Redmond Historical Society creates partnership with Coldwell Banker Bain-Seal

Redmond (July 27, 2015)—Coldwell Banker Bain | Seal real estate brokers Bliss Ong and Cynthia Olsen have formed a unique partnership with the Redmond Historical Society in an effort to help raise money for the Society.

Each time a Redmond Historical Society member, or friend or relative of a member, buys or sells a home with Cynthia and/or Bliss, they will donate an amount equal to 10 percent of their commission to the fund.

Coldwell Banker Bain | Seal established its Community Partnership program as a way for the company and its brokers to give back to the organizations that are committed to the welfare of our communities. Since the program was created in 1988, Coldwell Banker Bain | Seal brokers have donated more than $1.59 million to over 650 non-profit organizations in Western Washington.  Read More >>

Keller Farm Wetland Mitigation Bank

Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond purchased approximately 83 acres of floodplain on the Keller Farm to facilitate environmental restoration. The area in question is located north and west of Bear Creek and east of Avondale Road.
The city has contracted with Habitat Bank LLC to create a state certified wetland mitigation bank on the property. Habitat Bank will design, permit and install environmental enhancements on the area. Habitat Bank will be responsible for site maintenance, and will maintain the site for at least ten years after restoration work is complete to ensure the establishment of the native plants.
Late last week, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Washington Department of Ecology issued a Joint Public Notice for the Keller Farm wetland mitigation bank proposal. This is the first step towards agency review and approval of the proposed mitigation bank under the State of Washington Wetland Mitigation Banking Rule.
“This action signifies the start of the process towards a large environmental restoration project on the Keller Farm. We are very excited to see the project come to fruition,” said Redmond Mayor John Marchione.
The conceptual goals of the mitigation bank are to: restore wetland hydrology and create a variety of wetland hydroperiods (seasonal patterns of ponding depth and duration); reestablish native plant species richness and structural diversity in wetlands, project buffers, and riparian areas; reconnect segments of Bear and Perrigo Creeks with their floodplains and reestablish channel complexity; increase habitat structure, function and complexity; and improve water quality in wetlands and creeks. The project also proposes to establish off-channel rearing and refuge areas for salmonids and relocate a segment of Perrigo Creek from a straightened ditch. Preservation of this portion of the Keller Farm complements a 30-acre mitigation project completed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in 2013 (immediately east of Bear Creek).

City Council approves $10,000 for city Poet Laureate

In Tuesday's Consent Agenda, City Council approved $10,000* to hire Shin Yu Pai as the city's Poet Laureate for the 2015-2016 year. 

The purpose of the Poet Laureate according to the city is to:

1. Broaden the awareness of poetry.

2. Express the spirit of Redmond culture through poetry.
3. Raise the level of discourse during discussions and debates in the City.

"Redmond tax dollars at work."

Opinion by Bob Yoder

Redmond's Ben Wobker - owner of Lake Washington Physical Therapy - "Gives Back" to Eastside community

Reprinted:   Monday, August 22, 2011

 

Ben Wobker and Mandie video-tape client running on the treadmill   during "gait analysis"  Ben and Mandie evaluate and video client walking Ben Wobker, P.T., community leader and owner of Lake Washington Physical Therapy, performed a free "gait analysis" for 30 Eastside residents on Saturday morning.  The event was advertised on the clinic's facebook page and word of mouth. UPDATED:  If you've been to any Redmond High School basketball, football, or cross-country sporting events you've probably heard of Ben Wobker.  Ben, the son of  Horace Mann teacher David Wobker, graduated from RHS with seven letters in Football, Cross-country and Leadership honors.   Ben is an award-winning* physical therapist and runs a successful eastside therapy business.  To me, three words describe him best: Ben Gives Back...to his community!   Ben analyzes gait with client and makes recommendations Every year Ben councils Coach Villineuve's highly ranked Cross Country teams with free "gait analysis" and discounts on shoes. Once the co-owner of Redmond Physical Therapy, he offered free fittings and discounts on knee and ankle braces for Mustang teams. You'll also see Ben at high school career fairs and mentoring students in his clinic. But, Ben's food drive efforts with HopeLink may be his biggest community contribution. Two years ago, Ben started "March Can Madness" -- a competition between Redmond businesses -- to collect the most food from their customers for HopeLink. To this day, Ben still waives the $30 fee for missed appointments with a food donation!  Next year, Lake Washington Physical Therapy will sponsor HopeLink's "Turkey Trot" fundraiser.   After eight years service as co-owner at Redmond Physical Therapy, Ben decided to expand his brand to Kirkland. Last month he celebrated his first year as owner of Lake Washington Physical Therapy.  Already he plans to hire a 4th therapist! Mandie Majerus, PT worked with Ben for years in Redmond. Both graduated from University of Montana. (Mandie's entering the Iron man in Canada; she worked as a therapist in Antarctica for a year!)  Some trivia:  In Washington, many insurance companies don't require a physician referral to see a physical therapist.     Brooks, Mizuno, Asics track shoes fill the display windows. Ben contracted "Everyday Athlete" to sell the shoes. "Even though Kirkland's downtown vacancy was 22% last year we still had to meet "non-medical retail" zoning requirements," said Ben.  *Ben Wobker was voted "2010 Best Physical Therapist" by the readers of Eastside's "425 Magazine". Ben's Bio,  Address:  209 Kirkland Ave., adjacent the Heathman Hotel. 425-629-3502.  Directions. Opinion and Report By Bob Yoder Photos By Yoder

Letter To Editor: Nokomis Building Relocation Plans

Paige Norman sent  this letter to the Redmond Reporter: 

Thank you for printing my letter about the campaign kick-off for Mayoral Candidate, Steve Fields in your July 10th edition (pages 4 and 5).

I was somewhat taken aback by the Editor’s Note added into my submission as it directed readers to the Nokomis story on page 2 and 3.  I did not consent to the insertion of the note; which was bad enough.  In addition, the story regarding the Nokomis building was not accurate in reporting the commentary and decisions of the Redmond City Council during their July 7th meeting.

During that council meeting, Rosemarie Ives, former Mayor of Redmond and community activist spoke during the “Items from the Audience” segment about the Nokomis building, and read a few selections from the roughly 25 pieces of correspondence sent to the City; including stories of children from Redmond Elementary being escorted from the school to the building (at that time used as the town library). Women were granted the right to vote in 1920 and 14 years after that in 1934 the women of the Redmond Nokomis club petitioned the WPA for funds to build the library building.  It was noted in her speech that not only is the building of historical significance, but the property as well.

Council members on the whole were supportive of the move, however it was very clearly stated that the city would only be donating the park property if the funds for moving the structure were privately raised.  One council member suggested that the amount necessary to move, stabilize and make the building functional for public use was “a rather high cost” for a building that is “not a landmark, but a building of historic interest”.

Mayor Marchione clearly stated that there would be a time limit in which the funds (for moving the structure) would need to be raised in order for the City to continue the donation of the park land and that there would be no delay of the permitted project by NBE while the funds were being raised.   NBE has offered to spend roughly $40,000 to incorporate ‘elements and materials from the Nokomis building’ into the new development.  A placard and a few pieces of lumber in a meeting room is a poor memorial to the women of Redmond who provided the town with its first library.

The City may feel that $600,000 is a “high cost” to maintain a piece of our city’s history; but losing our past is a price that we should not be willing to pay.

Paige Norman
Education Hill, Redmond, WA

MSN Ranks Redmond's Saturday Market #39 of 100

July 11th at Redmond Saturday Market

Chez Jane Garlic Spreads

For the Gourmet in You...

Jane Rabay has been a Redmond Saturday Market vendor since 2002! Her company was created from a desire to lead a healthier lifestyle. A portion from the sales of all Chez Jane Garlic Spreads is donated to help the wonderful people of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in their fight against cancer!

ReRRre                                                                            There are a variety of garlic spread flavors to choose from - Original, Garlicky (extra garlic), Parmesan, Sundried Tomato, Herbs de Provence, Basil, and Chipotle. Jane also makes a mustard and sells gift sets! Chez Jane will be in Booth #23 this Saturday! http://www.chezjane.com

Jake Nannery will be performing on main stage from 12:00-2:00! The band lineup includes Jake Nannery on guitar and vocals, Ramon Salumbides on bass and Mike West on drums. The group, who have been playing together off and on since 2007, seamlessly fuse musical talent with joy of performance, and give the crowd every reason to keep moving!

Next Weekend - Hawaiian Day

Aloha! July 18th is our annual Hawaiian Day celebration at the market! Join us for music all day long and a special traditional Hawaiian Hula performance from 11:00-1:00!

We Made the Top 100!

Redmond Saturday Market is #39 on MSN's list of the 100 Best Farmers Markets in America for 2015!

Find the news article here: http://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/foodnews/100-best-farmers-markets-in-america-for-2015

This is what MSN had to say about Redmond Saturday Market:

#39 Redmond Saturday Market, Redmond, Wash. "Redmond Farmers Market serves its community every Saturday from May through October. With over 70 vendors a week, the market has its fair share of herbs, produce, fish, breads, honey, and meats. The market takes into account every member of the community, large, small, and furry. There are always activities planned for kids and the local pet adoption center often brings cats and dogs looking for their forever homes."

Council Grants Parkland for Potential Nokomis Building Relocation

Redmond, WA - Last night the Redmond City Council authorized the Mayor to offer land at one of two Redmond parks for a potential relocation of the Nokomis building. Parks Director Craig Larsen presented the estimated costs to move the building to either Arthur Johnson Park or Martin Park. By soliciting bids and from his experience in Lynnwood, Mr. Larsen presented the Council with estimates ranging from $193,440 to $228,384 to relocate the building. That would be on top of the City’s donation of the land, estimated at a value of $130,000. A community fundraising effort, led by OneRedmond, will begin to raise the revenues to cover the moving costs.

“As Redmond moves forward, it’s important to preserve ties to our City’s past. The Nokomis House was spearheaded by a proactive group of Redmond women during the Great Depression, built by the Works Progress Administration and became a central gathering place. Moving it to one of our beautiful parks for all to enjoy will benefit the entire community”, stated Mayor John Marchione.

Built in 1933, the Nokomis House was home to Redmond’s third library.

If you have any questions, contact Lisa Rhodes, Communications Manager, at larhodes@redmond.gov or 425.556.2427. This press release is available on www.redmond.gov.

NAMI Eastside's Second Annual Fundraising Breakfast Gala

"Building Solutions Together" 

 

Keynote Speaker: Sue Rahr

Executive Director of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
 Member of President Obama’s Task Force on 21^st Century Policing and
Former King County Sheriff

 

Tuesday September 15^th 2015 7:30 to 9:00 am

Maggiano’s Little Italy, Bellevue

 

NAMI Eastside is hosting its second annual fundraising breakfast gala! Come join us for a delicious breakfast while supporting a great cause by helping all those affected by mental illness in our community!

 

 All of NAMI Eastside’s programs and services are provided to anyone in need at absolutely no cost including:  Read More >>

Opinion: Campaign Kick-off for Steve Fields, Candidate for Mayor of Redmond

Steve Fields at Downpour Coffee

Campaign Kick-off event for Steve Fields running for Mayor of Redmond.  The event was held at 6 PM, on Thursday, June 25th, at the Downpour Coffee Bar in Redmond 

 

Approximately 50 people attended the event, including former Mayor Rosemarie Ives, and representatives of business, youth and community enterprises from Redmond and Kirkland.  Steve Fields was actively meeting and talking to the attendees, as was his wife Ronni and son Jackson.

Fireworks ban in City of Redmond

Fire Department Urges Voluntary Fireworks Ban in Fire District 34 for the July 4th Weekend

Redmond, WA - The continued high temperatures and dry conditions are increasing the danger of wildfires in the region. As the holiday weekend approaches, fire department officials are urging citizens’ celebrations to voluntarily exclude the use of fireworks in areas of unincorporated King County and Fire District 34.  Fireworks are banned within the City of Redmond.

According to Fire Chief Tommy Smith of the City of Redmond Fire Department, “Fireworks are not banned in Fire District 34 (unincorporated King County) but all of the King County fire agencies are urging citizens to attend one of the many professional public fireworks displays during the Fourth of July weekend”.  Smith added, “Please help us support community safety during this unusual and dangerous wildfire season by excluding fireworks from private celebrations and participating in a voluntary ban of fireworks in Fire District 34.”

 

Redmond Celebrates 75th Birthday of Derby Days

Redmond, WA – This summer Redmond will celebrate the 75th Annual Redmond Derby Days Summer Festival. The festival begins on Friday, July 10 from 4 pm-10 pm and continues Saturday, July 11 from 10am-10pm at Redmond City Hall Campus, 15670 NE 85th St.

Back after popular demand, Friday Night Live starts off the fun at 4 pm. First Tech sponsors the evening as, The Polyrhythmics, a dynamic world-beat orchestra with a horn-driven funk, and modern afro beat opens the night.  Friday Night Live’s headliner is Cambulache, the area’s premier Salsa band that lays down infectious Latin rhythms. Grab a snack or dinner from Derby Days food vendors and enjoy the music from the beer and wine garden, sponsored by all five Redmond Craft Breweries and Vortex Winery.
On Saturday, start the day off with the beloved Derby Days Kids Parade, the longest-running kid’s parade in the nation. Since the first parade in 1940, Redmond’s children have decorated their wheels, a family tradition, don’t miss it!  Parade sign-in begins at 9 am in the Opportunity Building parking lot, 8383 158th Ave. The parade kicks off at 10 am. We encourage birthday themed decorations this year!
The Grand Parade immediately follows the Kids Parade.  Grab a spot on the parade route and enjoy the 75th birthday celebration. New this year FREE fun community races for all ages will follow the Grand Parade. Seventy-five yards of tricycle riding, costume races and much more!  Read More >>

NAMI-Eastside Educational Forum -- Parenting Children with Bipolar Disorder

Free Educational Forum Entitled:
SURVIVAL STRATEGIES FOR PARENTING CHILDREN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER

 

Guest: George T. Lynn, MA, LMHC

Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2015, 7 PM - 9 PM

Location: Evergreen Health Medical Center, Suite Tan 100,

12303 NE 130th Lane, 

Kirkland, WA 98034

 

This presentation will describe the behavior and feeling states of children and adolescents with early onset Bipolar Disorder as well as how the illness is now described in the DSMV. It will also present key parenting strategies for helping children and teens on the bipolar spectrum at home and at school. Follow the link for more details

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-3JisRkCP9sSHdpTmstd3Z5REU/view?usp=sharing

Participate in King County's Transit Future

Agencies offer one-stop opportunity to help shape both King County Metro’s Long-Range Plan and Sound Transit 3 system plan’

Why develop a long-range plan? Consider this: By 2040, another 360,000 people will be living in King County – more than half of Seattle’s current population. Between 2010 and 2014 congestion delays on 1-5 nearly doubled, and the region’s population is growing. Within 25 years, 74% more people are expected to call Everett home. Tacoma’s population is expected to grow by 60%, Bellevue’s by 33%, and Seattle’s by 28%. How will we get around our region with nearly a million new neighbors?
Public transportation in our region is preparing for the future. King County Metro Transit and Sound Transit are looking ahead to make sure they can provide the right mix of services and connections to get people where they need to go as our communities grow. At the same time, Sound Transit will be engaging with residents as it develops a system plan for a proposed ballot measure.
That’s why the two agencies are teaming up for a series of joint open houses to give King County residents a convenient one-stop opportunity to help shape both of these important long-range plans.
“Our ongoing integration of planning and operations at Metro and Sound Transit creates opportunities like this, to share public meetings and make it easier for people to help steer our shared transit future,” said King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair Dow Constantine. “It’s a pivotal time for both agencies, and we invite our riders to be a part of it.”

Open Houses will be held:
Tuesday, June 235:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m. Redmond Marriot
7401 164th Ave. NE., Redmond Read More >>

City of Redmond restores Mackey Creek and wetlands within Farrel McWhirter Park

The Natural Resources Division of Public Works is conducting restoration and

enhancement of Mackey Creek and wetlands within the park boundary of Farrel-

McWhirter Park (FM Park). Mackey Creek is a priority basin that has good water quality,

but degraded stream and wetland habitat in FM Park. Tetra Tech will prepare

construction plans for stream restoration and channel stabilization, replacement of a

culvert to remove a fish passage barrier and wetland and riparian enhancements.  City Council approved $271,000 for the restoration and enhancement work.  Elementary school kids release salmon fry in Macky Creek every year.

Register your neighborhood for National Night Out

On Tuesday August 4th, the Redmond Police Department is asking neighborhoods to participate in the 32nd Annual National Night Out Against Crime. The police department, fire department, city council, mayor, and others will attend parties between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. If you've never participated it's a great event for fun, friends, and community!  If you don't know your neighbors--this is a great opportunity to meet them.

Nationally there will be thousands of neighborhood parties, cookouts, ice cream socials, dessert parties, and parades. Other neighborhoods will host flashlight walks, safety fairs, poster and essay contests, and neighborhood meetings. This event is fun for all and gives criminals a "Going Away" party by showing a stand our community takes against crime.
  

National Night Out is designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships
• Send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. 

Please register your event no later than Monday, July 27th by using the online form once you have all pertinent details. If you have questions contact Officer Tom Goepfert (crimeprevention@redmond.gov; 425-556-2541).    Registration is now open! CLICK HERE to register your party.    Click here to learn more about National Night Out

Missing Person Jamaal Stroschein LOCATED near Seattle by University of Washington Police

 

Redmond, WA - Tonight, missing person Jamaal Stroschein is being reunited with his family, after going missing on June 3, 2015. Earlier this evening, University of Washington Police responded to a reported sighting of Jamaal near the University of Washington Campus in Seattle, WA. A short time later, Jamaal was located by UW Police. Jamaal appeared uninjured and was checked by medical personnel.

Jamaal Stroschein was reported as missing and endangered on June 7, after he walked away from his Redmond, WA residence. Jamaal is a 32-year old autistic man who also has several medical conditions.

The Redmond Police Department would like to thank all of our partners in the community, in neighboring law enforcement agencies, and in the media for helping us search.

At this time the family has asked for privacy while they reunite with Jamaal. Additional information will be made available later this week, after Detectives conclude any necessary follow-up.

Opinion: Coffee-time with Redmond Mayoral Candidate Steve Fields

Updated Opinion:  My wife and I had a cup of coffee this weekend with Mayoral Candidate Steve Fields at his Down Pour Coffee Bar in west Redmond.  Steve is a very engaging leader who has immense pride in our community.  He has fire in his belly for including Redmond residents in the growth process of Redmond...a process we have been left out of under the Mayor Marchione's Administration.  He has been attending various government meetings to get up to speed on Redmond government with particular interest in the Council Parks Committee when they were discussing the need for a new Redmond Aquatics Center.  He is not so sure Redmondites really need an elaborate aquatics center and thinks rebuilding Hartman pool is a better solution than shoe-horning massive recreational centers into expensive property.  He didn't understand why 166th AVE had to be reconfigured with islands in the middle of the road and considers it actually less safe. Steve thinks the city should re-visit the Comprehensive Plan and find ways to mitigate the traffic in Redmond.  He doesn't see why the Propositions are needed to raise taxes this August -- that the government should be able to live within it's means.  Steve appears to be a very refreshing leader for our city and it's residents--with vision--a dedicated small businessman with executive level government work experience, active in community recreation, and family man.  I left Steve inspired with a new hope for our fair city.

You can get in touch with Steve at his campaign website HERE and learn more about him.  Steve is already 1/3 of his way to his goal for campaign contributions and is holding a campaign kick-off event on June 25 at his coffee shop.

https://electstevefields.com/
FACEBOOK

By Bob Yoder 

Enjoy King County Parks entertainment and recreation events this summer

From trail runs, live music and more, King County Parks is revving up for a full summer of great entertainment and recreation possibilities.

Here are just a few upcoming options for summertime fun – and be sure to visit the King County Parks website for even more ideas for getting out and exploring parks, trails and other features of your big backyard.
Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park
SCOTT Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series
June 13 – Five kilometers, Eight miles or 13 miles
The 13th-annual trail run series resumes June 13 with a choice of races spanning five kilometers, 8.2 miles or 14.5 miles along Cougar Mountain’s beautiful backcountry trail network. Join with family and friends on a run through cool forests and past historic artifacts that make Cougar Mountain such a treasured part of King County Parks’ 26,000-acre network of parks and open space. Race details, including registration, are available online.
Marymoor Park
June 14-15 – 8 p.m.
Marymoor Park Concerts presented by Swedish Redmond
A.R. Rahman
The Marymoor Park Concerts presented by Swedish Medical Center Redmond kicks off the 2015 summer concert series with two performances by the multiple Grammy and Academy Award-winning superstar, A.R. Rahman – the man who is credited with redefining modern Indian music. With album sales exceeding the 150 million mark and credits for critically acclaimed film scores for “Slumdog Millionaire,” “Hundred-Foot Journey” and “Million Dollar Arm,” Rahman’s musical catalogue is both deep and diverse.
June 19-21
2015 Washington Brewers Festival
What better way to celebrate Father’s Day weekend than spending a little time with Dad at the 2015 Washington Brewer’s Festival at Marymoor Park? Featuring more than 400 unique beers from more than 100 Washington state breweries, this year’s festival is bigger than ever, and includes great food, live music, a root beer garden and kids’ area, craft booths, activities and more. The event is 21 and over on Friday, June 19, and the whole family is welcome on Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21.
June 24 – 6:30 p.m.
Marymoor Park Concerts presented by Swedish Redmond
The Seattle Symphony Performing the Music of John Williams
Seen a movie in the past five decades? Then you’ve heard the music of John Williams. Probably several times. From the lurking terror of a predatory great white in “Jaws,” to the swashbuckling anti-hero antics of “Indiana Jones;” from the menacing power of Darth Vader in “Star Wars” to the whimsical fantasy of the “Harry Potter” series, John Williams is simply one of the greatest creators of movie scores since the creation of the genre.
June 27 – 7 p.m.
Marymoor Park Concerts presented by Swedish Redmond
Willie Nelson and Family, with Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas
After nearly 60 years in the business, Willie Nelson continues to perform his genre-defying blend of country/folk/Americana to adoring crowds. He’s credited with more than five dozen albums, appeared in nearly three dozen movies, and has been a mainstay in advocating for several grassroots causes (including the famous Farm Aid concerts). From quiet crossover crooning (“Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” “Stardust,” “Always on My Mind”) to rousing sing-alongs (“Mommas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” “On The Road Again”), Nelson has one of the most distinct and recognizable voices in all of popular music.
Bluegrass legend Alison Krauss and Union Station are joining the Nelson tour for a second year in a row. With 27 Grammys to her credit, Krauss is currently tied with music icon Quincy Jones as the most-awarded living artist.
Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center

Get in shape for the summer by becoming a regular at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, where you’ll find a full slate of open and family swims. Can’t swim? No problem! Lessons with certified teachers are available for all ages and skill levels. The Aquatic Center is a legacy venue from the 1990 Goodwill Games, and has hosted numerous club, state, collegiate, national and international competitions for nearly a quarter century.
Tolt-MacDonald Park
July 16-18
Timber! Outdoor Music Festival
Back for a third-consecutive summer, the wildly popular Timber! Outdoor Music Festival comes to beautiful Tolt-MacDonald Park in mid-July, and features another eclectic lineup of artists curated by the good people at Artist Home – the same group that puts on the critically acclaimed Doe Bay Festival. This year’s featured acts include headliners The Dead Milkmen (“Punk Rock Girl”), plus Beat Connection, LaLuz, and nearly two dozen other artists. Special performances and activities are on tap for the kids, too, making Timber! the perfect weekend music outing for the whole family

Gunman robs computer store at Redmond Town Center

Komo News, 6/11

 

REDMOND, Wash. -- A gunman robbed a computer store in the Redmond Town Center Thursday evening, then ran off to a nearby hotel, prompting a massive police search.

Officers were called to the Redmond Town Center Mac Store near 16500 NE 74th Street at 8:15 p.m. after a report of three store employees who were robbed at gunpoint, according to Tim Gately with Redmond Police. The gunman then stuffed cash and some Apple computer products (including laptops, iPods and electronics) into large plastic bags and ran off into the Marriott Hotel nearby.

Witnesses there said they saw the man enter the hotel with the bags and a backpack. As he moved through the hotel, he dropped the bags of stolen items and then exited the hotel, leaving a backpack in a nearby parking lot, Gately said.

Police dogs captured the suspect's scent off the backpack, leading officers west of the town center area toward the downtown core, but the trail has gone cold and the suspect remains on the loose.

Back at the scene, officers recovered what appeared to be a small handgun from the backpack, but it may be an airsoft pistol, Gately said.

The employees described the gunman as a white or Hispanic man, about 5 feet 8-to-5 feet 11 inches tall weighing about 180 pounds wearing a long-sleeve blue vertical stripped shirt, dark blue jeans, and a blue baseball hat with bandages on his face. If you see him or know where he is, you're asked to call 911.

Gately said no one was hurt.

NAMI News on mental health

NAMI WALK Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and volunteered at the NAMI walk on Saturday. NAMI Washington and affiliates target goal of $250,000 was met and we could not have done it without your support!

Free Educational Forum Entitled: “Psychiatric Illness and Sleep” 

Tuesday June 16 2015 from 7 to 9 pmGuest Speaker Dr. David AveryDr. David Avery has world-renowned clinical expertise in the treatment of mood disorders. This presentation will describe the connection between sleep and psychiatric illness.

Follow the link for more details:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-3JisRkCP9sTS1HQzZ3OXIybGc/view?usp=sharing

SAVE THE DATE!
NAMI Eastside’s Second Annual Fundraising Breakfast Gala

“Building Solutions Together”

Keynote Speaker: Sue Rahr

 Member of President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing

Tuesday September 15th 2015 7:30 to 9:00 am

Maggiano’s Little Italy, Bellevue

Black Bear sighting on Redmond Ridge

A reader reported on Redmond Neighborhood Blog's Facebook page that a black bear was sighted on Redmond Ridge at 8:05AM today. 

LWSD Facilities Planning Task Force seeks input on strategies and resource levels

Online survey and in-person meeting to gather community views

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District’s Long-Term Facilities Planning Task Force is asking the community for input on specific strategies and resource levels the district should use in its facilities planning. It has been working since December to find ways to address the district’s aging school facilities and its need for classroom space to serve a rapidly growing population.

Input is being gathered through an online open house June 9 to June 21. A survey on the open house site will be open through midnight on June 21.

A community open house will kick off this effort to gather input on Tuesday, June 9. That meeting will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the L.E. Scarr Resource Center, 16250 NE 74^th St., Redmond. The Task Force will provide more information and answer questions. Community members will be able to take the survey as well as provide immediate feedback to task force members.

“The Task Force is looking at a variety of potential strategies,” noted Deputy Superintendent Janene Fogard. “It’s important for them to understand what the community is comfortable with given the varying resources implications, impacts, and tradeoffs of different strategies.”

The online open house is an ongoing opportunity to be part of the conversation about the district’s facilities challenges. It will continue to be updated at key milestones. The open house will stay online until the Task Force makes its final recommendation. That recommendation is expected in September 2015.

Forterra agreement to Purchase back 9 of Wayne Golf Course

OneBothell Celebrates Forterra Agreement To Purchase Wayne Golf Course Back 9 And Begins Work To Support Purchase

Reprinted from "Kirkland Views", by Rob Butcher

OneBothell, run entirely by Washington residents and volunteers, is pleased that its partnership with Forterra has resulted in an agreement giving the community a chance to preserve the Back 9 of the Wayne Golf Course.
“This is huge progress,” said James McNeal, President of OneBothell. “The Back 9 has always been the biggest prize for the community―both for recreation, as an extension of Blyth Park, and its conservational value for the recovery of endangered species in the state of Washington.”  Read More>>

OPINION: Vote "NO" on the City of Redmond's Proposition One and Two levies

Have you looked at your property tax bill lately?  The city has put forward Prop 1 (safety) and Prop 2 (parks), which will add a total of $174.50/year or $14.50/month to the median homeowner’s tax bill. The levy focuses on new sidewalks, fixing potholes, fighting the "recent increase" in property crime and renovating four neighborhood parks.  Currently the city tax on a $474,000 assessed home is $705.55 or 15% of the total tax bill of $4736.00.  If the Propositions were approved the city property tax would increase by approximately 25%.  Personally, I don't see a significant rise in property crime in my neighborhood or deteriorating parks and roads that would justify such a large increase in my tax bill. 

Keep in mind, property values have increased significantly this last year so local governments have a revenue cushion.   The assessed value of an 1800 square foot home on Education Hill increased by 12% between 2013 and 2014 ($418K to $474K).  Assessed values will likely increase again in 2015. The incremental tax dollars brought into the city by rising property values should be cushion enough to pay for the Administration's needs.  Keep in mind voters may also have to budget for a LWSD bond that could be forthcoming in 2016.  We have to draw the line somewhere on where our tax dollars will be spent.  Redmond is becoming a very expensive place to live for the average working family and those on fixed incomes.   I will be voting "NO" on the City's Proposition 1 and 2.  The city appears to be humming along just fine.  What do you think?


By Bob Yoder

Nokomis Club vs. City of Redmond, One Redmond, and NBE

 

Nokomis Club of Redmond needs to raise approximately $25-$50,000 in order to pay for legal fees and representation as they appeal the decision to deny the historic significance of the Nokomis building in Redmond. The hearing appealing the City of Redmond’s “Decision of Non-Significance” is scheduled for July 9th and 10th.
A separate appeal has been filed regarding the EPA’s classification of the building.

If you are interested in helping with their fight, please consider donating funds via PayPal on the Nokomis Club website or through their Crowdrise site (both listed below).

The challenge of declaring the Nokomis Building of Redmond as a historically significant building is raising its head as another “us vs. them” struggle between the citizens of Redmond and the City.  Read More >>

Council approves $1,258,000 to update Perrigo Park

Perrigo Park continues to draw many users and the parking lot regularly overflows on to

196th Ave. The Phase II-A project will add a lighted parking lot with over 50 additional

parking spaces. The project will also include a new two and half acre open, irrigated lawn

area, landscaping and will re-establish water, power, and septic services to the site. A

new loop trail that surrounds the great lawn will connect Phase II to Perrigo Phase I.  City Council approved over $1,258,000 for these improvements, apparently having no shortage of money.

Reported by Bob Yoder

National Trails Day 2015 for King County Parks

National Trails Day 2015

Posted on May 27, 2015 by King County Parks

On Saturday, June 6 King County Parks is teaming up with the American Hiking Society to celebrate the diverse trails that crisscross our world. King County Parks is home to some of the most magnificent flora and fauna ranging from giant Douglas-firs to delicate Rhododendrons. Help us keep our parks vibrant and healthy by participating in volunteer/celebratory events at the following locations:

• Soaring Eagle Park (Sammamish) – Parks & Trails Ambassador table.
• Tanner Landing Park / Snoqualmie Valley Trail (east of North Bend) – Parks & Trails Ambassador table.
• Snoqualmie Valley Trail (4^th & Baccarat in North Bend) – Parks & Trails Ambassador table.
• Snoqualmie Valley Trail (Carnation) Volunteer event.
• Taylor Mountain Forest (Hobart) – Tahoma Backcountry Horsemen table & volunteer event.
• Squak Mountain Park Open House (Issaquah) – KC Parks table & 3 volunteer events.
• Cougar Mountain Regional Wildlife Park (Issaquah) – Parks & Trails Ambassador table.
• Duthie Hill Park (east of Issaquah) Evergreen annual Bike Fest.
• Marymoor Park Bird Loop Trail – Eastside Audubon Society table & volunteer event.
• Island Center Forest (Vashon) – Parks & Trails Ambassador table.
• Maury Island Marine Park look out -Friends of Maury Island Marine park member table.

With more than 350 miles of regional and backcountry trails there’s a lot to celebrate!
Contact Laurie Clinton, Volunteer Program Manager, at laurie.clinton@kingcounty.gov to sign up or for more information

Sierra Club sponsors free screening of DamNation and talk by river expert on June 4 at the Redmond library

Half a century ago, America's love affair with dams bloomed, with many folks in awe of these modern feats of engineering.
However, as more Americans recognize the importance of our rivers and water supplies, we're witnessing a major shift in how people think about dams, rivers, fish and hydroelectric power. Altogether, there is a clear desire to reexamine our network of dams and find a new balance that values the connection between our own future and the health of our rivers.
In Washington State, this topic couldn't hit closer to home, as we face new proposed dams on the South fork of the Skykomish River at Sunset Falls. We also can't help but think about the successful efforts to remove the Elwha Dams and restore the river for salmon and river recreation, a victory highlighted in the new documentary, DamNation.
We're hosting a free screening of DamNation next Thursday, June 4, in Redmond -- join us to examine our dams and the impact they have on the rivers that connect us! RSVP now!
Here are the details:
WHO:      The Sierra Club, partners from Wild Washington Rivers, Save the Sky, and American Whitewater, and you!WHAT:    DamNation movie screening and talk with river expert Dr. Thomas O'Keefe
WHEN:    Thursday, June 4, at 7:00 p.m.WHERE:  Redmond Public Library, 15990 NE 85th St, Redmond, WA 98052 (map)
COST: FREE!
RSVP: http://action.sierraclub.org/DamnationRedmond  Read More >>

Annual NAMI Walk is June 6

JOIN US FOR OUR 11th ANNUAL NAMI WALK

Saturday, June 6th 2015 at Marina Park in Kirkland

The 11th annual NAMI WALK of Washington will take place on June 6, 2015 at Marina Park in Kirkland. The WALK is the primary fundraising event for NAMI Washington and the state’s 22 National Alliance on Mental Illness affiliates. The event also serves to promote mental health awareness and remind people that NAMI exists across Washington to help individuals with mental illness and their families. We are planning our LARGEST and most FUN Walk ever! You can learn more about NAMI WALKS and register online at http://www.namiwalks.org/washington. Your participation in this year’s Walk will make a huge difference in our community! Register today or contact Tom Lane at tlane@namiwa.org or

206-783-4288 to learn more about this year’s Walk. Be sure to designate NAMI Eastside as the recipient of your donation.