Is Kirkland the "sister city" to Redmond?

If you were to name a local "sister city" to Redmond, most would probably choose between Bellevue  and Kirkland.   I would like to know your choice.  I'll  explain why my pick is Kirkland.

The benchmark decision for me was Rosemarie Ive's last City Council meeting of December, 2007.  Kirkland Mayor James L. Lauinger was one of many giving tribute to Rosemarie.  Mayor Lauinger presented a stirring tribute and impressive honorary plaque to Mayor Ives.  This act of kindness triggered an emotional response from Rosemarie saying, she had oftened considered Kirkland  "Redmond's sister city".

I can barely scratch the surface guessing all the reasons why Rosemarie would coin Kirkland our local "sister city".  Perhaps, Rosemarie would comment to this post.  Allow me to list a few reasons, similarities, connections and "intersections' between our cities; and some differences.

 I've found many of the connections between Redmond and Kirkland  attributed to politicians.   For example: 

1) Doreen Marchione was a Redmond councilmember and Mayor of Redmond prior to Rosemarie Ives.  Doreen now lives in Kirkland and is running for a Kirkland Council seat.
2) Mary-Alyce Burleigh lived in Redmond for ~ 30 years before moving to Kirkland to become a respected, long-standing, influential Kirkland councilmember with terms as Mayor.
3) Warren Appleton, MD was a Redmond Councilmember during Rosemarie's term  and is now the Director of Emergency Preparedness and member of two Boards of Kirkland's Evergreen Healthcare.

A) Lake Washington High School provides an intersection for Kirkland and Redmond students.
B) A county annexation by Redmond is planned bordering Kirkland and Redmond on 132nd St. (I think)

Culture:  Little league Baseball and Softball park facilities are extensive and well maintained in both cities. Kirkland won the Little League World Series in 1982.  Redmond is the "Bicycle Capital of the NW" and has extensive trail systems.  Kirkland is a classy Lake Washington waterfront restaurant and boating community.  Both cities value art:  Kirkland boasts a variety of galleries; Redmond has an outdoor art collection of over 100 pieces.  Rob Butcher publishes the popular KirklandViews for profit blog.  I'm asking the community to fund the Redmond Neighborhood Blog as a nonprofit.  

Comparable *demographics:

• Residential population of Redmond is 49,427 : Kirkland is 47,325 
• Population density:  3,065 (R) : 4,365 (K)
• Median income:  $76,155 (R) : $69,711 (K)
• Median home value:  626,000 (R) : 675,000 (K)
• Median age:  37 (R) : 40 (K)
• Singles:  43% (R) : 50% (K)
• Families with kids:  22% (R) : 17% (K)
• LWSD ratio of pupils:students:  24:1 (R) : 19:1 (K)  $4350 expenditure/student for R/K.
• College BA degree:  36% (R) : 33% (K)
• Bellevue is twice the distance of Kirkland from Redmond.  Kirkland is 3.1 miles away.   

Employment differences are significant:  Redmond is "on the Edge" of Microsoft.   Google is "on the Edge" of Kirkland.  The largest employer in Redmond is Microsoft. (41,000 in Puget Sound).  Redmond population doubles during the work week.  Evergreen Healthcare  is Kirkland's largest employer with 3,229 employees.

Governments are dissimilar:   Redmond has a "strong mayor" who is an elected representative and the Administrator of city staff and operations.  Mayor John Marchione is the city CEO.   Kirkland has a "council form" where the Mayor is an elected councilmember but a business manager is hired to run the city and carry out Council policies.  Redmond has a super-sized City Hall.  In comparison, Kirkland's Hall is a donut hole. 

Do you have any opinions or points of fact you want express in a Letter?  Please comment here.  If you think Bellevue or Woodinville is a more appropriate sister city please say why, and I'll post your comments as a Letter.

* Yahoo Real Estate, Neighborhoods

City Council approves the Shoreline Master Plan Update after 10 years of study.

UPDATED, 9/15:  The Shoreline Master Program consists of policies and standards that regulate land uses and development located approximately 200 feet within Bear Creek, Evans Creek, Lake Sammamish, and the Sammamish River, and includes some of these waterbodies’ associated wetlands and floodplains.   An update to the old Master Plan has been in the works for over 10 years.   At tonight's meeting, Council reviewed final edits by the State Department of Ecology and approved the D.O.E. edits.  The Update was approved on 9/15, 5-1 with Mr. Cole dissenting.  Kim Allen was absent.  

The Principal Planner Cathy Beam received rave reviews by the Council for her long and hard work completing the Shoreline Master Plan Update.   Mr. Carson spoke highly of the significant public involvment generated by this Update.   Councilmember Allen, a Hearing Examiner in Kitsap County, thought Redmond's Update was one of the best she's seen.  Most of my personal field work and input was directed towards preserving and maintaining the high intensity Evans Creek industrial riparian buffer. It is at best only 50 feet.

Some of the changes made by Washington State Department of Ecology can be found within the following paragraphs:  

• “In any High Intensity/Multi-Use location within a buffer where the land is actively being used as part of a legitimate business operation, such land including either structures or active operational areas, established prior January 1, 2008  may continue to operate. New structures, pavement, and other improvements are permitted within this area so long as incremental environemtal benefits is provided and no net loss of shoreline ecological functions is demonstrate

• The Washington Department of Ecology added this paragraph:   “Use the City’s established permit tracking program to periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the Shoreline Master Program update for achieving no net loss of shoreline ecological functions with respect to shoreline permitting and exemptions. Prepare an evaluation report every seven years when the SMP is required to be updated under RCW 90.58.080(4).”

View the entire list of changes made by the Washington State Department of Ecology here.
 
Redmond Shorelines are dynamic and changing.   Bear Creek is being relocated right now to make way for SR520.  The city plans to relocate Evans Creek north and away from the Industrial District within the near future. (5-10 years).   Evans Creek is salmon bearing.  With this in mind, the city and citizens will have to be attentive to incremental land use on the Evans buffer.

Orange Blossom Society Grand Opening September 19 & 20 - an arts, enrichment center, social hub and play space - near Anderson Park.

NEW INDOOR PLAY SPACE AND ENRICHMENT CENTER FOR FAMILIES TO OPEN IN DOWNTOWN REDMOND

REDMOND, WA. Orange Blossom Society, an arts enrichment center, social hub and open play space, is located in a cozy craftsman house in downtown Redmond, half a block from Anderson Park. With something for everyone – art, movement, music and language for kids, plus spa treatments, yoga and fitness for adults – Orange Blossom Society is a place where kids can blossom while their parents recharge and reconnect. Orange Blossom Society is open weekdays and Saturdays, with ample parking, a café and retail boutique on-site and outdoor space for recreation.

The pubic is invited to Orange Blossom Society's Grand Opening set for September 19 and 20, 1-5pm . Orange Blossom Society is located in a cozy, craftsman-style house at 16715 N.E. 79th St., within a half mile of Anderson Park and Redmond Town Center.

"My ambition is to create an intimate space that is welcoming to families and good for community building," Sepsaid Sharman Ghio, founder of Orange Blossom Society. "I selected enrichment activities that children will love; classes that will pique their interest and encourage discovery. And, parents will feel less guilty about doing a little something for themselves at the same time, knowing their kids are under the same roof having a fun time."

Orange Blossom Society has three floors of rooms where instructors will be able to give ample individual attention in small classes of eight to 10 students. The rotating gear in the indoor play space will delight with educational and classic, wooden toys. There is a café on site, serving healthy snacks, coffee and pastries (and eventually salads and sandwiches), as well as a retail boutique with fun accessories and handmade items. Outside, the facility has a yard, which Ghio plans to use for gardening and composting lessons, parking, a picnic area and sports court for athletic fun.

Orange Blossom Society will be open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Classes will be held in eight-week sessions and the fall session begins Sept. 22. visit http://www.orangeblossomsociety.com/ or call 425-883-2400.

What do "signal markers", "sharrows" and "bike boxes" have in common?

SHARROWS:
Any bicyclist (and driver) will immediately relate to the meaning of the photo and diagram on the right. The two large arrow heads with a bicycle you see in these pictures is called a "sharrow". They indicated where cyclists will share the road with vehicles. Redmond Communications Dept. announced on August 20 that sharrows "will replace the separate bike lane in the future" and both Redmond and Kirkland are now piloting sharrows and bicycle signal sensors on select streets.

Redmond bicyclists will find sharrows and signal sensors on 150th Avenue NE from NE 40th to NE 51st Streets.

SIGNAL SENSORS: New road markings help cyclists know where to stop so the signal can sense them. A bicycle symbol marking is painted on the road and when the cyclist stops on it, the signal is activated. Thanks to our "Redmond PED BIKE Advisory Committee," this 2 minute YOUTUBE on triggering traffic signals is available: Traffic Loop Detection for Bicycles. Questions? CONTACT: city planner jpfundt@redmond.gov .


BIKE BOXES: search this blog for "bike box" - and now you know the rest of the story....

LETTER - District defends Einstein and Redmond Elementary Schools.

LETTER - submitted under "comments", by Kathryn Reith, 8/29

Einstein and Redmond Elementary Schools are both very good elementary schools that serve diverse families and students well. Unfortunately, the federal No Child Left Behind Act has created a system that is confusing and arbitrary.

If a school does not make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), that does not at all mean they are "failing." According to federal law, if a school has 30 students in any one of eight subgroups, and a lower percentage of that subgroup does not meet the standard in either math or reading, then the entire school is labeled as not making AYP. The rest of the school can be succeeding spectacularly and the school is still branded with this label.

This year, 60 percent of schools in the state of Washington did not make AYP, including schools that made the Newsweek list of top high schools in the country. I encourage parents to look much more closely into the data for the total results of a school and to look carefully at their student's results before coming to any conclusions about what AYP means for their school.

There is a more complete Q&A on this subject posted on the school web sites for both Einstein and Redmond Elementary in addition to the link that Bob provided.

Kathryn Reith
Communications Director
Lake Washington School District
kreith@lwsd.org
August 29, 2009 2:36 PM

LETTERS - Einstein and Redmond Elementary School parents struggle with an option to transfer their students.

LETTERS - Redmond El. parent

"You may be interested to know that both Redmond Elementary and Einstein Elementary did not make "Adequate Yearly Progress" under the No Child Left Behind Act for the second year in a row.

Parents at those schools are being offered the option of sending their kids to schools that are not failing. Redmond students were offered the choice of Norman Rockwell or Horace Mann. Einstein students are rumored to have been offered the choice of Norman Rockwell or Wilder. See the Lake Washington School District press release: http://lwsd.org/News/News-and-Announcements/Pages/LWSD-Students-Perform-Well-on-2009-WASL.aspx

The recent principal at Redmond El retired and the district has replaced her with a principal with a reputation of successfully improving schools. Parents at Redmond El are in a position of trying to decide if they should jump off a failing ship or stick it out and keep trying to improve the school."
-- from a Redmond Elementary School parent

Submitted by email: Parent's name has been withheld by request.

LETTERS - Bear sow & cub sighting on Tolt pipeline trail.

LETTERS

Update: I bike the Tolt pipeline trail and I believe any Redmond mountain biker or hiker would want to know about this bear sighting, even if it might be a rumor.

"My husband encountered a mother and cub about half way up the Tolt pipeline trail in the Redmond watershed yesterday around 6pm.

He was biking, and came to an immediate halt when he saw the bears on the trail. Mother stood up on hind legs and growled before running off with baby following."

--anonymously reported today, 8/28, as a comment under my *2008 Hartman Bear Sighting Story. (note comments)

LETTERS - Councilmember Allen urges use of Facebook and Twitter during emergencies.

Social Media urged for notifications during city emergencies.

Hi Bob,

Thanks for bringing this issue forward on your blog. One of the most precious commodities during any emergency is information and it has always been one of my top priorities to keep it coming. My husband and I rode through the Northridge California earthquake near the epicenter with a four year old so and 2 dogs so I have a few "lessons learned" that I have brought forward from that experience. Over the past several years, Redmond has expanded its options to keep in touch with the public during an emergency, including acquiring our own AM radio frequency, expanding use of our website and developing a network to get information out to local businesses where folks are likely to head during an emergency(like Victor's and QFC).

Your suggestion about the use of social networking, like Facebook and Twitter, is an excellent one-especially when the emergency does not involve a power outage. I'm going to urge that we should add that to Redmond's emergency notification "toolbox".

Kim Allen
Redmond Public Health Committee
Redmond City Councilmember
August 28, 2009 8:03 AM

LETTERS: Long time stores are being forced out of Redmond

LETTERS - Email submitted by Gail of Education Hill, 8/27

Hi Bob,

Thanks for the blog, great info for everyone!! I found out some disturbing info regarding stores leaving Redmond.

Kits Camera West and Las Margaritas are being forced out of Redmond. I walked into Kits this am to do some printing and there packing up. Reef Management tells them out. I don't know if there doing exactly what happened at the other end of town. With a new face lift and new stores coming in like TRADER JOES etc. You know we now have NO camera store in Redmond it's like when the Hallmark was forced out because rent was so high. I also heard RITE AID might go away also. Change is good for Redmond but I have seen a lot in 26 yrs living here and I don't like to see the stores that we shop at forced out. Then does the major want us to shop in Kirkland, Bellevue etc.

I am unhappy right now. Thanks for listening! love the blog!!!

--Gail of Education Hill

Redmond is being proactive and in-the-ready for the H1N1 (Swine) Flu.

Mayor John Marchione and Councilmember Kim Allen (on right) breakfast with key Fire and Police personnel in the kitchen of Fire Station #12 on 148th Avenue.

UPDATED: I took this photo during the August 20 Public Safety Committee Meeting. This is the second meeting they've held outside of City Hall. The Council Safety Committee is composed of David Carson (Chair), Kim Allen, and Pat Vache'.

Councilmember Kimberly Allen had requested discussion of two timely items: School Resource Officers (SRO), and Redmond's emergency preparedness for a pandemic swine flu outbreak. Kim was "spot on". One day after the meeting the frightful news of likely widespread Swine Flu outbreaks hit our Nation! Note: Sebelius: Closing schools wouldn't ward off virus - Boston.com   Read More >>

Part Two: 150 citizens protest proposed changes to Woodinville Village.

Awaiting authorization to post citizen reporter's name, emailed 9/27

Part One of my 9/26 Woodinville Village story. (next story down)

Over 150 people attended the meeting last night.

Hopefully there will be an article in the Woodinville Weekly. The proposal was definitely opposed by all those attending, for a variety of reasons. Erin Martindale (Woodinville city planner) will be taking comments; this was an informational meeting, so all comments will be helpful. EMAIL your comments to Erin at: erinm@ci.woodinville.wa.us.

Erin went through the proposed changes to city code, which will actually apply to the entire tourist business district.

These code changes will allow for 60 foot buildings, movie theaters, car
dealerships, 20,000 square foot stores, a much greater type of use than
presently allowed, and only a 10% tree cover, of which the proposal asks that
landscaping plants be considered trees! It also has a large amount of
apartment/timeshare residential component.

From the residents who spoke that knew the history of the site, it became obvious that the construction company is in trouble and trying to find a way out of agreements that have already been signed. The cost of the Hollywood Hills & RED-WOOD roundabout is apparently $9 million so far, and they owe the city a portion of it. The cost to the city for entertaining this proposal will also be considerable. There have been no studies (traffic, environmental, etc.) done on this proposal. The actual proposed code changes were handed out, but not available online. Contact Erin, she has more info!

Here is the link to the Woodinville Planning Commission agenda page: http://woodinville.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=4. Look at the August 19, 2009 agenda for the Woodinville Village proposal for the Tourist Business zone.

Website for Woodinville Village: http://www.woodinvillevillage.com/

Part One: Woodinville Village - Tourism and Agriculture in the Sammamish Valley is up for grabs.

This story was emailed by Barbara Lau, 8/26 Redmond resident.

Hopefully many of you have already heard about the proposed changes to the zoning for the Woodinville Village (formerly "Wine" Village, future car dealership??) This is the property near Tully's and the Hollywood School House. The City of Woodinville planners will be at a town hall meeting at the Sammamish Valley Grange tonight, 8/26, at 7 pm to discuss the changes. If you can't make the meeting you may email your comments to the City of Woodinville at: erinm@ci.woodinville.wa.us

Here is the info received from the Root Connection:

"This area was supposed to be zoned for "tourism" which included some
commercial uses, but with a lot of restrictions. Now the developer would like to
have that changed so that the property will be more valuable. Woodinville is
considering this request. If the changes are allowed, this would mean a higher
density than now is allowed in downtown Woodinville, less tree cover than
anywhere else, buildings up to 65 ft, and uses that could include warehouse
stores (like Costco), home improvement centers (like Home Depot) and other
things such as auto dealerships, warehouses, etc."

The Sammamish Valley Grange will host a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, August 26, from 7-9 pm at 14654 148th NE.

Very few Woodinville residents know about this proposal. It is especially important for the planning commission to hear from Woodinville residents. However, everyone with an interest in keeping the valley as a beautiful rural agriculture valley as it has been designated, should attend this meeting (or email Erin) and let the Planning Commission know their opinion.

This zoning change is very important to the whole Sammamish Valley, as other developers will also want to follow if a precedent is set. If this occurs we could easily be looking at to similar situation to the former agricultural valleys to the south of us, like Tukwila and Kent.
--by Barbara Lau

The Root Connection, http://rootllc.com/
Woodinville Villiage, http://woodinvillevillage.com/

City Contact:
Erin Martindale
City of Woodinville
17301 133rd Avenue NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
425-877-2283
erinm@ci.woodinville.wa.us (email comments to Erin Martindale)
DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS OR OPINION YOU WANT TO SHARE HERE?

View 2009-1010 LWSD Calendars HERE! Available Only Online This Year.

Due to budget cuts, the district will not print and mail a calendar to district families this year. A wall calendar is available to print out in a page-a-month format. BOOKMARK THIS PAGE!

CLICK A LINK AND PRINT YOUR CALENDAR or go directly to the LWSD calendar page.

2009-2010 Page-Per-Month Wall Calendar (color version)
2009-2010 Page-Per-Month Wall Calendar (black and white version)

One Page Sheet Calendars:

2007-2008 Calendar-->
2008-2009 Printable District Calendar-->
2009-2010 Printable District Calendar
2010-2011 Printable District Calendar
2011-2012 Printable District Calendar

Calendars list school holidays, vacations, half days, conferences, LEAP days and semester end dates.

Tandem Online Calendar - a new way to organized family events!

By clicking the above link you will reach a master calendar of all the events at all of the schools in the district.

Learn how to use the Tandem Online Calendar to organize your family’s events

By subscribing to the Tandem Calendar, parents can set up filters so that events from one or more school plus important district dates appear whenever they log in. Events can be downloaded into many electronic calendar systems, such as Outlook, Cozi, iCal, Google Calendar, Yahoo Calendar and more.

Questions? Contact the Webmaster.
LWSD calendar webpage http://www.lwsd.org/About/Pages/District-Calendar.aspx

Special thanks to Kathryn Reith, LWSD Director of Communications, (425) 702-3342.

Geese Xing in Downtown Redmond This Summer.

Heading from the Sammamish River (near Ben Franklin) to graze...

Updated: This Neighborhood Blog is Seeking Volunteers to Report On Redmond Neighborhood News.

REDMOND HAS TEN REPORTING NEIGHBORHOODS

UPDATED: I am seeking neighborhood adult and youth reporters to write for The "Redmond Neighborhood Blog."
News is made every day, in every Redmond neighborhood and this reporter cannot scratch the surface. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to report or comment on local news! Passion for Redmond is the only prerequisite.
Please submit your stories, photos, and video clips for editing and posting. Include your name and neighborhood address. Submissions will not be published without prior written approval.
GOOGLE & YAHOO rank the Redmond Neighborhood Blog the NUMBER ONE "neighborhood blog" in the country (of "neighborhood blogs"). Your stories will be seen and read!
Send your neighborhood stories to my email address at redmondblog@gmail.com.
Thank you!
Bob Yoder
Community Activist, Editor & Publisher
Redmond Neighborhood Blog
425-802-2523

BREAKING NEWS: School Resource Officer Program coverage expands in Redmond.

UPADATED: Breaking news from Councilmemeber David Carson's Public Safety Committee Meeting. - Attended by Bob Yoder

Dave Carson, Chair of the Council's Public Safety Committee held his monthly meeting Thursday morning, 8/30, at Fire Station #12 on 148th Ave. Mr. Carson okayed Councilmember Kim Allen's request to put School Resource Officers (SRO) on the agenda. I attended the meeting.

Mr. Carson and the Mayor announced Lake Washington School District (LWSD) has authorized a third SRO for better coverage of Rose Hill JH, Redmond JH, and Redmond High School. SRO coverage will no longer be split between Rose Hill and Redmond Junior Highs. Each junior high school will now have their own officer. Redmond High School will continue to have their own SRO.

Mayor Marchione said "internal redeployment" within the Police Department will not require hiring an additional employee. Citizens approved funding for these three SRO's in the last Public Safety levy but LWSD only recently gave the green light to staff both Junior Highs. According to Councilmember Allen, it will take a month or so to re-order Redmond officers to make it happen.

As last year's Chairman of the Pubic Safety Committee, Ms. Allen has been pushing for additional SRO coverage at Redmond's schools. Allen stated yesterday, "I want us to get out ahead on these things because the community will want to know as school starts up."

Ken Wong, staff director of the Teen Center, works closely with he SRO's. A third SRO will add continuity and better connection of students with their SRO's.

Ms. Kim Allen is running for re-election of her Council Seat #4 in November. (Ms. Chen filed for the position on the last day of registration.)

CONTACT:
Kim Allen
Redmond City Councilmember, #4
kim@kimonthecouncil.com
http://www.kimonthecouncil.com/
Website: Cops for the Cure, Register: to join and or donate to Kim's Team.
425-894-8237

Part II: Is the Redmond Senior Center coming to life?

Part Two of a Series on the Redmond Senior Center.

UPDATED, 8/22: On August 10, I published a story on the Redmond Senior Center. The story focused on my 45 minute "snapshot" visit to the Center where I discovered:

1. abundant, quality active recreation facilities appearing mostly idle or unused e.g. pickleball, billiards, greenhouse gardening, horseshoes, volleyball, boceball, badmitton, croquet and shuffleboard. Four ping pong tables and Wii were in use.
   
2. If you are over 49 years of age you qualify as "Senior"! Seniors living outside city limits are welcome.
   
3. BONUS: 18 year olds and up may use the faciliites when accompanied by an adult over 49.

As the saying goes, "a fifty year old is now forty and 60 years is now 50"; so the Center facilities should have wider appeal to many of the "younger" residents in our neighborhoods. Unfortunatley, not many citizens know about these family fun game activities. The stigmatism of age further aggravates utilization. I'll report on this

Since posting my August 10 story, the Administration appears eager to activate the community. Last week, Mayor Marchione launched a "First Friday Coffee Chat" informational program at the Center where various city officials will discuss city happenings once a month. Marchione will introduce the first chat program on Friday, 9/4. In addition this month, the city revamped and updated their Redmond Senior Center website page. And, Parks staff presented a review of the copious Senior Center programs to Chair Myers' Council Parks Committee.

The opening monthly Coffee Chat will be held by Mayor Marchione on Friday, September 4, 10-11am at the Redmond Senior Center (8703 160th Ave. NE) in the Fireplace Lounge. Free refreshments are sponsored by The Creekside. The announcement didn't say which age groups were welcome - so the chats are probably for Seniors and 18+ only. Directors from Public Works, Police, and Human Services will give 1st Friday chats monthly. With the Administration now taking active interest the Center, the pickleball, volleyball, and other outdoor recreational facilities may get greater use - especially by passing Sammamish Trail users.

The Administration has a vested interested in keeping the Senior Center vibrant. Doreen Marchione was Redmond's mayor in 1990 when the Senior Center was first built. (Doreen is our Mayor's mother.) In addition, present councilmembers Cole, McCormick, and Vache were in office at the time the Center opened. Councilmember Cole recently recommended seed money to start a "sinking fund" to re-build the Senior Center. Cole considers a new Senior Center building as a "legacy building". The Center's roots grow deep.

Senior Center activities and programs are guided by an 11 member Citizen Advisory Committee. Term limits are two years. If you'd like to participate, call 425-727-7274. Volunteers aged 50-59 are probably scarce and needed. Young adult advisors, too? The Redmond Historical Society plans to attract a younger set. Perhaps they could work together.

FIRST FRIDAY CHAT POSTER: http://docs.google.com/Edit?docid=dftpp8st_2fsccvcff)

ONLINE USER GUIDE TO PROGRAMS AND FACILITIES, Dated 2002. Update is needed? http://www.redmond.gov/insidecityhall/parksrec/recreation/seniorsuserguide.aspUPDATED

NEW WEBSITE PAGE ON THE SENIOR CENTER http://www.redmond.gov/insidecityhall/parksrec/recreation/seniors.asp

What every LWSD college-bound student should know about ACT scores.

My daughter is a Senior at Redmond High School and is applying to colleges. A college admissions officer she visited, advised it's easier to get a good score on the ACT than the SAT. What do you think about this generalization? Below are excerpts from a recent LWSD press release about Lake Washington School District ACT rankings.

Lake Washington School District ACT Scores Continue to Rise. While national mean scores for college-bound seniors remained generally flat in 2009, Lake Washington School District (LWSD) students scored higher on all four ACT tests (English, Mathematics, Reading and Science).

The district’s average composite score rose in 2009 to 25.1, compared to the state average of 22.8 (down .3), and the national average of 21.1

Average 2009 scores for Lake Washington students were 25.4 in Reading and 24.4 in Science and 24.9 in English. State scores averaged 23.5 in Reading and 22.1 in Science. National scores averaged 21.4 in Reading and 20.9 in Science.

The ACT College Readiness Benchmark Scores are the minimum score needed on an ACT subject-area test to indicate a 50 percent chance of getting a B or better or about a 75 percent chance of getting a C or better in the college course that corresponds to that subject.

>>Seventy-seven percent of district students met the college-readiness benchmark in reading, up four percent from last year. That compares to 66 percent statewide.

>>Fifty-nine percent of district students met the science benchmark, up 3% for the year compared to 38% statewide.English scores remained the same, as 92 percent of Lake Washington students met the benchmark.

>>51 percent of all LWSD students who took the ACT met all four college-readiness benchmarks, compared to one-third statewide.

Press Release, 8/16/09 Kathryn Reith, Director of Communications (425) 702-3342 or (425) 214-6115

What does Tent City mean to us?

"Main Street" in Tent City 4, Saint Jude's Catholic Church, Redmond

UPDATED: Early last week, I decided to bike over to Tent City (TC4) for a final good-bye. It was gone! Stakes pulled. No blue tents or honey pots, no litter, and that pervasive smell of stale sweat, finally lost to the breeze. Living four blocks away, we never noticed they had left.

They had departed as quietly as they arrived. Nomadic wanderers. How different this TC-4 is from two years ago. No hoop-tee-doos, or three ring circuses, no dog and pony shows, or City court. They came from Woodinville, they went, that's it. Have you heard different?

Tent City-4 left Redmond on August 1. They've moved to Holy Spirit Lutheran in Kirkland (Juanita) for the next three months. According to Father Rogerson of St. Judes Church, TC-4 averaged around 90 residents with a peak of 100. Business at TC-4 'was good' this year as foreclosures 'hit home'.

Community support came out in mass. Student volunteers, scouts, businesses, church groups, non profits, sports teams, neighbors all showed up to pitch in. Father Rogerson said Parishioners are already asking when St. Jude will host again. His understanding with the city is that "we would do this no more often than once a year. So it will be that long at least."

I'm glad our community can support the homeless, even if it is near our schools and in the middle of our neighborhoods; and is political. It was hard at first, but it seems they do no harm, and we learn from the experience and a little bit more about ourselves. After my visits, I feel melancholic. Others feel differently. The place is mostly a harbor for the lonely and forsaken; a few use it to their end. Rick, my younger brother, probably could have benefited from living from a shelter. He died alone and isolated in a Florida apartment, weakened from a co-morbidity no fault of his own. Rick's isolation was probably what killed him in the end.

Father Rogerson quotes two Gospel verses in St. Jude's consideration to host Tent City-4: Matthew 5:3 and Matthew 25.40. FAQ

Remember to mail your ballot in TODAY!

Today (8/18) is the last remaining days to vote!

Vote today by mail (only) for the next King County Executive and two Port Commissioners!

VISIT HERE FOR VOTER RESOURCES AND MY ENDORSEMENT...

The Seattle Times says "The sky is falling on King County government," and adds that "the next leader must have the guts and experience to move the county beyond its structural and self-inflicted budget woes." And PubliCola says "It's time for voters to demand major changes in the top spot at King County."

Mayor Marchione To Visit Schools, Teaching Groundwater Protections

If you are a regular Redmond Neighborhood Blog reader you know the importance and value of protecting Redmond's groundwater. Approximately, 40% of our city drinking water comes from "sandy, underground lakes and streams" known as aquifers. Citizens living in Education Hill, SE Redmond, the Downtown, and North Redmond all drink treated, underground water pumped up from 5 city wells.

I discovered an entertaining short cartoon video about 'groundwater' and it's importance and value to us. It is directed to kids and teachers but many parents and youth will be engaged by the animation. Click the link to see it!

Mayor John Marchione plans to visit various Redmond elementary schools this year, according to his interview on RCTV last month. I believe he'll start off at Norman Rockwell, the school he attended in his youth. Perhaps, "Mayor John" will bring this groundwater video to the attention of the teachers and students during his school visits.

Many thanks to the Water Tenders, a leader of Redmond's Derby Days "Green Team". The video is posted on their website: http://watertenders.org/. My daughter Lexie, Pam and I are proud members,

Children's video on "groundwater". http://www.leapingmedia.com/groundwater.html
Water Tenders website: http://watertenders.org/
Meet the Mayor - 2nd interview: http://rctv.redmond.gov/ondemand/inside0709b.wmv

-- posted by Yoder

Land Use in Redmond - Interpreting the Application Notice of a 43 acre parcel in Redmond.

OPINION : SECOND IN A SERIES: In spite of the current weakened state of our local real estate market, the City's Land Use Neighborhood Map reveals continued development of large scale residential projects in our neighborhoods. Below, is edited example of a land use application for a 43 acre parcel currently under review. Mr. John Baumann, proponent, has applied to build 142 homes, 8 duplexes, and 77 cottages on 4.66 acres of this large parcel in North Redmond. The parcel is zoned R-4.

Disclaimer: City Land Use Notices are "wonkish" so to help you read it, I've abbreviated and edited this Notice and highlighted important information in red and personal annotations in brown. At this time, you may still participate in the review process of this Project. For a list of other Applications under review visit: http://redmond.gov/cityservices/landuseapps.asp

LAND USE NEIGHBORHOOD MAP: Click for comprehensive breakdown of all land use projects by Neighborhood

PROJECT NAME: GREYSTONE MANOR PRD
PROPONENT (owner, agent and/or developer) : BAUMANN JOHN, HEARTLAND SIGNATURE HOMES, Woodinville, WA.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION DATE: 04/17/2009
COMMENTS DUE DATE: 05/08/09 (Don't be mislead -- It's still not to late to send comments or sign up for to participate in Public Meetings, Appeals, and Mailing List Updates for this project)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
SUBDIVISION AND CONSTRUCTION OF 142 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES, 8 DUPLEXES, 77 COTTAGES WITH
ASSOCIATED ROADS, UTILITIES, OPEN SPACE AND FRONTAGE
IMPROVEMENTS ON 4.66 ACRES OF LAND. Total parcel size is 43.66 acres. Zoned R4

THE APPLICATION INCLUDES THE PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT (PRD)FILE NUMBER L090100 (The City is doing away with PRD permitting, so am not sure why this project has one.)

PROJECT LOCATION: NE 116TH ST & 159TH AVE NE .
APPLICATION DATE: 03/30/2009
SIZE OF SUBJECT AREA IN ACRES: 43.66 acres SQ. FT: 19,018,300
ZONING: R4
Single-Family Urban

A Public Hearing is required, however a date has yet to be determined. A Public Hearing Notice will be sent in the future. If you are interested in participating in this Project it's best you email the project planner, Asma Jeelani ajeelani@redmond.gov right away to get on the Mailing list. Or contact sfischer@redmond.gov

REQUIRED PERMITS:
Binding Site Plan Building Permit(s)/Misc. Public Works Preliminary Plat (The Hearing Examiner (land use lawyer) makes this Plat Decision - It is the most important Decision to participate in to improve the Project).
Planned Residential Development (City council makes this Decision)

REQUIRED STUDIES:
Geologic Hazard Report, Stormwater Report, Stream Reconnaissance
Traffic Analysis, Tree Health Assessment, Wetland Study
Wildlife Study, SEPA Environmental Checklist

APPLICABLE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS: Comments are accepted up until close of public hearing. In addition, persons who want to be informed of future actions or would like to become a party of record on this proposal should provide their name and address to the project planner. The final decision on this proposal may be appealed according to the City appeal provisions specified in Section 20F, Administration and Procedures. To be put on the mailing list for information on Public Hearing and Meeting dates for this project call or email the City project planner, Asma Jeelani ajeelani@redmond.gov with your comments, name and address. Submit written comments or Email to Ms. Ajeelani to be added as a legal "Party of Record". Being a Party of Record will entitle you to be on the Mailing List, participate in all Hearing Meetings, some Community Meetings, and Appeals. Your participation may help to improve the project outcome.

The project planner, Asma Jeelani, may be reached at 425-556-2443, or e-mail ajeelani@redmond.gov. Principal Planner Steve Fischer sfischer@redmond.gov may also be of assistance. Refer to: FILE NUMBER: L090099 PERMIT TYPE: Planning Type III, Preliminary Plat.

Greystone Manor Vicinity Map; Notice of Application; (the source of this entry)
The Process Flow Chart - helps you understand the Project Review steps and identify when you can participate.
Initial submittal 03/30/2009 of the Site Plan Map
Initial submittal 03/30/2009 of the tree Preservation Plan Map
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Public Notice Posting Requirements
Yellow Public Notice Signs: The City provides public notice signs to applicants within two weeks of application submittal. Applicants are responsible for posting these signs on-site. This link provides detail regarding these posting requirements. The yellow signs are used mainly for Notice of Application, SEPA decisions, and Hearing Notices.
Large White Sign : For applications requiring public hearings, an applicant is required to obtain a sign from a vendor and install it on-site. These signs (4x8 feet) are larger than the yellow signs. The applicant is responsible for installing the sign at least two weeks before a hearing.

An Affidavit of Posting is required from the applicant.

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Downtown Center offers: volleyball, billiards, pickleball, ping pong, horsehoes, and Wii !

The Redmond "un-Senior" Center slideshow

UPDATE: First in a Series on the Senior Center. While bicycling the Sammamish Trail this week I noticed some well-kept Pickle Ball Courts next to the Redmond Senior Center. H E L L O !!! I had no idea the "Senior Center" had this kind of quality, active recreation facility. So I came back the next day with my camera and quizzed the attending staff to learn more!

The most important piece of information I found was about access to the Center.

• A "senior" is considered 50 years or older and is welcome anytime.
• Youth 18 years of age and older may use the facilities when accompanied by a "senior".
• Residents living outside Redmond city limits may use the facilities.

After walking around the Center for 40 minutes I became very excited about the active recreational opportunities of the Center for my entire family:

During my 3:45 -4:30pm "snapshot" visit,

• 5 ping pong tables(Table Tennis) were in use!
• Three seniors were playing WII golf. (A WII bowling league meets weekly).
• No one was on the Pickleball Court. (2 courts)
• One lady came back to the Center after a group trip to La Conner.
• No one was playing volleyball.
• No one was playing billiards (3 tables!)
• No one was was working the green house soil.
• One bike was in the rack.
• 19 people had signed-in for the day

What a wonderful active recreational opportunity the City has given us and so few appear to use it. The Sammamish Bike Trail is only a few yards away, so it's not like citizens don't know about it. My guess is, most passersby think the facilities are a private club or are meant exclusively for "Seniors" (over 55). Some may may dwell on the "age stigma".

Any way you slice it, this place has some cool stuff going on.... See you at "the Center" for a game of pool? ping pong? pickle ball? volleyball? horseshoes? My daughter turns 18 in weeks!

Sign-in at the Front Desk (and introduce yourself to the staff on your first visit) & put your tax dollars to work!! OPEN: M,T,W,Th 8:30am-9pm. F 8:30 - 4:30pm CLOSED: on weekends for weddings, private parties, etc. Pickleball and volleyball may or may be available on weekends?

The Center is managed by the City Parks & Rec. Department. Contact: Wanda Sweeney, Program Coordinator, Senior Center, wsweeney@redmond.gov , 425-556-2365 or Terri Burke, Manager, tburke@redmond.gov , 425-556-2342 or kphillips@redmond.gov, Rental Coordinator. The Center is located next the Public Safety Building, 8703 16oth Ave. NE. Ask about the Citizen (Senior) Advisory Committee. City Web Page.

King County Election endorsements & resources

OPINION: According to a county candidate running in the Primary election, only 4% of the completed ballots have been mailed in, as of August 7. This is the first year all voting will take place by mail, with ballots postmarked by August 18.

Below, is a listing of the entire King County Voter's Guide, for your convenience. I urge you to vote; and even if you are short a penny or two on stamps, I believe your ballot will be counted. I am endorsing all the county candidates you see in bold. My endorsements are founded on: King County Muni League recommendations, Seattle Times endorsements, The Voter's Guide and my personal study and experience with candidates.

On our local level, I have a special fondness for Ross Hunter from the action he took as State Finance Chair to press for funding the restoration of Bear Creek during SR520 widening. Ross coordinated funding with the City of Redmond, W.S.D.O.T., and King Conservation District to fund the State project. The result: Severe flood hazards on SR520 and to Redmond's commercial flood plain are mitigated, and Federally Listed Chinook salmon protections are sustained. In addition, Ross is a fiscal conservative and just the person we need to find answers to the County's debt crisis. (scroll down for my his "Top 10 numbers...." story). His pragmatism makes room for passing and funding critical programs that, for example, improve public safety and health safeguards for those involuntarily committed for brain disorders....something near and dear to me.

I hope you'll take a few minutes to vote this week. I hope the resources on this blog help you.

Regards,
Bob Yoder

Watch the entire Video Voters Guide or watch portions of the Guide:

Introduction

King County Executive Introduction
Larry Phillips Fred Jarrett Stan Lippmann Alan Lobdell Susan Hutchison Dow Constantine Ross Hunter Goodspaceguy

Metropolitan King County Council Introduction
Council District 9 Mark Greene Beverly Harison Tonda Reagan Dunn (not in Redmond's District)

Port of Seattle Introduction
Commissioner Position No. 3 Rob Holland David Doud Al Yuen
Commissioner Position No. 4 Juan Paraiso - was unable or chose not to participate Max Vekich Tom Albro Robert Walker

NO on I-1033
YES on Charter Open Space Amendment #4

Closing

If you have not received your ballot, or need a replacement sent to you, contact King County Elections right away to have your ballot mailed with enough time for you to vote and return it by the August 18 deadline. Voters with questions about their registration or the August 18 primary can call 206-296-VOTE or visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections

My source for the King County Voter Guide is Rob Butcher's "KirklandViews".

King County Video Voter Guide for August primary now available online & on TV
Posted using ShareThis

City's Land Use Map informs neighbors about "what is going on"?

OPINION: Significant neighborhood residential land use projects are underway, despite the current state of our distressed real estate market (and new downtown condos and apartments). This is the first of a series of entries addressing land use development in Redmond.

The Neighborhood "Land Use" Map is one of the more popular links to redmond.gov on this blog site. It contains a lot of interesting and helpful information to "find out what's going on" in your neighborhood and in other communities in Redmond.

The Neighborhood Land Use Map link is: http://redmond.gov/intheworks/intheworks.asp

A few projects of interest from the Neighborhood Map are listed below. As of today, all of these projects are under review and the public may participate in them by contacting the City Development office. Jim Roberts jroberts@redmond.gov or Steve Fischer sfischer@redmond.gov might be of assistance.

LAND USE APPLICATIONS:

Costco - L080457 188th Ave. NE and NE 76th St (one of 3 applications)
Vicinity Map; Notice of Application; Process Flow Chart (NEW!) Public Hearing is required.

Site Plan - Initial submittal 11/18/2008
Tree Preservation Plan - Initial submittal 11/18/2008 (NEW!)

Additional Project Notices:

Notice of Public Hearing - Hearing Examiner Notice of Public Hearing - City Council

DOWNTOWN:

Capital Improvement Projects (CIP): View projects which use tax dollars to implement

Development Updates:

Downtown Projects: Connecting Community & Status Reports on Planning Projects

Traffic Cameras: Select a live view for your area
Transportation/Connecting Redmond:

Downtown transportation projects & Downtown Redmond Parking Study

Greystone Manor PRD :

142 Single Family Homes, 8 Duplexes, 77 Cottages - Approximate 5 acre footprint on a 43.66 acre parcel in N. Redmond, Zoned R-4

A Public Hearing is required and is not yet scheduled. (To sign up or comment contact Steve Fischer, Principal Planner, sfischer@redmond.gov)

L090099, Preliminary Plat - L090100, Planned Residential Development SEPA File #L090101 16020 NE 116th Street

Vicinity Map; Notice of Application; Process Flow Chart (NEW!)
Site Plan submittal 03/30/2009
Tree Preservation Plan submittal 03/30/2009 (NEW!)

Government Guide

The City of Redmond Government Guide (pdf) is available to help answer some of the questions of how the City's government works including duties and responsibilities of Boards and Commissions, the City Council and the Hearing Examiner. The Guide also defines land-use terms and the Public Hearing process. Select these links to view the website pages for the City Council, Planning Commission, or the Hearing Examiner.

---- Kimberly Allen, councilmember and past planning commissioner, co-edited this Guide with staff. (Kim is currently employed as a Kitsap County Hearing Examiner. )

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King County Awards Nine Redmond Businesses "Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction"

Redmond Businesses and Organizations Recognized

Redmond, WA – King County’s Solid Waste Division has named nine Redmond business and organizations to the third-annual Best Workplaces for Recycling & Waste Reduction, a list of 65 organizations this year. These King County workplaces are recognized for strong internal recycling programs and for their commitment to reducing the amount of waste their companies produce.

To qualify as a "Best Workplace", organizations must meet at least 10 out of 33 good business recycling practices—choices that range from placing recycling bins by every desk, to collecting food scraps for on or off-site composting, to having internal ‘green teams’ supporting the businesses’ programs.

The businesses and organizations in Redmond recognized for 2009 are:

City of Redmond
Accents Et cetera
Emerald Heights
FCS GROUP
Honeywell International
Lake Washington School District
Noetix Corporation
PCC Natural Markets
Thinkspace

“King County is pleased to see the list of Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction grow from year to year,” said Sharon Aller, King County program manager for the campaign.

Mayor John Marchione added, “These businesses and organizations put extra effort into reusing, reducing and recycling, which helps keep Redmond and the Puget Sound cleaner and greener. We are proud they do business here in Redmond.”

To learn more about what these businesses are doing to improve recycling programs, visit www.kingcounty.gov/recyclemore.

C.O.R. Press Release, 8/4: CONTACT: Marta Gronlund Voice: 425-556-2427

BIKE BOX !!

Updated, 8/5: The City Council and staff briefly discussed BIKE BOXES at their last meeting. Could they be persuaded by public opinion to try a demonstration BIKE BOX? I don't know.

The BIKE BOX is an intersection safety design to prevent bicycle/car collisions. The main goal of a BIKE BOX is to prevent collisions between motorists turning right and cyclists going straight. It's all about visibility and awareness. At a red light, cyclists are more visible to motorists by being in front of them. At a green light, the green bike lane through the intersection reminds motorists and cyclists to watch for each other. Click the page title for a fun instructional video.

Portland has extensive experience with BIKE BOXES. Find Portland's tips, literature, videos here.

In high drama, this video clip describes how it works. (click the page title "BIKE BOX!!" for a more conventional, instructional video). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx5D5CtmvTk&feature=player_embedded

According to Joel Pfundt, City Principal Transportation Planner, the BIKE BOX concept is being considered by staff but Mr. Pfundt feels Redmond doesn't have enough cyclists to justify this safety measure. If you think it's a good concept and would like to see a BIKE BOX demoed and at work on an intersection in Redmond contact the Chairman, Arnold T. of the PED/BIKE Advisory Committee or jpfundt@redmond.gov

Also contact kallen@redmond.gov , hmargeson@redmond.gov, or hmyers@redmond.gov . They are three councilmembers who ride bikes or have a relationship with the PED/BIKE Committee.

SUMMERTIME BREAK !!

An overdue Summertime Break from this Blog and the Heat....

"Sun Screen" commencement address, narrated in English.


Rated "totally cool" on FaceBook by a distiguished Redmond councilmember.
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Thanks to my nephew, Tucker Dearth, for posting this on FaceBook.

Become a "FACEBOOK FAN".

The Man behind the Numbers (besides his boss)

Opinion: The City Council Meeting of 7/28 had some interesting moments, even though I had to watch it "On Demand" at http://www.redmond.gov/ . A few of the issues discussed were:

• How to prepare for a $656 Million shortfall (over 50 years) for constructing and repairing new municipal buildings e.g. for the Police, the Senior Center, the Old Redmond School House and others. YES! if you don't believe the number, contact mayor@redmond.gov.


• Deciding if the revenues from the "sales tax on construction" will be deposited into the General Operating fund (Mayor's choice) or the Capital Improvement fund. (Council's choice).


• the "Biddy" tax. It's a tax on businesses for making required transportation improvements. I can't spell the "Biddy" acronym so I won't jabber on.


• Increase transfers from the General Operating to Capital Fund beyond the traditional 5% amount? Most say, yes.

MEETING DYNAMIC: During the Council and Mayoral conversations and presentations by staff, an interesting dynamic was observed. Since most of the meeting was about the Capital Improvement Fund (CIP) the Finance & Information Services Director (Mike Bailey) gave the initial presentation. It was his usual "wonkish" delivery where he endlessly "fumbles" and "mutters" about his data and the process. But, then, oddly, the Mayor acted wonkish, too. He had glasses on (glasses?) and got really technical with the financials. Normally, Mr. Mayor doesn't take on a defined administrative role....the Mayor is usually quiet, may reinforce the main points and doesn't get involved with Council's deliberations. At the end of deliberations Mr. Bailey didn't mumble, fumble or bumble. Rather, Mr. Bailey summed up council's main points with stunning conciseness, clarity, financial acumen and pointed attention to council politics. He recommended Council not make a decision tonight but send the CIP topics to "committee". Richard Cole's "Council committee", said the Mayor. Done.

THE TAKE HOME: How refreshing to observe the Finance Director's intelligence in action, LIVE on camera. And Mr. Mayor's presence was anything but diminished. Transparency is enlightening. The Finance Director is NOT the bumbling, muttering bureaucrat wearing the green visor of a bean counter we may think. He's an ACE and we thank MR. MAYOR for hiring him. Let it shine, oh, let it shine!

New Street Stormwater Drain Markers Warn Against Dumping.

NEW CURB MARKER? DO WE WANT THESE ON OUR CURBS?

Opinion: Have you seen these environmental "curb markers" next to your street storm drains? I found them on three street drains on NE 100th Street. The City may be doing a test market or complete citywide campaign to improve warning signage. I don't know which, but I like what they are doing so far. Would you like these?

When I first moved here, I had no idea that street drains dumped their stuff into Bear Creek and the Sammamish River! I thought it all went into the sewer. Some of the more common bad stuff is: non degradable car wash soaps, lawn fertilizer, insecticides, weed killers, and even gas and engine oils and paint. The curb markers are a good reminders to keep these nasty chemicals away from street drains.

I think the best "no dumping" public announcement the City has done (besides these markers) is the hilarious advertisement they show on RCTV - Channel 21. They show a guy washing his car with soapy water and then superimpose the image over a rushing stream. The idea being: washing your car in your driveway is synonymous to washing it in stream. The City then recommended going to a car wash instead of washing at home, because it's less polluting and uses less water. I almost felt guilty, but then made sure I was washing with non-phosphate soaps all the time. I'm sure the 8 car wash businesses in Redmond like the TV promotion.

The Curb Markers are made by a company in the USA. (800-549-6024). The company posts success stories on how their markers are installed by students for educational and scientific gain. I wonder if a Redmond teacher or PTSA Board would pick up on this?

The Curb Markers come with a FROG or FISH design. Do you have any preference? It took me a while but I decided I like the frog 'cause they used to live in street drains when I was a kid.

Curb Marker website: http://www.dasmanufacturing.com/stories.html

Redmond Car Washes: http://local.yahoo.com/WA/Redmond/Automotive/Car+Washes