UPDATED, 2012: LW School Board superintendent selection process was lacking.

Jon Holmen, LWSD administrator ran for Olympia School District superintendent  December, 2011 after OSD Superintendent Bill Lahmann announced his retirement on November 2, 2011. 

Holmen was chosen after a national search that resulted in 30 Olympia School District applicants.  Of those, 21 were educators from Washington and five were called for preliminary interviews before the board. The board then selected three finalists, who each spent a day in the district March 20, 21,and 22 for meetings with employees, community members, and student. The winning candidate was selected late in March. Jon was not selected.

The LW School Board's hiring process for Dr. Pierce was less transparent, took much longer and was less engaging. Jon Holman was never considered.   LWSD Board of Directors interviewed and selected their finalist mostly behind the closed doors of Executive Sessions.  Closed government.  The Board selected only one finalist, Traci Pierce so the public had no choice or basis for comparison.  Pierce attended four "meet and greets" as the Board's "preferred" and only candidate.  In addition, all of 40 district residents took a survey. 

A comprehensive, public, transparent search was conducted following Sup. Pierce's departure; Jane Staven was hired.  She lasted about a year.  During COVID the Board abruptly hired Jon with little fanfare. 3/21) 

Dr. Traci Pierce begins transition into leadership

Sup. Chip Kimball

from the desk of Superintendent Chip Kimball to district staff...

"....There is great wisdom in the LWSD board selection of Traci Pierce as the next superintendent. She has a deep understanding of teaching and learning, knows Lake Washington well, and has all of the necessary skills to lead you into the future. I am extremely optimistic about the future of LWSD under her leadership.

Over the next three months you will see a deliberate transition in leadership as Traci develops her leadership team structure, sets district priorities, and communicates with you directly. She will be visiting with schools and departments, listening to staff, and you will have the opportunity to get to know her better. I am committed to working closely with her during this transition period to make sure she has adequate support as the incoming superintendent.

And while change and transition can indeed be personally and professionally challenging, it can also be exciting and life-giving. My greatest hope is that all of us will embrace the transition to a new school configuration, a new leader in Dr. Traci Pierce, and new challenges as we prepare students for the future."

Warm Regards, Chip
Outgoing Superintendent, LWSD
March 25, 2012 letter excerpt

A resident environmentalist and artist appreciates the tree art in Anderson Park



Tree Art in Historic Anderson Park

 Being an life-long environmentalist and artist, I am appreciative of the art in Anderson Park.

I hear more people talk about the park (and not just parents discussing a play-date) in a way that stretches them to see the relevance of our parks in the area. I have also consistently heard conversations about art and how the natural world combine.

Tree wrapping is a well known art form across the globe such as artists Olsen Zanders to environmentalist raising awareness to trees to be cut down (and hey while we are at talking about trees how about the thousand trees slated to be torn down in Overlake?).

There where no evidence that Tidwells art did any damage to the trees in Occidental Park in Seattle and if you look at other sites, like Zanders, the impact was minimal at most.

In my opinion this kind of engaging art that speaks to many of our residence could be an incredible catalyst to help protect the places we love and hold such a historical significance to Redmond. And just a small side-note, not being a big fan of bureaucracy or politics, I am thankful the city was honest in not knowing [the affects of wraps on squirrels and explained how they function as habitat.]

Sarah

Sarah made this comment under an April 23 piece by Paige Norman."The Costs of Tree Sock Art in Historic Anderson Park"  It was edited for continuity. B.Y.

Permit Appeals push back new STEM School. Eastlake High to house STEM School til late Fall, early Winter

UPDATED:  New STEM School to be housed temporarily at Eastlake High  Permitting delays push building opening back 

The Lake Washington School District’s new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) School will open in the fall of 2012 in temporary quarters at Eastlake High School. Its permanent building, to be located next to Alcott Elementary School in Redmond, will not be ready in time for the opening of school. Delays in required permits have pushed back the expected completion date of the first phase of construction of the STEM School building to late fall or early winter.

Eastlake High School's capacity with increase to 1840 students to account for the reconfiguration next fall, a new classroom wing and other building additions.  The Renaissance School will move to protable classrooms.

Based on current projections, the school will be able to accommodate the two grades (9th and 10th) the STEM School will serve in its first year. “I am disappointed that this new school will be in temporary quarters for a while,” noted Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent, “but we are fortunate that Eastlake will be able to host it this fall. In future years, Eastlake will need that space.”  Read More >>

166th Ave. repair and restoration scheduled for Spring

NE 166th Ave near Redmond Way

 From the desk of Micheal Haley, P.E., Senior Project Manager, Public Works..

February 22, 2012

"The Downtown Stormwater Trunk project contractor is actively installing new stormwater pipe on 166th Ave NE and at 170th Ave NE and Avondale Way. The work is occurring at night and that may explain why you have not observed much activity of late.

Much of the restoration and repair will involve "a pavement grind" and overlay of the asphalt roadway damaged by installation."  Read More >>

According to Mr Haley, installation of stormwater pipeline along 170th Ave. is scheduled for completion before 166th Ave.  "The current schedule shows that we will complete restoration and repair of 166th Ave. NE this early spring  after all the new stormwater pipe has been installed."

Haley says this sort of restoration and road repair activity is "the last major item of work for the contractor and is somewhat weather dependent. These factors make it difficult to predict the exact date of the repair to 166th Ave NE but rest assured the repair will be accomplished before the project is complete."

Michael Haley, P.E.
mhaley@redmond.gov

Comment:    ROAD GRINDING IS UNDERWAY, 4/26/12.  I'm not sure why completing the less traveled 170th Ave. takes precedence over 166th Ave. our primary arteriole to Education Hill and North Redmond. B.Y.  Comment? 

City of Redmond asks community to celebrate Arbor Day....Can we?

Redmond inadvertently mutilates these five Trees near the 91st Bridge

City asks community to celebrate Arbor Day on April 11...can we?

'Celebrate Arbor Day and the importance of Redmond’s trees and forest ecosystems' on Wednesday, April 11 at Farrel-McWhirter Park with a restoration work-party 3:30 pm to 6pm.

“Taking care of our community forests demonstrates the City’s ongoing commitment to the preservation, protection and enrichment of our environment,” notes Teresa Kluver, Park Operations Supervisor. “Preserving our trees and forests is vital to maintaining our quality of life and working to build a better future. I hope residents will want to take part in this effort.”

How is the Redmond community supposed to celebrate Arbor Day when the City breaks their own tree preservation law and allows a 100% clear-cut of trees on their 28 acre Group Health Overlake project? 

To compensate for 100% clear-cutting of 1000 trees, Group Health commits to planting 3,345 trees and 31,220 shrubs, but where?  Read More >>

100 year-old bell has a new home at Redmond High thanks to Scout Logan John

Ceremony for 100 year old Clise Family Bell planned for April 18
at Redmond High School .  The bell weighs 1100 pounds.  

Installation ceremony for the Clise "touchdown" bell at Redmond High is planned for Redmond's 100 year Anniversary on April 18.

History:  Anna Clise was the founder of Seattle Children's Hospital and owned Marymoor. She donated the land for the city's oldest park, Anderson Park. Anna commissioned the bell in 1912. 

By Amy John, Redmond resident
March 18, 2012

On Wednesday, April 18th at 2:00 at the Redmond High School football field there will be a Ceremony marking the completion of the new home for the 100 year old Clise Family Redmond Bell.  My son, Logan John, planned this project for his Eagle Scout leadership project.

Some notables at the event will be the Mayor, who will briefly speak, and Mr. Al Clise, the great grandson of Anna Clise, who commissioned this bell.  Anna Clise was the founder of Seattle Children's and owned Marymoor. She donated the land that is now Anderson Park. The Historical Society is also going to speak to give a history of the bell.

The Redmond High football boosters contacted our Troop 612 about this project. The bell had been sitting over by the fence on the ground since the football field was replaced years ago. It's new home is by the outside fence near the new concession stand, just outside the track closest to the road (104th). If you ride by that way, take a look over and you'll see it, and hear it at games!  Read More >>

UPDATED: Evergreen Hospital Board to vote on hospital-based midwifery

UPDATED:  April 17 at 6:30 pm: The Board of Commissioners will Vote on the Return of Midwifery Care to Evergreen Hospital.  On April 3rd they will have a Study Session which will include a conversation on midwifery - the public is not invited to speak at Study Sessions, unless they changed their policy. 

Your support is needed to ensure approval of this critical step toward the return of full-service midwifery care to Evergreen Hospital. Please attend the Board of Commissioners’ Meeting on Tuesday April 17, 2012 at 6:30 pm to show your support for the proposed Certified Nurse Midwives Practice.

On April 3rd, Evergreen Hospital’s Board of Commissioners will vote on the establishment of a hospital-based midwifery practice. This is a critical step toward the reinstatement of full-service midwifery care at Evergreen Hospital. Your attendance is needed to demonstrate the community’s continued support for the return of full-service midwifery care to Evergreen Hospital.

The Hospital’s administration will present to the Board a proposal to establish a practice comprised of four full-time and one half-time Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs).  Read More >>

The Dabbling Duck of Sammamish River

Sammamish River Green Winged Teal/ J. REINKE

 I photographed this solitary male green winged teal on Thursday, March 22 in the stormwater runoff pond just south of the Leary Way Bridge crossing the Sammamish River.

Teal are the smallest of the "dabbling ducks" about 2/3 the size of a typical mallard. Dabbling ducks are distinguished from diving ducks by their manner of feeding. They bob their heads, necks and breasts underneath the water to find food, rather than submersing themselves completely and swimming underwater.

Photo and Story by John Reinke

Education Hill, Redmond

Dabbling Ducks feeding

Washington passes law for better teacher and principal evaluations, recap

LW School Board Director Doug Eglington usually gives a governmental affairs report at school board meetings.

from the desk of David Powell, Policy Director, Stand for Children/Washington...

Legislative session isn't over yet -- our lawmakers are still hammering out the details of the state budget -- but we have some big wins to celebrate with you!

What worked:

Our top priority, better teacher and principal evaluations, was signed into law on March 8, 2012.

New teacher and principal evaluations will offer meaningful feedback for educators. The new evaluation system (SB 5895) will:

>>Build on the teacher and principal evaluation pilot programs currently underway in 16 districts.
>>Use a four tier system (instead of the old satisfactory/unsatisfactory rating) to provide meaningful feedback.
>>Match professional development opportunities with individual needs.
>>Consider student learning improvement as one factor in evaluations.
>>Ensure that evaluations consider multiple factors and not just test scores.
>>Consider evaluations in hiring, firing and placement decisions.

We also worked together with coalition partners to:  Read More >>

Bear Creek Basin grows by 28 acres

View Larger Map

MAP:   "A" marks center of the long, east-to-west rectangular forested parcel.  Bear Creek Golf Course is East.  Do you see Bear Creek meandering north towards the forested parcel?  Zoom in!

New Bear Creek Land Acquisitions

By Terry Lavender

Publically owned and protected property in the Bear Creek Basin has grown by 28 acres. Land is located  in one of the main spawning areas of Bear Creek. 

King County recently completed the purchase of some beautifully forested property south of the Tolt Pipeline Trail.  It adds to eleven acres already in public ownership directly adjacent to the trail. This is one of the largest, fully forested pieces in the upper area of Bear Creek.  Read More >>

LW-PTSA Special Needs Annual Meeting, Summer Fair and Resources

Hey All,

Below is a reminder about our March 27th meeting and other resources for you. Also, don’t forget about the Summer Options Fair this Friday (flyer attached). Lastly, check out Bob Yoder’s blog here www.facebook.com/redmondblogger  for news and happenings in our community.

Best, Julie Shalaby
LWSD PTSA Special Needs Chairperson
....................................................................................................................................

ANNUAL MEETING AND RESOURCES

 *Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues March 27th·

 *Quest Therapeutic Camp in Bellevue*· *LWSD Dyslexia Group*·

 *UW CARE Clinic launches the Networking Project*·

*Seattle Children's Hospital Health Fair*  March 25

*Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues* March 27th

Read More About Each Event >>

Soul Food Book's "Sustainable Redmond" forum for tree preservation in Overlake a success.

City Council approves plan to strip out ALL 1,000  trees on this 28 acre Group Health site
Sustainable Redmond files lawsuit at Superior Court.

"Sustainable Wednesday" at Soul Food Books to feature Sustainable Redmond - Group to Speak for Tree Preservation in Overlake Village Redmond, WA

OPINION:  On Wednesday, March 28, Sustainable Redmond will be featured at the Soul Food Books’ monthly Sustainability Wednesday series.The program begins at 7pm and all are encouraged to attend. The discussion will focus on plans for the 28-acre Group Health hospital site in Overlake.  Read More >>

UPDATED: LW School District's "Best Kept Secret"

UPDATED:  The school district's  "Safety Tip Line" could be called LWSD's best kept secret.  I stumbled onto it on the Administrative Directory page of the district website.   The Tip Line website is here.

The "Safety Tip Line" is an independent service to help parents, students and the community report safety issues anonymously.  Have you heard of it, or used it?  The number is:  (866) 548-3847

You should call them   Here's how they explained it: to me:

You can call them for just about any safety problem your child could encounter within the jurisdiction of the District.   Substance abuse.  Sexual harrassment by a student, coach or staff member.  Bullying.  Suicide ideation. Gun slinging. Just about anything related to safety.  Read More >>

UPDATED: Marymoor Community Gardenn plots up for grabs

King County Parks Photo/ Marymoor Park Garden 'Pea Patch'

12 – 20 plots available. First come, first served. Details? Yeah we’ve got em right over here.....

READER COMMENT:  Love your website.  Quick correction on the above link, our business is known as the Marymoor Community Garden Association.  Or simply the Marymoor Community Garden.  We aren't techincally a "pea-patch" but a non-profit business operating out of Marymoor Park by concession just like Subway etc.  Not that it matters! We appreciate your support! Thanks for referring people to our garden.

King County Blog

Swedish Hospital system losing $250,000 a day, warns staff of likely layoffs

Swedish hospital system warns staff of likely layoffs

Swedish Medical Center delivered some grim news to employees Monday: Swedish is losing $250,000 a day and it likely will have to lay off workers.  Read More >>

By Carol M. Ostrom
Seattle Times health reporter
March 19, 2012

NOTE:  Swedish opened a stand-alone ER/Primary & Specialty Care clinic in Redmond on Novelty Hill Road last year.  B.Y.

UPDATED: Overlake adds to the out-patient medical market of Greater Redmond

Overlake Hospital Medical Center

UPDATED:  Medical care organizations continue to migrate into Greater Redmond.   Overlake Hospital Medical Clinic opened it's doors yesterday with 9-5:30 p.m. service, joining the long list of medical services competing for our insurance dollars.  They offer same-day appointments for "acute conditions" (not run-of-the-mill.)

The Overlake Hospital Mendical Center Clinics of Redmond is located at Redmond Town Center, 16315 NE 74th Street.  Their 'Grand Opening' today is celebrated with free smoothies and cholesterol screenings. The convenience of their location is comparable to Evergreen's Redmond Medical Center of Bella Bottega. 

Alan Ertle, MD, Overlake’s vice president of network development was quoted on their website  “Each clinic is connected to our hospital’s acute care, emergency services, outpatient imaging, lab and affiliated specialist physicians, offering patients a full spectrum of medical s the services.”

According to the Overlake-Redmond Clinic's front desk they have a clinical laboratory, but no pharmacy, CT, MRI, or ultrasound equipment.  Availability of on-site specialty care is unknown.

Evergreen Redmond Primary Care Clinics (Redmond, Sammamish, Woodinville), Virginia Mason Clinic (Kirkland, Issaquah, Bellevue) Swedish ER-Redmond provide extensive specialty care services, full-service imaging, clinical laboratory.  V. Mason has a free consulting pharmacist for patients for med-management, BP checks, cholesterol. 

Of the five Greater Redmond medical service organizations surveyed, Evergreen Primary Care - Redmond had the most flexible hours for Primary Care and diagnostic services.  Evergreen-Redmond Clinic of Bella Bottega is open for same-day appointments M - TH (7 -7), F (7 -6) and Saturday (9-3).  Virginia Mason - Kirkland was a close second, open 7 - 8 p.m. M- TH. and 7-6 p.m F, and 8-12 for same-day appointments. (Call 425-814-5100 for exact hours of operation for specialists)  Both have 11 physicians.

By Bob Yoder
Internet photo

Disclosure:  My wife and I go to V. Mason-Kirkland and Evergreen.  My daughter goes to University Physician's Neighborhood Woodinville Clinic when she's home.  I report on the Evegreen Community Hospital Board of Commissioner meetings for my blog.

First in an eight-part series on the rush of new medical services in Greater Redmond.

LW-PTSA announce: ADHD and Dyslexia Forums at Evergreen Hospital; school survey

from the desk of Julie Shalaby, LW-PTSA, Chair, Special Needs...

Below is a link to the LWSD survey for parents and community members. This is a great opportunity to advocate for our children and let the district know we are here. :) The survey is available until March 30th. Also, check out Eastside CHADD's meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, March 20.

http://research.zarca.com/survey.aspx?k=SsWYVTsQRYsPsPsP&lang=0&data

For upcoming ADHD and Dyslexia Forums at Evergreen Hospital,  Read More >>

8th Annual Cub Scout Derby at Redmond Town Center

Come have fun with us at the Sammamish Trails District Pinewood Derby!

Saturday May 5th, 2012

Racing starts at 11:00am

Northwest Scouters is pleased to sponsor the 8th Annual Sammamish Trails District Pinewood Derby races. Everyone had an outstanding time at last year's event and this year we are set to have very exciting and fun filled day for the Cub Scouts and their families. Come join us and watch the racing action!

Redmond Town Center will host this year's races. RTC is located in Redmond, WA, just east of intersection of 166th Ave. NE and Cleveland Street.  Read More >>

PHOTOS: City builds stormwater ponds and nature trail behind Safeway next to Bear Creek

City of Redmond builds stormwater ponds, a guided nature trail, salmon viewing sites, and plants native shrubs behind Safeway on Bear Creek trail.

Last year the city Department of Natural Resources constructed three stormwater ponds behind Safeway to treat dirty run-off from Bear Creek parking lot before it enters Bear Creek.  Salmon run in the Fall. Now is an great time to walk or bike the trail to see how it is handling the recent heavy rains!  

This Safeway stormwater facility cost several hundred thousand dollars and was funded mostly by grant money.  Bear Creek provides stream habitat and spawning grounds for Federally endangered Chinook salmon.  Slowing storm flows is critical towards protecting these fish.    

The city will install storm ponds, plant native shrubs and curve the banks from straight ditching done years ago.  On March 16th, Council approved $48,415 to study a plan to curve the creek and improve creek buffers further downstream. 

Reported by Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder

"Suicide Prevention" forum at Evergreen Hospital

Nami-Eastside invites you to a forum on...

"SUICIDE PREVENTION”
Kelly McDonald, MPH

Tuesday, March 20, 7 PM - 9 PM

Evergreen Hospital,

Physicians and Surgeons Building, Suite Tan 100 

Kirkland, WA 

Kelly McDonald, MPH has worked in suicide prevention for more than 10 years, including with the US Army at Fort Lewis and Kitsap County Health District.

She currently facilitates suicide awareness education and training for Washington State’s Youth Suicide Prevention Program and is providing support to community groups in King County and to schools in the implementation of peer-to-peer suicide prevention education.

In this presentation she will talk about suicide (facts, warning signs), the higher risk of gay, lesbian and bisexual youth, the relationship between suicide, bullying and depression. She will also offer information on how to help someone with suicidal thoughts and the resources available in the community.

Join us! This event is FREE and open to EVERYONE!

425-885-NAMI (6264)
http://www.nami-eastside.org/
INFO@NAMI-EASTSIDE.ORG

Lake Washington Institute of Technology to offer aerospace manufacturing certificate

Lake Washington Institute of Technology 

Eleven community and technical colleges in Washington state are among the first in the nation to implement a new national program touted by President Obama as key to getting Americans back to work.  Lake Washington Institute of Technology will participate.

A certificate is earned in computer-numeric controlled machining and designed to meet employers’ needs by quickly getting them workers with the required knowledge, skills and abilities and to meet students’ needs by giving them employable skills now plus college credit, something they can build on in the future. 

“This is the first time we have a group of community and technical colleges all teaching the same curriculum, providing skills that are closely tied to employers’ needs and offering a nationally recognized certification,” Bredeson said. “Washington leads the way in aerospace manufacturing and now we’re leading the way in aerospace manufacturing training.”  Read More >>

Lake Washington District schools excel in State Board of Education rankings

The Annual WPC Public School Accountability Index was released in February and Lake Washington School District (LWSD) passed with flying colors!   LWSD has 15 schools rated "Exemplary," 13 schools rated "Very Good," 16 schools rated "Good," only 4 rated "Fair," and 2 are "Struggling."

The WPC Public School Accountability Index rates the quality of more than 2,075 public schools across the state.  The Index is based on data compiled by the State Board of Education’s 2011 Achievement Index, using results from the 2010–11 school year.

LWSD met or exceeded index ratings from 871 schools sampled.   Our district exceeded schools rated: "Exemplary" by 18%,  "Very Good" by 12%, "Fair" by 26% and "Struggling" by 4%.   The district equalled the sample's "Good" ratings;  34% of schools were rated "Good."   

For a complete list of LWSD school ratings go here.  The list is organized by District, Rankings, and Schools.  To name a few school ratings:  Exemplary:  LW High, Eastlake High, Redmond Junior, Audubon, Rockwell and Juanita El.; Very Good:  Inglewood Junior, Redmond High, Evergreen Junior, Einstein, Carson; Good:  Juanita High, Kamiakin Junior, Alcott, Bell, Keller, Dickenson;  Fair:  Finn Hill Junior, Sandburg El, Community, Struggling:  Best Sr., Futures. 

The purpose of the "Accountability Index" is to determine whether and to what extent school officials are fulfilling their paramount duty to provide a quality education for every child residing within the borders of the state. The Legislature stated:  Read More >>

Principal Jane Todd: preparations underway for Reconfiguration at Redmond High

Principal Jane Todd presents to the School Board

Dear Parents:
I have been having what I think are Reconfiguration dreams. I'll spare you the details, but they are dreams in which I lose something I value (I find it again), I lose my patience, I lose my bearings and I get lost. And sometimes, in the way of dreams, things don't make much sense. However, and this is the important part: All the way along in those dreams, there have been people there to help me - people to pay my way, people to help me find what I had lost, people to get me home. And I wake up smiling. I hope that will be as comforting to you as it has to me.

To update you on some Reconfiguration doings:  Read More >>

Lake Washington Kangs snuff Bainbridge 11-10 in Lacrosse Opener

Lake Washington Spoils Bainbridge Island Opener, March 9.

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. – Cody Bernstein connected on the go-ahead goal with 3:23 remaining in the game as Lake Washington hung on to down Bainbridge 11-10 to open the 2012 Washington state boys high school lacrosse season at Bainbridge Stadium  . Read More >>



Washington State Chapter of US Lacrosse announces 2012 schedules for boys and girls high school lacrosse

SEATTLE –The Washington State Chapter of US Lacrosse today announced the 2012 schedules for boys and girls high school lacrosse for its 34th season in Washington state.  Read More >>


If you think you like Washington State lacrosse or know you do, this site is THE Go-To place www.WashingtonHSLAX.com.

Topped Cottonwood Trees on 90th Street NE almost make you gag

Topped Cottonwoods - "roadside attraction" on NE 90th Street

OPINION:  Last year, the city Council designated Cottonwoods as urban "garbage trees" because they crack open sidewalks, drop debris and the white cotton puffs blow around.  In 2011, the City ripped out all the Cottonwoods along southern NE 90th and replaced them with "street trees" and new sidewalk.  It looks pretty good.

The problem is they girdled and  topped these Cottonwoods growing in a stormwater facility further down the road.  Wildlife habitat is abundant here.  I just about gag everytime I have to pass them.  Anyone driving to Comcast, the Eastside Gym, Vertical Club, or any number of office buildings has to look at it. 

The City is setting a painful example to citizenry and students of what NOT to do with  trees.  Comments? 

By Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder

Picture Story of Group Health Overlake Center Trees, by Max Feingold

Picture Story of Group Health Overlake Center

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Max Feingold publisher of Cat's Paw Images, Blog  "Exploring the Seattle Area Camera in Hand"

In 1871, Warren Wentworth Perrigo and Captain Luke McRedmond became the first white men to stake a claim and settle the land that would become the city of Redmond.  Read and See More >>

Photo and Story by Max Feingold

These pictures tell the story eloquently. Hopefully, they will help decision-makers realize what they’ve got in this urban jewel before it’s gone. Enough of paving paradise! We can have the transit-oriented village AND a good percentage of these beautiful trees; they are not mutually exclusive unless the only consideration is profit.  Thanks for all the work you put into this post.
-- Comment by Katheryn, Reader of  "Cat's Paw Images - Blog"

State Supreme Court rules that Local voters can't ban red-light cameras

Redmond councilmembers Cole, Margeson
and Stilin review citations during
the Red Light Safety Pilot Program.

State Supreme Court: Local voters can’t ban red-light cameras

Posted by Emily Heffter
"Seattle Times," Local News, March 8, 2012 at 11:06 AM

(Updated with Eyman’s comments.)

The Washington State Supreme Court has ruled that a 2010 Mukilteo ballot initiative banning red-light cameras is invalid.

The long-awaited ruling means initiative efforts in other cities around the state, including Longview, Bellingham, Monroe, Redmond and Wenatchee, are also invalid.


It’s a big loss for initiative king Tim Eyman, who had adopted the cause of banning the cameras and helped people in cities across the state fight to have them banned.  Read More >>

Redmond Police Report Incidence of Residential Burglaries and Vehicle Prowls and more

Smash and Dash - GPS most common target

Safety Updates from the Desk of Jim Bove, Redmond Police...

Residential Burglaries:  We have had approximately 26 reported in two months from January 1 – February 29.

Of those, just over half  had smashed windows, damaged doors and/or signs of forced entry….the rest gained entry through an unlocked door or window.

In fact, one had both – forced entry through the garage door only to find an unlocked door leading into the home. Most people are always certain to lock the main entry used to get into the house, but often forget side doors, garage doors, and other points of entry that are seldom used. Lock ‘em all! 

Vehicle Prowls:  From January 1 – February 29th, we have had approximately 62 vehicles prowled or parts stolen from them. Of these, at least 25 were left unlocked or had no obvious signs of forced entry.  Read More>>

PTSA Forum: Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues

from the desk of Julie Shalaby, LW-PTSA Chair of Special Needs Group...

Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues

Lake Washington School District
PTSA Special Needs Group Meeting
Tuesday, March 27th 7 – 9 pm
You are welcome to arrive at 6:30 PM to network

LWSD Resource Building
16250 NE 74th St, Redmond 98052 (Redmond Town Center)
 
 Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues
 
Going through puberty and adolescence can be a confusing time for kids and parents both. This will be an opportunity for you to talk about your concerns about the social/sexual development of your family member. Robbie Rigby will lead a discussion on social skills, relationship development, sexuality, and personal safety as it relates to teens and young adults with special needs. Join us to talk about these topics-it’s sure to be lively!  Read More >>