LETTER: School Zones, Speed Limits and Crosswalks on Education Hill, By Susan Wilkins

Letter from Susan Wilkins, a PTSA volunteer and resident of Redmond.

I have been working on bus transportation for Horace Mann. I got mail from [LWSD Deputy Superintendent] Janene Fogard that said Title 1 funds could not be used on non-AYP transportation so Horace Mann students were not allowed to ride the Einstein or Redmond El buses. I have been reading Title 1, Part A documentation and there is a lot to read to familiarize myself with the details.

I couldn't find any documents that said or could be interpreted to mean that Horace Mann students weren't allowed to ride in surplus seats on AYP buses. I sent email to Ms. Fogard to ask her to clarify what she meant and where this rule is cited. I haven't heard back.

The attached article came about as a response to [neighbor] Paige Norman questioning the varying speed limits and school zones along 166th at the end of one of my letters. I had read so much about traffic and crosswalks while researching the NE 116th Street crosswalk and speed cameras, that I decided to organize my thoughts and explain what I had found.  I hope people find it interesting: 

###

"School Zones, Speed Limits and Crosswalks on Education Hill", By Susan Wilkins

We have a lot of schools on Education Hill – a high school, a junior high, five elementary schools and numerous preschools. We also have a variety of street signs and zones surrounding the schools, but there is a lack of uniformity in how the signs and zones are assigned. While going through official documents pertaining to school safety and crosswalks and making observations in the neighborhood, I have found that the implementation of school zones and speed limit signs appears to be uneven, inconsistent, overused and possibly misused on Education Hill.  Read More >>

Taped Highlights from the September 27 School Board Meeting

September 27, 2010 Regular Board Meeting

Superintendent Chip Kimball announced $42,469 PTSA donations this month, including a $27,299 donation from Wilder PTSA to Wilder El.  Click on the video link for all donations. 

Superintendent Chip Kimball appears to be inviting more staff members more often to present at Board meetings.  Conversation amongst Board Members is more dynamic, engaged, and purposeful.  President Pendergrass is running this meeting efficiently and openly with more attention to protocol. 

Read More>>

Police Results of Prescription Drug "Take-Back" Day in Redmond

Redmond, WA – On Saturday, September 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Redmond Police collected controlled, non-controlled, and over the counter medications—no questions asked.

The event was a partnership with Redmond Public Works - Department of Natural Resources and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as part of the first nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” initiative.

There were 131 participants who dropped off drugs filling three boxes with a gross total weight (containers included) of 149 pounds.

Police personnel who staffed the event reported that the participants all provided positive and encouraging comments about the opportunity to safely dispose of their un-used medications.

By Charles E. Gorman, RPD

National "Take-Back Drug" Event In Redmond A Big Success!

Redmond Police Lobby Take-Back 

You may notice unwanted pharmaceuticals accumulating in your cabinet with "no place to go".   Recently, the State Attorney General said we are not to flush pharmaceuticals.  Yet, throwing them in the trash contaminates ground water; and they are a drug abuser's delight.   So how do we safely dispose of our unwanted pharmaceuticals?  The City of Redmond is working hard on this! 

Last Saturday, City Police participated  in a National "Take Back Drug" program with the Drug Enforcement Agency.  According to the two police officers on duty in the Public Safety Building Lobby the event was a success; over 100 citizens dropped off their unwanted pharmaceuticals.  When I visited a half hour before closing, the police pointed to a large brown box (18 inches X 48 inches) completely filled with drugs - going to the incinerator.

The National Take Back Program is a once a year event.   But, other local organizations will take-back your drugs.   The Sammamish Police Department has a lock-box and accepts controlled drugs.  Group Health - Redmond (425-882-6150) and Bartell Drug - Bridal Trails (425-881-5544) take-back all but controlled drugs.  A Group Health -Redmond pharmacist recommended mixing the controlled drugs with water and coffee grounds. 

Sherry Grindeland, spokesperson for Evergreen (Public) Hospital says Evergreen  won't take-back drugs for the community, writing: 

"Hospitals have to follow certain protocols when they discard outdated drugs. We are required by law to have them destroyed and it is quite expensive. (I didn't ask exact amount.) We give them to a company that specializes in this and they're incinerated at extremely high temperatures.

The pharmacists I talked to said the best way to dispose of drugs was to mix them with kitty litter --- USED kitty litter - and put them in your household trash. Yuk!"  7/23

Read More >>

Q&A: Why Microsoft surrendered 7 million blogs to WordPress.com

Q&A: Why Microsoft surrendered 7 million blogs to WordPress.com:

"Microsoft surprised many people in the tech community today when it announced plans to end work on its 6-year-old Windows Live Spaces blogging platform, helping its users migrate to the rival WordPress.com.

More surprising: The arrangement comes with no financial compensation, no marketing agreements, and no commitments that WordPress.com use Windows Live ID or Microsoft's Windows Azure cloud-computing platform.

So why do it?" Read More >>

By Todd Bishop
TechFlash

LETTER: Should Year-Round Schooling be an option for managing LW District growth?

Richard Morris and Sadie

 Before we moved to Redmond, my family lived in a number of states due to military duty. Colorado Springs used a year-round school schedule to reduce overcrowding in its schools. In a nutshell, our school facilities sit idle for approximately 12 weeks during the summer break. Year-round scheduling utilizes that 12 week break by implementing multi-track schedules. 

Year-Round School is the scheduling of educational institutions so that students take class throughout the entire calendar year. A motivation is that higher student throughput is accomplished via more effective scheduling of school resources. Year round schedules deliver the same number of total days of classroom education and vacation as traditional calendars, distributed differently throughout the year. Funding considerations favor multi-tracking students, which allows more students to use the same number of classrooms, instead of constructing entirely new schools. Some institutions use this method to relieve overcrowding in some of the larger schools.

Advocates claim that year-round calendars help students achieve higher and allow teachers to provide more effective education. Reports from the California State Department Of Education show that standardized reading test scores increased 19.3% for year-round grade school students[1] and that a greater number of year-round students met state score objectives than those on traditional schedules[1]. Conversely, opponents insist that year-round education is detrimental to student learning. Some school board officials and studies indicate negative impacts of schedule changes and year-round education. Lawsuits have even been filed against various school districts to block or ban year-round calendars,[2] charging that year-round education is "harmful to students."
 
By Richard Morris
Education Hill - Redmond
i Phone Photo by Yoder

LWSD Overcrowding input session schedule:
Tuesday, September 28, Eastlake High School, 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, September 30, Juanita High School, 6-8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 6, L.E. Scarr Resource Center, Redmond Town Center, 5:00-7:30 p.m.

80 Rose Hill area parents and youth turn out for the Hartman weed-pull!

See the long, brown, linear band of dirt where the weeds were pulled?

Correction:  I've been advised a large group of workers at this event was not reported.  My apologies. Laura Svancarek informs me she set up extra credit for Ms. Marsh's Honors Bio-Chem classes at Redmond High and they accounted for the large influx of youth volunteers.  Laura is a Land Steward and reports she and another Hartman Land Steward, Alvin Loong ran the event.   Laura and Alvin are Juniors at Redmond High.  Laura reports, "We walked among the volunteers and helped them with individual questions regarding plant identification and what they should be doing, and were continually finding new places for the volunteers to work as they removed the blackberries from each area."  Thank you, Laura.  10/05/2010    

Saturday was a beautiful day to work in the forest!  A large group of volunteers from the Rose Hill area spent 3+ hours on Saturday pulling weeds in the Hartman Greenbelt on 176th Ave. NE.   The neighbors across the street were obviously smiling.  Some may have pitched in.      

The turn-out was huge.  Over 80 volunteers showed up for this Cascade Conservancy "GreenRedmond" event.  Many were from Kirkland.   Students from Rose Hill J.H.were out in force, earning school credit for their work.  But, perhaps the largest contingent of  "urban foresters" were scouts from two Kirkland LDS wards.  Jim Balkman greeted the workers while Jeff Burnham, President of the Kirkland LDS Stake (six wards) pitched in - literally!   Some weed piles were almost five feet tall. 

A hard-working maintenance supervisor from the City of Redmond appeared to be running the whole show.  The Land Steward couldn't make it that day, and Councilmember Myers infamous bicycle and clippers were not to be seen.   But, the volunteers did just fine!  

Report and Photo by Yoder

The Municipal League of King County opposes proposed County sales tax increase.

Election Day in Tuesday, November 2.

Seattle – Today the Municipal League of King County released recommendations on six proposals that will appear on the November general election ballot. Notably, the League is opposing the proposed King County sales tax increase.

Read More >>  for complete findings from the League’s review.  In summary, the League made the following recommendations:

· SUPPORT: King County Charter Amendment No. 1 to specify the local and regional role of county government,

· SUPPORT: King County Charter Amendment No. 2 to change the way political candidates file campaign finance materials,

· NO POSITION: King County Charter Amendment No. 3 to grant the Sheriff authority to bargain working conditions,

· OPPOSE: King County Proposition 1, which authorizes King County to impose an additional sales tax (two-tenths of one percent) to fund criminal justice services,

“These were not easy decisions,” said League Co-Chair Kathy Elias. “The sales tax proposal was an especially difficult issue. However, our Committee felt that the County should demonstrate significant progress on the road to reform before asking voters to approve additional taxing authority.”  Read More >>

MudBay Grand Opening at Bella Bottega - a howl of a good time!

Neighbors at MudBay Grand Opening in Bella Bottega

Saturday was a beautiful day to run around town, with lots to see and do!  MudBay's pet store "for healthy dogs and cats" celebrated their Grand Opening at Bella Bottega, in their little "village" of tents.

A crowd favorite was Dan Nelson's exhibit with tips on dog care.  Did you know your dog is dehydrated when the scruff of its neck fur stands up after you pull it?   And, the Mountaineers publish a  "Best Hikes with Dogs" book, written by Dan?   He also writes the Seattle Times, "Getting in Gear" feature on Thursday's.

Jenny Solomon, Owner of  "Wag More Dog Walkers" was giving away collapsible water dishes.  She runs a neighborhood dog-walking business on Education Hill.   When you're busy or out of town Jenny will walk you dog one-on-one for $22.50 per half hour.   (The Solomon family are active city volunteers- Brad volunteers for the Redmond Historical Society; their daughter Michelle was a leader in the City's Youth Partnership Program.)

So what's with MudBay?

MudBay is family owned and operated higher-end "natural dog and cat food pet supply store."   They started in a feed store in Olympia overlooking Mud Bay, in l988.  The founder's son and daughter, Lars and Marissa Wulff,  have since expanded to 20 Puget Sound stores with Mercer Island and Redmond the most recent.  Contact MudBay at Info@mudbay.us. 

It appears MudBay has big plans to keep expanding.  The family recently hired two Starbuck's executives, including Redmondite, Brad Stevens,  a past  Starbucks Vice President of Marketing - America.  Brad says the Puget Sound market is home to some of the most educated and knowledgeable pet-owners in the country.  He says it's a great market for a company like MudBay that appeals to healthy dogs and cats.

Report and Photo By Yoder

Overlake Squadron Civil Air Patrol Cadets Meet at LW School District Offices



Overlake Squadron CAP Color Guard in Safeco Stadium --  will perform in community upon request

from the desk of Mike Holliday....
One of the best kept secrets in town is the Overlake Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. CAP has been around since 1941 and has 60,000 members across the country in 1500 Squadrons.

The Overlake unit has been here for 15 years and is mainly a Cadet Squadron made up of young people aged 12-18 operating from the Lake Washington School District Resource Center located in the Redmond Town Center.

The unit meets throughout the year on Tuesday evenings from 6:45-9:00pm. CAP operates like a military unit, wears the USAF uniforms, but is an all volunteer civilian organization with no obligation for military service.

The Squadron is holding a recruiting campaign during the month of September for new cadets as well as adults who support the operation. Of particular interest are adults who are pilots, medical, web-site design, and emergency services personnel.  Email Mike Holliday at:  overlake@wawg.cap.gov

We welcome the public to attend a meeting during the month of September to see the cadets training and to learn more about the Civil Air Patrol.   Read More details of the program and FAQ from Mike >>

Regards,
MICHAEL B HOLLIDAY, 1st Lt, Civil Air Patrol
Commander PCR-WA-050
Overlake Composite (Cadet) Squadron
Civil Air Patrol

www.facebook.com/overlakesquadron

UPDATED: Evergreen (Public) Hospital responds to citizen requests for access.

UPDATE:  [Read the comments under this post]  Two citizens from Redmond have attended Evergreen Public Hospital Commission meetings in the last few months.  One citizen wanted to learn more about the Commissioner's role in hospital governance, specifically with regard to the decision to add a 4th level to Evergreen's Redmond Medical ER Clinic at Bella Bottega.  As you can read from the Board minutes below, I have been asking for improved public access to the Commission Meetings and Study Sessions. 

On September 17, after making several public email requests and this August 17 public comment, Laurene Burton of Evergreen sent the following message that they would publish agendas and minutes somewhere on their website within the week.       

Sept. 17, 2010
Dear Bob,

Your email is very timely as I have been working with our webmaster and plan on having meeting agendas and minutes posted by the beginning of next week. You will be one of the first to know when that has been completed.

Have a great weekend!

Laurene (H. Burton)
Administrative Director of Evergreen Hospital
Public Records Request Officer

As of 9/27, the Board web page hasn't been updated.   To find the "Commissioner Reports" from their meeting, Read More >>

Swedish Redmond Campus is looking for Artwork from Children and Young Adults



Bettina Makley's Healing Art Journal

 Swedish Looking for Artwork from Children, Young Adults to Feature in New Redmond Campus
 
Contact: Ed Boyle, 206-386-2748, ed.boyle@swedish.org

REDMOND, WASH., Sept. 22, 2010 – Swedish is excited to be building a new campus in Redmond, located on Union Hill Road. The facility will feature a full-service Emergency Department, primary care clinic and office space for various physician specialists. In an effort to be an engaged community
partner and improve the healing environment of our new facility, we would like to feature digital images of artwork or photos by children or young adults who live in the Redmond area (open to children and young adults ages 5 to 18). The digital images selected will be turned into long-lasting pieces of art to showcase in the new Swedish facility.

“Art plays an important role in creating a positive, welcoming and healing environment. When deciding on what works of art to display at Swedish/Redmond, we knew we wanted to feature local artwork. And what better pieces to include in the facility than works by children or young adults who live the in area,” said Janette Turner, a member of Swedish’s Art Committee. “Art or photos by children can often be the most healing and touching pieces, as they truly come from the heart and are often shaped by their own experiences. We look forward to showcasing works by these young members of the community.”  Read More >>

Current LWPTSA Parent Volunteer Opportunities and Parent Education

from the desk of Joanne Hall, LWPTSA Committee Chair, Parent Education....

PARENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES & PARENT EDUCATION

LINKS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. The district's LINKS program (Looking Into the Needs of Kids and Schools) places volunteers into schools as tutors, mentors, or classroom helpers. Would you like to help the children in our district? Visit the LINKS web site to learn more and sign up to volunteer.

BRAIN RULES: SURVIVING & THRIVING FROM HOME TO SCHOOL. Most of us have no idea what's really going on inside our heads. Yet brain scientists have uncovered details every business leader, parent, and teacher should know. Brain Rules, taught by John Medina, is about what we know for sure, and what we might do about it. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, October 5th from 7:00-9:00 PM. Location: Cornerstone Theater at The Bear Creek School (Union Hill Campus location at 8905 208th Avenue NE, Redmond) Admission Price: $20. Visit the Bear Creek School's web site to purchase tickets.  Read More >>

A Letter from Councilmember Hank Margeson encouraging safe disposal of unwanted prescriptions.

The City of Redmond is sponsoring a "drug drop-off" program this Saturday (10-2) at the Redmond Police Department Lobby.  Councilmmember Hank Margeson has been working hard for more than two years to form and  implement these programs. 

Here's what Hank has to say....

Hi Bob,

YES!  The Saturday drug drop-off  program is really great news. I had intended to write to you to put it on your blog, but was busy doing Safeco's work during the day and then stopped by the house to change before visiting Gold's Gym to get in a heavy workout. And to my delight, you wrote to me!

The drug drop-off program adds to the options our residents now have to safely dispose of unused and unwanted prescriptions. Most important, it offers the option to securely dispose of controlled substances, no questions asked. We need to keep educating everyone to avoid flushing (except in rare circumstances) drugs down the drain and ending up in our streams, rivers, lakes and the Sound. If dropping off isn't a good option for some, I encourage them to follow the guidance provided by Attorney General Rob McKenna, mix the unused prescriptions in a zip lock bag along with used coffee grounds or kitty litter and put them in the trash.

Taking a step back, while this is a one day event, the momentum seems to be moving in the right direction in terms of safely and securely disposing of prescriptions. Who knows what the future holds in terms of additional options drug disposal options.

Thanks for keeping this in your Blog!

On an unrelated note, are you hearing anything from your readership on Backyard Chickens?

Take Care,

Hank
 
Details on Saturday's drug-drop off program

On Chickens:  http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2010/09/city-may-revisit-backyard-chicken.html

"Braided Grass Art", by Sarah Kavage

click to enlarge

This photograph of Sarah Kavage's "Braided Grass" art was taken in August, 2010 by Redmond resident, John Reinke.  A rare natural art installation, Sarah's work was discovered close to the Sammamish River Trail just south of the 116th Street Bridge.  The "Braided Grass" art was woven for the City of Redmond.

-- posted by Bob Yoder

A Rabble Rouser in Redmond?

Outside.in monitors all the news, blogs, and discussions on the web and dynamically maps them to more than 57,000 neighborhoods in the US. You can find "What's Happening Where You Are Right Now." on the Outside.in search engine . 

I was invited by Esther Brown of "Outside.in" to an interview for her feature, "Bloggers We Love".  The interview is titled "A Rabble Rouser in Redmond?" Yup, that's me! Check it out!  Comments, please!

Outside.in is supported by leading investors including Union Square Ventures, CNN, Village Ventures, Betaworks, the New York City Investment Fund, and Milestone Venture Partners.

The interview:  "A Rabble Rouser in Redmond?"
Photo By Pam Yoder

Costs of "The Redmond Saturday Market" lease

Redmond Town Center leases land to the Saturday Market for $950/day.

UPDATED:  The Saturday Market has been a part of Redmond's culture for the last thirty-four years.  With the move to "Buy Local" the Market is more popular than ever before.   Driving down Leary it's not hard to see the bustle in the farmers and craftspersons white tents.   Do you see the tents behind Redmond Town Center's gateway sign?

The Market and parking lot sits on 8,000 square feet of land leased from Redmond Town Center (RTC).  According to  Market Manager, Martha Tyler, they pay Redmond Town Center $950/day to rent "the dirt", or $3,800/month.  The Sani-Cans are extra.  The Market is open for six months from May 1 - October 30 so the total payment to RTC each year is $22,800.   But, RTC sponsors the Market with a $3,000/year donation plus advertising space valued at $1,800/year by RTC.   Market Manager Martha Tyler said:

"It would be great if the market parking lot was donated each Saturday since it's a community service for the folks of Redmond.  Many farmer market sites in the state of Washington are donated or charged a very small amount so that the market can operate with less of a financial burden, we're talking farmers and crafters here, not big business". 

About two years ago, Jim Hoagland, Saturday Market President, approached City Council asking for funds to help cover their lease payments and attract entertainment.  According to Ms. Tyler, Council has approved a $5,000/yr. payment to the Market (a nonprofit) for the last two years.  Three other government-funded entities sponsor the Market:  Evergreen (Public) Hospital ($1,000), Think Redmond ($1000) and R-Trip ($1000).  Read More.

The donations and new management have brought back the bustle!  Have you heard about their big "Howl-O-Ween Day" event on October 30?    Read More >>

Lake Washington PTSA looking for "Special Needs Liaisons"

Julie Shalaby says....

I have a list of schools where we still need Special Needs Liaison's. Our goal is to have a Liaison at every school in the district. It's not a big time commitment and you can make it what you want but it really helps the families in your school become connected with this community.

Lake Washington, Juanita , Redmond HS

Northstar, Inglewood, Renaissance

Audubon, Bell, Einstein, Peter Kirk, Rush, Sandburg, Smith, Twain, Rachel Carson

Here's all you need to do (or NOT do!) as a liaison. It's easy!!!

Contact our SNG Liaison Coordinator, Amy Verrall, to let her know you are interested or if you have questions. home@verrallfamily.com    Read More.

Redmond overpowers Woodinville 20-6

Mustang cheerleaders hovering  like angels



Falcon fans trying to spook Redmond

 It was a rainy night in Redmond, but you'd never know it.  The Mustangs, led by Quarterback Michael Conforto and a superb coaching staff,  flushed out the Falcons in the second half picking off a long interception deep to the end zone for a touch-back.  A few plays later Conforto heaved a 50-yard pass to #13, a sharp-eyed receiver for the score....and the KIRO play of the game!  Redmond is 2-1 for the season. Watch the KIRO clip of the High School Football Game of the Week!"    (up for only one week)

Read the Redmond Mustang Football Facebook Fan Page!   Sign-up!

YouTube video submitted by Zach Bloom on KOMO site.

By Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder

Storm title a big win for Bing

Story by Todd Bishop of Tech Flash (click link)

Storm title a big win for Bing

Rain Didn't Blurr "The Redmond Central Connector" Visioning Event




This citizen is totally engaged in her Catbird Seat during her "visioning" interview.   I wonder what she is saying?  

Despite rain, the turnout for the Redmnd Central Connector "Visioning Event" on September 15 was  pretty good.   People clung to their positions under the tents while city planners and consultants answered questions.  The event was held on a large green space separate from the Connector, but close-by.  It was interactive.  People got to leave comments, sketches, and drawings on the exhibit "white board" table paper.  The sandwiches were good.

Lots of questions were answered.   Some were not.  Bev, a Redmond Arts Commissioner has an interest in bringing "green" and "interactivity" into the Art in the Connector (a linear park).  A city arts consultant suggested using art themes to connect the entire linear park.  Another consultant pointed out the nearby "Heron Rookery" as a unique Gateway feature next to the Connector.

One citizen had concerns of the "Wall" effect from the large, boxed apartment buildings.  A Berger consultant agreed that the Connector appears to have it's back to the apartments.  Discussion ensued with an agreement that future buildings near the Connector should blend and flow like a river rather than look as a ditch.

The City Council had a study session on the Central Connector the night before, but many still showed up.  Hank Margeson, Hank Myers, Pat Vache' and Mayor Marchione were all available.

Reported By Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder

LW School District addresses overcrowding and lack of classroom space.

Strategies for space: addressing overcrowding in Lake Washington School District

In elementary schools around the district this September, the scramble was on to find enough classroom space for all the students arriving through our doors. About 650 more students showed up than last year, exceeding increased enrollment projections. By the fall of 2012, there will be over 1,000 more students in our system than our classrooms can accommodate. The move to four-year high schools in the fall of 2012 actually helps the situation, by moving students out of our overcrowded elementary schools and into the high school level, where more space is available.

Strategies to handle the increased numbers of students include changing boundaries, running two shifts at high schools (morning and afternoon), adding portables, building new classrooms and building new schools.  "Read More" to learn about the community input sessions and read the Sammamish Reporter exclusive. 

"Grass Braid Art" discovered on the Sammamish River Trail



The grass braid is continuous and runs about 30 feet along the Sammamish River Trail just south of the 124th St. Bridge.   In the right picture the artist loops the braid.  Do you can see the River Trail.  The artist name is Sarah Kavage.   Do you like this?

iPhone photos by Yoder

 

Construction of Redmond Bike Park to begin early 2011

Carolyn Hope, Project Planner for the Redmond Bike Park says in a letter to stewards....

According to the original schedule, the City hoped to have the Redmond Bike Park under construction by now. However, we took some extra time to discuss alternatives with community members and are now completing some special studies that will help us develop a 60% design, including drainage. We plan to hold another public meeting this fall when those 60% plans are complete, then we will finalize the plans, go through City permitting, and begin construction in early 2011.

Due to this delay, the City is working with the Redmond Bike Park stewards, the Steering Committee, to provide some dirt to maintain the jumps that exist on site. Last week, the group filled in holes and improved some jumps and this week they will continue that work.

Thank you for your interest in this project.
Carolyn Hope
Project Manager, Redmond Bike Park, City of Redmond
cjhope@redmond.gov

Photo by Yoder

Lake Washington School District SAT scores continue to increase

Kathryn Reith, LWSD Director of Communications says....

Over the last five years, average SAT scores in Washington State and nationally have fallen or remained the same. At the same time, Lake Washington’s average scores have increased 11 in math, 13 in critical reading and 14 in writing on average.

“We are seeing steady, sustained improvement in SAT scores,” noted Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent. “Hard work by our teachers and students led to the continuous improvement we are after.”   Read More.

Safety Message from Councilmember David Carson

Dear Redmond neighbors and neighborhood watches,

Just wanted to let you all know that today a burglary-in-progress was stopped and both suspects were apprehended. This follows another arrest of another burglar last Tuesday who broke into a Bellevue house and then fled to Redmond where he apparently lives. There were a spate of 24 home burglaries in August which are currently unsolved, but with the three arrests in the last 8 days it’s my hope that these will be solved and the stolen property will be returned.

In both burglary cases, a member of our community (in the first case, a resident of Bellevue) get the credit for the tip that allowed the Redmond Police Department (with cooperation from neighboring jurisdictions) to nab these people. Please see attached the media release from the Redmond PD about the incident.

Note that "Vader" (our K-9 German Sheppard officer) also had a nice collar in June, so maybe we need to start a Facebook Fan Page for him. ;)    Read More about "Vaders" police work. 

Thanks!
David Carson
Redmond City Council

The Education Hill Network

Education Hill Network  details are here.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2010 FROM 6:30-8:30pm

REDMOND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Cafeteria

Residents helped update the Education Hill neighborhood plan in 2007.

Come share your thoughts on how things are going since the plan update!

City of Redmond removes beaver dam to protect spawning fish.

A beaver dam underneath the "Avondale Road -Powerline Bear Creek bridge" was removed by the city a few weeks ago, with permitted approval from Fisheries and Wildlife.  The County has jurisdiction over the creek, but the bridge is owned by the City.  Teresa Kluver, city parks employee says:

Due to the proximity of the dam structure to the bridge and the anticipated movement of Salmon it was decided early removal would be beneficial. We are currently monitoring the location for renewed beaver activity.

Lindsey Walimaki of PSE said salmon can usually swim through beaver dams.  Could it be that some of the vegetative-woody debris floating from the PSE power line project contributed "building materials" for the beavers?   The salmon are expected under the bridge anytime now.  In this picture, the dam is "under construction" by beavers.  The entire creek was eventually damed up by some very busy beavers.

Special thanks to a Water Tender for the tip.

Reported by Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder

City of Redmond and County want to improve Power Line trail connections.

"Trail Hunter", an avid Power Line Trail mountain biker, first tipped Redmond Neighborhood Blog (RNB)  of Puget Sound Energy's easement widening project east of Avondale.  His concern was not so much about the deforestation ("Read More") as an opportunity to improve the trail linkages.  "Trail Hunter" received the following response for the City of Redmond: 

"The property between Farrel-McWhirter Park and the Watershed Preserve is not owned by the City of Redmond. Puget Sound Energy has responded to questions about the trail in this section with the following comment:

There is no authorized "trail" on PSE's land, between the Watershed Preserve and Farrell McWhirter park. Although the City and County have been negotiating with PSE for over a decade, for an easement or permit to construct such a trail, no easement or permit has been issued and no rights for such a use have been granted by PSE -- we have, however, informally allowed individual recreational uses, such as horse riding and mountain biking, to occur on our land. The existing "trail" is, in fact, simply a utility access road and is planned to be maintained as such. PSE would be prohibited by the UTC from expending utility rate-payer funds (i.e. from recovering the costs through utility rates) to upgrade the road for recreational purposes.

I know there continues to be an interest by the City of Redmond and King County in making this trail connection."

Teresa Kluver
Park Operations Supervisor   

"Trail Hunter" has stopped biking on the powerline trail.  Of course, it's not as scenic, but he has also popped three tires on recent rides.  The County says they will replace the 3-4 inch rock construction road with a suitable trail surface.  Posted by Yoder, Photo:  internet   READ MORE  (see pictures)

Headmistress Brigitte Tennis of Stella Schola Middle School is a Jewel!

Brigitte Tennis

Headmistress Brigitte Tennis, is an award-winning 8th grade teacher of Lake Washington District's  Stella Schola. Middle School on Rose Hill.   Brigitte is one gem of an educator! 

On September 22, Mrs. Tennis will be flying to New York to accept a national teaching award on Martha Stewart's Living program  featured on the Hallmark Channel.  It will be a live taped program, so stay tuned!   Brigitte is joining six other teachers from across the nation to receive national recognition for teaching excellence and a $1500 school award for her school.   For more information click "Jones Classroom Award". 

Halfway through my interview with Brigitte, I realized her New York award is just one of many facets to her commitment and passion as an educator:    

Mrs. Tennis  is a teacher and an entrepreneur.  She founded Stella Schola over a decade ago; Schola is the District's fourth public Choice school and first traditional 6-8 middle school.

In 2009, Mrs. Tennis was asked to contribute to a collection of inspirational stories from America's top educators called "Today I Made a Difference',  Edited by Joseph W. Underwood.   On  page 155 & page 162 of Brigitte's story "Teaching Gems",  I quote Brigitte:

"But, within the everyday work of striving to instill the fire of learning in our young people, small gems show themselves in tiny, but flashy sparkles - the challenge is, how observant are you - the teacher?  Can you catch those glimmers of gemstone in the classroom?"

"So when people ask me why I am a teacher, I just smile and tell them of the treasured gems that I have collected over the years.  I have a whole chest of beautiful sparkling jewels, and that's enough for me!"   Read more....

The Redmond Central Connector will affect city life forever.

Don't miss this short video on the Connector! 

Former BNSF Corridor was recently purchased by the City of Redmond and will be redevelped into "The Redmond Central Connector", a linear park!   The City is holding a public visioning event on Wednesday, September 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the corner of Bear Creek Parkway and Leary Way.

They want to hear from you.  This is an big project and will extend the length of the city parallel to Redmond Way and Cleveland Avenue, from Red  Robin to Wendy's.   What we decide to do with it will affect the City forever. 

Light refreshments and live music by the Toy Boats.  For more information please go to this city web page.  

Requested by Chris Hoffman

Redmond Historical Society Current Events

Redmond's Poet Laureate reads Saturday, September 11

Did you know Redmond has it's very own Poet Laureate? She's Rebecca Meredith, and she will be our speaker this Saturday, September 11, at the auditorium in the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, at 16600 NE 80th St, Redmond, from 10:30 to noon. She will be talking about the "Power of Place," and how the work of poets, and the audiences response to their work, are shaped by their relationship to places in their lives.

Please Click Here to Read Redmond Historical Society's Full Newsletter

Past Redmond Mayors Chris Himes and Doreen Marchione interviewed 

We are proud to announce our own Chris Himes, President of the Board of Directors (& Redmond's first woman mayor)  along with former Mayor Doreen Marchione, were interviewed by the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) as part of their celebration of 100 years of women voting in the state of Washington.. MOHAI interviewed five former mayors in King County and the transcripts of their interviews are on our website, or you can listen to part of the interviews at MOHAI's site, http://www.seattlehistory.org/ , under "Women's Votes."

Eagles Scout Cemetery Project

Eagle Scout Matthew Beecroft worked with his troop and other volunteers to map out and photograph the head stones at the Old Redmond Cemetery. He found there were almost 1000 grave stones, all carefully photographed, with the information on each stone recorded, he then gave RHS a disk with the photos and a file with info from each stone. Please come by our office to learn more about this project.

Founder of Northwest rail company proposes tourist train - guest speaker on October 9  Read More

City may revisit the backyard chicken ordinance

Redmond resident, Ms. Dennis, asked the city last night to take a second look at our "backyard animal ordinance".   She spoke during the public comment period to City Council, specifically about the value of backyard hens to sustainability and health. 

Ms. Dennis reminded Council of the widespread salmonella contamination to chicken eggs nationwide this year.  According to a New York Times article of 8/27/2010 more than 1500 infections have been tied to bad eggs since May - the highest incidence since FDA studies began in 1973. 

Ms. Dennis trumped many of the common objections to backyard chickens.  Salmonella contamination is uncommon with organic eggs.  Referring to neighboring city ordinances, she proposed council approve up to three backyard hens, no roosters; saying noise is limited in the absence of roosters.  She said rats and insects follow people.  People will dogs and cats must clean up; just as one does for hens.  

Councilwoman Allen  agreed completely with Ms. Dennis saying she is aware of the widespread outbreak of salmonella in eggs and has always endorsed the sustainability concept.  Ms. Allen was Chair of the Safety Council Committee.  Council Finance Chair, Hank Margeson agreed wholeheartedly with Ms. Allen and Ms. Dennis.  Council Safety Chair Meyers was positive, as well.

The Council needs four votes to proceed with an ordinance change and they've got three now.   Who do you think is a 4th aye?   Senior Councilman Richard Cole used to have backyard horses.  Councilman Carson said his wife would vote for the hens, but that he still needed to think on it.  You can lobby council.  Email: council@redmond.gov.

Reported By Bob Yoder
Photo from Google images

Click:  "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" Facebook page for comments.

Video: Microsoft Double Rainbow

From Todd Bishop -

Fans of Paul "Bear" Vasquez and his legendary reaction to seeing two rainbows across Yosemite National Park may find it a little tough to watch this promotional reenactment of the famous Internet video for Microsoft's Windows Live Photo Gallery software. Then again, it is pretty clever as a marketing trick.



By Todd Bishop
Tech Flash Microsoft Blog

LETTER: Red Light & Speed Cameras Planned for Redmond, By Susan Wilkins

RED LIGHT & SPEED CAMERAS PLANNED FOR REDMOND

City Council will decide whether to authorize cameras at 7:00 PM meeting on Tuesday, September 7

The Redmond City Council’s Public Safety Committee has been discussing the use of traffic cameras to, in their words: “modify dangerous behavior, reduce preventable collisions at signalized intersections and prevent car-pedestrian accidents in school zones.” As a parent of school age children who has been trying to identify and improve safety and reduce school-generated traffic on Education Hill for the past year, I am offended and bewildered by this lame attempt to provide improved safety through the use of traffic cameras. They plan to pass an ordinance at Tuesday evening’s City Council Meeting that authorizes the use of Traffic Speed Cameras in school zones and the use of Red Light Cameras at intersections. 

During December 2009, a company called American Traffic Solutions (ATS) conducted traffic surveys on a number of intersections and school zones in Redmond. They suggested that a speed zone camera be installed at Redmond Junior High to catch drivers exceeding the 20 mph speed limit while driving up 166th Avenue NE as they approached RJH from the south. There are severe traffic safety problems at RJH, but speeding in the northbound lane on 166th is the least of them. In the initial pilot program, a traffic speed camera will not be installed at RJH, but it is planned for a year from now. This is not a solution for the RJH traffic mess – it will just generate traffic tickets.  Read More!

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly in Redmond's Overlake area; and Audubon Elementary

The Ugly:   As reported by Rose Egge in KOMO TV, Redmond News, and www.MyNorthwest.com

According to Kathryn Reith from the Lake Washington School District on 9/2, Thursday night, someone got into Audubon school and threw tempura paint from the school art room all over nine classrooms. Walls, desks, “pretty much everything” was splattered with paint, Reith said.

Nothing was stolen. Reith said the actions were just “mean-spirited.”

Classes at Audubon Elementary began Wednesday and a custodian discovered the vandalism Thursday night. He had been in the gymnasium and the portables vacuuming when the crime occurred. He didn’t hear anything, but saw the paint when he was finishing up for the day.

The custodian joined other staff cleaning up the mess all night. By this morning, everything was cleaned up – although a couple classes were delayed.

Reith says the vandalism was completely unexpected. “It’s a wonderful neighborhood. This is completely out of the blue.”

The Bad:  As reported by Alyssa Kleven of www.mynorthwest.com and Jim Bove, Redmond Police

On 9/2, not far from Audubon on Bell-Red Road in Overlake, Bank of America was robbed.  "The suspect demanded money but did not use, or imply that he had, a weapon. He left with an undisclosed amount of cash."   Nearby,on 8/25, in Overlake on NE 25th St. US Bank was robbed.   In addition, an alarming number of burglaries (24) have been reported in August -many in the Overlake area.  

The Good:  As reported by Jim Bove, Redmond Police Public Information Officer on 9/4.

The Redmond Police Department is hosting an "informational meeting" at 7 p.m., Wednesday, September 8 at Audubon Elementary School, 3045 180th Ave NE in Redmond.  425-936-2500.  It's geared towards Overlake residents because of the unusual incidence of crime in the area.

Posted By Bob Yoder on 9/5
Internet Photo

"Racquettes": coming soon to a tree near you. By John Reinke

See the two Racquettes?

I was approaching my condo unit at dusk recently after a walk along the Sammamish Slough, when I spotted some movement up ahead. It was a mother raccoon and 3 baby raccoons (are they called racquettes?).  When they spotted me through the trees, the young'uns scrambled part way up the nearest trunk. 

I quickly whipped out my trusty point-and-shoot.  The mother stood her ground as I approached to within about 10 feet. She emitted a low visceral growl, warning me not to come closer. I took the hint and backed off. 

Read More...

Lake Washington PTSA launches seven student-parent support activities

Julie says

Aspiring Youth: An array of programs that help young people build confidence, life skills and friendships. *Fall social skills groups will begin the week of 9/27. Our groups run for 8 week cycles.

For more information click this link: http://www.aspiringyouth.net/  Fun, activity-based social skills groups for children, teens, and young adults! And a “Girls Rule” group! They look at each group to make sure that there will be good group fit and the potential for long-term friendships. The curriculum is delivered by outstanding Master’s level facilitators and is specific to each age-range and focus on specific topics based on the goals of the members of the group. There curriculums have been purchased and implemented by local school districts and they are constantly improving and updating topics and activities.

See all seven activites.  Read More!

Juanita Rebels crush the Mustangs, 41 - 7 in opener

Juanita Rebels crush the Redmond Mustangs, 41-7 in their Friday night football opening game at Redmond.  View the game stats and league season schedules here.

 Courtesy of the Seattle Times HS sports report

The Price of Redmond's Downtown Central Park

 Windermere-Redmond, Quiznos, Redmond Cycle, Brown Street Square and a few small buildings behind it will be soon be demolished.  161st Street,  in the foreground, will connect to Cleveland St.

The above downtown buildings are taking their "last stand" before demolition for the new, Downtown Central Park.  Completion of the park is anticipated between 2012 - 2014.

I ran into Mike Richards, owner of Brown Street Square, outside his building yesterday.  It's on the demolition list.  Mike said he decided to move here in 2001 because apartments and condos were planned for the area and could benefit from the businesses in his building.  He never expected a 2-acre downtown park.  It wasn't on the drawing boards.   A KING 5 reporter on February 16th interviewed and videoed some of the Brown Street Square tenants in distress about having to leave.   

Mike said  land was cheaper further east on Redmond Way.  He said the city will be spending $40,000,000 for this park and location.  The price for the park varies depending on your source, but over time the trend is up.  The Seattle Times reported $16-17,000,000 on 12/23/2009.   On 7/16/2009, the Redmond Reporter wrote the City budgeted $27,000,000 for the downtown park.    

A public-private nonprofit "Redmond Foundation" was formed several months ago to raise private donations.   Mayor Marchione is on the Board .  Council subsidized it with a $50,000 grant to pay administrative expenses and to jump-start the Foundation.  Councilman Richard Cole was the only member voting against the grant. 

In an inteview with KING 5's Lori Matsukawa, Richard Cole said:  "We are putting 5,000 dwelling units in the downtown and those people, in order to attract them here, we think a park is an absolute requirement."   The City hasn't announced how many residents outside of Downtown are expected to use the new park.
  
Reported By Bob Yoder
iPhone photo by Yoder

Education Hill hiker asks for a Nike - Hartman Parks trail connector

Hiking from the South, on the left is the National Guard  (Nike facility), an easement, Lookout Ridge, & Perrigo Heights cul de sac. The Hartman Park Trails are further to the north.  Nike Park is south (below) the photo 

I love walking and running on the Education Hill trails, and one of my favorites is to connect Nike Park (via the trail that skirts the old missile station or whatever it is) to the Jonathan Hartman Park trails...but now there's a big new house right where the trail exits the "Nike Park Woods".

I can't remember the name of the street, but I've attached a photo (you can see the Nike facility in the lower left corner) of my gps tracks - as you can see, they're going straight through that property, and I'm assuming the new owners won't appreciate smelly runners sneaking across their lawn (there's actually a fence there now).

Do you know if "they're" going to make an alternate trail to connect the two parks, or was it never an official trail to begin with? Is there already and alternate trail that I don't know about?

By Ingunn
Education Hill
9/2

The Trail was discovered  --  Read the story:  "Have you hiked Redmond's "Mystery Trail"?" 

Evergreen Hospital's 2009 Annual Community Report available only Online this year

UPDATED:  Evergreen Hospital 2009 Annual Report to the Community:    CEO Robert Malte reported in their July 7 Public Meeting that their Annual Report (2009) is only available online this year as a cost saving, "green" measure. 

According to the July Minutes, "a lower-than-desired number of  'online hits' for the Report has been observed and  a card was sent out alerting constituents of the availability of the Report."  Did you get a card in the mail?

As of today, the current "Annual Report to the Community" is not found on the front page of the Evergreen Hospital website.  For your convenience, I found their current 2009 Annual Report and Strategic Plan on this Leadership page.  (upper right corner)   It's both comprehensive and user friendly.

Reported By Bob Yoder

18 Lake Washington District Schools not up to Federal "AYP" standard - Data is confusing.

According to the LWSD, the 2010 Federal Adequate Yearly Progress ("AYP") data confuses the achievement picture because the label is an all or nothing designation.

For example, the District says by most measures, Inglewood Junior High is a high-performing school. Over 83 percent of students meet or exceed the state standard in reading and over 84 percent in math at the seventh grade level.

Yet according to the federal government’s AYP benchmark, Inglewood Junior High is not a success. In fact, Lake Washington School District (LWSD), Inglewood Junior High and 18 other LWSD schools out of 50 schools total are not up to the AYP standard.  The list of schools with categories not up to AYP standard are, as follows: 

· Dickinson Elementary, Step 1, special education math
· Eastlake High School, Step 1, special education math
· Einstein Elementary, Step 2, special education reading; special education, Hispanic and low income math
· Evergreen Junior High, Step 2, Hispanic math
· Family Learning Center, Step 2, All students and white students math
· Inglewood Junior High, Step 2, special education math
· Kamiakin Junior High, Step 3, special education reading; special education, Hispanic and low income math
· Kirkland Junior High, Step 3, special education reading and math
· Lake Washington High School, special education reading; special education and low income math
- Muir Elementary, Step 1, special education reading; special education and low income math
· Redmond High School, Step 2, Hispanic, special education and low income math
· Redmond Junior High, Step 1, Hispanic, special education and low income math
· Rose Hill Junior High, Step 2, special education and low income math
· Twain Elementary, Step 2, special education reading and math

Read entire LWSD Press Release on LWSD schools "in improvement", what it means and why it's confusing.

Posted by Bob Yoder
Source:  LWSD website.