechFlash,

7/28

Letter: "Really, this was Derby Days Weekend"?

The 70th Annual Redmond Derby Days expands events, attracts 'larger turnout' (July 19th, 2010 "Redmond Reporter" edition)”

The parade was longer, had more entrants, and had a crowd along the streets present for viewing. However, I was amazed by the number of people I ran into after Derby Days that said “Really, this was Derby Day’s weekend? I had no idea!”

For weeks prior to the Ananda Mela Festival there were signs everywhere. Sandwich boards on streets, signs on cars, flyers in windows. Where were the signs, posters and advertisements regarding Derby Days -- A page on the back of the “Redmond Focus” magazine, a link on the website?

A town I lived in for several years as a teenager had a huge banner at the entrance to the city for everyone coming into the town to see. There was no doubt when our town celebration was held.

Walking around after the parade at the booths I was shocked at how few offerings there were to attract families. Many booth spots were empty. And the carnival on the other side of town (not the first year) was certainly not a draw for families to attend after the parade.

I have lived in Redmond for over 20 years. I am constantly amazed at what the city considers important. This is our town celebration, a SeaFair event, something people should look forward to all year. I’m sure they would if there were any advertising about it.

Once again, the City just doesn’t get “it”

Paige Norman
Education Hill
7/26

Photo:  Paige with grandchildren

Abbott's Arbor

Abbott's Arbor
on NE 104th St.

Abbott's art  -- Arts Commissioner

Photo By Yoder

I-Phone

Puget Sound Energy Powerline Project Impacts Trail, Parks and Creek

Puget Powerline Easement (Trail) looking East near the Redmond Watershed Preserve.  A wetland in the foreground is protected by orange fencing.  Three miles of easement X 100 feet wide will be cleared  to make room for a new transmission line needed to accomodate growth. 

Sound Energy Project Update:

"Puget Sound Energy plans to build a new 115 kilovolt transmission line in the Novelty Hill area of unincorporated King County. We will construct the new line within our existing cross-country transmission line corridor between NE Novelty Hill Road and Avondale Road NE. We will not expand the corridor size, but will need to clear some trees to accommodate the new line."  PSE

This project is expected to be completed by the end of September with restoration of a portion of the Bear Creek buffer & the wetlands throughout the year.   Read City or Redmond web announcement.

Posted / Photo by Yoder
A mountain biker tipped me on this story. 

My Thoughts on the New Evergreen ER Clinic at Bella Bottega, by Ray Anspach

My Thoughts on the New Evergreen ER Clinic at Bella Bottega

by Ray Anspach

When I bought my condo back in 1999, one of the things I really liked about it was the view it had of Mt Rainier. Pretty impressive even at this distance. I took solace in the fact that there was no undeveloped land immediately to the south of me. Instead, there was an essentially completed shopping center—Bella Botega. Why, even the new trees along 90th Street were in the optimum locations to give me a clear view for years to come. What a difference a decade makes!

In November 2009, I received a City Planning notice about a lot line change involving the vacant one-time Gray Barn Nursery building which is right across the street from me. (File No. L090474, dated 11/25/09) The notice called for moving its western lot line 20 ft to the west. Although it mentions demolition of the existing building and replacement with a new one, no specifics are given nor is any reference made to any other file describing the new building. As near as I could tell, by just eyeballing things, it appeared the lot line move would not impact my Rainier view.

SR 520 Bridge tolling begins Spring, 2011

Camera is North of  SR520 in Redmond.  (Updated every 1.5 minutes)

In the spring of 2011, all-electronic tolling will begin on the SR 520 Bridge to help pay for the construction of a new, safer bridge. Good To Go! electronic tolling uses technology to keep traffic moving with no toll booths, no stopping and no slowing down.

Customers can set up prepaid accounts linked to a Good To Go! Pass installed in the vehicle or linked to the license plate number. By linking the account to a credit card or bank account, it will be automatically replenished to prevent it from running low.

As vehicles drive under electronic sensors on the east high rise of the SR520 Bridge, the toll is automatically deducted from the prepaid account.

If the driver does not have a prepaid account, a photo is taken of the vehicle’s license plate, and a bill is sent to the vehicle’s registered owner in the mail.

WSDOT/Redmond  press release

Report on this week's Evergreen Public Hospital Meeting and CEO Bob Malte.

 

Several months ago, the Hospital Commission chose Bob Malte as Evergreen’s new CEO.  I met Mr. Malte this Tuesday night during the Commission's Regular Public Meeting.  The following quotations of Malte (in black font) were taken from Deborah Stone's article in the Woodinville Weekly.   

Bob Malte and his family come from Littleton, Colorado where Bob recently served as president and CEO at Exempla Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Mr. Malte speaks of the work his staff did at Exempla saying:   "We gained a reputation for providing an incredible patient experience for each person who walked in the door. This was an important goal for us – to make the experience as positive as possible and serve the community to the best of our abilities."   Deborah Stone DS, "Woodinville Weekly"

7/21/10  During Tuesday's Regular Meeting Malte proudly announced positive patient mammorgraphy experiences improved from 77% to 98% this year.  Bob Yoder (BY)

Malte is a student of "lean manufacturing," He explains  "It’s a management philosophy that originates from Toyota.  "It involves looking for and identifying waste within the process and eliminating it in order to create a more reliable and safer environment."  DS

7/21/10 During Tuesday's Regular Meeting, staff presented the cost/benefit of  "Computerized Physician Order Entry" (C.P.O.E.).  This digital system would cost $6.5 million to implement and $700,000/year to operate.  Capital return from the patient benefits of  C.P.O.E  are projected to net $3 million by 2015.   Patient benefits are:  1) 50% fewer medical errors, 2) 20% lower mortality, 3) improved physician and staff accountability, 4) fewer re-admissions, 5) lower legal costs.  BY

He adds, "I also listen a lot because listening leads to understanding." In this vein, he has begun to hold what he calls Town Hall meetings – quarterly forums for all employees to communicate their ideas and opinions. DS

7/21/2010, During the Regular Meeting this Tuesday, Commissioners Jeannette Greenfield and Rebecca Hirt both described the economic pain many of their constituents feel from the depressed economy and challenge of not losing their homes.   I told Mr. Malte and the Commission of my concern for the relative high cost of health care at Evergreen; the extra cost of the levy on top of already egregious independent insurance premiums.  I hope Mr. Malte was listening a lot.  BY

Brighton Place Pond

Brighton Place Pond

I stumbled upon this pond during a walk on Education Hill.  It's across from the power line trail adjacent to a long straight road with three 1's.  Does anyone know where this is?   

A cluster of frogs were jumping about, to the ramp's left, in clear water.  Ducks paddled about feeding on abundant pond weed; thick from the phosphates spilling from homes on the rim.

A small rowboat & bamboo poles on shore would have completed my memory.  But neither goldfish nor native fish are invited.  Brighton Place is a pond for dragon flies and wild crimson  roses. 

By Bob Yoder

Municipal League Releases 2010 Candidate Ratings

SEATTLE - The Municipal League of King County released its non-partisan evaluations of 122 legislative, judicial and local candidates today. The ratings are available online at http://www.munileague.org/ .

The non-partisan ratings process is similar to a job interview and investigates each candidate's potential to be effective in the office he or she seeks and to beneficially serve the community. Political affiliations or stances on particular issues are not considered during the League rating process. The Municipal League attempted to contact every candidate in a contested race. Candidates were rated even if they declined to participate.

Legislative District 45, State Rep. Pos. 2
Larry Springer - Outstanding
Mark Isaacs - Not Qualified

Legislative District 45, State Senator
Eric Oemig - Very Good
Andy Hill - Good

Legislative District 48, State Rep. Pos. 1
Diane Tebelius - Very Good
Ross Hunter - Very Good

Legislative District 48, State Rep. Pos. 2
Philip L. Wilson - Not Qualified
Deb Eddy - Very Good

Legislative District 48, State Senator
Rodney Tom - Outstanding
Gregg Bennett - Good

Major Delays This Weekend on SR520 in Redmond

This camera is on the Northside of SR520.   (Upated every 1.5 minutes)

Drivers should plan for long delays and take alternate routes this weekend as crews completely close a portion of eastbound SR 520 in Redmond. From 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday crews will close all lanes of eastbound SR 520 between SR 202 and Avondale Road.

This work begins the final phase of the SR 520 widening project in Redmond. During the closure crews will pave the highway and move barrier to create a new work zone in the median. Until now crews have been working on the north and south sides of the highway.

All eastbound SR 520 traffic will exit at SR 202, take a right onto SR 202, left onto 180th Avenue SE, left onto Union Hill Road to Avondale Road. Drivers headed for the Sammamish Plateau are encouraged to take I-90 to East Lake Sammamish Parkway. Drivers coming from I-405 can use SR 908 to get to downtown Redmond.
WSDOT will be working with the city of Redmond to keep traffic moving as much as possible along the alternate routes.

For more information go to: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR520/WLakeSamPk_SR202   .

Released by Mike Murphy, WSDOT on 7/21

Over-prescribing and inadequate disposal of pharmaceuticals hurts our kids

Growing numbers of neighbors, schools, and local governments have serious concerns about the dangers of keeping unused pharmaceuticals in our medicine cabinets and  later flushing them down the toilet.   For one, drugs like estrogen, anti-depressants, ibuprofen, and antibiotics, when flushed, enter our water supply.  They have been found to change the sex of small fish and some can never be removed from our water supply.

An overriding concern is the ready availability of controlled substances like hydrocodone, oxycontine, and demerol -- getting into the hands of children, students, contractors, and even house guests.  According to USA Today "prescription drugs are more accessible to teens than beer". 

My experience shows doctors tend to over-prescribe pain-killers - out of habit, convenience and/or favor to their patients.   Over-prescribing contributes to substance abuse and disposal issues.    Example 1:  An oral surgeon pulled my daughter's four wisdom teeth and  prescribed 20 tabs of Hydrocodone 500M ("Vicodin") and 25 tabs of Ibufrofen 600mg.  But, she only used 10 tabs of the Hydrocodone.  (Some mothers refuse to give their kids any Hydrocodone, but the doctors still prescribe it in advance).  When I called the office nurse about it, she told me "larger adults can take more."  What does that mean? The doctor wouldn't return my call.  

Example 2:  I found 11 tabs remaining of a 20 tab prescription of Vicodin prescribed by an Urgent Care physician for a shoulder pain.  Example 3:  28 of 40 expired Demeral tablets were found.  I lock controlled substances in a safe.  The examples in my house show our doctors prescribed twice as much controlled pain medication as my family needed.

So where do we dispose of these unused pharmaceuticals?   I spent half a day figuring it out.  Not one pharmacy I visited would take back the controlled substances.   Most pharmacies refer you to Bartell Drug at Bridle Trail Village (425-881-5544).  They have excellent service and advice.  Bartell's take your non-addictive pharmaceuticals and incinerate them.  Both Bartell and Group Health (425-882-6150) recommend you to throw controlled substances in the trash, ground up with water and coffee grounds.  Group Health will dispose your non-addictive drugs in a locked container per their "take back program".   I called Evergreen Hospital.  They are looking into it.  

The QFC pharmacist recommended flushing controlled substances like Vicodin and OxyContin down the toilet, per FDA advisory.  She referred me to Redmond's Group Health "take-back" program.    She also recommended pouring both non-addictive and controlled medications into a sealable plastic bag, crushing it and adding water and then add coffee grounds.  I think the best website to visit for advice is http://www.safedrugdisposalnw.org/ .  They don't recommend flushing any pharmaceuticals. 

Redmond Councilman Hank Margeson has a keen interest in this problem and is working on it.  Redmond Councilman Hank Myers is interested.  Perhaps we can help Hank and encourage our State Representatives,  candidates, and health care providers to take action?

Report and Opinion by Bob Yoder

Comprehensive Update on LWSD Administration and School Board - including salaries, public access, the budget, & elections

School is out for the summer and the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors have suspended their meetings for seven weeks.  But, there is still much to report!

Open This Link to find the following: 

• Participate at the August 9 Board meeting (7pm) when the Final Budget will be proposed (and approved). 
• Learn what we pay LWSD administrators - from the Chiefs to the Coordinators. 
• How do you run for School Board?   Three district terms end in 2011. 
• and much more... 

Report & opinion by Bob Yoder

UPDATED, 7/18 Breaking News: Shooting at Lake Sammamish State Park, 7/17, 9:38 AM

KING NEWS, UPDATED 7/18, 7:38 AM.  VIDEO & ARTICLE:   Shooting at Lake Sammamish State Park

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Updated,   Q-13 FOX NEWS:  7/17 10:03 pm  Lake Sammamish - A beautiful summer evening is shattered when two people were killed and another injured by gunfire at Lake Sammamish State Park tonight.

Sheriff's deputies and other police agencies are investigating and looking for possible suspects.
Investigators are looking for suspects -- who are apparently still on the loose.

We're told this happened inside park boundaries, which is packed with families on a beautiful summer day like today.The state patrol and Issaquah Police are assisting with the search and the investigation.

 

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Updated,  KING 5 NEWS:  ISSAQUAH, Wash. 7/17, 10:05 pm - Two people have been killed in what appears to be a gang-related shooting at Lake Sammamish State Park.

According to the Washington State Patrol, dispatchers received a call from a park ranger about multiple shots fired in the park at around 9 p.m. According to the Patrol shots could be heard during the park ranger's call.

The Patrol says two are dead and there are at least five injured.  The Patrol believes it is gang related.

The park is in lock down, nobody is getting in or out.

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MOBILE VIDEO of interview with the Sheriff. 7/17 10:09 pm  -- canine search, some suspects possibly still at large

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Updated,   Q13 FOX NEWS:  7/17, 10:48 pm  VIDEO, 2 dead, 4 injured. 

What do you think about the new Evergreen ER Clinic planned for Bella Bottega?

REVISED:   Do you think 16 new acute ER exam rooms and a four-story building are an appropriate land use in Bella Bottega shopping center -- 4 miles from Evergreen Hospital?  In 2007, Evergreen Hospital was awarded a "Certificate of Need" to build 28 new acute care ER rooms and a 10 "rapid assessment" rooms for their hospital.  Why do we need more?   (A "Certificate of Need" is not required for ER Clinics.)   Swedish Medical Center is building an 18-room ER facility on Union Hill.  When you add them all up, Redmond will have 62 ER rooms, when only 28 are certifiably needed. 

Sherry Grindeland, Evergreen Healthcare Media Relations emailed:   "As a Public Hospital District, our mission is to provide outstanding medical care and service to the community."   An Evergreen marketing manager told me free-standing ER clinics are a marketing strategy used throughout the country to attract new patients.  ER clinics provide shorter waiting times, conveniences and emergency care a step-above urgent care.  However, response times may be delayed at ER clinics.  For example, compromised heart patients may drive directly to the ER Clinic only to find they must be rushed to the hospital for critical care.   

An Overlake Hospital manager said Evergreen's original plan was to consolidate three Redmond primary care facilities into a 2-story primary care/urgent care facility in Bella Bottega,  But, when Swedish announced plans for an ER clinic for Union Hill, Evergreen shifted gears and  hurried to push through the comprehensive 4-story ER facility.

Doesn't the "Certificate of Need" awarded to Evergreen Hospital for 28 new 'ER rooms' three years ago (2007) validate we are already getting "outstanding medical care and service"?  Is the Evergreen Bella Bottega facility even necessary?    Do users and taxpayers need more ER beds and millions of dollars of imaging and laboratory equipment with additional staffing when our needs are met?   No doubt patients will benefit from shorter waiting times, other conveniences and certified ER care.  But, according to Overlake Medical Clinic, the cost for sewing 10 stitches in a stand-alone ER is about 3 times the cost at their Urgent Care facility in SW Redmond. 

What are the best and highest uses of our medical resources....and our tax dollars?   The City needs a new downtown park, community pool and a fire station.  LWSD needs two new elementary schools, a modernized Juanita High School, and expanded Redmond and Eastside Highs.   Hospitals must pay for indigents.  How do you rank your priorities?   Does our Public Health District really need 62 ER rooms servicing Redmond?

Last year property taxes for the City of Redmond increased 1%. But not much media attention was given to the 1.7% increase levied by our Evergreen Hospital District Board of Commissioners in 2010. The 2010 Property Tax increased $280,056 to $14,914,002 - that's almost the amount needed to fund Evergreen's new $15M Redmond ER Medical Clinic building in Bella Bottega. Any thoughts on this?