King County Executive's Top 12 for 2012

A look back at accomplishments of the year

With 2012 nearing an end, King County Executive Dow Constantine took the opportunity to look back at his office's top 12 accomplishments of the year and how they build on the reforms of previous years.

Executive Constantine on Dec. 6 issued the first marriage license in King County to a same-sex couple – the first in the nation to be issued under a state law enacted directly by voters. “Tonight you are making history,” he said at a special midnight ceremony.

"Any list is going to be subjective, and not every story here was one that captured the public's attention – but each held its own place in our agenda to create a sustainable government that works, and one that works for all the people," said Executive Constantine. "My thanks to the work of all our departments and staff who helped make our successes possible."
The Executive's top 12 stories of 2012 are, in rough chronological order:

• Merger of formerly incompatible business systems – Outmoded paper processes and redundant data entry were swept away with implementation of Accountable Business Transformation: the successful merger of two separate payroll systems – one for King County and one for Metro – and two separate financial systems into one modern, efficient business backbone that provides real-time information on payroll, budgets and procurement.
• Siting of future schools to be inside urban areas – A regional task force unanimously called for future schools in districts that straddle the Urban Growth Boundary to be sited in urban areas and rural towns, rather than in areas designated as rural. The resolution of this long-standing dispute helps deliver educational excellence for children without sacrificing the rural environment up and down the "bright green line" that separates urban from rural – and which keeps King County from becoming another Los Angeles.
• Procurement reform opens access for businesses to do business with King County – Contract awards to small contractor and supplier firms nearly doubled in 2012, thanks in part to a redesigned online vendor registration system that saved thousands of dollars in paper and staff time, and a new partnership with the Port of Seattle and Sound Transit for a "one-stop" small business certification program.
• Revitalization of Pioneer Square through mixed-use development – Construction of the long-awaited North Lot development next to CenturyLink Field can already be seen, thanks to Council adoption of the Executive's innovative parking solution that helped close the deal with all partners. The project on part of the old Kingdome site is expected to create up to 2,700 construction jobs and more than $727 million in economic activity over the next decade.
• Cities re-enlist in partnership for regional animal services – The reforms and new leadership put in place for animal care and control were affirmed when 25 cities voted to renew their contracts with Regional Animal Services of King County. In partnership with cities and animal advocates throughout the region, the work continues to improve the delivery of affordable, sustainable, and humane animal services.
• Voter approval of new Children and Family Justice Center – The longstanding need to replace the aging and dilapidated Youth Services Center was finally solved when voters approved a nine-year property tax levy, and troubled youth and their families were the winners. The new center now being designed for a 2018 opening will better protect the safety of youth who must be detained there, and provide room for modern approaches that move young people out of the criminal-justice system and provide help for families — including juvenile drug court, parent-to-parent mentoring programs, and therapeutic services for youth.
• At the permit counter of the new Snoqualmie offices for the renamed King County Department of Permitting and Environmental Review.
  Move of permitting services closer to customers – To the applause of staff and customers, the Executive issued the first single-family home building permit at the new Snoqualmie offices of the newly-renamed King County Department of Permitting and Environmental Review. The new name and new location were the latest in a series of customer-service-focused changes made in the last two years at the once-maligned agency, where the director said he and his staff have "hit the reset button."
• Honors for hard-working small business owners – The importance and accomplishments of the small businesses that create local jobs and contribute to our regional economy were celebrated for the second year in a row at the King County Executive's Small Business Awards at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. The event brought together 230 people from local chambers of commerce, cities, and small business organizations as the winners were announced.  Read More >>

SCORP now to improve your GORP later

SCORP now to improve your GORP later

December 19, 2012 by Frana

King County Blog

You remember GORP, right? “Good ol’ raisins and peanuts” a.k.a. trail mix. Maybe you take it with you when you hike or bike? Well, one way to make sure those special hiking and biking spots are taken care of is to participate in SCORP.
SCORP, the catchier version of “State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan”, is the strategic plan that guides Washington State’s investments in outdoor recreation. By identifying our state’s recreation needs, trends and opportunities, the SCORP, which is updated every five years, helps set priorities about the types of projects that receive funding from the federal government’s Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and from state-level grant programs.

King County Parks uses these state and federal dollars to match our local funds, like from our Open Space and Trails Levy, stretching King County taxpayers’ dollars to do things like purchase new natural area parks, build trails and trailheads, and improve ballfields.
Every state that wants to be eligible for LWCF grants must create and update a SCORP. Washington State’s next update is due in June 2013, and they are using an online town hall forum to ask for input. Every couple of weeks, they pose a different outdoor recreation-themed question. This round’s is on visiting wetlands.

Love your parks? Have your voice heard! Visit the SCORP town hall website and submit your comments today.

The most recent SCORP showed that hiking/walking and team/individual sports were the top two outdoor recreation activities in the state and that bicycle riding jumped from 8th to 5th place. Does that sound about right for your activities?

Holiday Safety Alerts, By Jim Bove, Redmond Police

Jim Bove - Redmond Police Community
Facilitator

Dear Redmond Community and Friends,

Please see below crime prevention tips, scams, alerts, and upcoming important dates. Have a great holiday season!

Be safe,

Jim

(Theme: Bruce Willis Movies)

Sin City

From October 1 – December 12 we have had 88 vehicle prowls (the last 12 months we have averaged 33 per month, which is waaaay low…we’re actually 35% down compared to last year at this time). However, the “good” news is that there are actually some hot spots. I’ve always said the best and worst thing about Redmond is there is no real “bad” area of town where many crimes occur—good because it’s safe, but it’s more difficult for patrol officers and crime analysts to predict where crime will happen next. Crime is usually fluid throughout the city, but two main locations have been targeted in the last few months. (There were three “rings” one of which has been solved). The Cleveland/Leary Way area has seen 18 prowls during this time period. The NE 24^th/148^th Ave NE area has seen 14. The general time frame is Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays between 7:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. and they tend to occur near businesses where customers will be gone for an extended period of time. Most are “smash & grabs” (smash window, grab what you can) and they are targeting the usual—laptops, small electronics, etc., likely from people who have come from work. For crime prevention tips, visit:www.redmond.gov/PublicSafety/Police/tips (other pages listed on left side)

Oceans Twelve

We are ending the year the same way we started—with a smattering of residential burglaries. Unlike the vehicle prowls, these have occurred throughout the city with no real rhyme or reason as to location, however, all are during the day (as usual). From October 1 – December 10 we’ve had 32 (11 in October, 13 in November, and 8 through December 10…we have been averaging about eight per month over the last year, so not a huge increase but an increase nonetheless). Items stolen range from the usual computers, electronics, passports, cash, jewelry, etc. (things that are easy to sell) Entry points are usually via door kick-ins, window smashes to rear sliding glass doors/windows, and window breaks next to front doors to access door locks. In a few of the incidents, victims were home and heard someone knocking and ringing the doorbell multiple times but thought ignoring it would make them go away. Once the suspects heard people inside, they take off running. Try to make contact with these people—you don’t have to open the door, just talk through it and tell them you aren’t interested. Let them know someone is home—they aren’t usually looking for a confrontation like you see on TV. Most victims were gone for the day or gone for a long weekend so be sure to utilize your neighbors (did somebody say “Neighborhood Watch?”. Call 911 immediately if you see suspicious activity.  Read More >>

Public Meeting on Tent City at St. Jude slated for January 2

The City of Redmond is holding a public meeting Wednesday, January 2, 7PM at Redmond Middle School to take comment on St. Jude's proposal to host Tent City for three months beginning on January 12.  The encampment would provide emergency shelter for up to 100 persons. 

Written comments can be submitted to city planner, Steve Fischer at sfischer@redmond.gov.  Submit your name and address to be a party of record.  His phone number is 425-556-2432.

The final decision may be appealed to a Hearing Examiner (Redmond Zoning Code 21.76.060(1).

Non Profit Share/Wheel has housed Tent City at St. Jude over the last six years for a total of 9 months to date.  What do you think about this proposal?    Send your letters to me at redmondblog@gmail.com.

The tent city photo was taken at St. Jude  during their second encampment. 

Report and Photos By Bob Yoder

National Alliance of the Mentally Ill's advice and comments on the Sandy Hook School shooting

The National Alliance of the Mentally Ill (NAMI eastside) family grieves for the children and families impacted by the tragedy of Sandy Hook Elementary School. 

Despite considerable speculation, there has been no real information as to whether Adam Lanza had a mental illness or if his family sought mental health services. However, with the focus on mental illness, this is a good time to remind the public about the prevalence of mental illness and the need for more services and supports for those living with it every day.

What we can say with certainty is that mental illness exists in every state, every city and every Neighborhood in the U.S. One in 4 adults experiences a mental health disorder in a given year.

One in 17 lives with a serious mental illness and 1 in 10 children has a serious mental or emotional disorder. Yet fewer than one-third of adults and one-half of children with a diagnosed mental disorder receive mental health services in a given year. There are many reasons for this, including:

· Lack of knowledge about mental illness

· Stigma of mental illness deters people from seeking help

· Individuals and families don’t know that treatment works or where to go for help

· When individuals or families do seek help, the services are frequently not available.

Over a decade ago, the Surgeon General concluded in a report that “the overall contribution of mental disorders to the total level of violence in society is exceptionally small.” However, when violence does occur, it is usually because something has gone terribly wrong in the mental health care system. Either something has fallen short or something hasn’t happened at all.

It is hard to think of any good that might come out of this tragedy. However, we would be remiss if we did not call attention to the mental health crisis our country is facing, to confront hurtful stereotypes, to take steps to learn more about mental illness, and to ensure that people have access to the care and treatment they need.

Nami National's Statement Includes Trauma Resources:

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 14, 2012 -- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has issued the following statement which includes recommended links to trauma resources for families:   Read More >>

Stinky Spoke is slated for January 12

Stinky Spoke is a popular fund-raiser mountain biking event held during the wettest, muddiest time of the year!

Hey All!

If you're getting this e-mail, you must have ridden the Stinky Spoke in the past!

The next one is coming up on Saturday, January 12th, 2013 at Redhook Brewery. We're going "clockwise", which means the same direction as last January, which means UP Heart Attack Hill. Believe it or not, the riders voted, and it was a hearty "YES!" for going this direction. The hill is tough, but it's going to be a ton of fun, with the photographers, some better medals (not so biodegradeable in the elements of the day like last year's beer coasters), bike mechanics, extra chains, and a line down the middle to separate riders and walkers.

The rest of the event - just like you know and love. Ride the ride, get a poker hand, maybe win a prize, but definitely stick around for some music and beer. If it's anything like last year, prepare for the worst, bring a change of dry, warm clothes for the party, and use one of our new changing huts, if not your car. When you register, we auto-generate a fundraising page for you. You don't have to do anything with it, but about 1 in 4 are, and we're raising some extra money for Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. We're hoping to raise $35K this year!

If you've already registered, see you there! If not, hit this link and join the crowd: http://stinkyspoke.org We're capping the event at 1000 riders, hundreds are already registered, and we expect to be full right around the first few days of the New Year!

Cheers,

Todd Cowles
Director
Stinky Spoke
206-551-0845 new cell
toddcowles@comcast.net

Redmond Mustang PTSA Community Digest

REDMOND RECREATION GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE. Interested in taking classes this winter? The City of Redmond offers everything from dance to pottery. Learn about class opportunities at the Redmond Recreation Guide.

REDMOND ARTS COMMISSION. The Redmond Arts Commission is currently accepting applications for two youth advocate positions. Download information on becoming a Commissioner or Youth Advocate. For questions, contact Arts Administrator, Joshua Heim.

WINTER DRAMA CLASSES. Check out the full series of acting and dance classes from Studio East. Winter Quarter Dates are January 28 - March 30 (*some classes start earlier or later than 1/28). Find specific dates for all winter classes at www.studio-east.org.

YOUNG ACTORS PROFESSIONAL INTENSIVE. If you're a teen who's interested in a summer full of theater classes, intense learning and a lot of fun, audition for Studio East's YAPI. Students spend six weeks immersed in college-level theater classes including Audition Technique, Acting for the Camera, Scene Study, Shakespeare, Combat, Improvisation, Musical Theater, The Business and more. Faculty is made up of professional educators and artists. YAPI Info Session: Saturday, Feb. 9th from 11am - noon. Parents and Students: Join YAPI founder Lani Brockman for an explanation of the Young Actors Professional Intensive program. Ask questions and find out if this program is right for your family. Reservations recommended: call 425-820-1800. Auditions: January 11, February 8, March 8, March 28, April 26 and May 10. Spaces are filled on a first-come-first-served basis. For more info: YAPI.

DRAMA SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITIES. Starting in late January, Studio East will begin interviews for summer camp assistants. We are looking for Studio East-trained teens with advanced theater experience, such as YAPI, who love to work with large numbers of children. Applicants for paid positions must be at least 15 years old and able to work at a different Eastside location every one or two weeks. Positions include assistants for the Studio's Summer Stage, TaleSpinners, Playmakers, Little Players and Teen camps. Work Study and volunteer opportunities are also available. For more information or to schedule an interview, email Laura.

OPINION: We can do better on the city budget, By Councilmembers Myers and Carson

WE CAN DO BETTER
On Tuesday, December 4, the Redmond City Council passed a budget for 2013 through 2014. The administration says the budget “is reduced to take into account the continued lack of service demand in development review [and other items]” is a 4% increase over the current budget. The budget includes a 1% property tax increase even though we will have a $10 million surplus at the end of 2012 (the 1% increase is worth about $450,000 over the next two years). As the two dissenting votes on the budget, we want the residents of Redmond to know that the city can do better.

BUDGETTING BY PRIORITIES
In 2008, we adopted a process called Budgeting by Priorities, a technique designed to fund the highest priority services first, with input from the public. It was proposed by the authors of the book “The Price of Government” as a method to counter unsustainable growth in government taxes and fees. Essentially we establish a revenue prediction, and go through the various services in priority order until we run out of money. This is not a stand-alone process, however. Central to the premise of the book is that there is an acceptable price for each level of government that citizens are willing to support. Get above that level and taxpayers react negatively by rejecting tax levies, supporting restrictions on raising taxes (58% of Redmond voters supported I-1185), and even electing candidates who promise to be more fiscally responsible.

HOW DOES REDMOND STACK UP?
On the one hand, the price of government as a percentage of the total income base in Redmond is going down. One the other hand, the reason is because we have increased the population density in Redmond so that the total income base has gone up faster than the cost of government services. This is true for all eastside cities. Redmond even has a policy of encouraging this by creating high density development in downtown and Overlake. This is why high income density communities such as Clyde Hill, Hunts Point, Medina and Yarrow Point have costs of government half of Redmond levels.
On the third hand (economists always need at least three hands), how do we compare to similar cities in our area? As a group, the cities of Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland and Issaquah spend about 4.7% of residents’ total income for all services including water, sewer and storm water utilities. For Redmond, the cost of these services is 6% higher at 4.98%. Woodinville and Sammamish don’t provide the same utility services, but we can compare the cost of basic government services for these cities as well. For the six largest eastside cities, the population weighted price of basic municipal government is 2.83%. For Redmond, it is 14.5% higher at 3.27%.

Mayor Marchione has said that it is an improper use of the Price of Government tool to compare relative costs of neighboring cities. That is like saying that it is improper to compare new car prices in Bellevue with car prices at Kirkland dealers, or wrong to compare grocery prices at QFC in Redmond to those at QFC in Sammamish. All six neighboring cities share the same labor pool, cost of living, topography and service expectations. All six cities provide high levels of basic municipal services and enjoy similarly high satisfaction ratings by residents. Probably the most directly comparable city to Redmond is Kirkland, yet our cost of municipal government including utilities is 31% higher than Kirkland and the price of basic government excluding utilities is 16% higher in Redmond. All cost data come from the Washington State Auditor for the same categories of costs, while population and income data are from the U.S. Census Bureau for 2011.

RHETORIC VS DATA
Two arguments were raised to support raising property taxes to the legal maximum. First, it costs something to maintain any new capital project we build. We all understand this. Whether it is a house or a car or a lawn mower, anything we buy will generate ongoing maintenance costs. When we look at the data provided by the administration, it is amazing how little it will cost to maintain our proposed projects. The Mayor’s projected ongoing costs related to the proposed new capital projects is 0.65% per year. For every $100 we spend on capital, it will cost us 65 cents a year in ongoing costs. Anyone who has ever owned an Audi or a Fiat can tell you what a bargain that is. This argument also overlooks that the purpose of these capital projects is to encourage and accommodate new development, which in turn generates new taxes at an even higher rate than the current tax base. We won’t be paying those new ongoing costs from the current tax base, but from a significantly larger one.

The second argument for raising taxes is concern about possible shortfalls in future years. This argument has been used every budget for the last three budget cycles, and yet each biennium our surpluses have increased. If we had not taken any property tax increases in the last six years, our current budget surplus would be “only” $8.5 million, or over 5% of the current basic budget. These rhetorical arguments are contradicted by any data analysis of possible effects.

WE CAN DO MUCH BETTER
Proponents of higher taxes argue that the increase isn’t really very much. We ask, are they even necessary? As a government, we should not be taking any more money from our residents than we need in order to operate our services honestly and efficiently. We know any money that’s collected will be spent because Governments don’t do profit sharing or pay dividends. In addition to being more diligent about our cost of government, we need to have a higher threshold for raising taxes than simple anxiety or rhetoric. Raising taxes should be the last option, not the first.

David Carson
Hank Myers

Tips to help your children feel safe after the Sandy Hook school shooting

This is a letter sent by Sup. Traci Pierce to LWSD staff in response the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting today.  I hope you find it helpful.  

Dear LWSD Colleagues,

The terrible news of the elementary school shooting in Connecticut is a shocking to all of us. This violence against innocent school staff and school children is an unthinkable tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the students, families and staff of Sandy Hook Elementary. As educational professionals, we know that the safety of our students and school communities is always at the forefront of our efforts. I am certain that today was a difficult day for everyone, and I appreciate your continued efforts to support our students, families, and one another.

I have sent an email to parents reminding them of the emergency preparedness work our schools regularly do – it is posted on the website as well. We will take this event as an opportunity to review our own plans and procedures. The email to parents also reminds them of some ways to help their children feel safe. I’ll share them here for your information. Many of you have children at home as well:

* Turn off or monitor the television. Endless news programs are likely to heighten anxiety.

* Maintain a normal routine.

* Stick to facts. Answer questions factually.

*Remember to filter what you say to a child. Avoid graphic details.

* Remain calm and reassuring. Children take their cues from their parents and adults.

* Be optimistic.

* Be a good listener and observer. Pay attention to changes in behavior.

* Take care of yourself. You are better able to help your students if you are coping well. If you are anxious or upset, your students are more likely to be so as well.

Please do take the last item of advice, to take care of yourself, to heart this weekend and over the upcoming holiday break. Thank you all for everything you do for students every day.

Sincerely,

Traci

Dr. Traci Pierce, Superintendent

Lake Washington School District

*tpierce@lwsd.org| 

Centennial Community Bonfire slated for December 30

Centennial Community Bonfire

 

Redmond, WA – Celebrate Redmond's past, present and future! Enjoy all the festivities at the Centennial Community Bonfire, the city’s final centennial event. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to mingle with friends and neighbors, and fun for the whole family. Enjoy free Peet’s Coffee samples and purchase a $2 s’mores kit, all proceeds will benefit the Redmond Kiwanis Club. Come enjoy roasting marshmallows, luminaria, and live musical performances by the Keith Highlanders Pipe Band, Greg Paul, and Redmond’s own Celtic Fire.

Redmond was incorporated as a city on December 31, 1912, following a community vote and the birth of Ernest Alexander Adams (born November 24), who brought the population of Redmond to 300, the number needed to incorporate as a city.

Redmond now encompasses 17.14 square miles and has a population of 54,144 according to the 2011 census.

The Bonfire will be held on Sunday, December 30, 2012 at the City Hall Campus from 5 to 7 pm.

Redmond City Hall is located at 15670 NE 85^th Street. Parking is available in the City Hall Parking lot and the Redmond Senior Center Parking Garage, located at 8703 160th Avenue NE.

For more information, visit 100years.redmond.gov or contact Lisa Rhodes at 425-556-2360.

Territorial Voices: A Civil War Reader's Theater: RHS January 12 event

History is happening in the Redmond area and we welcome you to our meeting. The Redmond Historical Society will meet on Saturday, January 12, 2013, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at The Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 NE 80 Street, Redmond, WA. Lorraine McConaghy is a public historian with the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle. 

 

She will be presenting Territorial Voices: A Civil War Reader’s Theater, which is an interactive, living theater piece in which the audience reads the words of ordinary settlers, territorial military and administrative leadership. Lorraine will give a brief lecture to set the stage for the audience participation and will present various opinions on race and slavery in Washington Territory. Conversation will follow about the ideas and themes raised in the communal theater. Lorraine’s presentation is sponsored by Humanities Washington. This meeting should be of particular interest to the Redmond schools, both teachers and students. Don’t miss this meeting. 

 

To receive the monthly newsletter, contact the Society office at 425-885-2919, or email your request to info@redmondhistoricalsociety.org. Books, calendars, note cards, free historic walking tour brochures, and the book, “Redmond Reflections,” are available in our office, which is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and by appointment. Visit our website: redmondhistoricalsociety.org.

 

Submitted By Doris Schaible

Redmond City Clerk under 4 mayors (25 years)

Community Relations, Redmond Historical Society

City union and non-union workers get a 1.5% pay bump

The Redmond City Hall Employees Association (RCHEA) are receiving a 1.5% salary increase at tonight's city council special meeting.  They are technical, professional and administrative workers such as city planners, administrative assistants, engineers, fire marshalls and the like.  Last week the council approved a 1.5% wage increase for all non-union workers.  This increase does not include bonus payments for merit.  

By Bob Yoder

Redmond Resident Andy Hill named Senate budget leader

Senator Andy Hill

Hill named Senate budget leader

OLYMPIA...State Sen. Andy Hill has been named chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, making him the Senate’s leader on budgetary matters for the next two years.

“Last year the Legislature put a down payment on a responsible future for Washington by adopting a bipartisan operating budget that was balanced and forward-looking,” said Hill. “We’re now at the point where lawmakers must take the next step.

“I’m looking forward to leading the budget committee and appreciate the confidence my colleagues have expressed, but let me emphasize this is going to be a team effort. I am ready to work with all legislators so that statewide priorities are reflected in the new budget that will take effect in July,” Hill said.

“I believe a majority of the Senate is committed to taking the necessary steps to make sure we’re creating plans that align the unique needs and desires of our residents with the means provided by the taxpayers, in a way that makes our state a leader in results, not rancor.”  Read More >>

DECA is looking for Judges for January 10th event

DECA Judging Opportunity:

 

Tom Bunnell, a Redmond High School marketing teacher, is in need of judges for the upcoming DECA competition on January 10^th at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue.

 

The Area 3 DECA competition is a great opportunity for students in Mr. Bunnell’s class to compete against students representing other schools.

 

· Volunteer need to be there from 7:15 a.m. and are need until about 12:30 p.m.
· Professional attire is recommended
· You will be judging the students in Sports and Entertainment role play
· Each role play takes about 15 minutes and you would judge 8-9 presentations
· Need a few volunteers (Attorney) for the Business Law presentations preferably with experience in Kagal.

If you are interested in the Redmond HS DECA judging opportunity, please contact Tom Bunnell directly at tbunnell@lwsd.org.

Water Tenders Celebrate 25 years of care for Bear Creek Basin

Water Tenders celebrated 25 years of care for the Bear Creek Basin by exhibiting at REI today to raise awareness for the Basin and sign new members. 

They handed  out salmon cut-outs to children and told visitors about the trail along the creek only a few blocks away from REI. 

Some of the projects they've done over the years involve:  a Newsletter, Monitoring, Education and Outreach, Plant salvages and native plantings, Adopt a Natural area maintenance, Task Forces, and Advocacy. 

Want to help or at least know what is going on?  Join Water Tenders by sending $20 and your name and address and email to Water Tenders, P.O. Box 402, Woodinville, WA.  98072.   www.watertenders.org 

Redmond Lacrosse season is now open

Register online at:  www.redmondlacrosse.com Registration for the 2013 lacrosse season is now open. We need everyone to sign up by 12/31/12 for the 2013 season. Time is needed to order uniforms, get coaches set, etc.. We also need to declare the number of teams in each grade level in early January. We would like to make sure we have the correct number of teams to allow proper playing time. Don't forget to recruit your friends! Back to top

Skill Sessions in December posted 11/21/2012 Skill Sessions are starting. These are open to all players through 8th grade. Sun 12/2 1-3pm Perrigo Park Field #1 Sun 12/9 1-3pm Perrigo Park Field #1 Sun 12/16 1-3pm Hartman Park Soccer Field Sun 12/23 1-3pm Perrigo Park Field #1 Sun 12/30 1-3pm Perrigo Park Field #1 Back to top

New High School Coach posted 11/20/2012 Pat Harrison has been hired to be the High School Coach. Pat was the 7/8 coach last year. This will be his 4th year coachihg for Redmond Lacrosse. Pat played for many years in the local men's league and at Whitman College. He also ran one of the men's league teams during his playing days. Pat has additional experience coaching baseball, football, and softball. Pat is looking for assistance coaches. Contact HScoach@redmondlacrosse.com or pjharrison@live.com.

NAMI-Eastside News You Can Use

FAMILY TO FAMILY CLASSES: REGISTER NOW If you are interested in taking a Family-to-Family class this winter or spring, please contact the NAMI Office to register. We hope to offer classes in Bothell, Bellevue and Sammamish. Classes that do not have a minimum of 18 people will be cancelled. Call now. (425) 885-6264 or emailinfo@nami-eastside.org. COMING UP IN JANUARY: NAMI Day in Olympia, January 21, 2013. We are scheduling appointments with legislators from all the districts in our catchment area and we would love to have you join us. Please contact Suzanne at (425) 885-6264 or suzanne@nami-eastside.orgfor the itinerary. NAMI Eastside Annual Meeting, Saturday, January 26, 2013. This year the meeting will be held at JUBILEE REACH, 14200 SE 13thPlace, in Bellevue, 98007. Meet and Greet is from 9:00 am with the meeting following at 10:00 am. Meet old friends and make some new ones. Find out what has been accomplished in 2012 and our plans 2013. This meeting is for NES Members but is open to all. Join us.

NAMI (National Alliance of Mentally Ill)

King County Council adopt strategic climate action plan

King County aims to reduce greenhouse emissions by at least 80 percent by 2050

The Metropolitan King County Council gave its unanimous approval today to King County’s 2012 Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP). The SCAP is the County’s blueprint summarizing its leadership in addressing climate change, outlining the county’s most critical goals and priority actions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and preparing for the impacts of climate change.

“The climate crisis is already showing up in increasing flooding, ocean acidification, and rising sea levels, as well as decreasing mountain snowpack over time,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, chair of the Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee. “The SCAP continues King County’s forward-thinking leadership on climate change by identifying actions King County is taking to address climate change in county services and operations. It sets goals and measurable targets for King County to reach in our progress on the climate.”  Read More >>

The Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce has a new name

It's now called Redmond Chamber of Commerce/One Redmond. 

One Redmond has a new website as follows:  www.oneredmond.org

There's week left to drop off any NEW, UNWRAPPED TOY Donations at the Chamber office.  Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Happy Holidays!

 

Restored Odd Fellows "Links" return to downtown Redmond

Redmond Bar & Grill's three gold rings

Redmond, WA. -- On December 4, 2012, Roger Waterhouse and Glenn Kearney of Artech, Inc. fastened the restored Odd Fellows links to the front façade of the historic Odd Fellows Hall, at 7979 Leary Way. The Odd Fellows Hall is designated a historic landmark and is one of the most prominent wood frame buildings in downtown Redmond. Built in 1903, this distinctive structure served many purposes for the local community as a meeting hall; fraternal lodge for the Redmond Eagles and then the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; performance and dance hall, the City’s first movie venue; commercial space for Edwardian Antiques; and now Redmond’s Bar and Grill.

Odd Fellows’ three links combine to represent a chain. “The first represents friendship, the second love and the third truth”,  Read More >>

Four Lake Washington Schools Named 2012 "Schools of Distinction"

"Center for Educational Effectiveness" recognizes schools for five years of continuing improvement

Redmond, Wash. – Four Lake Washington School District schools have been named “Schools of Distinction” by the Center for Educational Effectiveness. Explorer Community School, Kirkland Middle School, Redmond Elementary and Smith Elementary were among 97 schools statewide that have shown a five-year improvement trend on the state’s Reading/Math index test scores for students.  Read More >>

Redmond City Council approves budget - raises property and utility taxes

The City Council approved the Administration's 2013-2014 budget 5-2 with Hank Myers and David Carson voting 'no" to the ordinance.    Property taxes will go up $6/year and water/stormwater will increase 2%/4% per the biennium.   Under a separate ordinance the council raised nonunion salaries 1.5%/year. 

Councilmember Hank Myers called out the 1% tax increase as "entirely unnecessary since we have a $10 million ending balance and the 1% amounts to less than 5% of our ending balance."   He referenced three different contingency reserves, and said no services would have to be cut if the tax stays the same.  He said the price of Redmond government was higher compared to Issaquah, Kirkland, and Woodinville.  Like all councilmembers, he lauded the Administration on a job well done in preparing a transparent budget and thanked the Mayor and Council Finance Chair John Stilin for their leadership.

Councilmember David Carson said he could have said Yes to the entire package if more than 40% of the capital fund ending balance could have gone to capital improvements.  He was most concerned about the 1% property tax saying, "If we had applied a small portion of the $10 million surplus it could have kept the City of Redmond residents from paying the tax increase."  He supported the Utility Tax increase saying it was specific to infrastructure. 

Council Chair of Finance John Stilin considered Redmond the envy of the region with it's well run finances and city administration.  He emphasized "being responsible in asking for a little bit more."  He said, "it would be nice if there were other ways to tax and spread this out but the 1% tax is our one tool we have."   "I look forward to digging deeper in the performance review process and having better performance measures such that in the off years of he budget we actually do a performance review of our budget." 

Councilmembers Tom Flynn and Hank Margeson were worried about a revenue/expenditure gap looming 4-6 years out.  Margeson said, "the 1% tax increase won't track that down but by being smart about what we spend going forward we will bridge the gap."  Flynn was glad to see some cuts and right-sizing to the budget and thought the 1% a small part in keeping up with inflation. 

Councilmember Kim Allen voted for the 1% this year because the economy is improving.  "It's good to see the cranes downtown", she said "and the tax increase is only $6/year."   She and Hank Margeson were glad to see the 166th Avenue safety reconfiguration in the books for this biennium.  Council President Pat Vache' agreed with Ms. Allen on the importance of the steady revenue flows in the maintaining the city's AAA rating.  Vache' also mentioned the gap projected in future years.

Mayor John Marchione thanked Council and his staff and advised Myers "The price of government index" is not a valid comparison tool to other cities.  The mayor was proud to claim the price of Redmond government (government expenses/% of income) is the lowest it's been in 12 years.  It went from 6% to 4.9% today.  He concluded the AAA rating saves the city millions of dollars.

By Bob Yoder

Evergreen Health and Valley General Hospital approve affiliation

Kirkland, Wash. – EvergreenHealth and Valley General Hospital of Monroe announced yesterday that the organizations approved an agreement that makes Valley General Hospital an affiliate of EvergreenHealth. The organizations will deliver on a commitment to provide Snohomish County residents greater choice and greater access to the high-quality services offered by EvergreenHealth and its partners, Virginia Mason Medical Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

The Boards of Commissioners of Valley General Hospital and EvergreenHealth voted unanimously on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012 to approve the agreement.   Read More >>

Seven parents speak up at School Board meeting on overcrowding

Seven parents addressed the School Board and Superintendent this Monday about problems with the reboundary process underway to relieve overcrowding at Rosa Parks.   Beth Zimmerman indicated all three scenarios presented by the Boundary Committee exceeded the true capacity of the schools with 713 students.  She suggested 667 is closer to true capacity.  The committee's total capacity includes the 10 portables which stress capacity in the playgrounds, gym, rest rooms, and common area.  Lunch must be held in classrooms and one 5th grade gym class has 62 students in it.  Beth urged the Superintendent "to fine tune" the reboundary plan to account for true capacity. 

Julie Ann appreciated the temporary boundary committee's work but was concerned the true enrollment for Rosa Parks was not presented at the open house or posted online.  She asked for transparency to collect acceptable feedback.  A concern was grandfathering was allowed and would keep enrollment at 700+ which was too much.  She was bothered that she read about this in the local media and had to call Communications Director Kathryn Reith for confirmation.  Julie Ann said, "The Grandfathering omission does not reflect the openness and honesty critical to developing trust to maintain a positive approach to  problem solving."  She concluded, "Thank you for listening and understanding how important transparency is to developing trust-based relationships with key stakeholders."  

Karen Swenson said the most important decision criteria identified in the surveys was "maintaining integrity of  the neighborhoods."  She was concerned that North Deveron neighborhood of 29 students was not included in the Wilder reboundary.  These students are expected to walk one mile to Rosa Parks along woods under the  most popular Scenario C. 

The last speaker was frustrated with the complexity of the re boundary process.  He thought it would be a lot simpler and was upset with capacity problems of walking outside to bathrooms and not sharing recognition awards in one assembly room. 

The School Board commiserated and asked for updated reboundary information on the website.  Superintendent Pierce said she wouldn't hold any information back.  The survey deadline is December 10 and all new reboundary information and feedback forms are found here:  http://www.lwsd.org/News/temporary-boundary-change/Pages/default.aspx.  

By Bob Yoder

 

Redmond Police confirm four burglaries yesterday - recommend preventative measures

We did have a few burglaries (two in the ed. hill area and two in the south end) yesterday. One of which the person was home and did not answer the door when the suspect attempted contact.

1. Report suspicious activities to police. Be a good witness- get a good description and be able to describe the person and their suspicious activity to police dispatchers.
2. Make your house look occupied and if it is occupied answer the door—you don’t have to open the door, but at least communicate through the door. The suspects are not usually looking for confrontations; they will move on if they know (or think) someone is home.
3. Practice good crime prevention. Cut back bushes and shrubs so you can see out, and so passersby can see your entry points. Make sure all exterior lights work.
4. Take a few minutes to put on your bad guy hat. Walk your neighborhood as if you were the bad guy. Which house would you target and why? Hopefully it’s not yours!

By Jim Bove

Redmond Police Community Facilitator

LWSD Administration to update website to clarify Rosa Parks reboundary scenarios, in response to public comment

Seven Redmond Ridge parents eloquently and with great civility gave oral presentations to the School Board and Superintendent Pierce at last night's LWSD business meeting.  Their concern was primarily the continued frustration with district policy and process in resolving overcrowding at Rosa Parks. 

Their combined presentations lasted 30 minutes and brought a very positive response from Superintendent Pierce.  Pierce said she wants the process to be transparent and will update the website.  "I have no intention to hold information back," she said.   An earlier presenter, Julie Ann, said  "Thank you for listening and understanding how important transparency is in developing trust-based relationships with key stakeholders."

 Four School Board members engaged with the presenters afterwards.  Specifically, Director Carson asked if Pierce could fine-tune the most popular Scenario C (to include the Deveron neighborhood at Wilder and adjust numbers to "true capacity".)  Director Egglington requested that "true school capacities" be posted and available to the public.  Director Pendergrass asked for clarification on language grandfathering 5th and kindergartners.  Director Bleisner asked for clarification and updating the website before the December 10 deadline for surveys. 

Go to this link for survey forms and Reboundary clarification updates: http://www.lwsd.org/News/temporary-boundary-change/Pages/default.aspx.  

LWSD schools receive $311,987 in donations this month; Waste Management donates $225,000 to LWSF

WASTE MANAGEMENT Donates $225,000 to the Lake Washington School Foundation

December is a month filled with generosity and Lake Washington School District and LWSF proved a large recipient of these good tidings.  Total donations may have set a monthly record with $311,987 in the books reported to the School Board and Superintendent at their business meeting last night. 

By far the biggest contributor was WASTE MANAGEMENT who gave $225,000 to fund Lake Washington School Foundation's "Signature Programs."  Lee Ann Wood, Executive Director of the Lake Washington School Foundation presented the award at the School Board Meeting.  WASTE MANAGEMENT'S Area Director Rob Sherman was on hand to share their goal of "partnering for a zero-landfill waste future." He wanted his donation to encourage other organizations to support our schools.  Superintendent Pierce indicated a segment of the funds will be allocated to the STEM program. 

The PTSA's donated a total of $82,655 for the month. Even the Eastside Woman's Basketball Association donated $4332 to Eastlake for coaches stipends.  The following PTA's made donations to their schools:

Wilder El - $27,514;  Lakeview El - 11,800; Dickenson El - $9190; Kirkland El - $7366; McCullough El - $6200; Eastlake High - $5823; Kirk El - $8100; Carson El - $2200; Mann - $1556

 

Sign up for Metro Transit alerts before weather turns bad

 Rider checklist: Transit alerts, snow routes & new guide

Before the flurries start flying, King County Metro Transit wants riders to plan ahead for getting around during winter weather – especially since many changes were made to bus routes this fall.

No matter what kind of weather comes to the Puget Sound region this winter, Metro is ready to reroute buses around closed roads, chain up or switch to snow routes as needed. Metro also has online tools for riders to stay informed.

“We have our plans in place, and now we need riders to prepare,” said Metro General Manager Kevin Desmond.

By signing up for Metro Transit Alerts, riders can receive an email or text message warning about known significant disruptions to Metro bus service. Riders also can preview specific snow routes, and review tips for winter travel online.

Metro customers know when bad weather strikes it can delay or reroute any number of Metro’s 240 bus routes. When snowy, icy conditions affect travel, Metro buses will go to snow routing as necessary, depending on road conditions in a broad geographic area. All bus routes are assigned into one or more of seven geographic areas within King County. The service status of each area is color coded and displayed on an online snow map. The pre-planned snow routing for individual bus routes is displayed in the print and online timetables.

“Our customers need to prepare for buses traveling at slower speeds when they shift to snow routes, and expect traffic delays along the way,” said Desmond.
Winter-travel tips for Metro customers

• Sign up to receive Transit Alerts for the routes you use.  Read More >>

Burglary reported of central Education Hill home

Police canvassed door-to-door the East Firs Neighborhood of Education Hill (169th Ave NE & NE 100th St) informing homeowners of a nearby burglary today.  The policeman was asking for information of suspicious persons.

The burglary occurred in an single family rental home located off a back alley immediately west of 169th Ave NE.   The home is one of the oldest in the neighborhood. 

Police said the burglary smashed a window by the front door to enter the house and "grabbed small things."   Call 911 to report any suspicious persons.  

A second burglary with the same M.O. was attempted on South Education Hill at 2:00 PM today, according to neighbors.   The homeowner was busy working in her house and couldn't get to the knocking on her front door.  The burglars broke the door glass and then fleed upon seeing the homeowner.  Nothing was stolen. 

Water Tenders Exhibit at REI store

Key Club members help Water Tenders restore riparian
habitat on a Bear Creek tributary.  My daughter Lexie recruited
these volunteers.  She's on the Water Tenders Board.

This Sunday, December 9from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, Water Tenders will be advertising our organization at the Redmond Town Center REI store. We will have a table with displays set up by the climbing rock at the front door. Please  attend and encourage any friends and acquaintances to come down and see us. This event is partly a recruitment tool and also to inform the public about what we do and the importance of maintaining a healthy watershed.

Also, has anyone observed any Kokanee salmon in our streams this season?  If so, please contact Jennifer at King County. It is important that they get this information. She can be reached at: Jennifer.Vanderhoof@kingcounty.gov 

Water Tenders is a group of people who care about the wetlands and streams in the Bear Creek watershed of King County, Washington. We are your neighbors and we are all willing to put a little of our time into preserving, protecting, and restoring the wonderful natural heritage we are priviledge to steward. Water Tenders has been in existence since 1989 and is proud of the many accomplishments of the volunteers.

OPINION: LWSD is not a strong candidate for Charter Schools

OPINION:   Lake Washington School District is not a strong candidate for Charter Schools owing to high performance and proliferation of successful Choice Schools.  The District has 14 schools ranked "Exemplary,"  13 school ranked "Very Good," and 16 schools ranked "Good" on WPC's Public School Accountability Index.  Only four schools are ranked "Fair" (Community, Finn Hill MS, Family Learning Center, and Sandberg El) and two are ranked "Struggling" (Best HS and Futures School).  None were in the Bottom 5% of the Index.   By Bob Yoder

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"Group calls for closing low-performing charter schools"

November 29, 2012 

BY Liv Finne

WPC Education Blog

Today’s Seattle Times reports that the National Association of Charter School Authorizers says that states with weak charter laws should strengthen their laws to shut down their low-performing charter schools. Fortunately Washington's brand-new charter law is one of the strongest laws in the country.

Initiative 1240 provides in Section 220 that a charter school which performs in the bottom 20 percent of the state’s Public School Accountability Index will not have its contract renewed.

This high standard — perform or you lose your license and money to operate — is not demanded of traditional public schools. The State Board of Education's own Public School Accountability Index shows that fully 42% of Washington’s traditional public schools rank in the lowest two tiers of performance, as “Fair” or “Struggling.” These low-performing schools continue to receive funding year after year, despite failing to adequately educate students. Forty-five schools, the lowest-performing 5% of schools, continue to fail class after class of students. The names of these schools can be found on the OSPI website, here. Five of the schools on this list are in Seattle.

During the charter school debate, opponents attempted to stoke fears that charter schools would not perform, while failing to mention that many traditional public schools are low-performing and failing. Fortunately, voters saw through this unfair double standard.

Voters understand that too many traditional public schools are not fulfilling the promise of an adequate public education. Voters in Washington want to try something new and different and better. Voters want schools held accountable for successfully educating children. Voters want charter public schools. And soon charter public schools will open in Washington state.

http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/blog/post/group-calls-closing-low-performing-charter-schools

Volunteers salvage over 600 plants from Group Health site

Hinman's transplanting volunteers

Tom Hinman's "Sustainable Redmond" facilitated the salvaging of native plants at the former Group Health hospital site before the understory vegetation was lost to redevelopment. The Native Plant Society had a dig on November 15th and December 1 with the Green Kirkland Team totaling 150 plants.

Eastside Audubon organized a salvage work party on Saturday, December 1st totaling over 450 plants from 40 volunteers.  Sword Fern, Salale, Oregon Grape were the popular shrubs.  The plants were transported to Marymoor Park Bird Loop and stored.  On Saturday, January 5, 8 AM, volunteers can meet at Parking Log G to install the plants into a hillside on the Loop.

The picture on the left taken by Tom Hinman with his volunteers celebrating their "trophy sword fern."  Redmond Councilmember Hank Myers participated.    

-- Bob Yoder, updated 8/14/2022

Reducing stress for shoppers, raising funds for birds

REDUCING STRESS FOR SHOPPERS, RAISING FUNDS FOR BIRDS

Conservation Group Brings Holiday Gift Wrapping to REI in Redmond Town Center
 

KIRKLAND — Busy shoppers can give a gift to conservation and conserve some time for themselves this season, when Eastside Audubon brings its Holiday Gift Wrap service to REI at Redmond Town Center.

Volunteers from Eastside Audubon will be on hand during the busiest days before Christmas to turn items purchased at REI into cheerily wrapped presents ready to take home and put under the tree.

Donations raised by the gift wrapping service will help support Eastside Audubon’s programs in wildlife conservation and youth education. Those programs include habitat restoration on the Audubon BirdLoop at Marymoor Park and classroom presentations about birds and bird behavior for school age children, two examples of year-round Eastside Audubon activities that REI helps make possible through its community outreach efforts.

The Holiday Gift Wrap desk at REI in Redmond Town Center will be open on December 15 and 16 and from December 19 through 24, from noon to 8 p.m. (Ending times may vary on some days to fit store closing times.) Suggested donations will range from $3 to $9 depending on package size.

About Eastside Audubon

Eastside Audubon is the National Audubon Society chapter active in Bellevue, Bothell, Carnation, Duvall, Issaquah, Kirkland, North Bend, Redmond, Sammamish, Snoqualmie, Woodinville, and unincorporated East King County.

Eastside Audubon works to protect, preserve, and enhance natural ecosystems and our communities for the benefit of birds, other wildlife, and people. We welcome new and experienced birders on our birding walks and field trips and in our birding classes. Visit www.eastsideaudubon.org.