Downtown Senior Housing project is under study by City Council

At last night's meeting, the City Council studied ARCH's proposal for a Senior Housing project in Downtown Redmond. 

The subject site - just north of Wells Fargo - is approximately 0.81 acres, located at 8550 160th Avenue NE across from the entrance to the municipal Public Safety campus.  The property is essentially flat and narrow and was acquired with non-utility funds a number of years ago for the purpose of City Hall campus expansion.  According to the administration: "the site is an attractive location for senior housing due to its proximity to transit, Sammamish River trail, Bella Bottega shopping,  medical services, the library, and the Redmond Senior Center. The project concept is for 50 to 70 units of senior housing, with a unit mix of mostly one-bedroom units with some studio and two-bedroom dwellings. Assuming Council adoption of the Planning Commission's recommendation for amendments to the Downtown zoning, the height limit in this location will be five stories. No street-level retail is expected. One constraint of the site is that there is no sewer main adjacent to the site, and therefore a new sewer main will need to be constructed, most likely to the south side of NE 85th Street."

 

Councilmembers Allen, Stilin, Margeson and Flynn all felt the structure should be five stories to hold as many units as can be designed with good architectural standards.  Allen said she lives right next to the site in a 3-4 story building and saw no problem with five stories.  Stilin thought the seniors lucky enough to get a top unit would enjoy nice views of the valley.  He asked for "good materials" for construction since it was so close to the city campus.  Margeson didn't want a tower right next to the sidewalk but hoped the architects could step the building back from the sidewalk to five stories.  Staff and council expected demands for parking would be less. 

Rent on a one bedroom apartment would be $1100-1250 for someone with an income ranging from $45,000-$52,000.  Rent would be $425-925 for a one bedroom at incomes between $19,000-39,000.  Funding sources are public, private, tax credit and tax-exempt.  ARCH was targeting their proposal for state funding this Fall or next.  The city would lease their land at no cost for 70 years.   The city council took no action to approve the plan.   

Report and photo by Bob Yoder

2013 Citizen Police Academy applications underway

Redmond, WA – If you wonder what goes on behind the scenes at a police department…if you are interested in a law enforcement career but aren’t sure…if you despise the police and have a list of questions that begin with, “Why do you all…,” then the Redmond Police invite you to its 2013 Citizen Police Academy.

The free program is designed to provide citizens firsthand information about the department and the justice system. The intent is not to train citizens to be police officers, but to increase the understanding of services and tasks faced on a daily basis. Topics include patrol procedures, traffic enforcement, hostage negotiations, SWAT, K9, traffic collision investigation, and more.

The 2013 Citizen Police Academy begins Wednesday, March 20, 2013 and takes place for a total of ten consecutive Wednesdays from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Priority is given to those who work or live within the Redmond City limits and apply before the February 28^th priority deadline. More information and applications can be found at:www.redmond.gov/PublicSafety/Police/tips/policeacademy

 

“The Redmond Citizen Police Academy is a great way to learn about all the responsibilities, functions, standards, and expectations of our Police Department,” commented Redmond resident Marie Emerson who attended the academy in 1999 and again in 2012. “In addition to hearing stories ‘from the streets’ you gain a solid appreciation for the ongoing training that Redmond officers receive.”

 

Jim Bove

Redmond Police Department

Community Outreach Facilitator

8701 160th Ave NE

Redmond, WA 98052

(425) 556-2545

Al DeYoung shares memories of his family growing up in Woodinville in the 1930's and l940's: RHS meeting Feb 9

 

History is happening in the Redmond area and we welcome you to our meeting. The Redmond Historical Society (RHS) will meet on Saturday, February 9, 2013, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at The Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 NE 80 Street, Redmond, WA. 

 

Al DeYoung will share memories of his family and growing up in Woodinville in the 1930s and 1940s. His family operated many businesses, including brother Lowell’s TD Feeds in Redmond. Al has spent most of his adult life in public service. He has been a Commissioner of Public Hospital District 2, which is the Evergreen Hospital Medical Center, for 33 years, and a Northshore School Director for three years. His daughter, Lucy, is treasurer of the Woodinville Heritage Society. Don’t miss this meeting.  Read More >>

OLE to host Community Fitness Fair and Spring Soccer Registration on January 25

One League for Everyone (OLE) is a Redmond-based non-profit program under Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association. It provides financial assistance to low-income families served by LWYSA (Redmond and Kirkland) by covering all soccer fees, providing gently used soccer gear, and enabling families to attend practices with games. As part of this program OLE is extending its services to educate on health, nutrition, exercise, family skills such as parenting tips, internet safety tips, etc.

On Friday, January 25, 2013 OLE is hosting a Community Fitness Fair and Spring Soccer Registration from 6:00PM-8:00PM at Albert Einstein Elementary located at 18025 NE 116^thStreet, Redmond, WA. The Community Fitness Fair and Spring Soccer Registration event is inteded to be a fun and educational forum for children and families who qualify for free or reduced school lunches to not only register and obtain gently used soccer gear for LWYSA spring soccer season. In addition we OLE is partnering with local agencies and companies including Hopelink, Just Garden Project, Molina Healthcare of WA to promote health, nutrition and fitness. During the event we are excited to have the following guest speakers & presentations:

· Positive Parenting from esteemed marriage family therapist, Donna Wilson M.A., LMFT, LPC, LCDC;

· Staying Safe on the Internet by Scott Wallin, Board Member, Hopelink;

· Penny Lara from Public Health Services, King County.

 The event is free to attend and free for companies to participate. Volunteers are assisting with registering families who qualify for the reduced soccer registration fees, into LWYSA Spring Soccer programs. Volunteers are continuously collecting and re-distributing gently used cleats, shin guards and apparel. Equipment donations can be dropped off at the LWYSA Office. For more information contact OLE at info@oneleagueforeveryone.org.

Let me know if you have any questions. We are hoping to get the word out next week to promote participation. This is a great resource for low-income families to feel a part of the community and become more educated on healthier living.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Tracey Schofield

Superintendent Pierce approves Rosa Parks boundary plan - Parents speak up again

After a Work Session with the School Board Superintendent Pierce recommended "Scenario C with Grandfathering" as a solution for the severe overcrowding at Rosa Parks.   During the Work Session preceding Pierce's recommendation, Director Chris Carson suggested being open to allowing the 29 kids in the Deveron development to be varianced to Wilder providing "it didn't cost the district millions."  Director Siri Bliesner agreed saying this could help to keep the neighborhood intact.  (Siri spent time walking the neighborhood.)  Pierce said the Boundary Committee would review the board's recommendation and get back to them by their next business meeting  The cost of moving a portables is $250,000 and this potential expense has to be considered.

Three parents spoke up after Pierce's recommendation.  A Wilder parent and past PTSA officer felt the new Redmond Ridge East students would be well received by the Wilder community.  "With the 6th graders gone the place is empty - its kinda sad." he said.  From the many parents he spoke with he personally felt "the Wilder parents are good with it." 

Parent Julianne expressed "grave concern about the pedestrian safety at Rosa Parks owing to site over enrollment."   She said according to the district, "the ideal school size is 483" and now the campus is sprawling with over 700 students attending and "drivers growing exponentially."  Even though Rosa Parks is a walking school she said large wildlife and the more distant Deveron neighborhood contribute to driving.  She complimented "the heroic Rosa Parks staff who put themselves at risk at chaotic intersections" as not being enough without controlling site over-enrollment.  "Student safety should always be the district's top priority" Julianne concluded.  Karen, the third speaker said the overcrowding that's happened to Rosa Parks should never have to happen to another school. 

Reported by Bob Yoder

Five Lakeview Elementary parents complain about "Leader in Me" program - Superintendent to reconsider

Editor's Note:  This article was published in 2013

Superintendent Pierce to review Instructional Materials Committee (IMC) Policies and Procedures and reconsider the Covey "Leader in Me" program. 

Five Lakeview Elementary parents spoke up at last night's school board business meeting complaining about the November 9 implementation of self-help guru Covey's "Leader in Me" program.   One parent, Allison, of a 4th grade boy objected to dividing his class into "leaders" and "non-leaders" and then being told "you are a leader if you can walk quietly in the hallway."   Allison said her child was gifted in math, art, piano and at 9 years of age could program games on his hand-held device.  "I'd say my son is as leader in technology and the arts but this isn't realized by this program."   She said a school counsellor agreed there was miscommunication with the parents about the program, that 100% of the teachers had not bought in on the program and the PTSA was neutral about it.

One parent said the program had been implemented but was never fully reviewed.   He said only the 5th grade class materials were reviewed by just one person - with no review in the other three grades. 

According to parent Molly, "the Instructional Materials Committee (IMC) isn't the right decision-making process for a program of this scope."   She said the program involves 3-6 days of training per teacher, six teacher guides, 5 workbooks, 1 story book, online materials and posters.  The program costs $75,000 and is "ubiquitous," in all classes including the library, PE, and music.  "It is big" said Molly.  "It is not reviewed by any 3rd party educator specialist and no data is available that proves the Covey marketing information is true."   She complained the program takes three years to fully implement and requires promotion to other schools "that screams of pyramid marketing."

President Jackie Pendergrass asked Superintendent Pierce to respond to the Lakeview parents.   Ms. Pierce said she would review the IMC process and procedures in light of this case.  She also said the IMC would reconsider the "Leader in Me" program. 

Bob Yoder

Washington State Auditor's Office gives Evergreen Health passing marks on Accountability Audit

This Washington State Auditor's Office (WSAO) report contains the results of our independent accountability audit of Evergreen Health from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011.

WSAO evaluated internal controls and performed audit procedures on the activities of the District. We also determined whether the District complied with state laws and regulations and its own policies and procedures.

In keeping with general auditing practices, WSAO does not examine every transaction, activity or area. Instead, the areas examined were those representing the highest risk of noncompliance, misappropriation or misuse. The following areas were examined during this audit period:  Patient billing adjustments  Cash receipting:  Redmond Primary Care  Woodinville Primary Care  Patient registration  Images Café

 General disbursements  Payroll  Credit cards  Foundation services  Procurement RESULTSIn the areas we examined, the District’s internal controls were adequate to safeguard public assets. The District also complied with state laws and regulations and its own policies and procedures in the areas we examined.

"Droplets," by John Reinke

Frost melts into droplets on a grass frond at the Redmond Senior Center/ JOHN REINKE

Twenty-five LWSD teachers achieve National Board Certification

Twenty-five Lake Washington Teachers Achieve National Board Certification
204 National Board Certified teachers in district

Redmond, Wash. – Twenty-five Lake Washington School District teachers achieved National Board Certification®, as announced by theNational Board for Professional Teaching Standards. There are currently 204 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) working full-time in the district’s schools.

“Lake Washington School District prides itself on the caliber of its teaching staff and we’re grateful to have so many teachers commit themselves to excellence,” said Superintendent Traci Pierce. “The National Board Certification process directly benefits our students because teachers increase their capacity to evaluate the best classroom strategies for academic success.”   Read more >>

Community Digest of events for the week

VIEWPOINT PARK WORK PARTY. Join the Green Redmond Partnership for a work party at Viewpoint Park from 12:00-2:00 on Wednesday, Jan 16th 2013. Contact Marilynn Leland to register. If you are under 18 and attending the event without a parent or guardian please come to the event with the waiver below signed by a parent or guardian. If you are under 18:Click here to download the Youth Volunteer Waiver.

OLD FIRE HOUSE CONCERT. Come to the Old Fire House Teen Center for Suggestion Box & guests on Friday, January 18th at 7 pm. Cost: $8

FACING FAMILY TROUBLES? If you are a parent whose child is challenged with drugs, poor behavior, or other problems, the Sammamish Plateau Parent Networking Group invites you to two free workshops featuring Bill Dean, who has assisted hundreds of families to become whole and healthy through his coaching. Workshops will be held on January 28 at the EX3 Teen Center (825 228th Avenue NE, Sammamish) at both 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM and 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. For more information, contact Cherry O'Neill.

COLLEGE SORORITY INFORMATION FORUM. The College Sorority Information Forum will take place Tuesday, March 5, 7 p.m., at the Redmond Library in Meeting Room 1. This is designed for high school girls and their parents who want to learn about college sorority membership.Overlake Alumnae Panhellenic sponsors the event, which is free and registration is not required. For more information visit www.overlakealumnaepanhellenic.org.

WILDERNESS SUMMER CAMPS. The Wilderness Awareness School offers a variety of overnight camps for teens.

INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CAMP. The Northwest School offers an International Summer Camp for students up to 16 years old.

 

Source: Redmond PTSA Mustang Weekly 

Lake Washington Institute of Technology receives $10,000 grant for emergency operations center

LWIT Receives $10,000 Puget Sound Energy Foundation Grant

Kirkland, Wash.: Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) recently received $10,000 from Puget Sound Energy Foundation to support the development of an emergency operations center (EOC) for the College. An EOC works as a centralized communications command post for police, fire, campus security and any other agency involved in a campus-wide emergency such as a fire, hostage situation, shooting, gas leak, or other life-threatening situation.

“We’re excited to develop a fully-functional EOC thanks to this generous grant,” said Patrick Sturgill, LWIT manager of safety and security. “We’ll now be able to effectively manage an emergency response, coordinating with local first responders like police and fire to increase the value and speed of response. While it’s mainly a service for our campus, our EOC will be available for local agencies to utilize in our immediate neighborhood if needed. ”   Read More >>

King County and Seattle to hold gun buyback safety event

King County and Seattle to launch Gun Safety Initiative

First gun buyback program in 20 years to take place later this month

King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, Seattle Police Deputy Chief Nick Metz, Dr. David Fleming of Public Health – Seattle & King County, Renee Hopkins of the Seattle Police Foundation, and Reverend Aaron Williams of Seattle’s Mount Zion Baptist Church today announced a new Gun Safety Initiative, including a gun buyback program. Former Seattle mayors Greg Nickels, Norm Rice, Charles Royer and Wes Uhlman are serving as co-chairs of the program.

The countywide gun buyback initiative will provide a monetary incentive to individuals who turn in firearms, while engaging our communities toward a common goal of reducing gun violence. The first gun buyback will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, in downtown Seattle in the parking lot underneath Interstate 5 between Cherry and James Streets.  Read More >>

Two citizens protest impacts of proposed Valley Furniture redevelopment

Valley Furniture in downtown Redmond (8178 164th Ave NE) sits on quite a large lot - 1.15 acres with significant trees.  MacDonald's Book Exchange sublets on the site.   Both are scheduled to be torn down with the trees sometime this summer providing permits are approved for a new 215 unit multi-family residential project containing over 4500 square feet of retail. 

Two citizens complained about the project at the last council meeting saying the project would change the look and feel of the neighborhood, stress nearby 165th Ave NE, and cause parking congestion. 

Kimberly Price said the project is "equivalent to a Redmond 160 or Cleveland building in her  townhouse backyard".  She quipped her kids would be yelling at the builders as the six-floor complex was raised above her two-story townhouse.  She complained that 165th Ave. had poor visibility and wasn't designed to service 215 additional units and retail space. 

Heather, the first speaker, scrutinized the parking plan and the land use process complaining citizens weren't given notice of the complete removal of the landmark trees.  She said that only 230 parking stalls are planned by the city for the project when 272 are required according to code.  She quoted city code that 1.25 parking stalls are required for all projects over 6 units and 3.5 stalls are required for every 1000 sf of commercial space.  (Limited additional structured and street parking will be available). Heather was concerned that 50% of the parking space was marked for compact cars and that larger vehicles would have to park on the street or elsewhere.

The mayor advised council that an appeal has not been filed at this time.   Kimberly asked Council to "reconsider the size, scale, scope of the project and how close it comes to the property boundary" of the adjacent residences. 

Reported by Bob Yoder     

Citizen submits 70 signatures to Mayor Marchione requesting safer crosswalks in Grasslawn Park

At this week's Council meeting a Grasslawn resident, Carl, asked the Marchione Administration for additional traffic safety on the Grasslawn Park crosswalks adjacent NE 70th.  He recommended, flags, additional lighting and blinking lights at the crosswalk similar to what the City of Kirkland installed a mile west.  Carl said he almost lost his grandson on December 14 at the NE 70th Street crosswalk at Grasslawn Park.  He submitted 70 signatures from residents to the Mayor asking for improved safety measures. 

Reported by Bob Yoder

Sustainable Redmond voices support for urban tree conservation at Redmond Planning Commission

Just over a year ago, a controversy arose in Redmond regarding preservation of over 1,000 trees in Overlake. Much of the discussion centered on the manner by which the public was informed about plans to remove significant and landmark trees and the administrative exceptions to City tree protection regulations that would enable cutting 100% of the trees on a given property. In the process, many ecological and community benefits of mature urban trees were emphasized by speakers in public testimony to Redmond’s City Council.
 

In trying to learn from that experience, Sustainable Redmond submitted proposed amendments to Redmond’s Comprehensive Plan last April. Those proposals are now coming before the Planning Commission for review as they make their way to the City Council for consideration. The amendments seek to improve public notice processes, enhance opportunities for public engagement and promote a better understanding of the process by which tree exceptions are granted. (Exceptions are currently granted behind closed doors by a Technical Committee.) The Comprehensive Plan amendments also seek to retain some mature trees in urban centers when possible rather than have them replaced by smaller specimens with lesser ecological value.
 

Join Sustainable Redmond in voicing your support for these regulatory improvements at the Planning Commission on Wednesday night, January 16th at 7pm. The full amendment package can be found at: http://www.redmond.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=556 More information will also be posted at www.sustainableredmond.org. Your support of these amendments is encouraged so we can create positive change and move beyond the status quo in protecting natural resources in our community.
 

Tom Hinman, Board Member

Sustainable Redmond

Redmond WA

Introduction to the Birds of Brightwater clean-water facility

Birding workshop, plant tours round out Brightwater Center winter events

Educational activities geared toward older kids, teens and adults

Shake off winter blues with Brightwater Center’s free educational activities geared toward older kids, teens and adults. Brightwater Center is located at 22505 State Route 9 S.E. in Woodinville. Events are free and children accompanied by an adult are welcome.

Birds of a Feather, Saturday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to noon Join the IslandWood naturalists for a winter bird event for ages 8 and up. Participants will learn about our feathered friends that don’t fly south for the winter through a guided expedition and bird-themed art project. Register at http://winterbirds.eventbrite.com.

Intro to the Birds of Brightwater, Saturday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m. to noon
Adults and teens (ages 14 and up) are invited to a workshop focused on birds that call Brightwater home year-round. Islandwood naturalists will lead a walk through the habitat area and share birding tips. Register at http://brightwaterbirds.eventbrite.com.

Open House and Plant Tours, Saturday, Jan. 12 and Feb. 9, 10 a.m. to noon
Take a tour of King County’s newest clean-water facility and learn how waste is treated, recycled and safely returned to the environment. Children must be at least 9 years old to take the tour, and sturdy close-toed shoes are required. Register at: http://green.kingcounty.gov/wastewater-education/apptrequest.aspx.

For additional information or to request reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities at any of the events, please contact Kristin Covey at 206-263-9412, 711 TTY Relay, or kristin.covey@kingcounty.gov.
People can also learn more about Brightwater Center on the Web at http://www.kingcounty.gov/brightwatercenter.

###

Residents enjoy clean water and a healthy environment thanks to King County's wastewater treatment program. The county’s Wastewater Treatment Division protects public health and water quality by serving 17 cities, 17 local sewer districts and more than 1.5 million residents in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties. The regional clean-water agency has been preventing water pollution for nearly 50 years.

Superintendent recommends moving students from Rosa Parks to Wilder next fall to reduce overcrowding

Superintendent Announces Temporary Boundary Recommendation

Moves students from Rosa Parks Elementary to Wilder Elementary next fall to reduce overcrowding

UPDATED:  Redmond, Wash. – Today, Dr. Traci Pierce, superintendent of Lake Washington School District, shared via email her proposed temporary boundary change with the parents of students at Rosa Parks Elementary and Wilder Elementary Schools. Dr. Pierce will recommend the temporary boundary committee’s recommendation of Scenario C for the temporary boundary change between these two schools for the 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years.

Dr. Pierce will make that recommendation to the district’s Board of Directors at its Monday, January 14, meeting. The board will vote on the specific proposal at its meeting on January 28.  Read More >>

Redmond Council approves $200,000 funding for "OneRedmond"

As part of the 2013-14 budget, the City Council approved funds for economic and community development through participation in OneRedmond. OneRedmond is the newly formed public-private partnership for the Redmond community. It was formed by bringing together the former Redmond Economic Development Alliance, Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce, and Realize Redmond into a single organization with a common vision, mission, and purpose. OneRedmond is commined to increasing the

number of high wage jobs, cultivating partnerships between business and education, and

implementing entrepreneur and small business growth programs to drive consistent economic expansion and continuous community enhancement in Redmond.

When National Community Development Services was hired in 2011 to perform an assessment of the viability and fund raising strength or OneRedmond as a concept, their report highlighted the strength of the OneRedmond model for economic and community development. Through a series of stakeholder meetings, along with candid and considered input from business and community leaders, four key initiative areas were identified as key priorities for OneRedmond. These are: 

I . Business Retention and Expansion: This includes development and implementation of a formal business retention and expansion program that includes building strategic business partnerships and increasing opportunities for growth within Redmond's business clusters, a myriad of small business services. and a Government Affairs function that fosters bridges between large and small businesses and government.

2. Business Attraction and Recruitment: This entails a program that includes site selector relationships, a web site that differentiates Redmond, and targeted recruiting missions to enhance local industry clusters.

3. Community Building: Priorities include development of partnerships between businesses and educational institutions, establishing of marquee business and cultural events, and promoting the arts and science.

 

4. Investor Relations: Key focal points include creating transparent and involved engagement of community stakeholders, including creating leadership level advisory groups for business clusters, pipeline project reports, and business visitation/red carpet teams.

These initiatives are supportive of and are integral to the City realizing its vision of two vibrant urban centers, diversity of choices, a vibrant economy, and connected community. As OneRedmond focuses on implementing its economic and community development strategy, the $200,000 ($100,000/ycar) from the Planning and Community Development Department's OneRedmond budget offer would be distributed to support OneRedmond strategic economic development and community development initiatives.

 

- Text is sourced from Redmond City Council Agenda, 1/8/13

Redmond Police bargaining unit negotiates new city contract to increase wages

In their Regular Business meeting this week, City Council approved the 2013-2015 Police Pay Plan with Redmond Police Association union.  Under the plan wages will increase 1.5% in 2013, 2% in 2014 and 2.5% in 2015.  The Detective's clothing allowance will increase from $600/year to $700/year.  Total incremental costs of the collective bargaining unit Pay Plan amount to $216,903 in 2013, $357,154 in 2014 and $529,081 in 2015.

Detectives on special assignments get 4% above their regular base pay.  The average police officer wage in 2013 is $66,228 for a new officer and $76,716 for an officer with 49 months seniority.  Police Leutenants' mean 2013 salary is $87,816.   K-9 officers get 3.5% above base pay and one hour overtime each week. 

Disability, health, and life insurance pay is negotiated including 96 hours vacation for 1-2 years of service and 142 hours vacation at 10 years.  12 paid holidays.  5 days bereavement leave. 

Reported by Bob Yoder
Source:  1/8/13 City of Redmond Agenda.
http://www.redmond.gov/common/pages/UserFile.aspx?fileId=90234

LWSD and PTSA cosponsor Cyber-Safety Seminars

Cyber Safety and Social Media Risks — What Every Family Needs to Know

Lake Washington School District and PTSA Cosponsor Cyber-Safety Seminars

Redmond, Wash. – With the proliferation of smart phones and the growth of social media, everyone is connected, especially young people. Yet those same young people may not recognize the risks they face electronically, from predators to bullies to bad decisions that can haunt them for years. Parents can help their students understand these risks but may not know how to talk to them about it. 

In a parent education program sponsored by the Lake Washington PTSA Council and Lake Washington School District, Seattle attorney Charles Leitch will help parents understand the risks and how to approach their children about these issues. These cyber-safety seminars will be held during January and February at district high schools.  Read More >>

PTA members go to Olympia for Focus Day on January 24

Focus Day Update

Thursday January 24, 2013 is the BIG day!

The Washington State PTA legislative platform for the next two years is set. Now we have to do something with it! Focus Day is fast upon us. On January 24th in Olympia, we have our next, and perhaps best, opportunity as a large voting block to advocate for our kids with a loud, cohesive voice by sharing our new legislative platform with our legislators and our state.

Focus Day is important. This year, in particular, it's very important. We have a new governor, new legislators, and new jobs for key incumbent legislators. Come January 24th, the long legislative session will have just begun, and the McCleary school funding decision and the state budget will be on the minds of everyone in Olympia. We must ask Olympia to make the hard choices! Revenue, budget cuts, tax reform, closing the opportunity gap... The choices they must make are daunting, but they must make them.

This is a huge opportunity, not only to deliver our message directly and personally to our legislators and insist they make the hard choices, but to engage in PTA outreach by encouraging participation by members in historically under-represented regions, and to increase membership and general civic involvement.

January 24th, 2013, will be our big day. Bring three friends. Let's make it count!

Thank you and please check out http://wsptafocusday.blogspot.com for all of the info as well as material to promote Focus Day in your local PTA; we have flyers, bus discount news, a Focus Day PowerPoint presentation, a video message from Ross Hunter, scheduling and registration info, parking and food info, etc. Check it often in the next three weeks as we will be updating it regularly. You can even sign up for email notification when we do add something.

We need your help to make this Focus Day successful. Please spread the word and register today.

See you there!
- Jason Rothkowitz and David Berg

Source:  Council PTSA Newsletter

Over 30 volunteers transplant native shrubs to Marymoor BirdLoop

Over 30 volunteers from Audubon and King County Youth turned out this Saturday to transplant native shrubs salvaged from Group Health, to the Marymoor BirdLoop.  Redmond Councilmember Hank Myers volunteered.  670 plants were installed on a fenced bird-viewing hill that overlooks wetlands and marsh adjacent Parking Lot G.  Wildlife habitat will be greatly improved once the shrubs take hold.  The hill looks terrific!  You must come by and see for yourself!  Take a look at the educational kiosk while you're at it.   Every Thursday morning guided bird-watching tours stop by this hill to view birds.  Anna's Hummingbirds and Cackleing Geese entertained the work party.  (Visit the sidebar of this blog for more information on bird-watching). Photos by Audubon Photographer Mick Thompson.