"Redmond Wild" promotes backyard habitat for wildlife

Nithi Thillai promotes "Redmond Wild" at the Saturday Market - an organization encouraging
low maintenance wildlife habitat outside Redmond homes, businesses and schoolyards.

Readers have contributed many fish and wildlife photos here:   a wintering coyote with squirrel, a crow preying on a snake, pond ducks, wintering geese, pileated woodpeckers, beavers, river otters, salmon, stickleback minnow, bobcat cubs playing in a backyard, deer, Marymoor bird hikes, raccoons, bald eagles, fresh water mussels, crayfish, heron, black bear...

Wildlife is abundant in Redmond neighborhood backyards, easements, parks, and roadsides but the City still isn't recognized nationally for our rich habitat which serves these "critters."   Kirkland, Sammamish, Tuckwilla and Bellevue are all certified as "Community Wildlife Habitat" by the National Wildlife Federation.  According to Nithi Thillai of Redmond Wildlife,  "the Federation needs to certify 90 more homes (condos and apartments, too) for "wildlife habitat" in Redmond before our city is certified.  Nithi rents an apartment and composts food. 

There's no reason why Redmond isn't on this list other than the campaign is new. Certification is a simple one page questionnaire about the food, water, and shelter sources in your backyard, the places to raise young, and use of sustainable practices like native plants, compost, etc.  It gets you thinking a little more about the birds that travel through. 

Getting certified is all about awareness of how we can create resources and corridors of viable habitat for wildlife travel throughout Redmond - one backyard at a time.  Once the questionnaire is mailed you  will get a fee year membership to the  National Wildlife Federation, a certificate, and a coupon from the Woodland Park Zoo.  Apply here:  http://www.redmondwild.org/certify-your-space

Redmond Wild website:  www.redmondwild.org   Phone:  206-819-4217

Report and Photo by Bob Yoder

More LWSD students than ever meet ACT College Readiness Benchmarks

More Lake Washington Students Than Ever Meet ACT College Readiness Benchmarks

Some scores dip slightly after last year’s large gains but trend is up.

Redmond, Wash. – More Lake Washington School District (LWSD) students than ever scored high enough on each of the four ACT tests to meet the college readiness benchmark for all four subjects – English, math, reading and science. While nationally only 25 percent of students met this standard and 38 percent met it statewide, 57 percent of the students in LWSD who took the ACT qualified. That is up from 55 percent last year and continues a rising trend over the last five years, from 50 percent of students in 2008.

This achievement was accomplished despite slightly lower average scores in three of the four subject categories.   Read More >> 

Where is Novelty Hill?

This may get people scratching their heads.  I went to the library and read through the historical books on Duvall and the Snoqualmie Valley.  It appears that when Novelty lost most of its residents, people forgot where Novelty Hill was located. - Susan Wilkins

WHERE IS NOVELTY HILL?

By Susan Wilkins

Redmond, WA. 

In east Redmond, take Avondale Road north about a mile then merge right and follow Novelty Hill Road up to the top of the hill.  You’ll be in the Redmond Ridge/Trilogy area.  What hill are you on?  Most residents of Redmond Ridge will tell you that they live on Novelty Hill.  Google Maps says that Redmond Ridge is on “Novelty Hill/Union Hill”.  Longtime residents will tell you that you’re on Union Hill.  So which is it?  The correct answer is that Redmond Ridge is on Union Hill.  The confusion over the location started more than 20 years ago when planners and developers started referring to the Redmond Ridge area as Novelty Hill.  After all, they followed Novelty Hill Road to the top of the hill, so it made sense that they were on Novelty Hill.  The area was mostly forest and swampland so there was nobody around to ask. 

Where is Novelty Hill?  It’s up the hill from the town of Novelty – way over on the east side of the Snoqualmie Valley.  From the top of the hill at Redmond Ridge keep heading east, down the winding road.  At the stoplight at the bottom of the hill, turn left onto West Snoqualmie Valley Road, then right at NE 124th Street.  The bridge across the Snoqualmie River is called the Novelty Hill Bridge. What used to be the town of Novelty is on the other side of the roundabout.  Most maps still show Novelty as a dot located on SR203, a few miles south of the town of Duvall.  Novelty was once a little logging town with a long bunkhouse for loggers and a little store and post office.   The few old houses uphill to the east of the roundabout are all that remain of the town of Novelty. It still has its own zip code - 98019.  The real Novelty Hill is up the hill from the town.  If you have time, drive up the road to take a look.  There are a few houses here and there, and the Novelty Hill Cemetery is near the top, but all the narrow roads eventually dead-end.

If you’re not convinced, look at the accompanying maps. (USGS Carnation, WA 1993 -7.5 Minute series and USGS Seattle, WA 1992 - 30x60 Minute series)

Redmond Ranked 5th Best Place to Live By "Money Magazine"

Redmond wins "Money Magazine's" Top Five in Best Place to Live in 2012.  


Money Magazine ranks Redmond the "5th best place to live in 2012 in cities ranging in size between 50,000 and 300,000, as follows:  

"Redmond may be home to one of the largest companies in the world, but life in the city is anything but a grind. With Seattle just 15 miles to the west, the Cascade Mountains a short drive to the east, and more than 90 wineries to the north, Microsoft's hometown is an ideal base camp for exploring the Northwest.  Meanwhile, there's plenty to do right in Redmond, where historic buildings, quirky shops, eateries, and brewpubs mingle in colorful condo and retail developments with public art and giant evergreens. Redmond's picturesque neighborhoods, low crime rate, and stellar schools are a major part of the city's attraction."

The Top 10 Ranked (population) 

Carmel, IN.                 80,100
McKinney, TX           136,100
Eden Prairie, MN        61,200
Newton, MA              84,700
REDMOND, WA       55,200
Irvine, CA                 213,600
Reston, WA                60,300
Columbia, MD          100,700
Overland Park, KS    175,300
Chapel Hill, NC           59,000

The Mayor is to be commended for his new hire Jeri Rowe-Curtis in Communications Administrator.  She also serves as the Marketing Administrator for the city and no doubt cooperated with MONEY making sure they knew all about our city's "eateries, brewpubs, quirky shops."  Have you found and enjoyed them?  I'm looking harder, now.   

How to get to Perrigo Springs - the original water supply for Redmond

FIELD TRIP TO PERRIGO SPRINGS

Perrigo Creek / Yoder

By Susan Wilkins
Redmond, WA. 

We’ve all heard about Perrigo Springs, the original water supply for the City of Redmond, but few people know exactly where to find the springs or the geologic history.  Named for the Perrigo family that settled Redmond in the 1800s, the springs are located on the east side of Education Hill downhill from Hartman Park in a deep ravine cut by Perrigo Creek - also named for the Perrigo family.

Perrigo Creek starts in the 2-acre wetland pond at the top of the hill at the southern edge
of Hartman Park and flows downhill towards Avondale Road, eventually joining Bear
Creek in the large Keller Farm Fields in the center of the valley. During the hot summer
months, Perrigo Creek runs dry so the only water flowing in the creek bed is from Perrigo
Springs.

Perrigo Springs flow from a thick gravel and sand bed that runs through the hillside at
about 240 feet above sea level. Starting at the dam that crosses the creek and continuing
upstream for about 120 feet, spring water flows from the gravel layer into the stream
channel. Near the dam, there is a layer of dirt and vegetation that the spring water seeps
through, keeping the hillside muddy and wet. Upstream the water gushes directly out of
the hillside where the gravel layer is exposed.  (Read more on the geology and how to find the springs>>)

Redmond's magnificent Cottonwood "snag"

This is a magnificent 6-foot in diameter Cottonwood snag on Harry and Elizabeth's Redmond farm off of Avondale Court.  The tree was left to die naturally in a marshy meadow and now provides rich habitat for birds and wildlife. 

The city and some residents top unwanted trees to "manufacture" snags, but they don't look or function entirely like a true snag. 

-- Bob Yoder
   Photo By Yoder

Harry and Elizabeth: Redmond Leaders behind the Hare Krishna Movement and Vedic Cultural Centers

Vedic Cultural Center in Sammamish, WA.

A Hindu-based Hare Krishna awareness movement (ISKON)  is alive and well on the Eastside.  Their Vedic Cultural Centers  in Sammamish and Bothell house temples and provide gathering space for activities.  I spent some time last month with Harry and Elizabeth, the spiritual and operational leaders of the Eastside congregations. 


Harry Terhanian, affable Redmond resident, is the President of one of 20+ ISKON congregations in the United States.  His spiritual name is "Harivilas Das."  Harry says ISKON plans to open a Vedic Cultural Center in Bellevue this year and  SE Redmond in the next year or two, but only with community acceptance and under city guidelines.  

Harry and his pleasant, outgoing wife Elizabeth recently purchased a 9 acre farm on Avondale Court north of the PCC Shopping Center "to become a part of the growing farming culture in Redmond" and practice bhakta yoga.  He is negotiating to buy another farm nearby just off the bus line.  He plans to use the farm as a “factory” for growing plants and manufacturing herbal pharmaceutical extracts.  Signage for the 4^th Annual Ananda Mela Festival was constructed in the farm's outbuildings. 

Elizabeth said cows and bulls are planned for Harry and Elizabeth's farm which has a Class 2 tributary to Bear Creek and buffers will be required for these large animals.  Harry thought the farm will be attractive to bird watchers. 

We visited Leon Hussey’s KIS farm to pick up tips on soil nutrition and understand the value of stream buffers.   Bear Creek meanders through the Hussey farm with well preserved buffers and excellent salmon watching opportunities in the fall. 

Elizabeth recently arrived from Florida where she was running an ISKON farm. "When I see a flower, I see Krishna smiling." she told me. Elizabeth is not a Hindu. She is German-Swiss American. Elizabeth lives in the farm house which also serves as temple.  Elizabeth didn’t make the Ananda Mela Festival in Redmond,  preferring to attend community farming activities in Hawaii. 

Harry was born in America to Armenian Christian Orthodox parents.  He’s not Hindu.   ISKON sent him to Seattle in l991 from Pennsylvania, when the Seattle temple was on the verge of closing. (Early on in the 60's-80's people were turned off by cultish, chanting, proselytizing actions in the airports and college campuses.)  Slowly, he built up the community.  But it wasn't until the mid-1990s, as Indian families began joining, that Terhanian saw a "base by which we rebuild our legitimacy." (Seattle Times, 8/2008)

Harry is also the founder of "Northwest SHARE", a Seattle-based human services non-profit. It includes a restaurant providing free vegan food.  Free food and food banking is a faith element of the Krishna congregation. They also believe in spreading Kirshna's 'personality' with festivals. Harry was the lead organzier for the 4th Annual Ananda Mela Festival. He runs it every year out of his herbal extract retail store near Blazing Bagels.

By Bob Yoder


The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), known colloquially as the Hare Krishna movement, is a Gaudiya Vaishnava religious organization. ISKCON was formed to spread the practice of bhakti yoga, in which aspirant devotees (bhaktas) dedicate their thoughts and actions towards pleasing the Supreme Lord, Krishna.^[5][6] ISKCON today is a worldwide confederation of more than 400 centers, including 60 farm communities, some aiming for self-sufficiency, 50 schools and 90 restaurants.^[7] In recent decades the movement's most rapid expansions in terms of numbers of membership have been within Eastern Europe and India.^[8]

The Hare Krishna mantra can be heard sung by George Harrison in the backing vocals of his song "My Sweet Lord" (1970)."

Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Society_for_Krishna_Consciousness

What type of volunteering can you do in LWSD schools?

Lake Washington School District has a great program for hooking up students with community volunteers, business men and women, retired workers, and parents.  It's call "Looking Into the Needs of Kids and Schools (LINKS).  The District holds 10 orientation classes from September 11 to November 1 at 10AM or 6PM.  You may register to volunteer during orientation.  Nows a great time to plan on how you can make life run smoother for our students during these challenging times.  BY

What is LINKS?
LINKS (Looking Into the Needs of Kids and Schools) is a program of the Lake Washington School District (LWSD), with funding provided by the Lake Washington Schools Foundation. LINKS recruits and places community volunteers in LWSD schools, including those in the Kirkland, Redmond and Sammamish communities.   Sign up here!

What Type of Volunteering Can I Do?
LINKS volunteers spend one hour per week in the classroom as mentors, tutors and classroom helpers. Volunteers are placed based on the needs of the schools in the district and the interests of the LINKS volunteers.

LINKS Volunteers allow students to feel engaged, supported, and challenged. Volunteers come from all backgrounds and include business people, parents, retirees, and students. As a LINKS volunteer, you can support academic achievement, give confidence to students in developing relationships with others and help students acquire the skills needed for lifelong success.   Sign up here!    Read More >>

Redmond teacher named finalist for 2012 Presidential Award



Nancy Pfaff

Mann Elementary teacher named a finalist in math teaching awards for the second time

Nancy Pfaff, a teacher at Horace Mann Elementary, has been selected as one of Washington’s State Finalists for the 2012 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program.

The PAEMST is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. This is the second time that Nancy has been selected as a State Finalist for this award.

Nancy’s application has now been forwarded to the national selection committee.  The White House will announce the results of the national selection process sometime in late spring.

If selected as a national-level finalist, PAEMST recipients receive a citation signed by the President of the United States, a paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a weeklong series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, gifts from program sponsors from around the country, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and an opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation.

As a State Finalist, Nancy will be invited to attend events with the Governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn next year. Additionally, she may be recognized by math and science organizations and educational associations.

I've asked the Administration for a head shot or photo of Nancy for this press release.  BY

What SALT does for your baked good!

What SALT does to your baked good!

By Kimm Moore
Redmond, WA.
"Cupcakes and Cookware"

When I first started blogging, I wrote a post titled: "SALT- The most important ingredient!" Yes, I am a lover of anything "salty-sweet" or made with a flavored, coarse, unrefined sea salt. But, what EXACTLY does salt do to your chocolate chip cookies, chiffon cake, or lemon-blueberry muffins? Salt has many functions and actions in the baking and culinary field.

First off, salt naturally adds flavor to sweet and savory dishes. It is a necessary and key ingredient in the kitchen! Along, with black pepper, it is staple to have a salt jar right next to your cooking range.

Salt has many purposes in cooking, here are my top three reasons!

1) Enhance flavor!
No matter what you are cooking, it balances and enhances the dish/food you are cooking. Pre-package foods contain LOTS, AND LOTS of sodium due to the lack of natural flavor and to have a longer "shelf life" than non-packaged foods.

2) Strengthen gluten strands!
Salt naturally helps gluten strands become nice 'n' strong to create a solid structure for your baked good. This is key especially in French-type breads. Forgot your salt when you are baking bread? The dough will become very "slack" and "wet."

3) Give color!
Salt aids in browning. (Secret tip: I like to add a pinch of salt when I am making egg wash for my morning pasteries!) It gives crossiants, breads, and muffins a nice, golden color. Forgot your salt? Your sweet treats and bread will come out pale.  Read More >>

Residents offer solutions to serious over-crowding at Rosa Parks Elementary

Rosa Parks is a new structure with 10 portables but is already 107% of capacity 

More than 9 residents spoke to the school board last night about how they are trying to cope with over-crowding at Rosa Parks Elementary.   The school is located in Redmond Ridge within Director Doug Eglington's district.  Rosa Parks has 768 students and is largest elementary school in the District.  Even with 10 portables the school is at 107% of capacity.  Whereas, Wilder Elementary only three miles away is at 82% capacity with enrollment declining.  Over 121 signatures have been collected requesting rebalancing of Rosa Parks and Wilder school populations by September.  Superintendent Pierce responded saying "rebalancing is complex" and other schools in the district have similar problems.  She said portables meet the classroom standards for King County Code.  Pierce said she would meet with the greater Rosa Parks community in late September to review all short-term options.  The option for a variance was highlighted by Director Carson.  In the meantime, the district hopes a Fall, 2014 bond will be proposed and approved so new schools can be built to meet capacity. 

Below, is the cover letter to an 18 page document Rosa Hill residents prepared for the Board and Pierce's consideration.  Read More >>

Abbott and Laura's Neighborhood Garden

By Abbott Smith

Redmond, WA.

Following cottage garden traditions, we call our home and garden The Caffeinated Gopher. The moniker comes from the fact that my wife and I tend to dig more dirt in a season than a pair of caffeinated gophers.

The garden is mostly the work of my wife, Laura. As you mentioned she works for Molbak's. She is a Certified Professional Horticulturalist. My role is periodic manual labor and design input. If you must use one of our names, by rights it should be called Laura's garden.

Our garden, like all gardens, is a work in progress. Each year we tweak and adjust. This season we took advantage of the city removing the tree and leaving a manufactured snag to open up the area along the southeast corner of the garden. We've added some new trails through the heart of the Southern border and limbed up an number of the evergreens so that we can bring in some more perennials and deciduous ornamentals.  Read More >>

The Redmond retail post office on 85th St has moved. What are your options?

Autumn photo of "fallen" post office

Many residents still don't know that the Redmond postal service has moved their retail operations on 85th Street to their parcel drop-off distribution center in Southeast Redmond at *7241 185th Ave. NE.   They moved July 28.

The Redmond Reporter (RR) published two good stories on this.

In the Reporter's first story,  Mayor Marchione said "for the USPS to leave downtown at a time when the downtown core is growing makes no sense."   According to the RR, The USPS left mostly for financial reasons. 

The Redmond postmaster has attended multiple Chamber of Commerce meetings over the years and their financial constraints and relocation options were available.  The City Council is a Member of the Chamber with Councilmembers Cole and Vache' held Trustee positions during the Postmaster's participation. 

Here is a list of retail post offices in or close to Redmond where you can mail insured letters, returned receipts, buy stamps, etc.  Some grocery stores also sell stamps.  USPS Parcel pick-up remains exclusively in the SE Redmond post office.  (Find map and my story here.)

One reader recommends the Post office at Bartell's in Bridle Trails Shopping Center.  (see comments). Bella Bottega shopping center in the QFC lot has drop box for letters.

Name	Address	Phone
*Southeast Redmond Post Office	7241 185th Ave. NE	425-885-1057
Mailbox & Shipping Center	8040 161st Ave. NE	425-869-1448
The UPS Store	16625 Redmond Way	425-869-7447
FedEx	16815 Redmond Way	425-882-1949
Bellevue (Crossroads) Post Office	15731 NE 8th St.	425-401-0892

LETTER: LWSD Administration explains rationale behind $500,000,000 "school modernization" expenditures

LETTER:  We invite all those who have commented *here and those interested to review the school modernization section on the district website  For each project, there is a modernization analysis that spells out in detail the costs for remodeling a school versus building a new school.

There are significant costs to either moving an entire school population or phasing a project. These reports spell out those costs. In addition, moving a population requires finding a suitable space that meets all the legal and zoning requirements for a school. That's not such an easy task and likely would require remodeling the temporary space, an additional cost. It all adds up.

Many of the buildings were built in the 1960s, a time when school buildings were built as quickly as possible to handle the baby boomer students flooding schools. They were built quickly to meet an immediate need, not designed to last for many years. The expectation was they would be needed perhaps 20 years, not the 40-50 years they have been in use.

We use the term modernization  because the goal is to create a school building that meets current needs, including enabling modern teaching methods. It covers both remodels and new buildings. If you have a suggestion for another term that covers all that this program does, I welcome it.

Kathryn Reith, Communications Director
LWSD Central Administration

This is Kathryn Reith's response to comments found in *"LWSD Receives Construction Grants for Almost $14 Million in New Schools."   You'll find some interesting comments to Reith's Letter below!

Ms. Reith's duties as Communications Director include:  PR, Media Relations, and Public Records Information Officer. 

LETTER: Call them what you will, Redmond has an abundance of convenient emergency services

LETTER:  As a recent visitor to the Swedish/Redmond facility, I can say that while this facility is not a Hospital in the purest sense of the word, in capabilities it is everything you would need in a hospital except for the cranky night nurse. ;)

True, it is not a long-stay hospital (who wants to stay more than a day anyway?) and does not have an ICU or CCU, but they do have a surprising number of services available. The same is true for the Evergreen facility in Bella Botega as I've also had the need to go there several months back.

I haven't had the "opportunity" to visit the Overlake facility, but in my estimation going from zero to 3 (2 short-stay 24 x 7 hospitals and another urgent care 7x 16h) facilities over the course of two years is a huge improvement for our community.

Call them what you will, Redmond now has a bevy of emergency medical services available. It beats the heck out of driving to Bellevue or Kirkland to get stitches in your knee.

By David Carson
    ....in response to "Swedish/Redmond campus opens urgent care clinic - explains wayfinding signs."

About Cyrus Habib - Candidate for 48th Legislative District, Pos 2.

About Cyrus

Cyrus Habib is running in the August 7th Primary for the vacated State Representative, Position 2 of the 48th Legislative District. (Greater Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue)

Cyrus Habib is a technology lawyer and community volunteer. He grew up in Bellevue and is a proud product of Bellevue Public Schools. Having lost his eyesight at age 8 to a rare form of childhood cancer, he learned early the importance of equal opportunity, hard work, and a quality education.

After winning a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford, Cyrus attended Yale Law School, where he served as editor of the law review. He returned to Bellevue following his graduation, and works at the Seattle-based law firm of Perkins Coie, where he assists startup technology firms with their early-stage legal needs. He is passionate about technology and entrepreneurship, and understands the needs of small businesses on the Eastside.

A disability advocate, Cyrus has testified before the U.S. Congress and written publicly on the importance of making currency accessible to blind and low-vision Americans, and before both houses of the Washington State legislature in support of tougher "distracted driving" laws. In 2009, King County Executive Dow Constantine nominated Cyrus to serve on the county's Civil Rights Commission, where he has championed the rights of the disabled in our community.

Cyrus is a Human Services Commissioner for the city of Bellevue, which makes funding decisions with respect to the needs of the city's most vulnerable residents, including children, those seeking employment, and the elderly. He is proud to serve as a Trustee of the Bellevue College Foundation, which raises scholarship funds to help economically disadvantaged students of the college. He serves on the board of the Bellevue Downtown Association, and on the advisory board of Overlake Hospital's Pulse! fundraising program. He also mentors and coaches high school students with mock trial and with the college admissions process.

Cyrus enjoys spending time with his family, visiting the region's many and varied restaurants, playing jazz piano, and traveling. He is a member of the St. James Cathedral parish.

Cyrus Habib's website:  http://electcyrus.com/index.php.  Cyrus prefers the Democratic party.
Hank Myers, prefers the Republican Party.  He has no campaign website. 

LWSD receives almost 14 million in state construction grants for new schools

See comments below this post from LWSD parents and volunteers regarding  the district's $500,000,000 "remodernizations" to date.  Comments? 

Lake Washington School District receives almost 14 million in state money for school construction.  
Redmond, Wash. – On July 12,Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn announced $213 million in capital construction money approved and released to school districts throughout the state, including close to $14 million for Lake Washington School District. The legislature made these funds available for school construction, as approved by the governor.

Lake Washington successfully applied for state funding to help with the cost of four school construction projects that are part of the district’smodernization program. Ten schools are slated for modernization in the second of four phases that will ensure that district schools are updated every 30 to 40 years. A $436 million bond measure passed by voters in 2006 funds most of the cost of updating these 10 buildings.

The four school projects that received the funds are:
·        Alexander Graham Bell Elementary, Kirkland - $3,105,337
·        Benjamin Rush Elementary, Redmond - $2,661,490
·        Rose Hill/Stella Schola Middle Schools, Redmond - $5,301,313
·        International Community School/Community School, Kirkland - $2,761,777 
READ MORE >>

Kim Allen for King County Superior Court Pos. No 30

Kim Allen

Rated "Very Good" by the King County Municipal League
Rated "Well Qualified", Joint Asian Bar Association
Rated "Qualified", Washington Women Lawyers

Many of you know me as the Councilmember from Redmond. For the last 7 years, I have been out in my community listening to the people I serve and working collaboratively to find solutions. I bring that with me to the bench.

So why am I running for judge? We need a new generation of listeners who are committed to making everyone who comes to the court feel safe, respected and heard. Our judges should reflect the community we serve. I have worked the criminal side as a prosecutor and have litigated cases many of practice areas that come before this court. My work as a hearing officer requires navigating the complex law of land use in hearings where citizens are often upset and confused about changes in their neighborhoods. My years as a councilmember serving the people I represent make me a very good listener, which is a key skill for a judge.

My decision to challenge Douglass North for Position 30 was initially prompted when I learned that he has not taken the bench in Department 30 since December of 2011, in spite of the court's crushing backlog of cases. Read More >>

What Bikram Yoga has taught me about baking, By Kimm Moore

What Bikram Yoga has taught me about baking.

By Kimm Moore
cupcakes and cookware

When I am not working, baking, blogging, or tweeting, I am practicing Bikram's (pronounced "Beek-Rim") yoga. Now, exactly what is Bikram yoga and how does it differ from other types of yoga? Answer: Bikram is a guy. A hardcore yoga guy who created a series of 26 set postures and 2 breathing exercises.

Bikram yoga is a type of Hatha yoga (Buddish origins), also known as hot yoga. Yes, it is always done in a hot, heated, and humid practice room. Why? Heat helps your muscles relax, therefore you can stretch better, and it makes you sweat.....buckets. Sweating is a naturally way for your body to cool itself down and detox any nasty stuff that is inside your body. Bikram's yoga tends to be more difficult, disciplined, and well, harder than other types of yoga out there today. (Now, don't be scared to try it! There are many life dedicated Bikram yogis in the community. Remember you are never too old, too sick, or too injured to START.)

Time for the lessons...

When I am taking class, the teacher always speaks the same dialogue...over and over again. Really? How can taking the same class teach me anything new?

Welcome to lesson number one:

I must try and never give up. Giving up lasts forever, trying does not.

In life, especially in baking, we need to do things over and over again until we have mastered them. Did my first brioche loaf turn out golden and delicious? Nope. How about my chocolate chiffon cake? Nah. Even my first attempt at French buttercream turned into a sweet, soupy mess. See, in life, we learn by attempts, fails, and mistakes. Yoga taught me if I fall out of a posture, I must grab my leg again and try, and try, and try.....

Every day is different. What affects my daily class? The weather, season, class size, teacher, how much water I drank, time of day, what I ate throughout the day, etc. The list goes on and on.

This brings me to lesson number two:

I am unable to change what I cannot. I may not be able to change the environment or situation I am presently in, but I can change my mind about it.

If I forget to order a special ingredient, prep my pans properly, buy enough cupcake wrappers, or preheat the oven correctly, there is not much I can do to 'un-do' my mistake. But, I can adjust my actions accordingly and make sure it comes out a sweet success. Yoga taught me if I can change my mind, I can change my life.   Read More >>

The Wild and Natural Preservation Areas near Redmond, WA. By Susan Wilkins

Redmond Preservation Map

The Long-term plan for the Bear Creek and Evans Creek Basins east of Redmond

By Susan Wilkins
Redmond, WA.

We in Redmond are fortunate to live near some of the wildest natural areas in King County. On the east edge of Redmond, running north-south along Avondale and Mink Road is the Bear Creek Valley. And the deep valley traversed by Redmond-Fall City Road (SR202) contains the Evans Creek Basin. Both of these valleys are heavily forested and surprisingly undeveloped. They both contain significant native salmon runs with wetlands surrounding the network of meandering streams, especially compared to the incorporated, urban areas of nearby Redmond and Sammamish.

The decision to preserve the Bear and Evans Creek drainage basin areas was made more than 20 years ago. According to Paul Reitenbach, Senior Policy Analyst for the King County Department of Development and Environmental Service, in the early 1990s as part of long-term urban growth planning mandated by the Growth Management Act, the county decided to designate the Bear-Evans Creek Corridor and the Soos Creek Basin (in Kent) as permanently preserved natural areas. The King County Comprehensive Plan was written to include tight restrictions on residential and commercial developments in these basins and the county began programs that promoted habitat restoration and reforestation. Land along Bear Creek has been purchased by King County for permanent preservation using Conservation Futures Tax money provided by open space levies. Many landowners along and near Bear Creek have entered into long-term habitat preservation agreements with the county in exchange for reduced annual property tax bills.  

In the Evans Creek Basin, the City of Sammamish owns the Evans Creek Preserve, a 180-acre city park with nature trails, wetlands and meadows. King County has 30 acres under permanent protection in the Evans Creek Natural Area and also own most of the land with steep slopes along Sahalee Way.  Read More >>

LETTER: Kimball Administration callous in not allowing student to participate in graduation ceremony.

LETTER:  The high school graduation ceremony is an academic and social event for students, friends, and family members to celebrate the completion of more than 12 years of education. For most teenagers, the high school graduation ceremony is a special, exciting milestone in their lives that is held only once for each graduating high school class in May or June.  Student “R.S.” (diagnosed with a mild mood disorder) wanted to be included in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration - he didn’t request that he receive his diploma without completing all of the requirements.

The two credits that he was short could have been made up during summer school, but there is no way to recreate the graduation ceremony and celebration with members of his class. This was obviously very important to him and to his family and the callousness of the Lake Washington School District in denying him the opportunity to participate in the graduation ceremony with his class is disturbing and unforgivable.

He could have walked and received an empty diploma envelope, as was the practice at my high school and at my college for students who were within 2 credits of graduation.

By Susan Wilkins, LWSD parent and PTSA volunteer
  ...in response to:  "Parents' request to let student "RS" participate during graduation ceremony is denied."

Still plenty of time to register to vote -- college & HS grads, too

OPINON:  Voter registration for this Primary election is still underway!   If you have a summer college student, at-home high school grad or 18-year old living with you there's still time for them to register for this election and others to follow. 

18-year olds (and up) still have a full week to register for this Election.  Use this week as a golden opportunity to teach your kids  how our democracy works and engage themselves "hands-on."   Simply go to the "Voters Registration Annex, King County Administration Building,  500-4th Ave. Room 311.  Seattle, WA.  98104.   The annex is open till Monday, July 30 for Primary and General Election registration!   Hours are M-F, 8:30am-1pm and 2pm to 4:30pm.  The Deadline to register to vote in the General Election by online or mail is October 8. 

If you miss these golden election registration opportunities, 18-year old's and up can register to vote anytime for any election at www.kingcounty.gov/elections.  

You may have a recent Lake Washington School District graduate who wants to support their schools by being a PTSA Community Friend and vote in the district levies. A LWSD levy is on the planning boards for 2013-14. Of course, the exciting Presidential election is this year. 

Ballot Drop Boxes are available at Redmond City Hall and Crossroads Shopping Center, South entrance.  Drive through, No stamps, no weather, shorter lines.  Ballot Drop Boxes for the Primary election close on Election Day, August 7, 8 pm.  The General Election Day is November 6. 

UPDATED: Evergreen Health Public Meeting had something for everyone.

The welcoming hospital commissioners meet here.
Public Meeting Room, Phys. & Surgeons Bldg.

Updated:  The  primary goal of my attendance at the Evergreen Hospital Board of Commissioner meeting last Tuesday was visibility and research for Yoder & Associates (Y&A). Y&A is Redmond-based business in the seedling stage of growth (no customers) positioned to provide facilitator services for government and non-government organizations with the communities they service. More on this exciting stuff later...

OPINION:  Of the many public Evergreen meetings I've attended, this one was quite upbeat and informative.   Pres. Al DeYoung greeted the public prior to the meeting and we enjoyed a very quick chat about  way-finding signage and the recent healthcare court decision.  After the meeting, Laurene Burton, Administrative Director indicated Evergreen is taking a leadership role in for establishing opiate prescribing guidelines within the Washington State Hospital Association.  No one from the public addressed the Commissioners this evening.

Laurene also announced a surplus of volunteers that continues to grow owing to the attractiveness of the organization.  School districts are in need of mentors and tutors and may be attractive to these volunteers.

The buzz of the meeting was Evergreen Health's Consumer Reports top rating in Washington State for Hospital safety.  Evergreen is #2 in the state only to Kadelac Hospital in Richland.  Hospital safety is a big deal to Consumer Reports.  According to Peter Pronovost, MD, senior VP for patient safety and quality at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, "Medical harm is probably one of the three leading causes of death in the U.S...."  (Consumer Reports, August, 2012)  [Inside joke:  AKA:  stay out of hospitals whenever you can.] 

Malte announced a new, competitive Urgent Care clinic coming into Kirkland though he doesn't know if they'll use the Physician Assistant model (Overlake) or Physician model (Evergreen). Evergreen Health will stay the course with a physician model in their Urgent Cares saying successful Specialty care services underpin Primary care services.  COO Neil Johnson, RN, MPH stands in for Malte when he's away. 

Commissioner Hirt (Kirkland/Kenmore district) announced CEO Bob Malte and CFO Chrissy Yamato  successfully completed of the Seattle To Portland Bicycle 204  mile event.   Chrissy paced herself with 100 mile splits in two days.  Bob pushed it with a 147 mile ride the first day.  They plan to do it together next year. 

Commissioner Auggie Kempf (Redmond/Sammamish) said something about Derby Days. Commissioner and Secretary Jeanette Greenfeild took notes.  Jeanette is a Commissioner-At-Large Position #5.  Her term expires in 2013 as does Ms. Hirt's. 

Bobcat in Education Hill backyard : North Redmond Neighborhood Report

"We have a Bobcat in our yard!  He looks like a mini-Tiger!  He was cleaning himself and is now taking a nap."   iPhone: By Michelle Vallene,  Friday, July 20, 2012.   Facebook

The Brian and Michelle Vallene family live in the North Redmond neighborhood on Education Hill off of 116th near Einstein Elementary.  Michelle said their Bobcat is about the size of a mid-sized dog.  "After napping the Bobcat wandered off towards the green belt and pond." Said Michelle,  "We have tons of different kinds of birds and probably fewer bunnies."   So far, there are no further reports, but stay tuned.  Michelle's photo was taken from inside their house behind a window.

WHY WE SHOULDN'T RAISE PROPERTY TAXES IN REDMOND NEXT BUDGET: "REDMOND REPORTER : LETTERS"

This Letter from Redmond Councilmember Hank Myers (truncated by Yoder) was published in the Redmond Reporter's July 20th edition (this weekend).  The Letter wasn't published in Reporter's online edition:  www.Redmond-Reporter.com.  To read the entire Letter which includes a compliment to the Marchione Administration, please read the newspaper edition delivered to your home.  The Redmond Reporter is available from newspaper dispensors at bus stops, apartments, Redmond Town Center, the post office, at select businesses, the Redmond library, City Hall and Old Redmond School House Community Center.

WHY WE SHOULDN’T RAISE PROPERTY TAXES IN REDMOND NEXT BUDGET, By Councilmember Hank Myers,  Redmond Reporter, 7/21/2012

At Tuesday night’s City Council Meeting, Finance Director Mike Bailey outlined the state of the current Redmond budget as we passed the 75% mark of the biennial period. The highlights are that Redmond’s cash on hand position is $9.5 million better than projected for this point in time. Even excluding a $4.0 million sales tax special payment from the State, we are still well over $5.0 ahead of our own projections. This strong cash position is due to our recovering sales tax revenue, as well as property tax collections that are about $1.5 million better than projected. On the expenditure side, Mayor Marchione and his Director team are under-spending the budget by 7.63% (compared to 7.08% last quarter). The City Council is the most frugal department, under-spending its budget by over 23.5%.

Last week Mr. Bailey presented an analysis of overall economic trends which show a strengthening recovery, particularly locally. If sales taxes follow the economic trends, we should see significant improvement in our single largest revenue source. Unlike other cities in our area, Redmond continued to raise property taxes in each of the last four years of the great recession. In dollar terms it is not a big amount, but it is not the only tax increases our residents have had to pay, and it came during a time when real income was declining.

Looking at all this, there are three excellent reasons why we should not raise property taxes in the next budget.

First, we don’t need the added revenue. We are looking at a budget-end cash surplus approaching $12 million. This is the third cash surplus in three budgets. At the end of the last budget we added a new multi-million dollar reserve fund that puts our reserve capacity well above city averages in our state. At the end of 2008 we created an innovation fund to encourage more efficient service delivery out of that surplus. By contrast, increasing property taxes the allowed 1% raises just under a million dollars for the biennium. Our residents rate city service delivery at impressively high levels. Conservatism is a laudable virtue in budgeting, second only to accuracy.

Next, how a government considers its citizens is vital. Except for a small amount of development services, all of the general fund revenue comes from taxing the productivity of the community. There are easy rationalizations for tax increases: “it’s not a lot of money” or “other governments are raising taxes more”. The bottom line is that any government that puts its own needs ahead of those of its citizens is not worthy. Besides, the property tax is the only general tax within the direct control of the city.

Third, the budget will be structurally balanced without a tax increase. We did not need the property tax increase in the current budget to assure a six-year structurally balanced budget, nor did we need it in the previous one. The question is how do we use our current surplus to create the most sustainable benefits for our residents? We have spent the last two surpluses creating innovation funds and super-safe reserve levels. Now is the time to use our surplus outside of city hall, almost literally putting it on the streets for the benefit of everyone.

My suggestion is....(please read the newspaper edition for Mr. Myers's closing remarks). 

Hank Myers
Redmond City Councilmember
P.O. Box 7151
Bellevue, WA  98008-1151
(425) 892-4820

REPUBLISHED: Underground Stormwater vaults the size of two City Halls are an option for Overlake.

This piece was written in 2009 and republished 720/2012 for your interest.  Details to follow here on it's slated development on the Eastern parking lots of Sears...

Underground Stormwater Treatment Vaults the size of two (2) underground City Halls are planned for Overlake Urban Center.

JULY 7, 2009    The Planning Commission is currently studying the second phase of the Overlake Urban Center Plan. 5,000 residents are expected to move into the Overlake center, many of them Microsoft workers. A proposed Group Health Tower (~10 stories) will anchor the Center. A light rail transit center is planned. The 36th Street Bridge is under construction.

On July 2, 2009 the Parks and Trails Commissioners listened to stormwater presentations for the Overlake Center, by senior stormwater engineer Steve Hitch and OTAK Consultants. All the new roads, buildings and other impervious surfaces will produce dirty stormwater. The runoff will contain oils, sediment, and chemicals that must be treated before it's discharged into streams. The underground "concrete box" (vault) appeared a recommended treatment of choice compared to open ponds. However, today Mr. Hitch commented that "vaults are very costly, and they hide the water, so open facilities are a good alternative."

Open ponds, rain gardens, plazas, walkways, trails, and other Overlake Village design features will be displayed during a public workshop and presentation. See you Thursday, August 6, 2009 5-8pm at the Silver Cloud Hotel, 2122 152nd Ave. NE, Redmond, WA. Overlake Room.

The underground vault(s) are large, equal in size to two (2) underground City Halls! That's correct, two City Halls.  The vaults have many advantages. They will free up 3-4 acres of Open Space. A park-like atmosphere can be designed for the community to embrace. Trails, sidewalks, bike trails, plazas, and other connections can be installed right on top of the vault lid. However, the top priority for it's use remains a stormwater facility.

After the stormwater is treated in the massive vaults, it is discharged into Kelsey Creek, travels to the Mercer Slough and falls out into the East Channel of Lake Washington at 1-90. The City of Redmond is partnering with Bellevue on the route.

The closest I can come to an example of what a large underground vault looks like is this photo. This vault is located on Camwest's 32 -lot Perrigo Heights development. It's the size of "a pin" compared to the proposed Overlake Urban Center's vaults. Camwest's lid top is only about 30 x 60 feet. The Camwest HOA doesn't appear to be using the lid for resident activity, at this time. Treated stormwater from the vault by-passes Hartman wetlands and is discharged into Perrigo Creek, a tributary of Bear Creek.

My primary source for this entry are the audio-tapes from the Redmond Parks & Trails Commission meeting of July 2, 2009 CONTACTS: shitch@redmond.gov (on stormwater vaults) and tmarpert@redmond.gov (on Overlake Urban Center).

Overlake Village Urban Center & Kelsey Creek Watershed GOOGLE DOC LINK.
Your comments and feedback are welcome! It's hard to believe, isn't it?

UPDATED: Events and Chatter at "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" Derby Days Booth overflows

Bob Yoder and John Reinke at "Redmond Neighborood Blog" Derby Days booth

How was your Derby Days?  Did you see the Centennial fireworks display by City Hall?   Or dance on stage in celebration of Redmond's 100th birthday?   I celebrated on Saturday by holding an informational exhibit for "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" joining scores of other exhibitors.  It was the best turn-out ever according to Patrick Hirsch, City Communications.

I and my exhibit partners worked hard to assemble the exhibit.  We decided to focus the exhibit on the city's "Neighborhood Matching Grant Program," residential housing remodeling options, like "Accessory Dwelling Units (great for rental income), neighborhood art, and neighborhood gateway improvements.  Over 1,000 walked by my booth and scores registered! 

A neighborhood art proposal on 166th AVE & NE 100th Street generated the most excitment.  A renovated residential home care business on the corner wants to work with the community to add art on their property and common area.  One 10-year resident living on Ed. Hill off of 116th registered:  "Big Native American Art - salmon/whales."  Several others wrote "bike cut-outs" and "painted fence art" along the antiqued fence.  What do you think?  Read More >>

LETTER: Resident asks city for improved safety enforcement of firework ban

LETTER:  The "ban" on fireworks is clearly ignored by both police and residents. We were surrounded by fireworks noise until 2am. I have no problem with the small "safe and sane" fireworks. I grew up with them as a kid and it was a wonderful experience. I will always remember the first time I held a sparkler. Where I am having the challenge is the huge TNT explosions in the back forest just beyond my back fence. My entire house shook and my eyes had spots from the blast when a series of them were exploded near my property line. These devises were exploded all over the neighborhood. Detonating these devises is not "patriotic" It is the work of a bunch of punks causing mischief. Setting them off in the middle of trees is a fire hazard. As a person that evacuated from a SoCal wildfire that was caused by fireworks, I understand the need to control these devises. I figure that until we have a major injury or a wildfire, the use of these devises will continue and the police will continue to look the other way. Based on what I experienced on the evening of the 4th, people are no longer satisfied with "safe and sane". The only way to "celebrate" in this day and age in Redmond is to detonate dynomite!  --  JQ Public anonymous comment under Derby Day fireworks thread "Fireworks are banned in Redmond:  where do you go for fun?" 

Derby Days 2012! "Read all about it!"

Join in the 72nd Annual Redmond Derby Days THIS weekend!

And don't forget to say hi to the informational booth exhibitors from 10-6pm!   "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" is exhibiting the Heron Rookery story and hosting a nature photo raffle at 3:00PM and 4:15PM!   Some booths will have water dishes for your pets. 

Redmond, WA –Redmond will celebrate the 72nd Annual Derby Days Summer Festival this year, in conjunction with it's 100th Year Anniversary Centennial:  

Friday, July 13 from 6-10pm,

Saturday, July 14 from 10am-10pm  fireworks!

Sunday, July 15th from 9-Noon and 4-8pm.

Events are at the Redmond City Hall Campus, 15670 NE 85th Street, with the exception of the 4-8pm Concert in the Park, on Sunday, at Redmond’s Downtown Park, 16101 Redmond Way.

Friday Night Live kicks off the festival with headliner, HIT Explosion! The opening act, Clinton Fearon & the Boogie Brown Band, will get people ready for a night of dancing. Food vendors are on hand for dinner or a snack, and the beer and wine garden will provide a great spot for both people and band watching. After the concert enjoy the movie, Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Shadows from 10 to midnight on the great lawn at City Hall, presented by RYPAC.

Saturday’s events begin with an old fashioned Fire Department sponsored public Pancake Breakfast, Saturday, July 14, 2012, 8:00a.m. to Noon at Fire Station 11 located at 8450 161st Ave NE, Redmond located by the downtown Post Office. All proceeds will go to the RFD Benevolent Fund which supports local residents when they are facing personal tragedy. Additionally kids can tour the Fire Trucks, try spraying water on a mock fire, and try on real firefighter gear.

Beginning at 10am, the Derby Days Kids Parade, one of the nation’s largest kid’s parade will take place. Parade registration begins at 9am behind Redmond Medical Center. Arriving early is strongly recommended in order to register before the parade starts.   Read More >>

The Redmond Derby Days Criterium Bicycle Race - "Then and Now!"

The second Derby Day Bicycle race was held in 1941 at this starting point.  What will your photo look like?
Courtesy of Redmond Heritage Society

It's hard to pinpoint the exact location of the race in this photo but the Derby Days Bicycle races are so symbolic of Redmond that "The Friends of Redmond Library" (FB) want to include it in their photo contest.  $100 Grand Prizes!

The races began in 1940 and this is a photo of the second year they took place. Note the starting ribbon being held across the competitors to ensure a fair start.  Question?  Will Mayor Marchione hold a ribbon this Centennial year?  The name has changed to The Swedish Medical Center Criterium but the tradition continues.   According to the City of Redmond, the races are in their 72^nd year and are the longest running bicycle race in the nation!  

The Swedish Medical Center Criterirum is a series of multi-lap races running through the downtown and starting at the Courtyard.  Races will be held between 1:15 to 4pm on Saturday.  A kid's race is at 3:15.  Don't miss the Pros's from 7-8pm!  

This photo is one of six historic Redmond photographs being featured in the Redmond Library's "Then & Now Photo Contest." From June until August 15th residents of every age and background will be vying for a chance to have their photographs be the "Now" representations of six Redmond scenes, including this one. Two Grand Prize Winners will receive $100 - one adult, one child.  Read More to See Contest Details >>