Summer 2023

OVER TWICE AS MANY HOMES S OLD IN THE LAST 15 YEARS GREATER THAN THE NEAREST COMPETITION! INCREASE Y OUR BOTTOM LINE AND GET THE BEST OUTCOME!

PRE-MARKET MAKEOVER & PREPARATION

• Painting, flooring, carpet, counters, backsplash, light fixtures, landscape design & more

• Highest quality, fast & inexpensive vendor database

• Timely coordination of listing preparation services

• Fast turnaround & flexible timelines

• Professional service agreements

SUPERIOR SERVICES APPEAL TO MORE BUYERS

• Pre-inspection provided prior to listing preparation

• Superior whole house staging (interior & exterior) and/or FREE staging consultation

• FREE AHS 1 year home warranty provided to buyers & sellers during listing

• Relocation certified with all relocation companies

SUPERIOR MARKETING & SHOWCASING YOUR LISTING

• Top-quality HDR photography, videography, cinemagraphy, twilight shoots & aerial photography

• 360 Matterport virtual tour

• Smart flyer board with QR barcode

• Floor plan JPEG’s with dimensions

• Personal property website for each listing

HIGHEST & BEST RESULTS

• Market timing & strategic planning

• Understanding which terms appeal to your situation best

• Organization of offers for easy comparisons

Thorough contract knowledge & advanced negotiation Selecting the offer which is most likely to close

• #1 agent in Issaquah Highlands from 2008-2022

OUR LOCAL ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS OFFICE IS HERE TO SERVE AND SUPPORT YOU!

ISIT US TODAY!

2423 NE PARK DRIVE!

Editor’s Note

Summer has arrived and it’s going to be a hot one! Fortunately, the new HVAC system in Blakely Hall will make community events and groups much more bearable in the summer heat. We hope to see you at community events throughout the summer such as our Global Grub & Groove series, where we will celebrate Juneteenth, Indonesian and Malaysian cultures, and Indian Independence Day.

As you flip through the pages of Connections, we are excited to share the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Annual Report, which highlights all the hard work our homeowner’s association accomplished over the last year.

Plus, join us in congratulating our community’s 2023 college and high school graduates! We wish you the best in your future endeavors and hope you will always call Issaquah Highlands “home.”

Additionally, this issue introduces the 2023–2024 Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board. This new crew is already starting to plan upcoming programming for children and families to enjoy!

We’re also excited to share the results of our 2023 community survey, which will help all our community entities prepare for the year ahead. Keep reading for important information from Highlands Fiber Network (HFN), Issaquah Police Department and more local resources.

Cheers to a happy, healthy and hot (but hopefully not too hot) summer in Issaquah Highlands!

Maddie

Maddie Coats, Highlands Council Communications Manager

A Neighborly View

Resident Photographers Chris and Keyton Brennan

Issaquah Highlands Neighborhood Crofton at Village Green

About the Photo

“This is our dog, Maisy, looking out onto the pond by Black Nugget Park. We were walking along the path admiring the beautiful evening and she stopped to stand up on the rock and soak it all in, too!”

Community Management Directory

More information available at issaquahhighlands.com

Issaquah Highlands Community Association

Our Dedicated Homeowners Association

Executive Director: Sarah Hoey 2520 NE Park Drive, Suite B

Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 425-427-9257 | 425-223-8887 (After Hours Only) asktheihca@ihcommunity.org payments@ihcommunity.org compliance@ihcommunity.org

Highlands Council

A Community-Building Organization

Executive Director: Lindsey Pinkston 2550 NE Park Drive (inside Blakely Hall)

Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 425-507-1107 info@ihcouncil.org

Highlands Fiber Network

Community-Owned Fiber to the Home General Manager: Jeremy Fallt

2550 NE Park Drive (inside Blakely Hall) Customer Service: 425-427-0999 support@hfnservices.com

General Inquiries: 425-394-4184 jfallt@hfn.org highlandsfibernetwork.com

Issaquah Highlands Community Fund

A Philanthropic Community Organization 425-507-1107 president@ihcommunityfund.org issaquahhighlandscommunityfund.org

Have questions or concerns? Visit issaquahhighlands.com/contact-us or contact the appropriate community organization directly.

Get weekly Issaquah Highlands updates to your inbox! Subscribe at issaquahhighlands.com/news/e-news.

Share your “Neighborly View” with Issaquah Highlands media!

Email your high-resolution photograph taken in Issaquah Highlands and first and last name to Maddie Coats at maddie.c@ihcouncil.org. Highlands Council may share your photo in print Connections or on official Issaquah Highlands digital media channels.

By Community, For Community Connections is a nationally-recognized community publication produced mostly by Issaquah Highlands residents, including volunteer contributors, edited and published by Highlands Council. Connections helps Highlands Council fulfill its mission to develop a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, stewardship, and well-being.

JOIN THE CONNECTIONS TEAM

Interested in volunteering your skills or pitching a story? Maddie Coats, Highlands Council Communications Manager, at maddie.c@ihcouncil.org.

ADVERTISE IN CONNECTIONS

Print ad sizes in every price range; digital advertising opportunities are also available. Contact Highlands Council at info@ihcouncil.org.

SUBMIT A FREE ANNOUNCEMENT

For Issaquah Highlands residents only. See submission form and guidelines at issaquahhighlands.com/news/connections/ announcements.

MORE INFORMATION

issaquahhighlands.com/news/connections

Opinions expressed by editorial or paid content do not necessarily reflect the views of Highlands Council. Highlands Council may refuse content that does not meet quality standards or reflect the organization’s mission.

The IHCA Report Annual

A Letter from the Board of Directors

This year, the IHCA Board of Directors and staff have strived to maintain the smooth operation of Issaquah Highlands, making it the great place we call home.

Within this edition of Connections, the IHCA annual report provides a comprehensive snapshot of our financial health as well as community-wide accomplishments since July 1, 2022.

IHCA Executive Director Sarah Hoey, who has served the community for the past eight years, continues to collaborate with various City of Issaquah departments such as public works, parks and recreation and Issaquah Police Department. Additionally, she works with King County, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and surrounding large-scale homeowner associations (HOAs) in the Pacific Northwest region on our community’s behalf.

Her persistence, care and devotion to our community exemplifies excellence in all she does. This is evident by her Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) designation, which she achieved in 2022. Sarah was formally recognized for the achievement at the annual Community Associations Institute (CAI) national conference in May 2023. PCAM is the highest award available on an international level for HOA management. We have continued to improve our Issaquah Highlands community this past year. A few highlights include the completion of Westridge Community Garden, upgrades at Daphne Park, and general landscaping and maintenance throughout. There is always room for change and improvement, and we strive to create better communication and efficiencies collectively.

Thank you to all the owners who took the time for our community survey. The board and staff appreciate hearing from you more than you know. We compile this data to make our little piece of the world that much better. This is one of the main ways for us to address areas of concern in order to change and create effective policy for us all.

Of course, we can do this even better when we work with Highlands Council, Highlands Fiber Network, City of Issaquah, Eastside Fire and Rescue and King County—to name a few.

On behalf of the entire IHCA Board of Directors, we wish you a wonderful summer!

New Faces in the IHCA Office

Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) has welcomed some new faces in the past year, making it an exciting time in the IHCA office!

Susan Carlson joined the IHCA team as the new community manager and compliance coordinator. Susan fits right into the office dynamic and we are so grateful to have her positive energy. She comes from a property management

background and has been a resident of Issaquah Highlands for the past few years. Thanks for joining the team, Susan! In the landscaping and maintenance departments, we welcomed Esteban Jimenez back to the team and hired Harrison Castillo as well. They have meshed well with the guys and we are so thankful to have such a dedicated crew working hard to keep our community beautiful.

ROSSIE CRUZ President, IHCA Board of Directors

ESTEBAN JIMENEZ Groundskeeper

HARRISON CASTILLO Groundskeeper

SUSAN CARLSON Community Manager & Compliance Coordinator

IHCA landscape and maintenance staff members stand in the new Daphne Park play structure, which was replaced this year. Pictured: (Front row) Landscape Manager Lyle Dickey, Julio Lievano, Brennan Dickey, Harrison Castillo, Fidel Afaro, Maintenance Manager Matthew Hendrikse. (Back row) Tony Gayton, Pedro Galvez, Spencer Dickey. Photo by Elizabeth Gregg

A BUSY YEAR MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING COMMUNITY ASSETS

2022–23 ACHIEVEMENTS

• Performed exterior painting at Concord Commons buildings 4–7, High Street Townhomes, zHome and West Highlands Park. This included phase one for Sunset Walk, Villaggio, Crofton at Village Green 29/30/40 and View Ridge.

• Installed weather cameras on Grand Ridge Drive, along with annual street sweeping.

• Completed building façade projects including dry rot repairs, siding replacement and caulking at Concord Commons, Crofton Springs, Crofton at Village Green 29/30/40, View Ridge and Villaggio.

MAINTAINING FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR A GROWING COMMUNITY

• Performed new reserve studies for all supplemental communities.

• Completed monthly management reports, which are distributed and posted to the IHCA website for 12 supplemental communities.

• Ratified annual budget for three neighborhoods and 11 supplemental communities.

• Completed another successful Board of Directors election.

• Managed monthly Architectural Review Committee (ARC) meetings and homeowner applications.

• Managed Covenant Committee meetings and homeowner appeal process.

• Emailed welcome packets to hundreds of new homeowners on behalf of IHCA, HFN and Highlands Council.

• Performed weekly compliance site visits and processing.

• Coordinated and attended neighborhood and supplemental committee meetings for zHomes, Crofton Springs, Dahlia Park and Grand Ridge Drive.

• Continued homeowner education through management of Ask IHCA, community emails and Connections articles.

• Continued education by regularly attending Community Associations Institute (CAI) certification course. Both community managers are CAI certified.

537

• Completed common area improvements at West Highlands Park including walkway stair painting and hazardous tree removal at multiple supplemental communities.

• Upgraded to LED lighting at Sunset Walk, Concord Commons, Crofton Springs and West Highlands Park.

• Rebuilt and repaired Crofton Springs dumpster enclosure.

• Repaired map enclosure at Crofton Springs.

• Completed evening site walks to locate areas where additional lighting would be beneficial at Crofton Springs.

• Evaluated multiple estimates at committee’s request for Crofton Springs including gazebo repairs/painting, pressure washing, handrail powder coating, trellis repair and staining, interior walkway signage, and landscape remodeling.

• Replaced multiple curbs and performed re-striping of the parking lot at Crofton Springs to include space numbers and visitor parking.

• Replaced multiple concrete areas at Crofton Springs.

• Management obtained hundreds of proposals for projects that included painting, dry rot repairs, deck repairs/ replacements/staining, landscape replacements and stair repairs/replacements.

• Placed deck overhangs for two units at Concord Commons.

• Installed bait stations at multiple supplemental communities to deter rodents.

DEVELOPMENT & REAL ESTATE

Since July 2022, 102 new homes have been completed and sold in Issaquah Highlands and 37 homes are still under construction, bringing the total number of IHCA-owned units to 3,581. When combined with the current 958 rental units, our community is at 99.9% of “Total Allowable Residential.” There were also 102 resales throughout the year.

ANNUAL AUDIT

We have completed another year with a “clean” audit (unqualified opinion), while maintaining strong controls over the accounting environment. By providing complete and accurate audit schedules to our auditors, we keep our audit fees low and our auditors happy.

INVESTMENTS

We analyze our cash deposit positions persistently to attain the highest interest yield while maintaining 100% Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) insurance on all of our deposits.

Our interest income for 2022–23 is estimated to be $65,000, which is about $5,000 more than last year due to interest rates increasing later in the year. We have a very effective CD purchase program with our bank, enabling us to be efficient with cash management while receiving very competitive CD interest rates compared to other banks. Our master reserves remain funded at 118%, which is a phenomenal achievement.

At the end of February, $4.7 million in CD’s were purchased for the IHCA master and eight supplemental neighborhoods. The monthly interest income will increase from roughly $3,000 per month to $11,000 per month. Terms range from 1–4 years, with interest rates ranging from 4–5%.

MASTER ASSESSMENTS

199 ARC applications processed

notices issued 3

business applications

• Continued project management for three neighborhoods and 11 supplemental communities to include general building and property maintenance such as roof and gutter cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, power washing and management of third-party landscape vendors.

• Completed Dahlia Park major landscape enhancements including large tree removal and stump grinding, vegetation clearing, bark installation and new plant installations.

• Completed irrigation and drainage repairs at Dahlia Park.

COMPLIANCE SUMMARY

Master assessments for the upcoming 2023–24 fiscal year will increase by $12 annually ($1/month) to $972. This is needed to cover increasing costs for our aging community. We have continued to encourage the participation of the monthly auto debit payment (ACH) program for collecting assessments, in which 86% of our homeowners participate. This keeps our cash flow even throughout the year and our delinquencies low at a rate of 1.5%.

HOW WE DO IT

The community managers and accounting manager work tirelessly for months on creating the budgets for 14 supplemental neighborhoods and the master community. Many of them have a high level of complexity, and the managers spend countless hours researching costs and reviewing to ensure the numbers are accurate and fair to all homeowners in the community. These budgets are then reviewed and approved by the IHCA Finance Committee and IHCA Board of Directors.

Lastly, we always want to thank the incredible Finance Committee and Board of Directors for their determined support all throughout the year. The Finance Committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The board meets every fourth Monday at 5:30 p.m. All meetings are open to the public. Find more details at issaquahhighlands.com/events.

BLAIR KRIEG

Senior Community Manager

KRISTYN MCKINNON IHCA Accounting Manager

SUSAN CARLSON Community Manager & Compliance Coordinator

MAINTENANCE REPORT

FROM PARKS TO PLAYGROUNDS: MAINTENANCE TEAM REVITALIZES COMMUNITY SPACES

LANDSCAPE CREWS ENHANCE OUR OPEN SPACES

The IHCA in-house crews and our two landscape contractors, Landcare and Bear Creek, have all been very busy making landscape improvements throughout the community.

The crews have been working on tree and plant replacements, soil and sod installation, drainage and irrigation updates, trail improvements and more. Bark was also installed in parks and residential neighborhoods throughout the month of June.

In February, the crews added stepping stones in the planter strip adjacent to the road to make it easier for people to exit their vehicles. We also added plants around the trees in high traffic areas to elevate plant damage by foot traffic. Additionally, we upgraded the median planter beds at the Vista Park crosswalk to make it more visible to vehicles and keep pedestrians safe.

In March, the crews replaced 22 trees on Katsura that were damaged in a storm. Landscapers had to cut and remove the old stumps, repair damaged irrigation, and replace the sod that was damaged in the storm. There is still work to be done to the damaged sidewalks this summer.

Bear Creek landscapers worked on improvements to several areas of our streetscape and open space slopes. Crews worked throughout the months of January and February to complete the installation of 4,000 one-gallon plants to enhance damaged streetscapes. They also focused on fixing settled areas in the turf to improve pedestrian safety. Fresh bark was added as a finishing touch to the improved areas. Landcare, our other contractor, has been working on landscape improvements to residential areas under our care. The crews have been planting trees and shrubs along with soil and bark to make it complete.

They also finished a full landscape upgrade to a couple of community/neighborhood parks. The crews tore out damaged or aged plant material and added soil to fix the grade. Plants and trees were then added, with bark as a finishing touch.

With the end of another fiscal year, it’s a great time to look back and reflect on the dedicated efforts of the IHCA maintenance team on various projects around the community. This year, we have been able to complete multiple reserve projects such as Dahlia Park, Verenna, The Terraces and Valais/Hudson. We also updated common area signage for parks, the playground at Daphne Park, paint on fire hydrants, and the Sport Court.

Daphne Park’s play structure was removed and replaced with a new one in March. This new structure is larger than the original one and it also allows for more age groups. The old structure was wood, while the new one is metal, which will ultimately result in a longer life span. The original swing was left in its location and we were able to freshen it up with a new coat of paint.

The Sport Court on Park Drive is another play area in the process of being replaced. It will hopefully be completed

before the end of summer. The new surface will also have the markings for pickleball, which was requested by residents. This change will allow for us to transition the court during certain times of the year from soccer to pickleball. It should make this court kid-friendly as well as adult-friendly, fostering a safe environment and promoting a healthy community for all ages.

Other projects included powder coating handrails and benches, leveling concrete, adding lighting, replacing old lighting, painting large light poles, jetting drainage and painting fire hydrants.

We are grateful to everyone that is a part of this community and thankful to be able to help maintain it. This year has been very challenging financially with the soaring inflation on all things, so I want to give a special thanks to the IHCA Board of Directors and Executive Director Sarah Hoey as we have navigated this fiscal year.

Landcare also helped the IHCA crews complete the new landscape in the median island on Park Drive as you approach the town center. Please slow down, take a look and enjoy the view.

LYLE DICKEY IHCA Landscape Manager

MATTHEW HENDRIKSE IHCA Maintenance Manager

Local residents Gray, Lauren and Harley hang around on the new play structure at Daphne Park. Photo by Elizabeth Gregg

Class of 2023

grads congrat u l ations

Congratulations to our 2023 graduates! Your hard work, dedication and perseverance in the midst of several unprecedented and challenging years have paid off. We wish you all the best of luck with your future plans!

college grads

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Pinecrest Resident

Jordan graduated with his master’s degree in nuclear engineering. He has accepted a position at Jensen Hughes and will be performing nuclear risk assessments.

Congratulations Jordan! #whynotchangetheworld

University of Washington

Sun Ridge Resident

Dream plans to work for a year and then go to graduate school. She graduated with a degree in computer science!

Boise State University

Ashland Park Resident

Ellie graduated with honors from Boise State with a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design. Her plan is to live in Portland, OR post-graduation. We are so proud of her hard work!

Washington State University

Black Nugget Park Resident

Brandon is currently working for Boeing and plans to travel.

Central Washington University

Dahlia Park Resident

Immediately following graduation, Jenna will return to Issaquah for one final summer as a summer camp director with Issaquah Parks and Recreation. Over the summer, she plans to begin the search for a role where she can apply her degree in business administration with a specialization in marketing management.

University of Massachusetts

Amherst

Magnolia Park Resident

Aadit graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sports management from the Isenberg School of Business. He was named one of the department’s top seniors and received the department’s Academic Excellence Award. He looks forward to his next adventure in sports sponsorship and marketing!

University of Washington

Starpoint Resident

Ethan will graduate with his Juris Doctor (JD) degree and begin working as an attorney at Johnson, Graffe, Keay, Moniz & Wick LLP, defending healthcare professionals.

Western Washington University

Central Park Resident

Jack is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology-archeology. Jack is headed to Cyprus this summer to work on excavating the Copper Age site of Palloures in Chlorakas, Cyprus. In the fall, Jack will pursue a master’s degree in archeology at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands. We are so proud of him!

Jordan Crist

Aadit Mehta

Brandon Fullmer

Jenna Heesacker

Ellie Enebo

Jack Wolfe Tillman

Dream Dasgupta

Ethan Silver

Giselle Batingan

Issaquah High School

Black Nugget Park Resident

Giselle will attend Seattle University in the fall to study business economics.

high school grads

Aubrey Cook

Issaquah High School

Wisteria Park Resident

Aubrey will be attending Bellevue College this fall.

Linda Bennington

Issaquah High School

Ashland Park Resident

Linda plans to attend Western Washington University to major in biology. Congratulations Linda, we are so proud of you!

Ethan Blazer

Issaquah High School

Kirk Park Resident

Ethan will attend Gonzaga University and major in political science. He plans to teach and travel and then obtain a degree in law.

Emily Burles

Issaquah High School

Central Park Resident

Emily will be attending California State University Monterey Bay and plans to study psychology. Congratulations, Emily!

Matthew Hrmich

Issaquah High School

The Terraces Resident

Matthew will attend the University of Southern California on a Presidential Scholarship to study philosophy, politics and economics. He will be part of an honors program at the university and hopes to pursue a future in law, policy or academia.

Elisa Choi

Issaquah High School

Wisteria Park Resident

Elisa will be studying business at Arizona State University.

Allison Dangeneau

Issaquah High School

Dahlia Park Resident

Allison will attend University of Oregon to study environmental science.

Norene Grant

Issaquah High School

Central Park Resident

Norene plans to complete her associate degree with BYU and go on to attend Cambridge University (following in the paw prints of Dr. Goodwin). Norene’s true passion is animals and especially dogs and will continue in our community as our favorite pet sitter.

Mackenzie Huryn

Issaquah High School

Central Park Resident

Mackenzie will be attending Purdue University to study computer engineering and to continue her music endeavors.

Issaquah High School

Kirk Park Resident

Ethan will be attending the University of Oregon to study computer science. Go Ducks!

Vernika Jain

Issaquah High School

Magnolia Park Resident

Vernika is attending Purdue University with a major in cybersecurity.

Ethan Hunter

Issaquah High School

Magnolia Park Resident

Tyler will attend University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) in the fall.

high school grads

Issaquah High School

Wisteria Park Resident

Amanda is studying marketing at University of Arizona.

Eastside Catholic

Dahlia Park Resident

Sydney will major in animation, illustration and graphic design at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

Issaquah High School

Dahlia Park Resident

Adam will play baseball for Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR and is intending to major in sports management.

Issaquah High School

Black Nugget Park Resident

Brooke will attend Bellevue College, then transfer to University of Washington to major in atmospheric sciences.

Cedarcrest High School

Central Park Resident

Avery plans to attend Flight School after graduation.

Issaquah High School

Wisteria Park Resident

Hannah will attend the University of Arizona in the fall. She is very excited for the warm sunshine and we are excited to visit her there!

Issaquah High School

Kirk Park Resident

Addie graduated from IHS with an associate degree from Bellevue College. She is taking a well-deserved gap year.

Issaquah High School

Westridge Resident

Bryce will be working and exploring what type of work will make him happy.

Issaquah High School

Ashland Park Resident

Anagha will join American University in Washington DC to pursue a degree in international studies.

Issaquah High School

Dahlia Park Resident

Connor will be attending Texas A&M University in the fall and plans to study computer science.

Issaquah High School

Vista Park Resident

Quinn will be attending Seattle Pacific University in the fall to study psychology and eventually pursue a doctorate degree.

Brooke Marquez

Tyler Janous

Bryce Ramon

Addie Powell

Adam Kim

Quinn Ryan

Hannah Powell

Sydney Kapustein

Connor Russi

Avery Pettit

Amanda Korst

Anagha Rao

Volunteers of the Month

April, May & June 2023

Congratulations and thank you to our Volunteers of the Month for April, May and June 2023! Each person represents the unique volunteer opportunities available through article writing, community groups at Blakely Hall, the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Bord and more. Read their personal volunteer stories in full at issaquahhighlands.com/tag/volunteer-of-the-month.

April 2023

Audrey Short Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board

This was my first year on the HY Board, and as a sophomore in high school, I’ve had a great time giving back to my lifelong community. Meeting fellow students on the board, interacting with the younger kids in our community, and chatting with older residents at citywide events have all been highlights so far.”

May 2023

David Kaseumsouk & Chad Fondren Chess Club Leaders

It has been extremely rewarding, particularly in seeing children so excited about learning and honing their chess skills. Despite being a time-intensive effort, the time spent toward this community actually ends up feeling like an escape from other responsibilities.”

Chad

June 2023

Cathie Coulter Yarns & Threads Group Leader

I started the Issaquah Highlands Yarns & Threads group after someone posted a question to the community Facebook page about where they could learn to knit. At the time, we didn’t have a local yarn store nearby and so our group was started by word of mouth and posting to social media.”

Puzzles & Games

Test your community knowledge and then find solutions on page 30.

Our friendly neighborhood goats return to Issaquah Highlands every summer to help with vegetation control on some of our more difficult slopes. The goats move to different areas throughout the community and welcome visitors to stop by and say, “Hello!” This year, the goats from Healing Hooves Natural Vegetation Management will return on July 15.

GOAT MAZE

Help the momma goat reach her other baby.

GOAT TRIVIA

1. Why do goats scream?

a. They’re hungry

b. They miss their mom

c. They’re in distress

d. All of the above

2. What shape are goat eyes?

a. Round

b. Diamond

c. Rectangular

d. Square

3. How high can a goat jump?

a. 5 feet

b. 10 feet

c. 12 feet

d. 15 feet

4. Legend has it, goats discovered what berry?

a. Blueberry

b. Coffee berry

c. Blackberry

d. None of the above

5. How many stomachs does a goat have?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

d. 4

6. What is a large group of goats called?

a. A team

b. A horde

c. A pack

d. A herd

7. True or false: Goats have no teeth on their upper jaw?

a. True

b. False

8. What is a baby goat called?

a. A child

b. A billy

c. A nanny

d. A kid

9. What animal is the goat’s closest relative?

a. Cattle

b. Gazelles

c. Sheep

d. Antelopes

10. What year did the goats escape their enclosure in Issaquah Highlands?

a. 2018

b. 2019

c. 2020

d. 2021

LETTER SCRAMBLE

New Art Gallery Brings a Pop of Color to Blakely Hall

BY MADDIE COATS, Highlands Council Communications Manager

Seattle-based author and artist Vikram Madan creates art with a sense of humor. If you’re looking to smile or let out a small chuckle this summer, stop by Blakely Hall to see our newest art gallery! The gallery will open in the beginning of July.

Vikram describes his art as humorous, whimsical, colorful and family-friendly. He primarily works with oils and acrylics, with the occasional watercolor pieces. “Through my work, I hope to rekindle our lost sense of innocence and make the world a better place one smile at a time,” he said.

You can expect to see 20–30 pieces in the gallery at Blakely Hall. Some (but not all) of the artwork will be available to purchase.

Prior to honing his artistic talent, Vikram spent many years working in the tech industry. He was born and raised in India, where he wanted to be a cartoonist, but became an engineer instead. Eventually, he found the courage to follow his heart as a professional visual artist.

Vikram is also an acclaimed author and illustrator of more than a dozen books for young readers such as “A Hatful of Dragons,” “Owl and Penguin,” “Bobo and Pup-Pup” and more.

Currently, his contemporary whimsical paintings and public art appear in local shows and galleries all over the Seattle area. His show at Blakely Hall will run from July through August.

Blakely Hall is closed to the public during summer due to children’s camps. However, please drop by the hall to view the artwork during upcoming community groups and events like the Global Grub & Groove series, Open Mic Night, Chess Club and more. Learn more about upcoming community groups and events on page 18.

Artwork by Vikram Madan

Issaquah Highlands Receives National Recognition

I was happy and proud to represent Issaquah Highlands again this year at the national Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) conference in El Paso, Texas. Issaquah Highlands was spotlighted several times for our outstanding programs and community building efforts.

NUSA is a national nonprofit organization committed to strengthening neighborhood organizations. The conference, held annually in communities around the country, provides an opportunity for community builders to come together for collaboration.

I connected with people doing outstanding work in their communities, and returned to Issaquah inspired to share and implement what I learned here in Issaquah Highlands. A few highlights for me included learning more about “Missouri Good Neighbor Week,” a neighborhood cleanup program from Birmingham, Alabama, and experiencing the rich art and murals of the city of El Paso.

It is also heartwarming to see our community of Issaquah Highlands inspiring others across the country. Last year, I shared the Art of Adulting program at the conference. Now, youths are benefiting from its implementation in Memphis, Tennessee!

NEWSLETTER OF THE YEAR

Connections News was recognized as “Newsletter of the Year” out of submissions from communities across the country. Newsletters were evaluated by a panel of experts based on branding, design, technical layout, content and outreach/involvement.

Residents of Issaquah Highlands receive Connections quarterly in their mailboxes. Additional copies are available at newsstands throughout the community, including Caffe Ladro and the Issaquah Highlands Park & Ride. Digital versions (as well as archives) are available at issaquahhighlands.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE YEAR

Issaquah Highlands earned finalist honors in the Neighborhood of the Year award category after we presented two programs, Treats & Tails and The Village Market, to conference attendees and a panel of judges.

Maddie Coats Promoted to Communications Manager

BY LINDSEY PINKSTON

I am excited to announce that Maddie Coats has been promoted to the position of Communications Manager, effective July 1. Maddie joined Highlands Council last June and has served as media editor for the past year. Quickly proving herself as a valued member of the team, she shares her enthusiasm, energy and passion for building community with us each day (as long as she’s had her morning coffee). On day one, Maddie jumped in and began creating content for Connections and now is fully responsible for the paper’s production. Other contributions include launching a youth-specific E-News, mentoring the Highlands Youth Advisory Board, and doubling the response of our community survey.

Treats & Tails is a youth-organized Halloween event designed to offer a free, safe and dry trick-or-treating opportunity for all (including pets). Judges were most impressed by the program’s youth involvement and large community attendance at the event.

The Village Market at Issaquah Highlands is a monthly artisan/vendor market held at Blakely Hall from October through April. A wide variety of local small businesses come together for a fun shopping experience, which also includes special features like a puzzle swap, recycling initiatives, ice cream and French baked goods. The judges appreciated the program’s sustainability and impact on small businesses.

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD PROGRAM

The Issaquah Highlands Light Up the Lanes holiday decorating contest earned finalist honors in the “Best Neighborhood Program” category, which recognizes the outstanding work of organizations and businesses who work to improve the quality of life in their communities.

Light Up the Lanes is an annual program designed to bring cheer to the dark winter months. For the past two years, the program was hosted in partnership with Regency Centers/Grand Ridge Plaza and the two “Most Festive Neighborhoods” were awarded with block parties. The judges loved the program and praised the innovativeness of friendly competition between neighborhoods.

Thank You, David!

Join us in celebrating Issaquah Highlands resident David Ngai as he completes six years of service on the Highlands Council Board of Trustees (BOT). This is the maximum amount of time a trustee is able to serve consecutively.

He will continue serving in his current roles on the Highlands Fiber Network (HFN) Board of Directors and the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) Finance Committee.

As one of the very few individuals who has served on all three boards, he has become the glue to bring the organizations together. Lindsey Pinkston, executive director of Highlands Council, says David is a huge asset to the Issaquah Highlands community as a volunteer, neighbor and business owner.

Additionally, Maddie does an amazing job of keeping the community informed on the full array of events, issues and news happening in Issaquah Highlands through social media posts and articles. Also important is the relationship she’s established with Issaquah Police Department to keep current on issues and concerns relating to Issaquah Highlands.

In her new role, Maddie will continue her responsibilities with an elevated focus on communications, marketing and media. Please join me in congratulating Maddie and thanking her for her service to the community!

David Ngai Completes Six Years on Highlands Council Board of Trustees

BY MADDIE COATS

“His experience with Highlands Council as well as HFN and the IHCA makes him one of the most knowledgeable and community-minded people I know. While his term with Highlands Council has come to an end, I know he will stay involved and continue advocating for the residents and businesses of Issaquah Highlands,” Lindsey added.

Kashif Zahoor, vice president of the Highlands Council BOT, says he is grateful for David’s expertise in financial management and his ability to navigate complex matters with ease.

“David’s six-year tenure as treasurer on the board has been invaluable to our organization. His unwavering work ethic and passion for the community have left an indelible mark,” Kashif noted. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude for his outstanding service to our community and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”

LINDSEY PINKSTON Highlands Council Executive Director

Lindsey Pinkston, center, accepts the Best Neighborhood Program award from NUSA Vice President Dwight Pridgeon, left, and NUSA President Precious McKesson, right.

Photo courtesy of David Burton

Maddie managed volunteers during Global Grub and Groove on Friday, June 16.

25th Anniversary

Time Capsule

Throughout July

Share an item or photo of importance to you for our 25th anniversary time capsule. Bring your item to Global Grub & Groove on July 21, or drop it off at the Highlands Council office in Blakely Hall during open hours (M–F, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.) The capsule will be buried in an undisclosed location.

Grand Ridge Plaza Mural

End of August

Join friends and neighbors as Grand Ridge Plaza unveils its new mural at the steps behind DICK’S Sporting Goods on Aug. 26. Enjoy a cold treat from Ben & Jerry’s ice cream truck!

Clean Up Trash

Throughout September

Pick up 25 pieces of trash in your neighborhood.

Community Groups

ADHD Caregivers Group

Thursday, September 7, 10–11:30 a.m.

Blakely Hall

If you care for someone with ADD/ADHD, you are welcome to join us to chat, share experiences and get support. Caregivers and parents with kids of all ages welcome!

Book Club

Second Tuesdays, 7–8:30 p.m.

Blakely Hall

Book Club is a great place to meet neighbors, socialize and explore a variety of books. See what the group is reading at issaquahhighlands.com/events or join the Facebook group at facebook.com/ihbookclub.

Chess Club

Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m.

Blakely Hall

Love to play chess? Come join us for fun and (chess) games! All ages and experience levels are welcome. Please bring your chess set if you have one. Otherwise, there will be plenty to share. Join the Facebook group at facebook.com/issaquahchess.

Hiking Group

Do you want to connect with like-minded outdoors people? Meet with fellow hiking enthusiasts in your neighborhood to share favorite trails and gear tips! Open to hikers of all levels and abilities. For more information and details, join the Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/nwhiking.

 Meditation Group

Fridays, 2–3 p.m.

Online

Discover how to find moments to relax the mind. The group practices exercises that promote balance, strength and calmness. Learn techniques to help deal with the stress and strain of a busy life. Free to attend and open to all! Send questions to ih.meditation@gmail.com.

Minecraft Mania

Sept. 13 & 27, 4:30–5:30 p.m.

Blakely Hall

All elementary school-aged kids are invited to join friends and middle school group leaders for gaming fun! Participants are urged to bring a device with Minecraft Java Edition installed. The group meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month during the school year.

Open Mic and Karaoke Night

Aug. 4, 7–8:30 p.m.

Blakely Hall

Join us for an evening of fun and entertainment from local talents. Come to sing a song, play music, read poetry, tell a story, perform stand-up comedy or just join the audience. Make sure to invite family and friends to support our local talent here in Issaquah Highlands. All ages are welcome to participate — sign up by 7 p.m. to be included! For more information, contact tom.perea@gmail.com.

Poker Night

June 29, July 27 & Aug. 31, 7–10 p.m.

Blakely Hall

Whether you are a novice or a salty vet looking for some steep competition, you will love our monthly Texas Hold’em tournament! Contact hlh1969@hotmail.com for more information.

Tai Chi Fitness Class

Wednesdays, 6:30–7:30 a.m.

Blakely Hall

Free Chen-style Tai Chi for all who are interested in learning and practicing together. This ancient Chinese martial art promotes health by reducing bodily tension and stress, improving balance and coordination, increasing joint flexibility, calming the breath and clearing the mind.

 Toastmasters

First and Third Thursdays, 7–8 a.m.

Online

Second and Fourth Thursdays, 7–8 a.m.

Blakely Hall

Expand your knowledge and horizons while sharing your interests and goals in a positive, supportive environment. Guests are welcome!

 Yarns & Threads Group

Wednesdays in July and August, 10 a.m.–noon

Sunset 55

First and Third Fridays, 10 a.m.–noon

Kirk Park

Second and Fourth Fridays, 10 a.m.–noon

Online

All knitters, crocheters, and stitchers are welcome. For more details or questions, please contact catherine.coulter@ihmail.com.

Don’t Miss This

Global Grub & Groove Series

Select Fridays, 6–8 p.m.

Village Green Park

Join friends and neighbors at Village Green for fun, food and entertainment to celebrate culture and community! Bring a blanket or lawn chair and join us for live music and more. Events are free to attend with food available for purchase.

July 21, Indonesian & Malaysian Cultures

Experience traditional art, performances and authentic Indonesian street food from Bumbu food truck!

Aug. 11, Indian Independence Day

Join the celebration with traditional and modern Indian music, dancing, art and food. Experience henna and the game of cricket.

Primary Candidate Forum

July 20, 7–9 p.m.

Blakely Hall

Learn about the candidates running for Issaquah City Council in the primary election this year. Submit your questions in advance at issaquahhighlands.com/events.

Mimosa Morning

Aug. 29, 9–10:30 a.m.

Blakely Hall

Swing by Blakely Hall on the first day of school to celebrate with friends and neighbors! Join us for coffee, mimosas and a light breakfast. All are welcome — kids in school not a requirement (ages 21 and over only).

Community-Wide Garage Sale

Saturday, Sept. 16

Whether it’s called a yard sale or a garage sale, it’s a summer tradition! Sell or shop throughout the community at the semi-annual community garage sale.

Governance Mtgs

Check issaquahhighlands.com/events for details on each meeting.

Highlands Council Board of Directors

Aug. 8, 12 p.m.

IHCA Architectural Review Committee

First Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.

IHCA Finance Committee

Second Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.

Highlands Fiber Network Advisory Group

Third Mondays, 5 p.m.

IHCA Board of Directors

Fourth Mondays, 5:30 p.m.

 Indicates this group/event occurs online. Some groups and meetings may pivot between virtual and in-person. Please check issaquahhighlands.com/events for the latest event details. All events are FREE unless otherwise noted.

Community

Volunteers Recognized

for

Three community volunteers earned awards for their hard work and dedication to Issaquah Highlands during the 42nd Annual Community Awards, hosted by the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, at the end of May 2023.

Congratulations to Ryan Aby (recipient of the Youth Leadership Award), David Ngai (recipient of the Community Builder Award), and Ethan Hunter (recipient of the Issaquah Highlands Volunteer of the Year Award)!

Service to Issaquah Highlands Ryan Aby 2023 Issaquah Highlands Youth Leadership Award

The Issaquah Highlands Youth Leadership Award is presented to a student on the Highlands Youth Advisory Board (HY) who goes above and beyond to lead peers in community building efforts.

In its first year, this award was created to recognize the outstanding young people that contribute to fostering a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity and belonging—especially within our youth community.

Grand Ridge Drive resident Ryan Aby is finishing up his sophomore year at Issaquah High School. He has served on the HY Board for the past four years, and he was recently re-elected as co-president for the second year. He is kind, attentive, compassionate and empathetic. The board, and ultimately our community, is stronger because of him.

Above all, Ryan shows up for the community. Not only will you see him volunteering at most events, but he often takes on a leadership role as well. Last year, he spearheaded the Service Committee within the HY Board to provide more opportunities to volunteer within Issaquah Highlands. Currently, he is helping to plan the Indian Independence Day celebration for our annual Global Grub and Groove series.

“Ryan is a great example of the impact our youth can have with passion and dedication to make a difference,” Highlands Council Executive Director Lindsey Pinkston said. “Ryan works as a leader and mentor to make all youth feel included and valued. It is my honor to work with Ryan on the HY Board.”

David Ngai 2023 Issaquah Highlands Community Builder Award

The Issaquah Highlands Community Builder Award recognizes a resident or community partner who exemplifies the meaning of fostering a vibrant and caring community committed to service, diversity, stewardship and well-being.

For the past 12 years, David Ngai has made a significant impact on the community through his service to all three of Issaquah Highlands’ governance organizations. As the only person to have served on all three boards, he has contributed his tremendous leadership and extensive knowledge to the community and has become an integral driver for cohesion among the Issaquah Highlands organizations. His unique understanding of the complex structure and budgets of our organizations has afforded him valuable insights and a unique perspective into community life.

Next month, David completes six years of service as treasurer of the Highlands Council Board of Trustees, the maximum amount of time a trustee is able to serve consecutively.

In his tenure as a trustee for Highlands Council, David has used his vast experience within Issaquah Highlands governance to help progress community building efforts, increase programming, launch a consistent community brand and advocate for the balance of community needs and expenses.

“David is an invaluable resource to our community. While I will miss his direct contributions to the Highlands Council board, I know he will continue to share his passion for Issaquah Highlands as a driving force for our continued efforts to build a strong, inclusive and caring community,” Highlands Council Executive Director Lindsey Pinkston said.

Ethan Hunter 2022 Issaquah Highlands Volunteer of the Year

We are honored to present our 2022 Volunteer of the Year award to Magnolia Park resident Ethan Hunter. Out of the 15 Issaquah Highlands Volunteer of the Month awardees in 2022, Ethan is only the second youth selected.

Ethan has spent the last six years on the Highlands Youth Advisory Board, serving the community through various events, projects and initiatives. He has a huge heart for the community and deeply understands the desire for teens to have a sense of belonging.

After a pause during the pandemic, Ethan has been pivotal in bringing live programming for teens back to Issaquah Highlands. Always the first to jump in when help is needed, he also took on a valuable leadership role at our Global Grub & Groove events last summer, working on logistics and helping to organize other youth volunteers.

Those who have worked and volunteered beside Ethan describe him as knowledgeable, dedicated, kind, humble, helpful, patient and hard working.

“In my time working with Ethan, I can say that he embodies what it means to be a servant leader—humbly and consistently building and supporting his community through leadership by example,” said Jonah Foss, former HY Board president.

Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon

Blakely Hall

1st & 3rd Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon

Kirk Park

2nd & 4th Fridays, 10 a.m.–noon

2023 Community Survey Results

Annual Community Survey Records High Turnout

The results are in from our annual community survey. We received a significant amount of feedback (64% more responses than last year, thank you!) that will help us serve the needs of our community better.

We asked for your input on a variety of topics, including the best ways to stay connected with you, top community issues and concerns, and events and groups of interest to you. The survey also gauged your satisfaction with Highlands Fiber Network (HFN) as well as Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) staff, landscaping and maintenance.

When it comes to connecting with you, 54% of respondents prefer receiving community news through Connections, while 40% opt for the weekly E-News and the official Issaquah Highlands Facebook page.

The top issues that are most meaningful to our community are neighborhood crime/safety (72%), traffic and pedestrian safety (37%), property values (26%) and land development (26%).

It’s encouraging to note that 72% of the respondents believe Issaquah Highlands is a caring community, and 73% feel like they belong in the community.

Live music events for families and adults are the top choices for participation among residents, along with meetings related to crime and safety like Block Watch.

The survey showed that 71% of respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with HFN. Reliability of service, fast internet speeds and competitive pricing were highlighted as crucial factors for those utilizing the network. Half of the respondents want internet speeds of greater than 1 Gigabit as new features in the future.

Survey takers were generally satisfied with overall IHCA management (73%). Most respondents are also satisfied with the courtesy (80%) and responsiveness (70%) of the staff and the Architectural Review Committee (65%).

However, enforcement of the CC&Rs (55%) is an area where respondents would like to see improvement. Maintenance of common areas (80%), play structures (81%) and basketball courts (85%) are all well received.

Respondents are satisfied with landscaping in the community (79%), which includes open space parks and trails (86%), the goat program (90%) and the Bark Park (80%).

The survey results provide valuable insight into our community’s needs and preferences. We appreciate all of the feedback and will take steps to improve in areas where necessary. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to serving you better in the future.

The BIG Five

Your Top Community Concerns

72% 37% 26% 26% 23% CRIME TRAFFIC SAFETY

PROPERTY VALUES

LAND DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT

COMMUNITY BUILDING

72% of survey respondents believe Issaquah Highlands is a community where people care about one another.

62% of respondents believe there are many opportunities to connect with neighbors in Issaquah Highlands.

61% of respondents feel like they are a part of the Issaquah Highlands community.

74% of respondents feel like they belong in Issaquah Highlands.

KASHIF ZAHOOR, Highlands Council Board of Directors

79%

90% WERE

80% WERE

YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE LANDSCAPING CREWS

3,681 homes in Issaquah Highlands Data Collected April 1–30, 2023 578 People Participated in Survey

PROGRAMMING YOU WANT

Welcome to the HY

Meet the 2023–2024 Highlands Youth Advisory Board

BY LINDSEY PINKSTON Highlands Council Executive Director and Wisteria Park Resident

The Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board was formed a decade ago with intentions to unify Issaquah Highlands youth through meaningful and fun social experiences like events, projects and initiatives.

We are proud to introduce the 2023–2024 roster of student leaders, which includes some returning members to the program as well as many new faces. Out of many qualified candidates, these students were selected based on a written application and peer interview.

Stay tuned for upcoming events for teens! We hope to see you this summer during our Global Grub & Groove series, where you can meet some of these youth community volunteers.

Make sure to follow @HYboard on Facebook! Check issaquahhighlands.com/events and issaquahhighlands.com/for-residents/ get-involved/highlands-youth/ for future events. Plus, subscribe to our new Highlands Youth E-News for upcoming volunteer opportunities and youth news.

*Denotes the member holds an officer position.

I’m excited to introduce my friends to HY events in the community.

I really enjoyed working with the board to plan events and see them go through the process of being finalized. When the events were happening, I loved seeing people build connections and knowing that I helped make that happen.

I like to engage and help children who attend HY events, while also using my voice to promote youth happenings.

It always makes me happy to see people smile. And seeing all the people having fun at the events always made me smile, especially since I was helping run the event.

I hope to be able to reach out and find new and fun ways to interact with our youth and help them to interact with each other.

Through the next year, I will strive to bring unique ideas to our ways of circulating events and volunteer opportunities.

*Nicole de los Reyes 11th Grade

Grace Rich 10th Grade

Saira Hashmey 10th Grade

Riley Evans 8th Grade

*Ryan Aby

Cash Mendoza 11th Grade

11th Grade

8th Grade

Volunteer work in Issaquah Highlands will help me get involved in the community events and explore my area of interests along with studies.

11th Grade

As a resident of Issaquah Highlands, I am most passionate about creating a strong sense of community. I believe that there is always room for improvement when it comes to creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

11th Grade

I have lived my entire life in Issaquah Highlands and have attended many events put on by the HY Board. Being able to walk down the hill to have fun with friends, or seeing how I am both just one in a group and one of a whole, is a feeling I have cherished for years.

7th Grade

I will make my voice heard by sharing my ideas and adding on to others’ ideas. I think that if we collaborate and let others know what we are thinking about certain issues, we can create great ideas and have a healthy community.

12th Grade

I have participated and helped out in many different events at the HY. In addition, I bring innovative ideas, along with a great positive attitude.

10th Grade

I really enjoy working at events, especially the ones we planned as a group. I like being a part of bringing something fun to people.

12th Grade

I really liked seeing all the work we put into planning the events and seeing them come into fruition when they happened. It felt very rewarding because after every event it felt like we really improved the process and made sure everyone had a great experience.

7th Grade

I am most passionate about building a cohesive, welcoming community of youth in Issaquah Highlands.

8th Grade

I love getting to know more people in the community.

9th Grade

It’s fun and engaging to not only share ideas and plan for big community events, but also to see others enjoying the activities you planned for them.

8th Grade

I really enjoyed putting on the events and working together with other members of the HY.

9th Grade

What I enjoyed most about being on the HY Board this year is being able to have the feeling of being part of a team!

9th Grade

I enjoy the feeling of being able to help out, especially the sense of accomplishment whenever we finished something big like the Middle School Halloween party.

10th Grade

It’s rewarding to see kids at events having a good time after all our hard work. It makes me feel like it was well worth our time.

12th Grade

I really enjoy being on the HY Board because it gives me so many opportunities to be proactive within the community. It makes me feel good knowing that I am able to improve lives of residents.

10th Grade

My organizational skills help me to be more thorough, and by sharing these skills with others, I hope that it will able to make the community as a whole come together further to enact changes.

*Arya Mahajan

Asher Pinkston

Ashwin Suresh

Alexis Yuen

*Viggy Ravilla

Haley Lim

Jeric Yuen

Lily Pinkston

Aarav Singh

Aarushi Katyal

Anisha Arasu

Maia Esbensen

Zinna Park

Avik Sitani

Shaurya Behera

Sydney Evans

IHCA Sets Sights on Park Improvements

IHCA Maintains Strong Partnership with City of Issaquah

BY SARAH HOEY, IHCA Executive Director

Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) is proud of its relationship with the City of Issaquah. Last summer, we met with Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly to discuss our partnership as well as what is working and not working in our master planned community.

Park Funding

Last winter, Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) broke ground on the new play structure for Daphne Park. It’s a triple tower structure from KOMPAN, the world’s number one supplier of innovative playground equipment.

This new structure is larger, taller and intended for all ages, as opposed to the tot lot that was in place previously. It also offers a variety of features such as hand eye coordination, tactile stimulation, a climber, hammock, two slides, walking bridge, climbing poles and balance bars.

The playground was completed in March 2023, after diligent work from the IHCA maintenance team. The swing set from the previous version of the park was kept, and Daphne Park is now fully functional and benefits a variety of ages.

As part of the IHCA’s five-year parks plan upgrades, here are the highlights of expected work or replacements over the next several years:

• Kirk Park play equipment replacement or additions and surface replacements.

• Ashland Park complete renovation with additional seating areas, a potential maypole replacement, and possible play equipment upgrades.

• Wisteria Park play equipment replacement or additions.

• Sport Court on Park Drive surface replacement.

IHCA is currently researching the idea of forming a Parks Committee, made up of dedicated residents who would like to be a part of the planning and/or researching of future park upgrades. IHCA wants the community to be involved in the decision making of what is to be added to Issaquah Highlands. If you are interested in the possibility of joining this community, please email AsktheIHCA@ihcommunity.org with your name, address and interest.

As always, the IHCA will continue to do daily park maintenance, follow safety protocols and prioritize projects based on material availability, budget restraints and community needs. We want to thank the wonderful residents of Issaquah Highlands for being a part of this beautiful community we continuously strive to perfect. Thank you for making your home here in Issaquah Highlands.

Development Continues Across Issaquah Highlands

New Construction

• Westridge Townhome South transitioned to IHCA.

• Westridge Townhome North transitioned to IHCA.

• Westridge Single Family North and High Street Liner Park will be fully transitioned to IHCA by the end of quarter two in 2023.

• Construction underway at The Reserve at Forrest Ridge.

New Businesses at Grand Ridge Plaza (managed by Regency Centers)

New businesses now open:

• European Wax Center, Danji Korean Cuisine, BB’s Teriyaki, Flavor of India Bar and Grill, Mud Bay Pet Store, and Amarone Ristorante and Bar.

Upcoming new businesses:

• Crumbl Cookie and Sola Salon.

Discussions included traffic, safety, code violations, crime, trees, sidewalks and water use. We commend the city for repaving and restriping Highlands Drive, which was desperately needed. The remainder of Highlands Drive and Ninth Avenue NE will be completed in the near future. Additionally, IHCA staff contacted the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) on the community’s behalf to push for the much-needed repaving work on the I-90 on-ramp. We also connected with King County Metro to secure maintenance and landscaping work for the Issaquah Highlands Park and Ride. We also met with Issaquah City Administrator Wally Bobkiewicz and Public Works Director Emily Moon to discuss tree and sidewalk issues. Moon also advocated for streetlights to be repainted in the Grand Ridge Plaza area. Other highlights throughout the year include working with King County on several trespass issues, attending two events hosted by the city’s Office of Environmental Sustainability, and meeting with Issaquah Police Department on crime prevention tactics.

NOTABLE UPCOMING PROJECTS WITH IMPACTS TO ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS

Off-Leash Dog Park

As identified through a public engagement process, residents think adding an offleash dog park within Issaquah city limits will provide a unique community asset within the city’s park system. Insights gained from community feedback and use patterns will help to shape the scope of this project.

As part of the Community Investment Strategy, Issaquah City Council allocated $4 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to plan and implement improvements to one or more of the city’s primary parks. The Parks Board will recommend several city parks to consider during deliberations on the 2023–2024 budget. The proposed project budget is $500,000 in 2023 and $3,500,000 in 2024.

Sewer Main

The city plans to design and construct a redundant sewer main from Issaquah Highlands to the I-90 undercrossing to provide a larger capacity conveyance system for the community. Work will include revising or replacing the existing energy dissipater and drop structures behind the Public Works Operations facility to create a safer and more reliable system that can handle the sewer flow from Issaquah Highlands. The proposed budget is $200,000 in 2023 and $1,400,000 in 2024.

Pole Painting

City crews will clean, prep, prime and paint 25 signal poles, 34 mast arms, and 22 pedestrian poles in Issaquah Highlands. The green paint on these poles is shedding due to poor initial workmanship. This work will be the third and final phase of the project that began in 2021. The proposed budget is $320,600 in 2023.

Capital Improvements

This ongoing project strategically designs and constructs early implementation of small-scale capital improvements to complete “near-term connections and efficiencies in the mobility system,” as outlined in objective MO2 of the city’s strategic plan. The project will focus on sidewalk and bicycle gaps as well as safety improvements. The proposed budget is $831,500 in 2023 and $318,000 in 2024.

SARAH HOEY

IHCA Executive Director

The new play structure at Daphne Park was completed in March 2023, thanks to the hard work of the IHCA maintenance team. Photo by Elizabeth Gregg

IHCA Landscaping Team Assists with Grizzly Garden Transformation

The Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) landscaping team generously volunteered its time to support the Grand Ridge Elementary PTSA in revitalizing the Grizzly Garden, which had fallen into disrepair due to years of not being used.

ARC TIP OF THE MONTH

House Painting

CARC Program Coordinator & Executive Assistant

Landscapers were able to build and install five large stone planting beds, seven smaller metal planting beds, and laid gravel down throughout the entirety of the garden. With the help of Melynda, Grizzly Garden program coordinator, Grand Ridge Elementary students from all grades were able to plant peas, strawberries, blueberries and tomatoes under IHCA Landscape Manager Lyle Dickey’s observation.

IHCA was happy to assist the Grand Ridge Elementary PTSA. We are glad to see the Grizzly Garden being utilized once again.

Thank you for spearheaded this project for Grand Ridge Elementary, Lyle! Happy gardening, Grizzlies!

Farewell to IHCA Board President Rossie Cruz

Words cannot express our gratitude for Rossie Cruz’s years of service to the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) board and committees. Not only has Rossie lived in the community since 2004, but she has faithfully served this community in a variety of functions over the years.

She has been an active board member since 2013, serving as president for the last two years. Thank you for 11 amazing years!

From the entire IHCA team, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and leadership through the years.

IHCA Switches Data Software to Vantaca

Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) is excited to announce that we are switching to a new data software in the fourth quarter of 2023. We will move from Yardi to Vantaca.

“This has been a long time in the making,” says Sarah Hoey, who became IHCA executive director in 2015. “I have been researching and interviewing HOA software companies for years. Yardi was the original software used by developer Port Blakley since 2005. It is outdated and no longer user friendly to our staff, board, committees and owners.”

By switching to Vantaca, we will create better internal efficiencies and owners will have direct access to their accounts to review important account information such as account statements, ARC applications, noncompliance notices, etc. This will be a multiple-month onboarding process for our staff and we hope to be fully operational with the new system in November. Keep a lookout for additional information in the coming months.

Did you know... no application or review is required to re-paint any part of your house with its original or existing color scheme. Prior ARC approval is required for new colors or any exterior color changes for houses, fences, decks, trim and doors. If a change of house color is requested, a sample of the paint must be painted on a small area of the home and reviewed by a member of the ARC Committee prior to approval. When applying for exterior painting approval, homeowners must clearly state on the ARC application which paint sheen will be used. Color chips (samples) must be submitted with the application along with a detailed description of where the colors are to be applied (trim, body, doors, etc.) and a photo of the home. The ARC Committee will consider the color schemes of surrounding homes in the immediate neighborhood to determine the consistency of the selected colors.

RULES REMINDER

Fireworks

Did you know... the use or discharge of firecrackers and fireworks is prohibited in Issaquah Highlands per the governing documents. Not only can the misuse of firecrackers and fireworks be deadly, but it can also disturb your neighbors and pets. Keep yourself and your family safe this summer by letting the professionals handle the show!

MILESTONE Congrats, Sarah!

In June 2022, IHCA Executive Director Sarah Hoey joined the elite group of community association directors who have earned the Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM®) credential from Community Associations Institute (CAI). Sarah is one of more than 2,200 managers worldwide who have earned the highest level of professional recognition in the community association field.

Sarah’s hard work was officially recognized at the CAI annual conference in Dallas, Texas, in May 2023, where she was awarded and recognized in front of her colleagues.

Congratulations Sarah! Your hard work does not go unnoticed!

Learn More!

These tips and rules reminders are only a subset of IHCA guidelines and regulations. For complete standards, visit issaquahhighlands.com.

Questions? Call the IHCA at 425-427-9257 or email asktheihca@ihcommunity.org.

JORDAN ROUSU

IHCA Landscape Manager Lyle Dickey assists students from Grand Ridge Elementary with reviving the Grizzly Garden.

Photos by Jordan Rousu

IHCA Executive Director Sarah Hoey is honored for earning her PCAM credential during the Community Associations Institute (CAI) conference in Dallas, Texas.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Hoey

Community Policing

Fostering Positive Relationships with Youth in Our Community

BY MADDIE COATS Highlands Council Communications Manager

Part of growing up is about experimenting, pushing boundaries and seeking independence. These behaviors can be seen as disruptive or problematic by some people, making it feel like teens are causing trouble all the time.

Issaquah Police Department (IPD) does not get a lot of calls regarding teens, according to Chief Paula Schwan. However, when they do get calls, they are usually for very minor situations. She says the majority of calls do not involve actual crimes (unless standard teenage shenanigans count).

Schwan says most juvenile-related calls center around noise complaints and minor disruptive behavior.

There seems to be a worry that juveniles are shoplifting all the time. However, that is not being reflected in IPD’s calls. In fact, shoplifting and theft-related suspects tend to be adults in their 20–30s. A significant number of individuals arrested for these crimes were not even residents of Issaquah!

“For juveniles, we tend to see noise complaints the most in Issaquah Highlands, followed by other miscellaneous behavior like ‘ding dong ditching’ and other generally disruptive activities that are not serious nor violent crimes,” Schwan says.

In these cases, she explains that officers must observe first to see if they can confirm the behavior. They may request the juveniles lower their voices or find alternative places for their activities if nobody is at risk of being hurt.

On the rare occasion that there is a reported theft or other similar activity, officers are not legally allowed to speak to the juveniles without an attorney present. Schwan says this is a newer law passed in Washington state within

Neighborhood Block Watch Meeting Recap

the past few years. However, this does not mean that no action is taken.

Officers will still try to get the individual’s name and information before calling their legal guardians. If the juveniles refuse to share information or run off, officers cannot chase them unless there is probable cause to arrest them. If evidence of a felony or domestic violence is found via other means (victim statements, video evidence, etc.), the juveniles will be arrested and booked into the King County Youth Center.

If you ever are concerned about teen activity in the community, you can always call 911 or the non-emergency line to get advice. Schwan added that officers will come and request the youth to stop engaging in their disruptive behavior.

“Just because you have called police does not mean anyone is automatically in trouble,” she says.

“Our officers are peacekeepers first, and the majority of our officers have children of their own, so they completely understand the complexities of these circumstances.”

It’s crucial for all of us in Issaquah Highlands to support and guide our youth, while also holding them accountable for their actions. By building strong connections with them and showing humility, Schwan says we can deter crime and empower the younger generation.

Let’s remember that they’re still learning how to navigate society, so it’s important to be patient and give them the confidence they need to grow.

By the Numbers: Crime Trends

Overall, crime rates in Issaquah—and the Issaquah Highlands community—are relatively low. Issaquah Highlands holds approximately 30% of the city’s total population yet represents only 19% of the 920 total crimes

in Issaquah from January to May 2023.

Regardless of location, over 70% of all crimes are considered property crimes. Crimes against property include bribery, burglary, blackmail, fraud, theft and larceny, robbery, vandalism and more.

Over the past five months, data from Issaquah Police Department shows that 78 cases of larceny and theft offences occurred in Issaquah Highlands, which accounts for only 20% of cases across Issaquah. Shoplifters were responsible for 41 of these incidents, while car prowls accounted for an additional 17 cases.

In Issaquah Highlands, there were also 22 assault offences (35% of all Issaquah cases), 18 vandalism cases (24%), 14 trespass incidents (12%), 12 motor vehicle thefts (18%) and 10 reports of fraud (16%).

Issaquah Police Department (IPD) officers dropped by our neighborhood safety meeting at Blakely Hall to discuss tips for preventing property crime in our community on Thursday, May 11.

Officer Mike Lucht said he encourages residents to call 911 when you see anything that looks remotely suspicious. This may look like someone walking around and touching car door handles or a questionable stranger looking in your neighbor’s open garage door.

He emphasized the importance of looking out for your neighbors! In the event of an emergency, and even for everyday happenings, it’s smart to share your contact information with neighbors on your street. For example: if you notice a neighbor’s garage door open past dusk, consider alerting them to lower the risk of theft.

“I encourage people to get out and talk to your neighbors,” he said. “You don’t have to be best friends, but you can watch out for each other. That’s just human nature.”

Lucht offered several other methods to prevent and prepare for property crime. He urges residents to walk through their home once per month to document items in case of a robbery. He also noted that keeping an inventory of highvalue items as well as their serial numbers is also helpful. During the meeting, one attendee asked about the effectiveness of fake cameras compared to real ones. Lucht responded that real cameras are ideal, but both options can help to prevent crime. When deciding between investing in cameras versus security, he opted for the former.

“Both are valuable, but they serve different purposes,” he said. “Cameras have come so far in the last 10 years.” He warns that cameras are not an instant solution, but they can see clothing and car descriptions as well as license plates. Occasionally, small cameras on your property can help officers link to other crimes by analyzing footage. Lucht also suggested that residents consider investing in SimpliSafe, a self-installed security system that allows you to add as many alarm sensors as you want.

According to IPD, residential burglaries can take less than five minutes. Burglars are often looking for small expensive items like jewelry, laptops and game consoles that can easily be traded for cash. You can protect your home by installing lights, trimming your shrubs back from windows and doors, keeping valuables in a safe deposit box, locking doors and windows, and more. IPD also offers an inspection checklist (available on issaquahhighlands.com) for crime prevention through environmental design like windows, doors, landscaping, etc.

Residents interested in learning about community safety will continue to meet at Blakely Hall quarterly, with representatives from IPD and special guests to help the community come together to prevent crime.

Meet with IPD officers for tips around community safety and crime prevention.

Young residents hangout with Issaquah Police Department officers during Cones with a Cop at Ben & Jerry’s on June 8.

Photo by Lindsey Pinkston

BY MADDIE COATS, Highlands

Roundup • REAL E STATE

Exploring the Housing Market in Issaquah Highlands

Manager

Issaquah Highlands stands as a beacon of modern living and community-centered lifestyles. Our vibrant and dynamic neighborhood has gained significant attention in recent years for its exceptional real estate opportunities and unparalleled quality of life.

With its unique blend of natural surroundings, recreational opportunities, social activities and high-quality amenities, Issaquah Highlands has become a sought-after destination for homebuyers and investors alike.

We asked two local real estate brokers how they view the current housing market in Issaquah Highlands. Here is what they said…

Matt Jensen says Issaquah Highlands is a highly soughtafter neighborhood, so there is always more interest in our microclimate. He explains that Issaquah Highlands is a very desirable area for newcomers due to the great schools, easy access to I-90 and opportunities for recreational activities in nature.

“We have the advantage of being in nature, yet close to bigger cities like Bellevue and Seattle,” he says. “Issaquah Highlands has been very attractive to live and work from, with shuttle systems to most major employers in the region.”

With the warmer weather approaching, he has noticed an uptick in listings and pending sales as well as more buyers scheduling showings. Looking at these activities, he anticipates a normal summer for real estate in Issaquah Highlands.

According to Matt, new construction in West Highlands has seen the most sales activity within the last six months due to the volume of available inventory. He added that condominium and residential sales were similar during this period of time.

When considering future resale value, prospective homebuyers tend to look for a quiet street, open floor plans, beautiful views, access to a greenbelt and large backyards. Matt says location is one of the most important factors for buyers, which Issaquah Highlands offers.

He says the median sales price of a residential home in Issaquah Highlands is over $1 million, with condos selling around $600,000. Since March, the year-to-date (YTD) average is 40 days on the market for residential homes and condos, he added.

Home values are still much higher compared to pre-pandemic. He has seen the market slow down and adjust downward due to higher mortgage rates in order to maintain an affordable mortgage payment for buyers.

“Buyers are facing higher interest rates than about a year ago,” he added. “And sellers are seeing less buyers in the market because of that.”

He says this change is evident here at home as well as in the market as a whole. However, he claims the market is picking up with the warmer weather approaching, as shown by an uptick in listings as well as more buyers scheduling showing appointments and pending sales.

Krista says the real estate market in Issaquah Highlands is always changing.

In early 2022, the market peaked but started to change right after spring break. By June, interest rates and inflation coupled with a volatile stock market caused our real estate market to come to a complete standstill. From July to December, values dropped about 20% (and more in some cases).

“Right now, our market is stable and rebounding,” she added. “We are even seeing multiple offers due to low inventory.”

Krista says the hottest properties in Issaquah Highlands are single-family homes with four bedrooms all on the top level, an open layout on the main floor, and an attached garage. Popular areas include Dahlia Park for its charm, 30th Avenue and Harrison for the views, and Forest Ridge for its proximity to I-90 and Grand Ridge Plaza.

Estate

“We have condos in the $300,000 range all the way up to $5 million homes in one single neighborhood,” Krista noted.

She says a seller should expect an offer in no more than 21 days—if the home is priced correctly, has a good layout, and gets listed at the right time. She has seen certain products like a single-family home under $1.5 million sell in just four days or less.

Krista claims several factors are affecting the housing market and home values in Issaquah Highlands: employment, interest rates and supply.

“Right now, the lack of supply is overpowering the forces of employment and higher interest rates,” she says. “It’s absolutely fascinating to watch!”

Interest rates are a factor for many buyers, she added, but it’s not as big of a deterrent as one would think. Motivated buyers are accepting the current rates with the understanding that they will likely refinance in the future.

According to her, the market just saw the largest refinance boom in history. People are sitting back and enjoying their low payments. For many, it doesn’t make sense to move. Therefore, inventory was the lowest she’s ever seen for a spring market.

Krista says many sellers sabotage themselves by overpricing their homes. Market values can be confusing and it’s important to avoid looking at online estimates. A comprehensive market analysis (CMA) with recent sales from a multiple listing service (MLS) is the best way to determine the value of a home.

“Buyers are totally confused now because the market has switched from being sluggish to pretty hot,” she says. “This can make it challenging for buyers to feel confident about writing an offer with competitive terms.”

One of the most important things to know is your cost of sale and tax implications, Krista adds. Home values have skyrocketed since 2020, and she urges every homeowner to consult a certified public accountant (CPA) to discuss capital gains tax.

“Buyers need to know that the market is turning for the better and how to navigate an improving market,” she says.

Council Communications

KRISTA MEHR Owner and broker at Mehr and Associates Real

MATT JENSEN Owner and broker at The Agency Northwest Real Estate

Photo by Scott Moffat

2023 Elec tions

ISSAQUAH CITY COUNCIL

(POSITION 6)

DATE: Thursday, July 20

TIME: 7 p.m.

LOCATION: Blakely Hall

their positions on issues affecting our community. Forums are moderator-led and driven by community-generated questions.

Submit your questions at issaquahhighlands.com/events.

This Month on the Blog

Emergency Preparedness Tips for Identity Theft Protection

Local Girl Scouts Advocate for Female Employees in King County

Gardening Harnessing the Power of Worms in Your Garden

Homeowner’s Association IHCA Board of Directors: Election Results 2023

In an age where personal information is increasingly vulnerable, protecting yourself from identity theft is crucial. Read about various strategies for identity theft prevention such as documenting all your accounts and adopting the “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” method to safeguard valuables in vehicles.

A local Girl Scout troop is taking steps to ensure female employees and first responders in King County are fitted with appropriate uniforms and clothing options. The group recently helped to pass a King County ordinance!

Are you interested in trying a new composting method for your garden? Vermicompost, also known as worm castings, is a nutrient-rich fertilizer that contains a balanced blend of essential plant nutrients. Learn about the benefits of composting with worms to reduce waste, control pests, improve your soil structure and promote organic gardening.

The Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) annual election for Districts 1, 3, 5 and At-Large wrapped up on June 17, 2023. Congratulations to the new and returning board members. Thank you to each and every resident of Issaquah Highlands that took time to vote in this year’s election!

MADDIE COATS Highlands Council Communications Manager

VICTORIA BALZARINI Owner of Blue Eagle Security Solutions, LCC & Dahlia Park Resident

SARAH HOEY IHCA Executive Director

BEN ARMLIN Garden Ambassador & Huckleberry Circle Resident

Download The HFN Highlands Fiber Network Announces Upgrade

to Cutting-Edge XGS-PON Technology

survey respondents, internet speeds exceeding 1 Gigabit have consistently ranked as the highest option over the past three years.

One of the primary advantages of XGS-PON is its ability to deliver symmetrical speeds of up to 10 Gbps (gigabits per second) to homes in our community. This means that both upload and download speeds will be significantly faster and more balanced than ever before.

JEREMY FALLT HFN General Manager & Westridge Resident

In an exciting development for our community, the Highlands Fiber Network (HFN) Board of Directors has approved plans to update and upgrade its existing network infrastructure to the latest and most advanced technology, XGS-PON (10-Gigabit Symmetric Passive Optical Network). This significant investment is set to revolutionize internet connectivity, offering faster speeds, improved reliability and a range of benefits for residential and business users.

The decision to adopt XGS-PON technology is part of HFN’s ongoing commitment to deliver cutting-edge services and meet the increasing demand for high-speed internet access. By leveraging the capabilities of XGSPON, HFN aims to ensure our community remains at the forefront of digital connectivity. According to community

Moreover, the upgrade to XGS-PON technology will enhance the overall reliability and stability of the network. By leveraging advanced optical fiber infrastructure, this leading-edge technology is less susceptible to interference and can manage higher bandwidth demands, ensuring a consistently high-quality internet experience for all users. While adopting XGS-PON is undoubtedly exciting, the transition to this innovative technology presents some challenges. Upgrading the network infrastructure will require extensive work and coordination to minimize disruption to existing services.

Over the coming years, HFN will need to schedule nearly 4,000 in-home appointments to replace the previous generation portal with a new XGS-PON portal. In some cases, this appointment will necessitate the upgrade of the fiber drop to the home.

In addition, some homes will also require the upgrade of fiber in the street. HFN assures residents and businesses that every effort will be made to minimize any inconvenience during the upgrade process. HFN is set to commence the upgrade process in the coming months, with a phased implementation approach to ensure minimal disruption. While specific timelines and details are yet to be finalized, HFN promises to keep the community informed every step of the way.

In an era where fast and reliable internet connectivity is more important than ever, HFN’s decision to upgrade to XGS-PON technology is a welcome and forward-thinking initiative. Our community can eagerly anticipate an exciting new chapter of enhanced connectivity, increased opportunities, and a future-proof network infrastructure.

Puzzle & Game Solutions

MAZE

A Snapshot of Spring

Spring back in time through photos from the Flashlight Egg Hunt, Beach Bingo, Keep Issaquah Beautiful Day, Spring into Fitness and the Issaquah Highlands LEGO Expo.

BY MADDIE COATS

Highlands Council Communications Manager

Photos by Lindsey Pinkston, Carol Halas, Maddie Coats and Meng Photography

It was an eventful spring in Issaquah Highlands! We hunted for Easter eggs, spent an evening at the beach, cleaned our community, tried new fitness opportunities and explored the world of LEGO.

In early April, the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board hosted over 120 middle schoolers for the annual Flashlight Egg Hunt. Attendees searched for eggs at dusk and participated in an assortment of fun activities inside Blakely Hall.

Later in the month, we had a gnarly time at Beach Bingo! Thanks to all who attended and helped to bring back this fun event after five years. The next day, volunteers helped to clean our community and care for our planet during Keep Issaquah Beautiful Day (also known as Earth Day).

Residents celebrated health and wellness in our new Spring into Fitness series throughout May. Local businesses Barre3, 9Round, Orangetheory Fitness and Pineapple Life Yoga each spearheaded a class to give participants a sneak peak into their offerings.

Lastly, our first-ever Issaquah Highlands Lego Expo was a huge hit in June! We hope to see you all again next year as we make this event a popular community tradition.

Flashlight Egg Hunt

Beach Bingo

Keep Issaquah Beautiful Day

Issaquah Highlands LEGO Expo

Issaquah Highlands LEGO Expo