Evergreen collaborates with LW School District on health initiative - Dr. Kimball joins Redmond Chamber

Sup. Chip Kimball

UPDATED:  LW School District Superintendent Chip Kimball recently joined the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce.  He is an Ex-Officio member on the Board of Trustees.  

Dr. Kimball also joined "Redmond's Economic Development Alliance" (REDA).  REDA is an elite group of leaders in Greater Redmond public and private organizations dedicated to local economic and community development.  REDA raises and allocates funds to support Redmond economic and community initiatives.

RECENT CHAMBER DEVELOPMENTS:  Evergreen Healthcare is an active member of the Redmond Chamber.  The Chamber's Chair is Tom Martin, a Senior V.P. at Evergreen. (This link details recent chamber/REDA developments).

Sup. Bob Malte
 Evergreen Hosp.

In December, 14, 2010  "Mr. Malte, Superintendent of  Evergreen Healthcare, recommended Evergreen allocate $200,000 towards a "Community Health Initiative" with LWSD, Northshore, and Riverview School District."  These three districts reside within the boundaries of Evergreen's King County Hospital District #2.
    --Laurene H. Burton, Evergreen's Director of Governance and Public Records, 12/14/2010

This Spring, "Mr. Malte scheduled a meeting with the three local school district superintendents in the hospital district. Obesity and immunizations are possible collaboration themes. [Specific levy expenditures for this program haven't been authorized by the Hospital Commission.]
  -- Regular Board Minutes, 6/7/2011.  

No doubt, Dr. Kimball appreciates knowing you care about his participation with Evergreen and the Chamber to improve student health and wellness.  Of course, thanks goes to the Evergreen Hospital Commissioners and Malte for their leadership in this student health initiative.  

If you have input, suggestions, ideas for Evergreen's proposed community initiative please write Evergreen's Laurene Burton, lburtton@evergreenhealthcare.gov and Chip Kimball, ckimball@lwsd.org .

Report & Opinion By Bob Yoder

Photo courtesy of District / Internet

Mayor Marchione extends Derby Days with fireworks Friday, July 15.

The grand finale fireworks show set for Derby Days will now be held on Friday July 15 at 10pm on the City Hall campus lawn.

"Think of it as an extended Derby Days" said Mayor Marchione at Tuesday's Council Meeting. 

In addition to the fireworks, two bands are scheduled to perform. Beginning at 7pm is LeRoy Bell, one of Seattle’s top performers of blues and soul. At 9pm, Doctor Funk will perform some great funky music until the fireworks display begins at 10pm.  Read More >>

UPDATED OPINION: Free-standing ER's drain health resources

UPDATED OPINION:  It's relieving to see Swedish closing one of their free standing Emergency Rooms (ER's)...the Issaquah facility. These ER's drain insurance company resources and the consumers who must buy their policies.

Hospitals use stand-alone ER's to attract the affluent and patients with good-paying insurance. It's about marketing and gaining share, and little about improving the quality of healthcare.

These ER's have millions of dollars tied up in specialists, imaging, laboratories and other technology.  Free-standing ER services are duplicated at hospitals and outpatient imaging centers.

Evergreen Hospital is a sorry example of this excess.  Evergreen Hospital is using millions of taxpayer levy monies to finance their relatively new Hospital ER.  Evergreen's Director of Governance reports they don't have percent occupancy data, but it's known in community circles the hospital emergency department is operating at about 60% to 70% capacity over time.

Yet, when Evergreen found out Swedish was moving into Redmond, to capture the plateau business, they (and the city) rushed to expand their new Evergreen Primary Care Medical Clinic in Redmond with a $15,000,000 free-standing ER.   (Patients needing the Redmond ER longer than 24 hours are required to go to the hospital.) 

Did we forget?  Evergreen Hospital has a new state-of-the-art Hospital ER a few miles away.  It has 4 trauma rooms and 28 private acute treatment rooms and are all equipped with full cardiac monitoring.  This hospital emergency department has it's own cardiac cath lab with 28% faster treatment for 'heart attacks' than the national average and it's only 4 miles away from Redmond.  Why go to a stand-alone facility (especially when you have chest pain) when vacant high tech acute rooms with hospital back-up are waiting for you?

By Bob Yoder
Ref:  Public Record Requests,
2010 Budget Hearing
Attendence at Commision Meetings
Physician and staff interviews

Swedish to close stand-alone Issaquah ER and Open Swedish Medical Center ER, July 14.

The stand-alone Swedish/Issaquah ER (2005 NW Sammamish Road) will close on June 14 and the new Swedish Hospital Medical Center ER at Issaquah Highlands will open on June 14.

Overlake 24/7 Urgent Care on 5708 E. Lake Sammamish Blvd., Issaquah is not far away.


 

Swedish Issaquah Medical Center ER opens July 14.
751 N.E. Blakely Drive, in the Issaquah Highlands, just off I-90 at Exit 18.

Read More >>

SR 520 weekend construction of fish ladder - fast motion video

  

On July 9-11, crews closed SR 520 all weekend to install a Fish ladder culvert on the east side of Lake Washington.

Credit to Councilmember John Stilin for mentioning this fascinating video in tonight's Council Study Session.

Four more FULL time weekend closures of SR 520 are planned:
From Montlake to 108th Ave N.E, starting 11 p.m. Friday nights.

August 26-29
September 16-19
October 21-24
November 18-21

Have you hiked Redmond's "Mystery Trail?"

Trailhead to Nike Park
"Whitey" is running from the "Mystery Trail" onto Perrigo Heights sewer easement road

The Redmond Parks and Trails Commission has been anticipating and planning for Redmond's Centennial Celebration for quite sometime.  A "Centennial Trail" is on the drawing boards.  It's a patchwork of hiking trails that could loop around the entire city once completed.

The Centennial Trail map hasn't been released to the public so it's length and location are unknown.  As far as the public knows, right now it doesn't officially exist.  Several "missing links" have slowed it's completion.

This final missing trail link between Nike Park and the Ashford Trail (and Hartman Park Trails) was discovered by a hiker last year near the "Perrigo Heights" development. The trail-head starts off at the Perrigo Heights sewer easement road and goes south through the forest up a series of switchbacks and small ravens to Nike Park.  From Nike the trail runs to Avondale.

Prior to construction of the switchbacks it was impossible to hike the steep slopes around Perrigo Heights development to, and from, Nike.   A citizen, excited by 'the find' reported the switchbacks to the Parks and Trails department.  Two city planners went out and took pictures. This trail link was a mystery to them!  They said it was too big a job for Parks to do.   So, a phone call was made to Camwest, the Perrigo Heights developer, since the trail link is built on their easement. The trail was new to them!

It's truly a mystery that no one will take credit for building this missing link to the "Centenniel Trail."   Do you know why?  Updated, 2/28/19:  Sections of the trail are on private property. Have you been on this trail, yet?  A tip:  Ashford Trail starts at NE 100th Street and 172nd Avenue near the Redmond BMX Bike Park. 

Report and Photo by Bob Yoder

Read the earlier story of 09/1/2010:  "Education Hill hiker asks for a Nike - Hartman Trails connector"

Who's behind the Redmond Chamber of Commerce? And what are they doing?

UPDATED:  The Redmond Chamber of Commerce is participating in a 'feasibility study' with two city funded, public-private partnerships.  The goal is to coordinate business development fund-raising.   The Chamber also appears to be working on a membership drive. Their Board of Trustee membership is listed below. 

The Redmond Chamber of Commerce attracts organizations from cities outside of Redmond and so is named the "Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce."  A few of  the major outside members are:  Evergreenhealthcare (Kirkland), Puget Sound Energy (Bellevue), Reporter Newspapers (Kent), and *Allied Waste (Lynnwood).  The following  is an excerpt from a Redmond chamber newsletter:   Read More >>

UPDATED: Redmond's Evolving Economic Development Plan

Mayor John Marchione
Coordinating economic
development

UPDATED, July 12:  The City of Redmond's Centennial Celebration in 2012 is becoming the rallying point for jump-starting economic
development in the Greater Redmond Community.  Healthy, economic development is deemed critical to the future of the City for job growth, a robust business climate, and quality neighborhoods.   Four community organizations are being re-deployed to fund-raise and move economic and community development forward, as follows:

• "Redmond Economic Development Alliance"  (REDA)
• "Redmond Foundation", now known as "Realize Redmond" (RR).
• "Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce" (CC)
• "Redmond Lodging Tax Advisory Committee"  (RLTAC)
• Mayor Marchione of the City of Redmond is taking a leadership role in the process.

On May 19, 2009 city council authorized $105,500 payment to Texas-based Angelou Economics "to develop a strategic plan for economic development."  In addition, Council approved $200,000 to create a public-private partnership between the City and REDA.  This "seed money" was intended to jump start REDA fund-raising activities.   During the May public meeting Councilmember Pat Vache' asked council to step off the Dias and extend a hand of partnership and welcome to attending Chamber members.   REDA member, Jim Stanton of Microsoft spent over 15 minutes talking with Chris Hoffmann, the Chamber CEO. The first $50,000 of $200,000 was spent funding the office of Larry Williams, Executive Director, REDA.

Who's in REDA?  Read More >>

Community greets Swedish/Issaquah at opening celebration : The Issaquah Press

Evan Jackson, 3, rides on the shoulders of his dad Kyle as the Issaquah Highlands
 residents and thousands of others attend Swedish/Issaquah’s public open house Saturday. By Greg Farrar

Issaquah Press
By Warren Kagarise

Community greets Swedish/Issaquah at opening celebration : The Issaquah Press

"Hospital executives and designers spared no expense to create a Swedish Medical Center campus to connect to the surrounding community and, on Saturday, curious residents from Issaquah and across the Eastside embraced Swedish/Issaquah as the $365 million hospital opened for a whirlwind of public tours.

Organizers estimate 22,000 people descended on the 18-acre campus during the daylong event. The hospital’s opening celebration served as the centerpiece at Highlands Day, a neighborhood festival in the Issaquah Highlands."  Read More>>

Arts in the Park free summer performances at City Hall

The City of Redmond’s Arts in the Parks summer performance series is in full swing at Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85th Street. This season showcases a variety of free performances for children and families from rock bands for kids to Shakespeare for the whole family. Tuesdays at noon are reserved for performances specifically for children and caregivers, while Fridays at 7pm are performances for all ages.

Located on the green space behind Redmond City Hall, Arts in the Parks free performances are a great way to celebrate the summer with family, friends and neighbors. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic and a low-backed chair or blanket and relax with an entertaining hour of music, theater or dance.   First performance is Tuesday, July 12 at Noon.  Read More >>

71ST Annual Derby Days - See What's Happening!

CLICK HERE FOR EVENTS!

Lake Washington School District teachers dodge pay cut, extend year

Lake Washington School District teachers dodge pay cut, extend year : The Sammamish Review

"Lake Washington School District teachers dodge pay cut, extend year

July 6, 2011
By Caleb Heeringa

Lake Washington School District teachers will dodge the pay cuts coming to thousands of teachers around the state, but local taxpayers will be footing the bill.

The district has reached agreement with the Lake Washington Education Association, which represents the district’s teachers, to maintain current salaries despite a 1.9 percent cut in the state’s contributions to teacher pay. That money will be made up in part by an estimated 10 cents per $1,000 in assessed value increase in the district’s maintinence and operations levy – money that had been approved by local voters but until recently had been limited by state school funding law." Read More >>

REPUBLISHED: My tenant had a serious kitchen toaster fire -- what to do?

OPINION:  Several years ago a tenant in my Education Hill rental  experienced a serious, $6,000 "pop-tart" toaster fire.  He was very fortunate to put it out himself  but  he burned his hand and was shaken.  He said, if it wasn't for the smoke detector, the house would have burned down.  As it was, smoke damage was severe.  (I'll write a sequel some day.)  

According to the Bellevue Fire Department, most residential fires start in the kitchen and are caused by inattention.   Last year in Bellevue, 25% of all structural fires started in the kitchen.  I can't remember what my tenant did to put it out.  Here's what you can do:
 

1.  Cover the pot or pan with a lid.  Don't move the pan or the fire could spread!  (10 second video recommended by Redmond Fire Dept )

*2.  If you can't find a lid, cover with a wet cloth or towel.  Don't splash with water or a fire ball could rise.  (dramatised 30 second video emailed from my sister; requires G-Mail) 

3. Sprinkle baking soda on the grease fire and don't move the pan. (Redmond Deputy Fire Marshall Jim Underwood)   Fire extinguishers work but they can spread the fire, too.  (Bellevue Fire Dept.).

4. Close doors of burning microwave and oven grease fires and turn off the electricity.  Don't splash with water.  (Bellevue Fire Dept.)

* Disclaimer:  John Underwood, Redmond's Deputy Fire Marshall, neither endorsed nor denied the effectiveness and safety of using a water-rung towel to snuff out kitchen grease fires.  (Personally, I wouldn't hesitate using a wet towel on a toaster fire if I couldn't find baking soda or a fire extinguisher).

Do you know someone who's had a kitchen fire?  I hope the city will provide some kitchen fire prevention education on RCTV or their website. 

Opinion by Bob Yoder
Photo on City of Bellevue web site.
Republished from an earlier posting. 

Safety Alerts: Redmond Police give out bike helmets and flashing reflectors. Sign up your 'hood for "National Night Out Against Crime!"

Jim Bove
Redmond Police Outreach

from the Desk of Jim Bove, Redmond Police Community Outreach

1.  Beginning this Friday, July 8th, our Redmond Town Center Police Substation will be closed.  We are consolidating our resources to the Redmond Police Department/Public Safety Building at 8701 160th Ave NE.  This includes our popular bike and ski/snowboard helmets!  (Now’s a great time to remind you to protect your melon and your child’s!  To schedule an appointment for custom fitting, contact Nicole Rogers at 425-556-2632….this has been a public service announcement.)  

2.  Beginning this weekend, officers will be handing out flashing red reflectors so walkers and bikers can be seen easier.  So don’t be alarmed if it’s getting dark and an officer makes contact with you – it doesn't mean you've done anything wrong, it’s just to make sure you can be seen.  

3.  Time is ticking if your neighborhood would like to participate in the 2011 National Night Out Against Crime on August 2!  Find more information by clicking here and RSVP your party no later than Tuesday, July 26th.   That’s all, folks…quick and (mostly) painless….feel free to share….

Be safe!
Jim Bove
Redmond Police Community Outreach
jbove@redmond.gov )
(425) 556-2545

Plan a trip to the beach with Ecology's new online tool.

Ruby Beach - Olympic National Park

Plan a trip to the beach with Ecology's new online tool

OLYMPIA - Anyone interested in visiting one of Washington's public beaches now has a great new online recreational planning tool, thanks to the Department of Ecology (Ecology).

A new Public Beach Access feature on Ecology's Coastal Atlas website (www.ecy.wa.gov/coastalatlas ) provides detailed information on where to legally access the state's public beaches - including those owned by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Department of Natural Resources, counties and cities, or another agency.

Dr. Kathy Taylor of Ecology's Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program said, "Especially with the high price of gas, no one wants to spend a day driving only to find a beach is closed for swimming or there is no legal access close by. Now, you check that before you leave, make sure the campsite you picked has the features you want, and even view photos of the beach and trail heads."

The website includes interactive maps and photos of trail heads, viewpoints and signs. This is especially helpful for access points that aren't well marked or are located some distance from the beach.

Users can enter a beach name or a general location, or hover a computer mouse over a map and click to zoom in. The site includes information on:

* Whether beaches are closed to swimming, with links to advisories and monitoring reports.
* Public boat launches, docks, piers and marinas.
* Campsite availability, accessibility, hours of operations, fees.
* Amenities such as bathrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, barbeque pits and whether pets are allowed.
* Hiking trails.
* Links to weather and tide information.  Read More >>

Lake Washington School District Announces Nine Administrative Changes

Lake Washington School District Announces Administrative Changes for 2011-2012

Redmond, Wash. – The Lake Washington School District (LWSD) announces a number of changes in school administrators.  Five new principals will serve in district schools while four other principals will have different or additional assignments.

Karen Barker has been selected to serve as the principal at Dickinson Elementary and Explorer Community School in Redmond. Karen interned at both Maywood Hills Elementary in Northshore School District and at Odle Middle School in the Bellevue School District. Karen has taught in Oak Harbor School District and Northshore School District for the past ten years, serving as a math and reading instructor as well as a health and fitness teacher and curriculum developer. Karen earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at Western Washington University and her Masters’ degree from Emporia State University. She graduated from the University of Washington’s Danforth Educational Leadership Program in June.

Matthew Livingston has been selected to serve as the principal of International Community School (ICS) and Community School, both in Kirkland. Matthew comes to LWSD from San Francisco Read More >>,

Swedish comes to the Plateau, tour it before it opens | Photos - seattlepi.com

Much of the Swedish Issaquah Hospital gets natural light from the courtyard during the day.
CELESTE GRACEY, ISSAQUAH REPORTER 

Swedish comes to the Plateau, tour it before it opens Photos - seattlepi.com:

"Swedish Hospital Issaquah was so confident in its ability to get patients in and out of its emergency room, it didn't bother to build a waiting room.

Don't ask for a clipboard either, all that paper work can be done by a nurse at the bedside.

Swedish is just two weeks away from opening in its new hospital, and the administrators couldn't be more proud to show off the shiny new facility during Issaquah Highlands Day on July 9.

The free tours will run continually from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While most of its outpatient clinic space has already been swept up by physicians and family doctors, its inpatient care brings something the plateau has never had before, a full-fledged hospital.

Unlike its established Capitol Hill location, which is composed of continual expansions and a maze of elevators, the staff took the opportunity to plan its dream space with efficiency and beauty."

Read More >>

Redmond Derby Days Dash

The Evergreen Orthopedic Center presents the 2nd Annual Redmond Derby Days Dash. Organized by the City of Redmond and the Dr. John K. McCormick Foundation as the concluding event of Redmond's summer Derby Days Festival, the Dash is a 5k walk/race for non-competitive and competitive participants of all age groups. The participant registration fee is $25 and 100% of net proceeds go to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.  Register online here.

LWSD Audit Finds No Issues

Lake Washington School District Audit Finds No Issues
Clean audit available on state auditor’s website  Read More >>

John Marchione's first speech as mayor touches on Derby Days

John Marchione gives his first speech as mayor (1/12/08) to the Redmond Historical Society about Derby Days. Mayors Christine Himes and Rosemarie Ives attended. This video is a snippet from John's talk. Miguel Llanos, today's Senior Vice President of the Redmond Historical Society asks a question about the Centennial.

Video and Report by Bob Yoder

Police Safety Alert for Redmond adults, youth and international residents

Jim Bove
Redmond Police Outreach

from the desk of Jim Bove, Redmond Police Community Outreach.... 

With 4th of July coming in, oh, about four days, please remember that the sale, personal possession, and use of all fireworks within the city limits of Redmond are prohibited by City ordinance.  See city’s press release regarding fireworks and the locations of firework shows in the area.

ATTENTION:  International residents!  Extra! Extra!  Do you know, a great international resource is available for you on the city website?  Translations to over 30 languages are available!   Go to any city webpage like www.redmond.gov/police.  On the top right-center find a “language” tab—click on that and choose your language to read up on emergency response and more!

A couple quick, informative articles:  Child Predators: The Online Threat Continues to Grow (FBI) Stop ID thieves from stealing your kid's credit (MSNBC.com)  Feel free to pass along to others….Be safe!

Jim Bove
Redmond Police Department
Community Outreach Facilitator
(425) 556-2545
jbove@redmond.gov

North Redmond's sidewalks to nowhere

Sidewalks and bike lanes on NE 116th Street



Crosswalk and bike lane to nowhere 



Sidewalk to nowhere; containers block bike lane

COMMENT FROM READERS:

We've brought up the issue of lack of sidewalks and safe crossings on 116th with city representatives on multiple occasions going back to 2006. The city's position is that developers are responsible for building sidewalks. Unfortunately the city has allowed multiple loopholes allowing developers to avoid their responsibilities. For example, the neighborhood at the SE corner of 172nd is long since completed, but no sidewalk on 116th was ever constructed. Even when sidewalks were built, in many cases they were very narrow strips adjoining the road with no planter strip or other buffer. Meanwhile, the roundabout at the intersection of 116th & 172nd has been pushed out (again) to 2015, leaving us with likely the most unsafe intersection in the city.
     Kudos to Buchan Homes, which built a very nice sidewalk along 116th for Whistler's Ridge.
-Andy Raffman

"...Placing the blame for this "unfinished work" on developers is unacceptable. It is the City that approves plans, and regulates construction projects. We are lucky to have good home builders in Redmond, but we need a stronger handle on "the planning side."
- Richard Morris

Post and Photos By Bob Yoder

Redmond Town Center - 2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale & Arts Festival!

Redmond Town Center - 2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale & Arts Festival.

Sunday, June 26 is the last day.  11-5

"When the sun is out you can't beat this place! Very lively. Lots of  fun, food, music & people!"  

Musician stations are scattered throughout the Arts Festival.  Luke, the guitarist singing at the fountain, is from Gig Harbor.  On Saturday, we found one musician from Redmond and others from Woodinville, Bellevue and Darien, Wisconsin.

Macy's
Even the anchor stores pitched tents

By Bob Yoder

Rotary Club of Redmond awards Jerome Jin "Community Partner of the Year".

from the desk of Pam Mauk, Executive Director, Together Center....

City of Redmond's Jerome Jin receives award
 from Rotory Club of Redmond's David Markley

City of Redmond’s Jerome Jin receives first-ever
Community Partner Award from Rotary Club of Redmond

The City of Redmond’s Jerome Jin received Rotary Club of Redmond’s Community Partner of the Year Award at Thursday’s club meeting. President David Markley made the presentation.

Rotary Club of Redmond established the award this year to recognize a non-Rotarian who partners with the club to leverage the goals and ideals of Rotary in the community.


David Markley said,

 “For eight years, Jerome Jin, Program Administrator in the Public Works Department, has been our partner to further our work at Redmond’s Recycle Day. Everything from computers to old tires, light bulbs to scrap metal, and tons of other discarded items are recycled that would most likely end up at the solid waste facility or on the side of the road, without this program. Yearly, we obtain bicycles that our club refurbishes for children locally and people around the world. Working with Jerome Jin’s help, Redmond Rotary refurbishes and then gives bikes to Eastside Baby Corner, Bikes for Humanity (which go to various African locations), and Bikes for Ghana.”  Read more >>

Redmond police tracks down teenage suspect with social media

Jim Bove
Redmond Police

from the desk of Jim Bove, Community Outreach, Redmond Police....

UPDATED:  A male juvenile approached a group of kids near the BMX bike park last night, 6/22.   He asked one of the kids if they wanted to purchase an IPOD he had stolen.  Read More >>

UPDATED: To maintain teachers salaries: Local levy dollars are used, LWSD 2012 calendar shuffled

Dr Chip Kimball

Local levy dollars used

Lake Washington School District 2011-12 school year extended

UPDATED:  Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District’s school year calendar for 2011-12 has been extended to 181 days from 180 and the last day of school moved from June 20 to June 22. May 25 will become a non-student day.

These changes result from an agreement with the Lake Washington Education Association (LWEA) to maintain current salaries, in spite of the state salary cuts, through the addition of two workdays.

The state legislature cut funding for teacher salaries by 1.9% in the recently completed session. Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent, noted that teacher compensation affects retention and recruitment of good teachers, a priority that he shares with district parents.

“Teacher salaries, in real dollars adjusted for inflation, have been declining for 30 years,” noted Kevin Teeley, LWEA president. “Despite that fact, the legislature is asking teachers to take another cut in pay.”

Dr. Kimball proposed to the LWEA keeping teacher compensation at the same level as 2010-11, using local levy dollars to make up the difference. As part of the proposal, teachers would work two additional days, focusing the time on preparing for the district’s change to a new grade configuration in the fall of 2012. Teachers voted overwhelmingly to accept this change to their contract.   READ MORE >>

2011 post: Neighborhood Commercial: Grocery Stores in Neighborhoods?

This is an old 2011 post

Grocery stores in neighborhoods? Coffee shops? Supermarkets?  Retail? Fruit and vegetable markets?  Will our neighborhoods be rezoned someday to allow for these businesses?  

On June 14, 2011 Redmond City Council spent another of many "study sessions" reviewing "neighborhood commercial" (NC) rezoning.  Planner Kim  Dietz's goal was for council to decide on where NC can be situated in the community and how to prevent "commercial creep."

The NC rezone method agreed upon by council includes certain requirements :

• no more than one commercial development concentrated in each of six different neighborhood areas spread throughout the city.
• rezones are no larger than 1-acre and predominantly near residential.
• development must be in close proximity to one of  the following three concentrations: a business, home, or recreation e.g. park. 

Vice President Pat Vache' noted this criteria will keep development on NE 116th only at both ends of the road, east and west. Councilmember Hank Margeson commented earlier this year that the "PCC" development on 116th and Avondale was an example of a good neighborhood commercial development.  Councilmember David Carson was concerned NE 116th could turn into a strip mall.  Vache' reminded Carson only one NC rezone was allowed per neighborhood area.  

Councilmember Kim Allen said "from an historical perspective NC has always been around." Councilmember Hank Margeson said, NC "is more open today but, is not wide open". 

Planner Kim Dietz reminded council that "none of our neighborhood plans (citizen advisory committees) say 'no' to neighborhood commercial.  Some were silent or speak to general support or a higher level of support..."   The Bear Creek neighborhood had a high level of support.

Margeson referred to his experience on the Education Hill Neighborhood Advisory Committee when citizens were committing to keeping an open mind.  He said  "The advisory committee was asked: do you want to encourage NC more?,,, find a spot where it might fit?,,, vs. a simple 'yes' or 'no' question." 

Councilmember  John Stilin wanted to understand what "keeping an open mind meant."   The Idlewood Neighborhood process requires a land use review in addition to a rezone. When pressed, Planner Dietz said neighbors could "opt out" of a project but, the final decision rests with Council. President Richard Cole clarified that when a developer applies for a project in any neighborhood, it would have a "review panel" (composed of neighbors and staff).  Vice President Pat Vache' concurred and the entire council,  agreed in silence.   
 
Council's final review was centered on concerns of 7/11 type convenience stores. Cole is extremely outspoken against these stores in our neighborhoods, as is Allen.  Councilmember Allen, a land-use hearing examiner in Kitsap, said these types of stores would be "regulated out" by hours and large signage.  Stilin said the focus should be on "aesthetics".  "7/11's" have a limited line of goods.  The types of projects allowed by council are:  supermarkets, fruit and vegetable markets, retail, cafeteria, restaurants, take-out, coffee shops.  Councilmember Hank Myers said all commercial projects would be subject to the Design Review Board.  Council will review the development criteria every five years.   

Citizens may comment at the Hearing scheduled for July 19.  Council has a final study session on August 9 and will vote on it September 6, 2011.
 
 Bob Yoder

July 19 Hearing - document

Great Blue Heron with fish




JOHN REINKE / REDMOND NEIGHBORHOOD BLOG

"Great Blue Heron with fish." By John Reinke

John Reinke's heron is foraging under the Leary Way Bridge.  Painting or Photo?  Great Blue Herons are celebrated as Redmond's "Species of Local Importance".  They forage in the riparian habitat of Redmond's streams, wetlands and the Sammamish River. Redmond heron raise their young in the trees of  Issaquah rookeries and Marymoor Park cottonwoods.

Picture by John Reinke
Source:  Cathy Beam, Principal Environmental Planner, City of Redmond.

Two men save Redmond woman's life on local trail

KOMO NEWS.COM :  Karen McClure thanks Ruchir Astavans
and Nichsant Kumar for saving her life after she collapsed
while running on a bike trail. 

Miracle on the hiking trail: 2 men save woman's life,  By Lindsay Cohen, KOMO NEWS.COM:

REDMOND, Wash. - Forty-five minutes is a long time to be without a pulse.

Paramedics aren’t sure if that’s how long Karen McClure was unconscious; they know it was likely longer.

"I’ve forgotten everything that day and the day before," said the Redmond mother of two. "I think my short-term memory was wiped out."

No one is quite sure what led up to the moments when McClure was found - face down, pale, and blue - on a hiking trail May 19 in Redmond. The two men who found her – longtime friends and Microsoft employees – weren’t sure what was wrong with McClure, an avid runner, when they first spotted her from a few feet away. Read More >>

June 16 Explosion near Rose Hill - Power outages - Terrible traffic around town

Mike Siegle/Seatle Times

Katie's Facebook photo taken from 200 feet above ground level

 ROLLING NEWS:

Emily's photo sent by Facebook

Scroll down for more photos

See more news and photos at:
Redmond Neighborhood Blog Facebook page  OR Email us at:  redmondblog@gmail.com

ROLLING NEWS:

All power is restored.  PSE, Allison Stanford, ~ 3:46 PM, 6/16

PSE Report:  Mineral oil is used as a coolant and conductor for the substation.  It appears the cause for the  black smoke.  The mineral oil is non-toxic.  A substation fire/explosion has never occurred in the history of Puget Sound Energy.  They've been supplying energy to the region since 1886.
  -- Allison Stanford, PSE spokesperson.  Reported by B. Yoder  4:33PM

Duvall Police, Kirkland Police, and Redmond Police Explorers assisted Redmond Police with initial response and traffic. Kirkland Fire, Redmond Public Works, Redmond Planning, and the Washington Department of Ecology also responded, assuring there was no further damage.
  -- City of Redmond

KING 5:  Redmond Sub-Station Fire Knocks Out Power to 1000's
http://www.king5.com/home/Redmond-WA-substation-fire-knocks-out-power-124022269.html

READ MORE >>

LWSD PTSA Special Needs announce summer events and camps

from the desk of Julie Shalaby, LWSD PTSA Special Needs Chairperson

• EASTSIDE Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) Presents, June 21      
• Summer day care camp for teenagers with disabilities·June 27    
• Blog Post: Dyslexic 6th grader asks LW School Board for help and understanding - new material

For details, READ MORE >>

Swedish Medical Center Seattle - Swedish/Issaquah Grand Opening Event

Swedish Medical Center Seattle - Swedish/Issaquah Grand Opening Event

ABOUT THE OPEN HOUSE

TOUR THE FACILITY
Come check out the newest medical center in Issaquah. Tour the Surgery Department, Cancer Center, Imaging Center and ER on the first floor, in addition to walking through all of these new clinics and offices in our medical office building: primary care, OB/GYN, orthopedics, cardiology, neurology, surgery, pediatric specialty, spine, pain, allergy, gastroenterology, outpatient rehabilitation and more! Come meet all the Swedish doctors and make your medical appointment.

FREE CLASSES AND FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS
Register to attend a class on joint replacement, sports medicine, heart health, and your spine. There are also classes on allergies, pediatric sport injuries, colon health, keeping your skin healthy as you age, food labels, and more. Pre-register for a free health screening at the open house event.

Read More >>

Source:  Swedish advertisment/Internet

OPINION: The sidewalks on 166th Ave. are dangerously narrow

Sidewalks on 166th Ave NE are so narrow kids have to hike on garden beds

OPINION:  Two weeks ago and a woman running along a road in Chelan was hit and killed by an old man who fell asleep at the wheel.  Could it be a matter of time before a car loses control on 166th and runs into a pedestrian or bicyclist....or worse, a group of kids?  Children may walk in groups to be more visible to traffic and feel safer?  The oldest and tallest child usually walks closest to the street or on the curb. 

The traffic and safety on 166th Ave. has been under the watchful eyes of citizens, city council and administration for years. In the 2007 election one of Brian Seitz's campaign pledges was to slow the traffic and widen the sidewalks and bike lanes on 166th with 4:3 conversion.  The conversion was partially implemented. (Brian lost to Dave Carson by 200 votes).  Objections were concerns of trucks and buses plugging up traffic.   Carson and Cole were particularly focused on freight and buses.  Sue Stewart said Metro bus slowdowns on a conversation wouldn't be significant.  She works for Metro in Safety.  A few weeks ago, Councilmember John Stilin strongly indicated the conversion should be completed.

When you look at the video, picture a bicyclist coasting down the hill between the kids and a car.  No wonder so few bicycle here.  It's surprising to see so many pedestrians using the sidewalks.  Drivers often react by swerving away from small groups.  

Do you think 166th can take the traffic?  Do you think the city should finish the conversion?  The city put in red lights to improve safety at key intersections.  Should the city build safety improvements on 166th with proceeds from red-light tickets?  What do you think?
 

Opinion and photography by Bob Yoder

REPUBLISHED: SR 520 to close during the weekend of June 17-20

Crews will construct the fish passage culverts in a 30 foot
deep trench acrossall lanes of SR 520. Each culvert is
 10 feet tall, 20 feet wide and 150 feet long

REPUBLISHED:  SR 520 Bridge to close during weekend of June 17-20

Full closure begins at 11 p.m. on June 17

WSDOT is planning up to six more complete weekend closures of SR 520 in 2011 to demolish overcrossings, set girders, install more fish passage culverts and complete other work. The next closure is planned for a weekend in July

FAQ and Tools to keep you moving.   Read More >>

Deer roam into Rose Hill neighborhood

Douglas Burchard

"We looked outside our window in the Spirit Brook neighborhood of Rose Hill this evening, and were amazed to see deer. They seemed non-plussed to have us walk outside and take their picture. However, we were careful not to surround them, startle them, or get too close. What a neat city we live in."

Photo album of deer activity in Rose Hill neighborhood.    By Douglas Burchard, 6/12
Do you have photos of local wildlife, too?   Send them on!  

Mental Health News and Current Events

NAMI Eastside  -  Mental Health Support Organization for the Eastside - Current Events

• An Educational Forum On “Eating Disorders: Facts, Myths & The Road To Recovery”
• NAMI is presently recruiting and training Teachers, Presentors, Facilitators
• NAMI Washington Walk 2011 Raises $250,000

*An Educational Forum On “Eating Disorders: Facts, Myths & The Road To Recovery”*

Guest: Mehri Moore, MD

Date: Tuesday, June 21, 2011, 7 PM - 9 PM

Location: *Evergreen Hospital, Suite Tan 100,

12303 NE 130th Lane,

Kirkland, WA 98034

Mehri Moore, MD., has specialized in the treatment of eating disorders for over twenty years and is widely regarded as one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading authorities on eating disorders and related family issues. Prior to founding the Moore Center, Dr. Moore was the Medical Director of the Eating Disorder Program at Swedish Medical Center. In this presentation she will provide an overview of various types of eating disorders, common co-occurring illnesses and the varying levels of treatment. She will also dispel some of the common myths and discuss how to help a family member or friend that is struggling with an eating disorder.

*Evergreen graciously donates the space
This event is free and open to everyone!
For more information: info@nami-eastside.org , http://www.nami-eastside.org/ , 425-885-6264 

Learn how to become a teacher, presentor, facilitator; Read More >>

ELECTION: Sue Stewart challenges Dave Carson for Redmond City Council Position 7

Ms. Sue Stewart filed this afternoon for Redmond City Council Position 7.  Sue is challenging Dave Carson a one-term incumbent. 

Ms. Stewart is a past Chair for Redmond Parks and Trails Commission, recently served as Vice-Chair of the Code-Rewrite Commission and has been active in neighborhood land use and traffic issues.  Sue is a graduate of the city 2011 Citizen Academy.   She works for King County Metro and lives on Education Hill.    Facebook: "Sue Townsley Stewart

Visit RNB Redmond Voters' Guide for all the local election news and opinion HERE!

Sue Stewart, Challenger
183RD AVE NE
REDMOND, WA 98052
stewars51@gmail.com
Sue Stewart Website
http://suestewart4council.com/
(206) 396-8770

David Carson, Incumbent position 7
NE 50TH WAY
REDMOND, WA 98052
dmcarson@hotmail.com
http://www.carson4council.com/
(206) 484-8480

ELECTIONS: Cynthia Hudson and Siri Bliesner file to run for Lake Washington School Board



Cynthia Hudson, Candidate for Lake Washington School Board District One
District  #1 is the Kirkland/Juanita area represented by Jackie Pendergrass

 CYNTHIA HUDSON HAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE RACE (see her website) 

*Parent to three children *Resident of Seattle area since 1995 * LWSD resident since 1999 * Graduate of UW School of Pharmacy * Graduate of Vanderbilt University *National Merit Finalist from high school * Community Volunteer *PTSA member

I want to work with the district to create a predictable school schedule so that parents ready to get back to work as the economy recovers can have some regularity for employment. I understand the purpose of early release Wednesdays, noon releases, LEAP days, and Thursday-Friday-Monday breaks, but most job seekers can’t find meaningful jobs with that kind of flexibility.

It is a shame that our legislature feels that cutting teacher pay is an appropriate way to deal with decreasing tax revenues. Teachers must be paid commensurately for the challenging job of mentoring our children 180 days each year. Teaching is rewarding in itself, but our teachers are professionals who require appropriate pay and benefits.

It is thrilling to imagine helping guide the education of tomorrow’s citizens and leaders. What better investment for the future than the education of our children?

Source:  http://www.cynthiahudson.net/   Position One is held by Jackie Pendergrass, who has filed.

Cynthia Hudson
PO BOX 2991
KIRKLAND, WA 98083
cynthia@cynthiahudson.ne t
http://www.cynthiahudson.net/
(425) 736-0044

Jackie Pendergrass
13410 98TH AVE NE
KIRKLAND, WA 98034
jpende47@gmail.com
(425) 821-1157

###

THIS JUST IN:  Siri Bliesner filed to run for Position #5 of the Lake Washington School Board. The position is held by incumbent Ravi Shahani in Redmond. As of 6/10 AM, Mr. Shahani has not filed to run. Siri Bliesner's email is SiriForSchools@gmail.com . 425-881-4306

If Ravi Shahani doesn't file by the 13th, Siri Bliesner will run in the November 8 General Election against any "Write-In" candidates.

RNB emailed and phoned Siri Biesner yesterday.  Siri hasn't returned my call.  6/10

Will our community "Realize" Redmond's Bike Park?

Kids are modeling clay to create bike jump ideas for the park. Bike jump
professionals gave talks. The kids also traveled to neighboring BMX parks for ideas.

Carolyn Hope facilitates bike park
design workshop at Horace Mann
President Richard Cole attended

OPINION:  In this week's City Council meeting at least six or seven parents addressed council in the "public comment period about the "Redmond Bike Park" (RBP) development project. RBP is a BMX/mountain bike jump park project on Education Hill.  It's been delayed by an appeal.

One citizen was adamantly against the park, calling it useful for only a small minority of the city population.  His back-yard faces the park.  Another was not against the park but bothered by the Notice process.  He lives a short walk on Ashford Trail in a nearby housing development.  All the other speakers were fathers of BMX biker youth vested in developing the park from years of volunteerism and seeing the good the sport brings to their children.  They spoke with passion and eloquence.  Dave Randall, was the first speaker.  Dave's comments are recorded in a Letter to RNB here. 

But, my reason for writing is to ask where is "Realize Redmond'' (RR) when the community and city needs their support the most?  "Realize Redmond" is a nonprofit, public-private partnership funded by City Council (6-1, Cole) with $50,000 in taxpayer seed money.  Realize Redmond used to be called the "Redmond Foundation". The mission and vision hasn't changed.  READ MORE >>

Creative marketing in Redmond's historic downtown.

This sign was found in the window of what was "Automated Home Solutions".  The store is on the northeast corner of Leary and Redmond Way in Redmond's historic downtown.  A commercial broker creatively uses demographic data to promote it's lease/sale.  Does any demographic statistic catch your eye?

Reported by Pam Yoder
Photo by Yoder

Transportation, Traffic, and Parking studied by School Board -- STEM school project approved.

"Citizen Participation in the Planning Process -- a horrifying prospect for some administrators -- has proved to be the most effective way to avoid mistakes and unintended consequences."  Duany, Plater-Zyberk, and Speck, Suburban Nation, 2000.

JUNE 16, 2011  On Monday, June 8th the Lake Washington School Board made a unanimous decision to approve Hearing Examiner Jim O'Conner's  recommendation to build the STEM secondary school.  STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math and is sorely needed in the district (and around the country.)

Citizen participation in this STEM project was robust with 15 citizens speaking at the April 5th Hearing and others emailing Sup. Kimball and staff.  Mr. O'Conner conditioned his recommendation with the following  items brought to his attention by citizens at the Hearing:    READ MORE >>

And the drums beat on for Arts in Redmond

Arts Commissioner Clint McCune "playing the drums" with kids

 The City of Redmond and the Redmond Arts Commission offer a variety of arts experiences for citizens of all ages.   Check out the calendar of upcoming arts happenings.

ARTS HAPPENINGS

June - September

click

Dyslexic 6th grader asks LW School Board for help and understanding

UPDATED, 6/15:  The School Board business meeting last night was eventful, beyond the Board's decision to approve the STEM school project.  

After a Lake Washington FOUNDATION *presentation, four parents of children with dyslexia and Katie, an elementary student with dyslexia, advocated for help and awareness.  Judy, the first parent runs a WA-PTSA Special Needs Dyslexia Sub-group with 31 members and growing. 

According to the four parents' making public comment:  Dyslexia is a genetic, life long, neurological learning disability that affects 10-20% of the population both male and female.  Dyslexia includes a spectrum of symptoms:  problems with phonics, decoding, spelling, reading and reading fluently, math facts and foreign languages.  READ MORE >>

Probably, the most influential of all speakers was Katie, a 6th grade student at Robert Frost.  She is an awesome speaker. 

Katie said she was diagnosed in 4th grade and "felt stupid" about slow reading, difficult spelling, math facts, and the need for more time to finish assignments. Katie was self-conscious around her peers.   To improve, she asked the Board for: 1) a calculator during tests, 2) an electronic dictionary, 3) "more time" to finish, 4) and American Sign Language (ASL) training to replace the foreign language requirement.  Katie is bright and excels in sports, writing, acting and singing.

North Shore School District and many across the country teach ASL.  With resources and adjustments from the District, 70-80% can "break the code" in one year, read by 3rd grade, and many go onto college with average and above average intelligence.

Superintendent Kimball summarized the parents requests for:  ALS, a dyslexic advocate on the reading program, technology, and curriculum.  Kimball promised, "we will consider these things."

*The LW School FOUNDATION 2012 fundraising goal is to increase the 2011 contribution by $193K. 

Reported by Bob Yoder
Internet photo

I have signs of dyslexia though never diagnosed.  Bad spelling, slow reading, weak on math, need for more time to finish assignments.  BY

FROM MARGARET ADAMS, 6/15
I have just recently learned about this blog and the questions. I am the Margaret Adams that spoke at the Board meeting. I am the co-founder of the LWSD Special Needs Dyslexia sub-group. Parents or teachers in the District who are interested in joining the group may contact me at margaret-adams@live.com

Here is the source information - the statement is first, then source:
(1)Dyslexia comprises approximately 80% of all learning disabilities [Dr. Guinevere Eden, President of the IDA, statement made in "Journey into Dyslexia" shown on HBO][ http://www.interdys.org/FAQHowCommon.htm ]

(2) Two myths persist even today: [Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation study http://www.tremainefoundation.org/Content/October_2010_Roper_Poll_Results.asp ] (i)43% of teachers believe the home is at least partly to blame for learning disabilities. And (ii)51% of the general population think that children with learning disabilities are lazy.

(3) Keeping in mind that that 10 to 20% of the US population has dyslexia, ( i)In the year 2000, 48% of the Texas prison population was determined to have dyslexia [Dr. Kathryn Moody, Dept of Neurology, Univ. of TX http://anuarsped.blogspot.com/2009/03/dyslexia-in-prison-population.html ] ; and (ii)In a much more recent study 35 % of entrepreneurs were determined to have dyslexia [Julie Logan of Cass Business School http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17611066 ]

UPDATED: Councilmembers David Carson and Hank Myers conditionally prefer 2-acre "cluster" developments in neighborhoods; Margeson opposes "strips".

UPDATED, 6/20/11:   City Council held a Study Session on 6/14/11 reviewing and clarifying the three methods for zoning "neighborhood commercial". 

The preferred rezone method (C-1) was defined as:  a.) only 1 commercial rezone allowed in each of six different neighborhood areas, b.) the rezone is required to be concentrated in proximity to one of three criteria:  

business, residential, or recreation; prominently residential.  C-1 is the method of choice by staff and council.  Myers and Carson preferred the C-3 method, defined as:  market-based, no requirements for proximity other than 1-acre rezones must be separated by 1/2 mile.  Neighborhood commercial rezone must be along collector roads or larger.  Carson suggested the option of grocery stores or establishments in converted residential housing.  Council decided 24-hour convenience stores with a "limited line of goods" (like 7/11) and signage aesthetics unapproved by the Design Review Board would not be acceptable. Public Hearing is set for July19 at City Hall. 

For quite some time, Redmond City Council and city staff  have been studying and planning policy options for creating "neighborhood commercial" zones in our neighborhoods. Fewer car trips to downtown centers, conveniences, and neighborhood gathering places are a few goals.

A significant piece of Neighborhood Commercial policy is "implementation" of size, proximity and types of businesses in the neighborhoods. Councilmembers Allen, Vache, Margeson and Stilin firmly agreed to:  locating commercial within walking distance (~1/4 mile) of residential concentrations (12-30 housing units/parcel) and parks. (Option C-1)  (SEE UPDATE)
.
Preserving neighborhood character is paramount to council.  Councilmember John Stilin commented, "I'd rather have a neighborhood begging us to open up to development, than be pushed..."

Eighty-two Lake Washington District students receive "Reflection" awards from LW-PTSA

Eighty-two Lake Washington District students received awards through the Lake Washington PTSA Council’s Reflections program. This year’s theme for the Reflections art program was “Together We Can.” Students submitted entries in six different categories: dance/choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography and visual arts. These 82 students received the following types of awards: Outstanding Interpretation, Awards of Excellence or Awards of Merit.

CATEGORIES:

Film Production·
Dance and Choreography
Musical Composition
Literature
Photography
Visual Arts

CLICK TO READ MORE:  complete list of student awardees

Visit the new LW-PTSA Council website and listing of new 2011-2012 officers

Source:  LWSD "School News"
LW-PTSA Council website
Drawing:  Internet

Sammamish Trails District announce newest Eagle Scouts from Redmond, Sammamish and Woodinville

June 4, 2011

The Sammamish Trails District of Boy Scouts of America is proud to announce our newest Eagle Scouts. To earn the Eagle rank, a scout must complete a minimum of 21 merit badges demonstrating community service, leadership, and scouting values. Please join us in congratulating the following scouts in their remarkable achievement in earning the Eagle Scout rank.

Sammamish Trails Residence Troop

Griffin Conrad Chatterley Redmond Redmond Troop 550
Spiro Dimitri Diliani Woodinville Redmond Troop 591
Joseph Primo Domingo Redmond Redmond Troop 575
Connor Scott Everson Woodinville Redmond Troop 591
James Warren Salmon Sammamish Sammamish Troop 500
Samuel Reid Haruo Watanabe Redmond Redmond Troop 577

For more information about Boy Scouts contact the Sammamish Trails District Chair, Wally Kempe at 425-445-2564.

By Paige Norman

Redmond High School PTSA holds General Membership and Awards meeting June 8.

Redmond High PTSA General Membership Meeting, June 8. 

PLEASE JOIN US!  The  Redmond High PTSA will be holding a General Membship meeting this Wednesday, June 8th from 7:00-8:30 PM.

We need you: please join us! We will be honoring our scholarship recipients and volunteers, and voting on ways to help students in need in our community. Please join us. We will be in the  Redmond High school's Career Center.

Congratulations to the 2011-2012

RHS PTSA slate of officers

Co-Presidents: Shelley Flores and Jan LaFond
1st Vice President of Program: Peg Hunt
2nd Vice President of Services: Karen Figurelle
Treasurer: Susan Seabrooks
Secretary: Marie Kent

REDMOND HIGH SCHOOL PTSA AWARDS

Redmond High School 2011 award recipients will be announced soon

Golden Acorn, Golden Mustang, Outstanding Educator, Outstanding Advocate.

Congratulations to our Reflections winners!

Excellence in Film - Pierce Adler
Outstanding in Literature - Samvit Jain
Excellence in Literature - Maya Balakrishnan

Redmond High PTSA website