Microsoft is pruning more jobs

Microsoft is pruning more jobs.

Microsoft is preparing to make a new round of job cuts as early as tomorrow, according to people with knowledge of the situation, but the unconfirmed numbers we're hearing are relatively small in the scheme of things -- far less than the thousands of jobs cut by the company last year.  Complete article

By Todd Bishop
Tech Flash
7/6

Redmond entrepreneur speaks: "Building for Smart and Sustainable Growth"

Hi Bob,
One month ago I got back from Entrepreneurial Masters Program (EMP) at MIT. It has been an amazing experience and every day I think about what I’ve learned. I’m amazed by the other 64 entrepreneurs in my class and humbled to be a part of this group. When my class graduates, we’ll be the 20th class to have completed this program. There have been some very impressive individuals that have gone through this program, like Michael Dell (just to name one).

A few of the thinkspace members suggested that I share what I’ve learned and discuss what I’m implementing in my business from the EMP program. So next week, on Thursday, July 8th at noon, I’m going to give you guys a quick overview and give you a few takeaways that can help you grow your business.

Redmond Derby Days Kids Parade is 10 a.m. and starts at Redmond Medical Center

Hello  -

I wanted to see if you would possibly consider an article on the Redmond Derby Days Kids Parade. It is Saturday July 10th - Sign up starts at 9:15 at the Redmond medical Center Parking lot - with the actual parade starting at 10.  (Before the adult parade).  The children sign up for one of 10 categories- everything from Toons and tales to Red White and Blue- Each child receives a goodie bag from their group and upon completion of the parade if the child still is wearing their helmet they receive 2 golden dollars. I would love to chat with you if you are interested in an article.   It's a FREE event and children must wear a helmet. 

Thank you,

Shay

"Sustainable Redmond" to hold booth at Derby Days; launches new website

Sustainable Redmond is hosting its first in a series of public events, beginning on July 22nd from 7-9 pm, at the Redmond Library, in Meeting Room 2. Cecile Andrews will talk about “Living Sustainably: Simpler, Slower, Smaller.” Cecile is the author of three books related to sustainability and voluntary simplicity: the recently released “Less is More”, along with “Slow is Beautiful” and “The Circle of Simplicity”.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn more about Sustainable Redmond - a grassroots organization focused on local sustainable actions. A group of dedicated Redmond-area citizens have been meeting since November to form Sustainable Redmond, which is part of the Sustainable Communities All Over Puget Sound (SCALLOPS) network (scallopswa.org). Some of the current group members come from a variety of other local organizations related to sustainability, such as the Audubon Society, Redmond Parks and Trails Commission, Water Tenders, Green Redmond, Redmond Pedestrian and Bike Advisory Committee, and the Marymoor Community Garden.

The Many Faces of Ananda Mela - The Joyful Festival of India

Slides of Ananda Mela Festival, Saturday, at Redmond City Hall Campus.  

There's one more day of fun - Sunday 6/27, from 12 - 9 p.m.   The music, art, crafts and vendors are great!    

Photos by Yoder

Do you know you need a city permit to remove trees from your property?

Do you (and your neighbors) know that a city tree cutting permit is required to fell trees on your property?   Single Family Homeowners on lots < 10,000 sf are allowed to remove 2 healthy, "significant" trees per year.  A "significant" tree is defined as 6 inches to 30 inches in diameter.  In addition, diseased and/or dangerous trees may be removed with a city permit. 

A city permit is required to remove any significant tree or any tree over 30 inches.   Take a picture of the trees you want removed and map out the tree's location before heading down to the City Hall Permit Center (2nd floor).  A certified arborist should be able to help you with the permit. 

Summer is a good time to remove large, diseased trees growing dangerously close to your home.  Winter storms can easily knock down large trees.  If you confirm a neighbor is felling trees without a permit, contact the authorities.   For more information on tree-cutting visit this City of Redmond web page:  http://redmond.gov/aboutredmond/announceTrees.asp

Opinion By Bob Yoder

Commuting out of Redmond on SR 520 will be easier, 6/25 WSDOT Report

REDMOND – Commuters out of Redmond will be using a new lane on State Route 520 Monday morning. Over the weekend, WSDOT and contractor crews will move barrier and open the new westbound lane between SR 202 and West Lake Sammamish Parkway. A newly rebuilt off-ramp to West Lake Sammamish Parkway will open Monday morning.

Two Fun Cultural Events This Weekend Put On By Redmond Citizens!

THE SATURDAY MARKET  

7730 Leary Way NE

Redmond, WA 98052

Saturdays 9:00 - 3:00

May 1 - Oct 30

A JOYFUL FESTIVAL OF INDIA

City Hall Campus

Saturday - Sunday, June 26 - 27

12 NOON - 9 p.m.

'Neighborhood Meetings' Will Be Required In Redmond For Some Land Use Projects

Have you ever felt left-out of the land use review process or wanted to learn more about a development in Redmond?  Good news! 

This week, Redmond City Council  approved a new land use law that will require the developer hold a "neighborhood meeting" to meet with citizens about the project, listen to constructive input, and address citizen concerns and suggestions.  A city representative is required to be present to register participants and guarantee the review process.

For years neighborhood meetings have been suggested but not required -- usually leaving citizens hung out to dry.  No longer.   Effective in the Spring off 2011, one neighborhood meeting is required for all Preliminary Plats (10 or more lots) and smaller Short Plats (Type II) that meet any of the following criteria: 

• three or more lots
• have critical areas on the site
• are forested with 75% tree canopy. 

Under the old law, if a meeting was conducted it was usually held so late in the process that opportunity for any meaningful input with the developer was lost.   The new law says neighborhood meetings are required early in the process -- no later than 66 days past the project application.   In addition, the developer (or applicant) may hold the meeting prior to submitting his land use application.

You may wonder why a neighborhood meeting wasn't required for a the Evergreen Redmond Medical Plaza development.  Good question!  Any thoughts?   But, for now we can give thanks to the Code Re-Write Commission with a shout-out to Sue Stewart and Robert Pantley for recommending this code!  

Opinion By Bob Yoder

5K Derby Days Dash supports cancer research

old story - 2010
The Dr. John McCormick Foundation is organizing a 5K Race Walk called the Derby Days Dash that will run on July 11. The goal is to raise funds and awareness to support pancreatic cancer research.   John, a 22-year resident of Redmond  lost his battle to pancreatic cancer in 2007 at the age of 56.  Dr. McCormick left behind his wife, Ann, and  four children--Kinsey, Kerry, Johnny, Meghan.  

REGISTRATION & START LINE: 
Redmond Town Center Mall
Bear Creek Pkwy & Leary Way
Redmond, WA.

WHEN:
July 11, 2010 at 09:00 AM

REGISTRATION WEBSITE:
http://www.redmonddash.com/
EMAIL:  info@RedmondDash.com 

John received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University, and graduated from USC Medical School. After moving to Redmond in 1985, John practiced orthopedic surgery on the Eastside for  for over two decades while raising four children with his wife, Ann. 

John McCormick's son, Johnny is organizing the event and is excited about your participation and any support you can give!   Brian and Elizabeth Hansford of  Zephyr 47  is supporting the event with promotions and registration.  They have also helped organize the PTSA Hawk Run/Walk. 

Cancer Resources:
Swedish Pancreatic Cancer Web Page
Evergreen Hospital general cancer patient information
Overlake Hospital Cancer Center patient resources

Redmond Pool at Hartman Park will remain closed to evaluate and make repairs

The Redmond Pool at Hartman Park will remain closed while City staff work with contractors to evaluate the situation and make repairs.

All 70 pool filters require replacing. They are ordered, but the City has been informed they are on back-order and will be available for installation in about three weeks. The City hired a plumbing contractor to work on the deck drains, gutters and other pool equipment. In addition, two pumps for the main pool drain will be replaced.

The pool ventilation system was evaluated and is in need of major service including parts replacement. City facilities staff is power washing the concrete deck and restrooms and will also be performing repairs to the pool deck.

Letter from Councilmember John Stilin in this Summer's new Efocus

The Efocus Council Letter is being written by Mr. Stilin this year. 

http://www.efocusonredmond.com/

Teen Movie summer series programs start July 9 (and a Special Needs matinee)

The Redmond Youth Partnership is sponsoring the Fourth Annual Summer movie series with seven movies this summer, alternating locations between the Redmond City Hall great lawn and Idylwood Beach Park. All movies are free.

All movies start at dusk (around 9:30pm); however, everyone is encouraged to come early with a picnic basket and stake out the best spot for an evening of fun.

This year’s movie series begins on July 9 and ends August 20.  Special Needs matinee begins June 26.  For the movie times and locations for both venues,  "Read More": 

Swedish/Redmond ER is on schedule for December Opening.

Swedish/Redmond ER Facility (on left) is scheduled for completion in December.  It is located on Union Hill Road just west of Millenium Park and across the street from UPS.  Free surface parking for patients and Families will be ample.  Evergreen Medical Plaza (on right) in Bella Botegga is expected to be completed "in about a year" or less.  36 free "underground parking" spaces are reserved for Evergreen's patients.  (Both photos were taken on the same day last weekend.)   

Swedish/Redmond ER.  Construction crews hoisted 130,000-pound concrete wall panels into place at Swedish Medical Center’s new Redmond site at 18100 Union Hill Road.  Designed to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the 86,000-square-foot, three-story building will feature a freestanding emergency department with 18 exam rooms, an advanced diagnostic imaging center (including X-ray, mammography, ultrasound, CT scan and MRI) and on-site laboratory services.  From  90 to 100 full time ER staff will work at the facility once it's fully operational.  The emergency department and ambulatory care center is scheduled to be completed December, 2010.  Total cost of the long-term lease with Hames Company is $23,000,000.

Three Swedish Primary Care physicians and staff are moving from their office in Redmond (15670 Redmond Way) into the Swedish/Redmond ER center.  Specialty physicians will be in the turn-key suites.  Swedish is currently evaluating  the mix of specialty physicians.  They expect to have medical oncology and potentially some cancer-based surgical providers available.  They are also evaluating the addition of infusion services for early summer 201l.  13,000 - 15,000 patient visits are expected by 2011.  1300/ of these patients may need transportation to the hospital.   (A 172-bed Swedish Hospital is under construction in the Issaquah Highlands, visit: http://www.swedishissaquah.org/)

For more information on Swedish/Redmond ER, visit http://www.swedish.org/ or email:  Ed.Boyle@swedish.org  

Seminar on Washington's Public Records & Open Meetngs laws, June 23

The Washington Coalition for Open Government will present a special program focusing on Washington’s Public Records and Open Meetings laws from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 23 at the Plaza Room above the Edmonds Library, 650 Main Street in Edmonds. 

Kirkland and Sammamish are lukewarm to a community aquatic center

Prior to the closing of  Hartman Pool on June 18, Redmond City council had been actively seeking a city partner for funding a community aquatic center.  

During joint meetings with Kirkland council on May 28 and Sammamish council on June 8, Redmond floated the idea of creating a new taxing district to fund a community aquatic center.  Kirkland staff estimated a new aquatics facility would cost between $42-46.5 million.

According to the Kirkland Reporter:   Councilmember Allen said the Redmond pool was "on life support" and that recommended economies of scale between Kirkland and Redmond could pencil out.   Redmond City Councilmember Pat Vache' felt that, "Trying to combine parks departments would create all sorts of complications that we are not even thinking about," saying "Cities have different philosophies on how to run their parks."  Another issue of combining the city's Parks departments would be existing funding.  Mayor Marchione wasn't present at the Kirkland meeting. 

According to the Sammamish Review:  Council members in Sammamish grappled over the question of why citizens would want to tax themselves for a new facility when they could wait for a neighboring city to build one and go use it.  While the Sammamish council said they’d keep the idea in mind as discussions continue, their response was lukewarm.   "Read More" for my comments:

Redmond Hartman Pool is closed

According to Marta Gronlund, City of Redmond, the Redmond Pool at Hartman Park was closed June 17 due to an equipment failure. "The pool filtration system is unable to maintain water clarity and therefore requires repair. The pool will remain closed until a full evaluation and needed repairs are completed."

According to NW Center Pools staff, effective June 18, 2010, Northwest Center will no longer be operating the Redmond –Hartman Pool.

The Redmond Reporter has a good story on this.

Northwest Center’s lease expired May 28th, 2010 and after working diligently with the city of Redmond,  they could not agree to new lease terms.  Pools staff thanked the city of Redmond for their support for the past seven years and thanked their customers.

For refunds on lessons purchased and punch cards, contact NW Center staff at (206) 296-4370 or via e-mail at swim@nwcenter.org.   Any questions concerning the pool's closure can be forwarded to Sandra Bettencourt, Redmond's Recreation Division Manager, at (425) 556-2319.

The following is a list of other pools in the area. In addition to these pools, Idylwood Beach Park has a swimming beach with lifeguards on duty, now through September 6, from 11am to 6pm.

Posted by Bob Yoder
Ref:  C.O.R. press release / NW Center Pools / email from RNB reader

Redmond Councilman Myers named Executive Director of King County Ferry District

The King County Ferry District board of supervisors named Hank Myers of Redmond, Executive Director with a unanimous vote.  Myers is a transportation economics consultant who is also serving his first term on the Redmond City Council.

Read More

Source:  West Seattle Blog

LETTER: Citizen Input to Redmond's "Budget By Priorities" is a failed process

Howard Frazier has left a new comment on your post "Redmond's BP budget process - not a 'catastrophe',...":

LETTER   If the budget process has ‘citizen input’ as a core principle, then all evidence indicates that it is a failed process. If there was substantial notification of reasonable opportunities for input from citizens, then there would be substantial input offered.

I think that the persons responsible for collecting input did not use contemporary tools and methods to notify citizens of the opportunity and/or the methods available for input were not acceptable.

Several years ago, I received a form in the mail from the city which asked me to indicate my interest in various services so budget priorities could reflect citizen opinion. I filled in the form and returned it because I am interested in providing my input on the use of the revenue collected by the city.

What is the current method that the city uses to communicate with the citizens? How successful is it? I get regular e-mail from my HOA and from King County about how to participate in the decision making process.

I looked at the city web site about the budget process and the information published there is outdated and frankly embarrassingly sparse for such an important issue.

Road construction closures planned for intersection of NE 124 Street & SR202 and on 116th St

Two Redmond roadways will be closed this summer.

I.  NE 116th Street between 167th Place and 172nd Ave NE will be closed to thru traffic beginning June 22.
This project will reconstruct NE 116th to meet site distance and safety standards in advance of construction of Fire Station 17. Preliminary work has begun and the closure is expected to last through early September. Local access for emergency vehicles and to properties in the construction zone will be maintained. Detour routes will be clearly marked.

LW School District seeks parent perspectives

District Seeks Parent Perspective

Each year, the Lake Washington School District invites all parents to take a survey on how the district is doing in different areas. It covers the instructional program, facilities, technology, communication, and more.

This information is used by the district to help improve its work to serve your students. Please take a moment to take the survey. To take the survey on the Internet, you can simply click here:  http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22APFM357XA 
 
Please take the survey by June 25 to be included in this year's results.
 
Submitted by Beth Angelo
LWSD PTSA