Snoqualmie fly-fisher earns national award Page 12
Your locally-owned newspaper, serving North Bend and Snoqualmie, Washington
Three boys avoid abduction attempt on Snoqualmie Ridge
July 28, 2011 VOL. 3, NO. 30
Hefty decisions ahead North Bend reviews marijuana law, sales tax. Page 2
Agreement reached State reaches settlement in Echo Glen rape case. Page 3
By Sebastian Moraga A suspect witnesses described as a “gray-haired man” approached three children at a supermarket on Snoqualmie Ridge and offered them candy if they would leave with him, a city of Snoqualmie release stated. One of the boys told the man they were with their mothers, and the man left the store.
Police blotter Page 6
The incident happened at 2 p.m. July 19 at the Ridge Supermarket. The incident was reported to police the next day. Authorities showed the boys a picture of a gray-haired sex offender who lives in the area, and one of the boys said that was definitely not the man who approached them. See ABDUCTION, Page 7
Valley joins fight against county rural schools ban By Dan Catchpole Snoqualmie Valley School District officials are concerned that 20 acres of rural land the district owns near North Bend could become useless if King County adopts a proposed change to its Growth Management Plan. Fifteen properties held by seven school districts and worth about $12 million could be
Still dreaming Music legend Gary Wright weaves his way here. Page 11
Hike of the week
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See SCHOOLS, Page 7
Minor earthquake shakes houses, wakes residents
Make the trek up Little Si and take in big views. Page 12
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affected. The proposal would all but close an existing loophole that allows schools to be built on rural lands. The change is meant to bring the county’s plan in line with state and regional growth management plans, as required by the state’s Growth Management Act. The law was written to fight sprawl in nonurban areas.
By Dan Catchpole
By Mary Miller
Party upside down A dancer from Ignite Dance goes head-over-heels for the North Bend Downtown Block Party July 23. For a closer look at the event, see story and photos, Page 8.
A 3.4 magnitude earthquake woke up several Snoqualmie Ridge residents early July 23. The quake occurred at 1:03 a.m. about nine miles northeast of Snoqualmie. While the earthquake was described as minor on the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network’s website, it shook houses and caused some concern among residents. The quake’s center was 10.6 miles below the surface, about the
depth of the South Whidbey Island Fault line, which runs through Snoqualmie Valley. “I was still awake and the shaking of the walls and furniture, as well as rattling of windows was unmistakable,” Snoqualmie Ridge resident Fiorenzo Cattaneo said in an email. The greatest factors that influence how much an earthquake is felt on the surface is the depth of its center and its See EARTHQUAKE, Page 3
SnoValley Star
PAGE 2
JULY 28, 2011
North Bend considers sales tax hike for roads upkeep Most of the revenue from the tax increase would come from shoppers at the North Bend Premium Outlets, according to Garrow. If passed, residents would pay $10 more in sales tax on $5,000 of retail purchases, which does not include groceries. The city’s revenues from taxes, fees and grants haven’t kept pace with the rising cost of maintaining transportation infrastructure, Garrow said. The city paid for some of its road improvement projects with grants, which are likely to dry up in the future. “There’s an expectation that we’re not going to get a lot of grant money in the future,” he said. Population growth and
By Dan Catchpole With the cost of maintaining roads rising and tax revenue remaining stagnant, North Bend City Council voted July 19 to create a Transportation Benefit District, which has limited ability to collect taxes. The Council wants the district to ask voters for a 0.2 percent increase to the city’s sales tax for 10 years to pay for transportation infrastructure maintenance. The increase would be on the November election ballot. If approved, it would make the sales tax in the city 8.8 percent. The increase is expected to bring in about $400,000 each year, Public Works Director Ron Garrow said.
annexations have pushed North Bend into competing for grants with larger cities, making it less competitive. Transportation benefit districts have become an option for municipalities looking to bolster flagging funds for transportation. Snoqualmie is one of 11 cities with a district. All existing districts have bypassed voters and opted to impose car tab fees. Under state law, a district can charge up to $20 per registered vehicle without voter approval. “If we’re going to do this, we wanted to put it to a vote,” City Administrator Duncan Wilson said. The new district’s board, which will consist of City
Get involved North Bend’s Transportation Benefit District Board is meeting to consider sending a 0.2 percent sales tax increase to voters on the November ballot. If the board approves putting the tax increase on the ballot, it plans on appointing people to pro and con committees to write arguments that will appear in the voter’s pamphlet. People interested in serving on either the pro committee or con com-
Council members, is meeting Aug. 2 to consider putting the measure on the ballot. Putting the tax increase on
North Bend eyes changes in medical marijuana ban By Dan Catchpole North Bend’s administration may suggest the City Council make changes to the city’s one-year moratorium on facilities for production or distribution of medical marijuana. The council heard testimony from Steve Sarich, a medical marijuana activist who lives near North Bend, at its July 19
County Council delays decision on car tab fee King County Council has postponed a decision on a proposed $20 car tab fee to shore up funding for Metro until its Aug. 15 meeting. The council could vote to impose the fee with a six vote
meeting. The current ban is overreaching and could prompt a lawsuit, Sarich said. The council should scrap the ban and set up a working group to develop city policy and zoning rules for medical marijuana. “We need to establish standards for people operating in our community,” he said. Sarich has filed an injunction
against the state law on medical marijuana that goes into effect July 22, arguing that the law is unenforceable because it lacks adequate definitions of terms and intentions. The law, Senate Bill 5073, passed this spring but large parts where cut out by Gov. Chris Gregoire. The bill does permit authorized patients to form collective gardens, which are pro-
hibited under North Bend’s ban. Several cities, including Issaquah, have passed sixmonth bans similar to the one North Bend City Council approved in early June. One city, Castle Rock, overturned its ban after two lawsuits were filed against the city. Any recommended changes will be presented to City Council at its Aug. 2 meeting.
supermajority of the nine-member council. Observers said a more likely scenario would have been putting it to a countywide vote, which would require only five members of the council. If approved, the fee would be in place for two years. Without the new fee, Metro
officials have said the agency will have to reduce service on some routes and eliminate others. Route 209, one of the two bus routes serving the upper Snoqualmie Valley, would run less frequently. Hundreds of people turned out at the council’s July 25 meeting speaking against the
proposed cuts. Metro needs $120 million in 2012 and 2013 to operate at its current level. The $20 fee on existing vehicle registrations would raise $50 million. The remaining $70 million would come from reserves. Snoqualmie Valley is also served by Route 215.
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mittee need to submit their name, address, phone number, email address and which committee they want to serve on, to the city by Aug. 1. The information should be sent to Administrative Services Director Cheryl Proffitt-Schmidt at cproffitt@northbendwa.gov.
Transportation Benefit District meeting
❑ When: 7:15 p.m. Aug. 2 ❑ Where: Mount Si Senior Center, 411 Main Ave. S., North Bend
the ballot would be akin to asking for a vote of confidence from residents, Councilman Chris Garcia said.
More counterfeit bills turn up in North Bend Two more counterfeit bills showed up in North Bend on July 18, continuing a string of fake bills being passed in the city this summer. Police do not know if these incidents are related to previous occurrences. Police found a fake $100 bill on a suspect arrested early on the morning of July 18. Later that day, Vanity Fair, a retail store at the North Bend Premium Outlets, reported a customer trying to use a counterfeit $100 bill. North Bend police caught up with the shopper, a tourist from Mexico who told the officers that he had exchanged his money for U.S. currency in Mexico. Fake $100 bills were used at Ace Hardware in two separate incidents on June 7. A counterfeit $20 was also used at the Safeway gas station over July 4 weekend.
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By the numbers Local earthquakes greater than 4.0 magnitude Location, Date, Magnitude ❑ 12.5 km south, southeast of North Bend, April 29, 1945, 5.7 ❑ 12.5 km south, southeast of North Bend, April 30, 1945, 5.0 ❑ 6.4 km east of North Bend, Feb. 11, 1957, 5.0 ❑ 10.7 km west of Fall City, Jan. 24, 1963, 4.6 ❑ 4.6 km northeast of Fall City, Dec. 31, 1978, 4.2 Source: Pacific Northwest Seismic Network
Earthquake From Page 1 magnitude, John Vidale, a Washington state seismologist and director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, said. “Beyond those two, shaking is generally greater on softer ground than hard rock, because soft ground amplifies motions somewhat as Jello shakes more than the plate on which it sits.” The earthquake had been originally posted on the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network’s website as having a 2.7 magnitude, but was later upgraded to 3.4. It had been nearly a year since the area’s previous earthquake, a 1.4 magnitude quake near North Bend on July 29, 2010. Snoqualmie Valley is a seismically active region that sits astride a major fault line, the South Whidbey Island Fault. It is one of several major faults that crisscross the Puget Sound region. U.S. Geological Survey scientist and University of Washington professor Brian Sherrod described the region as “earthquake country” in an interview with the Star earlier this year. Dan Catchpole: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
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State reaches settlement in Echo Glen rape case By Laura Geggel The state has agreed to pay $375,000 to a woman who was raped by an employee of Echo Glen Children’s Center in 2008. Echo Glen is Washington’s juvenile detention center located in Snoqualmie, and is part of the Issaquah School District. “A criminal act was inflicted upon this resident by a depraved individual more than three years ago and we deeply regret that it took place,” state Department of Social and Health Services Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration Assistant Secretary John Clayton said in a news release. The woman sued the state in 2009; the settlement was reached July 7. In 2008, then 38-year-old Robert Fox sexually assaulted a 19-year-old woman at Echo Glen. Since the incident, Fox was charged and pleaded guilty to first-degree custodial sexual misconduct, and spent eight months behind bars. The woman also sued the state for employing Fox, a man her lawyers called unqualified for the job, and for not protecting her from him. After reviewing the 2008 inci-
Valley residents involved in Interstate 90 pileup Four Snoqualmie Valley residents were involved in a 15-car pileup on westbound Interstate 90 on July 20 that killed a 9-yearold girl.
dent, Clayton initiated several changes at Echo Glen, including: ❑ Changing the pattern of staff inspection rounds during nighttime hours; ❑ Installing additional security cameras; ❑ Increasing assessments of new staff members before they are assigned as single staff in a living unit. Fox began working at Echo Glen in March 2008 as a parttime staff member. “He didn’t have any qualifications for the job,” Micah LeBank, one of the woman’s attorneys said. “He really didn’t have any experience working with youth, he didn’t have correctional experience — he really shouldn’t have been hired for the job.” A news release from the DSHS said that Fox had positive references from prior employers and passed a thorough background check. On April 22, 2008, an Echo Glen employee emailed administrators and management, complaining that Fox “had been coming onto her pretty aggressively and wouldn’t leave her alone,” LeBank said. In the email, the employee reported a conversation she had with Fox, writing, “‘Hey I’m
only 22,’ and he said, ‘That’s OK, I like them young,’” LeBank said. Echo Glen administrators spoke to Fox about the incident. “Mr. Fox was told the conversation was inappropriate and he agreed,” DSHS spokesman Thomas Shapley said. After the discussion, Fox continued to work with student inmates. Fox would sometimes supervise students as they walked around campus, and would frequently walk the woman to the mailroom. One time, he took a photo of her with a friend, which is against Echo Glen policy, according to charging papers. Fox’s behavior began to make the woman nervous, she reported in the charging papers. One night when she was upset, he sat down beside her and put his hand on her leg, prompting her to get up and leave the room. Another time, he invited her to watch a movie with him, but since she did not feel comfortable being alone with him, the woman decided to leave, according to charging papers. The night of May 6, 2008, Fox came to her cottage during his shift and offered her an energy
drink. She put the drink on her nightstand, and went back to sleep. He left, but returned shortly after and raped her, according to the charging papers. The next day, the woman was very emotional, and confided in a friend about what happened; the friend reported it to staff. Echo Glen fired Fox May 9, 2008. “It was a pretty disgusting rape,” LeBank said. “She had been doing well at Echo Glen and it really set her back a lot. She sought treatment at Harborview and was diagnosed with PTSD.” The woman, now 22, is serving time at Grant County Jail in Eastern Washington for violating her parole. The woman grew up in a family where she was exposed to drugs at a young age, LeBank said, adding that most of her criminal behavior was related to drug use. Now that the case is settled, her lawyers said they plan to help the woman get on the right track. “Our goal is to make the money go as far as possible to help her get treatment and education so she can integrate into the community,” LeBank said about the settlement.
The accident occurred shortly before 8 a.m. when the highway was crowded with morning commuters in stop-and-go traffic. The driver of a semi-truck tried to stop as he came up to the slowing traffic near 133rd Avenue Southeast in Bellevue.
His truck jackknifed, hitting a logging truck, according to the Washington State Patrol. The collision knocked the logging truck’s rear axle, separating its trailer from the cab and knocking logs loose. A chain of collisions began
that involved 15 cars, sending several people to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Two drivers from Snoqualmie and two from North Bend were among the people involved in the accident. The accident’s cause is under investigated by WSP.
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Opinion
PAGE 4
Editorial
Letters
A simple answer to pot confusion
Speed patrols should focus on side streets
There is one sure-fire way to end all the confusion over conflicting marijuana laws. Legalize it. North Bend just placed a moratorium on collective marijuana growing operations because the state and the feds have different ideas about what should be allowed and they don’t want to be caught in the middle. It was a prudent response to a confusing situation. Meanwhile King County has decided not to bother with any sort of regulation. So North Bend residents — with the proper medical documentation — can head over to a friend’s house in unincorporated King County and grow all the pot they want. Whether or not they can bring it back into the city becomes a bit of a grey area. All of this is just absurd. In 1992, “inhaling” was an important distinction that caused a ruckus for then-candidate Bill Clinton. In 2008, Barack Obama admitted he inhaled and nobody cared anymore. We’ve come a long way in popular opinion and it’s time for the laws to catch up. The arguments for legalizing have all been made ad nauseam, but some are worth repeating. Prohibition doesn’t work, nor will it. Marijuana is available to anyone who wants it and prohibition creates a black market. Licensing and regulation could improve safety, free up law enforcement to attend to more important tasks and generate tax revenue. Contrary to anti-marijuana propaganda, it’s not a gateway drug. Some lives have been ruined by it, yes, but making it illegal didn’t stop that from happening. Legalizing it might allow people who need help with addiction to seek treatment without fear of prosecution. And for the majority, smoking marijuana is nothing more than a recreational pastime. Today’s retirees came of age in the ’60s, and if they didn’t smoke a joint then, they probably have friends who did. Few are ‘potheads’ today. The incremental steps toward legalization have created a patchwork of confusing and contradictory laws. Citizens are left in the middle, with their ability to smoke determined by which side of a municipal boundary they happen to be standing on. Just legalize it already. Deborah Berto Kathleen R. Merrill Jill Green
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According to the article “Local police agencies crack down on speeders” (Star, July 14), the police chief plans to “dedicate one patrol car to going after speeders, usually in the evening on the city's busiest streets.” The community would be much better served if they enforced the speed limit laws on the side streets where people actually live, and where there are children playing and dogs being walked. Josiah Farrell North Bend
RE: Whose flag are we flying? This winter I was driving in a Snoqualmie neighborhood and I came across something so heinous, so awful I had to wonder –who would do such a thing? There was a flag flying outside a house and it wasn’t the U.S. flag— it was a Pittsburgh
JULY 28, 2011
Steelers flag. Doesn’t this person remember the tragedy that was “Super Bowl XL”? Don’t they understand they are in Seahawk’s country? Then I remembered: it’s childish, and petty to get offended over a flag. After all we live in the U.S. where we have the right to freedom of expression — and that extends even to Steelers fans. Being Canadian, when we moved into the neighborhood I thought what better way to express this pride than to get a Canadian flag. It also provides a convenient way to find my house. But what I didn’t realize was that this flag would cause such a stir in our community. I was honored and dismayed that my flag would become a topic of a Letter to the Editor “Whose flag are we flying?” The author was so offended by my Canadian flag she even went so far as to suggest that if I don’t stop flying the flag I should move to Canada. Checking into flag code, it does not require an American flag
nor forbid a foreign flag. But I don’t know why this person should be offended by a symbol of Canada as so many Canadians have made positive contributions to North American culture: Michael J Fox, Margaret Atwood, Frank Gehry, Peter Jennings, and to a lesser extent, Justin Beiber. I offer to have the disgruntled Canadian flag loather over for poutine and Kokanee so she can see Canadians are just like Americans, well, except for our religious love of hockey and Tim Horton’s doughnut. Might I suggest the next time she finds herself bored and feels the need to make up something to be offended about that she look beyond her neighbors front yard and turn on the news. Trust me, she will find bigger things to feel outraged about than someone’s heritage pride. T.J. Hoving Snoqualmie See LETTERS, Page 6
Home Country
Road less traveled is lined with papaya trees By Slim Randles Like a doctor removing something important, Herb Collins gently peeled the wrapper back from the root ball and tenderly placed the baby tree in the hole. Then he stood and walked around it to see which way he should align it. Actually, looks pretty good just the way it is. So he took his bucket of mixed sand and compost and began sprinkling it down onto the roots and then packing it in gently with his fist. Every few minutes he’d stop and read the directions again. When he ordered the tree, the nurseryman had written back “Are you sure?” Well, that made ol’ Herb laugh. Yes, he was sure. He’s always sure this time of year. He was still chuckling to himself when Janice Thomas walked along the sidewalk. “Hi Herb,” said the high school art teacher. “What is it this year?” “Papaya, Janice. Nice healthy one, don’t you think?” Janice took a close look at the little dark green tree. “Isn’t that a tropical tree?” “Sure is,” he said, tucking more dirt around the roots. “I have to read the instructions carefully to get this right.” Janice thought carefully
before speaking. “Papayas sure taste good, Herb.” “Sure do. Wouldn’t it be nice if this lives long enough to produce fruit?” “But you’re not expecting …” “Of course not. The first nippy day in autumn will turn this little guy belly up.” Slim Randles He looked up Columnist and smiled at Janice’s consternation. “You know that banana tree almost made it to Christmas last year. That was my best so far. We’ll see how this little guy makes out.”
Each year Herb plants something in the front yard that has no chance at all of being there the following spring. He’s done it for years. It gives the neighborhood something to look at and talk about, and it’s fun. “You know, Herb, if you’re looking for fruit, a cherry tree will produce …” “I’m not looking for fruit, Janice,” he said, gently. “I’m looking for glory. Glory!” He laughed. “Where’s the glory in planting something that will grow here? Anyone can do that. But a papaya? Ha! There’s glory in that.” Brought to you by Slim’s new book “A Cowboy’s Guide to Growing Up Right.” Learn more at http://www.nmsantos.com/Slim/Slim.html.
Write to us Snovalley Star welcomes letters to the editor about any subject, although we reserve the right to edit for space, length, potential libel, clarity or political relevance. Letters addressing local news will receive priority. Please limit letters to 350 words or less and type them, if possible. Email is preferred. Letters must be signed and have a daytime phone number to verify authorship. Send them by Friday of each week to:
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JULY 28, 2011
SnoValley Star
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SnoValley Star
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Police & Fire North Bend Police A bad night, indeed At 11:15 p.m. July 8, police saw a white Dodge pickup westbound on Southwest North Bend Way. The truck swerved to the left at a sharp angle then corrected back. Then the vehicle crossed the fog line and corrected back. This happened once more before the police turned on their emergency lights. The truck finally came to a stop on Ethan Wade Way near Snoqualmie Valley Hospital. The driver, David Wayne Rogers, 50, told police he was having a bad night, was crying and that’s why he was swerving. Police could detect a strong odor of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle. The driver said he had had two glasses of wine earlier. After failing sobriety tests, he was arrested for driving under the influence and taken to the Snoqualmie Police Department, where he failed breath tests. He was later transported to the North Bend substation and released at his address.
Steal from one car, wrap another At 9:08 a.m. July 9, a man called police to report his truck had been broken into in the 400 block of Southeast Seventh Street. The man said he forgot to lock his company truck during the night and that he had discovered someone had stolen golf clubs, CDs, a skateboard, sunglasses, a video camera, a digital camera, and some change. The man said his daughter’s car had been Saran-wrapped. The skateboard had been stolen from the front yard. The man said he and his family heard nothing during the night. While processing this inci-
Letters From Page 4
Flag code lays out specifics of what can fly The Flag Code does not require you to fly the U.S. flag and it does not forbid you from displaying a foreign flag. For example, someone with Irish heritage may proudly fly an Irish flag and is not required to fly the U.S. flag. Section 7g. reads, “When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage
dent, police were advised of another car prowl. A man three blocks away said someone had prowled his car and taken golf clubs and sunglasses. Vehicle owners will assist in prosecution.
Truck and trailer gone At 7:30 a.m. July 11, a man who had parked his truck in the 400 Northwest Eighth Street block realized his truck and trailer were missing. No suspects have been identified. The truck had a hideout key on it.
Misfired BB At 10:23 p.m. July 11, police responded to a vandalism call from the 600 block of Ballarat Avenue North. A man told police that he had heard a faint impact sound and the sound of breaking glass. The man saw a new hole in the outer pane of his bedroom window. The man told police he heard the sound of a pellet gun being shot from a neighbor’s house. He went to a residence in the 600 block of Janet Avenue and spoke to two teenage males, one of whom told him he had accidentally shot the window. The teenager told him his father would pay for the damage and gave him contact information for his father. The man said he had just called 9-1-1 to document the incident and declined to assist in prosecution.
If this Pontiac’s a rockin’ At 12:15 a.m. July 12, while on patrol for an unrelated incident, police saw a beige Pontiac parked on the street in the 47200 block of Southeast 146th Street. As police drove toward the vehicle, headlamps revealed a naked male atop a naked female, with the man’s body oscillating quickly, making the vehicle rock. The couple realized the police had arrived and got dressed in a hurry. Both stated they where there on their own
forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.” Section 7c. starts, “No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America...” Section 7c. later on reads “No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof...” Notwithstanding the confusion here, it is always recommended to fly foreign flags from
free will and both were consenting parties to what had transpired. Police checked their names with dispatch and let the couple leave the area.
Snoqualmie police Bad plates and a DUI At midnight July 17, police saw a white Toyota near the corner of River Street and Maple Avenue. A license plate check showed that the license plate was not a current record. Police stopped the vehicle and asked the driver for his license. The man, Aaron Lee Webster, 18, said he did not have a license, but a permit. Webster had bloodshot eyes and alcohol on his breath. After failing sobriety tests, police arrested Webster for driving under the influence.
Slow ride At 1:40 a.m. July 16, police saw a blue Ford F-150 make an illegal u-turn on North Bend Way near the Snoqualmie Casino. Police followed the truck eastbound for about a quarter mile, and the truck was traveling 10 mph slower than the posted speed limit, swerving from lane to lane and crossing the fog line, at one point almost striking a light pole. Upon approaching the vehicle, police saw four people inside. The vehicle smelled of alcohol and the driver, Chelsea Anne Barnes, 25, had bloodshot and watery eyes. She declined to perform field sobriety tests saying “I know I’m tipsy, just give me the breath test.” She was arrested for driving under the influence and taken to Snoqualmie Police Department.
Mass car prowl At 6:32 a.m. July 20, police arrived at Centennial Fields, 39903 Southeast Park Street. A group of women said their vehicles had just been broken into.
separate poles, and that the flags should be flown at the same height (or the U.S. flag slightly higher) and be of same or similar size. For private citizens, the Flag Code serves as a guide to be followed on a purely voluntary basis to insure proper respect for the flag. The Supreme Court has ruled that politically motivated violations of the Flag Code are protected by the First Amendment. The Flag Code has no provision for enforcement. No fines, no penalties. There is nothing law enforcement can do when the Flag Code is broken. For information, go to www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html. Art Farash North Bend
JULY 28, 2011 One of them said she had arrived around 6 a.m. to work out with the group. About 20 minutes, they heard one of the alarms go off but thought it had gone off by accident. The women said they saw a white Toyota drive back and forth, and that when they heard the alarm, they saw a man run to a white car and leave. A backpack was missing from one vehicle and a purse was missing from another. A third vehicle was broken into but nothing was missing.
Snoqualmie fire ❑ At 12:45 p.m. July 15, EMTs and Bellevue paramedics were dispatched to Snoqualmie Casino for a 54-year-old male experiencing medical problems. The man was evaluated and transported to a hospital by paramedics. ❑ At 1:49 a.m. July 16, EMTs were dispatched to Snoqualmie Casino for a 21-year-old man who was highly intoxicated. They evaluated him and left him in the care of his friend. ❑ At 3:03 p.m. July 16, EMTs responded to Park Street for a man suffering from leg pain. The man was taken to a hospital by a private ambulance. ❑ At 3:09 a.m. July 17, EMTs and Snoqualmie police helped an intoxicated female to her home. She had been found cold and wet in grass near a local bar. The EMTs warmed her up and gave her a ride home. ❑ At 4:02 a.m. July 17, EMTs and Snoqualmie police assisted an intoxicated person who had been found very near his home on Snoqualmie Ridge. ❑ At 12:49 p.m. July 17, a woman drove to the fire station, telling EMTs that she felt weak and wanted to go to a hospital. Snoqualmie’s aid unit took her to a hospital. ❑ At 5:49 p.m. July 17, Snoqualmie firefighters, along with help from Eastside Fire & Rescue and Fall City Fire Department responded to
Thank you for supporting Your Snoqualmie Valley On July 23, Your Snoqualmie Valley, a group of valley residents concerned with the proper use and annexation of the old Weyerhaeuser mill site into Snoqualmie, held a wonderful fundraising event. The event raised money to pay for our lawyer David Bricklin, who is ensuring that the annexation be done legally and use of the land is consistent with the City’s comprehensive plan. Besides raising money in entry fees and during our raffle and silent auction, we enjoyed the music of JackAcid, Vicious Edna and the Rose Family. What we discovered was that this event was really so much
reports of a vehicle fire near an abandoned residence in the downtown area. Upon arrival, it was found to be a small fire that had been extinguished by a neighbor. The fire appeared to be intentional. Snoqualmie police are handling the investigation. ❑ At 5:01 p.m. July 18, EMTs assisted Eastside Fire & Rescue and Medic 3 with a patient transport. ❑ At 6:41 a.m. July 19, EMTs assisted Medic 3 with a patient transport. ❑ At 12:36 p.m. July 19, EMTs responded to an aid call in the downtown area. The patient was taken to a hospital by private ambulance. ❑ At 1:49 p.m. July 19, EMTs responded to Sandy Cove Park for a man in distress. The patient was taken to a hospital by private ambulance. ❑ At 7:19 p.m. July 19, EMTs were dispatched to Southeast Cochrane Street for a 70-year-old woman who had fallen down the stairs. She was evaluated and transported to a hospital by private ambulance. ❑ At 8:19 a.m. July 20, EMTs responded to a 3-year-old boy suffering from flu-like symptoms. The child was evaluated and left in the care of his parents, who were advised to follow up with their pediatrician. ❑ At 11:45 a.m. July 20, EMTs responded to a 14-year-old boy who had been injured in an accident involving a bicycle and a car. He was evaluated and transported to Snoqualmie Valley Hospital.
North Bend fire ❑ At 3:23 a.m. July 26, North Bend firefighters assisted other Eastside Fire & Rescue personnel in extinguishing a residential fire on Southeast 325th Street near Preston. The Star publishes names of those arrested for DUI and those charged with felony crimes. Information comes directly from local police reports.
more than a fundraiser. We got to meet neighbors, make new friends and spread the word. Many people put in so much time to make this event possible I cannot thank them all here, but it was wonderful to see a bunch of folks armed with nothing more than determination pull off an event like this. To all, thank you so much for your time and effort, donated items, auction purchases and concern for our quality of life here in the valley. The proceeds will ensure that issues of noise, flooding and pollution caused by the annexation are properly addressed by the city. Dave Eiffert Snoqualmie
SnoValley Star
JULY 28, 2011
Schools From Page 1 But opponents say fighting sprawl doesn’t require a ban on new schools in rural areas, and that a ban will only cost school districts — and taxpayers — money. The Snoqualmie district is backing an amendment that would grandfather in properties that districts already own. “Unless we can get some movement on this, it appears it’s going to have a negative impact on our district,” Snoqualmie schools Superintendent Joel Aune said.
Abduction From Page 1 According to an email from one boy’s mother, the man approached four children, ages 8, 10, 10, and 12. The woman described the man, based on the children's descriptions, as tall, probably in his mid-50s, wearing a white shirt with dark shorts. The man stood close to the children and told them
Under the proposed change, the district could build a school with a septic system, but the operational costs would be too high, he said. The site district officials are concerned about is next to Twin Falls Middle School and is earmarked for an elementary school in 15 to 20 years. The district paid $675,000 for 40 acres in 1998, half of which it used for the middle school. The district also owns two sites on Snoqualmie Ridge — one for an elementary school and one for a middle school — that it plans to develop in the next 10 years. Under the proposed changes, the district would have to look
they needed to hurry up and come with him. This surprised the children who thought the man must be talking to someone else, but no one else was around. The man offered to pay for their candy if they would leave with him. The youngest child said “our parents are here!” and the man turned around, finished purchasing his groceries and left. Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
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for land inside incorporated areas, which is more expensive. But district officials might not have to go shopping for more land if the county’s Growth Management Planning Council adopts the amendment to grandfather already-owned properties. The council planned to vote on the changes at its June 29 meeting, but delayed the vote until September in order to consider various amendments. “We’re trying to balance multiple policy objectives,” including conservation and education, said Lauren Smith, one of King County Executive Dow Constantine’s top land-use policy advisors. While King County’s policy is
supposed to match up to state and regional policies, it had not been updated since the 1990s. Now is the time to close loopholes that encourage new development in rural areas, antisprawl advocates say. “The existing countywide planning policies — which allow the extension of sewers into the rural area to public facilities — have been a problem for years,” said Tim Trohimovich, the codirector of Planning and Law for Futurewise, a Seattle-based conservation advocacy group. Trohimovich points to two proposed developments in Black Diamond that include placing schools in rural areas to serve urban populations as an exam-
Safety first The city of Snoqualmie released a list of safety tips for adults and their children: ❑ Adults must know where their children are at all times and when they are supposed to return home. ❑ Adults must know who their children’s friends are, where they live and how to reach them. ❑ Adults must never leave a small child alone, even if it’s just a few minutes. ❑ Children must know that mean people don’t necessarily look or act mean. They often smile and act friendly. ❑ Adults must teach children what a safe adult looks like, people like police and firefighters.
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Dan Catchpole: 392-6434, ext. 246, or editor@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
❑ Adults may use role-playing and what-if scenarios for children to practice what to do and how to respond to different situations. ❑ Adults may decide on a secret code word. If you can’t pick up your children yourself, make sure the person you send uses the code word. ❑ Adults may give your children whistles to blow on if they feel in danger. ❑ Adults must teach children how to reach them in an emergency and how and when to call 9-1-1. The list recommended parents teach children to never walk somewhere alone, never take shortcuts through the woods, a back street or an empty lot, never play in dangerous areas like empty buildings and to always pay attention to their surroundings.
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ple of how the existing policy permits sprawl. Schools also attract residents, he said. “That is also why real estate agents tout new schools in the area in which they are trying to sell a house,” he said. “So, people move into the rural area to be near the new school…” Snoqualmie Valley School District attorney Grace Yuan disputes the claim. “Schools aren’t causing sprawl,” she said. “They are responding to growth that has already been approved.”
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Community
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JULY 28, 2011
North Bend parties in feast of sunshine By Sebastian Moraga A little sunshine, a little music and North Bend goes bananas. A few bananas, a few wheels and the children of North Bend have a blast, too. The Banana Boogie returned for the third year in a row to the North Bend Block Party. Children built cars with bananas and then raced them down a sloped platform. It was hard to tell who was having more fun, the grown-ups or the children. “We all have fun,” said Stacey Cepeda of Encompass, which organizes the children’s events at the block party. “We try to take care of children and we have a great time.” For safety’s sake, those volunteering were wearing bright orange shirts, Cepeda said, making Encompass volunteers easy for parents and children to identify. The weather was so nice, even “emergencies” were handled with a smile. Kim Zinter from Fall City Pony Farm didn’t even flinch when one of her miniature horses went potty in midbooth. Even those not exactly Members of Snoqualmie Strings, a youth orchestra, play on North Bend Way, which was shut down for the community party. By Mary Miller
dressed for the occasion enjoyed the shindig. Totz the Frog, from Totz Drop ‘n’ Play Center, received hug after hug although she was dressed in a thick costume and the temperature kept climbing. On the other end of the sartorial spectrum were the Mount Si High School wrestlers, sitting in a dunk tank with shorts on. When little girls weren’t throwing balls at them, they were dunking each other. Then there was Joshua Jensen, making batch after batch of kettle corn, enduring insufferable heat, and much to his delight, selling bag after bag, too. “It’s just now that a you catch me taking a break,” said Jensen, his forehead glistening with sweat. “Last year was good, too.” Jensen was planning to stay the whole nine hours of the block party, he said. His wife might show up later, he added, but not to work. “Just because she likes me,” he said.
By Mary Miller
Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
At left, one of Valentines Performing Pigs, from Gig Harbor, leaps through a hoop during the North Bend Block Party. Below, children and parents cheer on banana derby cars during races hosted by Encompass.
By Sebastian Moraga
By Mary Miller
Chase Rabideau, of North Bend, and teammates forge ahead in the Twede’s Café hamburger-eating contest. Above, Karen Ford, Shelley Tomberg and Sally Annabella, of Shelley & the Curves, fill the streets of downtown North Bend with music during the Block Party. Chelsea Heffernan takes a spin with her father, Daniel Heffernan, during the block party. Photos by Mary Miller
By Sebastian Moraga
Competitors vie to win the title in the Alpine Fitness Strongman Contest on Main Avenue.
SnoValley Star
JULY 28, 2011
PAGE 9
From Dixie with love By Sebastian Moraga For Eddie Grossie, it’s a family venture. For Greg Stiber, it’s a family concern. Grossie’s parents and brother started coming to the Snoqualmie Valley from Charleston, S.C., 12 years ago to sell cherries they bought in Wenatchee. His parents and his brother have died, but Grossie, now a construction subcontractor and a married father, keeps returning. Same spot in the same city, Snoqualmie, every year. “It’s probably the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen,” he said. “I’ve been all over the U.S. and I really love this place.” Stiber, however, had never sold cherries until now. A college sophomore, he said his mom dreads having him so far from their Perryville, Ark., home 40 miles west of Little Rock. “I have been gone from home for three months,” he said. “I’m all right, though.” Before coming to North Bend a month ago, he worked in California. Stiber stays dry under the cherry tent. Although a few drops land on him, he keeps smiling. He knows that Perryville is baking under 100degree heat and 70-percent humidity. “It’s a good job,” he said of his cherry stand. “Long hours, but a good job.”
“It’s probably the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.” — Eddie Grossie Cherry stand operator
Weekdays feel longer than weekends, but this year differed. At least one Monday zoomed by. “Fourth of July,” Stiber said. “Every year, it’s really good.” Grossie said the limping economy has made for slow days this year. He waits for customers while reading his Bible and plopping cherries in his mouth one after the other. “I’m sick of them already, but I keep eating them,” he said. Stiber avoids eating cherries. Bendigo Boulevard is no place for bathroom breaks, he said. Besides, he’s waiting for a pizza. Stiber is living in Tacoma along with eight other college boys manning stands across the Puget Sound. Grossie is living in a North Bend motel. His wife and children came, but they returned to South Carolina once his wife’s mother got sick. If he lived here year round, he probably would sell fruit year round, Grossie said. But Washington is expensive, so he calls his trip north “my vacation.” They work fewer than 10
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By Sebastian Moraga
Cindy Luther sells cherries, among other sweets, from her fruit stand near Interstate 90 in Snoqualmie. miles apart for seven days a week and they get their cherries from the same city: Wenatchee. Nevertheless, Stiber and Grossie have never met. One thing they do have in common is high praise for whoever snagged their merchandise
from the trees. “I don’t like doing that,” Stiber said. “That’s hard work. A lot harder than what I do and probably they don’t make as much.” Grossie agreed. “I’m way too lazy for that,” he
said. “Those guys work hard. It’s a blessing having ‘em. It’s a job that most people won’t do, and they’ll just jump in and do it.” Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
Remember Dental Check Ups during the Back to School Season
SnoValley Star
PAGE 10
JULY 28, 2011
Sample Snoqualmie serves up local offerings Snoqualmie businesses have a lot to offer the city’s residents, and city officials are helping to make sure the two know about each other. Saturday is the second annual Sample Snoqualmie, which
If you go
❑ When: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, July 30 ❑ Where: Snoqualmie Community Park, 35016 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie Ridge
Featured businesses ❑ Cascade Dance Academy ❑ DMW Martial Arts ❑ Edvantage Tutoring ❑ Finaghty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant ❑ Into the Wild Photography ❑ Jeff Warren State Farm Insurance ❑ Kumon Math and Reading
Obituary Ronald Bruce Reinhardt Ronald Bruce Reinhardt, of North Bend, passed away Wednesday, July 6, 2011, in Snoqualmie. He was 65. Ron was born Oct. 3, 1945 in Minneapolis, Minn., to Bryson and Irma Reinhardt. He was raised primarily in Monterey and Laguna Beach, Calif., and graduated from Laguna Beach High School in 1963. After high school, Ron was inducted into the United States Army. He served as a medic in
showcases local businesses. The event also offers live music, raffle prizes, food, a beer garden, and crafts and games for children. Music will be provided by Thomas Starks, Joie Calio and the Washing-tone-iacs. Center ❑ Snoqualmie Falls Candy Factory ❑ Sports Cards and Memorabilia ❑ Tupperware by Evangeline Euseblo ❑ Uncle Si’s Pizza
Raffle prizes ❑ One free session of Edvantage Tutoring ❑ Wild Waves passes ❑ Salish Lodge & Spa gift certificate ❑ Into the Wild Photography 8x10 photograph
Vietnam, where he befriended, aided and saved the lives of many soldiers. During his time in Vietnam, he was wounded in a tunnel explosion while investigating enemy territory, earning him a Purple Heart. He was discharged honorably in 1966. On Oct. 5, 1980, Ron married Elizabeth Curran in Burien. They started a family in Renton and later moved to Kent. Although Ron was an expert contractor by profession, his true passion lie in raising his daughters and giving back to his community. That included everything from attending all softball games and field trips, to planning
Contributed
Jody Sands (left) and Wendy Thomas share a smile during 2010’s Sample Snoqualmie.
daddy-daughter weekend adventures and fishing trips, and always lending a helping hand to anyone in need. He spent time in Gig Harbor before moving to California in 2004. In 2006, he spent two years in the Yukon province of Canada, fulfilling a promise to his uncle, a forest ranger, who told Ron the Yukon was one place he had to experience in his lifetime. To be near his family again, Ron moved back and settled in the Snoqualmie Valley in early 2008. Experienced in the construction trade, he lent his talent to The Home Depot in Issaquah, where he worked the last few
years of his life. In his leisure time, Ron enjoyed fishing, going to garage sales, telling a story to anyone who would listen and spending as much quality time with his family as possible. An expert wood worker, he seemed to always have a project in process. He loved to make birdhouses, rocking airplanes, and other woodcrafts for his family and friends. A lover of dogs, birds and charitable works, Ron could seemingly always be found caring for someone in need. His family and friends remember him as a loving and dedicated father, grandfather and friend who possessed a big heart; kind smile and infectious laugh; a selfless, loyal and honest character; and a great sense of humor. He was a family-centric man who is, and always will be, deeply missed.
“Our dad always told us that he could leave this earth a happy man knowing that he raised us right and that we would be OK. In recent months, especially, he had reiterated this to us and others, saying he knows this to be true now, more than ever.” — Erica and Erin Survivors include his loving daughters Erica VanWagoner, of Snoqualmie, and Erin Reinhardt, of Fall City; sister Nancy Chin, of Oakland, Calif.; grandson Gabriel; granddaughter Alix; and a host of extended family members and friends. A memorial service was held July 24 at Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church, Fall City. Arrangements are entrusted to Flintoft’s Funeral Home and Crematory, 392-6444. Friends are invited to view photos and share memories in the family’s online guest book at www.flintofts.com.
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JULY 28, 2011
PAGE 11
King County advises keeping your pet’s shots up to date
Gary Wright is still the ‘Dream Weaver’ at casino Hippiefest ten songs that have become classics, not hits, but classics.” Talking to Gary Wright is like Of those classics none stands taking a course on the past 40 taller than “Dream Weaver,” a years of popular music. single that spent three weeks at Not only did he reach the No. 2 on the Billboard charts in music world’s stratosphere in 1976. 1976 with his song “Dream The album, titled “The Dream Weaver,” but he pioneered the Weaver” went multi-platinum. use of the synthesizer in music. Having such a successful And not only is he playing in record was unexpected, Wright a world tour with former Beatle said. Ringo Starr, but Decades after he’s also play“Dream “I love performing. I have ing in this Weaver,” he is year’s done it since I was 11 years on to more Hippiefest on adventures, old. I love to go out and Aug. 6 at the including a tour Snoqualmie of South uplift people.”” Casino. America with “I love per— Gary Wright Starr and writforming,” he Musician ing his memsaid by phone oirs. from Berlin. “I “That’s really have done it since I was 11 years my next labor of love,” Wright old. I love to go out and uplift said. people.” Musicians wanting a career This is Wright’s first time in like Wright’s must know how Snoqualmie, although he is no hard it is, he said. stranger to Washington. He per“There aren’t the opportuniformed in the state last year ties I had when I was first startwith Starr, he said. ing out,” he said. “If you want to This time, Wright will share play with a band in a club, they the stage with Dave Mason, make you pay. It’s anti-creative.” Mark Farner, Felix Cavaliere and Nevertheless, he advised Rick Derringer. writing great, unusual music, “Each artist gets up and does believing in oneself, having between four and six songs,” plenty of stamina and Wright said. “I may play some of Rick Derringer’s songs, we might do “Feelin’ Alright” with Dave Mason, we kind of mix it up.” When he is not performing or working in the studio, Wright Kirby Nelson Orthodontics is a great pays attention to what’s popular place! I had braces for what seemed nowadays. like forever, but thanks to their hard “There’s a lot of good stuff work I now have a beautiful smile! coming up,” he said. “I like Not to mention my parents love them Usher, I like some of the Black as well. Thanks Kirby Nelson Eyed Peas’ stuff, Beyonce. I like Orthodontics for helping me perfect really good singers.” my smile. Wright was one of the first - Mykaela Gardner artists to tour with an all-keyboard band and pioneered the use of synthesizers. Besides, he said, “I have writBy Sebastian Moraga
Contributed
Rock legend Gary Wright performs his greatest hits, including ‘Dream Weaver,’ at Hippiefest, Aug. 6 at Snoqualmie Casino. endurance, and building a long list of live gigs. “Play live as much as you can,” he said. “That’s where you’re going to make your living. Record sales have gone
Another beautiful smile
Mykaela Gardner, North Bend patient
Courtesy of
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down so much, it’s impossible to make a living selling records.” Sebastian Moraga: 392-6434, ext. 221, or smoraga@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is a saying that applies to the health of your pets as much as it applies to you, according to the Regional Animal Services of King County. Routine immunizations are important to the life and health of your furry friends. “Vaccines are one of the wonders of modern medicine,” said Sue Moriyasu, veterinary medical director at Regional Animal Services. “Just as in humans, initial immunizations and boosters are vital to ensuring that your pet lives a long, healthy and happy life.” The list of vaccine-preventable animal diseases is long, county officials said, but they reported that two illnesses seem to be making their way through the county: panleukopenia, or feline distemper, and parvovirus in dogs. The closely related viruses spread easily, are resistant to most disinfectants and can live on contaminated surfaces for years. Illnesses caused by the viruses often are fatal to kittens or puppies. Symptoms of both illnesses may include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite and lethargy. Moriyasu said the viruses never would be eliminated from our environment, making the best treatment easily available and highly effective vaccinations.
Sports
PAGE 12
JULY 28, 2011
Little Si hike leads to spectacular view of mountains, valley By Christopher Huber As hikers approached the final uphill stretch of the Little Si trail, the downy woodpecker curiously peered around a tree and scooted up the side, pecking lightly at the bark. People continued up the minor switchback and the blackand-white bird with a red crest spread its wings and swooped over to another tree near the trail. It seemed used to the regular foot traffic as it alertly spied on passers-by from just a few feet off the trail. While the woodpecker might be the only wildlife you encounter during a trip up the rocky mountain face, the 4.4mile Little Si trail will make you want to return — and probably soon. Beth and Duane Carlson, of Bellevue, have come back a dozen times, they said while basking in the midday sun July 6. The couple was planning to catch up on some yard work that morning, but the limited prospect of having another 80degree day like this turned their thoughts toward the mountains. “I was like, ‘You know what,
Hike of the Week
Key features Roundtrip: 4.4 miles Highest point: 1,576 feet Elevation gain: 1,200 feet Maps and guidebooks: Green Trails Mount Si No. 174 and Bandera No. 206; Day Hiking: Snoqualmie Pass (Nelson and Bauer – Mountaineers Books) Source: Washington Trails Association, Mountaineers Books By Christopher Huber
Bob Dubose and Kyoko Maruyama, both of Bellevue, enjoy the view from the top of Little Si after their July 6 hike. let’s go hiking,’” said Beth, an avid outdoorswoman at 60. And although he wanted to get work done in the yard, Duane said it didn’t take much
convincing to change his mind. “It took her two sentences to talk me out of doing yard work,” said Duane, 71, a retired doctor.
The Little Si trail, one of the more popular hikes in King County, along with the famed Mount Si trail, starts out steep,
levels out a bit and tests hikers of all ages with a steep and See HIKE, Page 13
Snoqualmie fishing guide Derek Young named Guide of the Year By Sebastian Moraga To Derek Young, living the dream is hard work. He ditched the cubicle for the river, the personnel files for a fly-fishing line, and he now makes a living by fishing and teaching others to fish. A former human resources specialist for in a corporate environment, Young took the professional u-turn three years ago, and decided to become a fishing guide. “It was something that was on my mind for a long time,” he said. “In January of 2009, I decided this is the year I follow my dream.” He had spent 17 years in the corporate world. Three years later, at 40, Young said he made the right decision. “Very little stress with this job,” he said. The dream received a big boost last month when East Coast-based The Orvis Co., which specializes in fly-fishing gear, clothes and equipment, named Young its Guide of the Year. To Bitzie Lee, a customer of Young’s who traveled with him and her husband in early July, having Young as the guide added excitement
to the trip. “It was an extra treat that we got to go out with a superstar,” she said. Lee called the experience of fishing with Young “awesome.” “He was so informative,” she said. “You didn’t want him to stop talking. You just wanted to be a student all day.” Lee said she went on the trip as a last-minute replacement for a friend of her husband’s. Now, she wants to sign up for a flyfishing class for women. “I started a new hobby,” she said. To Young, a successful fishing trip entails more than just loading up and taking off. The job can be intimidating and frustrating, he said. It’s not about catching fish, it’s about teaching people how to fish. “You have to know how to read people,” he said. “You almost have to be a psychiatrist.” He has to have enough food, enough gear, the right weather, the right river flow. After spending the day on the river, he has to get everything cleaned and ready for the next day. “There’s more than just
Contributed
Derek Young, recently named The Orvis Co. guide of the year, holds a trout he caught on a recent trip. owning a boat,” he said, “and taking people out to the river.”
The profit margin of running a guiding business may be small, but Young said that’s not how
he gets paid. “My profit is in the smiles on people’s faces,” he said.
JULY 28, 2011
SnoValley Star
Snoqualmie Ridge team wins Shoreline basketball tournament
Mount Si pitcher signs with Walla Walla Community College Mount Si graduate Shane Dixon has committed to play baseball for Walla Walla Community College next year. During the Wildcats run to the state title, Dixon was one of
Hike From Page 12
By Gina Spiller
The Wildcats, from Snoqualmie, won the Shoreline 4-on-4 Basketball Tournament on July 23. The 7th graders won four games back to back to win the sixth to eighth grade division. They beat an eighth grade team from Seattle to take the title in a tight game. From left to right: Chaija Olsson, Jillian Chellis, Kallin Spiller, Scout Turner and Kelly Keene.
rough finish. At 2.2 miles each way, hikers can do the trail in a couple of hours at a brisk pace. But the views of the Upper Snoqualmie Valley all along the route slow many down, as apparent on a midday Wednesday. From the trailhead, you head straight up into the forest on a rocky path. Within 10 minutes, you’ll get a glance of Rattlesnake Ledge across the Valley. The thick second-growth forest provides needed shade on a hot day and levels out after about .3 miles. Stay left at the junction with the Boulder Loop Trail. At about 1.5 miles you’ll pass the rock-climbing section to the left. You might hear unidentified voices echoing through the forest, but the ropes dangling from clips in the rock face give them away.
PAGE 13 the team’s most consistently reliable relief pitchers and fielders. He appeared in seven games, throwing 12.1 innings and logging a 1.14 earned run average. Dixon platooned at third base with Ryan Atkinson. He had a .261 batting average during the regular season. Across all sports at Mount Si,
27 members of the Class of 2011 have signed to play for a two or four-year college. Since 1990, Walla Walla Community College has had 15 players picked in Major League Baseball’s amateur draft. The most recent player was Nyjer Morgan in 2002. Morgan is a starting outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Getting there: Take Interstate 90 east to Exit 32 (436th Avenue Southeast). Turn left and drive over the freeway. After a halfmile, turn left onto North Bend Way. In a quarter-mile, turn right onto Mount Si Road. Cross the bridge and the first parking lot will be on your left. Another parking lot (closer to the main trailhead) is located about 1,000 feet down the road. Allow three to five hours for the driveway-to-driveway roundtrip, depending on your desired pace on the trail and whether you have children or pets with you. Dogs are allowed on a leash. To park you need a Washington State Discover Pass; get one at www.discoverpass.wa.gov. Stay right at the “Y” in the trail — climbers scramble up the left side to reach their ropeup points. The final mile is rock and root laden and steep, so make sure to hydrate and tighten your shoes before the ascent. When not looking down to watch your step, take in the glimpses of Mount Si to the east and the Valley to the south. Stop and listen to the gentle breeze whisk through the trees. It’s self-explanatory at the
top. If it’s clear, you will have 180-degree views of the Upper Snoqualmie Valley and North Bend. Dragonflies flit about and chipmunks may clamor for crumbs of your sandwich. Sit. Eat. Gaze. Explore. The rock face of Little Si provides ample space for dozens of visitors to find their own quiet spot. Christopher Huber: 392-6434, ext. 242, or chuber@isspress.com. Comment at www.snovalleystar.com.
SnoValley Star also install filtration and disinfection systems. Cisterns must be able to accommodate enough storage to last through the area’s typically dry summers. “Use of rainwater as the sole source for household water encourages conservation every day, and conservation is the way we will be able to meet the water demands of the future,” Lambert said.
FREE ADS FOR personal items under $250
Classifieds
To place your ad call 425-392-6434, ext 222 Deadline: Monday 5pm
See HOTLINE, Page 16
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The state Department of Ecology tossed away a statewide litter hotline amid budget cuts. Since July 15, callers to the “Litter and It Will Hurt” campaign hotline have heard a recorded message saying the state is no longer accepting reports of littering. The service had taken litter violation reports from citizens and followed up by sending educational letters to the owners of vehicles for suspected littering.
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King County residents can now rely on cloudbursts as a thirst quencher. On July 21, the county Board of Health approved a measure to allow rainwater captured from roofs as the sole residential water source for single-family homes on septic systems. Under older rules, rainwater could only be used as a supplemental source. The board acted in response to residents interested in building eco-conscious homes. Kathy Lambert, a board member and Snoqualmie Valley’s representative on the King County Council, proposed adding rainwater-catchment systems as a tool for another water source. “Extending public water lines or digging a well are not always available or feasible in rural and rugged areas of King County, or they can be so expensive to install that they render a lot unbuildable,” she said in a state-
ment. The code change follows recent action by the state Department of Ecology to remove permit requirements for rainwater harvesting. “Roof-top rainwater collection systems could be a good solution for homeowners who want to maximize water conservation,” Larry Fay, manager of community environmental health at Public Health – Seattle & King County, said in a statement. “These systems require close attention to water use management, so they aren’t right for everybody…” Public Health – Seattle & King County rules started to allow rainwater as a drinking water source last year, but only as a supplement to public water, a well or a spring. Now, single-family homes on septic systems can use rainwater for all uses, albeit under certain conditions. The regulation requires specific roof materials and qualifications for designers of rainwatercatchment systems. Users must
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JULY 28, 2011
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Highway exit numbers
(1) HUGE GARAGE SALE!! Household, TVs, stereo, lots of miscellaneous, nice women’s clothes 14-1X - cheap!! 8106 378th Ave SE, Snoqualmie. Saturday, 7/30/11, 9am-4pm
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(2) GIANT YARD SALE, Thursday-Sunday, July 28, 29, 30, 31st, 9am-5pm, across from Chinook Hardware, Bendigo Blvd. N, North Bend. Huge variety of items, something for everyone!
1-Real Estate for Sale
63-Items for Sale/Trade
134-Help Wanted
20 ACRE RANCH foreclosures Near Booming El Paso, Texas. Was $16,900 Now $12,900 $0 down, take over payment, $99/mo. Beautiful views, owner financing. Free Map/Pictures 800-343-9444 <w>
TWO ALBINO GECKO (M/F) , with all accessories, $50. Retail value $220. Moving. 206291-6846
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SENIOR Activity Center, East rural King County accepting applicatons through July 29th. Contact ruth@mailfilter700. com or Executive Director Search, P.O. 806, North Bend, WA 98045
13-Apartments for Rent CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN, North Bend. Quiet, convenient. Edelweiss Apartments, 1BD $700/month. 425-392-5012
33-Want To Rent or share DOWNTOWN SNOQUALMIE, PRIVATE room, $450/month, utilitise included. Available now. 425-351-0506
41-Money & Finance LOCAL PRIVATE INVESTOR loans money on real estate equity. I loan on houses, raw land, commercial property and property development. Call Eric at (800) 563-3005. www.fossmortgage.com <w>
FOR SALE: 1991 LS 400 Lexus $3150/OBO. Runs great! Also, 1991 Ford Probe, runs good, $1000/OBO. 425466-2175
117-Classes/Seminars ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from home. *Medical *Business *Paralegal * Accounting * Criminal Justice. Computer available. Financial aid if qualified. Call 866-483-4429 www.CenturaOnline.com <w>
134-Help Wanted ATTN: COMPUTER WORK. Work from anywhere 24/7. Up to $1,500 Part Time to $7,500/mo. Full Time. Training provided, www.workservices27.com <w>
44-Business Opportunity MAKE $20,000-$40,000. JOIN our breeding program. Easy. Fun. All equipment FREE. Work 3 hrs per week. 4 ft work space needed. Live anywhere. Call 1-309-720-4389 <w>
63-Items for Sale/Trade COACH/DONNA KARAN/ BRIGHTON purses, $30/each. Top quality, good condition. 425-837-9816 MANY 13” AUTO tires priced from $3 - $30, 425-747-3798 MINI TRAMPOLINE, LIKE new, $25. Oreck small cannister vaccum, $45. Omega 1000 juicer, $75. 425-3928350 HELP WANTED ADS IN THIS PAPER TARGET LOCAL POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES $22 FOR 2 WEEKS/ 25 WORD AD INCLUDING YOUR ONLINE AD!! 425-392-6434, EXT. 222
AUTO TECHNICIAN SALES & SERVICE $9.20+/hr to start Bonuses & Benefits
134-Help Wanted
PART-TIME ADVERTISING REP The Issaquah Press seeks a motivated, outgoing person in advertising sales for our award-winning community newspaper group. Work with the friendly merchants of Newcastle and nearby. Take over a developed territory with room to grow. If you have the motivation to sell and a passion for great customer service, we want to meet you! Training provided. You will help clients develop advertising campaigns and annual plans, and communicate with our graphics department to develop the ads. You must have the ability to juggle many deadlines and details, have basic computer experience, good grammar skills, and thrive on your own success. Reliable transportation needed, mileage allowance provided. Average 20 hours week/very flexible. Join our fun team! Email cover letter, resume and references to: jgreen@isspress.com
WE TRAIN! Prefer Customer Service, Sales or Auto Background Apply online:
www.henrysjobs.com select "Issaquah, WA" DRIVERS: CENTRAL REFRIGERATED hiring experienced & non-experienced Drivers. CDL training available. $0 down financing & employ today! Average $40.000$70,000! 1-877-369-7894
142-Services DIVORCE $135. $165 with children. No court appearances. Complete preparation. Includes, custody, support, property division and bills. BBB member. (503) 772-5295, www.paralegalalternatives. com?divorce@usa.com <w>
ADVERTISING? Call 392-6434
Ext. 222
Calendar
JULY 28, 2011
Public meetings ❑ Snoqualmie Public Works Committee, 5 p.m. Aug. 1, 38624 S.E. River St. ❑ Snoqualmie Planning and Parks Committee, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1, 38624 S.E. River St. ❑ Snoqualmie Planning Commission, 7 p.m. Aug. 1, 38624 S.E. River St. ❑ North Bend Finance and Administration Committee, 2 p.m. Aug. 2, 211 Main Ave. N. ❑ Snoqualmie Finance and Administration Committee, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 2, 38624 S.E. River St. ❑ North Bend City Council, 7 p.m. Aug. 2, 411 Main Ave. N. ❑ Si View Metro Park District Board of Commissioners, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 3, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive, North Bend ❑ Public Hospital District No. 4 Board of Commissioners, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 4, 38624 S.E. River St.
July
Sample Snoqualmie
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Events ❑ North Bend Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series, 4-8 p.m. July 28, Si View Park, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive. See a performance by Mon Cheri at 5:30 p.m. ❑ Family Fun Nights at the Park, 5:30 p.m. July 28, Snoqualmie Community Park, 35016 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie. Games and events for all ages 3-12. Bring a picnic. ❑ Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None,” 8 p.m. July 28-30, Theatre Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie, and 8 p.m. Aug. 46, Valley Center Stage, 119 North Bend Way, North Bend. Tickets are $15 ($12 for seniors and students), and are available at www.brownpapertickets.com. ❑ Meadowbrook,the town, 7-9 p.m. July 29, Meadowbrook Farm Interpretive Center, 1711 Boalch Ave., North Bend. This free event examines the history of Meadowbrook, which was settled in 1858 and added to Snoqualmie in the 1950s. ❑ Subalpine ecology in the Cedar River Watershed, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. July 30, Cedar River Watershed Education Center, 19901 Cedar Falls Road S.E., North Bend. Bring lunch, and dress for the weather and for hiking. For ages 10 and older. Cost: $15. For meeting location, call 831-6780. ❑ Walk to Big Cedar, 10 a.m. July 30, Meadowbrook Farm Interpretive Center, 1711 Boalch Ave., North Bend. Check out a majestic 500-year-old tree. Come dressed for the weather. ❑ Sample Snoqualmie, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 30, Snoqualmie Community Park, 35016 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie. Sample Snoqualmie showcases the many services
Sample Snoqualmie showcases the many services and products offered right in Snoqualmie. Enjoy food and beverages, and tour the local merchant booths. Crafts and games will be offered for children at many booths. Sample Snoqualmie, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 30 at Snoqualmie Community Park, 35016 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie.
and products offered right in Snoqualmie. Enjoy food and beverages, and tour the local merchant booths. Crafts and games will be offered for children at many booths. ❑ Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater presents Brigadoon, various times until Aug. 28, 36800 David Powell Road, Fall City. Show times: 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets: $18 ($16 senior/students, $8 for children ages 6-12). Buy tickets and dinner reservations online at www.foresttheater.org. ❑ Youth Sports Gear Garage Sale, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. July 31, Si View Community Center, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive, North Bend. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Si View Community Foundation Scholarships. ❑ Merry Monday Story Times, 11 a.m. Aug. 1, North Bend Library, 115 E. 4th St., North Bend. For newborns to 3year-olds accompanied with an adult. ❑ Family Story Time, 1 p.m. Aug. 1, Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Boulevard S.E., Snoqualmie. For ages 2 and older with adult. ❑ Toddler Story Times, 9:30 a.m. Aug. 2, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., North Bend. For ages 2-3 with an adult. ❑ Preschool Story Times, 10:30 a.m. Aug. 2, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., North Bend. For ages 3-6 with an adult. ❑ Take a Musical Mystery Tour, 10:30 a.m. Aug. 2, Fall
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City Library, 33415 S.E. 42nd Place, Fall City. For ages 5 and older with adult. ❑ Sticks and Stones, Seeds and Bones Concert, 11 a.m. Aug. 2, Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Boulevard S.E., Snoqualmie. For ages 2 and older with adult. ❑ Open mic, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 2, Twede’s Café, 137 W. North Bend Way, North Bend. ❑ Young Toddler Story Times, 9:30 a.m. Aug. 3, Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E. Ages 6-24 months old accompanied by an adult. ❑ Preschool Story Times, 10:30 a.m. Aug. 3, Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E. Ages 3-6 accompanied by an adult. ❑ Pajamarama Story Times, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 3, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St. All young children are welcome with an adult. ❑ Kids’ Play in the Parks Program, 1-3 p.m. Aug. 3, alternating location, Snoqualmie. Children can play games, work on art projects and enjoy other activities. Parents must pre-register children with Snoqualmie’s Parks and Recreation Department. Locations alternate each week between Centennial Fields Park, 39903 S.E. Park St., and Azalea Park, 6604 Azalea Way, Snoqualmie. For children ages 5-10. Pre-register by calling Cassie Craig, Parks and Recreation Department, at 8315784.
2011
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❑ Open mic, 7 p.m. Aug. 3, The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie. ❑ The Kids Sale consignment event, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Aug. 5, Cascade View Elementary School, 34816 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie. ❑ Open Sesame: “Iftah Ya Sim-Sim,” 2 p.m. Aug. 5, Fall City Library, 33415 S.E. 42nd Place, Fall City. Middle Eastern dance for ages 5 and older with an adult. ❑ Jack-Acid, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5, The Black Dog, 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie. All ages welcome. ❑ Snoqualmie 101, 10 a.m. Aug. 6, Meadowbrook Farm Interpretive Center, 1711 Boalch Ave., North Bend. Local historian Dave Battey unlocks Snoqualmie’s history in this free event. ❑ Dog Days of Summer, 1-3 p.m. Aug. 7, Three Forks Dog Park, 39912 S.E. Park St., Snoqualmie. Flying dogs and howling hounds will fill the afternoon with fun at this free event. Bring your dog for games, dog-friendly vendor booths and friendly competition.
5815 toll free, or email melissat@seniorservices.org. Apply online at www.seniorservices.org. Click on “Giving Back” and then on “Volunteer Opportunities.” ❑ Mount Si Senior Center needs volunteers for sorting and sales in the thrift store, reception and class instruction. The center is at 411 Main Ave. S., North Bend. Call 888-3434. ❑ Hopelink in Snoqualmie Valley seeks volunteers for a variety of tasks. Volunteers must be at least 16. Go to www.hopelink.org/takeaction/volunteer.com or call 869-6000. ❑ Adopt-A-Park is a program for Snoqualmie residents to improve public parks and trails. An application and one-year commitment are required. Call 831-5784. ❑ Study Zone tutors are needed for all grade levels to give students the homework help they need. Two-hour weekly commitment or substitutes wanted. Study Zone is a free service of the King County Library System. Call 369-3312.
Volunteer opportunities ❑ Elk Management Group invites the community to participate in elk collaring, telemetry and habitat improvement projects in the Upper Snoqualmie Valley. Project orientation meetings are at 6 p.m. the third Monday of the month at the North Bend City Hall, 211 Main Ave. N. Email research@snoqualmievalleyelk.org. ❑ Snoqualmie Valley Hospital is accepting applications for ages 16 or older to volunteer in various departments of the hospital. Email volunteer coordinator Carol Waters at carolw@snoqualmiehospital.org to arrange an interview. ❑ Spanish Academy invites volunteers fluent in Spanish to participate in summer camps on its three-acre farm-style school. Must love children and nature. Call 888-4999. ❑ Senior Services Transportation Program needs volunteers to drive seniors around North Bend and Snoqualmie. Choose the times and areas in which you’d like to drive. Car required. Mileage reimbursement and supplemental liability insurance are offered. Call 206-748-7588 or 800-282-
Classes ❑ S.A.I.L. (Stay Active and Independent for Life) exercise class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Mount Si Senior Center, 411 Main Ave. S., North Bend. Led by certified exercise instructor Carla Orellana. Call 888-3434.
Clubs ❑ Moms Club of North Bend meets at 10 a.m. the last Monday of the month at Totz of North Bend, 249 Main Ave. S., #E, North Bend. Children are welcome. Go to www.momsclub.org. ❑ Sallal Grange, 12912 432nd Ave. S.E., North Bend, meets the first Friday for a potluck and open mic with local musicians. The potluck starts at 6 p.m. with the music from 7 p.m. to midnight. Open to all people/ages. Go to www.sallalgrange.org. ❑ Snoqualmie Valley Garden Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday at the Mount Si Senior Center, North Bend. Call 453-8630. Submit an item for the community calendar by emailing editor@snovalleystar.com or go to www.snovalleystar.com.
SnoValley Star
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Hotline From Page 14 Operating the toll-free reporting line cost the Department of Ecology about $50,000 each year. Officials reduced the agency’s Waste Reduction, Recycling and Litter Control Account — the funding source for the state’s litter prevention and cleanup activities — by $7 million for the 2011-13 budget. The account’s main revenue source is
a tax on industries producing items responsible for contributing to the litter problem. Due to similar reductions to the account taken in the last few years, funding for promoting the litter reporting line, as well as other litter prevention activities, had already been eliminated. Only the reporting hotline and educational letters, roadway signs and the agency’s litter website remained as part of the state’s anti-littering campaign. Even though the hotline is suspended, highway and road-
way litter-prevention signs remains in place. Taking them down will cost too much money, according to a statement by Peter Christiansen, of the Department of Ecology. The fines for littering remain in place if the state patrol catches a person in the act, he said.
Sheriff’s Office gets good marks on handling misconduct issues The King County Auditor’s
JULY 28, 2011 Office gave high marks to the county sheriff’s department for the frequency, severity and handling of misconduct issues in a report released July 11. The report looked at misconduct, use of force and complaints from 2006 to 2010. It also examined the outcome of the department’s internal investigations of complaints. King County Sheriff’s deputies received complaints regarding their use of force at a rate below the national average reported by the federal Bureau of
Justice Statistics. According to the auditor’s findings, the sheriff’s office received 1.3 complaints for every 100 sworn officers. The national average is 6.6 complaints for all police agencies and 9.5 for large agencies. Of the department’s 706 sworn officers, 96 percent had no complaints filed against them. Seventy percent of sustained complaints against officers during the five-year period were filed by employees of the sheriff’s office.
Auto Repairs
Bicycles
Automotive Service
Collision Repair
Tires