Blending Art with Nature in Urbania?

Trees and a log cabin of Anderson Park

Comments from two Readers ....

The first time I saw these, I was struck by their beauty. It happened to be around sunset, and the warm glow of the evening sun was shining on these tree socks, and making such a beautiful accent to the artwork. I had to stop and take a photo of it. Sadly, the photo didn't do the emotional joy justice. I'm glad that we have such a unique change to Anderson Park to enjoy on our way through town. There will always be jay-walkers to watch out for, tree socks or not. If the concern is about distractions from the park, well, we better stop maintaining the park (guys in bright orange vests), having parties in the park (gasp- kids running around having fun!), allowing people to bring balloons in the park (they're real attention grabbers), keep out all the dogs from the park (dog lovers- avert your eyes!), and especially - no bright colored strollers or clothing should be allowed. In fact, to avoid all distractions, maybe its best to just fence it off, close it down and cement over it. Change is constant, and Anderson Park is no exception. If the real problem is jaywalking around the park, well there are ways to solve that. I think the problem existed well before tree socks. Until the article cited about tree wraps covers the negative impacts of using yarn as a wrap material, I'm not convinced it's relevant. Put me down as one who embraces the change, sees the beauty in the artwork, and pays attention to the road while I drive.
   -- By Anonymous on OPINION: The costs of Tree Sock Art In historic A... on 3/31/12

I absolutely [believe] the trees do NOT need embellishment! But so many other things in our man-made environment do! Can't we leave the beauty of nature alone, and wrap the phone poles and other things that uglify the world? Tree trunks are beautiful, and tie in the log cabin look of the structures at the park perfectly.
  -- By Anonymous on A resident environmentalist and artist appreciates... on 3/31/12

UPDATED, 2012: LW School Board superintendent selection process was lacking.

Jon Holmen, LWSD administrator ran for Olympia School District superintendent  December, 2011 after OSD Superintendent Bill Lahmann announced his retirement on November 2, 2011. 

Holmen was chosen after a national search that resulted in 30 Olympia School District applicants.  Of those, 21 were educators from Washington and five were called for preliminary interviews before the board. The board then selected three finalists, who each spent a day in the district March 20, 21,and 22 for meetings with employees, community members, and student. The winning candidate was selected late in March. Jon was not selected.

The LW School Board's hiring process for Dr. Pierce was less transparent, took much longer and was less engaging. Jon Holman was never considered.   LWSD Board of Directors interviewed and selected their finalist mostly behind the closed doors of Executive Sessions.  Closed government.  The Board selected only one finalist, Traci Pierce so the public had no choice or basis for comparison.  Pierce attended four "meet and greets" as the Board's "preferred" and only candidate.  In addition, all of 40 district residents took a survey. 

A comprehensive, public, transparent search was conducted following Sup. Pierce's departure; Jane Staven was hired.  She lasted about a year.  During COVID the Board abruptly hired Jon with little fanfare. 3/21) 

Dr. Traci Pierce begins transition into leadership

Sup. Chip Kimball

from the desk of Superintendent Chip Kimball to district staff...

"....There is great wisdom in the LWSD board selection of Traci Pierce as the next superintendent. She has a deep understanding of teaching and learning, knows Lake Washington well, and has all of the necessary skills to lead you into the future. I am extremely optimistic about the future of LWSD under her leadership.

Over the next three months you will see a deliberate transition in leadership as Traci develops her leadership team structure, sets district priorities, and communicates with you directly. She will be visiting with schools and departments, listening to staff, and you will have the opportunity to get to know her better. I am committed to working closely with her during this transition period to make sure she has adequate support as the incoming superintendent.

And while change and transition can indeed be personally and professionally challenging, it can also be exciting and life-giving. My greatest hope is that all of us will embrace the transition to a new school configuration, a new leader in Dr. Traci Pierce, and new challenges as we prepare students for the future."

Warm Regards, Chip
Outgoing Superintendent, LWSD
March 25, 2012 letter excerpt

A resident environmentalist and artist appreciates the tree art in Anderson Park



Tree Art in Historic Anderson Park

 Being an life-long environmentalist and artist, I am appreciative of the art in Anderson Park.

I hear more people talk about the park (and not just parents discussing a play-date) in a way that stretches them to see the relevance of our parks in the area. I have also consistently heard conversations about art and how the natural world combine.

Tree wrapping is a well known art form across the globe such as artists Olsen Zanders to environmentalist raising awareness to trees to be cut down (and hey while we are at talking about trees how about the thousand trees slated to be torn down in Overlake?).

There where no evidence that Tidwells art did any damage to the trees in Occidental Park in Seattle and if you look at other sites, like Zanders, the impact was minimal at most.

In my opinion this kind of engaging art that speaks to many of our residence could be an incredible catalyst to help protect the places we love and hold such a historical significance to Redmond. And just a small side-note, not being a big fan of bureaucracy or politics, I am thankful the city was honest in not knowing [the affects of wraps on squirrels and explained how they function as habitat.]

Sarah

Sarah made this comment under an April 23 piece by Paige Norman."The Costs of Tree Sock Art in Historic Anderson Park"  It was edited for continuity. B.Y.

Permit Appeals push back new STEM School. Eastlake High to house STEM School til late Fall, early Winter

UPDATED:  New STEM School to be housed temporarily at Eastlake High  Permitting delays push building opening back 

The Lake Washington School District’s new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) School will open in the fall of 2012 in temporary quarters at Eastlake High School. Its permanent building, to be located next to Alcott Elementary School in Redmond, will not be ready in time for the opening of school. Delays in required permits have pushed back the expected completion date of the first phase of construction of the STEM School building to late fall or early winter.

Eastlake High School's capacity with increase to 1840 students to account for the reconfiguration next fall, a new classroom wing and other building additions.  The Renaissance School will move to protable classrooms.

Based on current projections, the school will be able to accommodate the two grades (9th and 10th) the STEM School will serve in its first year. “I am disappointed that this new school will be in temporary quarters for a while,” noted Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent, “but we are fortunate that Eastlake will be able to host it this fall. In future years, Eastlake will need that space.”  Read More >>

166th Ave. repair and restoration scheduled for Spring

NE 166th Ave near Redmond Way

 From the desk of Micheal Haley, P.E., Senior Project Manager, Public Works..

February 22, 2012

"The Downtown Stormwater Trunk project contractor is actively installing new stormwater pipe on 166th Ave NE and at 170th Ave NE and Avondale Way. The work is occurring at night and that may explain why you have not observed much activity of late.

Much of the restoration and repair will involve "a pavement grind" and overlay of the asphalt roadway damaged by installation."  Read More >>

According to Mr Haley, installation of stormwater pipeline along 170th Ave. is scheduled for completion before 166th Ave.  "The current schedule shows that we will complete restoration and repair of 166th Ave. NE this early spring  after all the new stormwater pipe has been installed."

Haley says this sort of restoration and road repair activity is "the last major item of work for the contractor and is somewhat weather dependent. These factors make it difficult to predict the exact date of the repair to 166th Ave NE but rest assured the repair will be accomplished before the project is complete."

Michael Haley, P.E.
mhaley@redmond.gov

Comment:    ROAD GRINDING IS UNDERWAY, 4/26/12.  I'm not sure why completing the less traveled 170th Ave. takes precedence over 166th Ave. our primary arteriole to Education Hill and North Redmond. B.Y.  Comment? 

City of Redmond asks community to celebrate Arbor Day....Can we?

Redmond inadvertently mutilates these five Trees near the 91st Bridge

City asks community to celebrate Arbor Day on April 11...can we?

'Celebrate Arbor Day and the importance of Redmond’s trees and forest ecosystems' on Wednesday, April 11 at Farrel-McWhirter Park with a restoration work-party 3:30 pm to 6pm.

“Taking care of our community forests demonstrates the City’s ongoing commitment to the preservation, protection and enrichment of our environment,” notes Teresa Kluver, Park Operations Supervisor. “Preserving our trees and forests is vital to maintaining our quality of life and working to build a better future. I hope residents will want to take part in this effort.”

How is the Redmond community supposed to celebrate Arbor Day when the City breaks their own tree preservation law and allows a 100% clear-cut of trees on their 28 acre Group Health Overlake project? 

To compensate for 100% clear-cutting of 1000 trees, Group Health commits to planting 3,345 trees and 31,220 shrubs, but where?  Read More >>

100 year-old bell has a new home at Redmond High thanks to Scout Logan John

Ceremony for 100 year old Clise Family Bell planned for April 18
at Redmond High School .  The bell weighs 1100 pounds.  

Installation ceremony for the Clise "touchdown" bell at Redmond High is planned for Redmond's 100 year Anniversary on April 18.

History:  Anna Clise was the founder of Seattle Children's Hospital and owned Marymoor. She donated the land for the city's oldest park, Anderson Park. Anna commissioned the bell in 1912. 

By Amy John, Redmond resident
March 18, 2012

On Wednesday, April 18th at 2:00 at the Redmond High School football field there will be a Ceremony marking the completion of the new home for the 100 year old Clise Family Redmond Bell.  My son, Logan John, planned this project for his Eagle Scout leadership project.

Some notables at the event will be the Mayor, who will briefly speak, and Mr. Al Clise, the great grandson of Anna Clise, who commissioned this bell.  Anna Clise was the founder of Seattle Children's and owned Marymoor. She donated the land that is now Anderson Park. The Historical Society is also going to speak to give a history of the bell.

The Redmond High football boosters contacted our Troop 612 about this project. The bell had been sitting over by the fence on the ground since the football field was replaced years ago. It's new home is by the outside fence near the new concession stand, just outside the track closest to the road (104th). If you ride by that way, take a look over and you'll see it, and hear it at games!  Read More >>

UPDATED: Evergreen Hospital Board to vote on hospital-based midwifery

UPDATED:  April 17 at 6:30 pm: The Board of Commissioners will Vote on the Return of Midwifery Care to Evergreen Hospital.  On April 3rd they will have a Study Session which will include a conversation on midwifery - the public is not invited to speak at Study Sessions, unless they changed their policy. 

Your support is needed to ensure approval of this critical step toward the return of full-service midwifery care to Evergreen Hospital. Please attend the Board of Commissioners’ Meeting on Tuesday April 17, 2012 at 6:30 pm to show your support for the proposed Certified Nurse Midwives Practice.

On April 3rd, Evergreen Hospital’s Board of Commissioners will vote on the establishment of a hospital-based midwifery practice. This is a critical step toward the reinstatement of full-service midwifery care at Evergreen Hospital. Your attendance is needed to demonstrate the community’s continued support for the return of full-service midwifery care to Evergreen Hospital.

The Hospital’s administration will present to the Board a proposal to establish a practice comprised of four full-time and one half-time Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs).  Read More >>

The Dabbling Duck of Sammamish River

Sammamish River Green Winged Teal/ J. REINKE

 I photographed this solitary male green winged teal on Thursday, March 22 in the stormwater runoff pond just south of the Leary Way Bridge crossing the Sammamish River.

Teal are the smallest of the "dabbling ducks" about 2/3 the size of a typical mallard. Dabbling ducks are distinguished from diving ducks by their manner of feeding. They bob their heads, necks and breasts underneath the water to find food, rather than submersing themselves completely and swimming underwater.

Photo and Story by John Reinke

Education Hill, Redmond

Dabbling Ducks feeding

Washington passes law for better teacher and principal evaluations, recap

LW School Board Director Doug Eglington usually gives a governmental affairs report at school board meetings.

from the desk of David Powell, Policy Director, Stand for Children/Washington...

Legislative session isn't over yet -- our lawmakers are still hammering out the details of the state budget -- but we have some big wins to celebrate with you!

What worked:

Our top priority, better teacher and principal evaluations, was signed into law on March 8, 2012.

New teacher and principal evaluations will offer meaningful feedback for educators. The new evaluation system (SB 5895) will:

>>Build on the teacher and principal evaluation pilot programs currently underway in 16 districts.
>>Use a four tier system (instead of the old satisfactory/unsatisfactory rating) to provide meaningful feedback.
>>Match professional development opportunities with individual needs.
>>Consider student learning improvement as one factor in evaluations.
>>Ensure that evaluations consider multiple factors and not just test scores.
>>Consider evaluations in hiring, firing and placement decisions.

We also worked together with coalition partners to:  Read More >>

Bear Creek Basin grows by 28 acres

View Larger Map

MAP:   "A" marks center of the long, east-to-west rectangular forested parcel.  Bear Creek Golf Course is East.  Do you see Bear Creek meandering north towards the forested parcel?  Zoom in!

New Bear Creek Land Acquisitions

By Terry Lavender

Publically owned and protected property in the Bear Creek Basin has grown by 28 acres. Land is located  in one of the main spawning areas of Bear Creek. 

King County recently completed the purchase of some beautifully forested property south of the Tolt Pipeline Trail.  It adds to eleven acres already in public ownership directly adjacent to the trail. This is one of the largest, fully forested pieces in the upper area of Bear Creek.  Read More >>

LW-PTSA Special Needs Annual Meeting, Summer Fair and Resources

Hey All,

Below is a reminder about our March 27th meeting and other resources for you. Also, don’t forget about the Summer Options Fair this Friday (flyer attached). Lastly, check out Bob Yoder’s blog here www.facebook.com/redmondblogger  for news and happenings in our community.

Best, Julie Shalaby
LWSD PTSA Special Needs Chairperson
....................................................................................................................................

ANNUAL MEETING AND RESOURCES

 *Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues March 27th·

 *Quest Therapeutic Camp in Bellevue*· *LWSD Dyslexia Group*·

 *UW CARE Clinic launches the Networking Project*·

*Seattle Children's Hospital Health Fair*  March 25

*Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues* March 27th

Read More About Each Event >>

Soul Food Book's "Sustainable Redmond" forum for tree preservation in Overlake a success.

City Council approves plan to strip out ALL 1,000  trees on this 28 acre Group Health site
Sustainable Redmond files lawsuit at Superior Court.

"Sustainable Wednesday" at Soul Food Books to feature Sustainable Redmond - Group to Speak for Tree Preservation in Overlake Village Redmond, WA

OPINION:  On Wednesday, March 28, Sustainable Redmond will be featured at the Soul Food Books’ monthly Sustainability Wednesday series.The program begins at 7pm and all are encouraged to attend. The discussion will focus on plans for the 28-acre Group Health hospital site in Overlake.  Read More >>

UPDATED: LW School District's "Best Kept Secret"

UPDATED:  The school district's  "Safety Tip Line" could be called LWSD's best kept secret.  I stumbled onto it on the Administrative Directory page of the district website.   The Tip Line website is here.

The "Safety Tip Line" is an independent service to help parents, students and the community report safety issues anonymously.  Have you heard of it, or used it?  The number is:  (866) 548-3847

You should call them   Here's how they explained it: to me:

You can call them for just about any safety problem your child could encounter within the jurisdiction of the District.   Substance abuse.  Sexual harrassment by a student, coach or staff member.  Bullying.  Suicide ideation. Gun slinging. Just about anything related to safety.  Read More >>

UPDATED: Marymoor Community Gardenn plots up for grabs

King County Parks Photo/ Marymoor Park Garden 'Pea Patch'

12 – 20 plots available. First come, first served. Details? Yeah we’ve got em right over here.....

READER COMMENT:  Love your website.  Quick correction on the above link, our business is known as the Marymoor Community Garden Association.  Or simply the Marymoor Community Garden.  We aren't techincally a "pea-patch" but a non-profit business operating out of Marymoor Park by concession just like Subway etc.  Not that it matters! We appreciate your support! Thanks for referring people to our garden.

King County Blog

Swedish Hospital system losing $250,000 a day, warns staff of likely layoffs

Swedish hospital system warns staff of likely layoffs

Swedish Medical Center delivered some grim news to employees Monday: Swedish is losing $250,000 a day and it likely will have to lay off workers.  Read More >>

By Carol M. Ostrom
Seattle Times health reporter
March 19, 2012

NOTE:  Swedish opened a stand-alone ER/Primary & Specialty Care clinic in Redmond on Novelty Hill Road last year.  B.Y.

UPDATED: Overlake adds to the out-patient medical market of Greater Redmond

Overlake Hospital Medical Center

UPDATED:  Medical care organizations continue to migrate into Greater Redmond.   Overlake Hospital Medical Clinic opened it's doors yesterday with 9-5:30 p.m. service, joining the long list of medical services competing for our insurance dollars.  They offer same-day appointments for "acute conditions" (not run-of-the-mill.)

The Overlake Hospital Mendical Center Clinics of Redmond is located at Redmond Town Center, 16315 NE 74th Street.  Their 'Grand Opening' today is celebrated with free smoothies and cholesterol screenings. The convenience of their location is comparable to Evergreen's Redmond Medical Center of Bella Bottega. 

Alan Ertle, MD, Overlake’s vice president of network development was quoted on their website  “Each clinic is connected to our hospital’s acute care, emergency services, outpatient imaging, lab and affiliated specialist physicians, offering patients a full spectrum of medical s the services.”

According to the Overlake-Redmond Clinic's front desk they have a clinical laboratory, but no pharmacy, CT, MRI, or ultrasound equipment.  Availability of on-site specialty care is unknown.

Evergreen Redmond Primary Care Clinics (Redmond, Sammamish, Woodinville), Virginia Mason Clinic (Kirkland, Issaquah, Bellevue) Swedish ER-Redmond provide extensive specialty care services, full-service imaging, clinical laboratory.  V. Mason has a free consulting pharmacist for patients for med-management, BP checks, cholesterol. 

Of the five Greater Redmond medical service organizations surveyed, Evergreen Primary Care - Redmond had the most flexible hours for Primary Care and diagnostic services.  Evergreen-Redmond Clinic of Bella Bottega is open for same-day appointments M - TH (7 -7), F (7 -6) and Saturday (9-3).  Virginia Mason - Kirkland was a close second, open 7 - 8 p.m. M- TH. and 7-6 p.m F, and 8-12 for same-day appointments. (Call 425-814-5100 for exact hours of operation for specialists)  Both have 11 physicians.

By Bob Yoder
Internet photo

Disclosure:  My wife and I go to V. Mason-Kirkland and Evergreen.  My daughter goes to University Physician's Neighborhood Woodinville Clinic when she's home.  I report on the Evegreen Community Hospital Board of Commissioner meetings for my blog.

First in an eight-part series on the rush of new medical services in Greater Redmond.

LW-PTSA announce: ADHD and Dyslexia Forums at Evergreen Hospital; school survey

from the desk of Julie Shalaby, LW-PTSA, Chair, Special Needs...

Below is a link to the LWSD survey for parents and community members. This is a great opportunity to advocate for our children and let the district know we are here. :) The survey is available until March 30th. Also, check out Eastside CHADD's meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, March 20.

http://research.zarca.com/survey.aspx?k=SsWYVTsQRYsPsPsP&lang=0&data

For upcoming ADHD and Dyslexia Forums at Evergreen Hospital,  Read More >>

8th Annual Cub Scout Derby at Redmond Town Center

Come have fun with us at the Sammamish Trails District Pinewood Derby!

Saturday May 5th, 2012

Racing starts at 11:00am

Northwest Scouters is pleased to sponsor the 8th Annual Sammamish Trails District Pinewood Derby races. Everyone had an outstanding time at last year's event and this year we are set to have very exciting and fun filled day for the Cub Scouts and their families. Come join us and watch the racing action!

Redmond Town Center will host this year's races. RTC is located in Redmond, WA, just east of intersection of 166th Ave. NE and Cleveland Street.  Read More >>

PHOTOS: City builds stormwater ponds and nature trail behind Safeway next to Bear Creek

City of Redmond builds stormwater ponds, a guided nature trail, salmon viewing sites, and plants native shrubs behind Safeway on Bear Creek trail.

Last year the city Department of Natural Resources constructed three stormwater ponds behind Safeway to treat dirty run-off from Bear Creek parking lot before it enters Bear Creek.  Salmon run in the Fall. Now is an great time to walk or bike the trail to see how it is handling the recent heavy rains!  

This Safeway stormwater facility cost several hundred thousand dollars and was funded mostly by grant money.  Bear Creek provides stream habitat and spawning grounds for Federally endangered Chinook salmon.  Slowing storm flows is critical towards protecting these fish.    

The city will install storm ponds, plant native shrubs and curve the banks from straight ditching done years ago.  On March 16th, Council approved $48,415 to study a plan to curve the creek and improve creek buffers further downstream. 

Reported by Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder

"Suicide Prevention" forum at Evergreen Hospital

Nami-Eastside invites you to a forum on...

"SUICIDE PREVENTION”
Kelly McDonald, MPH

Tuesday, March 20, 7 PM - 9 PM

Evergreen Hospital,

Physicians and Surgeons Building, Suite Tan 100 

Kirkland, WA 

Kelly McDonald, MPH has worked in suicide prevention for more than 10 years, including with the US Army at Fort Lewis and Kitsap County Health District.

She currently facilitates suicide awareness education and training for Washington State’s Youth Suicide Prevention Program and is providing support to community groups in King County and to schools in the implementation of peer-to-peer suicide prevention education.

In this presentation she will talk about suicide (facts, warning signs), the higher risk of gay, lesbian and bisexual youth, the relationship between suicide, bullying and depression. She will also offer information on how to help someone with suicidal thoughts and the resources available in the community.

Join us! This event is FREE and open to EVERYONE!

425-885-NAMI (6264)
http://www.nami-eastside.org/
INFO@NAMI-EASTSIDE.ORG

Lake Washington Institute of Technology to offer aerospace manufacturing certificate

Lake Washington Institute of Technology 

Eleven community and technical colleges in Washington state are among the first in the nation to implement a new national program touted by President Obama as key to getting Americans back to work.  Lake Washington Institute of Technology will participate.

A certificate is earned in computer-numeric controlled machining and designed to meet employers’ needs by quickly getting them workers with the required knowledge, skills and abilities and to meet students’ needs by giving them employable skills now plus college credit, something they can build on in the future. 

“This is the first time we have a group of community and technical colleges all teaching the same curriculum, providing skills that are closely tied to employers’ needs and offering a nationally recognized certification,” Bredeson said. “Washington leads the way in aerospace manufacturing and now we’re leading the way in aerospace manufacturing training.”  Read More >>

Lake Washington District schools excel in State Board of Education rankings

The Annual WPC Public School Accountability Index was released in February and Lake Washington School District (LWSD) passed with flying colors!   LWSD has 15 schools rated "Exemplary," 13 schools rated "Very Good," 16 schools rated "Good," only 4 rated "Fair," and 2 are "Struggling."

The WPC Public School Accountability Index rates the quality of more than 2,075 public schools across the state.  The Index is based on data compiled by the State Board of Education’s 2011 Achievement Index, using results from the 2010–11 school year.

LWSD met or exceeded index ratings from 871 schools sampled.   Our district exceeded schools rated: "Exemplary" by 18%,  "Very Good" by 12%, "Fair" by 26% and "Struggling" by 4%.   The district equalled the sample's "Good" ratings;  34% of schools were rated "Good."   

For a complete list of LWSD school ratings go here.  The list is organized by District, Rankings, and Schools.  To name a few school ratings:  Exemplary:  LW High, Eastlake High, Redmond Junior, Audubon, Rockwell and Juanita El.; Very Good:  Inglewood Junior, Redmond High, Evergreen Junior, Einstein, Carson; Good:  Juanita High, Kamiakin Junior, Alcott, Bell, Keller, Dickenson;  Fair:  Finn Hill Junior, Sandburg El, Community, Struggling:  Best Sr., Futures. 

The purpose of the "Accountability Index" is to determine whether and to what extent school officials are fulfilling their paramount duty to provide a quality education for every child residing within the borders of the state. The Legislature stated:  Read More >>

Principal Jane Todd: preparations underway for Reconfiguration at Redmond High

Principal Jane Todd presents to the School Board

Dear Parents:
I have been having what I think are Reconfiguration dreams. I'll spare you the details, but they are dreams in which I lose something I value (I find it again), I lose my patience, I lose my bearings and I get lost. And sometimes, in the way of dreams, things don't make much sense. However, and this is the important part: All the way along in those dreams, there have been people there to help me - people to pay my way, people to help me find what I had lost, people to get me home. And I wake up smiling. I hope that will be as comforting to you as it has to me.

To update you on some Reconfiguration doings:  Read More >>

Lake Washington Kangs snuff Bainbridge 11-10 in Lacrosse Opener

Lake Washington Spoils Bainbridge Island Opener, March 9.

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. – Cody Bernstein connected on the go-ahead goal with 3:23 remaining in the game as Lake Washington hung on to down Bainbridge 11-10 to open the 2012 Washington state boys high school lacrosse season at Bainbridge Stadium  . Read More >>



Washington State Chapter of US Lacrosse announces 2012 schedules for boys and girls high school lacrosse

SEATTLE –The Washington State Chapter of US Lacrosse today announced the 2012 schedules for boys and girls high school lacrosse for its 34th season in Washington state.  Read More >>


If you think you like Washington State lacrosse or know you do, this site is THE Go-To place www.WashingtonHSLAX.com.

Topped Cottonwood Trees on 90th Street NE almost make you gag

Topped Cottonwoods - "roadside attraction" on NE 90th Street

OPINION:  Last year, the city Council designated Cottonwoods as urban "garbage trees" because they crack open sidewalks, drop debris and the white cotton puffs blow around.  In 2011, the City ripped out all the Cottonwoods along southern NE 90th and replaced them with "street trees" and new sidewalk.  It looks pretty good.

The problem is they girdled and  topped these Cottonwoods growing in a stormwater facility further down the road.  Wildlife habitat is abundant here.  I just about gag everytime I have to pass them.  Anyone driving to Comcast, the Eastside Gym, Vertical Club, or any number of office buildings has to look at it. 

The City is setting a painful example to citizenry and students of what NOT to do with  trees.  Comments? 

By Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder

Picture Story of Group Health Overlake Center Trees, by Max Feingold

Picture Story of Group Health Overlake Center

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Max Feingold publisher of Cat's Paw Images, Blog  "Exploring the Seattle Area Camera in Hand"

In 1871, Warren Wentworth Perrigo and Captain Luke McRedmond became the first white men to stake a claim and settle the land that would become the city of Redmond.  Read and See More >>

Photo and Story by Max Feingold

These pictures tell the story eloquently. Hopefully, they will help decision-makers realize what they’ve got in this urban jewel before it’s gone. Enough of paving paradise! We can have the transit-oriented village AND a good percentage of these beautiful trees; they are not mutually exclusive unless the only consideration is profit.  Thanks for all the work you put into this post.
-- Comment by Katheryn, Reader of  "Cat's Paw Images - Blog"

State Supreme Court rules that Local voters can't ban red-light cameras

Redmond councilmembers Cole, Margeson
and Stilin review citations during
the Red Light Safety Pilot Program.

State Supreme Court: Local voters can’t ban red-light cameras

Posted by Emily Heffter
"Seattle Times," Local News, March 8, 2012 at 11:06 AM

(Updated with Eyman’s comments.)

The Washington State Supreme Court has ruled that a 2010 Mukilteo ballot initiative banning red-light cameras is invalid.

The long-awaited ruling means initiative efforts in other cities around the state, including Longview, Bellingham, Monroe, Redmond and Wenatchee, are also invalid.


It’s a big loss for initiative king Tim Eyman, who had adopted the cause of banning the cameras and helped people in cities across the state fight to have them banned.  Read More >>

Redmond Police Report Incidence of Residential Burglaries and Vehicle Prowls and more

Smash and Dash - GPS most common target

Safety Updates from the Desk of Jim Bove, Redmond Police...

Residential Burglaries:  We have had approximately 26 reported in two months from January 1 – February 29.

Of those, just over half  had smashed windows, damaged doors and/or signs of forced entry….the rest gained entry through an unlocked door or window.

In fact, one had both – forced entry through the garage door only to find an unlocked door leading into the home. Most people are always certain to lock the main entry used to get into the house, but often forget side doors, garage doors, and other points of entry that are seldom used. Lock ‘em all! 

Vehicle Prowls:  From January 1 – February 29th, we have had approximately 62 vehicles prowled or parts stolen from them. Of these, at least 25 were left unlocked or had no obvious signs of forced entry.  Read More>>

PTSA Forum: Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues

from the desk of Julie Shalaby, LW-PTSA Chair of Special Needs Group...

Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues

Lake Washington School District
PTSA Special Needs Group Meeting
Tuesday, March 27th 7 – 9 pm
You are welcome to arrive at 6:30 PM to network

LWSD Resource Building
16250 NE 74th St, Redmond 98052 (Redmond Town Center)
 
 Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues
 
Going through puberty and adolescence can be a confusing time for kids and parents both. This will be an opportunity for you to talk about your concerns about the social/sexual development of your family member. Robbie Rigby will lead a discussion on social skills, relationship development, sexuality, and personal safety as it relates to teens and young adults with special needs. Join us to talk about these topics-it’s sure to be lively!  Read More >>

A series on Redmond's emerging medical services - why are they here? how do we decide?

"Thanks for sharing this blog. Since there are tons of emergency care centers nowadays and it is hard what and where to choose I still do believe in some reviews since it is hard to select which one is telling the truth."
     -- Trixie, July 8, 2011 a Reader's comment under the post:  "Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care"

As of today, I'm starting an 8-part series on Redmond's booming new medical services to try to answer some of Trixie's concerns and provide facts and data to help you decide where to go for services.  Once every 2-4 weeks I'll post a story.  Hopefully, YOU will contribute a comment or personal experience to help our Readers or "bandage your wounds."  Read More >>

OPINION: Redmond's "Neighborhood Budgeting Forum"

Paige Norman

My experience and opinion of the City's  "Budgeting by Priorities"   Neighborhood Forum for Education Hill residents.

Irritated with the way our City government is run? Do you like the services and benefits our city has to offer? Let our City know.

On March 2, I attended one of the city’s “Budget By Priorities” neighborhood meetings held at Redmond City Hall, in the Bytes Café. Here’s how it works and what I think about it:  

Read More >>

UPDATED OPINION: Overlake Hospital and Clinics Sponsor Community Health Fair

UPDATED OPINION:  Periodically, I cover health events put on by local hospitals and clinics.  Overlake Urgent Care in Redmond and Overlake Medical Clinics (overlakehospital.org) may occasionally ask their physicians to lecture.  Below, is information on their Saturday, March 10th health fair held at nearby Westminster Chapel (directions here).  Evergreen Hospital of Kirkland seminars have already been posted because they are the Eastside's only community tax-supported hospital.  You'll continue to see Evergreen Healthcare District 2 fairs and classes updates.

Here's the scoop on the Overlake Senior Fair:  Read More >>

UPDATED: Hit and Run Accident Sends Redmond Man to Evergreen Hospital

Injury Hit and Run Accident Sends Redmond Man to Evergreeen Community Hospital and Medical Center.

Redmond, WA – Redmond Police Traffic Investigators are investigating a hit and run traffic collision at NE 85th St. and 164th Ave NE sending a 22 year-old Redmond man to Evergreen Hospital.

At 5:54 AM this morning a passerby called 911 reporting a man down, lying in the roadway at the location. Redmond Police and Medics responded and found the man in the roadway who appears to have been struck by a vehicle.  Read More >>

March 2012: State education bill passes - addresses poor teacher and principal performance

March 2012:  Late last night, the House passed SB 5895 is an overwhelming 82-16 vote! It was a jubilant moment for the lawmakers and advocates who have pushed so hard over the last three years for a more meaningful way of evaluating the teachers and principals of our state. Gov. Christine Gregoire is expected to sign the bill soon.

Senator Tom says no legislation is ever perfect.  Lawmakers and advocacy groups will have to carefully watch implementation of the system by local school districts.  But under the bill, for the first time:

New teachers who are rated unsatisfactory will be prevented from getting tenure. Even more ground-breaking is that tenured teachers who are rated unsatisfactory two years in a row will be fired.

Washington will now join a growing number of states which include how much kids are actually learning in the classroom in teacher and principal evaluations. Districts will develop assignment and layoff policies that consider those evaluation results. Read More >>

LWSD's new Director Siri Bliesner champions Dr. Traci Pierce as Superintendent

Director Sir Bliesner

This Monday evening, Deputy Superintendent Traci Pierce was hired by the School Board of Directors as LW School District's next Superintendent.  Dr. Pierce was promoted from one of the Administration's three Chief Officers to a Deputy Superintendent last year.  Traci's operative words in her short speech to the Board were: "to serve," and "committed."  General consensus by the Board, in part, is that Traci will be learning the Superintendent's position "on the job", she is intelligent, and a quick study.  (In her speech to the Redmond officials and residents, Traci emphasised her 16 years of District experience.)  

All Board members spoke highly of Dr. Pierce, but Director Siri Bliesner had the most to say. Ms. Bliesner is a Redmond resident and replaces Ravi Shahadi as the District's newest Board member. 

Before the vote, Director Siri Bliesner started off her positive assessment for Dr.Traci Pierce saying:

"Traci has a strong passion for Public Education and has been developing the necessary skills, attitudes and desire to develop potential in the LWSD to reach the vision of "every child future ready."  I am pleased with her leadership style as one of inclusion and collaboration. This is a vital skill, especially with that of competing interests that exist."

Dr. Pierce recognizes the importance of public, transparent processes that engage the community in a meaningful way -- early on, where input can have impact.   Read More >>

Emergency Response Team looking for volunteer "victims"

C.E.R.T. victim being prepared to be lifted

from the desk of Elizabeth Hansford, with encouragement from Councilmember Hank Myers..

The CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class in Redmond is looking for volunteers to act as victims in either of our TWO final drills we have coming up on March 3rd (2-8pm) and 4th. (2-8 pm) Details on both opportunities are below. Volunteer hours are available making this a great opportunity for high school students, scouts, etc. You don’t have to be in school to volunteer though - we need victims of ALL ages.  Read More >>

LW Institute of Technology receives Four-Year Baccalaureate Accreditation

Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) Receives Four-Year Baccalaureate Level Accreditation

Includes Bachelor of Technology in Applied Design (BTAD) This program is geared toward people who work with technology (graphic designers, game artists, video production folks, architecture, mechanical/industrial design).

Kirkland, Wash.: Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) received accreditation at the baccalaureate level this month from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the region’s authority on higher education accreditation. The new designation includes the college’s Bachelor of Technology in Applied Design (BTAD) degree and came in conjunction with the accreditation of LWIT’s associate degree level programs.  Read More >>

LWSD Board selects Dr. Traci Pierce as new superintendent

Dr. Traci Pierce

I've inserted the italicized paragraphs to Kathryrn Reith's press release for additional insight.  B.Y.

Dr. Traci Pierce, experienced educational leader to continue current initiatives

Redmond, Wash. – At its February 27 meeting, the Board of Directors of the Lake Washington School District unanimously voted to hire Dr. Traci Pierce, the district’s deputy superintendent, instructional services, as the district’s new superintendent. Pending the negotiation of a contract, she will replace the departing Dr. Chip Kimball, who becomes superintendent of the Singapore American School on July 1.

President Jackie Pendergrass reviewed the selection process as follows:  In September, Kimball announced he was leaving the District.  November 7th, the Board conducted a survey of parents, staff, and the community.  December 5th, the Board (with Ravi) after interviews unanimously announced Traci Pierce as their "preferred candidate."  "Meet and Great" meetings were held at Sammamish, Redmond, Kirkland and the District headquarters for staff.  (20-30 people showed up at each meeting).  Twenty-six people submitted comments. BY 

Board member Dr. Chris Carlson said he "believes in brevity" on this, saying he heard little "negative stuff."  BY  Read More >>

OPINION: "Avondale Villas" development calmed by speed feedback safety sign.

Orange tape marks the width and entrance to Avondale Crest's (Villa) road from NE 104th, photo (2007). 

This car didn't slow down and is already out of sight.

Avondale Villas development pays $12,000 towards cost of radar speed feedback sign on 104th - for traffic calming.

OPINION:  Have you noticed the new “radar feedback sign” on the NE 104th Street hill, just above the 184th Ave. NE intersection? It’s hard to believe the speed limit is 25 mph on this highly traveled arteriole.. Most cars, some of them students, zoom down the curved hill at 40 mph.

Since the radar sign was installed most cars are slowing down before they get to 184th, but not all. (Many thanks to the 6,000 citizens petitioning to eliminate red-light cameras.)

According to a Public Works planner, “the $30,000+ radar sign” wasn't just installed for traffic calming for the 184th intersection. The city required the sign as a condition for the project's approval.  This controversial 9-lot residential development was called “Avondale Crest.” (re-named Avondale Villas.) City Council approved the plat (6-1, Allen) after an appeal was defeated 4-3. 

Two project defects delayed permitting and is holding up the sale of Avondale Crest (Villas): Read More >>

Redmond High PTSA Co-Presidents give KUDOS for school's community volunteerism

We all need help sometimes...

By Jan LaFond and Shelley Flores, Co-Presidents, RHS PTSA

We like to think of Redmond High as not only a great school for learning, but also an important member of a larger caring community. Our students, staff and volunteers actively support community organizations that help others and contribute to the greater good.  Read More >>

Riders took Metro buses to near record numbers in 2011 as economy strengthens

Rapid Ride B

Transit ridership in King County roars back as economy strengthens

Riders took Metro buses in near record numbers in 2011

A growing economy combined with improved transportation services to better meet the needs of riders led to a nearly 3 percent boost in Metro Transit ridership in 2011. In all, about 370,000 people hopped aboard a Metro bus each weekday for a total of nearly 113 million rides.

“A near-record number of people are experiencing first-hand the benefits of taking the bus, and I look forward to even more commuters getting on board with transit as the economy comes back,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine.

2011 was a big year for Metro. Ridership climbed to levels not seen since 2008, when employment was at its peak. Transit ridership even outstripped job growth by more than one percentage point, which suggests that more people are using transit to get to more places.

“With gas prices on the rise and more RapidRide lines coming later this year, we expect to see transit demand strengthen even further in the weeks and months to come,” Metro General Manager Kevin Desmond said.  Read More >>

"The Claw" By John Reinke

"The Claw" 

How do you explain this? 

(View Comments)

Social Skills and Anti-bullying Techniques

from the desk of Julie Shalaby, Chair LW-PTSA Special Needs Group...

"Social Skills and Anti-bullying Techniques"

Presented by Ben Wahl, MSW

LWSD Resource Building

Tuesday, February 28th, 7 - 9 p.m.

This Presentation will explore the ways in which social skills instruction can help special needs students from elementary school to young adult. Special consideration will be given to topics such as anti-bullying techniques,teaching flexibility and emotion regulation, building perspective-taking and preparing students for the young adult transition.

Ben Wahl has spent thousands of hours facilitating groups and working individually with students on these issues. The presentation will cover some of the unique lessons that Ben has learned from his group members. Students tell us what they need as they progress socially, they are just not always great at expressing it.  Read More >>

Evergreen's Superintendent and CEO Bob Malte invited to WA State Hospital Association Board

Bob Malte

WA State Hospital Association invites Evergreen Healthcare CEO Bob Malte to its board of directors, effective January 1, 2012.

SEATTLE - December 27, 2011– The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) today announced that it recently welcomed Evergreen Healthcare Superintendent and CEO Bob Malte as an incoming member of the WSHA board of directors.

The WSHA represents 97 community hospitals in Washington State, including Evergreen, Overlake, Swedish, V. Mason, University Medical Center, rural hospitals and many others.

During his one-year term, Malte will contribute his leadership and executive healthcare administration experience to advancing WSHA’s mission to improve the health of Washington state residents by ensuring the delivery, quality, accessibility, affordability and continuity of health care.  Malte’s term in the position of AHA alternate delegate is effective January 1, 2012. 

"Bob's experience, leadership style, and focus on quality, patient safety and service to patients and the community makes him an invaluable addition to our board," said Scott Bond, WSHA CEO. "I look forward to working with him to improve healthcare in Washington state over the coming year."  Read More >>

Ecology and other agencies respond to oil spill on SR 520

Thin coating - a sheen - of oil on water

Oil spill on SR 520 flows into storm drains that empty into Creek.

Oil is toxic to the environment and the damage starts as soon as the oil hits water. A single quart of oil has the potential to foul more than 100,000 gallons of water.

Washington Department of Ecology news
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Feb. 22, 2012
12-062
   
 Ecology and other agencies responding to oil spill on SR 520
     
      BELLEVUE - The state Department of Ecology is on the scene of a traffic accident on westbound SR 520 west of I-405 in Bellevue to respond to fuel spills from one or more of the vehicles involved.  Ecology is cooperating with other agencies responding at the scene.  Read More >>

Tree Sock Art at Anderson Park

Tree Sock Art in Anderson Park

This Tree Sock Art in Anderson Park adds color and excitement on a dreary day.  The question is, how far will the Arts Commission go?    They started off by yarning small trees behind City Hall and from there it's taken off.  The City of Sammamish stitched sock art around topped, dead trees in the corner of a busy intersection. I'm not sure why they'd want to add attention to topped trees.  This art looks pretty good in live park trees.

What do you think?

By Bob Yoder
IPhone

Hiding in Plain Sight: The Snoqualamie River Channel

Here is an interesting article that is not related to schools, but I wanted to write it while the horse show tents are up at Marymoor Park.  It turns out that the photos don't capture what the eye sees, but once you know what you're looking for, you wonder why you didn't see it sooner. - Susan Wilkins

SNOQUALMIE CHANNEL CUT INTO HILLSIDE ABOVE MARYMOOR PARK
(note the arrow in the sky marking the channel )

 HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: THE SNOQUALMIE RIVER CHANNEL 

The tents for the Cavalia Horse Show at Marymoor Park give us a good reference point for finding the ancient Snoqualmie River Channel. During the last Ice Age when the continental glacier from the north blocked the Snoqualmie Valley and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, water melting off the glaciers and out of the Cascade Mountains flowed over the large hill between the Snoqualmie Valley and Bear Creek Valley east of Redmond. We can see the channel if we look at the horizon to the right of the Cavalia Tents where the hillside appears to have a large bite taken out if it. This is what’s left of the ancient Snoqualmie River Channel.

At the time that the channel was in use, about 15,000 years ago, the downtown Redmond, Bear Creek and Sammamish Valley basins were filled by a great lake called Glacial Lake Russell. Lake Russell filled Puget Sound from the Olympics to the Cascades and all the way south to Olympia near the State Capitol Building. The surface elevation of Lake Russell was at 160 feet above sea level. The bottom of the Snoqualmie Channel that we see cut into the hillside hangs in the air at 160 feet above sea level because that is where the Snoqualmie River flowed into Lake Russell.

J. Harlen Bretz, the famous geologist who discovered the Missoula Floods in eastern Washington, visited Redmond in the early 1900s and recognized that the Snoqualmie River had once flowed across the hillside from the east and into the Sammamish Valley. He wrote about the Glacial Snoqualmie River in his 1913 classic, Glaciation of the Puget Sound Region.

Next time you drive down SR520 into Redmond, look for the Snoqualmie River. It’s up there, hiding in plain sight.

By Susan Wilkins
Redmond resident & frequent contributor
Photo by Wilkins

City road constuction contractors overlook stormwater treatment

This is the first report in a series on road construction, road conditions in the city...

The City of Redmond requires developers and their contractors to install fabric filters in and around project storm drains, to keep silt and pollutants from entering into stormwater lines. Stormwater treatment is important because it all eventually drains into our creeks and rivers and ultimately into Puget Sound.  City  inspectors or the contractor may repair this in the near future.  It's ironic the construction project involves building a stormwater trunk-line under the road.

Unprotected 166th AVE NE storm drain in Redmond covered
 with asphalt spilling from a temporary curb. 2/18/12 

Correct Method:  Storm drain is protected with filter cloth
 and the stormwater is treated.
  (Milwaukee, WI)

Asphalt is a thick brownish or black substance derived from the same crude oil which produces kerosene, gasoline and vinyl. It is literally scraped from the bottom of the barrel after all other petroleum-based products have been refined or processed.  Petroleum products are pollutants.

The city announces in their RCTV-21, website, twitter and AM 1650 storm reports to do your part to keep our storm drains clear of leaves and debris.  For city action on road or drain problems please write council@redmond.gov for help.    

Reported and photographed by Bob Yoder
Photo of fabric grate from Internet (Wisconsin)