Hague reverses position and now supports temporary $20 tab charge

"HERE IS SOME REALLY GOOD NEWS FROM JANE HAGUE -- something moved her to change her position..."    --Richard Morris, Education Hill Neighbor, Redmond, 8/12

Dear Neighbor,

Today I announced my support of the temporary $20 “Congestion Reduction Charge.” My support comes as a result of a bipartisan agreement which addresses my primary concerns regarding the future of Metro.

First, the new legislative package preserves service on the Eastside – nearly 120,000 hours which were slated to be cut. Second, it takes critical steps to make Metro more financially sustainable.

This new proposal initiates meaningful reform that protects jobs and reduces waste. Among the elements of the agreement:

 · The preservation of current levels of Metro service on the Greater Eastside. Under the previous proposal, Eastside service would have been cut by 120,000 hours.

· Implementation of “right-sizing” consistent with the Transit Strategic Plan. Rather than eliminating low-ridership routes that serve lower-density areas, Metro will deploy lower-cost, more efficient Dial-a-Ride Transit service (DART), community access transportation services, Vanpools and vanshares, which will make Metro more efficient and responsive to riders.

· A Transit Incentive Program that will provide eight bus tickets, up to $24, in exchange for each car tab renewal. Individuals will be able to use the tickets for bus rides to anywhere within the county. Or they can choose to donate the value of those tickets for distribution by select human service agencies.

· A phase out of the downtown Seattle Ride Free Area in October 2012, which was called for by the County Council’s 2009 Metro performance audit. The elimination will save $2.2 million a year.

· Language consistent with the Transit Strategic Plan that calls for routes which carry more riders due to the effect of highway tolling, including SR-520, as candidates for added service. I’ve always been a supporter of transit in King County. It is critical that we keep people and businesses moving – especially during this tough economic time.

For more information on the agreement see the press release below. I also want to thank the thousands of concerned citizens that wrote me and voiced their concern. I value your feedback.

For More Information on the New Congestion Reduction Charge (CRC) Click Here 

Click Here to see a Comparison Chart

Sincerely,

Jane Hague

King County Council – District 6

Email: jane.hague@kingcounty.gov

Phone: 206-296-1006

http://www.kingcounty.gov/Hague    http://www.facebook.com/kccJaneHague  

LETTER: King County Councilmember Jane Hague explains position on $20 car tab fee

Jane Hague responds to Richard Morris's "Save Your Bus!" query, on the proposed $20 car tab increase to support METRO.  Richard recommends R-Trip incentives.  Mr. Morris, an Education Hill Neighbor, shares Hague's response...

Incumbant Jane Hague, Pos. 6

King County Coumcilmemmber

Dear Neighbor,

Thank you for writing me and voicing your concern over the proposed $20 car tabs fee.

As you may have read, a vote on the “congestion reduction fee” was expected to take place at the July 25th Council meeting. Instead, this vote was unexpectedly delayed until August 15th. I still oppose a councilmanic adoption of the $20 car tab increase. Further, I am concerned by the fact that the $20 fee will still result in a reduction of bus service for the Eastside and that Metro has not fully implemented plans to control its ongoing budget growth.

As a firm supporter of transit, I have said consistently through this debate that I have many concerns about Metro’s future. First, as I mentioned above, significant route eliminations and reductions on the Eastside will occur even if the car tab fee is implemented. These service hours will be allocated elsewhere. Eastsiders will ultimately be paying for service they will not receive. Second, long term solutions for Metro’s future have yet to be discussed. The fee doesn’t solve the underlying issues and uses important reserves to fill-in budget holes.

I don’t think it’s responsible to my constituents in District 6, nor the people of King County, to endorse a weak “band-aid” solution. Again, thank you for writing. Let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns. I look forward to continuing this debate.

Sincerely,

Jane Hague

King County Council – District 6

Email: jane.hague@kingcounty.gov 

Phone: 206-296-1006

http://www.kingcounty.gov/Hague  http://www.facebook.com/kccJaneHague

Rain water tour at Redmond's Grasslawn Park addresses polluted stormwater run-off, impacts and solutions

City of Redmond Grasslawn Park Clubhouse

rainwater run-off feeds into the garden

from the desk of Maddie Foutch, intern with People For Puget Sound ...

UPDATED:  "As part of my summer internship with "People For Puget Sound" I am putting together a Rain Water tour. Co-hosted by People For Puget Sound, Sustainable Redmond, and Redmond Public Works, the tour will be addressing the issue of polluted runoff and what the City of Redmond is currently doing about it.

Maddie's Rain Water Tour @ Graslawn Park

features rainwater expert guides

Monday, August 15, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

7013 - 148th Ave. NE

Meet at the Grasslawn Clubhouse on the NE corner of the park.

 The tour begins at the northeast corner of Grasslawn Park with an introduction to polluted runoff and the impacts it has on us as everyday citizens. We will then proceed through the park stopping to examine the many solutions the City of Redmond is implementing, including green roofs, permeable asphalt, and rain gardens. The tour will conclude after a Q&A session with the tour speakers ...read more >>

####

From the desk of Cindy Jayne, Chair, Sustainable Redmond ...

After the Rain Water tour, whoever is interested will head over to a nearby pub to have an informal discussion on sustainability, projects for the future, projects in progress, recent activities, etc.

Posted By Yoder

Photo courtesy of Sustainable Redmond

Department of Ecology praises City on quick and correct response to PSE fire explosion

The State of Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) recently praised the City of Redmond for the quick and correct response from the Fire and Public Works departments during the June fire at the Puget Sound Energy substation fire.

A job well done!

The efforts taken by these two departments prevented a potentially serious release of oil and firefighting foam into local surface waters. Quick thinking and coordination between Fire and Public Works safely contained the foam solution and more than 1000 gallons of mineral oil within a stormwater swale adjacent to the fire scene. Upon determining that the fire would be suppressed with foam, the fire incident commander, Battalion Chief Ed Carolan, notified Public Works, which promptly sealed off the swale’s drainage outlet.

Bill Cambell

Dir. Public Works

Jeannie Summerhays, DOE’s Regional Director stated, “We congratulate the City on taking these preventative measures in the stress of a time-critical situation with significant health and safety risks.”

The swale drains directly into a creek that enters the Sammamish River only several dozen yards away from the fire location. The Sammamish is an important salmon river and its bank habitat is home to many species. Foam solution and oil are toxic to fish and wildlife.

“The environmental consequences of this fire could have been substantial,” stated Mayor John Marchione. “Due to our concern for the environment, we train our employees to coordinate emergency response and environmental protection during emergencies.”

Due to the City’s quick action, Puget Sound Energy’s environmental contractors were able to effectively collect oil and foam rinse from the swale and remove residual contamination from the incident site.

Press release

Photo taken of Redmond Fire after a three hour training session

"Save Your Bus Route!", By Richard Morris

King County Council member Jane Hague

3rd from the left

Save Your Bus Route!

LETTER:  If the Congestion Reduction Charge (temporary two-year $20 car tab fee) doesn't pass, several routes are scheduled to be eliminated or scheduled for service reductions and revisions.

Because of the recession, King County Metro's funding from sales tax has plummeted. Metro has already undertaken extreme efficiency measures to keep the buses running, but they are facing a 17% budget gap. Without the temporary $20 car tab fee, King County Metro will have to cut bus service by 17 percent!

This would mean 177 bus routes under King County Metro would be slashed, reduced, or even eliminated. 36% of commuters in King County currently use the bus.

We need transit to reduce commuter gridlock and protect the environment. People rely on King County Metro buses to get to work, school and the hospital. In fact, these cuts will disproportionately affect people of color, immigrants and our elders who make up a large percentage of transit-dependent riders throughout King County.

On August 15, six votes are needed by King County Council to pass an emergency ordinance to put the measure on the ballot or to approve the measure without requiring a public vote.

Please email Council member Jane Hague and urge her to vote YES on The Congestion Reduction Charge on August 15. jane.hague@kingcounty.gov  [and email Council member Kathy Lambert at:  kathy.lambert@kingcounty.gov].

By Richard Morris

Redmond, WA.

Photo:  courtesy King County website

"Sustainable Sidewalk", Art by Reinke, Part One

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

Most residents at city meeting favor backyard chickens, but concerns were raised.

(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 >>

UPDATED: Redmond Council passes Resolution endorsing Proposition 1: "Veterans and Human Service Levy"

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

Mayor Marchione kicking off the city's "First Friday Coffee Chat"

at Redmond's Senior Center, 2009. 

Redmond Mayor named "Best Mayor" in 2011 by "Seattle Weekly"

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

Read the entire Seattle Weekly's "Best of" article here.   

Read RNB story on Mayor's Coffee Chat topic:  "Mayor Marchione gives his vision of  Downtown"

Photo by Bob Yoder

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

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

Redmond man charged with child porn following largest probe in history 

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."

Read More >> 

Internet photo

Facebook Fan Page:   https://www.facebook.com/redmondblogger

Juel Park, pea patches, and backyard chickens

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

Ananda Mela Festival 2011, Redmond, WA. July 29-31

What is Ananda Mela?

ANANDA MELA FESTIVAL, City of Redmond, WA. July 29-31, 2011

city video

Council member Myers Awarded Certificate of Municipal Leadership - City of Redmond, WA

Hank Myers

Myers Awarded Certificate of Municipal Leadership, City of Redmond, WA

"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

Sue Stewart

Candidate for Redmond City Council Seat 7

 UPDATED: Sue Stewart, a 30-year resident of Redmond is running in the November 2011 election for Redmond City Council Seat 7. Who is she? And, why is she running for this office?

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

I live in the same Education Hill neighborhood as Sue and know of her experience and participation with neighborhood traffic and safety programs, land use development process and the LW School District.

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 >>

Kris Bennett organizes scavenger hunt on Education Hill for exchange students

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.

By Kris Bennett

Education Hill parent

Program Manager for Redmond Boy's Exchange Student Program

Published with permission from Facebook. 

Seafair Unlimited Hydroplane and Simulator visits Bella Bottega Shopping Center

 J. Michael Kelly's "Degree" Hydroplane, courtesy Reinke

UPDATED:  If you happened to be shopping at Bella Bottega, Tuesday the 26th, you may have notices one of Seafair's unlimited hydroplane's in the QFC parking lot.  Visitors were invited to test out their skills behind the wheel in a Nascar Simulator. 

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!

City receives $3.3 million grant for pedestrian improvements on Cleveland Street

SEATTLE – Redmond will receive $3.3 million for transportation improvements via action this week by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC).

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 >>

City Council gives District go-ahead to remodel Redmond High School; modifies parking plans

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 >>

General Manager of Borders Books dreams of opening a Redmond bookstore

Stuart Burnett, General Manager of Borders, dreams of opening a bookstore in Redmond

Rumor turned to reality on Friday when Borders bankruptcy sale signs hit the streets.

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

Animal Husbandry

Webster's definition of  "animal husbandry": 

archaic : the care of a household
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.

The 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.

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

UPDATED: Cultural growth spurt: Ananda Mela festival in Redmond to celebrate Indian culture, July 29 -30

PREVIEW the Anando Mela Festival
By Latha Sambamurti

 

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 >> 

From The Joy of India Festival Photos by Bob Yoder, 2010

Two-alarm apartment fire extinguished with no injuries - Redmond, WA.

Redmond Fire-Rescue Vehicles

Two-alarm apartment fire extinguished with no injuries Redmond, WA.

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

Redmond Spur railway demolition marks the end of an era.

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

Redmond Town Center - Borders

Borders still operates 9 stores in Washington state, Seattle Times Newspaper, July 19,2011:

"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.

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.

Story and excerpt
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

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

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:

• 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)

The Project envisioned the intent to "leverage the strengths of each organization, clarify roles, and reduce duplication of efforts and energize."   But, Council admitted this wasn't happening.  They proposed a revised working statement, called "One Redmond Initiative".   Read More >>

Laughs are on President Richard Cole as Council plans the Centennial

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 >>

Upper Bear Creek "Music in the Park" Concert Series

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

from the desk of Bob Yoder...
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 >>

UPDATED: "To da dump, to da dump, to da recycling center dump!"

Lining up for the big city recycling event

UPDATED:  The Friday night fireworks at City Hall were a lot prettier than Saturday's city recycling event.  But, in a much different way, going "to the city recycling dump" with our neighbors was just as much fun!  Read More >>

Edible crayfish and clams found in Sammamish River

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!!

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?  

Story and photos by John Reinke
Redmond photographer
7/16  (edited for brevity)

Kirkland Chamber of Commerce celebrates new visitor center

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

 Kirkland Chamber of Commerce celebrates new visitor center - Kirkland Reporter: "Jul 14 2011, 5:51 PM

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 >>

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 >>