JOHN REINKE / "Sustainable Sidewalk"
"Sustainable" defined:
a : of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource
so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged
- Webster's dictionary
Monday, August 8, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Most residents at city meeting favor backyard chickens, but concerns were raised.
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(l-r) City Planner Lori Peckol, Howard Harrison (a composter), Planner Kim Deitz and college intern Andrea May |
35 citizens give mostly positive input at August 3 city meeting on backyard chickens. But, some objections and concerns are raised.
UPDATED OPINION: I talked my wife (Pam) into going to this city-sponsored community meeting last Wednesday on backyard chickens. She was brought up on a farm in California and was one of the few skeptical participants attending.
City planners were requesting citizen input on chickens in preparation for proposing new language for the Comprehensive Plan Update that would allow backyard chickens on lots smaller than 1/2 acre. Participants discussed seven animal husbandry topics. Input from this meeting, a city survey and Planning Commission recommendations will be reviewed by city council before they make their decision sometime this year.
The meeting was loaded mostly with pro-backyard chicken advocates. About 31 citizens attended plus councilmembers Hank Myers and Kim Allen, and Planning Commission chair Tom Hinman. Staff presence was heavy, with at least six city planners guiding discussions on seven chicken topics.
A small minority of participants (~3) expressed genuine skepticism on various issues of backyard chickens.
Richard Grubb, past Redmond council member, was very outspoken Read More >>
Friday, August 5, 2011
UPDATED: Redmond Council passes Resolution endorsing Proposition 1: "Veterans and Human Service Levy"
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| King County Veteran with his family |
REPUBLISHED
UPDATED: In their July 12 meeting, Redmond Council voted on Resolution No. 1363 to support and endorse King County Proposition 1, a 6-year "Veterans and Human Service Levy" renewing and replacing the expiring Levy. After five council members discussed their positions, Council passed the resolution 6-1 (David Carson - opposing).
Bellevue and Kirkland city councils
passed resolutions earlier endorsing the Levy.
In the 2011 August election, county residents will vote on Prop. 1. The 2011 levy is 5 cents/ $1000 of assessed property value, or $20 in 2012 for the average-priced $400,000 home in King County. A CPI capped-measure is built into the Levy. Read More >>
Redmond's John Marchione named "Best Mayor 2011" by Seattle Weekly
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Mayor Marchione kicking off the city's "First Friday Coffee Chat" at Redmond's Senior Center, 2009. |
The re-election campaign of Redmond Mayor John Marchione began with his kickoff breakfast on May 11 and ended one month later when the Elections Department window closed and nobody had signed up to oppose him. The 46-year-old former director of finance and administration at Bellevue’s Meydenbauer Center served one term on the city council, then swept into the mayor’s office in 2007 with a nearly 60-percent majority vote. He’s neighborhood-centric in the once-small town (pop. 54,000 today), where he grew up watching its identity fade into the engulfing exurbia, and his business background helps him stay abreast in the place best known as the home of Microsoft. But first the community, then the corporations, says Marchione. “We shouldn’t predict what the next business will be,” he said at his kickoff, “but we should be a place where the next business would want to come because of the high quality of life.” RICK ANDERSON Mayor’s Office, 425-556-2101, redmond.gov
Thursday, August 4, 2011
School District announces LW High School Open House, Tour and BBQ to celebrate new school building
Lake Washington High School and Northstar Junior High host open house to celebrate new school building
Tours of the state-of-the-art school and a BBQ celebration are scheduled for August 16, 4-7PM
Lake Washington High School invites the community to an open house of the newly constructed high school, which also houses Northstar Junior High.
Students will lead visitors on a tour of the new school, which will highlight the academic houses, performing arts center and library among other spaces.
Features of the new school include four academic houses, which are sets of classrooms for teams of teachers who will work with students through their entire high school career.
The building includes a number of sustainable features, including a ground source heating system, solar panel array, daylighting, recycled and rapidly renewable materials.
BBQ- 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 12033 N.E. 80th St., Kirkland, WA 98033
LWSD Press Release
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Redmond man charged with child pornography following largest probe in history
ATTN: The addesses of registered sex offenders living in and around Redmond is posted on this link
By Levi Pulkkinen, August 3, 2011
SeattlePi.com
"A Redmond man is among 72 men charged with child pornography-related crimes following what’s been described by Justice Department officials as the largest child pornography prosecution in the nation’s history.
Late last month, federal prosecutors in Seattle filed child pornography charges against Eric Karl Myszke-Francis, a Redmond man accused of sharing images of abused children over the “Dreamboard” site."
Juel Park, pea patches, and backyard chickens
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| Carrie relaxing in her pea patch Juel Community Park |
This is a story about Juel Park, pea patches and backyard chickens.
A rare afternoon of sunshine spotted Redmond yesterday. It was a good day to visit one of our many splendored parks. After running some errands, and a feeble attempt to find work, I was off to PCC shopping center (Avondale and 116th Street) for coffee and a walk to Juel Park, less then a quarter mile away.
Juel Park is quiet and rustic, with historic farm buildings on the banks of Bear Creek. Frisbee golfers were scattered on the meadowed course, their heads barely visible over the long grasses. I was looking for the park "pea patches". To my surprise, I found my neighbor Carrie working her patch! She was sitting in her daughters Suzie's garden chair watering while rocking her foster child in a stroller.
"It's hard to grow tomatoes in my shady yard," Carrie said, "that's why I rent this patch from Parks and Rec. It costs $50 a season for a large plot." Veggies and flowers were everywhere: beans, chard, carrots, dill, tomatoes, pumpkins, potatoes peppers, sunflowers, even hops and artichokes. One "urban farmer" was raising tomatoes for Hope-Link. The raspberries and herbs are free for growers.
I asked Carrie if she was going to tonight's backyard chicken meeting at City Hall. (August 3, 6-8:30 PM at Redmond City Hall.). To my complete surprise she recounted:
"I know all about them. My backyard abuts a neighbor who's had four hens in her backyard for two years. They built a nice coop painted the same color of the house." (I asked if they were noisy or smelled.) "They don't have a rooster. We hear the dog next door. Only soft "momm" "momm" sounds from the birds. They eat the insects. The manure pellets are fertilizer for her raised garden. But the raccoons will eat chickens so at night they're put back in the coop. My children have learned from the birds and enjoy them. They're scouts at the Lutheran troop.
I must say, this was a real lessen for me. I walk by this house almost every day and had no idea chickens were pecking around. The friendly owner likes to garden and we say hi when passing. My perspective on backyard chickens is changing. I'm beginning to view these critters with a more open eye. I keep learning more and more about them. When asked, Carrie told me roosters aren't needed for chickens to lay eggs. Did you know that?! The public is invited to the chicken meeting tonight at City Hall. I've got a lot more to learn about these critters. Are you going?
Opinion By Bob Yoder
iPhone
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Council member Myers Awarded Certificate of Municipal Leadership - City of Redmond, WA
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| Hank Myers |
"Hank Myers, Councilmember for the City of Redmond, recently received a Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC). To earn this distinction, Mr. Myers completed over 30 hours of training credits.
The CML program is designed to enhance the ability of elected municipal officials by providing knowledge and skills to effectively operate within the law, plan for the future, secure and manage funds and foster community and staff relationships. To earn this certificate, the official attends a variety of AWC sponsored municipal workshops. The courses help mayors and councilmembers learn the essentials of municipal service and improve their ability to work with council colleagues, city staff and citizens. Read More >>
Sue Stewart states why she's running for Redmond City Council
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| Candidate for Redmond City Council Seat 7 |
Ms. Stewart provides answers in a newly published Municipal League of King County 2011 questionanaire. The " Muni League" of King County rated Sue Stewart "Very Good". Her opponent, Council member David Carson is rated "Good" by the League. (I'll write-up David next.)
In July, the Municipal League released valuable information about the political history of the candidates. Sue lists the following history of her work for the City:
- Code Rewrite Commission, September, 2009 - November, 2010, Vice Chair
- Budget By Priorities, "Results Committee" 2008
- Parks and Trails Commission, 2002 -2007, Chair
- BITI Committee, (Business Tax Transportation Improvement) 1996 -2003
Stewart wrote the following one-page statement answering the Municipal League's questionaire question: "Why are you running for this office"?
"My family and I have lived in Redmond since August 1981, when I began my current position as a Safety Officer for METRO Transit. I initially chose Redmond for its proximity to work but quickly fell in love with both the environment and the deep sense of community. Read More >>
Redmond was small by Los Angeles standards but as the years went by our family grew along with the community of Redmond. I knew it was important to get involved to have an opportunity to shape the vision for our growing city. Read More >>
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Kris Bennett organizes scavenger hunt on Education Hill for exchange students
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Josep Pau Ballart "We hope the "gorilla" doesn't travel to Spain!" (Kris on right) |
Program manager and parent Kris Bennett organized a competitive scavenger hunt on Education Hill as a culminating event to her summer Spanish exchange program. Here's how Kris describes it in Facebook:
We had a group of 40 or so Spanish exchange students and host siblings divided into 5 groups roaming the neighborhoods of Education Hill on a scavenger hunt. They each started with a ball point pen and were suppose to knock on doors, use their English skills, and explain they were in a competition to "trade up" for the best object. They had an hour to return and then we voted on who got the best item(s). Look on my Facebook at the pictures of what they brought back (in my second album). Your trophy was traded for the winning gigantic gorilla. Other interesting and close finishers were: a team with a Razor Scooter and X-Box (no cords or controller brought it out of first place), a bag with a bunch of colorful bras, and a Dirt Devil vacuum and CD/DVD Player. It was a great chance for the students to use their English AND see how friendly Redmond residence are. This is just one more activity that leaves them always saying, "I can't believe how friendly and open Americans are! This is not what I expected!" Thanks for participating!
Did they ring your doorbell?
Parents and students wishing to host a family next summer: Contact Kris at BennettBunch@aol.com or call the EF Educational Homestay nonprofit organization at: 800-521-0083. The program also hosts high school girls.
Parents and students wishing to host a family next summer: Contact Kris at BennettBunch@aol.com or call the EF Educational Homestay nonprofit organization at: 800-521-0083. The program also hosts high school girls.
By Kris Bennett
Education Hill parent
Program Manager for Redmond Boy's Exchange Student Program
Published with permission from Facebook.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Seafair Unlimited Hydroplane and Simulator visits Bella Bottega Shopping Center
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| J. Michael Kelly's "Degree" Hydroplane, courtesy Reinke |
B-Reporter John Reinke observed Seafair racer "J. Michael Kelly's signature scrawled across the hatch" of the trailered hydroplane.
Kelly resides in Bonney Lake, WA. He's started in 45 races during his six year career driving unlimited hydroplanes. The 31-year-old Kelly was named 2004 Rookie of the Year He will race for the Chevrolet Cup at Seafar, August 3-7.
Find the informative Seafair calendar of events here!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
City receives $3.3 million grant for pedestrian improvements on Cleveland Street
The funding will help construct pedestrian improvements on Cleveland Street from Redmond Way to 164th Ave NE. “Helping communities secure federal transportation funding is one of the key roles of the PSRC,” said PSRC President, Kitsap County Commissioner Josh Brown. “This project rose to the top on its merits and can not only deliver improvements for the future, but help grow jobs in the near term.”
Redmond City Council President Richard Cole is on the Executive Board of PSRC. Council member Kim Allen represents "Suburban Cities Association" on the PSRC Growth management planning board and chairs the Eastside Transportation Partnership. Read More >>
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
City Council gives District go-ahead to remodel Redmond High School; modifies parking plans
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| Redmond High School |
UPDATED: City Council modifies LW School District's Redmond High School plan to construct two building additions, three portables, and additional parking. Passes amended Ordinance 2608 approving RHS remodel. (6-1, Cole opposing).
The district is required to impliment and maintain detailed management plans for "event parking" and "daily operating parking".
It's a known fact, traffic is bad on 104th Street and 166th Avenue when school is in session. During the July 19th city council meeting on the proposed Redmond High School (RHS) building additions, even Council President Richard Cole said he avoids driving these roads whenever possible. Richard has this luxury; his kids graduated years ago.
Susan Wilkins, a mother of two RHS students, unfortunately doesn't have this option. In the July 26 permit Hearing, she bravely spoke for almost 10 minutes on district traffic study omissions and school project costs. City and district lawyers and officials listened intently.
"With 500 more potential parent drop-offs of 9th graders, traffic will be horrible" Wilkins said. "I can't even get on 104th Street without making an illegal left turn". She said her "kids had to walk on Avondale just to get on a bus, just so the District could get paid [for that route]." Wilkins advised that a state law goes into effect this September giving eligibility for busing only to those kids living outside a one mile radius from school (not counting twists and turns). She concluded, "It's better to drive my kids".
Ms. Wilkins focused her argument on severe lack of school and Metro bus ridership stating:
"Only 300 ride the bus to RHS, of 1450 students. That's less than 20% of the population. At Lake Washington High School almost 1000 students or, 50% ride of the kids ride the Metro bus".
She said the District needs to provide more buses or give Metro incentives. Unfortunate for Ms. Wilkins and her supporters, Council didn't address busing. A traffic planning ordinance (TMP) and lack of documentation appeared to limit Council on the issue.
What the District committed was Read More >>
Sunday, July 24, 2011
General Manager of Borders Books dreams of opening a Redmond bookstore
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| Stuart Burnett, General Manager of Borders, dreams of opening a bookstore in Redmond |
For years, Borders was part of many Redmonites lives. Especially on rainy days, Borders was always there for us, to warm up, browse for a good book or magazine, have a cup of coffee, or rest in a good chair. Borders was a significant gathering place for our community and similar the Top Food's closure, will be sadly missed.
Stuart Burnett, the dismissed General Manager of Borders/Redmond and a 43-year native of Redmond, had the same nostalgic words for his past employer. Read More >>
Community Meeting on Backyard Chickens and Animal Husbandry
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| Animal Husbandry |
archaic : the care of a householdThe City of Redmond will hold a meeting on August 3 from 6 to 8:15 pm at City Hall for a community conversation on backyard chickens and animal husbandry in general. At this event, participants will have an opportunity to share their interest, questions and perspectives with city staff about possible amendments to Redmond's policies.
2: the control or judicious use of resources : conservation
3a : the cultivation or production of plants or animals : agriculture b: the scientific control and management of a branch of farming and especially of domestic animals.
Currently, Redmond's regulation addresses domestic animals and limits the ownership of small animals such as chickens to lots one-half acre or larger. Ownership of larger animals such as horses and cattle are limited to lots one acre and larger based on the type of animal.
Residents have been asking for backyard chickens to be permitted on lots smaller than one-half acre. If you can't make the meeting and wish to post a comment below, please do.
Posted by Yoder
Internet photo
Friday, July 22, 2011
UPDATED: Cultural growth spurt: Ananda Mela festival in Redmond to celebrate Indian culture, July 29 -30
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| PREVIEW the Anando Mela Festival By Latha Sambamurti |
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| 2010 Anando Mela - Photo by Bob Yoder |
Cultural growth spurt: Annual festival in Redmond to celebrate Indian culture - Redmond Reporter:
By Samantha Pak
Redmond Reporter
"Pat Pattabhiraman and his wife [Latha Sambamurti] moved to Redmond almost 10 years ago from Vancouver, British Columbia.
He was hired by a small local technology company and back then, the area's Indian landscape was a lot different: There were only a few Indian restaurants and grocery stores and even fewer cultural events and entertainment opportunities.
In 2011, things have changed." Read More >>
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From The Joy of India Festival Photos by Bob Yoder, 2010 |
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Two-alarm apartment fire extinguished with no injuries - Redmond, WA.
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| Redmond Fire-Rescue Vehicles |
The Redmond Fire Department responded to a two-alarm fire at an apartment complex at the 4800 block of 156th Ave NE shortly before noon today.
Fire and EMS units were dispatched at 11:55 a.m. to a working structure fire reported by a neighbor which sent firefighters from Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Woodinville.
First units arrived at 12:01 p.m. and found one apartment well involved with fire extending 15 feet out one window before being extinguished. The alert neighbor and quick response prevented the fire from extending to the three adjacent apartment units. There were no occupants in the involved apartment at the time of the fire and there were no injuries.
The fire is currently under investigation by the Redmond Fire Department.
Prepared and released by Jim Bove, Redmond Police Department
Internet photo
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Redmond Spur railway demolition marks the end of an era.
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| Collage of BNSF Redmond Spur Railway Demolition, 7/20/2011 |
Demolition of the BNSF railway spur for the "Redmond Central Connector" has begun, marking the end of an era. Once the rails are pulled and recycled, the city will install a huge regional stormwater pipe under the railroad bedding. A trail and "linear park" will be built on top of the pipe. The trail will connect to the Downtown Park.
Central Connecter video narrated by three planning commissioners, the mayor and staff directors.
By Bob Yoder
Photographed, 7/20
Borders close
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| Redmond Town Center - Borders |
"Nine Borders locations are expected to close in Washington state as the bookseller prepares to liquidate its remaining stores.
Susie Detmer, senior director of retail services for Cushman & Wakefield, said once Borders closes its doors, she expects its storefronts to stay vacant through the holidays. Those that are a single level will go the quickest because of their great locations, she said.Story and excerpt
Stores in the Redmond Town Center, downtown Seattle, Southcenter Mall and Tacoma, however, will be problematic to lease because they are two levels, she said.
By Christine Harvey, 7/19,2011
Seattle Times business reporter
Internet photo
Visit http://www.borders.com/ this week for store closure updates
School Levies | Ross Hunter
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| Ross Hunter 48th District Representative Chair, Ways and Means |
"We spend MUCH to heavily on local property tax to fund education"
-- Ross Hunter, Chairman of House Ways and Means, Ross Hunter's Blog
School Levies Ross Hunter: "For the past two years we’ve had a group of technical experts working on proposals on how to fix school levies.
Read more about the basic problems with local levy funding
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Council trying to shift gears on Redmond Economic Development Plan
Redmond's economic development plan, coined "Community of Excellence Project", underwent serious study during Council's July 12 meeting. Several councilmembers appeared frustrated by the lack of progress and lack of background information on the plan. Council Vice President and REDA member, Pat Vache' tried his best to explain the problem and offer solutions.
The "Community of Excellence Project" is referred to in city documents as:
The "Community of Excellence Project" is referred to in city documents as:
- a "complete Live, Work, Play and Learn community....of diverse businesses, quality schools, state-of-the-art healthcare, gate way ports to the world economy, commitment to environment sustainability and excellent quality of life..."
- the Project is a collaborative effort between the City, "Realize Redmond", the Chamber and "Redmond Economic Development. Alliance" (REDA)
Laughs are on President Richard Cole as Council plans the Centennial
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| President Richard Cole |
Laughs are on President Richard Cole as Council plans the Centennial
UPDATED: At the end of each Study Session Meeting, Council usually has a "Talk Time" to chat about miscellaneous things not covered in their business session. The July 12 session was literally one to remember. It started with chatter about this year's Derby Days event and ended with belly laughs from tales of President Richard Cole's days past. Here goes: Read More >>
Monday, July 18, 2011
Upper Bear Creek "Music in the Park" Concert Series
Upper Bear Creek Community Council announced it is bringing "Music in the Park" back to Cottage Lake Park this summer. The series of six FREE family concerts will be in the park on Thursday evenings in July and August from 7-8:30 p.m. You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the park at 190th and NE Woodinville-Duvall Road in Woodinville. More information is available at http://www.upperbearcreek.com/.
Mark your calendars.
Courtesy of King County Representative, Kathy Lambert
Emergency Department Wait Times Now Online - Overlake Hospital Medical Center
I first heard about Overlake's ER website feature from Tech Flash here. And now the King 5 TV clip
Emergency Department Wait Times Now Online - Overlake Hospital Medical Center - Bellevue, WA: "Published on July 18, 2011
Overlake First in Seattle Area to Introduce New Website Feature Displaying Emergency Department Wait Times
Patient convenience greatly increased by Overlake's innovative new web feature Read More >>
Sunday, July 17, 2011
UPDATED: "To da dump, to da dump, to da recycling center dump!"
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| Lining up for the big city recycling event |
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Edible crayfish and clams found in Sammamish River
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| The daily limit on Signal crayfish is 10 pounds. |
Walking along the Sammamish River near the Leary Bridge a few weeks ago, I saw a young teenager in the river. He was in a bathing suit with a net catching crayfish. He was standing in the water a few feet from the shore, industriously turning over rocks and scooping. He had caught about 20 crayfish.
He said they are "signal crayfish" and native to this area. He's found them between 3.5 and 6 inches long. I asked him what he planned to to do with his catch, and he said "eat them". No license is required to catch crayfish in Washington, although the daily limit is ten pounds!!
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He also netted a number of shellfish a little larger than the size of a quarter. I contacted Peter Holte, Redmond's Habitat Stewardship Coordinator to learn more about the shellfish. He said they were Asian clams, an invasive species. Notice that several of them have had their shells bored through by some kind of predator.
The clams originate in Southeast Asia and are eaten by the locals. I even found some recipes for them on the internet. Anyone for Asian clam chowder?
Friday, July 15, 2011
Kirkland Chamber of Commerce celebrates new visitor center
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| The local business community and City of Kirkland officials celebrate the grand opening of the new downtown Visitor Information Center during a ceremony on Wednesday. Contributed by Bob Gassen/Humanature Photography |
The Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce and Kirkland Downtown Association (KDA) members celebrated the grand opening of the organization's new offices and Visitor Information Center during a ceremony on Wednesday. Read More >>
Thursday, July 14, 2011
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).
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. | Sup. Bob Malte Evergreen Hosp. |
--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
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Mayor Marchione extends Derby Days with fireworks Friday, July 15.
"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
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.
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 >> |
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
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?"
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| Trailhead to Nike Park "Whitey" is running from the "Mystery Trail" onto Perrigo Heights sewer easement road |
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 >>
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 >>
Monday, July 11, 2011
UPDATED: Redmond's Evolving Economic Development Plan
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| Mayor John Marchione Coordinating economic development |
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.
Who's in REDA? Read More >>
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Community greets Swedish/Issaquah at opening celebration : The Issaquah Press
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| 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 |
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>>
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Arts in the Park free summer performances at City Hall
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 >>
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Lake Washington School District teachers dodge pay cut, extend year
"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.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
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 |
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
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Plan a trip to the beach with Ecology's new online tool.
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| Ruby Beach - Olympic National Park |
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
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 >>,
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Swedish comes to the Plateau, tour it before it opens | Photos - seattlepi.com
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| Much of the Swedish Issaquah Hospital gets natural light from the courtyard during the day. CELESTE GRACEY, ISSAQUAH REPORTER |
"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 >>
Saturday, July 2, 2011
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.
Friday, July 1, 2011
LWSD Audit Finds No Issues
Lake Washington School District Audit Finds No Issues
Clean audit available on state auditor’s website Read More >>
Clean audit available on state auditor’s website Read More >>
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