Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission approves electric and natural gas rate hikes.

 PGE 

The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission orders Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to raise electric rates by 3.2 % and natural gas prices by 1.3%.   The rates are significantly less than originally requested by PSE.  The new rates will take effect on May 14.   

PGE originally requested an 8.1 percent increase for electric service and 3.0 percent increase for natural gas service.  

The commission also approved an increase of about 30 percent in contributions to PSE’s residential electric low-income assistance program. Customer contributions to the program will increase from $.59 to $.76 a month, beginning May 14.

Source:  Letter from WSUTC responding to a public comment.  Read More >>

UPDATED: Redmond Mustangs defeat Newport, On To State



Hot Bats and a Dominant Pitching Lead to a 9-1 Win /
JILL FLYNN

On To State

Plays Issaquah this Thursday for Kingco title game.

Wins for the 14th time in 15 games since a 0-7 record at start of season

From the opening bell, the Redmond Mustangs were ready to go, scoring five runs in the bottom of the first. The big blows came off the bats of a pair of sophomores, Lucas Eliason and Kyle Francis. Eliason lined a two run double down the right-field line while Francis drove a triple in the right-center gap for three RBI of his own. Of the 12 total hits off Mustang bats, senior Patrick McGrath had three, one a two run bomb to left.

That first inning run production was more than enough for starter Peter Hendron. The power-pitching righthander only gave up one hit on the day, a solo homerun to Nate Anderson. The performance by Hendron and the hot bats send the Mustangs off to the state regionals on May 19th.

For more on Hendron and the game, check out the Seattle Times story - http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2018162726_riley08.html

Redmond now prepares for the Kingco title game against the Issaquah Eagles. Be at Woodinville High School on Thursday, 5/10, 7 pm to root on your Mustangs.

Photo collage by Jill Flynn
Source:  Redmond Mustange website,  Dan Pudwill

City moves forward on plan to re-locate Evans Creek

Evans Creek headwaters are in East King County along the Old Red Brick Road.  The creek continues north and west through SE Redmond industries, past Keller Farm, before it's confluence with Bear Creek.   Bear Creek flows into the Sammamish River which flows into Lake Washington and Puget Sound.

On May 1, the Redmond city council approved land acquisitions to relocate Evans Creek north and east and away from SE Redmond industries. (See map).  If negotiations to purchase the property are unsuccessful the Council approved  use of eminent domain.

The benefits of re-locating Evans Creek are many.  Relocation: 1) improves habitat for wild salmon and wildlife, 2)  increases the land values and opportunity for redevelopment of industrial properties, 3) encourages clean-up of hazardous waste and further safeguards the city aquifer 4) improves flood water conveyence, 5) enhances Bear-Evans Creek Trail recreation with restored riparian habitat.

Evans Creek is an important and valuable stream in SE Redmond that's been heavily impacted by industrial development and permiting violations, as has "AWR."  Read More >>

Place your bets on The Daily Double!! Marymoor Velodrome and RHS!!

Season Kick-off Party and Roller Racing Extravaganza

Saturday May 12, 7-10 PM
Hale's Ales in the Palladium

Marymoor Velodrome (Marymoor Park)
•All ages

•Track-specific bike swap (bring your stuff to trade and sell!)

•Food and beverages available

•See your long lost track friends! The season's almost here!

First heats on the roller bikes (fixed fork) scheduled for 7:30. Spin to win!

Not many places can boast a biking velodrome, and Redmond's has been around now for nearly 40 years. The Velodrome has hosted many national championships, 1990 Goodwill Games and many Olympic hopefuls. Learn more about the Velodrome in the evening at the Beer Gardens of the Roller Racing extravaganza or the Redmond Historical Society (RHS) media event in the morning...or both!  Place your bets, it's The Daily Double!!

Please join the RHS on Saturday, May 12th, 10:30 AM in the auditorium of the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 NE 80th St. Redmond, WA, when Jerry Baker, one of the volunteers who made it happen, takes us on a history tour.
 
Photo:  'black and white' courtesy of RHS
Banner:  courtesy of the Marymoor Veledrome Association
Follow Redmond Neighborhood Blog facebook page on www.facebook.com/redmondblogger

Redmond Mustangs gutted out Woodinville in first round of Kingco Playoffs




A Total Team Effort Leads Redmond to a Win/ JILL FLYNN

  Kingco Playoff Time

The Redmond Mustangs gutted out a 3-2 win over the Woodinville Falcons in the first round of the Kingco playoffs on Saturday morning.

The win was due in large part to the effort of senior pitcher, Adam Cline. The crafty right-hander held the Falcon bats to only three hits on the day. Offensively, junior Brent Firth hit a monster blast over the right-centerfield fence for a solo homerun in the 2nd inning. And, senior Patrick McGrath came up clutch driving in the other two runs, the game winner on a two out, two strike pitch in the 5th inning.

The win puts the Mustangs one game away from the state tournament. Standing in their way is division rival, Newport. The game is Monday at 4 pm at Woodinville High School.  Be there.

Click here for bracket information: PLAYOFF BRACKET

Source:  Redmond Miustang Baseball website, Coach Dan Pudwill
Collage Photos By Jill Flynn - find phenomenal, action packed photos from most Mustang games

KingCo Champions: 1972, 1976, 1977, 1991, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2008, 2010
Washington State 4A Champions: 1991, 1993

Find Redmond Blog facebook page here www.facebook.com/redmondblog

"Funeral Service Education Program" receives accreditation at Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Restorative art course teaches funeral
preparation skills 

from the desk of Jen Boyer, Media Relations, Lake Washington Institute of Seattle...

We’re excited to announce our "Funeral Service Education Program" received accreditation. All of our graduates from that first class have found work, which starts in the $40,000 to $50,000 a year pay range. We can provide students, graduates and/or faculty if you’re interested in an interview. Students come from all over the state to take our course.

Students in LWIT’s Funeral Service Education’s restorative art course learn valuable skills in applying cosmetics and performing hair styling in preparation for funeral presentation.

Press Release:   Read more >>

UPDATED: Dr. Traci Pierce updates LWSD staff on organizational structure



2012-13  Organizational Chart
CLICK TO ENLARGE 

UPDATED:  Dr. Traci Pierce, who will take over as Lake Washington School District superintendent on July 1, announced the district’s Central Leadership Team (CLT) for the 2012-13 school year. The new structure and any changes in position will take effect on July 1. Her annoucemement was made by email to the entire LWSD staff on May 4. 

Support the Redmond Bike Park

The Appellants lost and filed with King County Superior Court and it's not likely the case will be resolved until 2013.   Thanks to Doug Schmidt for this information, Steering Committee co-Chair, works at Performance Bikes in Bellevue.

Families, BMX kids and neighbors clear weeds from the Neighborhood Bike Park project area, 2010

Support for Redmond Bike Park - attend council meeting

Dear Neighbors on Education Hill,

We are writing because of some overstated comments to the proposal for the Redmond Bike Park.  The site is not six times larger than present, as stated in the Redmond Reporter editorial last week.  This 2.51 acre site has an area approximately 0.7 acres on the west edge that has been used by cyclists since 1990.  According to the proposed 2.51 acre project by the Redmond Parks and Recreation Department, the affected area would be 0.7 acres.  

Another incorrect editorial comment said that the City would remove “hundreds of trees”, yet according to the project plans, more than 80% of the site’s significant trees will be retained.  The entire project has been designed in keeping with the landscape and concern for the Redmond community and the neighborhood of Education Hill.  Read More >>

OPENING DAYS for the Redmond Saturday Market!

http://redmondsaturdaymarket.homestead.com/

The Cadillac of farmer markets celebrates its 37th season with 80 vendors weekly!  Organic choices in produce, fruits, berries, cheese, eggs and meats.  Find great selections of plants, herbs, flowers, breads, jams, honey, fish, specialty sauces and nuts.  Enjoy crepes, tamales, pizza, Italian food, shave ice, ice cream, popcorn and pastries for lunch.  Listen to our live bands every Saturday.  Find one-of-a-kind gifts made by our local artisans.  Chef Demos, Zucchini Races, Story Time, Cowboys, Hula Dancers, Kids Day, and Pet Parades are why we want you...

CALANDER OF EVENTS FOR THE SUMMER!

OPINION: Excessive use of Emergency Rooms hit home

OPINION :  Excessive use of Emergency Rooms (ER) in Washington State is widespread.  According to the Washington State Hospital Association 11% of all ER visits are avoidable. It's such a problem that our legislature is advising a reduction in the number of preventable ER visits by June 15, 2012.  The average charge of an ER visit is $5,353.  An avoidable  ER visit averages $1,600.   My relative, Jane, was admited to Overlake Hospital ER by an Overlake Urgent Care Physician's Assistent. But, her charge was $7605 and probably avoidable (She had constipation). Many would call this abusive. In fact, an agency is looking into it.

For those of you who have a similar unfortunate experience in an ER your insurance company should be able to help.  Most can direct you to the Fraud and Abuse hot-line.  Excessive charges and procedures are considered "abuse" and should be reported. Overlake Hospital offers the services of a "patient advocate," however don't be mislead - they advocate for the hospital first.

Insurance companies are your friend.  They want to keep their costs down while servicing their clients.   Our insurance rep from Regence arranged a conference call with Overlake to find out why Jane was charged weeks ago without any notification to the carrier.  The agent assured me Jane would get a good rate on insurance and we did.   Appealling the insurance company wasn't necessary. They certainly did their job.

The Washington State Hospital Association reported on 2/11, "One in nine ER visits are avoidable.  Potentially avoidable ER visits can be appropriately treated in another setting at the time the ER visit occurred."

Evergreen Hospital appears to have really caught on to this concept.   I've found pamphlets in their medical hallways to educate patients on how to choose the best place to go for health care.  In addition, Evergreen's Redmond & Woodinville primary care and urgent cares are in the same buildings to facilitate appropriate treatment in a setting other than an ER. 

Unfortunately, Overlake Redmond Urgent Care didn't have a clinical laboratory or contrast Cat Scan, so they sent Jane to the ER for these tests.  Evergreen's Redmond clinics have a lab and imaging department so you don't have to be admitted to an ER.  Same with Virginia Mason - Kirkland.  Read More >>

Mustang's 2nd Seed in Playoff - May 5

Patrick McGrath's two doubles not enough as Mustangs lose to Issaquah, 3-1. /JILL FLYNN 

Unlucky 13

The Redmond Mustangs' win streak came to an end as they ran into a buzzsaw on the mound on Friday. Issaquah, riding the right arm of starter Brandon Mahovalich, defeated Redmond 3-1. The loss was the first for the Mustangs in 13 games.

Redmond now will turn its attention to the playoffs, beginning on Saturday, May 5th, 10 a.m. at Woodinville High School. With the loss and Skyline's back to back 2-1 wins, Redmond will enter as the 2 seed from the Crest Division. Redmond's first playoff game will be at 10 am on the Saturday with the opponent still to be determined.

Source:  Redmond Mustang Baseball, Coach Pudwill
Photo by Jill Flynn - find phenomenal, action packed photos from most Mustang games

Call to Artists for: "Day of Art and Culture"

Masjid Ar-Rahmah in Redmond, WA.

Call to Artists: Day of Art & Culture

The "Muslim Association of Puget Sound" (MAPS) is pleased to announce a Call to Artists for a show case of artwork to be displayed at "Day of Art & Culture" on June 16th, 2012.

Art and Culture Day aims to promote creativity among Washington Muslims and to share the diversity of Islamic heritage with Muslims and Non-Muslims alike.

Events for that day include an art exhibit, country booths, youth and children activities, performances, and food. The Day of Art & Culture will be held at the Masjid Ar-Rahmah in Redmond.

This Call to Artists is open to all Washington artists, including high school and college art students. Submissions are due by May 11, 2012, with the accepted artwork to be announced May 18, 2012. Showcased artists will need to set up artwork for display on June 15th and artwork can be for sale.

To apply, submit a short bio, photos of your work and a link to your website or Facebook page to acraftyarab@gmail.com .

Contact acraftyarab@gmail.com for more information and official guidelines.

By:  Koloud 'Kay' Tarapolsi

A Crafty Arab
http://www.acraftyarab.com (please note new website address)
http://www.zibbet.com/acraftyarab

Directions:  http://www.muslimfeed.com/masjiddetails.aspx?mi=1

Brown's Garage Liquor License Auctioned for $281,660



Bidder wins state liquor license for historic Brown's Garage

 According to Washington State Liquor Control Board records, Jeffrey Roh won the state auction for and rights to the downtown Redmond liquor store license, located at 16389 Redmond Way. Roh's winning bid was $281,660. Roh used a Milton, WA. mailing address in the auction. He was also the successful bidder for the stores at Mukilteo and Issaquah.

The store, an attractive brick building once housed a 20-car repair shop owned in the 1920's  by Redmond's Mayor Bill Brown.  Known as "Brown's Garage"  this historic landmark is protected by laws governing historic buildings.

Several small businesses active in the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce were also involved in the auction process.

Reported and Photo By Bob Yoder

Opinion:  "Mayor Sits on 20-day Notice," April, 2010
Opinion:  "The City's New Liquor Store - You can't miss it."  April, 2010

Bird at Farrel McWirther Park

What kinda bird is this?  A baby owl?   Hawk? 

"Spotted yesterday on the Perimeter Train next to the Arena entrance to Farrel McWirther Park"

 Source:  Farrel-McWhirter Park Farm Facebook Page

Who took this awsome picture?

 "I checked with my bird expert friend and it is a “recently fledged great horned owl”

  --Terry

Comment:  I'm not an ornithologist, but my guess is a juvenile Great Horned Owl. I've seen an adult in Westside Park before.  According to Wikipedia, we have the possibility of seeing both the Coastal Great Horned Owl, as well as the Northwestern Great Horned Owl.

   --Douglas Burchard Rose Hill Neighborhood 

LWSD news: artwork, inspiring teachers, park clean-up, planting school habitat

News from the Schools – April 24, 2012 

Redmond High School artwork places first in Holocaust Art Contest
Einstein Elementary Evironmental Club planted 43 native species to build school yard habitat.
Redmond High School teacher, Peter Saxby selected "Inspirational Teacher."
Northstar Elementary students raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma
LWHS students honored at Kirkland Volunteer Appreciation event.

Planting Day: Einstein Elementary: School Yard Habitat.  On April 12, students from the Einstein Elementary Environmental Club, The Green Teams, planted 43 native species to build the Einstein Elementary School Yard Habitat (SYH). Students planted 10 Bald Hip Rose, 10 Snowberry, 10 Salmonberry, 4 Red-osier Dogwood, 5 Beaked Hazelnut, and 4 Pacific Ninebark. Read More >>

Mustang bats come alive with monumental comeback



JILL FLYNN/  "Bats come alive to humble Skyline"

Down But Not Out
Come-back win secures playoff berth.  Final home game is Wednesday 4/25, Senior Night.

Another night at the yard, another look at the improbable. The Redmond Mustangs, down 8-0 after the first inning, battled back to defeat the Skyline Spartans 12-8 on a sun-drenched Monday at Hartman Park. The win secures a playoff berth for the Mustangs and places them only a 1/2 game behind the Crest Division leading Spartans.

The win would not have been possible without the pitching effort of senior Thomas Crosley. Coming in down two runs and the bases loaded with nobody out, Crosley worked to minimize the damage. However, due to some bloop hits and fielding miscues, the Spartans put up an eight spot in the first. Though, that would be all she wrote for the Spartan offense as Crosley allowed just two more baserunners in the next 3 2/3 innings of work. Adam Cline came in for the final 2 1/3 to earn his third save on the year.

Offensively, the flood gates opened in the third as the Mustangs plated five. The big blow in this inning came from sophomore Brandon Burditt as he laced a two run double down the line. Redmond would score five more in the fourth as Cody Beliel, Peter Hendron, Lucas Eliason, and Peyton Lutz all notched hits in the inning. Two more insurance runs would be tacked on in the fifth due in part to senior Steven Danek stealing his way home.

Redmond now turns their attention to the Newport Knights for a Wednesday night matchup. First pitch is at 6 pm. This will be the final home game for the 12 Mustang seniors, so come on out and join in the celebration and recognition of these proud Mustangs.

Source:  Mustang Baseball website

Jill Flynn's photo gallery: http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/store.aspx?p=33937

Lake Washington Schools Foundation Luncheon features Tony Ventrella

Wednesday May 23, 2012 

1:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m

Lake Washington High School

Keynote Speaker, Tony Ventrella

Digital Media Host, Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders

Former Sports Director, KIRO TV and KING TV
REGISTER HERE

Redmond's Peter Hendron hurls a perfect game against Wolves

Peter Hendron - Perfection!
Photo Image By JILL FLYNN

Some say perfection is an unattainable ideal. Not Friday at Eastlake High School as senior Peter Hendron hurled a perfect game for a 1-0 win against the rival Wolves. The win runs the Redmond Mustang win streak to 10.

Hendron was dominant from the outset, throwing three pitches for strikes. His fastball had the needed giddyup and the curve ball kept the opposing Wolves off balance all game. In his seven innings of work, Hendron needed only 96 pitches to set down 21 Eastlake batters in order. He struck out ten and induced five groundouts and six flyouts.

However, Redmond needed to score a run in order for the game to be complete. They did just that in the top of the 7th with a two out rally. Junior Brent Firth blooped a single to center. From there, pinch-runner Max Hicok stole second and moved up on a seeing eye single from sophomore pinch-hitter, Kyle Francis. After a walk to Brandon Burditt to load the bases, Cody Beliel was plunked to walk in the winning run.

Redmond looks to run their win streak to 11 with a matchup with the Crest Division leading Skyline Spartans on Monday at Hartman Park. First pitch is at 6 pm. Be there ... you never know what may happen!

Peter is a scholarship athlete playing for Santa Clara University next year.

Source:  Redmond Mustang Baseball site

Annual Spring Plant Sale - Lake Washington Institute of Technology



Lake Washington Institute of Technology - Environmental Horticultural Greenhouse

 Don Marshall, Environmental Horticulture Instructor at Lake Washington Institute of Technology  oversees the upcoming Annual Spring Plant Sale in Kirkland 

The sale is not only a component of the students curriculum but raises money that helps support the program while at the same time offering an opportunity for the public to purchase plants and get a little exposure to our program.

The students have been working diligently this past quarter sowing seeds, nurturing and growing on the majority of plants that will be offered for sale. I have included a link to their website  which offers additional details and information regarding the sale and some basic information below…

Annual Spring Plant Sale

April 27-28 & May 4-5, 9:00am-3:00pm

(new stock on both weekends!)

Lake Washington Institute of Technology (driving directions)

11605 132nd Ave NE

Kirkland, WA 98034

Earth Day Seedling Sale benefits "Sustainable Redmond"

John Reinke,  proud owner of  Western Hemlock seedling

Earth Day Seedling Sale benefits Sustainable Redmond

In the spirit of Earth Day, Sustainable Redmond is making available select Western Hemlock seedlings in return for contributions to our 2012 Overlake Tree Preservation Campaign. As you may know, the current plan is that the 28 acre Group Health property in Overlake will be clear cut for development, and Sustainable Redmond is working to have this plan overturned.

The Western Hemlock is the Washington State tree, and, while these seedlings can’t replace Overlake’s mature urban forest, planting these locally will help clean our air and water.

Seedlings will be for sale at the Earth Day celebration at 21 Acres in Woodinville from 3 - 5pm on Saturday, April 21. Seedlings will also be available at 9am at the Green Kirkland Partnership Restoration Event at Juanita Bay Park, 2201 Market Street in Kirkland.

Check out http://www.sustainableredmond.org/  for more info on the issue, as well as for on-line giving using PayPal and other ways to contribute to our mission.
 
--John, Tom, Cindy
Sustainable Redmond
Photo by Yoder

Chair of Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce updates community on "One Redmond"

“One Redmond” FAQ's - edition #1
   -By Bob Hale, Meagan Walker and Andrea Lachmann
    April, 2012, Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Andrea Lachmann, Chair GRCC

Andrea Lachmann, the Chair of the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) board of trustees, has had a voice and a seat at the One Redmond table.  As promised in last month’s Chamber Newsletter Andrea is committed to updating the membership on the latest and greatest One Redmond news:

Q:  What is One Redmond and how did the idea come about? 

Lachmann: The concept grew out of the awareness that there were three organizations working on behalf of Redmond residents, employees, and businesses to help improve the social and economic landscape of our community.

• Our focus at the Chamber is on helping the businesses to prosper.
• The Redmond Economic Development Alliance was established to recruit and retain new industries 
• Realize Redmond is dedicated to supporting community projects, programs and special events.

We were finding that not only did many of our objectives overlap, but we were also competing for some of the same financial resources. We decided that it was worth pursuing the idea of consolidating our efforts and resources.

Q: What is the vision for One Redmond?  Read More >>

Family Business is Back!

FAMILY BUSINESS IS BACK!
  By Linda and Leon Hussey

This is truly a ‘Family Business’! Leon and Linda Hussey, former owners of Classic Nursery and Landscape Co., are back in business at 12526 Avondale Rd. NE. in Redmond. Since 2002 after selling Classic, the Husseys started another business called “Keep It Simple, Inc. (K. I. S.).”

Keep It Simple sells compost tea makers (invented originally by Leon Hussey) and the organic ingredients to put into the machines to make compost tea. Compost tea is used to replace the biology in the soil and is like ‘vitamins’ to plants. It can often make a plant stronger to ward off diseases.

The Husseys have owned the over 7 acres site located on Avondale since 2002. They sold their business and continued to lease the land to Classic Nursery & Landscape Co. This year they regained the property and are not only moving their current business but starting an ‘urban farm store’ and will also be selling organic hydroponic products. “The Farm” will have chickens, chicken coops, bee hives, rabbits, ducks, dog, cats, healthy feed for animals, as well as bird seed and feeders. As they grow, they will have fresh eggs, produce and many other organic products. The almost 8 acres will be dedicated to sustainability, permaculture and education.  Read More >>

UPDATED: Legislative action to limit prescribing of narcotics in ER's expected by June 15

Hospital and free-standing  ER's over prescribe
narcotics like Percodan, Oxycontin, Vicodin 

UPDATED:  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it's recommended doctors limit prescription pain medications, especially opiates, prescribed through the emergency rooms.  Good to know, seeing Redmond has 5 Emergency Departments within ~12 miles and opiates like Oxycontin are extremely addicting and can be lethal.

Comment:  In February, a close family member (Jane) was admitted to Overlake Hospital ER by an Overlake-Redmond Urgent Care Physician's Assistant for recurring, moderate abdominal pain.  Even though we told the doctor that Jane had previous treatment and imaging for abdominal pain at Virginia Mason he didn't check her medical records or ask for details. Rather, he immediately put her on Hydro-morphine Inj and after a $7,605 charge for ER services, sent her home with a bottle of 12 narcotic pills and a diagnosis of abdominal pain even after a CT radiologists indicated constipation.  Jane took only two pills.  The next day laxatives relieved her pain.  Yes, it was constipation causing the pain (and opiates make constipation worse!) B.Y.

So, now what to do with the remaining 10 addicting pills?  Read More >>

Car prowlers steal victim's vehicle registrations then rob their homes

Lt. Gorman of the Redmond Police Department wants the public to be aware of a series of motor vehicle prowls and burglary incidents that have occurred in Redmond and other east side locations over the past few weeks.

There have been three reported incidents to the Redmond Police Department thus far and the Redmond Police are aware of more in neighboring jurisdictions.

The crime starts when a victim’s vehicle is broken into while it is parked unattended in a parking lot of a public place like a move theater or restaurant and the vehicle registration and other valuables are taken. The victim’s residence is then burglarized a short time later while the victim is still unaware of the vehicle prowl.  The suspect(s) are probably using the vehicle registration as a way to get the victim’s home address r to burglarize it.

County pet policy is posted on LW school district grounds, allows more freedom for dog owners.




Yipp! Yipp!   It must be 'happy hour!"   

 Dogs are not allowed on school grounds during school hours (7 a.m and 4 p.m),
 except service dogs.

BUT in non-school hours including weekends, King County regulations allow dogs on school grounds as long as they're on leash and cleaned up afterwards.
Ruff!  Ruff!

Dogs are not allowed within the sports stadium complexes at any time, except service dogs. The new signs are posted district-wide.  Archaic city codes are removed;  district policy changed.

By Bob Yoder

OPINION:  "LWSD re-writes regulation" (16 comments):   http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2011/06/opinion-lake-washington-school-district.html

OP-ED: The Mayor's proclamation of Dr. Kimball's success seems premature

"Superintendent-elect" Dr. Traci Pierce at Redmond  City Hall "Meet and Greet"
Mayor John Marchione in background
Traci will implement Kimball's plan for re-alignment and performance improvements 

OP-ED:  Dr. Kimball initiated the K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade realignment over two years ago and the transition won't take effect until Fall 2012 when students, teachers, sports schedules, curriculum, classroom assignments, bus routes and extra curricular activities will all be moved around and reshuffled on a grand scale affecting thousands of students. Will this turn out successfully for each and every student in the district? We've been reassured that *everything* is being taken care of and is under control, but I get the feeling from talking to other parents and kids that the middle schools and high schools will be stressed, if not chaotic, with the new grade assignments. Dr. Kimball is walking away before anyone knows if next year's transition will be a success or if it will be a painful, difficult mess that takes years to work through. I'm sorry, but I think Dr. Kimball packing up and leaving at this most critical time is rather irresponsible. A proclamation by the mayor of Dr. Kimball's great contribution and success seems premature and inappropriate.

By Anonymous on Mayor Marchione honors Dr. Chip Kimball by Proclam... on 4/8/12)
Photo:  Patch.com (Internet)

4/12/12: Mayor Marchione honors Dr. Chip Kimball by Proclamation

Dr. Chip Kimball
Superintendent, Lake Washington School District,  2007 - 2012

Read by Mayor John Marchione on March 27, 2012....

 PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, Chip Kimball started his education career by teaching science at Madera High School in California; and  Read More >>

WHEREAS, Chip Kimball took his first administrative education job in the Fresno Unified School  District in California; and

WHEREAS, Chip Kimball earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the university of Southern California in 1995, thus earning himself the title of doctor; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kimball has served the LWSD since 1996 in roles including Chief Information Officer, Assistant Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kimball's work has resulted in one of the most comprehensive and effective educational technology implementations in the country and he was recognized by eSchool News as one of ten 2010 Tech-Savvy Superintendents;and

WHEREAS, Lake Washington PTSA Council honored Dr. Kimball with its Outstanding Service Award, its highest honor, as someone who works for all children to help them achieve their potential; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Kimball has dedicated his career to the service of educating our children, so that every child is future-ready, prepared for college, prepared for the global workplace and prepared for personal success:

NOW, THEREFORE, I JOHN MARCHIONE, Mayor of the City of Redmond, do hereby reorganize 

DR. CHIP KIMBALL

for his valuable contributions to Redmond, the LWSD, and the eastside community; and I urge all residents to join me in honoring him. 

SIGNED:  John Marchione, Mayor, March 27, 2012

OP-ED:  Mayor's proclamation of Dr. Kimball is premature...4/9/12 

COMMENTS:  The March 27 Redmond city council study session started with presentations from Dr. Chip Kimball and superintendent-elect Dr. Traci Pierce. Chip recalled being hired by Sup. Barnes in l996 as the district's first Chief Information Officer. He became Superintendent when Dr. Don Saul retired in 2007.

Chip decided to leave Redmond "after much consternation" and spend a term as Superintendent of Singapore School. He leaves in July. Dr. Kimball wants to grow his leadership as an educator from his experience in the global workplace of Asia, and apply it back home.

Dr. Kimball said he was proud of the 95% graduation rate at LWSD; that 70% enter college; accolades for International School, that Redmond High is rated in the top 50 of all high schools in the country and the district got 11 recognitions from the state in 2011.

Dr. Kimball was on the Executive Committee for the Chamber and a Director on the Redmond Economic Development Association. He stated emphatically that education IS the economic development engine."

Mayor John Marchione read a Proclamation from a plaque. After giving Dr. Kimball the plaque Chip said how he appreciated his partnership with John. "John was a wonderful partner. We had a "heads up agreement" we could pick up the phone and call each other..."   He said he lives in Redmond and looks forward to coming back home.

By Bob Yoder

http://www.lwsd.org/About/District-Admin/Pages/Superintendent-Bio.aspx

UPDATED: City Assigns three School Resource Officers

The City of Redmond assigned three (3) regularly employed officers to the following areas of coverage; one at Redmond High School, one at Redmond Junior High School, and one at Rose Hill Junior High School. Although generally assigned to the above named high school and junior high schools, the SRO's may provide coverage to the nearby schools and areas surrounding the principle campuses identified. The services provided by the SRO are in addition to normal police services already provided by the City.

Last year the city shared SRO costs with the school district.  It appears the city is picking up all the costs, though this is unconfirmed. 

READER COMMENT:  "The agreement renewal covers School Resource Officer services for Lake Washington School District for a sum of $40,000" according to http://www.ci.redmond.wa.us/common/pages/UserFile.aspx?fileId=71211  4/5

Read More>>

LETTER: Tree Sock Art Installation


from the desk of Councilman Hank Myers....

LETTER:  You asked some interesting questions about 
"tree sock art" and I have completed some research with the help of Parks staff and assistance from a former Department of Natural Resources official.

On the issue of impact to the trees, an extensive answer is below.  These wraps have been around for years, with no apparent damage.  The only observed change was suppression of moss on the tree bark, which I am not sure is a negative. You also raised concerns about the impact on squirrels.  While it is true that the western gray squirrel is protected, it is because its habitat was overrun by the eastern gray squirrel, which is what populates Anderson Park.  The eastern gray squirrel is not protected.   Read More >>

Blending Art with Nature in Urbania?

Trees and a log cabin of Anderson Park

Comments from two Readers ....

The first time I saw these, I was struck by their beauty. It happened to be around sunset, and the warm glow of the evening sun was shining on these tree socks, and making such a beautiful accent to the artwork. I had to stop and take a photo of it. Sadly, the photo didn't do the emotional joy justice. I'm glad that we have such a unique change to Anderson Park to enjoy on our way through town. There will always be jay-walkers to watch out for, tree socks or not. If the concern is about distractions from the park, well, we better stop maintaining the park (guys in bright orange vests), having parties in the park (gasp- kids running around having fun!), allowing people to bring balloons in the park (they're real attention grabbers), keep out all the dogs from the park (dog lovers- avert your eyes!), and especially - no bright colored strollers or clothing should be allowed. In fact, to avoid all distractions, maybe its best to just fence it off, close it down and cement over it. Change is constant, and Anderson Park is no exception. If the real problem is jaywalking around the park, well there are ways to solve that. I think the problem existed well before tree socks. Until the article cited about tree wraps covers the negative impacts of using yarn as a wrap material, I'm not convinced it's relevant. Put me down as one who embraces the change, sees the beauty in the artwork, and pays attention to the road while I drive.
   -- By Anonymous on OPINION: The costs of Tree Sock Art In historic A... on 3/31/12

I absolutely [believe] the trees do NOT need embellishment! But so many other things in our man-made environment do! Can't we leave the beauty of nature alone, and wrap the phone poles and other things that uglify the world? Tree trunks are beautiful, and tie in the log cabin look of the structures at the park perfectly.
  -- By Anonymous on A resident environmentalist and artist appreciates... on 3/31/12