OPINION: Seattle Times article a "must read" on tolling Initiative 1125 controversy

520 bridge

OPINION:   At the Oct. 4 council meeting Redmond Mayor Marchione  OPPOSED Initiative 1125, as he addressed council before their vote on a Resolution on the initiative:   

"520 is an economic lifeline to the city of Redmond. It's in the direct interests of the City of Redmond and our economic development and our community; and the Resolution be opposed and take the leadership required."

The Redmond City Council majority followed the Mayor and voted AGAINST an endorsement Initiative 1125 (5-2).  Incumbents David Carson and Hank Myers made a political vote FOR the Resolution to endorse Initiative 1125. 

David Carson is challenged by Sue Stewart for Redmond City Council Pos. 7.

According to the TIMES, the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce is AGAINST Initiative 1125 (which is significant in that "one of Bellevue's most prominent businessmen, Kemper Freeman, is the biggest backer of I-1125, contributing more than $1 million to the campaign.).  

SEATTLE TIMES REPORT:  Local News Eyman challenges state's route on tolls Seattle Times Newspaper

By Andrew Garber, 10/1/2011
Seattle Times Olympia bureau

OLYMPIA — Tim Eyman and state officials agree on one thing: His tolling initiative on the November ballot would upend state plans for reducing traffic congestion and financing costly highway construction, including the Highway 520 floating-bridge project.

Eyman says Initiative 1125 would make lawmakers more accountable for raising and spending billions of dollars in tolls, and would make tolling fairer by banning variable-rate tolls that he says hit the state's poorest residents the hardest.

But it also would undermine long-term efforts, state transportation officials say, to find an alternative to gas taxes to help finance highway construction.  READ MORE >> 

Opinion By Bob Yoder
Internet photo - Cascadia

Muslim mosque community center opens in Redmond

Mayor John Marchione and other dignitaries were on hand last week to dedicate the opening of  the new Muslim Community Center and mosque in Redmond called "MAPS" for  "Muslim Association of Puget Sound" (MAPS).

Hyder Ali, the president of MAPS and manager in the communications department at Microsoft (in this video) calls the mosque a hub or community asset "not only for Muslims but for the communities they live in."  The mosque is located in a 35,000+ square foot commercial neighborhood building at 17550 NE 67th Court, Redmond, WA,  due east of the Marymoor Park Velodrome (see map ).

The MAPS Center places much emphasis on welcoming and enriching their youth.  Women membership is addressed in the By-Laws.  One lady in the video said she "appreciates the relatively progressive approach to women."   One man in the video described the Center as a mosque for prayer and center for social activities. 

It's a "hub" where, on your way to work,  you stop at the Center, pray, exercise, go to work, come back and pray with family and socialize. 

The Center hosts two lounges with computers and Internet, a library and education center.  The 3,000 square foot prayer area is expandable to 11,000 square feet.  Two gyms for exercise, one for each sex; and two daycare rooms (age 1-4 and 4-7) are available.


View Larger Map

Reported by Yoder
Video and Source:   MAPS website:  http://www.mapsredmond.org/

Redmond High struggling with construction, technology and size issues.

Principal Todd addressing School Board, 2010

"We have struggled with construction issues, technology issues and size issues since we opened...It's exceedingly rare to find an unused classroom during any period of the day...It still feels crowded in the lunchroom...How will next year feel?" 

-- Redmond High Principal Jane Todd, "Mustang Messenger," Oct. 2011. 

 "Mustang Messenger" letter from Jane Todd, Principal, Redmond High School, Lake Washington School District...

Dear Parents,

It has been a bit of a wonderful, but crazy wild ride since the first day of school. The students seem happy and engaged, and, as always, they are a delight to me whenever I get the chance to interact with them personally and directly. They give me reason to be proud of them as individuals and as a group on a daily basis. In class meetings, assemblies, during "surprise" fire drills (more on this in a bit), and even, more informally, at lunch and during passing periods, students have been respectful, positive and appropriately spirited. Our staff is having truly wonderful conversations in our planning to welcome both 9th and 10th graders about this time next year. We have treated this reconfiguration all along as an opportunity to strengthen what we already do well and to address areas where we can do better as we embark on the adventure of converting to a four-year high school. I believe we had one of the largest turnouts for Curriculum Night we have ever had, despite the last minute rescheduling.

On the other hand, we have struggled with construction issues, technology issues and size issues since we opened in the beginning of September. Counselors went home on a well-earned vacation at the end of June, with their students scheduled in all classes and returned in August to discover that the "upgrade" to one of technology systems had wiped out about half the work that had been completed. They had to recreate what they had done, and they had to check schedules for appropriate placements.  Read More >>

Revealing 5-Minute Speeches from City Council contestants: Stewart, Carson, Flynn and Wright

City of Redmond City Council Contested Races:

Candidates give 5 minute speeches.

Click blue links to select the candidate videos

David Carson vs. Sue Stewart - Pos 7

Tom Flynn vs.  Joel Wright - Pos. 5

Margeson, Myers and the Mayor are unopposed. 

2011 Annual Public Conference on Children with Mental Health Disorders

2011 Conference for Parents, Caregivers & Educators of Children with Mental Health Disorders

Saturday, October 15

Free of Charge

10:00am-3:45pm

Evergreen Hospital Medical Center (directions)

Forum rooms TAN 100 & 101

Kirkland, WA.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER 10:30 AM- 12 Noon
Dr. Christy Kimpo, Ph.D, LMHC, IMHS,  of Navos Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health
What is Infant Mental Health and how do early attachment relationships impact mental health across childhood?

Breakout session #1 1:00 – 3:30 PM
• Lara Okoloko, MSW, CDPT,  of Science and Management of Addictions (SAMA)
Drug Use Trends, Signs of Use and Prevention.

• Dr. Susan Cavalry, PhD, ARNP, BC of Therapeutic Health Services Encompass Program
An Integrated Treatment for Adolescents and Young Adults with Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders.

• Steve Anderson, MC, LMHC,  of Hartley Counseling & NAMI Support Group Facilitator
Helping Family Members Cope With Dual-Diagnosis

Breakout session #2 1:00 – 3:30 PM
• Dr. Gayle Fay, PhD, Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychology Assessments of Children

• Dr. Wendy Hutchins Cook, PhD, Clinical Psychologist
Assessments of Families in Crisis/Divorce

No childcare provided
Cafeteria on site for lunch (12-1), snacks and beverages provided

RSVP FORM AND DETAILS HERE
Space is limited Return RSVP form below to:
NAMI Eastside
16315 N.E. 87th Street, Suite B-3
Redmond, WA 98052
Internet photo - Child Psychiatry

Redmond Council Candidate Sue Stewart works to make Redmond a livelier place.

Challenger Sue Stewart
Education Hill Neighbor

from the desk of Sue Stewart, Redmond  City Council Candidate, Pos. 7...

"I recently participated in a candidate forum hosted by the Redmond Chamber of Commerce. We were asked to respond to four questions, and I wanted to share the questions, and my answers with you over the next week here as well.

How would you help make Redmond a livelier place?

Redmond is a great place to live, work, and play – we know that, but we can do better. The City of Redmond can help to promote places and activities that the community wants, like more dining choices, recreation, and entertainment. This is something that I have heard from my neighbors and friends who have suggested places like..>>

BREAKING: Lake Washington School District improves and updates pet policy. Posting new signs on all district schools.

Outdated  LWSD
Pet Policy Notice

BREAKING: 10/4/2011, 7:51 AM   The District improves and updates their pet policy!  New signs are on order and will be posted at all district schools.  Click this link to read the entire policy and administrative action!

http://www.lwsd.org/About/Policies-Regulations/Admin-Policies/school-community-relations/Pages/Dogs-on-District-Property.aspx .

###

BACKGROUND:  Last year I wrote the opinion below, asking the District to update and improve their pet policy and install new signs.
The recent "A Tree Gets Nailed" story prompted me to edit and republish the opinion today.  I copied  the LWPTSA Council and Administration.  Serendipity!   B.Y.  10/4

REPUBLISHED OPINION, 6/18/2010.  In 2010 my daughter and a friend were walking their small dog on-leash, near the sidewalk on Horace Mann property.  The principal at the time saw the kids and told them to remove the dog.  She cited school policy that leashed dogs aren't allowed on school property when children are present even if school is out.  The kids were surprised because they had their dog leashed with poop bags - just like the school sign warns.  Clearly, the district's Pet Policy signage mis-informs and confuses our youth.

When my daughter was going to Horace Mann in 1997-2004, the principal allowed leashed dogs inside the school. I asked Deputy Superintendent Janene Fogard for a copy of the district Pet Policy.  Instead, she gave me an updated Mann policy.  She didn't quote the enforceable King County law or informal school policy.  Two years  later, after multiple requests, Fogard gave me the current, legal policy, as follows:     

#1- King County code numbers are stamped on the Pet Signs.  County code "legally and enforce ably prohibits dogs from being allowed to run unleashed on school grounds."

 #2- The District adds language: "dogs are also not allowed on school grounds during the hours when school children are present - leashed or unleashed."  This language isn't posted on the Pet signs; it's unenforceable by the city and county.  This is a problem.

Many signs are old &
damaged.
 

City of Redmond and Kirkland Code stamped on the signs has since been repealed.  It can be removed, leaving space for "dogs forbidden when students present".   New signs could be phased into modernized schools and replace damaged ones to save money. This is a solution.

Unfortunately, parents, children and the public don't understand what the school policy is from these signs.  Students can be reprimanded and not know why.  School modernizations and remodels will need new signage.  Now is an excellent  time to phase in fair, accurate and clear pet policy signs.     

To see the entire pet policy read on.  Read More >>

OPINION: "Group Health Overlake Master Plan" could morph Overlake Neighborhood into a "glitzy urban center."

This is "the heart and soul" of Overlake urban center -- President Richard Cole

UPDATED OPINION:  Hold onto your hats.  Redmond residents are in for a ride of their life once "Group Health Overlake Master Plan" gets underway.  The ride could last for years - the roads dusty?   Patience with the flag men.  Will  "Avoid Overlake" tweet?   But, the potential for this district!  Oh, My!  All you have to do is live long enough. 

The mayor has many names for Overlake -- "a neighborhood," "a village," an "urban center" and the "glitzy part of Redmond."  Whichever name you choose Overlake is sure to be Redmond's urban mecca 20 years from now, leaving our current downtown, the "Old Redmond."

Last week, Redmond city planners presented council with an overview of the 28-acre "Group Health Overlake Master Plan."   Notice of Hearing.  A Hearing is scheduled for October 18th at 7:30 PM in City Hall.   Send your comments for the record to Associate Planner Denis Lisk by October 18. Email:  dwlisk@redmond.gov.   Or call 556-2400. City council  must approve this plan.

The development plan started years ago when Group Health closed their Redmond hospital, located at 15670 NE 85th Street - between 152th Ave and 156 Ave, two blocks north of NE 24th Street.

Group Health and the City of Redmond agreed on a long range development plan for the parcel.   Five types of projects will have to be permitted.  Phase One will develop 1.38 million square feet of office, hotel, and retail.  Most of the construction phase is on the north and east of the parcel, along 156th AVE and includes:

• 12-story, 180 room hotel and conference center (NE corner with underground parking).
• 4 - 10 story commercial office parks (north and SE corner) with landscaped courts and plazas.
• 25,000 s.f. ground floor retail  (on the west along 152nd Ave. -  might be included in this phase)
• 2.6 acre grassy park with pathway up the middle of the site.

Phase Two includes 1400 multi-family residential units in the NW and SW parcel areas.  Development progress depends on transportation infrastructure.  An SR 520 access ramp is crucial.  NE 26th Street construction and grid build-out is needed along with Sound Transit.


Group Health is in the background - trees are scattered between parking areas.

 TREES:  The site is located on hill rising from west to east and covered with 1050 trees scattered throughout the parking areas.  Enormous amounts of earth-moving, grading and clearing are necessary to make a "hardscape" suitable for building.   Underground parking garages will compound the work.  Large earth-moving equipment and trucks traveling local roads may be expected for several years at a time.  Read More >>

Evergreen Hospital Commissioner incumbent August Kempf copes with State audits during 2011 election

R. August Kempf, Commission Pos 3
Represents Redmond / Sammamish

Editor's Note:  In the October 2, 2011 election Mr. Kempf won 98% of the vote.  

Commissioner August Kempf's financial expertise hasn't appeared to help Evergreen resolve problematic annual state audits.  Should Commissioner Kempf oversee Evergreen Healthcare for another six years? 

Evergreen Hospital is a property-tax supported county hospital.   $24,153,945 in levy monies were collected last year from Redmond, Sammamish, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothel, Duvall and other district property owners.  Most tax dollars fund debt service for growth; a modicum goes to "community healthline services."

"Five publicly elected hospital commissioners have the ultimate responsibility and accountability for the Evergreen district.  Citizens entrust their elected commissioners to approve major financial decisions and provide legal oversight of Evergreen."   But, do they?

R. August "Auggie" Kempf is an incumbent, running unopposed this year.  He's an 11 year commissioner for Evergreen  Hospital and he's asking the electorate for another 6 years on November 8.  If you live in Redmond or Sammamish, "Auggie" is your designated representative.  He runs an insurance, investment and financial planning firm in Redmond with probably the most financial skill sets of the five commissioners.  Mr. Kempf attended seven "Audit and Finance Committee Meetings" last year - more than four commissioners.

Mr. Kempf's financial expertise hasn't appeared to help the hospital pass annual state audits.  The State Auditor's Office (SAO) charged Evergreen in recent years with twice the serious audit "Findings," of Lake Washington School District and City of Redmond combined.   2009 was not a good year either.  The SAO reported 3 findings:

• the hospital was paying contracted staff hourly rates almost double their employed nurses.  SAO recommendations to reduce contracted nurses resulted in an estimated $7.5 million in savings.
• Evergreen collected $1.8 million in cash (deli, pharmacy, gift shop) in 2008.   SAO findings:  internal control weakness increase risk of misappropriation.  Status to be reviewed in 2010 audit.
• "Evergreen Healthcare did not comply with competitive bid laws on two projects totalling $1,223,856 in 2008.  In 2009 the SAO determined corrective actions were taken.

The more distant Audit History during Mr. Kempf's tenure is equally poor:  Read More >>

OPINION: Red Light Camera Controversary

OPINION:   I am frustrated by the constant disregard for the will of the citizens of Redmond which has been repeatedly shown by the current council and Mayor’s office over several issues. 

The most recent contempt shown over the petition and signatures submitted for Redmond Initiative 1, Red Light Cameras is inexcusable and without cause. RCW 35.21.005, which states: "Within three working days after the filing of a petition, the officer with whom the petition is filed shall transmit the petition to the county auditor for petitions signed by registered voters, or to the county assessor for petitions signed by property owners for determination of sufficiency."

COUNTER POINT:   "Mr Harlan and Mr. Eyman should take their complaint and go home," 09/2011

FREE HEART SCREENING EVENT! Cardiac Arrest leading cause of death in exercising athletes

from the desk of John Stockman, Redmond Fire Captain and Executive Board member of WSCFF 

FREE YOUTH HEART SCREENING!  This is an amazing FREE opportunity for Eastside area residents.

"Nick of Time Foundation"

 Free Youth Heart Screening Event

Wednesday October 5th, 2011~ 9am-5pm

**pre-screening orientation 8:30am sharp!

Redmond High School Gymnasium

17272 NE 104th Street

Redmond, WA 98052

"1 high school aged athlete suffers a sudden cardiac arrest every 3 days."
"Sudden Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in exercising youth athletes"

As of today there are only 27 students signed up and we have room for 500.

Nick of Time Foundation will be offering free heart screens for students and athletes (ages 12-24) between 9am-4pm on Wednesday October 5th, 2011. Although this event will be hosted at Redmond High School in the Gymnasium, it is open to ALL youth regardless of enrollment. Please tell your teammates, coaches, and parents and teachers.  It is imperative for us to have coaches, teachers and parents on board to help promote and get the word out about the importance of this event. For more information or to register please email: appt@nickoftimefoundation.org  

To find additional heart screening events in Puget Sound this year visit http://www.nickoftimefoundation.org/

-- quotations from "Nick of Time Foundation" website. 

STEM School will open in 2012 with 9th and 10th Grades

New STEM School to Begin with 9th/10th Grades

"The school will open in the fall of 2012 with 150 ninth grade students and 150 10th grade students. The school will be open to all students in those grades no matter where they live in Lake Washington School District. Students will be selected through a lottery if more than 150 students per grade apply."
  --Kathryn Reith, LWSD Communications Director

Redmond, Wash. – Plans for Lake Washington School District’s new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) School are beginning to take shape. When fully operational, the school will serve students in grades nine through 12. Students and staff will use STEM education to pursue solutions to real world challenges like clean energy, infrastructure restoration and biomedical informatics.

The first two years of study in the school will use an integrated approach to the core classes, weaving the STEM theme into all areas of study. In the junior and senior years, students will select a STEM lab concentration, which will combine several classes in a specific focus area, such as environmental engineering and design or computer science. A limited number of students who have not attended the STEM school in their freshman and sophomore years will also be able to access these lab sequences while completing their core classes in their home high school.  Read More >>

LETTER: Expression of hate in city park angers resident




swastika taped to park tag wall

LETTER:  I was at the Redmond Edge Skate Park this week during one of the beautiful summer-like afternoons.  The park was in full use with teens on skateboards, scooters and bikes.  As I was watching the activity I noticed five teens placing duct tape on one of the graffiti walls.  (For those that don’t know, these graffiti walls are provided by the City for legal street art or “tagging”.)  As the pattern took shape I could tell what it was – a swastika. I was flabbergasted by this behavior and I immediately called 911 because I thought they just committed a hate crime of some sort.  The teens noticed I was calling the cops and they were laughing and skating around the park taunting me with various hand gestures.  Ultimately they tried to blend into the crowd when they saw I wasn’t intimidated or backing away.

Redmond PD did respond with two officers and they pulled the duct tape boys to the side.  I asked one of the officers if this was some kind of hate crime, especially since it was on public property.  Unfortunately I was told the expression was protected by the Constitution.  I was frustrated and angry but I understand that even ignorant punks have rights to express themselves, even if I don’t agree with the form of expression of speech.  The responding officers gave a very stern lecture to the boys.  I’m not sure exactly what was said and any other action such as informing their parents. Read More >>

90- year old driver hops curb injuring two people

Three injured when car drives into foot spa Redmond, WA –

Three people were transported to the hospital with minor injuries this afternoon after a Cadillac CTS drove into Sunshine Foot Spa at the 16800 block of Redmond Way shortly after 1:30 p.m. 

The driver, a 90 year old male from Redmond, hopped a curb and continued into the building, through the receptionist area, and came to a complete stop 55 feet into the business, inches away from another employee. 

The driver, one employee, and one patron were all transported to the hospital with minor injuries.  Major damage was done inside the business.The driver was arrested for reckless driving and suspicion of driving under the influence of prescription drugs.

By Jim Bove
Community outreach and Public Information Officer
Website photo

Comment:  Reading this makes me think twice about walking on a sidewalk.  Would walking against the grain of traffic help?  Should the city do a better job buffering our sidewalks from our busy roads, like 166th Ave?   B.Y. 

UPDATED: A tree gets nailed

Pathway leading to Redmond Junior High

UPDATED:  Students taking this path to Redmond Junior High walk past this tree.  A "pet policy" school district sign is bolted and nailed to it.  The sign is visible from NE 104th. 

GOOD NEWS!  The Administration recently announced a new pet policy and this sign will be removed.  Kathryn Reith, District Communications Director stated that once new signs are made the old signs will be taken down and replaced with the new pet policy. 

Find the new Pet Policy here:  http://www.lwsd.org/About/Policies-Regulations/Admin-Policies/school-community-relations/Pages/Dogs-on-District-Property.aspx

Photo and opinion By Bob Yoder

"Knit Sock" Tree Art

Topped urban trees, "all dressed up"

As you enter the downtown core of the City of Sammamish you'll be greeted by these outrageously colorful dressed-up trees.  They were once hazardous trees that were topped off for safety and to create "snags" for urban habitat (crows, bugs, a flicker or two?).  Since topped urban trees look pretty ugly, the artists and city came up with this creative "urban tree art" solution.  Have you seen anything like it?

Artists Suzanne Tidwell and Beth Newfeld "knitted these socks".  The exhibit was funded by 4-Culture and endorsed by the Sammamish Art Commission.  According to the exhibit plaque, "upon exhibit completion the tree stumps[snags] will be relocated for wetland habitat.".

Opinion and photo by Yoder     

UPDATED: LWSD School Board announce date and location for "Surplus Sale" of obsolete school items.

The date of the sale is November 5.
Find the Sale announcement and map to the warehouse here:  http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2011/10/school-district-surplus-sale-is.html

####

On September 27th, the School Board approved Resolution 2111 declaring a long list of obsolete school items as surplus.  Superintendent Kimball is now authorized to "distribute, transfer, sell, and dispose" of these items.

District Director Kathryn Reith writes, "the district warehouse manager determines the sale date and time and the sales price for each item."    Ms. Reith wouldn't give the month or year for the sale.  In the past they've had Surplus Sales in February, March, and April.  UPDATE:  The Sale is November 5th. 

According to Communications Director Reith:

"Items at our surplus sales are sold as is.  Potential buyers are encouraged to come to the sale, when it is scheduled, to see the items for themselves.   "They [the sale items] are open to everyone [the public] on the same basis – staff do not get preference."

A list of some of the items for sale, transfer, disposal, distribution:
1 ea.   Piano (Kimball brand)
1 ea.   Pickup, 1991 GMC K2500
1 lot   Gymnastic Equipment and mats
1 lot   PE Equipent (bats, golf clubs, balls, racquests, badminton nets, etc.)
1 lot   Hand tools (hammers, wood planes, files, vices, lathe, cutters, drills, shop equipment, etc)
1 lot   Glazing/Glass Shop Equipment, fire extingisher, heat lamps
3 lots  Bookcases, chairs ,cabinets, carts, desks,
3 lots  Microwaves, kitchen mixers, kitchen stove (household), kitchen smallwares, ovens, refrigerators
33 ea  Digital Camera, Assorted;  26 ea  Camcorder, Assorted; 1 lot  PDA's, Assorted
1 lot   AV Equipment (VCR's O/H Projectors, Speakers, etc.) and Editing Equipment (editing decks, etc.)
110ea LCD Projectors, Mitsubish and Philips
443ea Netbooks, Assorted Models;  390 ea Computers, HP Model D510, DC530,DC5000
467ea Monitors, Compaq and HP 2700,S710,S720

Redmond Chamber's City Candidate Forum is on TV and on video 24/7.

Ballot Drop-Box at City Hall

Seven candidates for City Council and the Mayor's seat participated in a Candidate Forum on September 21st.  It was sponsored by the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce.  Topics included strategies on increasing activity in downtown, positions related to various transportation issues and candidates’ priorities.

The contested races are: Incumbent David Carson (Pos. 7) vs. Challenger Sue Stewart (Pos. 7); Tom Flynn (Pos. 5) vs. Joel Wright (Pos. 5).   Mayor Marchione and Councilmembers Hank Myers and Hank Margeson are running unopposed.    To see how the council candidates are rated visit this "Municipal League of King County" Redmond candidate site.

The City of Redmond taped the Forum for Redmond City Television Channels 21 (Comcast) and 34 (Frontier FIOS).  TV replays will begin at 9pm, Monday, October 3 and run through the election on Tuesday, November 8th.

The program is also available on demand 24/7 at the City’s website here.

The Redmond Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event as part of their monthly membership luncheon series.  Chamber Chair Tim Martin, an Evergreen Hospital executive, moderated the candidate panel.  The Forum was held at Matt's Rotisserie Bar and Grill in Redmond Town Center.

City of Redmond's Patrick Hirsch filmed the Forum.  Questions?  425-556-2439

Photo By Bob Yoder

LETTER: City of Redmond delighted to have HCL become a part of the community

from the desk of Jane Christenson, Deputy City Administrator, City of Redmond, WA...

Hi Bob, Just a quick follow-up on this with a few more details. HCL held its Inauguration Ceremony last Wednesday. As is customary, the business organized the logistics and publicity, including press release, for its opening event. As a major international company, with offices in Redmond, as well as in Raleigh, NC and Rochester, NY, the company’s growing presence in the United States has been a national success story for its innovation and its capacity for job creation. In addition to your blog and the Seattle Times, HCL’s move to Redmond was announced in the Wall Street Journal, Puget Sound Business Journal’s Tech Flash, Redmond Patch and numerous other media venues. The City is delighted to have HCL become part of the community and looks forward to a long and thriving relationship. On your last question, HCL located at 14980 NE 31st Street, Suite 300, here in Redmond. I hope this is helpful.
 
Jane Christenson, 9/26
Deputy City Administrator
Blog post on HCL-Redmond

HCL Technologies, Indian Outsourcing Company Opens in Redmond, WA to Significantly Expand its North American Operations

Internet photo

REDMOND NEIGHBORHOOD BLOG COMMENT:  The HCL-Redmond office building is on Northeast 31st Street, near the Azteca restaurant alongside Highway 520. 
 
HCL is a 'near-shore' ET software development company, mostly working for Microsoft.-India.  HCL-Redmond is working close to clients Microsoft (and Boeing) where they can provide direct support and collaboration.  Microsoft and HCL expect to benefit from one or more of the following dimensions of proximity: geographic, temporal (time zone), cultural, linguistic, economic, political, or historical linkages."  

HCL Technologies Opens its Collaborative Engineering Hub in Redmond, WA to Significantly Expand its North American Operations

PRESS RELEASE, September 21, 2011 -- HCL Technologies Opens its Collaborative Engineering Hub in Redmond, WA to Significantly Expand its North American Operations

HCL to Create More Than 400 Jobs in the Greater Seattle Area

"Sunnyvale, Calif. and Redmond, Wash., September 21st, 2011 – HCL Technologies, a leading global IT services company, announced the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art Global Delivery Center in Redmond, Washington. The initial investment of $4 million will create more than 400 jobs in the Seattle area over the next two years. The new center will support HCL's continued global expansion and increased focus on business innovation in software product development, test engineering and business critical platform development.

The Collaborative Engineering Hub will be a strong focal point for HCL’s nearshore complex engineering programs. The opening was inaugurated by the Washington State Director of the Department of Commerce, Rogers Weed, in the presence of Shami Khorana, President of HCL Americas and special guests John Marchione, Mayor of the City of Redmond and Rich Kaplan, Corporate Vice President, Customer and Partner Advocacy at Microsoft. During the event, HCL announced Microsoft as its first official enterprise customer and Director Weed pledged $200,000 from the Workforce Investment Act Fund to HCL to assist with the training of future employees from the Seattle area.  Read More >>

2002 State audit of Evergreen Hospital finds flaws in accounting procedures

State audit of Evergreen Healthcare finds flaws in accounting procedures

September 23, 2002 -A state audit has found that Evergreen Healthcare, a public hospital district on the Eastside, lost $55,000 worth of registration checks that should have been deposited as part of the 2001 Body, Mind and Spirit Symposium.

The annual audit uncovered numerous deficiencies in Evergreen's accounting procedures for the symposium:

• Before the audit, the district did not know it was short on payments. During the audit, Evergreen managed to recover $15,642 — money not included in the $55,000 loss.
• Deposits for the symposium were not made in a timely manner. More than $87,000 in checks issued from June through September 2001 were not deposited until the three-day symposium started on Sept. 7, 2001.
• The district did not adequately review why revenues dropped from $313,000 at the 2000 symposium to $105,000 in 2001.
• Evergreen did not have adequate controls over on-site registration-fee collections.

The audit found there was nothing to indicate any money was stolen. In a written response, Evergreen acknowledged inadequate internal controls. But it would not follow the auditor's recommendation to seek reimbursement from symposium participants.

"We do not believe that we have adequately detailed records and documentation to determine whom to contact for replacement checks," Evergreen wrote.

The district has an annual budget of about $280 million, about $12 million [$15 million] of which comes from property taxes.

The 4-year-old holistic and alternative-medicine symposium, which featured speakers and vendors, has been abandoned this year as a result of declining interest, said Evergreen spokeswoman Kendra Weil.  As a result, the department that handled the checks no longer exists. All future registrations for other events or classes will be handled by Evergreen's Healthline department, which has better accounting procedures, Weil said.

Published in the Seattle Times, Sept. 23, 2002
By Times reporter:  Nick Perry: 206-515-5639

Reports on the Evergreen Hospital 2010 state audit - going back to 8/5/11 -  are found in my blog here.  B.Y.

State Senator Andy Hill co-recipient of "Mountain to Sound Greenway Trust" award.

Mountains to Sound Greenway

Congressman Reichert to present award to State Senators Steve Litzow, Andy Hill and Joe Fain for conservation leadership

Snoqualmie, WA - Congressman Dave Reichert will be visiting Snoqualmie Point Park to present State Senator Steve Litzow (R-Mercer Island), Joe Fain (R-Auburn) and Andy Hill (R-Redmond) with an award from the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust honoring their conservation leadership. Litzow, Hill and Fain are being recognized for reaching across the aisle during the 2011 session to continue funding for a critical wildlife conservation program - the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP). The WWRP was initially slated for elimination in the governor's budget.

“In the Pacific Northwest, we take special pride in our natural resources,” said Congressman Reichert. “I am impressed by the state senators’ efforts to save the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program and look forward to adding more allies to the ongoing mission to preserve our environment.”  Read More about the Greenway and Washington Wildlife and Recreation program >>

Council decides parking lot east of City Hall garage can be used by anyone

 Free, 24/7 parking lot in walking distance 'Park and Ride' is open to public.

From the desk of Ombudsman Hank Myers, Redmond City Councilmember, in response to a Redmond commuter...

Hi Kathleen,
"We have been discussing the parking situation in downtown in the last two [public] meetings. We have decided that the parking lot to the east of the City of Redmond garage, which was used by Metro during the construction of the park and ride garage, can be used by anyone, including commuters. There is no time limit as there is for on the street parking. Hope this might help your situation."
Best wishes-
Hank Myers

Dear Hank,
This is FANTASTIC news! I am pretty sure it will go to good use. The parking lot at the Redmond Transit Center has been filling up by 9:00AM all summer long--despite the fact that student bus use is probably way down during the summer. Once classes begin at the UW at the end of September I think the Transit Center parking will get worse. Since tolling on the 520 bridge has been delayed, the parking situation has not reached the tipping point, but once tolling does start I am sure parking needs will increase. I'll try to occasionally take pictures of the parking lots to document this.

Thank you so much for your time and thought and effort on this issue. I really appreciate it.
A happy Redmond commuter,
- Kathleen O'Conner

There does not appear to be any enforcement on cars parked there, and it is two blocks from the ST and Metro stop in front of the Redmond Public Library.  K.O.
Councilmember Kim Allen noted during the 9/20 council meeting that Council is has "de facto" permit for the lot.  According to council candidate Sue Stewart the Arts Commission recommended not to revert the lot back to "Art Hill."  B.Y.

Photo By Yoder, 3:30 pm, on a September week day.
Permission by Ms. O'Conner to publish her letter.

Op-Ed: "Next Steps on Traffic and School Safety Cameras," By Cole and Marchione

Next Steps on Traffic & School Safety Cameras

Redmond Council President Richard Cole & Mayor John Marchione

September 2011 

Pres. Richard Cole

 Op-Ed:  As many residents are aware, Redmond established a pilot traffic and school zone safety program earlier this year. The goals of this program are simple: (1) modify dangerous driver behavior and (2) prevent car-pedestrian accidents in school zones. 

Traffic safety has long been one of our community’s top concerns, and this program promised to be an effective use of technology to affect behavior, reduce the cost of enforcement and improve traffic safety. Much like the shoplifting cameras we see in so many grocery and retail stores, the cameras collect evidence of possible violations. This evidence is then reviewed by an officer to determine if an actual violation occurred. Then and only then is a ticket issued.



Mayor John Marchione

The violation does not go on one’s driving record, and the City Council has mandated that any funds remaining after court costs be dedicated to capital projects that improve traffic and pedestrian safety. By using technology in this way, the City could otherwise put its limited number of police officers to work in schools, in neighborhoods, and around town to address other public safety issues that are important to Redmond’s citizens. From the beginning, the Council and the Mayor committed to review this pilot program after a year.

We have appreciated the many residents we have heard from on both sides of the issue over two years of public process, from emails to conversations at National Night Out events in August to public testimony at Council meetings. Consistent with what we have told residents all along, next month we will review all the data and community input gathered to date to determine the future of the program.

The recent initiative petition will be another important consideration in this discussion, and represents the wishes of some who would like to vote on traffic/school safety cameras in February 2012.

It is worthwhile to note that the petition circulated in Redmond is virtually identical to one in the City of Bellingham that was recently invalidated by the Washington Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals noted in the Bellingham case that a petition to require a vote on traffic and school safety cameras “exceeds the lawful scope of the initiative power; it is not a valid ballot measure.”

Despite the court’s ruling on the petition’s validity, the Council and Mayor have heard the perspective of our residents who signed it, and will consider this along with all the data and other feedback we have received as part of our ongoing assessment.

Our evaluation will be completed by December, well before any referendum can be held. To discontinue this review at this time would be a disservice to our community, and an abdication of the City Council’s duty on an issue which the Court of Appeals has clearly affirmed is its responsibility. As we prepare for these discussions next month, we continue to welcome your thoughts at mayorcouncil@redmond.gov.

Op-Ed By Council President Richard Cole and Mayor John Marchione

September, 2011

HCL Tech opens delivery centre in Redmond

Business Line : Industry & Economy / Info-tech : HCL Tech opens delivery centre in Redmond:

New Delhi, Sept 22: Indian IT [outsourcing ]services company HCL Technologies has opened a new global delivery centre in Redmond, Washington.

The initial investment of $4 million will create more than 400 jobs in the Seattle area over the next two years, an HCL statement said.

With a 350-seat capacity, the ‘Collaborative Engineering Hub' will be a focal point for HCL's near-shore engineering programs and will provide both engineering and product development services in the areas of internationalisation and mobility.

The centre was inaugurated by the Washington State Director of the Department of Commerce, Mr Rogers Weed, in the presence of officials from HCL and Microsoft.

HCL also announced Microsoft as its first official enterprise customer, and Mr Weed pledged $200,000 from the Workforce Investment Act Fund to HCL to assist with the training of future employees from the Seattle area.

In addition, HCL will work closely with several local universities to recruit graduates, including the University of Washington, University of Washington-Bothell Campus, University of Washington-Tacoma, Seattle University, and Seattle Pacific University.

Internet photo

City Council Candidates Flynn and Wright publish statements on Redmond economic development

THE 2011 GENERAL ELECTION DAY IS: November 8....

Redmond City Council Candidates for Position #5 -Tom Flynn and Joel Wright - publish statements on economic development

Candidate Tom Flynn
Redmond City Council, Seat #5

Strong Economy - Tom Flynn

Local Business, Innovation, Education, Arts and Culture
Endorsements

"Along with Redmond’s strong local economy in software and information technology, the city is also home to companies in avionics/aerospace, advanced technology, digital media, and homeland defense.

The city can help to foster continued economic growth in high wage jobs by implementing the recently adopted Economic Development Plan. This involves promoting innovation, collaboration with local technical colleges and universities, raising Redmond’s profile in the region and internationally, and enhancing Redmond’s “sense of place.”

A sense of place can partly be accomplished by creating attractive urban centers that incorporate innovative design, iconic and interactive art, and gathering places for residents. I will focus on the city’s outreach, policies, and programs to support a strong local economy." 
  -- Source:  Tom Flynn's Campaign Website

Candidate Joel Wright
Redmond City Council, Seat #5

Strong Economy - Joel Wright
Endorsements

"Encourage coordinated efforts of government, business, non-government organizations (NGO) and individual residents to ensure Redmond continues as a diverse, productive community and provides opportunity for constant improvement.

Regulation – More deference should be accorded private and business property owners regarding their own property. While protecting environmental, safety and community concerns, where necessary, regulations and the permitting process should be modified to be more reasonable and less burdensome."
  --Source:  Joel Wright's Campaign Website

###

2011 GENERAL ELECTION DAY IS: November 8, only 47 days away. Redmond Neighborhood Blog is beginning coverage of local city, hospital and school candidates with weekly reports. B.Y.

The 2011 Evergreen Disaster Readiness Fair

From the desk of Elizabeth Hansford - City of Redmond certified C.E.R.T. graduate...

Are you ready?

Mark your calendar for the annual "Evergreen Disaster Readiness Fair," Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, 9am-2pm.

The event will be held in the Silver Tower lobby and parking lot of Evergreen Hospital at 12040 NE 128th Street, Kirkland.

The following are some of the many highlights of the fair:·

• Evergreen will co-sponsor a “Build a Kit” workshop with Redmond’s Prepare Smart. For $30, you can put together a complete one-person emergency kit. ·        
• The United States Coast Guard will be on-site with a helicopter, and fire, rescue and emergency medical service apparatus will be on display.·        
• Visitors can learn to use fire extinguishers and to administer CPR.·        
• Dr. Kay Kolemay and her husband, Dr. Doug Dicharry, will present a one-hour workshop called “Talking to Kids About Disasters.”  ·        
• The Washington State Animal Rescue Team will share recent deployment stories from around the country, and teach you to prepare your pets for a disaster. ·        

And much more! For more information, visit the Evergreen Hospital website. 

Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) program is sponsored by the City of Redmond to train residents to respond to emergencies.  Learn more.  Contact:  Janeen Olson 425.556.2251 Email: jrolson@redmond.gov   CERT Web Site: http://redmondccc.org.

School Board Journal Q&A session with STEM teacher Mike Town - he's back!

At the last School Board meeting, Director Nancy Bernard announced a story in the American School Board Journal on Mike Town.  Yep!  Lake Washington School District's nationally renowned environmental science teacher Mike "is back in town!" 

Q&A with environmental science teacher Mike Town

The suit doesn’t fit Mike Town. The measurements are fine. But it feels far too constricting for this environmental science teacher from Washington state, who is more used to blue jeans. “That’s one thing I could never get used to,” Town says, tugging on his necktie. “I couldn't’t wear a suit every day.”

Luckily for Town, his business attire can now go to the back of the closet, as he returns to Redmond High School following a yearlong stint in Washington, D.C., where he served as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator. It was an opportunity for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers to inform and help shape federal policies and programs in fields touted as America’s best chance at maintaining a foothold in the global marketplace. If only more students would find the subjects appealing. Read More >>

Redmond Ranked #1 by Forbes for "Cities with the Happiest Young Professionals"

DanitaDelimon.com, News.com SAMMAMISH RIVER TRAIL


"The Cities with the Happiest Young Professionals"
By Jacquelyn Smith
Forbes, September 9, 2011

"Heading the list of the cities with the happiest young professionals, Redmond earned an overall score of 3.835. Workers there expressed the most optimism in the Benefits category, which scored 4.260."

Its list [CareerBliss] of the 20 happiest cities for young professionals is based on analysis from thousands of employee generated reviews between 2010 and 2011. Young professionals, defined by CareerBliss as employees with less than 10 years’ experience in a full-time position, were asked to rate eight factors that affect workplace happiness, including growth opportunities, compensation, benefits, work-life balance, career advancement, senior management, job security and whether they would recommend their employer others.

“In our research, CareerBliss found that young professionals take career happiness very seriously,” says the company’s chief executive, Heidi Golledge. “Typically, they will continue to keep their résumé active on job boards just in case something more fulfilling comes along, and they are typically two to three times more likely than their parents to jump jobs for more career happiness. In short, they take the right to pursuit happiness to heart and will typically not stay at a job with poor conditions for very long, and they will even relocate to get out of an unhappy work environment.”

If you’re looking to move to a happier place, you might consider Redmond, Wash.  Read More >>

"Bee On Target," Art by Reinke

JOHN REINKE / Virescent Green Metallic Bee on Black-eyed Susan

"Bee On Target" 

Photographed By John Reinke off the Sammamish River Trail by 85th Street Bridge

LETTER: "Redmond Initiative #1 - Supporters, Donors, and Volunteers," By Scott Harlan

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOME.  PLEASE MAIL THEM TO: REDMONDBLOG@GMAIL.COM WITH YOUR NAME AND RESIDENCE.

LETTER TO EDITOR:

Scott Harlan, Redmond, WA 

"Redmond Initiative #1 - Supporters, Donors, and Volunteers.

As you may have seen on the news last night, yesterday we turned in over 6,000 signatures from Redmond area residents.

The minimum to qualify is 3,845, so we are feeling very confident that we have met the threshold to put the measure on the ballot in February.

Now that we have turned in the signatures and city clerk will now send them to the county for validation. While we are confident that we have enough to qualify for the ballot, keep those clipboards handy! If we come up short, we will have 10 days to make up the difference.

I will keep you posted. Six months ago, my contacts at the city asked us to send them a message about the public’s opinion on this program. The message has been sent; the public wants to vote on this very controversial program. Thanks again for all of your support."

By Scott Harlan
Redmond Resident and Activist
Attachment:  KING 5 Report, 9/14

SAT scores are up in the District

“More students are taking the test and scores on average are up,” noted Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent. “We are making progress on our goal to ensure that students are ready for college.”

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District (LWSD) seniors in the class of 2011 scored higher overall on the SAT than students from previous years. District students continue to score well above state and national averages. Scores in the district increased incrementally, up two points each in reading and writing while decreasing one point in math.

Over the last five years, average SAT scores in Washington and nationally have fallen or remained the same. At the same time, Lake Washington’s average scores have increased 11 points in critical reading, nine in math and 16 in writing on average.  Read More >>

UPDATED: Singapore American School website lauds Dr. Chip Kimball as their 12th Superintendent, effective July, 2012



Singapore American School

 Dr. Chip Kimball appointed Superintendent of Singapore American School (SAS) 

Twelfth Superintendent of Singapore American School -  "largest single-campus international school in the world, with 3,878 students, 353 faculty members, and 222 support staff"

SINGAPORE, September 15, 2011 - Dr. Chip Kimball, Superintendent of Lake Washington School District in Redmond, Washington, has been appointed the twelfth Superintendent of Singapore American School by the school's Board of Governors. Rudy Muller, Chair of the SAS Board of Governors, announced the appointment today in a letter to the SAS community.

Dr. Kimball, 47, will take office on July 1, 2012 and succeeds Dr. Brent Mutsch who previously announced that he is stepping down in June 2012 after five years as Superintendent of SAS.

"Dr. Kimball is a respected and proven educational leader with the depth and breadth of knowledge to enhance student learning through 21st century best practices," Mr. Muller said. "Dr Kimball will bring innovative leadership to Singapore American School and he embodies the ideals of academic rigor, professional excellence, extraordinary care of students, creativity, and community building that lie at the heart of our mission."  Read More >>

UPDATED: Lake Washington School District Superintendent Chip Kimball will step down to head international school in Singapore

Singapore American School - "largest single-campus international school in the world,
 with 3,878 students, 353 faculty members, and 222 support staff"

“As a board, we are dismayed to learn that Dr. Kimball will be leaving us while at the same time we are happy for him and his family in their new endeavors,” said Jackie Pendergrass, president of the board of directors for Lake Washington School District

Redmond, Wash. – Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent of Lake Washington School District, announced today that the 2011-12 school year will be his last in that position. “After extensive soul searching and deliberation, my wife Cheryl and I have decided to spend the next phase of our personal and professional lives overseas,” said Dr. Kimball. “Beginning in the summer of 2012, I will serve as the superintendent of the Singapore American School in Singapore.” Dr. Kimball noted that his decision was a very difficult one, made only after much deliberation with his family.  Read More >>

Redmond Mayor John Marchione issues statement on the red light "Traffic Safety Program"

Mayor Marchione

Redmond Mayor John Marchione issued a statement Wednesday upon receiving news that Scott Harlan intends to visit the City Clerk’s office on September 14 to submit his initiative petition to the City. This petition is regarding the City’s Traffic Safety Camera pilot program.

“As I indicated on this issue last month, the Traffic Safety Program has always been a one-year pilot program and the City continues to gather data and community input to make the best decision by December 1st of this year,” began Mayor Marchione.
“Residents have been very forthcoming with their opinions and the Council and I continue to listen to the wide variety of views being expressed,” he added.

Mayor Marchione continued, “As part of our open, transparent pilot evaluation process, we welcome residents' opinions at mayorcouncil@redmond.gov . This fall we will review our residents’ feedback, along with Mr. Harlan’s efforts, in the context of recent court rulings in this area as we consider next steps for Redmond.”  Read More >>

Chair Tom Martin clarifies plans for the future of Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce



Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce

 from the desk of Tom Martin, Board Chair, Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce (GRCC)...

You may or not read the blog written by Bob Yoder. Today he claimed that as board chair, I said the chamber would be closing its doors by end of year.

This is not the case. I want to take this opportunity to say he has misinterpreted a presentation that was made to the Redmond city council on August 30. At that presentation, I along with Dan Agellar from the Realize Redmond foundation, Bill Biggs from the Redmond Economic Development Alliance spoke about our united effort to make Redmond a great place to live, work and play.  Read More >>

Lake Washington Institute of Technology celebrating opening of new Allied Health Building

Public Invited to Grand Opening of Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s Allied Health Building, Wednesday, Sept. 14 Kirkland, WA:

The Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) is celebrating its new state-of-the-art Allied Health Building with a public grand opening celebration at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011.

“The new Allied Health Building is an exciting addition to our Kirkland campus,” said LWIT President Dr. David Woodall. “Its state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories simulate actual hospital settings and provide the backdrop for training that will help meet the regional demand for nursing and allied health employees. The building blends beauty, efficiency and functionality and is a tremendous asset to our college and the community.”  Read More >>

RealizeRedmond collaborates in the "One Redmond Project" - launches new site

This LOGO was created in partnership with "Bullseye Creative Communications," Atlanta, GA. 

from the desk of Jeni Craswell, part-time Executive Director of "Realize Redmond"

PROJECTS:  "Our main focus right now is our collaboration in the One Redmond Project. We are working together with The Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce, Redmond Economic Development Association and the City of Redmond to explore how we can all work together to create a true City of Excellence. Stay tuned for exciting updates on this important community initiative!

In addition to One Redmond, we are excited to partner with the City to build a downtown park. We will be actively engaging the community to discuss use and design. In the meantime, information can be found at the City's website.

We are also partnering with the City and the Redmond Bike Park Steering Committee to build a bike park for riders of all ages and skill levels. Learn more at the Redmond Bike Park Site.

Finally, we are exploring how our community events such as Derby Days and Redmond Lights can do an even better job of representing the community and celebrating our city. We have talked to many people who are excited about making Derby Days bigger and longer and engaging even more of the community. If you have ideas, please send us your thoughts!"
 
-- By Jeni Craswell
Source:  Realize Redmond website - click to enter the site...

Bullseye Creative Communications out of Atlanta, partners with the City of Redmond in the branding and creation of http://www.redmond.gov/ and other city websites.