Updated: 70-75% of responses from Redmond Fire Stations are for medical emergencies.

Rendering of Fire Station 17 - Courtesy of City of Redmond

The public is invited to join the City of Redmond at the groundbreaking ceremony for Fire Station 17 in North Redmond on Thursday, January 27 at 10 a.m.

Mayor John Marchione, City Councilmembers and Fire Chief Tim Fuller, among others, will be in attendance. Light refreshments will be served.

Fire Station 17 is scheduled to house a Medic One unit when it opens.  In a meeting with Council President Richard Cole today, Mr. Cole indicated response times should improve in the North Redmond/Education Hill area.  Units will avoid the traffic congestion of Avondale, Novelty Hill Rd, and Redmond-Woodinville Road.  He said a Medic unit will be housed in Fire Station 17 in advance of the fire trucks since Medics respond to 75% of all emergency fire calls.

No parking for the general public is available on-site. Guests must park in the north lot of the Church of the Holy Cross, 11526 162nd Ave. N.E. Access to the lot is best from NE 116th Street just east of 162nd Avenue NE. Shuttles are available from 9:30 to 9:55 am to take guests from the parking lot to the site and return them to their cars at the completion of the ceremony.

Reported by Yoder

Source:  Council President Richard Cole
Marta Gronlund, City Communications



LETTER: Increased enrollment is not an anomaly - the levy is needed to create space

LETTER:  My husband and I live in the Juanita community and we strongly urge Lake Washington School District residents to vote YES for the district’s February 8th capital levy.

Maintaining our excellent schools is important to the quality of life in our community and to our children’s futures. If our children choose to live here when they are adults, we hope they’ll find this is a stable community and still a great place to raise a family.

The levy is needed to pay for new classroom space and a new school to accommodate the district’s sudden increase this past year in enrollment after a decade of almost no growth. The increase is no anomaly; the enrollment is expected to continue to climb.

LETTER: "We are facing a very real space crisis. Vote Yes", By School Board Directors, Jackie Pendergrass and Nancy Bernard.

Director Nancy Bernard
Kirkland resident

To the editor:

As members of the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors, we urge you to vote yes for the district’s levy measure. We are facing a very real space crisis. It’s just not possible to fit in hundreds more students into the system each year without some cost. With 600 more students this year and 450 more expected each year for at least the next five, we will run out of space by the fall of 2012.

This measure is not about the planned change in grade configuration to a four-year high school system. That change is being made for academic reasons.

It also helps us handle the space problem by moving sixth grade out of our already crowded elementary schools, schools that would be in a crisis without a change that brings us in line with most other school districts in the state and nation.

Pres. Jackie Pendergrass,
 Kirkland resident

 It is not about the school building modernization program, which was approved twice by voters, first in 1998 and then in 2006. That program ensures that our school district has buildings that are suited to the current educational program through a complete update every 30-40 years.



What this measure is about is adding classroom space at the high school level where we will desperately need it very soon. It is about making sure that Redmond and Eastlake High Schools have enough space for the students who enter their doors. An additional small secondary school will reduce those numbers so that those two schools don’t become too large. Because of the great interest locally and nationally in science, technology, engineering and math education, we will focus the curriculum on those subjects. This new school will be open to students from all over the district.

The Lake Washington School District works hard to provide an excellent education for our students, but we need your support. Please Vote yes for our students and mail your ballot by February 8. (The voter’s pamphlet is included in your ballot on the back of the instruction sheet.)

Sincerely,

Jackie Pendergrass, Director, District 1, Board President
Nancy Bernard, Director, District 3

City Invites Feedback for Redmond Central Connector

City Invites Feedback for Redmond Central Connector

Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond invites you to provide feedback on the draft design for the Redmond Central Connector at a community meeting on Thursday, January 27 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85th Street.

This draft design is part of the Master Plan process the City is currently undertaking for the Redmond Central Connector. The design that will be presented at this meeting is derived from the comments and suggestions given to the City through the many public meetings, stakeholder interviews and City Commissions.

“The redevelopment of this corridor will both redefine the heart of Redmond and respect Redmond’s history,” stated Carolyn Hope, Senior Park Planner and project manager. “Creative input from Redmond’s residents and business people is important to develop a plan that reflects the community’s values.”

The Redmond Central Connector includes a 3.89 mile long linear corridor extending from the east end of the Bear Creek Trail in Redmond Town Center to NE 124th Street. This area will build community through enhanced pedestrian and transit connections, personal interaction and opportunities to engage businesses with customers.

For more information on the meeting, contact Carolyn Hope at 425-556-2313 or cjhope@redmond.gov .
For more information on the project, visit the City’s website at http://www.redmond.gov/PlansProjects/Parks/RedmondCentralConnector/

Announcement by City
Graphic by City

REPUBLISHED: Dr. Kimball unveils plan to cope with severe overcrowding in LW schools

Superintendent Dr. Chip Kimball

 October 11, 2010 Regular Board Meeting (video)

REPUBLISHED from 10/11/2010 -  Jill, a mother of two with a daughter at Rockwell Elementary, testified to the School Board last night about "the horrors of overcrowding".  Jill was shocked when she learned the Rosa Parks Elementary population reached 700 this year and she fears it won't be long for Rockwell.  When she moved to the neighborhood 3.5 years ago Rockwell had 480 students.  Today it's 610, with new portables and few options for full-day Kindergarten.   

Based on Jill's testimony, the overcrowding problem in some elementary schools is real .  Data from the input sessions suggested that the District ask for money to deal with immediate overcrowding issues but "not over ask".  Superintendent Kimball and the Board agreed on the following proposal for the February, 2011 ballot.

• a $65.4 million, 6-year Levy to pay for new 250-student additions at Redmond High and Eastlake High AND to build nearby a 675 student "STEM" school for grades 6-12.   
• the Levy tax is 0.31/$1000 assessed property; or $155/year for a $500,000 house.  No financing or interest is applied. 
• the "STEM" school core curriculum  is "Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math" with a goal to incubate best practices for other schools.   STEM will cost $25 million with solid modular construction.
• Juanita High will "not be modernized right now" saving $135 million.
• Kimball's levy measure will cost taxpayers $190 million less than last year's bond which failed by 4%. The Levy only needs and 50% simple majority to pass.  Last year's bond required a 60% majority.
• Levy benefits:  no HS over 2,000.  no meg-high schools.  no double shifts.  no portables.  no excessive busing.  permanent classrooms, core gyms and cafeterias. keep space for computers and music.    

President Jackie Pendergrass said the STEM school should draw some grant money from outside sources. She suggested Microsoft and the Lake Washington School Foundation  as sources.  Board member Shahani was concerned about Juanita High age, but said the STEM school is needed to solve the space problem.  He likes the STEM "Choice" school concept.  Board member Bernard was pleased with the 1000 person survey turnout, no portables, possible federal grants, and no double-shift nightmares. She emphasized the new ventilation system at Juanita and the wonderful staff.  Board member Carlson said he favors "all Choice all the time" and asked to double the size of the STEM school to eliminate the two additions.  Kimball said this wasn't feasible.  READ MORE >>

Results from three community input sessions and a website survey were reviewed by Superintendent Kimball and the Board.   Parent and community participants (58%) recommended the District ask for money to deal with immediate overcrowding issues but "not over ask".   69% of the parents said "no not right now" to spending $135 Million on modernizing Juanita High School.  Juanita High was built in l971.  70% did not want to eliminate classrooms for music and computers.  All-day kindergartens received the most support for solving overcrowding.  70% gave a thumbs down on portables.  68% said yes to two new elementary schools in the next five years.  74% agreed to permanent classroom additions at Redmond and Eastlake High.  The statistical validity or significance of the survey was not discussed.

Reported by Bob Yoder
Republished:  1/23/2011
Source:  10/11/2010, Regular Board Meeting archives
Photo of Dr. Kimball from LWSD website
http://lwsd.org/

LETTER: Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish, and Woodinville allow backyard chickens on average residential lots. Why not Redmond?

LETTER:  What do the cities of Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish, and Woodinville have that Redmond doesn't’t? Backyard chickens on average residential lots, that’s what! That’s right…unless you have at least ½ acre or larger lot, a Redmond city ordinance prevents you from raising a few hens for eggs.

Why does it matter if you can raise chickens in Redmond? Three hens can provide an abundance of protein-rich eggs right in your backyard. In addition to being fresh and delicious, some studies have shown “pastured” eggs provide more nutrients than commercial eggs. Food safety is also a growing focus, highlighted by the recent recall of over half a billion commercially-grown eggs.

Redmond is a wonderful city and we applaud their efforts to be livable and green. They’ve taken big steps like building City Hall to be an award-winning “green” building, but the Council continues to resist this small step that would allow individual citizens to contribute to their own health and to Redmond’s sustainable future.

What is more important? Winning an award for installing water-free toilets? Or allowing your citizens to contribute to a more sustainable community one hen (and 1 egg) at a time? If sustainability is really a goal, then Redmond should join all of our surrounding communities and change its ordinance to allow a small number of backyard hens on average residential lots.

As with any issue, it takes more than a few voices to promote change. Please join us by emailing your Redmond City Council at Council@redmond.gov  and contact us at chickensinredmond@gmail.com.  We are also on Facebook – look for Chickens in Redmond.

The author's email:  chickensinredmond@gmail.com
Photo from Google Images

LETTER: Overcrowding at elementary schools may not be real, By Susan Wilkins

OVERCROWDING AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS MAY NOT BE REAL

LETTER:  As a parent of four students currently enrolled in the Lake Washington School District, I have had many years of volunteering and attending events at their various schools. Over the past decade, my children have attended Mann, Rockwell, Einstein and Rush Elementary Schools, as well as Redmond Junior High and Redmond Senior High. I have had the opportunity to observe day-to-day activities first-hand while volunteering and attending events at the schools. I voted for bond measures, EP&O and technology levies and I-728, the initiative that was passed to reduce class sizes in 2000.

We are now being asked to pass a $66 million dollar levy on February 8 to add additional space at Redmond High School and Eastlake High School and to build a new Science and Technology High School out on SR202 on the lot next to Alcott Elementary. The district has claimed through its mailings and speeches that we are almost out of space for students, that more students are arriving every year, and that soon we will be double shifting or transporting students long distances by bus. While some schools, such as Rosa Parks Elementary at Redmond Ridge and Alcott Elementary east of Redmond are extremely overcrowded, most of the schools in the district are overcrowded because of the way the district defines school capacity and not because there are too many students.

Let’s look at how the district determines whether a school is overcrowded. At each school, the facilities department counts all of the homeroom classrooms in the school and portables, and then multiplies that total by a set number of students per classroom. For elementary schools, the set number of students per classroom is 23. So for example, at Horace Mann Elementary, they have 17 classrooms and 17 x 23 = 391*. Enrollment at Horace Mann for the 2010-2011 school year is 483, so by the district’s definition, the school is very overcrowded.

LETTER: Plenty of extra space in existing Kirkland schools to house growing student population, By Paul Hall

LETTER:  The LWSD is running a levy in February to raise $65.4 million more than they need to house their growing student population. There is plenty of extra space in existing Kirkland schools to house this growth.

The district says it will consider using that space by rearranging attendance boundaries and bus schedules if the levy fails. They admit they already have enough money to provide more high school classrooms in Redmond and Sammamish. It’s unspent money we entrusted to them for modernizing 30 of our schools. So far they have torn down and replaced 21 of those schools instead of modernizing them. They intend to continue this practice for the remaining 8 schools. The district will consider using some of the unspent money to alleviate the housing shortage instead if the levy fails. The rest of the money would still be available for modernization of those 8 schools.

OPINION: Response to Hall on school modernization", By Kathryn Reith

OPINION:  In response to a recent letter: Paul Hall is correct that the school board could hold a hearing to determine if it should use money approved by voters in 2006 to do modernization projects and instead use it to provide additional secondary classroom space in Redmond and Sammamish. The schools remaining in the second phase of the modernization program are Muir, Sandburg, Keller, Rush, Bell elementary schools, International Community School and Rose Hill Junior High. Only Rush Elementary does not serve any Kirkland students. Mr. Hall proposes that the district take money for promised projects affecting Kirkland and instead provide more space in Redmond and Sammamish.

He incorrectly assumes that LWSD could have saved millions in its modernization program by not building any new buildings. The state recommends building new if the cost of a remodel is more than 40 percent of a new building. The projected life span for a new building is considerably longer than for a remodeled older building. The district’s threshold for determining if a new building would be more cost effective generally is if the remodel costs more than 80 percent of the cost of a new building, so our hurdle is twice as high. The district commissions a study that provides a cost estimate for new building versus remodel for each project. The board of directors votes on the plan for each building after receiving this information. We will post the information on the completed projects at www.lwsd.org so taxpayers can see how these decisions were made.

Kathryn Reith, LWSD

Source:  Kirkland Reporter,  12/28/2010

LETTER: Redfin's "Insider Report" for Seattle and Eastside real estate market

"The number of homes sold surged in some unexpected places. Kirkland and Renton saw an increase of over 46% from November to December. Seattle stayed relatively flat losing a mere 2.2%. Only Redmond saw a true decrease of 22%."  Redfin, 1/20

Good Afternoon,

I wanted to give you a heads up that we published the latest "Insider Report" for the Seattle /[eastside] real estate market.

We take all sorts of qualitative and quantitative data and roll it up for monthly look back at the market, then we predict where we see the market going in the near future.

For this report the main takeaways are:

• Sales volume was shockingly up most of December. Buyers are out there.
• We are seeing some prices increasing, but it's too early to tell if it's a lasting trend.
• Inventory is pretty stale, so if you have a house to list, do it sooner rather than later.

You can view the entire report below or check it out on our blog.  Feel free to share as much of this as you like with your readers.

Please [comment or] let me know if you have any questions or need additional information.

Thanks,
Michelle Broderick
Redfin Marketing Director
206.227.2062
1/20/2010

LETTER: Vote "Yes" on the Capital Projects Levy. 450 new students per year for next five years expected

LETTER:  On February 8th, Lake Washington School District will ask voters to approve a 65.4 million dollar capital projects levy to address critical needs for classroom space. This past fall, district enrollment grew by 600 students. Projections show an increase of 425 to 450 students per year for at least the next five years. Most of this growth is on the eastern side of the district in new developments, but other areas are also seeing a resurgence of young families.

The current levy measure, if passed, will pay for additions to both Eastlake and Redmond High Schools and the construction of a new specialized secondary school for grades 6-12 focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Combined, these additions will address the district’s immediate needs to reduce overcrowding.

Last year the district asked our supportive community to approve a bond of over 200 million dollars. They had hoped to take advantage of lower construction costs to address overcrowding for a longer term. Voters, stressed by the economic downturn, said, “No. This is too much right now.” But the additional students have not gone away and in two years, will exceed available space. This new, scaled-down levy targets only the most critical space needs. With construction time, the voters must act now to make sure there will be enough classrooms in two years.

As PTSA liaison to the levy committee, I am frequently asked, “How do I make someone with no students in the schools understand the importance of this levy?” We all enjoy healthy, vibrant communities. Quality schools are a priority for people moving to our area, drawing families who value education. When people want to move here, property values are retained and our cities remain desirable places to live. Healthy communities spawn and support business and strong businesses provide jobs. It is all part of an interdependent web, and at its core are quality schools.

A press release from the Seattle King County Realtors announcing its endorsement of the levy includes the following paragraph:

(Kristen) Greenlaw, a REALTOR with Windermere Real Estate Northeast in Kirkland, said good schools are a priority for prospective home buyers. “They’re often the first thing homebuyers ask us about,” she remarked. Schools unify and define communities, she noted, adding, “Good schools are essential for preserving the value of family homes. They are critical for economic vitality and job creation. But most important, quality schools are crucial to the futures of the students in the Lake Washington School District.

By Wendy DeLong
PTSA liaison and volunteer coordinator for the Lake WA Citizens’ Levy Committee
Member of the Lake WA PTSA Council Board of Directors for 10 years
Past president of the Lake WA PTSA Council (2007-2009)

Evergreen Medical Center / Redmond opens March 21

24/7 EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT  + FULL LAB + IMAGING + SPECIALTY & PRIMARY CARE

>>>click here for more

Don't know where to go?   What to do? 
Stay Home?  Doctor?  Urgent Care?  ER?
Ask a friendly nurse at:    425.899.3000
No charge - tax dollars at work.

 URGENT CARE + LAB + IMAGING + PRIMARY CARE - EXTENDED HOURS

>>>click here for more

Re-published: State Budget Cuts Hit Lake Washington School District

Superintendant Chip Kimball

District has about $1.7 million less than planned
Re-published 12/14/2010 LWSD Press Release

Redmond, Wash. – The state legislature held a special session on Saturday, December 11th, to address the more than $1 billion state budget shortfall. Budget reductions approved in that session will cut state education funding to Lake Washington School District (LWSD) by an estimated $1.7 million in the middle of the school year.

The district’s financial approach has been very conservative over the past several years. Not only have cuts been made but long-term financial planning has resulted in reserves that can now help weather this storm. These efforts have resulted in reserves in excess of the five percent of general fund revenue required by the Board of Directors. Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent, stated that the district will use these excess reserves to cover this unexpected mid-year reduction in state revenue.

OPINION: State Rep. Ross Hunter: "Answering Emails"



State Representative, 48th District
Elected chairman of the Ways & Means Committee

 I’m sitting at my desk in Olympia answering email, mostly about the budget. Lots of people are writing in about different subjects, but all have the same theme – protect MY program. This is pretty interesting and useful data, but it’s hard to make decisions based on it.

For example, I get a lot of mail about preserving “gifted education”. The state sends out tens of millions in this category every year, with an equal amount going to every district based on student population. State funding makes up about 15% of what is spent in this area every year, so 85% of the money is coming from local sources, mostly your local levies. The state budget line item is about $30 million per year, or about 0.3% of annual state school budgets. There are many other programs that distribute money the same way – evenly based on student count.

Ever think about why we don’t just combine all of these small items into one single pot?  Read More >>

"Thinking Redmond" - Kimm Moore's small business catering service

Kimm Moore of Sweetness Catering

"Thinking Redmond" - First in a series of interviews with Redmond small businesses.

"Chai-spiced cupcakes with mocha butter cream, dusted with cinnamon and cocoa power".

Wow!  Doesn't that sound delectable?

Kimm sent me home with these sweets after her interview with RNB last week in the "Microsoft Commons" lobby.

Yes! they're absolutely one of the best cupcakes I've ever wrapped my watering mouth around (next to my mom's cupcakes of course)! 

Kimm Moore is a Redmond resident of two years. Her family are natives of Woodinville. She has two brothers; her mother works at Overlake School.  Kimm started her part-time pastry catering business, "Sweetness Catering", about a year ago with wedding cakes and custom cupcakes.  She already averages over two events per month. Kimm's full-time job is culinary and pastry chef for the Spitfire Restaurant in Redmond's "Microsoft Commons".

When we first met for the interview, I knew right away Kimm was perfect for the business. Her warm smile, and friendly, engaging personality are just as sweet as the pastry catering craft she practices.  In fact, some of her customers even call her "Sweetness"!  Kimm is passionate about the pastries she creates, the people she meets and it shows in her work. 

"I love baking for other people because it makes me a part of their lives and their special events."

Kimm's a professional.  She trained at the Art Institute of Seattle where she received her Associate of Applied Culinary Arts.  In Seattle's First Annual Cupcake Camp, Kimm received "honorable mention": for  "Kimm-Chi" Cupcakes and second place for Healthy Cupcakes.  She placed third overall National Bread Baking Competition in Vancouver, BC.  She also works with the Overlake School, in Redmond, making v.i.p. desserts and vegan/gluten-free baked goods. 

Kimm has dreams of expanding her catering business.  Six months ago she started a blog to reach out to Redmond's  "foodie-people".  She loves to blog about specific ingredients (like vanilla), kitchen tips (like sifting), and pastry ideas.  Since interviewing with RNB Kimm started a interview-series on local businesses:  "Know Where to Spend Your Dough"!   You are awesome, Kimm!  Happy Blogging!

Blog:  http://sweetnesscatering.blogspot.com/   Email:  kimm1231@live.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweetness-Catering/144591878909899?v=wall&filter=1

Interview with Bob Yoder
Photo from Kimm's blog

Redmond 46 - Garfield 45

Redmond's Defense proves too much for Garfield.  

REDMOND MUSTANGS 46 - GARFIELD BULLDOGS 45

Post Game Celebration

Redmond Mustang Score Card    Redmond High Coaches
#3   Andrew Squiers   10 pts.       Jeff Larson, Head Coach
#10 Jason Harrington  14 pts.       Josh Folsom, Assist. Coach
#20 Joe Mercer            2 pts.        Roy Bordner, JV Coach
#22 Alex Lin                 1 pt.          "C" Team Coach:  Steven Ishmael
#24 Peter Hendron       6 pts.
#31 Leslie Ellis             3 pts.
#33 Conner Floan       10 pts.

Mustangs play #1 Team in State Tonight!

Junior Conner Floan (#33) rebounds as Leslie Ellis sets-up.

 

Shooter Harrington (#10) is followed-up
by #24 Hendron -both Juniors

Mustangs play #1 Team in the State tonight!
Tuesday, 1/18, 7:30PM at Redmond!

Mustang basketball mom says: 

"Who says getting rebounds is easy? In the ultimate challenge - Mustangs play #1 team in the state, Garfield, tomorrow night at Redmond - Come and show them what Redmond Fans are all about! 

I'm hoping Garfield will be pooped after playing in a tournament in MA flying back and playing Rainier Beach tonight."

Redmond leads their KingCo 4A Crest Division 6-1

Garfield leads their KingCo 4A Crown Division 7-1



Tuesday, January 18th at Redmond vs. Garfield, 7:30 pm 

Friday, January 21st at Eastlake, 8:00 pm (Quad-Header, Girls at 6:30 pm)

Saturday, January 22nd at Inglemoor, 8:00 pm (Quad-Header, Girls at 6:15 pm)

Wednesday, January 26th at Woodinville. Junior Varsity at 5:45 pm, Varsity at 7:30 pm.

Redmond Mustang 2010- 2011 Roster

Insights into Mike Town - from early childhood to his fellowship at the National Science Foundation.

Redmond High School Environmental Teacher Mike Town shares his past and plans for "Teaching Green.".
Mike is on leave in D.C. -- an Einstein Fellow for the National Science Foundation.



Insights into Mike Town - from early childhood to his fellowship at the National Science Foundation.

Teaching Green:  WINDOW - The magazine for Western Washington University
Story by William Dietrich ('73), Fall 2010

"While a missle can be aimed across continents, teaching and learning are more akin to throwing gravel in a pond. Sure, ripples go out, but exactly what a university like Western accomplishes might not be entirely clear until years or decades after graduation. Did inspiration really take root? Was a key lesson really learned?

How far will those ripples go?

Then someone like Mike Town, ‘84 and ‘85, helps change the world. And you know the collaboration works.

Town got direction in life from Western and Huxley College of the Environment. And he, in turn, has given direction to about 1,500 of his environmental education students at Redmond High School, while successfully lobbying for new wilderness and pioneering alternative energy in his “spare” time.

And his “pay it forward” enthusiasm and strategies are beginning to influence high school teaching across the country.  Read More...

Mike Town
Einstein Fellow
National Science Board Office
National Science Foundation
703 292 2610
425 765 5121
mtown@nsf.gov
Mike Town is on Facebook

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Are Open for Business in Redmond

U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (left) and Redmond Mayor John Marchione (middle) cut the ceremonial gas hose with Jim Blaisedell of Charge Northwest holding the handle. Four electric vehicle charging stations will be running in Redmond, including two at City Hall. (courtesy of City of Redmond)

With the ceremonial cutting of a gas hose, a new era in Redmond began. With energy advocates, local officials and Redmond High School environmental students in attendance, the first Level II charging stations for electric vehicles opened January 13 at Redmond City Hall.

Also on hand to address the audience was US Representative Jay Inslee, a longtime environmental advocate, a member of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming and founder of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) -- and Redmond students.

Representative Inslee commended the City of Redmond in stepping forward to help break the country’s addiction to foreign oil. “When 60 percent of the nation’s cars are electric – that will be the same as getting 82 million cars off the road, thereby cutting our CO2 emissions by one-third,” stated Inslee.  Read more...

Read  More >>

Microsoft: Apple can't claim exclusive rights to 'App Store'

Microsoft:  Apple can't claim exclusive rights to 'App Store':

"Microsoft: Apple can't claim exclusive rights to 'App Store'

Should the phrase 'App Store' be Apple's alone?
Microsoft says no, and it's fighting for the right to use those words for its own mobile application store."

Read more >>

Todd Bishop's Microsoft Blog
Tech Flash, 1/11/11
Graphic:  Goggle images

Dr. Kimball clears up four misconceptions on the Feb. 8 Capital Projects Levy

Superintendent Chip Kimball clarified four misconceptions he's heard on the proposed Levy that's floating around the community -  in his January 10 report to the School Board.  The six-year, $65.4 million levy would cost each district property owner an average of $13 month.  The four community misconceptions recently asked of Dr. Kimball are:

1. "When voting on this levy, are we voting for a high school class reconfiguration to 9-12?"  The short answer from Dr. Kimball is NO.  (for details, "Read More")
2. "If the levy doesn't pass, will we still go to 9-12 in high schools?"  The short answer from Dr. Kimball is: "unequivocally, YES".  
3. "Does this levy reflect an over abundance of investments by LWSD in the eastern part of the district?" Dr. Kimball's summary answer is:  "the investment of this particular levy is really about one thing and one thing only...it's about creating space where the families exist in order to relieve overcrowding".  It's not about East vs. West; it's not about investment in one part of the district or the other,"  (for details, "Read More")
4. "If the levy doesn't pass will the district go to 'double-shifting'; and what is double-shifting".  Dr. Kimball said double-shifting is when half the students go to school in the morning (6am-1pm) and half go to school in the afternoon (1:30pm -7pm).  Dr. Kimball said "there is no way to guarantee it one way of the other...however a real possibility of double-shifting exists should the levy not pass."  (for details, "Read More"

If the levy doesn't pass Dr. Kimball says the district is left with three options:  1) double-shifting, 2) change school boudaries and bus across the district, and 3) "re-purpose" monies approved by voters in 2006 to take it away from the western portion of the district.

Dr. Kimball concluded "my job is to provide the facts".  The school board is authorized to sell and promote the levy to their constituents.

President Jackie Pendergrass was the only Board member commenting on the levy following Dr. Kimball's report.   Pendergrass said the "LW levy committee will have two mailings and is doing phone calling." (Last election Pendergrass headed up the levy committee). She said the levy committee website and district website has lot of information, so it's not necessary "to ask the board for information".  Jackie did not say if board members are writing Letters to media outlets or making other efforts to promote levy passage. 

Ballots will be sent out January 19, so look for them in the mail this coming week.  The deadline to vote is Tuesday, February 8, midnight.

Reported by Bob Yoder
Source:  Regular school board meeting, 1/10/2011

Click READ MORE >>  for details from Dr. Kimball and Pres. Pendergrass

Training and Workshops for children with disabilities, by LWSD PTSA

from the desk of Julie Shalaby, LWSD PTSA Special Needs Group Chairperson

Here is some great info for you!

Trainings and Workshops

o LWSD Parent Training PAC is presenting "IEP 101" (Individualized Education Program)
o SPECIAL EDUCATION and the LAW FREE TRAINING PROGRAM ( Northwest CHADD)
o Special Education Conference-SEATTLE

o Washington Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (WABIDA)
Monthly Meetings

o Opportunities for Kids and Families
o Stanwood Therapeutic Riding
o WA State Hands &
oVoices *Family Play Day *
o THEATER OF POSSIBILITY

· Support Groups

o MOCHA - Seattle ( Mothers of Children with Autism)
*Trainings and Workshops*

LWSD Parent Training PAC is presenting "IEP 101" (individualized education program)

The LWSD Parent Training PAC is presenting "IEP 101" for those new to the Special Education process, or for those parents who would like a review of the basics. Read all about these programs!  Read more >>

READ MORE >>

Kamiakin Junior High selected one of the top five schools of the year.

Kamiakin Junior High, Kirkland - Home of the Cougars!

Kamiakin Junior High was selected by the National Assoc. of Middle School Principals as one of the top five schools of the year.

The winner will be announced at an awards celebration in Colorado on February 17. This award is sponsored by Lifetouch Studios.

In addition to the hard work of staff within the educational program, the following reasons were cited as reasons why Kamiakin is one of the five schools eligible to receive this award:  Read More >>

UPDATED: Evergreen Hospital's tax-supported 24-hour Nurse consulting Help-Line

Evergreen Hospital's 24/7 Nurse Help-Line phone number is:  425-899-3000



"When a health concerns presents itself any time of the day or night, Evergreen's tax-supported consulting nurse service can help you determine if you need to see a doctor.  Call:  425-899-3000 (#2) 

This 24/7 consulting nurse service provides home care information and can help you determine if urgent care or emergency care is called for.

All registered nurses are with years of experience. They can help determine if your symptoms:

>Require immediate care at the emergency department or urgent care center.   

>Can wait for an appointment with your primary care physician

Can be treated at home

The 24-hour consulting nurse is provided to the community in part with support of  Evergreen Hospital district taxpayer levy monies."

Are you calling the Evergreen Nurse Help-Line now?  Do you think this free consulting nurse service is a good you use of your levy tax dollars?   Do you know that most insurance companies have their own free help line? 

Reported by Bob Yoder

Source -  Evergreen Hospital Website

Northwest Asian Weekly | Asian, Jewish communities unite to stop use of ethnic slur |

RNB note:....Redmond's Asian population was 25.4% in 2010.  International populations are an integral part of Redmond, WA. culture and diversity.   B.Y.

Northwest Asian Weekly Asian, Jewish communities unite to stop use of ethnic slur : Categorized Community News, Cultures, Features, Vol 29 No 36 9/4-9/10

Asian, Jewish communities unite to stop use of ethnic slur
Posted on 02 September 2010

Asian Weekly Editor’s note: This story was chosen as one of our ("Northwest Asian Weekly") top 12 in 2010. This story showed that something good can come out of something bad. The Asian and Jewish communities sat down to work out a controversy surrounding the use of JAP, which, to the Jewish community, is an abbreviation for Jewish American Princess. However, to the Japanese community, it’s an ethnic slur. In the end, both communities resolved to work together more in the future.

To many U.S. citizens of Japanese ancestry, the use of the term “Jap” is considered a racial slur with a hate-filled history going all the way back to World War II.

According to the Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, “JAP” is also an abbreviation for Jewish American Princess. It is a disparaging term used to describe a “stereotypical well-to-do or spoiled American Jewish girl or woman.”  Read More....

By James Tabafunda
Northwest Asian Weekly

The "Northwest Asian Weekly" newspaper can be found in the Old Redmond School House and on RNB under the header "Organizations".  It's the only weekly English-language newspaper serving Washington's Asian community. I will be publishing more articles from this paper and other international sources.  B.Y.

Recap of Redmond Police Chief's testimony to Council on New Year's Day Fire.

Seattle Times

Recap of Redmond Police Chief Ron Gibson's testimony to Council on January 4, 2011. 

On New Year's Day the call came in at 2:31 AM about the fire on Sammamish Ridge Apartments, Redmond.  (approx. location:  Redmond Way and 148th Ave. NE). 

Chief Gibson said:

2:31 AM - call came in.
2:32 AM - the call was assigned.
2:34 AM - the first Fire unit responded.
2:37 AM- the first Fire unit was on the scene

 6 minutes after the call was received, the first Fire unit was on scene; this was almost simultaneous with the first Police unit that was on the scene.

The initial response to this call involved over 100 Fire Fighters and Police Department personnel.

27 pieces of apparatus - from the Redmond FD, Bellevue FD, Sammamish FD, Eastside FD, Kirkland FD, and Woodinville FD. 

Initial actions should be noted that two of our Fire Fighters actually entered the apartment and were successful in removing two of the victims through a window; efforts to revive these two victims was not successful. 

The investigation will continue for a couple of months.  It is harmful to speculate the cause and origin of the fire.  Turf issues were non-existent.

Chief Gibson thanked Mayor Marchione for being on-site Saturday and Sunday; thanked Public Works for removing the ice; and thanked two Redmond Fire chaplains for their support within 2 hours of the call.

Redmond Fire Chief Fuller spoke afterwords complimenting Redmond Fire & Police on their teamwork.

Source:
City Council Meeting, January 4, 2010.
Photo:   Google Images - Seattle Times

PTSA News and Parent Education

from the desk of Joanne Hall.... Council PTSA Chair of Parent Education

NOMINATIONS FOR PTSA AWARDS. Each year the LWPTSA Council highlights eight very special awards given to individuals who continually contribute their time toward our schools, PTSAs and the Lake Washington School District. The PTSA Council wants your nominations of people who are actively involved in the community, contributing beyond the borders of a local school. Awards are: Community Service, Outstanding Service, Outstanding Advocate, Certificate of Special Service, Outstanding Educator, Golden Acorn, Honorary Life Membership, and Community Outreach. Nominations are due by January 14th. For more information on awards, nomination forms, and submission instructions, please see the PTSA Council's Awards page.

GREAT CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN PARENTS & TEENS. One of the greatest balancing acts parents face in today's world is knowing when to step forward to help and guide their teens' lives and when to let their teens make independent decisions and choices for themselves. How do families work together in a partnership of trust and respect as children and parents encounter new experiences? In this presentation, you will learn: How to distinguish between hype, myth and facts around potentially risky choices? What are the right questions to ask? What information do your students need? Presenter: Julie Metzger, RN on Monday, January 24th from 7 - 9 PM at the RHS PAC. Sponsored by the Lake Washington PTSA Council. Questions? Contact Joanne Hall, Chair, Parent Education.  Read More >>

City of Redmond hosts Winter Shelter at Old Redmond Schoolhouse

Beginning January 15, 2011, the City of Redmond will host an overnight winter shelter at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 NE 80th Street. The shelter will open every night through February 15.

The winter shelter is in the Community Center auditorium and accommodates up to 50 adults. It opens at 8:30pm and closes each morning at 7:30am. The winter shelter is staffed by trained, experienced staff from Congregations for the Homeless (for men) and Sophia Way Shelter (for women). Staff is on site every night in addition to at least one trained volunteer

City of Redmond
Communications Department

Important Trends You Want To Know About

"Important Trends You Want to Know About"

Fake pot banned by FDA--A few months ago we shared with you the dangers of synthetic marijuana, also called Spice, K2 and herbal incense. It was recently in the news when a driver high on Spice drove into pedestrians at the Pike Place Market. The FDA has used its emergency authority to initiate a ban on this substance for at least a year, making it illegal to sell or possess. They will be studying the chemicals more and the temporary ban may lead to something more permanent.

Teen marijuana use up--Marijuana use is up in American teens while alcohol use has declined, according to an annual government study of 8th-, 10th- and 12th-graders across the country. However, alcohol is still the #1 drug of choice among teens with approximately 23% of high school seniors reporting binge drinking.
For "Seattle Times" survey, Click Here 

Early use of pot may change the brain--Smoking marijuana regularly before the age of 16 causes changes in the brain that can impair a young person's ability to focus, learn from mistakes and think abstractly, according to a Harvard study. To read more, Click Here.

By Patti Skelton-McGougan,
Executive Director
Youth Eastside Services (YES)
Photo:  Google Images

School Resource Officers Program is Renewed

The Redmond City Council approved $40,000 funding from Lake Washington School District to continue the School Resource Program through July 1, 2011.

The City of Redmond will continue to provide three regularly employed Resource Officers assigned to the following areas of coverage:  one at Redmond High School, one at Redmond Junior High, and one at Rose Hill Junior High.   The services provided by the SRO's are in addition to the normal police services already provided by the City. 

Although assigned Redmond High, Redmond Junior High and Rose Hill Junior High the SRO's may provide coverage to other nearby schools and areas surrounding these principle schools.  The goal of the SRO program is to foster a positive image of police officers among young people.  The Redmond Chief of Police, with input from the District, will choose the SRO's.

The School Resource Officers will act as a law enforcement resource, maintain the peace on school district property, provide law enforcement counseling and other duties. 

City Council approved the continued contract with LWSD during the "consent agenda" of their Regular Meeting on January 4th.  Source:   AM No. 11-005 (C7).