ISSAQUAH PRESS INC. THE ISSAQUAH PRESS • SAMMAMISH REVIEW • NEWCASTLE NEWS • SNOVALLEY STAR P.O. Box 1328, Issaquah, WA 98027
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Homeless people. Just saying the phrase in a crowd can draw strange stares and outright hostility. But not in Issaquah. No, in Issaquah, residents have twice welcomed the roving Seattle-area homeless encampment to a church lot downtown. The first time the camp came, in August 2007, some city residents helped serve meals to camp residents and a few groups and families turned out to donate things the homeless needed. But before the camp came to town the first time, people were fearful. Concerns about sex offenders living in the camp and homeless people being close to a preschool near the church lot gave residents reasons to complain — to themselves, to others, to the church and to The Issaquah Press. Both times the camp came to Issaquah, we at the paper knew that we had to calm people’s unfounded fears and answer their questions, to educate them about what was going to happen, where and why. And to tell them what would not occur, such as sex offenders not being allowed to be in the camp. The second time the camp came to our city, we knew we had to do more. Editor Kathleen R. Merrill had wanted to stay or have a reporter stay at the encampment for a night to tell readers firsthand what the camp residents experienced. But it couldn’t be worked out. When the camp returned in January 2010, reporters Warren Kagarise and Chantelle Lusebrink were allowed in. The stories they produced from that night were full of reality on the streets in the dead of winter. It got down in the 40s the night they stayed there. They not only reported their own experiences in stories for the newspaper, but they sent updates via Twitter throughout the night. The realtime updates allowed readers to experience life at the encampment firsthand, from the generosity of volunteers to the biting cold to the patter of rain against the plastic surface of the tents that allowed the pair little sleep. The reporters also chose various residents from the camp to interview and told their stories to readers. The feedback the newspaper got from the night in Tent City 4 was incredible. There were phone calls, voicemails and letters to the editor. People said they had never understood homelessness before then. They simply hadn’t fathomed what homeless people went through, how they became homeless in the first place and that it could happen to any one of us
at any time. Now city residents/readers were really coming forward, with supplies, with helping hands, with donations for all kinds of things. The organizers of Tent City 4 told Press staff members in several communications and ways that what the paper had done had been invaluable, and that they had never received such coverage and understanding. But more importantly, that the camp residents had felt more welcome in this community than in any other they had ever visited. People even turned out for a karaoke night the residents were holding as a goodbye party. Many of those people had previously turned out to help residents move in and set up their tents and belongings; they had lined up in groups to serve and feed the residents for every night they were here; they turned out for a fundraiser — the dramatic monologue “View from the Tent.” The Press featured the writer and performer of “View from the Tent” the week before the fundraiser on its Arts & Entertainment page, and helped draw further attention to the artistic work, as well as Tent City’s need for support. The performers presented “View from the Tent” a week before the residents left Issaquah. The fundraiser pulled in $1,400 more for the encampment. We are certain that these homeless people, people just like us, got a warmer welcome, had a nicer stay, received more donations and were happier here than in any place they have stayed or likely will stay. We are proud that we could help them and that we could help erase the stigma of being homeless in a real way that our readers likely will never forget.
Homework help made available
Tony winner Brian Yorkey returns to direct ‘Lost in Yonkers’
Records thrown out as Skyline struggles to beat Issaquah 50-46 Sports,
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THE ISSAQUAH PRESS LAST-MINUTE NEEDS
Tent City 4 will return Jan. 23, when a process choreographed by volunteers will transform the Community Church of Issaquah property into temporary shelter for up 100 homeless people. Volunteers and residents will lay down pallets and plywood, haul a portable shower and toilets to the campsite, and pitch tents for makeshift residences. The encampment will remain at the church until late April, when Tent City 4 will relocate to another Eastside church. After the encampment takes shape, more volunteers will descend on the site to serve meals and deliver donations. Before residents arrive at the Issaquah site, however, organizers need donations and volunteers to ensure the encampment can serve the homeless men and women who will seek refuge within the fenced grounds. “Tent City 4 offers a level of safety that, if you’re out on the street alone, you’re not going to have,” coordinator Paul Winterstein said.
The encampment moves between Eastside churches. Rules See TENT
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Passage Point housing project to move forward By Chantelle Lusebrink Issaquah Press reporter King County and Cedar Hills Rural Preservation Alliance officials have reached an agreement that will allow the YWCA’s Passage Point project to move forward. The agreement was reached outside the court system and brokered Dec. 29. Details were not released until Jan. 13. The agreement allows for the remodel of the former Cedar Hills Alcohol Treatment Facility, in the south end of the Issaquah School District, to 46 one- and two-bedroom apartments, to be occupied by men and women recently released from incarceration or hospitalization. The facility will feature housing, employment and counseling services for men and women who wish to reunite with and act as caregivers to their children. The new agreement does not allow YWCA officials to add new buildings to the site, nullifying
By Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporter
As organizers and residents
ready for Tent City 4 to return to Issaquah, coordinators need a few last-minute supplies to ensure the Jan. 23 move-in unfolds smoothly. Organizers need about 20 volunteers to unload equipment and conduct setup. The work will be physically demanding. Coordinators also need twine, 500 feet of quarter-inch nylon rope, 300 feet of quarter-inch hemp rope, two or three pickup trucks to haul supplies, about 80 plastic ponchos and help to set up the Tent City 4 computer network. Call Elizabeth Maupin at 3138937, or e-mail elipeter@juno.com, to assist with setup.
“The YWCA is very pleased to be able to pursue this unique project.” — Linda Rasmussen YWCA Homeless Initiatives associate director
plans to build up to 70 units. It also places new conditions, security measures and communication mandates regarding neighboring communities. “The YWCA is very pleased to be able to pursue this unique project at a location that can provide a high level of supportive services to parents and children,” Linda Rasmussen, associate director of YWCA Homeless Initiatives, wrote in an e-mail. County officials passed nonconforming use permits in October 2007 to reopen the treatment facilSee HOUSING, Page A3
The vision for Cybil-Madeline, Tollë Anderson and Issaquah Creek parks started to take shape in early January as city officials sent out a request for landscape architects to tackle the project. City officials spent years talking up the wooded, 15.5-acre area where Issaquah Creek meets the East Fork as the “crown jewel” of the municipal parks system. Issaquah voters approved $6.25 million for parks improvements and open space acquisition in November 2006, with money funneled to the confluence area parks. The parks maintenance facility is located near the site, and the city included the facility in the request to architects. City Parks & Recreation Director Anne McGill and her team seek a landscape architect to turn the vision into reality. The architect will navigate a thicket filled with development and environmental limits on the land, and match the plan with residents’ wish lists, during the planning process. Geography and preservation requirements will limit the park to passive recreation, such as picnic areas and walking trails. Officials also envision a play area for children, interpretive elements to explain the cultural and natural history of the area, and viewing platforms near Issaquah Creek, as well as essential items, like park-
PHOTOS BY GREG FARRAR
Swingin’ the night Away One of many couples dance front and center on the parquet wood floor (above) as the Evergreen Philharmonic Orchestra plays waltzes Jan. 17 at the Issaquah Community Center during ‘Swinging in Vienna.’ Ben Rosellini, Issaquah junior (right) and the trumpet section of the Issaquah Jazz Band performed jazz standards. See video of the event at www.issaquahpress.com/category/ videos.
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Library system asks voters for funding By Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporter King County Library System officials will ask voters next month to increase property taxes to maintain programs and services at the third-busiest library system in the nation. Officials trimmed $1.9 million from the system last year, cutting dollars for new books and other materials, technology upgrades and building maintenance. Proponents said additional money raised through the property tax increase is necessary to prevent further cuts. Opponents said the
library system should not increase the tax burden on homeowners in a recession. King County voters will decide the measure, Proposition 1, on the Feb. 9 ballot. Proposition 1 asks voters to restore the property tax rate to 50 cents per $1,000 in assessed value in 2011. A homeowner with a $400,000 home would pay $32 more next year if voters approved the measure. The measure would raise the rate for a year. In 2009, the levy rate dropped to 36 cents as property valuations climbed faster than 1 percent during the past several years, library
Stinky Sneaker Fanfare Brooke Brisbine, Issaquah sophomore, sticks her tongue out at classmates in the stands during the Drill Team’s halftime show Jan. 15 for the Stinky Sneaker Tournament between the Issaquah and Skyline boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. Skyline won the trophy in the contest of school spirit, participation, good sportsmanship, fan apparel and final basketball scores.
City seeks architect for park
Tent City 4 moving back to Issaquah
By Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporter
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010 • Vol. 111, No. 3
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documents state. Officials rely on property tax dollars to run the 44-library system. Proposition 1 is a levy lid lift; money raised through the measure would be used for library operations. If the measure fails, the library system faces budget cuts between 10 percent and 15 percent. The levy lid lift differs from a capital bond measure; money raised through a bond is funneled to facilities and infrastructure. Julie Brand, community relations and marketing manager for the library system, said the measure is crucial because usage has climbed 43 percent since 2001, as the system expanded and more patrons utilized county libraries. The recession boosted numbers further, Brand said, as residents sought free access to books, CDs, DVDs and the Web. “In bad times, people turn to libraries,” she said. Brand referenced the $32 prop-
erty tax increase for a $400,000 home, and said, “$32 is a deal” for the services libraries provide for free. Proposition 1 opponents, however, said the measure is ill timed amid the economic downturn. “However, as public schools and government agencies reduce expenses during the worst recession since 1929, library management coldheartedly disregards thousands of unemployed, including families losing homes overburdened already by over-assessed property taxes,” Will Knedlik, a former state legislator, wrote in the county voters’ guide statement against the ballot measure. Usage at the Issaquah Library climbed 59 percent from September 2008 to September 2009. Friends of the Issaquah Library President Martha Pinsky said the recession helped drive the See LIBRARY, Page A2
PTSA invites parents to seminar on teens PHOTOS BY GREG FARRAR
INSIDE THE PRESS A&E . . . . . . . . B6
Opinion . . . . . . A4
Classifieds . . . C4-5
Police & Fire . . C5
Community . . . B1
Schools . . . . . . C6
Obituaries . . . . B3
Sports . . . . . C1-3
YOU SHOULD KNOW The next time you place your purse, briefcase, gym bag or backpack on the dining room table, ask yourself: “Where else has this been today?” Researchers have found thousands to millions of germs on the bottom of purses, including E. coli and salmonella. State Department of Corrections nurses recommend keeping your purse or briefcase clean by hanging it on hooks at home, work and in restrooms, and also wiping it with a disinfectant.
The Issaquah School District Parents, Teachers and Students Association is sponsoring an educational seminar for parents of teenagers. “What Are Teens Really Doing Today?” features guest speakers from local high schools, counselors and police officers. The seminar is
based on the “Parent & Teen Survival Guide,” a state publication about legal issues and teenagers. The seminar is at 7 p.m. Jan. 21 at Skyline High School, 1122 228th Ave. S.E., Sammamish, and at 7 p.m. Jan. 27 at Liberty High School, 16655 S.E. 136th St., Renton.
GAS GAUGE
RAIN GAIN Last Week’s Rainfall: (through Monday) 2.41 inches Total for 2010: 6.41 inches Total last year: (through Jan. 18) 7.68 inches
BEST LOCAL PRICES *
$2.79 — Costco $2.79 — Arco 1403 N.W. Sammamish
2. 7 9 Best local prices Costco Arco
HIGHEST LOCAL PRICE * $2.95 — Cenex 145 N.E. Gilman Blvd
To report gas prices in your area, go to www.seattlegasprices.com.
A2 • Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The Issaquah Press
Police arrest man linked to Federal Way shooting at Issaquah apartment complex By Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporter Federal Way Police arrested a man at a downtown Issaquah apartment complex Jan. 17 in connection with a fatal shooting in Federal Way. Officer Raymond Bunk, Federal Way Police Department spokesman, said the agency detained witnesses and other people involved in the case. Bunk said police did not believe the man arrested in Issaquah was the shooter. “The person we believe is the shooter has not yet been arrested,” he said. Officers arrested the man at Chopaka Apartments, 145 Newport Way N.W., just after 5
County employees can donate vacation time to quake relief King County employees can convert up to 40 vacation hours or compensatory time into a cash donation for Haiti earthquake relief. County Executive Dow Constantine signed a Jan. 15 executive order to allow employees to donate accrued vacation time to Global Impact, a federation of 55 international aid organizations providing assistance in Haiti. Employees have 45 days to complete a form and have their contribution deducted through the payroll system. The county employs about 13,700 people. “I was stunned and saddened to see the complete destruction caused by the earthquake in Haiti, and the lack of resources available to assist with recovery,” Constantine said in a statement. “Like many of you, I want to help in any way I can. This action empowers county employees to help.” Officials took similar steps after the 2004 Southeast Asia tsunami,
p.m. Marisa Willis, a resident at the apartment complex, said she noticed the police presence at about 4:45 p.m. Willis then heard police call for the occupant in a nearby unit to come outside with hands raised. Officers had their weapons drawn and pointed at the apartment. A man emerged from the apartment about 10 to 15 minutes later; police handcuffed and arrested him. Willis said officers also inspected a vehicle at the complex, and discussed having the vehicle towed. A dispatcher at the Issaquah Police Department referred questions to the Federal Way Police Department. Bunk said the
Federal Way agency notified Issaquah officers about the operation. He said he could not release further details about the arrest, citing the ongoing investigation. Federal Way officers spent Jan. 17 searching the Puget Sound region for people involved in the shooting. Witnesses said the incident occurred at a house party that had lasted early into the morning of Jan. 17. A fight broke out in the yard outside the residence where the party was being held, and the altercation escalated into gunfire, a Federal Way Police Department release states. The victims fled into the residence and the suspects fled in an unknown vehicle. Officers responded to the shoot-
Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and destructive 2007 flooding in Washington. County employees contributed more than $182,000 toward relief efforts after the tsunami. About 700 county residents share Haitian ancestry, and as many as 500 of the residents were born in the Caribbean nation.
ate and maintain the plan, which describes state policies and procedures for administering several federal programs, including a program to transport seniors and people with disabilities. Comments must be received by March 1. Mail comments to Financial and Grants Specialist Linda Howell, Public Transportation Division, P.O. Box 47387, Olympia, WA 98504-7387. Or e-mail her at howell@wsdot.wa.gov. After state officials consider all comments, make final edits and federal officials approve the document, the final plan will be posted on the DOT Web site.
Offer comments on state transportation plan State Department of Transportation officials want residents’ comments about a key state transportation plan. Officials will update the State Management Plan — approved in March 2008 — to apply several technical corrections and program amendments. Review the draft plan on the Web at www.wsdot.wa.gov/transit. The department receives Federal Transportation Administration grant dollars, and the state agency is required to cre-
Wells Fargo donates $5,000 to schools foundation Issaquah Schools Foundation officials have $5,000 more to work with this year, as they begin to identify teachers and schools in need of grant money thanks to Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo donated $5,000 to the foundation in support of its
ing at about 4:30 a.m. in the 30800 block of 20th Avenue South. Police discovered two gunshot victims inside the residence. Officers and medics attempted to revive the victims, but one man died at the scene, according to the news release. Medics transported the other victim to Harborview Medical Center, where he survived surgery for nonlife-threatening injuries. The victims, both Hispanic men between 20 and 30 years old, appear to be residents of the Renton area, the release said. Warren Kagarise: 392-6434, ext. 234, or wkagarise@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
Academic Enrichment Grants program Jan. 14. “This donation could not have come at a more opportune time,” Issaquah Schools Foundation Executive Director Robin Callahan said in a press release. “With the continued budget cutbacks, we expect to receive a record number of Academic Enrichment Grant applications. For many teachers, a grant will be the only way to acquire much needed supplies and classroom enhancements.” The grant program is one the foundation’s longest running endeavors. The program awards Issaquah teachers and staff with up to $1,000 for projects that advance academic achievement, support struggling students and/or promote professional development. Applications for 2010-2011 grants are available to teachers and school officials at the foundation’s Web site. Deadline for grant applications is Feb. 1. Go to www.issaquahschoolsfoundation.org or call 206-352-2020.
Tent City
HOW TO HELP TENT CITY 4 Volunteer to prepare and
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limit the camp to adults, and residents leave Tent City 4 during the day for work. Organizers limit the camp population to people who pass warrant and convicted sex-offender checks. “The proper types of controls are in place,” said Winterstein, who also serves as the chairman of the city Human Services Commission. Winterstein, chairman of the Issaquah Sammamish Interfaith Coalition support group, said Tent City 4 organizers work to ensure the residents act as good neighbors. The hosts held meetings last month to answer questions about the encampment; only a handful of residents attended. Organizers also sent more than 100 mailers to church neighbors with information about Tent City 4. Issaquah officials issued a permit to allow the encampment on the church property, 205 Mountain Park Blvd. S.W., in early January. Earle Jones, a church member working alongside Tent City 4 coordinators to bring the encampment to Issaquah, said city officials had been helpful as organizers planned for the arrival. Issaquah Police officers attended the community meetings held last month. The encampment will pull up stakes at First United Methodist Church in Bellevue and relocate to Issaquah early Jan. 23, Issaquah Sammamish Interfaith Coalition Coordinator Elizabeth Maupin said. SHARE/WHEEL, a Seattle affordable housing and homeless advocacy group, started Tent City 4 in 2004. Community Church of Issaquah last hosted the encampment from August to November 2007. Organizers said the reception the camp received then prompted congregants to invite Tent City 4 to return. “By and large, I think the congregation is for it,” church member Woody Ross said. Warren Kagarise: 392-6434, ext. 234, or wkagarise@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
Library FROM PAGE A1
need for library services. “All of those things are free at the public library, and everyone’s trying to make their dollars go farther these days,” she said. Pinsky said the friends group worked to raise awareness about the ballot item, and encourage people to support Proposition 1 in the all-mail election. Proposition 1 supporters said voters understand the library system is a crucial community resource. Brand said library resources allowed people to update resumes, conduct job searches and apply for unemployment benefits, in addition to the usual programs and services. “Voters in King County have always strongly supported the library system,” she said. “We provide so much to so many different people.”
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ing areas and restrooms. Picking a name for the park complex will be the final step. McGill and city Parks Planner Margaret Macleod said the final lineup for the parks will be determined after a lengthy, public process. The city and architects will seek public input after officials pick a firm to spearhead the effort. “The architect will be responsive to the public and we as a city will be responsive to the public,” Macleod said. McGill said city officials plan to educate residents about the limits placed on the land before asking for public input, “so you’re not saying no, no, no” to residents’ requests. Julia Pritt donated money to buy the Cybil-Madeline parcel to be used for passive recreation, like trails. The site is named for her granddaughters, Cybil and Madeline. The city also provided dollars for the land, and officials received a grant to match the donation made by Pritt. King County Conservation Futures, Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, and bond dollars were tapped to buy the other creekside properties. Salmon spawn up Issaquah Creek and the East Fork, while birds nest nearby. Workers and visitors have spotted bald eagles, osprey, herons, bobcats, deer, coyotes and raccoons in the confluence area. McGill said people who have visited the parks site — home to wildlife and sensitive salmon habi-
serve meals to the 80 to 100 encampment residents. Organizers need teams with five to eight people. Review the meals calendar at http://prem.calendars.net/ tcmeals and then call Steve Burk at 260-3824, or e-mail TC4meals@gmail.com, to learn more. Donate food — coffee, tea, cream, sugar, canned tuna, ham and chicken, peanut butter, chili and soups, canned fruits and vegetables, butter, salt, pepper and spices — or supplies — large-occupancy tents with poles, tarps and rolls, sleeping bags, blankets, mats, flashlights and batteries, hand sanitizer, toiletries and feminine hygiene products. Deliver items to the camp at any time or contact Maupin to learn the latest needs. Raise money or donate cash. SHARE/WHEEL, the homeless advocacy group behind Tent City 4, spends more than $4,000 per month on portable toilets, trash removal, bus passes and other necessities. Community Church of Issaquah will incur utilities expenses as well. Call Brian Blank at 206-849-6727, or email brian.blank@protiviti.com to learn more about financial needs.
WHO LIVES AT TENT CITY 4 Tent City 4 hosts up to 100
adults at a fenced site with 24hour security. Organizers do not allow children to live at the encampment. Tent City 4 residents leave the camp during the day for work. Residents undergo warrant and convicted sex offender checks before they are allowed to enter the camp, and offenders are banned.
A state law limits the amount library officials can raise property taxes to a 1 percent hike. Voters must approve increases greater than the 1 percent cap. Washington voters passed Initiative 747 — a measure promoted by tax buster Tim Eyman — almost a decade ago. The measure limited annual property tax increases to 1 percent. Courts later declared the measure unconstitutional, but in 2007, state lawmakers reinstated the 1 percent cap. Voters also approved levy lid lifts in 1977, 1980 and 2002. The most recent lift passed the year after voters approved I-747. Voters also passed a bond measure for the system in September 2004. But the state Public Disclosure Commission chastised the library system after the election, when the commission said library system Director Bill Ptacek used library facilities to promote the ballot item. The measure passed with about 64 percent of the vote.
tat — understood the restrictions. “A lot of people who have walked down there, they get it,” McGill said. McGill and her team want the architect to analyze the historic Anderson and Ek farmhouses and farm buildings at the parks site, in order to determine how to best preserve the structures. The city maintains the buildings at the parks site. “I don’t see us taking down those houses,” McGill said. “How can we incorporate these ideas into our park?” McGill said the Parks & Recreation Department wants the houses preserved and repurposed as community spaces, perhaps for open-air painting or other classes. Although community leaders suggested the houses as a possible site for the Issaquah History Museums, Museums Director Erica Maniez said the organization lacked the resources to take on additional properties. Maniez said the organization needs at least 5,000 square feet for collection, storage and exhibition space. The houses, however, did not seem like the best fit. But she said she supports the proposal to fashion the houses for new houses. “I’m a big fan of adaptive reuse,” Maniez said. Officials hope to narrow the list of possible architects to two or three by March. Then, city officials will ask the top contenders to produce conceptual master site plans for the parks area. McGill hopes to pick a landscape architect by April, and send the contract to the City Council for approval the next month. The proposed timeline included in the request to architects aims for construction to begin by March 2011, though the dates could shift.
Tent City 4, ‘a crossroads of humanity,’ returns here A2 • Wednesday, January 27, 2010
By Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporter Tent City 4 returned last week, hauled piece-by-piece to Community Church of Issaquah, assembled by volunteers and readied for residents to settle into nylon tents by nightfall. The homeless encampment returned to the Squak Mountain church where congregants last welcomed Tent City 4 in late 2007. The camp will remain at Community Church until late April. Donald Brown, a Tent City 4 resident dressed in a plastic poncho and a hat with earflaps to protect against the chill, moved into the encampment last year. He described the camp as “a crossroads of humanity” where people with assorted backgrounds and experiences coexist. “Some people come in and they stay a day,” he said. “Others stay for a year, two years, three years.” During the early morning Jan. 23, Brown and other residents decamped from First United Methodist Church in Bellevue and arrived — in pickups and moving trucks — in the Community Church parking lot. Then, teams assembled the encampment, just as they did when Tent City 4 reached churches in Kirkland, Mercer Island, Redmond and other Eastside cities. Teams descended on the Community Church property by 8 a.m., and hustled through the morning in the chill and damp to
unload wooden pallets and cut plywood sheets to form bases for tents. The group stopped work at about noon, when volunteers laid out taco fixings for lunch. Brown said residents take about three to five days to adjust to a new site after the encampment relocates. Organizers limit the camp population to 100 people; the camp usually includes about 80 residents. Organizers screen people before entry. Residents undergo warrant and convicted sex offender checks. Administrators ban offenders from the camp, and the site includes 24-hour security. Rules also ban alcohol, drugs and guns inside Tent City 4. Rule-breakers also face banishment from the encampment. “We don’t tolerate any type of intimidation or physical abuse” among Tent City 4 residents, Brown said. Rules restrict Tent City 4 residents to adults. Encampment residents leave the site during the day for work. Residents also elect members to the camp’s executive committee, a group of residents tasked with day-to-day camp operations. New neighbors Coordinator Paul Winterstein said volunteers started prepping the campsite Jan. 22. By the next morning, workers unloaded pallets and plywood sheets by the dozen, and erected a perimeter fence around the encampment. Teams
New technology group includes tech veterans By Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporter The day after Mayor Ava Frisinger announced the formation of the Issaquah Technology Task Force in the State of the City address, the mayor unveiled the group’s members and mission. Frisinger delivered the annual address Monday. The mayor said the task force plans to improve quality of life and business competitiveness by discussing a community-wide fiber network. The panel — 11 technology professionals and government officials — will examine communications and technology infrastructure, what existing technologies and services offered in the near future will be available, and what Issaquah will need in the future. The all-volunteer task force includes tech veterans.
The group is tasked to deliver a business plan. The document will outline what technology infrastructure improvements can be made, and how to best implement the upgrades. For the first time in city history, the technology task force aims to be paperless by using digital files and electronic communications as much as possible. Meetings will be working sessions, but residents will be welcome to attend and observe. “The task force, which is an impressive group of local technology experts, will study multiple methods for how we can strengthen Issaquah’s overall vitality,” Frisinger said in the State of the City address. Warren Kagarise: 392-6434, ext. 234, or wkagarise@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
The Issaquah Press
set up a shower trailer and portable toilets, and converted a shed on church property into a laundry. More volunteers will return in the months ahead to serve meals to residents and drop off donations. Winterstein said a church neighbor stopped to fetch the mail at a community box near the church the night before the move. The woman asked about the activity at the church, and when Winterstein told her, she replied, “Welcome!” But the homeless encampment has left residents in other Eastside cities wary. In Mercer Island, a residents group attempted to prevent Tent City 4 from moving to the city, until a King County Superior Court judge intervened and allowed the camp to settle at a local church. Organizers announced the Tent City 4 return last November, and reached out to Issaquah residents during the subsequent weeks. The hosts sent more than 100 mailers to church neighbors, and held meetings to answer questions about the encampment. Only a handful of residents attended the December meetings. The almost-empty meetings contrasted with the packed church parking lot on moving day, where more than 100 people turned out to transform the asphalt expanse into a temporary shelter. Diane Froyen, a Tiger Mountain resident, decided to volunteer with the homeless after she read a news article about the upcoming Tent City 4 return.
TASK FORCE MEMBERS Bernadette E. Anne, Issaquah
resident and Microsoft alumna Robert Black, Highlands Fiber Network general manager Colleen Dixon, Issaquah School District executive director of educational technology Tom Flavin, enterpriseSeattle president and CEO Cynthia Freese, Login Conference executive director Janice Newell, Swedish Medical Center chief information officer Jason Robar, Gazillion/The Amazing Society vice president and studio manager Bob Stephens, city Cable TV Commission alternate member Randy Terashima, costco.com assistant vice president – technology John Traeger, City Council president Wes Wahlin, Microsoft TVM Group program manager
The Issaquah Press is110Years Old!
The Issaquah Press was founded as The Issaquah Independent on January 18, 1900. Today, The Press remains locally owned, and more committed than ever to being a strong connector for its readers. Community is our passion. Journalism is our means.
VISIT TENT CITY 4
BY GREG FARRAR
Paul Winterstein points out a spot to unload pallets and plywood sheets from a moving truck as Tent City 4 arrives Jan. 23 in Issaquah. “I’ve always felt like all of us are one step away from being in their shoes, especially in this day and age,” Froyen said. For the Rev. Dick Birdsall, the Community Church pastor, the decision to invite Tent City 4 to return stemmed from a desire to help people in less-fortunate circumstances. “For us, it’s a way of fulfilling our mission,” he said. ‘A fresh start’ But the small congregation with many elderly members needed support to stage the return. Worshippers turned to other organizations, like the Issaquah Sammamish Interfaith Coalition, a group with ties to several area churches. Coalition Coordinator Elizabeth Maupin worked alongside other volunteers to bring Tent City 4 back to Issaquah. Maupin, wielding a hammer to assemble tent platforms, said the setup “warms my heart, and it feels like we’re welcoming the community home.”
State of city FROM PAGE A1
ed to everything from the environment to economic development. “Citizens, business owners and students alike all depend on our technology infrastructure to compete both locally and in a global market,” Frisinger said. She said the technology endeavor could lay the foundation for future prosperity. “Decades from now, we can look back on this effort and know it was one of many initiatives we used to reach our ultimate goal: a vibrant, sustainable community,” Frisinger said. Although development slowed last year, the mayor pointed to high-profile construction projects proceeding despite the downturn: Eastside Fire & Rescue Station 72, a Swedish Medical Center campus in the Issaquah Highlands and a YWCA affordable-housing complex not far from the planned hospital.
SHARE/WHEEL, a Seattle affordable housing and homeless advocacy group, started the encampment in May 2004. Community Church also hosted the encampment from August to November 2007. Tent City 4 residents volunteered at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery and the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank. Organizers said camp residents plan to contribute to the community again. John Rittenhouse served as a city councilman when Tent City 4 last settled in Issaquah. Rittenhouse, a leader in the effort to establish a human-services campus in Issaquah, said the encampment offers residents a chance to reflect on the need for a place like Tent City 4. The former councilman and longtime human-services advocate arrived at the encampment site Jan. 23, ready to help. “The city, the churches, as you can see, the volunteers,” Rittenhouse said. “It seems to have brought out the best in the city.”
ON THE WEB Watch the State of the City address on the city Web site, www.ci.issaquah.wa.us. Follow the link labeled for the speech.
The mayor presented a brief video packed with highlights from the past year. City employees listed milestones, like grant dollars to preserve open space, during the recorded presentation. Frisinger spoke in a voiceover imposed atop sun-splashed, wide-angle shots of the city. “Thanks to the hard work of our community — including our dedicated employees, the City Council and our citizens — we also pushed ahead and implemented many of Issaquah’s top priorities, from making road safety improvements to building artificial turf fields at Central Park,” she said in the address. Frisinger ticked through accomplishments: a new roundabout at East Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast and Southeast 43rd
Reporters Warren Kagarise and Chantelle Lusebrink will spend a night at Tent City 4 on Jan. 29. From the encampment, they will report in-depth coverage about Tent City 4, due in upcoming editions of The Issaquah Press. Follow the reporters on Twitter @wkagarise and @clusebrink for observations from the encampment on the Community Church of Issaquah grounds. The reporters will talk with Tent City 4 residents and volunteers, break bread with the community and learn how the camp operates. Check www.issaquahpress.com Jan. 28 for updates about the Tent City 4 plan.
The cooperative spirit extends inside the encampment. Rules require residents to attend weekly community meetings and complete tasks in order to remain in the camp. Peter Martin checked in at Tent City 4 on New Year’s Eve. Now, he serves on the camp’s executive committee. “It’s a way for a fresh start for people who are looking,” he said. Tent City 4 dwellers respect personal property and space, he said. Martin said other occupants helped familiarize him with bus routes and the government and social services available to homeless people. “I didn’t expect myself to be in this position, but it’s nice to know somebody is out there to help me,” Martin said. Warren Kagarise: 392-6434, ext. 234, or wkagarise@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
Way, a widened shoulder for bicyclists and pedestrians along Newport Way Northwest, new protections for trees, and other environmental and public safety milestones. Improvements at the Central Park fields came about through a public-private partnership. A state grant and a $100,000 donation from the Issaquah Soccer Club helped to pay for the $1.9 million project. Frisinger also reflected on the difficult days last year, when officials curtailed spending and laid off 10 employees as a money-saving measure. City Council members adopted a tight, $99 million budget for 2010 in a December vote. “To keep our budgets balanced, we made significant cuts in 2009 that will continue this year,” Frisinger said. “These cuts don’t come without impacts, including increased workload for our employees and some service changes.” Warren Kagarise: 392-6434, ext. 234, or wkagarise@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
Check out The Beat
Resident returns from effort to renew sister city relationship
Issaquah High School athlete makes Swedish lacrosse team Sports,
See Page C6
‘Lost in Yonkers’ is worth seeing
Community,
Page C1
Page B1
See Page B4
THE ISSAQUAH PRESS
Wednesday, January 27, 2010 • Vol. 111, No. 4
Locally owned since 1900 • 75 Cents
Voters are asked to approve school levies
Mayor sets technology, sustainability for goals
By Chantelle Lusebrink Issaquah Press reporter
By Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporter After a difficult year, Issaquah will enter the months ahead with a renewed focus on sustainability and technology, Mayor Ava Frisinger said in the State of the City address last week. She said Issaquah officials remain focused on providing core municipal services with few problems — a task made more complicated after multiple layoffs, spending cuts and a hiring freeze last year. Frisinger thanked residents for continued support. The recession forced Frisinger and the city administration to make unpalatable decisions as sales tax revenue and building permit fees shrunk. “The impacts of our current economy are far-reaching, affecting everything from our citizens’ personal finances to our budget here at City Hall,” Frisinger said. She presented the State of the City address during a packed City Council meeting Jan. 19. Despite the economic gloom, Frisinger outlined key accomplishments from 2009 and goals for the upcoming months. “During 2010, our priority is this: Supporting our community today, while also carefully shaping the building blocks for our bright future ahead,” she said. Officials will receive a sustainability report card in the months ahead. The report will be the result of a years-long effort to limit the impact of city policies on the environment. Frisinger also announced a new volunteer group, the Issaquah Technology Task Force, to discuss how a communitywide fiber network could be developed. Task force members include local technology experts. The mayor presented the effort as a way to make Issaquah more sustainable — a buzzword city officials use to shape policy relatSee STATE
OF CITY, Page A2
The Issaquah School District is asking for voters to approve three levy replacement measures to supplement the district’s budget with more than $214 million by 2014. To pass, 9,908 ‘yes’ votes are needed by the Feb. 9 deadline. The levy package includes a $172.5 million maintenance and operations levy, a $1.7 transportation levy, and a $38.4 million technology and critical repairs levy. “Levies are mandatory for our school district to operate,” said Kelly Munn, co-chair of the prolevy Volunteers for Issaquah Schools organization. “They were created to provide enhancements to schools, extra things. Over the years they’ve become the bread and butter. They pay for teachers and books. “If we weren’t to have it, it would be devastating to the education
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Racing to the Olympics Yina Moe-Lange, a 16-year-old Sammamish resident and former Skyline High School student, will compete in alpine ski events for Denmark in the Winter Olympics, in Vancouver, British Columbia, beginning Feb. 12. MoeLange will race in the giant slalom Feb. 24 and the slalom Feb. 26. ‘At 16, I am not yet a medal contender,’ she said. ‘But this is an extremely important step in the furthering of my ski racing career. Ever since my childhood, I have dreamt of going to the Olympics and this is an opportunity not to be missed.’ Moe-Lange ran cross-country in middle school and for the Skyline High School team. She has also been involved with the Issaquah Gliders for years, both as a runner and as a volunteer assistant coach.
Officials to discuss Newport Way upgrades at open house City officials want to know how nearly a mile of Newport Way Northwest near Issaquah Valley Elementary School should be improved. Bring ideas to a city open house at 6 p.m. Feb. 3. The event will be held at the King County Library System Service Center, 960 Newport Way N.W. Officials hope to improve Newport Way Northwest from West Sunset Way to Northwest Maple Street. The city wants better safety, traffic flow, storm water management and aesthetics on the street. At a November open house, city planners presented two pos-
sible options for Newport Way Northwest improvements. The options include a threelane configuration with intersections outfitted with traffic signals, or a two-lane option with roundabout intersections. Comments from the open house were then used to revise the original options. The revised options will be presented Feb. 3, and city staff members will collect public input. After the event, comments will be organized and presented to the Council Transportation Committee the next day. Eventually, the full City Council will select a plan, and design work will begin. Construction,
however, will hinge on funding and grants. Newport Way Northwest includes a single lane of traffic in each direction, bordered by narrow shoulders and asphalt walking paths. More vehicles use the street as a major roadway; congestion is expected to increase due to traffic entering and exiting from driveways and side streets. The proposed project would also improve connections for walkers, and add bicycle lanes. New storm water facilities — such as storm water vaults, lowimpact drainage facilities or storm water ponds — would also be added.
BY GREG FARRAR
Wait a Minute! It’s Occupied! Volunteers start to drag a large portable toilet across the Community Church of Issaquah parking lot during Tent City 4 setup Jan. 23, but suddenly find eight-month camper-resident Donald Brown coming out. ‘I was just going to sit down,’ said the past executive committee member. See Tent City story, Page A2.
INSIDE THE PRESS A&E . . . . . . . . B4
Opinion . . . . . . A4
Classifieds . . . C4-5
Police & Fire . . C5
Community . . . B1
The Beat . . . . . C6
Obituaries . . . . B3
Sports . . . . . C1-3
YOU SHOULD KNOW The state Department of Fish and Wildlife reminds hunters to submit reports on their hunting activities by Jan. 31 for each 2009 black bear, deer, elk or turkey tag purchased. Every hunter, whether successful or not, is required to submit activity reports. Hunters who miss the deadline must pay a $10 penalty before they can buy a 2010 hunting license. Hunters can report by phone, 877-945-3492 toll free, or online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.
system in Issaquah because such a huge amount, around 20 percent of our budget, is made up of the levies,” she said. “That is huge.” Not all potential voters, even those with children, are so sure about the levies. “I’m not opposed to supporting money that is going toward the schools, I’m just questioning where the money actually goes,” said Lee Anna Hayes, a parent. For Hayes’ vote, she said she would have liked more communication from the district about how the levies would impact her child and other special needs students throughout the district. “Is it going to the schools in the district with the most need?” Hayes said. “At one point several years ago we voted for the levies, but then they segregated all the special needs children because of cuts and moved them over to a See LEVIES, Page A3
District opted out of voters’ guide By Warren Kagarise and Chantelle Lusebrink Issaquah Press reporters The voters’ pamphlet mailed by King County Elections baffled Issaquah School District voters when the guide arrived in mailboxes earlier last week. The mailer contained no information about the three district levies on the Feb. 9 ballot. The lack of information, however, was not a mistake. District officials opted not to include information in the guide to save money — about $7,000. But the pamphlets confused voters because the elections office included information about other school district levies. Klahanie voters received pamphlets with information about the Vashon Island School District levy, while south Issaquah residents now know about Tahoma School District’s levy. Kim van Ekstrom, a spokeswoman for the elections office, said the format resulted from another money-saving measure. Without local items on the ballot, the office sent the same guides to various ZIP codes to cut costs. Guides sent to voters in Issaquah does contain information about the King County Library System levy lid lift. For primary and general elections, the county publishes a voters’ pamphlet. The elections office automatically includes information about ballot items in primary and general election guides. But the rules for a special election — like the Feb. 9 election — differ. The elections office does not automatically produce a voters’ guide, and rules do not require governments to include information in the pamphlet. For the information to be included in a special election pamphlet, the governing authority must pay the printing cost. The district saved about $7,000 with the decision to opt out, district Communications Director Sara Niegowski said.
RAIN GAIN Last Week’s Rainfall: (through Monday) .71 inches Total for 2010: 7.22 inches Total last year: (through Jan. 25) 7.86 inches
ON THE WEB Create a customized voter guide online at the King County Elections Web site, www.kingcounty.gov/elections.aspx.
She said the district communicates with parents, students and staffers in many other ways, like its Focus newsletter. Organizers at Volunteers for Issaquah Schools, the pro-levy campaign committee, said they have received e-mails and calls asking why the voter guides did not include information about Issaquah. VIS Co-Chairwoman Kelly Munn said district officials have opted not to run information about measures in special-election voters’ pamphlets for several years. “The real deal is we’re never in it,” she said. “We haven’t been in it for multiple elections, but as a person and a campaign manager I thought we were. I didn’t know.” Munn said the decision not to include the information disappointed her. “Some districts run stealth campaigns. We don’t. That’s why we’ve been working so hard to talk to the community,” she said. “To not put it in the voters’ pamphlet makes it look like we’re doing something or makes it look like we’re hiding something. We’re not.” Issaquah City Councilwoman Maureen McCarry, a member of the district’s levy committee, said she was concerned by the lack of information in the voters’ guide. “It’s very, very important to get voter turnout,” McCarry said. Elections officials estimate 35 percent voter turnout in the all-mail election. Munn said she doubts the questions about the pamphlet will jeopardize the campaign. “We will be fine, as evidenced when we did the phone banking,” she said. “It was unusually supportive.”
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2. 7 5 Best local prices Costco Arco
HIGHEST LOCAL PRICE * $2.95 — Shell 1605 N.W. Gilman Blvd.
To report gas prices in your area, go to www.seattlegasprices.com.
Preston man travels to Haiti to help
Teen’s road to recovery goes through beauty school
Issaquah athlete makes Swedish lacrosse team Sports,
See Page B1
Community,
Page C1
Page B1
THE ISSAQUAH PRESS
See Page B4
Wednesday, February 3, 2010 • Vol. 111, No. 5
Locally owned since 1900 • 75 Cents
Local man has an eye for directing
Highlands’ future is focus of meeting tonight Judd Kirk returns to answer questions
By Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporter BY GREG FARRAR
The tents making up the Tent City 4 homeless community sit under street and parking lot lights in the rain Jan. 29 at Community Church of Issaquah at the beginning of a three-month layover.
A night of ‘houselessness’ When campers return, Tent City 4 comes to life after dark 6 P.M.
By Chantelle Lusebrink Issaquah Press reporter
5 P.M. The gear on your back has gotten heavy on the walk up the hill to the Tent City 4 encampment. The American flag marks its entrance, as does a man working security at the front who directs you to the intake area where they check identifications and criminal backgrounds before allowing admittance. It’s reassuring, but also bothering, even though you have nothing to hide.
5:30 P.M. You’re taken on a tour of the facility — a sea of tents for men, women and couples radiating out in circles from the common areas, like the television tent, kitchen and eating area. You can sign up for a shower and computers. Take up to six clean blankets, but change those out every two weeks to avoid bed bugs. Don’t take food to your tent if you want to keep rodents away. It’s hard reality and far from a real home, but there’s comfort in knowing others are with you.
Checked in. “You’re part of the family.” Just don’t disobey any rules: Unless you’re part of a couple, men and women can’t be in the same tents; you live here, so you help out with security and community service; don’t disrespect others; and clean up your personal belongings.
6:30 P.M. Dinner arrives as you unfold a sleeping bag in a double tent. You can see in the near dark that it’s clean enough — a few pennies and toenail clippings on the floor. No roommate. You wonder if this will change and who that will be. It starts to rain as you make your way through a small winding alley with tents on either side. You smell the outdoors, rainsoaked cement and people. Lines form for food; slightly hesitant volunteers look around. Parents try to break the ice; residents say thanks for a warm meal of pasta. As parents start to talk, their children — middle and high school students — loosen up and begin offering dinner with welcome smiles. See TENT
CITY 4, Page A6
Among 80 or so residents, everyone has a different story By Chantelle Lusebrink and Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporters The tents went up 10 days ago, draped in blue tarps and lined up in neat rows on vacant land adjacent to Community Church of Issaquah. Since, Tent City 4 residents have adjusted to the move, learned local bus routes and introduced themselves to a new community. The camp includes residents old and new — some who recently lost homes or jobs, and others staying there as they plot life’s next step. Spend a night at Tent City 4, and listen to the residents talk about how their paths converged at the homeless encampment.
Mark Elliott “My son tells me, ‘Dad, this is your year,’” Mark Elliott, a former mortgage manager, said. Years of doing things for others willingly led the 54-year-old to Tent City 4. Most recently, he helped a grandmother without money bury her grandson, who fell out of a window two years ago. His rent was late and he ended up homeless. He came to the Seattle area See STORIES, Page A6
Mark Elliott
The City of Issaquah is accepting construction bids for the Interstate 90 Undercrossing, a long-planned connector from Northwest Gilman Boulevard to Southeast 56th Street. City Public Works Engineering Director Bob Brock put the project out to contractors for bid after the City Council cleared a final predevelopment hurdle last week. After the city receives bids, Brock expects staffers will select a finalist within the next few weeks. The city will accept bids until Feb. 17.
Aoife Buckley (left), a first-grader, and her dad Martin Buckley, arrive at a rally for evening rush-hour motorists Jan. 22 at the corner of Front Street and Sunset Way to encourage passage of the three Issaquah School District levies.
See UNDERCROSSING, Page A2
INSIDE THE PRESS A&E . . . . . . . . B4
Opinion . . . . . . A4
Classifieds . . . C4-5
Police & Fire . . C5
Community . . . B1
Schools . . . . . . C6
Obituaries . . . . B3
Sports . . . . . C1-3
A man stole a bike worth more than $10,000 from a downtown Issaquah bicycle shop Jan. 29, and then flashed a handgun when a store employee tried to stop him. The man walked into Veloce Velo, 98 Front St. S., at about 2 p.m. and wandered to a display where the rare, sleek, black-andsilver Pinarello Dogma waited. He eyed the bike, and then moved to the pedal display, where he grabbed pedals — both right-sided pedals, it turned out — and hustled the bike toward the door. When a store employee tried to stop him, the man lifted his jacket to display
Getting out the voters
Brock hopes for the City Council to award the contract in March. The sluggish economy could make for bids at lower amounts than officials expect. Officials budgeted about $3 million for undercrossing work in 2010. The overall cost of the endeavor included in the Capital Improvement Plan — a sweeping guide to all types of city projects — is $13 million. Workers will build the roadway and a 12-inch water main. The project includes curb and gutter
BY GREG FARRAR
YOU SHOULD KNOW As the state Department of Natural Resources works to manage state lands sustainably, protect working forests and agriculture lands, and clean up Puget Sound, agency officials want to hear from residents. Officials will complete a strategic plan to prioritize agency activities for the next five years. Take a Web survey to let the agency know your opinion by Feb. 19. Visit www.dnr.wa.gov and follow the link labeled “DNR Draft Strategic Plan” to complete the survey.
See HIGHLANDS, Page A3
Man steals pricey bike from downtown shop By Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporter
Father
City seeks bids for I-90 Undercrossing By Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporter
Port Blakely Communities executives will re-engage Issaquah Highlands residents, as the developer works to answer questions about the community’s future. The outreach follows a busy year for the highlands developer, when officials broke ground on largescale projects in the community, and residents grumbled about the highlands’ lack of retail offerings. Judd Kirk — a Port Blakely senior vice president, the chief real estate strategist and a key player in establishing the vision for the highlands — spearheaded the outreach effort. Kirk and René Ancinas, the president and chief operating officer of parent company Port Blakely Companies, assumed responsibilities for the highlands after former Port Blakely President Alan Boeker resigned Jan. 15. Kirk will outline a development
strategy for the highlands in meetings with community leaders and residents. The initial meeting, held Jan. 27, included executives and community leaders. Port Blakely scheduled a Feb. 3 town hall meeting as well. Kirk will detail the long-running efforts to attract a grocery store and other retailers to the community, and answer residents’ questions about future development. The recession sidelined a planned Regal movie theater. Initial plans called for the theater to open in May 2011; the soonest crews will break ground for the theater will be this fall. City officials Judd Kirk c o n t i n u e reviewing a building permit application for the theater, despite the uncertain timeline. The city also expects to receive a building permit application from the developer of a planned storage facility within the next few weeks.
RAIN GAIN Last Week’s Rainfall: (through Monday) .47 inches Total for 2010: 7.69 inches Total last year: (through Feb. 1) 8.29 inches
a handgun tucked in his waistband. The employee backed off. Issaquah Police Cmdr. Stan Conrad praised store employees for calling police, instead of following the man after he left the store. Conrad and the store manager said the distinctive bike should be easily tracked if the thief attempts to sell it in the area. “It’s not quite a Mona Lisa, but it’s easy to track,” store manager Jason Goff said. Only a handful of the bikes were made available in U.S. stores, he continued. “It’s hard to ride around town with something like that,” Conrad said. Employees noticed the man at the store the day before the robbery. He browsed bikes, and asked employees for prices. In hindsight, Goff said, the attention the man paid to high-end bikes, and the questions he asked, seemed strange: He asked only about prices. “They knew what they were looking for,” Goff said. Conrad said police continued to pursue “several leads” in the case. The high traffic in the store, and the number of people who handle items, made it difficult for investigators to collect fingerprints. Police said the suspect was a white man in his early 20s, about six feet tall with a thin build, with blond hair and facial hair. He wore a camouflage cap atop a white bandana, and a black jacket. He spoke with a Russian or Eastern European accent. The robbery was the first at the store since it opened in downtown Issaquah two and a half years ago. Business continued as usual for the rest of the day, and into the weekend. Goff described Jan. 30 as, coincidentally, “the busiest day of the year” as customers poured into the store to browse and finish bikes.
GAS GAUGE BEST LOCAL PRICES *
$2.69 — Costco 801 10th Ave N.W.
2. 6 9 Best local prices
HIGHEST LOCAL PRICE * $2.95 — Shell 15 East Sunset Way
Costco
To report gas prices in your area, go to www.seattlegasprices.com.
A6
• Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Issaquah Press
Reporters Warren Kagarise (@wkagarise) and Chantelle Lusebrink (@clusebrink) stayed overnight Jan. 29 at Tent City 4 and documented the experience via Twitter. The timeline uses excerpts from the micro-blogging site to chronicle from their visit.
Jan. 29 @wkagarise 6:24 p.m. Eastside tennis youth group serves dinner to Tent City 4 residents: spaghetti, chicken wings, salad, rolls, cookies — a bounty. PHOTOS BY GREG FARRAR
Chris and Trisha, his girlfriend of eight years (who asked that their last names not be used), and Wayne Burger, another Tent City 4 resident, hang out with friends in the community commons tent at Tent City 4 after dinner. Below, residents relieve a Friday evening’s boredom watching one of many donated videotape movies in the community living room tent. door. It feels lonely even though there are 80 people nearby. They’re strangers with their own troubles, people you didn’t know existed until tonight. You try to sleep.
1 A.M.
Tent City 4 FROM PAGE A1
7 P.M. After dinner, groups of people start to form around tables — one plays card games; another smokes cigarettes, reflecting on the day’s news and the search for jobs; others pass the time with makeshift crafts — an ant out of wire and origami out of printer paper. Others want to be alone, so they sit in silence together in a TV room created with tarps and P.V.C. pipe lashed together.
10 P.M. The crowds in the common areas begin to shrink as the cold sets in. The rain seems to ease into your pores and through your bones. You learn more about one another. Others aren’t at all unlike you — some have college educations, some were laid-off, some have had health issues, some have lost everything because of a bad decision — but there is still hope as they talk about their escape.
The sound of rain usually helps you sleep, but the moisture and cold seems trapped in the tent, making your feet ache. The wood pallets below dig in through the backpacking pad and sleeping bag. You continue to toss and turn, but drift into some sleep as your eyes get heavy and the new hand warmers in your socks give heat to your feet.
11:30 P.M. 4:22 A.M. “I think you all are afraid to go to bed,” a resident says. Truthfully, the thought of getting in a cold, dark tent with the rain pouring down, as opposed to warm conversation around a table with leftover cookies from dinner doesn’t sound as appealing. The group offers advice: Wear less in your sleeping bag as your body heats it better, grab three Rice Sax from the donation bin (one for your toes, body and near your head), put on your hat and pull the sleeping bag around your face.
MIDNIGHT It’s time for bed. After heating the Rice Saxs, you press them to your body and look around for anything else that might be yours. You slowly make your way back to your tent, secretly hoping someone else will be there and second guessing that hope at the same time. No one else has come. You shove your Rice Saxs into the bottom of your bag and rub your feet to get them warm. Suddenly, you feel vulnerable. There aren’t doors to lock, no walls to keep out the cold and nothing between you and the outside world except for the zipper of a tent
You’re suddenly very awake. Sirens blare nearby, someone snores a few tents away, others cough continuously and you know something isn’t right — you’re not in your comfortable bed. The door of the tent isn’t covered by a tarp and your sleeping bag is wet. You remember where you are, curl into a tight ball and wait for morning. The rain continues.
7:30 A.M. The rain has stopped and there’s light outside. You hear others getting out of their tents. The night is over. It’s a tough first night, but you’re not alone and there’s another day to make something happen. Packing up your belongings, you head out of your tent.
8 A.M. Saturday morning at Tent City is much like anyone else’s; coffee is being made and the morning news is on TV. People take their time fixing breakfast. You say goodbye to friends made the night before and proceed to check out. You’re given an infraction, for leaving a water
Stories
TENT CITY 4 TWEETS
@clusebrink 7:26 p.m. Around a table, strangers from throughout the country become a family, no matter the circumstances.
FROM PAGE A1
searching for a new start in summer 2008, after years of tending to his daughter, now a sophomore in college, who had cancer as a teen. During her illness, he quit his job to care for her. But $800,000 in medical bills not covered by insurance found him selling most of the family’s possessions; he also got a divorce. When his son and daughter entered college, he moved here to find a job. “We didn’t have any in Florida,” he said. “But when I got here, there weren’t any either.” He came to Tent City 4 in November, left and returned a few days ago. Now, the professional with years of experience in finance, computer programming and management waits for a job he hopes will come soon.
@wkagarise 10:19 p.m. Tent City 4 residents refer to themselves as “houseless” — not homeless.
Jan. 30 @wkagarise 12:12 a.m. Stuffed burrito-style inside a borrowed sleeping bag. (Thanks, Lusebrink family!) Microwaved rice pillow wedged against belly. @clusebrink 12:15 a.m. The walk to the tent was the loneliest with no one up but 80 people around. @clusebrink 4:27 a.m. Despite measures for warmth, sleep is hard to come by here because of the cold. @wkagarise 5:14 a.m. Tent City 4 ritual: Reposition the sleeping bag, roll over, repeat every 30 minutes. Unlucky body part left exposed no matter what.
bottle and an origami penguin out in the common area. It would have cost an extra duty or two, if you were staying at Tent City instead of heading home. The infraction makes you think of the impact you had. You hope your stay wasn’t an inconvenience and that the infraction could be overlooked. But here, the smallest things can leave a lasting impression.
Firecracker Jasmi Penn Dressed in a Tinkerbell hoodie, eyes rimmed by glasses with red frames, Jasmi Penn stands out in the crowd of sober raincoats and dark jackets. She cracks wise with fellow campers, smoothes out problems and juggles more clipboards than a charge nurse as member of the resident-elected executive committee. The camp population includes only 10 or so women among the 80-plus residents, but Penn — 23, diminutive and a Georgia native — demands notice for her moxie. “They treat you like one of the guys,” she said. Penn arrived in the Pacific Northwest in October after a stint in the Army, attracted, she said, by movie depictions of Seattle and the cool, rainy climate. Faced with the unfamiliar, she searched for community. Penn arrived at Tent City 4 a few weeks later. “If you can make it through a situation like this, you can make it through anything,” she said.
Gambler Shawn Nelson The prospect of jobs in faraway Washington led Shawn Nelson to pull up stakes in New Orleans and head for Seattle — a gamble, to be sure. Nelson, a former dealer in card rooms in Las Vegas and on the Gulf Coast, knows plenty about chance. The local economy proved to be more anemic than he had hoped. Nelson — a Memphis native with the drawl to match — found occasional work through a temp agency and temporary shelter at Tent City 4. He misses the showmanship needed to run a blackjack, craps or roulette table, the give and take with casino patrons. From the encampment, Nelson, 42, continues a search for steady work and dreams about landing a spot at a tribal casino. “Indoor plumbing would be cool,” he joked. “I’m a big fan of heat. But for now, this’ll do.” Still, “we’ve really got it good compared to what it could be,” he said.
aloud about the visitors. Thomas described Issaquah as the most welcoming city for camp residents. Rules allow up to 100 residents at the encampment; about 80 live there usually. The busted economy sent some to Tent City 4, but the residents defy easy categorization. “There are 85 different reasons they’re here,” he said.
Wanderer Steve Bell “I got bored at 17 living in Virginia, so I hitchhiked to the Grand Canyon, because I wanted to see what it looked like,” Steve Bell, 28, said. It kind of sums up his life to this point, a permanent case of wandering foot, he said. Steve has traveled in his life to five of the seven continents — missing only continental Asia and Antarctica. He traveled to North Africa because he wanted to see what it looked like; roamed among the Hopi Indians near the Grand Canyon; and lived in Paris and Rome, two of his favorite cities in the world. His life now finds him in the Seattle area, because someone told him if he liked the outdoors, the city was his kind of place. So far, he said he’s not regretting his decision, though he finds himself living in Tent City 4. He found the encampment about three weeks ago as a place to reduce his costs before getting back to school at Bellevue College, and then transferring to the University of Washington for a degree in anthropology or archeology, whichever strikes his fancy. After that? “Where I’d love to go,” he said, “I’d love to take the old Silk Road from China to Rome.”
Artist Alan Erickson Alan Erickson, originally from Arizona, spent part of the night Jan. 29 refamiliarizing himself with the art of origami. “I used to watch my grandmother, who is Japanese, do it and I was fascinated with the art of it,” the 30-yearold said, soft brown eyes peering from beneath a hat that doesn’t really cover his shaggy brown locks. “I taught myself, about five or six years ago, to work with my niece who is autistic.” Today, Erickson finds it is a way to pass the nights he spends waiting at Tent City 4, where he has been a few months. Traveling from Arizona, after selling his tools and truck when the state’s construction market dried up, he found himself on a ship in Alaska, then refurbishing a woman’s hardwood floors for a cell phone, $700 and a plane ticket to Seattle. Like many, he knows the situation at the encampment isn’t perfect, but it works, he said. “It is an amazing situation here,” he said. “I haven’t been homeless that long, but it gives you a base to branch out from.” He’s waiting for funding to restart his career as an emergency medical technician and nurse, so he can leave construction.
Volunteers Teresa and Faith Mach
Leader Bruce Thomas Campers run Tent City 4 as a participatory democracy, and camp adviser — and longtime resident — Bruce Thomas ensures life unfolds with as few snags as possible. Thomas, self-described as “old enough to know I don’t have to answer that question” about age, works with the executive committee to oversee camp operations. “We are together and safe, and tonight I don’t have to worry about any of my friends dying,” he said. Thomas lost his wife and children in a drunken driving accident years ago and, in the aftermath, went on a walkabout from Florida to Washington. In Seattle, he became involved with SHARE, the nonprofit organization behind Tent City 4. Tent City 4 formed in May 2004. Thomas acts as the institutional memory and assuages worries brought forward by neighbors and officials whenever the camp announces its move to a new city. Tent City 4 traverses a circuitous route across the Eastside, from church to church. Many communities welcome the roving encampment, but in others, residents worry
“I wanted to expose her to different types of things and to have her learn about not taking things for granted,” said Teresa Mach, a parent who volunteered with her daughter to serve dinner to Tent City 4 residents for a night. “I, myself, am from the Third World. We came as refugees, my family and I, in 1979, when the U.S. took us in from Cambodia,” she said, adding that her parents, originally from China, escaped to Cambodia and then to the U.S. “I want her to learn some people’s lives, they aren’t so fortunate, and not to look down at people because she was born into this life.” While sharing her story, her daughter, Faith Mach, a junior at Newport High School in Bellevue, helped serve generous amounts of pasta to residents. “It sounded fun,” Faith Mach said of volunteering. “I’ve never done this type of thing before.” She said she wasn’t nervous about going to a homeless encampment. “I was maybe a little nervous, because I didn’t know how to serve food,” she said. As she got more comfortable, her smile grew into one of confidence as she greeted each person passing by her serving tongs. “I never really realized how it was or how they live,” she said. “But it feels good to help.”
The Issaquah Press
A4 • Wednesday, February 10, 2010
OPINION
Yes,Tent City 4 can use your help PRESS E DITORIAL
There is no doubt that the people of Issaquah care. Last week, Issaquah Press reporters spent the night at Tent City 4 to help readers understand just how lonely life in a tent on a cold winter night can be. And they introduced readers to some of the people who live there, and why. Readers have been calling. How can they help? Lists of needed supplies were published earlier and many of those needs have been filled. But now that the faces behind the tent flaps feel more like neighbors, here’s an update. Hot meals have been taken care of for every one of the 90 nights Tent City 4 will be staying here. The need for ropes and tarps are taken care of. Ditto on the hand sanitizer. The top items still needed are laundry soap and dryer sheets, thermal underwear, creamer and sugar. Further down the list are socks, underwear and undershirts; and paper picnic supplies — paper towels, napkins, plates and especially bowls. Just drop them off at Tent City, or here at the Press office, 45 Front St. S. Giving money is important, too. It costs about $4,500/month to keep Tent City 4 going. That may seem like a lot, but not when you realize it is only about $50 per person. The nonprofit group SHARE provides bus passes, portable toilets and garbage pickup. Make a tax-deductible contribution at www.sharewheel.org. In addition to hosting Tent City 4, the small congregation of Community Church of Issaquah is picking up the tab for water, electricity and cable. Send contributions to the church at 205 Mountain Park Blvd, Issaquah 98027. Community Church is also going to bring in a dental van to provide examinations and other work. It will take another $400 to make this a reality. Can you help with that? Do you like organizing events? Help with fundraising events, educational events and just some fun things for camp residents would be welcome. Contact Brian Blank at Brian.Blank@protiviti.com. Last but not least, some Tent City 4 residents need jobs, full-time to odd jobs welcome. Currently in camp, they have a journeyman plumber, electrician, some handymen, some with financial management experience and many levels of computer expertise. Let job opportunities be known by emailing Elizabeth Maupin at elipeter@juno.com.
O FF T HE P RESS
Tent City 4 residents teach lessons to all
T O T HE E DITOR Tent City 4
Thank you for showing a glimpse of the lives of real people and their difficulties I cannot thank you enough for your excellent articles on the presence of Tent City 4 in Issaquah. Your portrayal of the real people who make up that community, the difficulties they face and the enormous effort it takes to overcome “houselessness” in today’s collapsing economy goes a long way to overcome the prejudice and ignorance that comprises much of the public speech these days about our sisters and brothers on the streets. As one of many who were privileged to help move our new neighbors in, I saw a glimpse of how much work it takes to survive in the wet, cold and limited privacy of a tent community. We’ve had the pleasure of meeting a few of the residents so far in our weekly Thursday lunch at the Community Hall, and invite any of our neighbors, housed or not, to join us at the table (from noon - 1 p.m.) to get to know some of the Tent City folks. May their stories give us the strength and courage to organize ourselves to provide safe, healthy, warm housing for all.
Wes Howard-Brook Issaquah
O
n Jan. 29, Issaquah Press reporters Warren Kagarise and Chantelle Lusebrink spent the night at Tent City 4 behind Community Church of Issaquah. The evening was, for me, a kind of dream come true. I wanted a reporter to spend the night at Tent City the first time it came to town in 2007. For various reasons, that didn’t happen. I knew then, as I knew this time around, that people who heard about such places likely didn’t have a clue as to what happens there, why people are there and why it matters that others do what they can to help take care of their fellow man who has fallen down on his or her luck. Sure there are people who get the urge to wander and they end up homeless by choice. There are homeless people who don’t want to work a steady job. There are homeless people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs. But I’m willing to bet that there are far more homeless people who by one bad stroke of luck have had the misfortune of losing their home. I knew that if we could show our readers who the people of
Tent City are, everyone would be helped by the exchange — the reporters, the homeless, the paper’s readers. Could homelessness hapKathleen pen to you or me? You bet it R. Merrill Press editor could. On Jan. 29, it rained off and on all night. The temperature got down into the low 40s. I was warm and dry in my house and bed that evening, and you likely were in yours. But these two gutsy reporters were out in the cold and rain for the night to learn valuable lessons — for themselves, for me, for you. Each person at Tent City has a story about how or why he or she ended up there. Warren and Chantelle listened to many stories, far more than we could ever have room for in the newspaper. I monitored my reporters’ condition as best I could as late into the night as I could. I worried See HOUSELESS, Page A5
Klahanie Park
If city of Issaquah doesn’t have the money for upkeep, let Sammamish have it I have been reading the articles and watching the City Council meetings about the annexation of Klahanie Park. Having heard each department head for Issaquah describe the painful budget cuts for 2010, plus staff cuts, I do not understand how Issaquah could possibly afford the maintenance of this large, complex park. We aren’t getting streets repaired, we have little staff to maintain our current open space (one person is responsible for all and works like crazy, but it is a job for about six full-time people), and all of us are paying increased water rates to even support our water fund. We simply cannot afford Klahanie Park. The county has no money for Klahanie Park. Sammamish wants Klahanie Park! Clearly, Klahanie residents have a large historic investment in this park. It is unreasonable that after all of their years of care and feeding, they could be cut off from the park they have nurtured. Maybe the best place for concerned Klahanie residents to place their energies is in getting representation within Sammamish for Klahanie Park. Frankly, the city of Sammamish should step up and offer a Klahanie Park Board that has veto power, populated with one-half Klahanie residents in the interlocal maintenance agreement that is currently being created. (Or some other idea that gives Klahanie residents a large
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measure of control.) Imagine Klahanie residents actively wanting their park to be a part of Sammamish because they know, in advance, that they are being treated with respect and given a large say. Is Sammamish that smart?
Connie Marsh Issaquah
What signs of reduced maintenance at parks and city buildings have you noticed? On the contrary. Our Tibbett’s softball and Preston soccer fields are the best in the county! Major improvements have made for a better experience and better conditions for year-round use. Our parks and recreation staff is excellent! Mark Bowers, Issaquah
Pledge of Allegiance
A government function remains an inappropriate location for pledge A recent writer acknowledges that since we are such a diverse culture in the U.S. that we can offend others with our differences, yet his solution is to dismiss those in the minority, telling them to politely sit by quietly when offended. We are all free to believe and exercise our beliefs as we choose. Cite the Pledge of Allegiance at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, pray at your church or in your home, acknowledge your god in your daily life, but just don’t do it at a public, government function where others not sharing your view are forced to be involved in it. This is not about the rights of the majority being trampled, and this argument is an offensive ruse deflecting from the group whose rights are really being trampled by mob rule. We had this discussion in March 2007, too. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. When will the City Council and school board become effective government and break this cycle by dropping the Pledge of Allegiance?
Michael T. Barr Sammamish
First Amendment protects everyone to worship as they please, not just atheists It always amazes me when people like Michael Barr complain about the Pledge of Allegiance. While Barr, an atheist, shows no tolerance for other religions, that he wrote the comment he did shows he firmly believes others should show tolerance of his religion. That he expects other religions to be tolerant of his religion, while he shows no tolerance for other religions, is mindful of Germany under Hitler, when the slaughtering of millions was justified because of their religious beliefs. Barr needs to remember that the First Amendment not only grants him the right to worship as he chooses, but others also. If he doesn’t like that, there are countries where such tolerance isn’t observed. No doubt he won’t like the reality of those countries either.
Newsroom: isspress@isspress.com
The skate park is filthy. Bryan Weinstein, Issaquah None. They are doing a great job to maintain as available cash shrinks. Fred Nystrom, Issaquah What benefits and problems do you see regarding the coming Swedish Medical Center campus? A multipractice hospital is long overdue for the greater Issaquah area. For many, traveling to Seattle or even Bellevue is a cumbersome experience when seeking hospital services. Thanks go to Swedish for vision and determination! Mark Bowers, Issaquah Will the jobs it bring be filled by Issaquah residents or those who live elsewhere? The highlands has not fulfilled its promise of jobs and housing in Issaquah. Perhaps this is a chance. Bryan Weinstein, Issaquah Concern about the underground tanks. Barbara Extract, Issaquah I have concerns about the highlands’ hydrology conditions; it’s a completely denuded hillside of glacial till (rocks and clay), and the idea to bury fuel tanks the size of three school buses above a major aquifer along a fault line just doesn’t sound like a good decision to me. Michelle Kolano, Issaquah
LETTERS WELCOME The Issaquah Press welcomes letters to the editor on any subject, although we reserve the right to edit for space, potential libel and/or political relevance. Letters addressing local news will receive priority. Please limit letters to 350 words and type them, if possible. E-mail is preferred. Letters must be signed and have a daytime phone number to verify authorship. Deadline for letters is noon Friday for the following week’s paper.
Lynn M. Stuter
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EDITOR KATHLEEN R. MERRILL REPORTER CHANTELLE LUSEBRINK REPORTER DAVID HAYES REPORTER WARREN KAGARISE REPORTER CHRISTOPHER HUBER REPORTER TIM PFARR PHOTOGRAPHER GREG FARRAR
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The Issaquah Press
Roll
Call
Y = Yes, N = No, E = Excused, X = Not Voting Senate Bill 5295, which passed the Senate 47-0, would implement the unanimous recommendations of the Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee, also known as the Sunshine Committee. It passed the Senate in the 2009 legislative session, but was not acted upon by the House. It’s now before the House State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee. 5th Sen. Cheryl Pflug, (R-Maple Valley) — Y 45th Sen. Eric Oemig, (D-Kirkland) — Y House Bill 2422 requires the superintendent of a mental health facility to notify all local law enforcement in surrounding jurisdictions when an individual escapes or disappears from a mental health facility. It passed the House 96-0 and is now
before the Senate Human Services and Corrections Committee. 5th Rep. Glenn Anderson, (R-Fall City) — Y 5th Rep. Jay Rodne, (R-North Bend)— Y 41st Rep. Judy Clibborn, (D-Mercer Island) — Y 41st Rep. Marcie Maxwell, (D-Renton) — Y 45th Rep. Roger Goodman, (D-Kirkland) — Y 45th Rep. Larry Springer, (D-Kirkland) — Y House Bill 2625, which passed the House 96-0, requires that bail will established by a judicial officer when an individual is arrested or detained for a felony offense. It’s now before the Senate Judiciary Committee. 5th Rep. Glenn Anderson, (R-Fall City) — Y 5th Rep. Jay Rodne, (R-North Bend)— Y 41st Rep. Judy Clibborn, (D-Mercer Island) — Y 41st Rep. Marcie Maxwell, (D-Renton) — Y 45th Rep. Roger Goodman, (D-Kirkland) — Y 45th Rep. Larry Springer, (D-Kirkland) — Y Senate Bill 5798 expands the definition of health care professionals that
Have your pit bull spayed or neutered for free
Eastgate Way, Bellevue. Call 6497560 to make an appointment.
The Seattle Humane Society and PetSmart Charities are offering free spaying and neutering surgeries for pit bulls and pit bull mixes in King County. The procedures, as well as vaccinations, are complementary, thanks to a $50,000 grant from PetSmart Charities. Owners may have microchips inserted in their dogs for $5. The funds from the grant will pay for 750 procedures. The Seattle Humane Society previously held pit bull spaying and neutering program two years ago. Spaying and neutering dogs eliminates reproductive cancers in females and prostate cancers in males, and the surgeries make dogs less likely to roam or get into fights, according to the society. Pit bull mixes now make up about 30 percent of lost, stray and abandoned animals in local shelters, society officials said. The society is at 13212 S.E.
Nominate state employees for innovation award The state Productivity Board wants residents and state workers to recognize public employees who go the extra mile. Every year, the Extra Mile Award is awarded to individuals or groups of public employees who surpass expectations for exemplary public service by demonstrating at least one of the following attributes: Create an innovative solution to a problem or challenge. Improve efficiency. Exhibit visionary thinking. Overcome great odds or disadvantages. Demonstrate personal valor. “Washington has many state employees who go beyond the call of duty in performing their jobs,” Secretary of State Sam Reed, the chairman of the state Productivity Board, said in a news release. “This is an excellent opportunity to
are allowed to distribute medical marijuana under current state law. It passed the Senate 37-11 and is now before the House. 5th Sen. Cheryl Pflug, (R-Maple Valley) — Y 45th Sen. Eric Oemig, (D-Kirkland) — Y
House Bill 1203, which passed the House 96-0, modifies the definition of rendering criminal assistance by clarifying that anyone harboring or concealing, warning, providing money, transportation or disguising an offender will be prosecuted to the highest penalty of the law. It’s before the Senate Judiciary Committee. 5th Rep. Glenn Anderson, (R-Fall City) — Y 5th Rep. Jay Rodne, (R-North Bend)— Y 41st Rep. Judy Clibborn, (D-Mercer Island) — Y 41st Rep. Marcie Maxwell, (D-Renton) — Y 45th Rep. Roger Goodman, (D-Kirkland) — Y 45th Rep. Larry Springer, (D-Kirkland) — Y Source: WashingtonVotes.org, a free, nonpartisan Web site to find plainEnglish explanations of bills and a record of each legislator’s votes. Go to www.WashingtonVotes.org.
honor exceptional state employees for the service they provide.” The awards will be given out as a part of Public Service Recognition Week, a national event celebrated during the first week of May. Call 360-704-5203 to learn more about the Extra Mile Award. Download a nomination form at www.secstate.wa.gov/productivityboard. Submit nominations by 5 p.m. Feb. 19. Send nomination forms by mail to The Productivity Board, P.O. Box 40244, Olympia, WA 98504-0244. Fax forms to 360-704-7830 or email nominations to innovate@secstate.wa.gov.
Proposed subdivision heads to city planners City planners received a preliminary plat application for a 1.53acre subdivision Jan. 12. The land is platted into two lots; city officials could allow the lot to be divided into five single-family lots, plus a tract for access. The site is at 675 and 679 17th
Houseless FROM PAGE A4
about them until I fell asleep, well after midnight. My mind was on them the minute I awoke, at about 6 a.m. I wanted to take them to breakfast, but after a sleepless and uncomfortable night, they were just too exhausted to go. Some of the things Warren and Chantelle wrote on Twitter during the evening really spoke to me, and I’m sharing some of them here. 9:20 p.m. — Rain patters against elaborate network of Tent City 4 tarps; camp leader tells residents to be vigilant for leaks — no small concern. (Warren) I didn’t have to worry that night about my house or bedroom springing leaks, and if for some reason that had happened, I would’ve simply moved to another room until morning. But what about people who don’t have that luxury? 10:19 p.m. — Tent City 4 residents refer to themselves as “houseless” — not homeless. (Warren) Isn’t it interesting how the people who are sometimes in the most dire circumstances come up with the most positive thoughts while the rest of us find reasons to complain about what really amounts to nothing? 10:59 p.m. — The rain tonight is nothing residents say.
Ave. N.W., across state Route 900 from Tibbetts Creek Manor. Singlefamily houses border the site on all sides. Tibbetts Valley Park also borders the site to the east. Frontier Bank, headquartered in Everett, owns the land. REO Consultants LLC, the Bothell consultants working with the property owner, asked city planners for a community conference related to the proposed development, and the city Development Commission held a meeting in December. Besides the lots, the land also includes a steep, sloped area. Planners said the sloped area would be conserved in a critical area buffer and a protection easement.
Officials approve Squak Valley Park drainage project contract City Council members awarded a $75,000 contract last week to install a sports field drainage system at Squak Valley Park. The city will use park impact fee dollars paid by developers to install the system.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 • The 16-degree cold was worrisome in Dec. (Chantelle) A few weeks ago, I was running a little low on fuel oil before payday, so I turned my thermostat down a few degrees for several days. But it certainly wasn’t 16 degrees in my house. Has it ever been in yours? 11:55 p.m. — Just broke a camp rule: allowed Honey Bucket door to slam. Resident joked I had “diplomatic immunity” and could escape unscathed. (Warren) You get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and stub your toe, yelling out in the darkness. Do you have to be quiet when you get up because precious and valuable sleep is hard to come by for dozens of people nearby? I doubt it. 4:27 a.m. — Despite measures for warmth, sleep is hard to come by here because of the cold. (Chantelle) And we think we have it tough when we forget to put on socks before bed or we can’t get the blanket quite right. 5:14 a.m. — Tent City 4 ritual: Reposition the sleeping bag, roll over, repeat every 30 minutes. Unlucky body part left exposed no matter what. (Warren) Do you get cranky when you roll over in the middle of the night and wake up because your foot is sticking out from under the blankets? I do. But what if that foot, or an arm or your back, was out in 40degree weather?
Greenshield Systems, a Pacific Northwest company responsible for past Issaquah city park projects, will conduct the work. The council awarded the contract in a unanimous Feb. 1 vote. The drainage system installation will complete the park at the south end of the city along Issaquah-Hobart Road Southeast. Workers completed the $1.16 million park in November 2008. The facility includes soccer fields, a play area, restrooms and 72vehicle parking lot.
Honor environmentalists with Ruth Kees award Nominate Issaquah environmentalists for the top city eco-honor — the Ruth Kees Environmental Award for a Sustainable Community. The annual award recognizes people who demonstrate outstanding commitment to natural resource preservation. Kees, a teacher, mentor and role model, advocated open space preservation and environmental protection. The city will accept nominations
A5
I loved this summary from a Tent City 4 resident: “Y’all got heart. Y’all will do anything for a story.” Most journalists will, as long as it’s not too uncomfortable for them. But Warren and Chantelle went above and beyond to bring you meaningful, top-notch coverage and something to think about, one of my favorite goals of the craft. I hope you don’t forget about these Tent City residents in the remaining two months they will be here. I guarantee you that we won’t. Kathleen R. Merrill: 392-6434, ext. 227, or editor@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
PUBLIC MEETINGS Feb. 15 City offices will close in observance of Presidents Day.
Feb. 16 River & Streams Board 7 p.m. Pickering Room, City Hall Northwest 1775 12th Ave. N.W. City Council regular meeting 7:30 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall South 135 E. Sunset Way
until 5 p.m. March 15. A committee will review nominees, and recommendations will be forwarded to Mayor Ava Frisinger and City Council President John Traeger, who will make the decision. The award will be presented at a May council meeting. The late Kees received the first award. Other honorees include late Issaquah Alps Trails Club founder Harvey Manning, the late William Longwell Jr., a trails club cofounder, and then-Councilman David Kappler. Kees advocated for landmark and natural area preservation, sustainable development, recycling programs and protection of the Issaquah Valley Aquifer and Tiger Mountain. The winner will receive $500, funded through a donation from the Kees’ estate. Kees died last May. The recipient will also select a tree to be planted in a planned grove, and his or her name will be engraved on a commemorative plaque.
The Issaquah Press
A4 • Wednesday, February 17, 2010
OPINION
State budget challenges both sides of the aisle PRESS E DITORIAL
I
n a perfect world, state Republicans would be right. The Democratic-controlled Legislature is on the verge of relaxing a voter-approved referendum that requires a two-thirds majority to raise taxes. The House version of the bill would return the two-thirds majority requirement in July 2011. We like that. Republicans, reliably opposed to most tax hikes argue that the Democrats are subverting the will of the people. They’re right, up to a point. Republicans argue that before suspending the initiative, Democrats should attempt to propose a tax hike that wins that two-thirds majority. Democrats already enjoy a huge majority and would only need to sway four representatives and two senators to achieve the threshold. We agree they should try, but the attempt would be a fool’s errand. When voters approved the measure mandating the two-thirds threshold, we imagine they thought legislators would be reasonable and actually consider a proposal on its merits. Instead, both parties simply adhere to an entrenched ideology that makes compromise impossible. No matter what tax increase the Democrats propose, Republicans will predictably be in lockstep opposition to it. This lack of willingness to compromise is what forces the Democrats hand. The Democrats are doing what they must in an emergency situation. The need to cut $2.8 billion from the budget while keeping up education, public safety, social services, prisons and justice, highway repairs and more —without bankrupting the state — does make this a near crisis. It will be up to each of us as citizens to perk up our watchdog ears to ensure that any tax increases are appropriate and as limited as possible. The Dems may be willing to step up and do the nasty deed of raising taxes, but they will be walking a tightrope with the voters who will remember that those taxes had better be minimal and have a legitimate need and purpose. Democrats, of course, also suffer from ideological problems. Their unwillingness to open state employee’s union contracts that provide pay increases leaves a bitter taste if/when the legislators propose a tax hike. The voters are watching. The state budget will surely set the tone for the fall elections.
O FF T HE P RESS
Being those who protect and serve
B
y picking up the phone and dialing three simple numbers, help is on its way whenever we need it. At any hour. On any day. But what is it like to be the one on the other end of that call? What is it like to put your life in danger for a complete stranger? It is incredibly rewarding, as Issaquah Police Officer Laura Asbell will tell you. “I feel like I’m genuinely helping people,” she said. She is now going on her third year with the department. Asbell, like all of Issaquah’s roughly 30 patrol officers, works four days, then has four days off. Shifts are 12 hours each, and the first two of a four-day sequence are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the second two are from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. During day shifts, officers usually spend a significant amount of time patrolling traffic and clearing accident scenes. During night shifts — especially on weekends — officers may spend a significant amount of time on calls, which often involve alcohol. Asbell was kind enough to let me join her for four hours of her shift on a rainy Friday night for a
first-hand look at what life is like for an Issaquah officer. Typically, officers are divided into different sections of the city, where they remain for Tim Pfarr most of the Press reporter shift. However, they will slightly stray from their assigned part of the city to back up other officers on even routine traffic stops when they are nearby. The schedule of a given night is difficult to predict. An officer may get two calls, or he or she may get 10. On my night with Asbell, we predominately stuck to the city’s downtown area, traveling in a standard patrol car equipped with a laptop computer, a radio, binoculars and various other pieces of equipment. Leaning back in the passenger seat, my hair brushed against the butt of a shotgun strapped to the ceiling. The evening turned out to be a
Tent City 4
School levies
Thank you for a story that shared the little-told stories of the residents
Successful ballot issues were result of important community partnerships
Thank you for the story “A night of ‘houselessness’” in the Feb. 3 paper. It was by far the best article I have read about Tent City. Giving the resident’s faces and telling their stories has to ease any concerns community members could have about hosting a Tent City in their neighborhood. With today’s economy, any one of us could be moving into tent city tomorrow. It is great that Chantelle Lusebrink and Warren Kagarise spent the night and could share with us their very real experiences with volunteer servers and trying to stay warm while sleeping. Next week, will you be giving suggestions on how we can support residents in addition to bringing meals? Do they need more blankets, air mattresses, white socks or what? Thank you!
Susan Evans
On behalf of the Volunteers for Issaquah Schools, I would like to thank the community for the approval of all of our school levies. The students will directly benefit from your investment. The success of our campaign was based on a community wide effort to get out the vote and educate the community on the needs of our school district. The strategic partnerships between VIS, PTA, Teacher’s Union, senior citizens and the Chamber of Commerce were critical to the outcome. VIS could not have run the campaign without the vast number of volunteers that contributed numerous hours on behalf of our students. Our thanks to all who contributed to our accomplishment; we are grateful for your support. It was rewarding to have the community validate the efforts with a clear message that they value our schools and are willing to support the next generation.
Issaquah
Alison Meryweather, Kelly Munn and Floyd Rogers Volunteers for Issaquah co-chairs
Issaquah Highlands
Plans for village on the hill wasn’t integrated into old growth preservation I read this week’s Issaquah Press articles about Issaquah Highlands and came away with an idea I didn’t totally expect. The Issaquah Highlands development was conceived at a time when the Growth Management Act caused communities to plan for significant growth and Issaquah just wanted to “preserve that old town charm.” The answer was an urban village on the hill — a sort of standalone little community that would have easy access to Interstate 90 and wouldn’t cause the valley floor to change its character in undesirable ways. From the developer’s perspective, the urban village was a dream come true. They could control everything and create the perfect little community where the “live, work, play” vision could actually happen. But they learned you can’t have work places if you have no workers and nobody wants to open a store if there are not enough customers. And, let’s not forget Microsoft playing Redmond against Issaquah to meet their needs for more office space. But, there were lots of folks who needed to live somewhere and so the residential development took off. Issaquah has more than met its growth targets for years into the future. The problem is that old town Issaquah didn’t plan to integrate its growth as part of the “special place where people care” and Issaquah Highlands always planned to stand alone on the hill. It’s an “us” and “them” thing when what is missing is the “we.”
Hank Thomas
See POLICE, Page A5
Issaquah
THE ISSAQUAH PRESS
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T O T HE E DITOR
Math books
Adoption process involves community and school board, not courts I was dismayed at the ruling of King County Superior Court Judge Julie K. Spector which labeled the Seattle School Board’s math text book adoption as arbitrary and capricious, and ordered the school board to reconsider its decision. It is the statutory responsibility of the local school board, and not the courts, the state Board of Education, or the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to decide which textbooks are appropriate for the schools in its community. The process for recommending instructional materials is prescribed in law and requires the involvement of an Instructional Materials Committee and the opportunity for parents to offer their opinions, a process that could hardly be called arbitrary and capricious. Choosing textbooks in mathematics is complicated business. Local school boards must consider many factors: the ability of the instructional materials to address the standards and grade level expectations as set forth by the state of Washington; the ability of the text book to ensure that all students have a balanced and rigorous mathematics experience, the availability of supplementary materials to reach all learners, alignment with materials used in other grade spans, their cost and the reliability of the publisher to fulfill its contract with the district. To add to the complexity, significant disagreements on approaches to teaching math exist among math educators, academicians and those using math on a daily basis in their careers. It is very difficult to find appropriate materials to match our Washington state standards
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without the use of supplementary materials. Washington represents a very small portion of the national text book market. I have hope, however, that in the future this matching of standards and text books will be easier. Our state has joined 49 other states in signing a memorandum of understanding to establish common core standards for math and English language arts. This common core should attract more text book companies to provide instructional materials aligned with state and national standards, which are mathematically sound and can address the diverse learning styles and needs of students. These choices will provide local school boards more options to choose from as they meet their statutory obligation to make the best decisions on behalf of the children in their communities.
Connie Fletcher Issaquah member of the state Board of Education
Pledge of Allegiance
With the way education is taught today, reaction to the pledge is no surprise I am proud of America and the Pledge of Allegiance as well as supporting Lynn Stuter comments in the Feb. 10 Press issue. I am thankful for those that do support the American flag and the associated pledge that is recited in the presence of the Old Glory. If one takes the Pledge seriously, at each occasion where it is repeated, then they will have an interest in what is happening to America today. As an 81-year-old proud American, I have seen all kinds of people that do things today that were not tolerated years ago. We had desks in school where we kept all our books, etc., and did not need to lock anything up. No homework, so the backbreaking back packs were not needed, the nonunion See LETTERS, Page A5
LETTERS WELCOME The Issaquah Press welcomes letters to the editor on any subject, although we reserve the right to edit for space, potential libel and/or political relevance. Letters addressing local news will receive priority. Please limit letters to 350 words and type them, if possible. E-mail is preferred. Letters must be signed and have a daytime phone number to verify authorship. Deadline for letters is noon Friday for the following week’s paper. Address: Fax:
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The Issaquah Press
Roll
Call
Y = Yes, N = No, E = Excused, X = Not Voting Senate Bill 6696, E2SSB 6696 – creates an accountability framework for the state’s education system, requiring the Superintendent of Public Instruction to enact an accountability system for school districts were persistently low-achieving schools are located. The bill also provides standards for encouraging innovation in science and mathematics, expands professional preparation options and requires the SPI to adopt core standards universal for state education achievement. Passed the Senate 41 to 5 and is now before the House Education Committee. 5th Sen. Cheryl Pflug, (R-Maple Valley) — E
PUBLIC MEETINGS Feb. 22 Council Major Planning & Growth Committee 5 p.m. Eagle Room, City Hall 130 E. Sunset Way
Feb. 23 Committee-of-the-Whole Council 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall South 135 E. Sunset Way
Feb. 24 Central Issaquah Plan Advisory Task Force 5:30 p.m. Pickering Room, City Hall Northwest 1775 12th Ave. N.W. Human Services Commission 7 p.m. Cougar Room, City Hall 130 E. Sunset Way
45th Sen. Eric Oemig,
5th Rep. Glenn Anderson,
(D-Kirkland) — Y
(R-Fall City) — N 5th Rep. Jay Rodne, (R-North Bend)— N 41st Rep. Judy Clibborn, (D-Mercer Island) — Y 41st Rep. Marcie Maxwell, (D-Renton) — Y
Senate Bill 6345, SSB 6345 – Use of wireless communications while driving. Passed the Senate 33 to 15, making it a primary offense to use a hand held cell phone while driving. Now before the House Committee on Transportation. 5th Sen. Cheryl Pflug, (R-Maple Valley) — N 45th Sen. Eric Oemig, (D-Kirkland) — N House Bill 1956, ESHB 1956 – To allow homeless encampments. Passed the House 57 to 39 to allow churches broad authority to provide shelter or housing for homeless persons on property owned or controlled by the church. Also prohibits a county, city, or town from enacting an ordinance or regulation that unreasonably interferes with the decisions or actions of a church regarding the location of housing or shelter for homeless persons on property the church owns or controls. Now before the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee.
Senate Bill 6130, ESSB 6130 – Suspending provisions of voter approved I-960. Temporarily repeals provisions of I-960 until after July 1, 2011. The provisions that are being repealed include; public notice and cost projections for bills which raise taxes or increase fees, the requirement to have a two-thirds majority vote to raise taxes by the legislature and the requirement to have a tax advisory vote for any tax increase not referred to voters or otherwise blocked from public vote. ESSB 6130 also includes an emergency clause which would prevent this act from being challenged through voter referendum. Passed the Senate 26 to 22 and is scheduled for public hearing in the House Finance Committee. 5th Sen. Cheryl Pflug, (R-Maple Valley) — N
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 •
Police
45th Sen. Eric Oemig,
(D-Kirkland) — Y Senate Bill 6688, SSB 6688 – Filling vacancies for nonpartisan elective office passed the Senate 37 to 12. Provides that for any vacancy occurring in a nonpartisan county elective office, the nonpartisan executive or chair of the council shall nominate three persons as candidates to fill the vacancy. The nominees must be from the same district as the county officer whose office was vacated. A majority of the county legislative authority members must agree upon the appointment of the candidate within 30 days the vacancy or the governor will be authorized to fill the vacancy. The governor would be required to choose from the list of nominees and will have 15 days to render a decision. Now before the House. 5th Sen. Cheryl Pflug, (R-Maple Valley) — N 45th Sen. Eric Oemig, (D-Kirkland) — Y SOURCE: WashingtonVotes.org, a free, non-partisan Web site to find plainEnglish explanations of bills and a record of each legislator’s votes.
for consideration. The council was expected to consider the legislation Feb. 16, after The Press’ deadline. City Planning Director Mark Hinthorne said committee members seemed enthusiastic about the measure. Developers pay the fees to build new projects; the money offsets the additional cost the city pays to provide services to the development. If a tenant changes the use for a building, he or she also pays impact fees. The council intended the fee rollback to be a temporary measure. Proponents said the measure helped make downtown attractive to businesses despite the economic downturn. The rollback ends March 1, but the City Council will consider legislation to delay the termination date to March 1, 2011. The city earmarked $1.58 million set aside for the defunct Southeast Bypass project to offset the fee. About $1.3 million remains available for continued assistance.
slow one. We delivered a court order, made the nightly stop at Tent City, kept an eye on dark parking lots and got called to a house to find nobody home. Of course, there were a couple of paperwork breaks and a quick coffee stop. As we drove through the city and stopped at red lights, we ran the license plates of cars in front of us through the computer’s database, and an electronic voice told us the vehicles were clear. In parking lots, we shined the floodlight to ensure things were safe and sound. Finally, we made a few trips to locations notorious for speeding. One such location is on Issaquah-Fall City Road, approaching the intersection with East Lake Sammamish Parkway, where drivers come zipping down the hill at unsafe speeds.
Letters FROM PAGE A4
City Council considers fee rollback for downtown businesses City Council members could extend a break to merchants who open businesses in downtown Issaquah. The council will consider legislation Tuesday to exempt businesses from the city transportation impact fee for the first 10,000 square feet of floor area. DownTown Issaquah Association Executive Director Greg Spranger said he welcomed the proposed extension. He said the fee rollback helps reduce the enormous overhead costs associated with opening a new business, like a restaurant. Furthermore, the break makes downtown spaces more attractive than they would have been otherwise, Spranger said. Council Land & Shore Committee members considered the legislation Feb. 8. Spranger and Issaquah Chamber of Commerce CEO Matt Bott encouraged officials to delay the termination date. The committee complied, and sent the measure to the full council
FROM PAGE A4
teachers were getting the message across! In fact, with this type of education I worked as a lead engineer on the engine systems design of S-1C first stage for the Saturn/Apollo moon rocket in New Orleans that put those guys on the moon. Now this administration has changed NASA from going into space to staying on the ground! There were seven rows of six desks in my classes, that is 42 in a class, folks. We did all our own
A5
Although quiet nights such as this are common, officers are always ready for dangerous calls, which occur from time to time. Officers always carry about 25 pounds of equipment while on duty: a 45-caliber Glock with two extra magazines, a Taser, a radio, a flashlight, a baton, pepper spray, handcuffs, a knife and a bulletproof vest. Each officer stays in incredible shape through whatever method works best for him or her. For some, it is all-around core workouts, while for others it is lifting weights or riding a bike. Officers must also carry their valuable training from the academy, where they learn everything from police holds to how to drive backwards at 60 miles per hour. On a given day or night, officers never know what skills they will need to utilize, as each shift brings different and often unexpected experiences. Tim Pfarr: 392-6434, ext. 239, or newcas@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
work at the desk or chalk board. Now they have the eight kids around a common table, doing what? American history was a requirement to graduate. We did not need to lock up our house when we left home. When we parked the car it was never locked, even downtown. We also recited the pledge each day of school, and prayers were allowed in school as well as at school functions. The school principal gave a prayer during the Dec. 8, 1941, school assembly to listen to the speech on the radio by President Roosevelt.
Ken Sessler Issaquah
8 Ways to Save Money in a Dental Office Dr. Ronald Sherman
Smart Tips from a Dentist, who for 20 years, “works for his patients.”
1.
“Seek out a Second Opinion”. Dentistry is very subjective. Not all dentists think the same way. Find a dentist who won’t charge to offer a second opinion.
2.
“You need to know that there are always multiple ways to address or fix a dental problem.” Find a dentist who outlines multiple options to help resolve your dental issues.
3.
“Start somewhere.” Not all dentistry needs to be done tomorrow. Tooth decay for most of us, can be a slow moving process. Find a dentist willing to create a multi-year approach and treatment plan, making maximum use of your dental insurance, possibly saving your “out of pocket dollars”.
4.
“Up the Homecare.” In a questionable economy, you and your family should be practicing your best homecare ever. To save money and stay out of the office, listen to the broken record your dental staff is singing, and “floss, floss, floss.”
5.
“Same Faces.” Building relationships within the same dental staff can be rewarding on a personal, as well as a professional level.
6.
“Find a dental practice who builds on referrals more than fees.” Some fantastic, beautiful dental offices are willing to keep their fees lower than most, because they grow their patient base with more and more referrals, thus allowing them to stay busy and not depend on high fees. A win – win situation for you, the patient, and the dentist.
7.
“PPO’S.” Dental offices enrolled with PPO’s can provide the same level of care and attention to detail, and customer service as those that are not affiliated with PPO’s and offer lower fees associated with less out of pocket costs.
8.
“PPO’s using PPO’s.” Find a dental office that offers you the option to see specialists who also participate in your PPO. Dentists may believe that the best care and quality can be found through a specific specialist (a non PPO provider) and will tell the patient this; but you should also be offered the option to see other specialists capable of treating your dental problem, who do participate in your PPO.
Complimentary Second Opinion Including Complimentary X-Ray (no charge to you or your insurance provider) I hope these “tips” help when choosing care for your dental health during the coming year. To learn more about us, please visit our website at www.drronsherman.com or call us at 425.391.4964 We have been here in Issaquah for 15 years, with the same smiling faces, bringing you the best that dentistry has to offer. Remember our motto is
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First Impressions Dental Care 5825 221st Place #100 Issaquah, WA 98027 425-391-4964
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A2 • Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Issaquah Press
City intends to preserve Park Pointe regardless of ownership By Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporter The developer behind the stalled Park Pointe project and a Seattle bank cancelled a hearing in bankruptcy court last week, as the case appears to near a coda. Although the developer, Wellington Park Pointe LLC, indicated plans in court documents to develop the land, city officials reiterated a commitment to work with whoever owns the property to keep Park Pointe undeveloped. Attorneys for the developer and Regal Financial Bank will meet in court March 9 to discuss the proposed settlement. Attorneys cancelled a court hearing for the case scheduled for Feb. 23. Neal Wolf, a Chicago attorney representing the developer, declined to confirm or deny whether the bank will receive the land as part of the proposed settlement. The attorney declined to answer further questions about the case, and added, “it would be ethically improper to discuss pending litigation.” A Regal Financial Bank vice president could not be reached for comment. Meanwhile, Issaquah officials continue to proceed toward a development-rights swap to keep the land near Issaquah High School undeveloped. “It may be clearer who owns the property and controls it in the next month or so,” city Major Development Review Team Manager Keith Niven said. Park Pointe has faced problems almost since the project was pro-
posed in the mid-1990s — everything from concerns about traffic, landslides and altered vistas to a zoning switch at the development site. The latest plans presented by the developer show Park Pointe with 251 units or 344 units on lower Tiger Mountain. Regardless of the outcome in a Seattle courtroom, the city and Issaquah Highlands developer Port Blakely Communities will pursue a transfer of the development rights, known as a TDR, officials said. The swap between Park Pointe and the highlands should keep the Tiger Mountain land undeveloped. In turn, the agreement allows for additional residences to be built in the highlands. Port Blakely Senior Vice President Judd Kirk expects the city, the highlands developer and the eventual owner of the Park Pointe land to complete the development rights transfer by the end of the year. “There’s no agreement yet, but I’m optimistic that we’ll reach one,” he said. The swap requires the county to extend the urban growth boundary to allow development. King County planners included a redrawn boundary in amendments to a key growth document, and city officials expect the amendments to be adopted within the year. County planners discussed the amendment in Issaquah during a Jan. 28 meeting. Park Pointe developers envisioned hundreds of homes on 67 forested acres on the west slope of Tiger Mountain, behind Issaquah High School. The developer held $29 million
in assets — with the Park Pointe property as the largest asset by far — but owed about $15 million when the company entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy, court documents state. A January appraisal valued the land at $18.9 million; the developer expects the property to appreciate to $21 million as the economy recovers and property values rise, court documents state. The developer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November, just before the Tiger Mountain land eyed for Park Pointe headed to a foreclosure auction. The company failed to make loan payments of almost $12 million, and defaulted on the loan last June. During a December court appearance, company Vice President Ron Slater said work could begin on Park Pointe as early as a year after the developer emerged from bankruptcy proceedings. City planners, however, called the timeline unrealistic, and noted the months needed to navigate the development agreement and permitting processes. Attorneys for the bank subpoenaed city Planning Director Mark Hinthorne in mid-January for the Feb. 23 court hearing. Hinthorne said he had not heard from attorneys since then. The developer prepared and submitted a plan to build the Park Pointe neighborhood as part of the Chapter 11 reorganization, court documents state. Warren Kagarise: 392-6434, ext. 234, or wkagarise@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
King County Council appoints new judge to Issaquah division King County Council members last week appointed Michael Finkle to serve as a judge in the Northeast Division of King County District Court. The division includes Issaquah, Sammamish, Bellevue, Redmond, Woodinville and parts of unincorporated King County. The council appointed Finkle to the bench Feb. 22. The judge will fill a new position authorized by the council last year to address increasing District Court caseloads. The court — the largest court of limited jurisdiction in the state — has responsibility for traffic infractions, certain civil matters and misdemeanor criminal offenses in unincorporated King County, contract cities and for the adjudication of state offenses — or violations of state statute in the county or when the arresting agency is the Washington State Patrol or another state law enforcement agency. “We had so many wonderful candidates that made this a most
difficult decision,” County Councilwoman Kathy Lambert, who represents Issaquah and Sammamish, said in a news release. “I am pleased that we were able to select a new judge who already is familiar with our Eastside communities and will be able to provide seamless expansion of our Northeast Division of District Court. I was impressed with this candidate’s commitment to the appearance of fairness and dedication to working to solve problems that create recidivism and to reduce disparities in the criminal justice system.” Finkle will join the bench from the office of the Seattle City Attorney, where he had been working in the Public and Community Safety Division. Finkle also serves as an adjunct law professor at Seattle University. The judge graduated from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, and received a law degree from the University of
California, Los Angeles. County Councilman Reagan Dunn — who represents unincorporated King County south of Issaquah, as well as Newcastle and Bellevue — praised Finkle. The councilman also serves as chairman of the council Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee. “As an attorney who has spent significant time practicing in District Court, I can attest that Michael Finkle will be a fabulous judge,” Dunn said in the release. District Court caseloads have increased each year since 2003; officials expect the caseload to increase further through 2011. Because of the increase in cases, the state Administrative Office of the Court — tasked with advising the Legislature about the number of judicial positions needed in each county — recommended for the number of King County District Court judges to be increased.
Planners weigh applications for subdivisions City planners will consider applications for new subdivisions near Talus and Tibbetts Valley Park. Planners received a preliminary plat application to create 24 singlefamily lots — plus six tracts for
Correction The 2010 Winter Living guide incorrectly listed a meeting time for a local club and omitted another club’s meeting time. The Sammamish Kiwanis meets at 7 a.m. Wednesdays at Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church, 22818 S.E. Eighth St.. The Issaquah Valley Kiwanis club meets at 7 a.m. Fridays at Denny’s, 720 N.W. Gilman Blvd.
open space and recreation — on about 14 acres northeast of the Talus urban village and south of Northwest James Bush Road. Plans call for a subdivision named Forest Heights. The city notified people who own property within 300 feet of the site. The developer wants to subdivide the about six acres of the upper part of the property into the 24 lots and six tracts. Plans call for about eight acres at the site to remain undeveloped. Northwest James Bush Road would be used to provide access to the new subdivision. The clustered housing at the site would be built on lots between 3,100 and 5,100 square feet, with residences constructed in sizes from 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. The other project under consideration is the Issaquah View subdi-
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vision proposed near Tibbetts Valley Park. City planners received a preliminary plat application for a 1.53acre subdivision. The land is platted into two lots; the city could allow the lot to be divided into five single-family lots, plus a tract for access from state Route 900. The site is located at 675 and 679 17th Ave. N.W. across state Route 900 from Tibbetts Creek Manor. On all sides, single-family houses border the site. Tibbetts Valley Park also borders the site to the east. Plans call for lots at the site to range from 6,130 to 23,451 square feet. Besides the lots, the land also includes a steep, sloped area. Planners said the sloped area would be conserved in a critical area buffer and a protection easement.
BY GREG FARRAR
Sandwich city More than 40 residents and staff of the Fairwinds – Redmond retirement community work Feb. 18 on a 133-foot, six-inch sub sandwich to donate to Issaquah’s Tent City 4 residents. Laurie Werth (left), Nina Shelden, staff employee Cisco Perez and Maria Beck pile condiments and cold cuts on the tail end of the sub, which was then cut into 255 sandwiches and packaged in box lunches with fruit, chips and cookies.
Issaquah School District levy vote attracted 40 percent turnout By Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporter The election to determine the financial future of the Issaquah School District attracted more than 22,000 voters, final King County Elections results released last week show. Turnout reached 40 percent — or 22,629 ballots cast — as voters approved three levies meant to supplement district coffers with more than $214 million by 2014. The levy package included $172.5 million for maintenance and operations, $1.7 million for transportation and $38.4 million for technology and critical repairs. Taxpayers will pay $4.81 for every $1,000 of assessed property for the levies and the remainder of the 2006 bond. Results show the wide margins by which voters approved the measures: 66 percent for the maintenance and operations levy, 64 percent for the transportation item and 66 percent for the technology and repairs levy. The district stretches from Sammamish to Newcastle; the elections office mailed 56,313 ballots to district voters. Districtwide turnout beat forecasts offered by
officials before the Feb. 9 deadline for the all-mail election. Countywide turnout also exceeded pre-election estimates. The elections office predicted 35 percent turnout. Instead, 37 percent — or 395,624 voters — returned ballots to the elections office by the deadline. Officials certified the election Feb. 24. The elections office processed more than 400,000 ballots — the largest mail ballot spring election in terms of volume — and recorded no discrepancies between the number of ballots received and the number tallied. King County switched to all-mail elections a year ago. Elections officials posted results for more than 290,000 ballots Feb. 9 — the highest number of mail ballots posted on election night to date. In the November general election, the office tabulated 254,000 mail ballots, compared to 117,000 in the 2008 presidential contest. “We’re very pleased with our new technology, the track record we’ve been building, and the accolades from staff and voters alike about our vote by mail process,” King County Elections Director Sherril Huff said in a Feb. 24 statement. “Our system is
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Warren Kagarise: 392-6434, ext. 234, or wkagarise@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
DOT report shows improvement in regional traffic congestion Traffic congestion across the region eased in the second half of last year, data released by the state Department of Transportation shows. Officials compared congestion data during the period last year to the same period in 2007 — when a stronger economy drove congestion. DOT data shows improvements ranging from a minute to 15 minutes. The comparison between 2008 and last year shows mixed results, with shorter times on some routes and about half unchanged or slower. A driver navigating Interstate 90 between Bellevue and Seattle on a weekday morning commute might have experienced a 12minute commute — a two-minute improvement from the 14-minute
morning commute in 2007. The afternoon commute from Seattle to Bellevue along I-90 held steady at 13 minutes from 2007 to 2009. DOT planners did not survey Issaquah-to-Bellevue or Issaquahto-Seattle routes in the latest report. The report lacked 2008 data about the I-90 commute along the corridor between Bellevue and Seattle, due to construction. Also missing: traffic data from July 2009 due to shutdowns and construction on the I-90 floating bridges. The department released the quarterly publication Feb. 19. Read the complete report online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/accountability/graynotebook.pdf. “We can see how higher fuel prices in 2008 and the current
SAVE MATH IN ISSAQUAH!
Dr. Kelley Fisher, DDS
streamlined, secure and accurate. On top of that, it’s available for voters, parties, campaigns and the media to observe and witness.” Issaquah and King County residents also approved additional dollars for the King County Library System. The library measure passed by a more narrow margin: 52 percent — or 124,429 people — agreed to restore the property tax rate to 50 cents per $1,000 in assessed value next year. A homeowner with a $400,000 home will pay $32 more because of the measure. The increase will be limited to 2011. The levy lid lift differs from a capital bond measure; money raised through a bond is funneled to facilities and infrastructure. Proponents said the measure should prevent further cuts. Officials trimmed $1.9 million from the system last year, cutting dollars for new books and other materials, technology upgrades and building maintenance at the third-busiest library system in the nation.
economic recession have contributed to the reduction in travel times, but we also have strong indications that the transportation improvements made possible by gas tax investments are also making a difference,” state Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond said in a statement. The largest improvements in travel times — compared to previous years — occurred on Interstate 405 between Bellevue and Tukwila. The morning commute showed a 13-minute travel time improvement northbound in the morning and a five-minute travel time improvement southbound in the evening. Transportation officials credited a new auxiliary lane completed near the congested I-90 interchange last January.
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Centenarian celebrates 100 years of chasing dreams, tough living
Issaquah girls take sixth, Skyline boys eighth at state Sports,
Page B4
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THE ISSAQUAH PRESS
Council adjusts unintended hike to water rates
By Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporter Weeks after Issaquah officials tweaked municipal water rates, the City Council adjusted certain rates again last week to correct a minor mistake. In December, the council cut water rates and enacted a utility tax in what officials meant to be a revenue-neutral move to stave off legal challenges. Although officials meant for the rate tweaks to be revenue neutral, city employees realized the changes resulted in slight projected rate decreases — ranging from 11 cents to $6, depending on meter size — for commercial customers. City Council members corrected the discrepancy after city staffers realized the December legislation
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Federal funds keep East Sunset Way project on schedule
RATES, Page A3 BY GREG FARRAR
Crews will install lights in Central Park lot City Council members last week used dollars from the 2006 park bond to buy parking lot lights for Central Park in the Issaquah Highlands. City officials agreed to spend $63,741 to install eight lights mounted on 20-foot poles in the lot. Crews completed work on the $2.4 million artificial turf project last year. Officials recommended the lights to accommodate people who visit the park in the early morning and after dusk. Because the city had about
$64,000 left over after the turf installation, city Parks & Recreation Department officials recommended the dollars be used for lights. The council awarded the contract to A1 Landscaping & Construction, the Snohomish company responsible for the artificial turf installation. Issaquah voters approved the $6.25 million park bond in November 2006 by a resounding margin: 76 percent. The bond came almost 20 years after city officials last asked city voters for money to add recreation and open space.
Bronze medalist visits Issaquah Maggie Iuppa, 9, of Klahanie, meets her Winter Olympics hero, J.R. Celski, on March 3 at the new 24 Hour Fitness center on East Lake Sammamish Parkway. Maggie, a fourth-grader at Endeavour Elementary School, presented Celski with a shoebox diorama of the speed-skating oval where he won Olympic bronze last month. The skater earned bronze medals in the men’s 1,500-meter race and the men’s 5,000-meter relay at the just-concluded Olympics.
Tracks readied for return of the trolley By Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporter Work on the long-planned effort to bring trolley service to downtown Issaquah will relaunch by late spring, after a yearslong hiatus. City planners last week announced a proposal to rehabilitate a little more than a half-mile of unused railroad track from the historic Issaquah Train Depot to Northwest Gilman Boulevard. The city administers federal grant dollars awarded to the Issaquah Valley Trolley Project, the group behind the $500,000 venture. Crews will repair 3,400 feet of track — replacing railroad ties, resetting rails and replacing ballast, or the crushed stones on the rail bed. City Senior Engineer Rory Cameron said the city plans to advertise the project to contractors for bids in April or May. City Council members will then award a contract to the lowest bidder. Although the city will handle administrative tasks related to the effort, the endeavor belongs to the Issaquah Valley Trolley Project. The volunteer group — a spinoff of the Issaquah Historical Society — has worked for a decade to launch a permanent trolley line. City Senior Planner Christopher Wright said the city took the lead on the project in anticipation of
the trolley entering service. The city owns the rail corridor. Municipal and trolley officials hope the latest step will restore momentum to the delay-prone project. Trolley Grants Coordinator Barb Justice plans for the track work to take place alongside the restoration of a trolley car meant to run
Health & Safety Fair
included incorrect figures. The council approved the adjustment March 1 to avoid impacts to bills scheduled to be mailed to customers March 5 — the first bills mailed under the new rate structure. The legislation passed without discussion in a unanimous vote during a 10-minute council meeting. City Public Works Engineering Director Bob Brock said the problem resulted because employees neglected to check the rate-adjustment legislation against municipal water rates adopted in December 2008. “It was a mistake on our part that we didn’t cross check it on the actual adopted ordinance from See WATER
See Page B10
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 • Vol. 111, No. 10
Locally owned since 1900 • 75 Cents
Teacher releases fourth book
the route between the depot and the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce office. Justice estimates the track will cost about $100,000 to repair, while renovations to the trolley could total $200,000 to $250,000 from the $500,000 project budget. Grant dollars will also be used to retrofit traffic signals along the
trolley track. City and trolley officials said bids for the project could come in lower than estimated. Justice pointed to deals on recent bids sought by city officials, including a proposal to build the Interstate 90 See TROLLEY, Page A2
The state secretary of transportation urged Congress last week to approve dollars needed to widen the East Sunset Way approach to Interstate 90. A key federal transportationfunding act expired midnight Feb. 28. Reimbursements from the Highway Trust Fund have been suspended while lawmakers work out a deal to extend the act. Lawmakers broke a partisan logjam related to the funding March 2, but not before state Department of Transportation officials weighed in. The state stood to lose money already spent on projects backed by the federal government. State officials usually hire contractors to complete projects, and then contractors submit invoices to the state when the work is completed. The state pays the bills, and officials submit invoices to the federal government to be reimbursed for money already sent to contractors. State officials expected to receive about $13.5 million in federal reimbursements March 3. Delays could have forced Washington and other states to keep cash on hand to pay contractors. Senators passed a temporary 30day extension of the act, the fourth month-by-month extension of Highway Trust Fund authorization. “We appreciate the hard work of Washington’s federal delegation to
pass this temporary extension,” state Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond said in a released statement. “The lack of an agreement on a longer extension is very concerning. It inhibits our ability to plan and deliver projects that enhance safety, improve community livability and reduce congestion in our state.” In Issaquah, the $3.5 million East Sunset Way project stands to receive $2.3 million in federal money. Plans call for the project to start in May and last about six months. Although most work will take place off the roadway, the project will require up to 60 nighttime closures, when a single lane will remain open and flag crews will direct traffic. Senators voted 78-19 to pass legislation with a 30-day extension of SAFETEA-LU, the federal transportation-funding act. The bill had earlier passed the House of Representatives; President Obama signed the legislation into law last week. “At a time when transportation investments are seen as one of the best economic recovery tools, the failure of reenactment of the Highway Trust Fund is unacceptable,” Hammond said. “Our state transportation system relies on federal gas tax funds for basic preservation of our highways, bridges and ferries, as well as transit infrastructure investments.”
City plans open house for Squak Valley Park project City officials seek input from residents at a March 10 open house about a habitat restoration project at Squak Valley Park North. Learn more about the proposal and provide input at the event at 7 p.m. in the Pickering Room, City Hall Northwest, 1775 12th Ave. N.W. Planners continue design development for the project. Officials hope the Squak Valley Park North restoration project — set to begin this summer — will improve Issaquah Creek for salmon and other native species as workers restore habitat and reconnect the waterway to the historic floodplain. Officials plan to breach a circa-
1930 levee and expand the floodplain at the park along IssaquahHobart Road Southeast. The completed project should allow the creek to resume a more natural, meandering flow. Workers will also create a new levee closer to Issaquah-Hobart Road Southeast. On the opposite of the creek from the park sits the Sycamore neighborhood. The park boundaries wedge the Squak Valley Park North against the city limits along the eastern edge. Learn more about the proposal at a city Web page devoted to the project: www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/squakvalley.
Sex offender ejected from Tent City 4
FILE
The first of two trolleys from Aspen, Colo., was delivered to Issaquah Nov. 25, 2002, here being placed into position at the train depot.
INSIDE THE PRESS A&E . . . . . . . B10
Opinion . . . . . . A4
Classifieds . . . B7-8
H&G . . . . . . . . B9
Community . . . B1
Schools . . . . . . B7
Obituaries . . . . B3
Sports . . . . . . B4-6
YOU SHOULD KNOW State Auditor’s Office staffers completed four performance audit reports, 10 whistleblower reports, three fraud reports, 21 state government audit reports and nearly 400 local government audit reports — including Issaquah — through June 30, 2009. The state agency works to audit clients and serve as citizens’ advocate for government accountability. See how local and state agencies stack up: Search audit reports at the agency Web site, www.sao.wa.gov. Follow the “reports” link for details.
Police escorted a registered sex offender from Tent City 4 after camp administrators discovered the information during the check-in process. Police responded to a disturbance at the encampment — at Community Church of Issaquah, 205 Mountain Park Blvd. S.W. — at 4:58 p.m. March 2. Per Tent City 4 policy, police escorted him from the premises. Organizers conduct warrant and convicted sex offender checks on people who request to stay at the camp.
Administrators ban offenders from the camp, and the site includes 24-hour security. Rules also ban alcohol, drugs and guns inside Tent City 4. Rule-breakers also face banishment from the encampment. Organizers limit the camp population to 100 people; the camp usually includes about 80 residents. The encampment roves among Eastside churches. Tent City 4 arrived in Issaquah in late January, and the camp will move to another church in late April.
GAS GAUGE
RAIN GAIN Last Week’s Rainfall: (through Monday) .85 inches Total for 2010: 11.99 inches Total last year: (through March 3) 12.57 inches
BEST LOCAL PRICES *
$2.89 — Arco 1403 N.W. Sammamish $2.89 — Costco
2. 8 9 Best local prices Costco Arco
HIGHEST LOCAL PRICE * $3.09 — Chevron 745 S.W. Mt. Si Blvd.
To report gas prices in your area, go to www.seattlegasprices.com.
The Issaquah Press Section
B
COMMUNITY
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2010
“There was one point there — because I didn’t see any changes in our situation — I told the court to find somebody to adopt him because I don’t see my life changing.”
— Stephanie Hansen
BY GREG FARRAR
Trevor Jordan dashes to the far end of the field for treasures as a horde of youngsters pick up prizes near the starting line at the 2009 Easter egg hunt and carnival in the Issaquah Highlands.
Hop to it: Groups host Easter egg hunts With Easter less than a week away, several community organizations will host egg hunts the day before the holiday and on Easter. The annual Easter egg hunt in the Issaquah Highlands, called Highlands 4 Haiti, will be at Grand Ridge Elementary School, 1739 N.E. Park Drive, on April 3. Proceeds from the event will go to World Vision, a nonprofit relief organization based in Federal Way that’s helping children in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake. Wristbands, sold for $5 at Blakely Hall, 2550 N.E. Park Drive, in the days before the event, will also be available at the event gate. The event runs from 10 a.m. - noon. About 1,700 people turned out for the Sammamish Family YMCA Eggstravaganza last year. Organizers expect about 2,000 attendees when the event returns April 3. The event will be 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event will include carnival games, face painting, inflatable obstacle courses and a visit from the Easter Bunny. The event will be at the YMCA, 4221 228th Ave. S.E. Call 391-4840 for more information. More than 10,000 Easter eggs will be part of the 19th Annual Gilman Village Easter Festival &
Egg Hunt. The event, 10 a.m. at 317 N.W. Gilman Blvd., will also include music, balloons, face painting and photos with the Easter Bunny. Call 392-6802 for more information. Adventure Kids Playcare will host a grand opening and spring celebration from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. April 3 in the Issaquah Commons, 775 N.W. Gilman Blvd. The event also features a community-service component: A raffle benefiting the Issaquah Schools Foundation will be held. The free event will include a bounce house, an egg hunt, crafts, games and face painting. Attendees can also meet members of the Eastside Fire & Rescue team until noon and enjoy a video game theater. Children who attend the event eat free at Chipotle during the opening. St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church will host not one, but two Easter egg hunts after church services Easter morning. Parishioners invite members to enjoy a service and music, followed by a free egg hunt for children. The church, at 325 S.E. Darst St., will conduct the family events after its 9 and 11 a.m. services April 4. See more egg hunts in the calendar on Page B2.
A night of shining stars Parents thank dedicated schools volunteers By Chantelle Lusebrink Issaquah Press reporter Big contributions were the order of the night as the Issaquah Parents Teachers and Students Association Council celebrated the volunteers of the Issaquah School District. At the annual Golden Acorn Awards, at Skyline High School March 16, more than 80 volunteers and district employees were recognized for their efforts to support education. The awards are a time to celebrate and recognize all of the hard work the unsung heroes do for children and the schools that make them successful, said council member and organizer Judy
Babb. Each year, the PTSA councils from schools in the district select — from among recommendations of teachers, parents and students — volunteers who have contributed significantly to the betterment of their schools, programs and events. Volunteers work in classrooms to help raise student achievement, attend field trips, coordinate fundraising efforts, lobby for education legislation and advocate for children’s health, wellness and education. “In a time when monetary resources are tight, our volunteer See GOLDEN ACORNS, Page B3
BY GREG FARRAR
Dave Hansen (left) and his wife Stephanie recount how their 2007 stay in Tent City 4 and help from Community Church of Issaquah led to full-time jobs, housing and being able to regain custody of her son Joshua Byle, 14 (right), from foster care.
Faith to succeed Former Tent City 4 residents credit church for success By Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporter he last time Tent City 4 settled in the Community Church of Issaquah parking lot, Stephanie and Dave Hansen lived in a nylon tent and shared camp duties with other residents, hauling blankets and serving on the leadership team. Like other residents of the homeless encampment, the Hansens traveled from the grounds of church to church as the encampment wended across the Eastside. For the Hansens, however, the trip to Issaquah proved different. Interactions with church members helped the Hansens lay the groundwork for a transition back to fulltime employment and housing. By the time Tent City 4 left Issaquah in November 2007, Stephanie Hansen had joined Community Church and befriended fellow parishioners. Meanwhile, the church hired Dave to work as a custodian. “I, personally, had probably been to over 20 churches and never found a church that I liked that accepted me for who I was and didn’t try to change me,” Stephanie Hansen said. “These guys did that. They knew I was homeless from the beginning, because they saw me over at Tent City. Dave, too. And they didn’t judge us. We are who we are and they accept us.” The encampment returned to the church grounds in January. The arrival brought back memories for
T
the Hansens, who spent three months living in the same spot. The family credits Community Church for the turnaround. Nowadays, Dave, Stephanie and her son, Joshua Byle, share a Kent apartment furnished with donations from church members and coworkers. Stephanie Hansen works as a tax professional at H&R Block in Kent. Community Church members helped her receive the schooling she needed to get the job. Joshua, 14, lived in foster care while his mother and stepfather camped in Tent City 4. Although Stephanie Hansen feared the day might not come, Joshua reunited with his family last June. “There was one point there — because I didn’t see any changes in our situation — I told the court to find somebody to adopt him because I don’t see my life changing,” she said. The arrival at Tent City 4 The path to Tent City 4 started in Seattle almost four years ago, when a police officer woke the Hansens beneath a tree near Bitter Lake, where they had slept for three nights. The officer told them to leave; otherwise, they could be arrested. The couple headed to Ballard, where Dave had friends. A worker at a Ballard food bank provided them with the number for Tent City 3, the Seattle homeless encampment organized by SHARE/WHEEL, the nonprofit be-
hind Tent City 4. But the Seattle camp had no openings for couples. A camp resident suggested Tent City 4, where, sure enough, space for another couple existed. So, the Hansens headed to Woodinville Unitarian Universalist Church, where the encampment had settled for the summer. They left the camp in September 2006 and returned several months later, in May 2007. Tent City 4 had moved to a Bellevue church. The relocation to Issaquah happened in August 2007. Dave Hansen said the security and routine of Tent City 4 appeals to people looking for a fresh start. Rules limit the camp to about 100 residents, and strict rules keep criminals, alcohol and drugs off the premises. “You want to keep the place safe and you want the bad out,” Dave Hansen said. “Keep the good in and get rid of the bad.” Both Hansens served on the Tent City 4 executive committee, the resident-elected group responsible for day-to-day operations. Camp residents enforce strict rules to keep conflict to a minimum. “You get to the point where you know that you’ve got to follow the rules or you’re going to be out on the streets again,” Stephanie Hansen said. “And you don’t want that.” See FAITH, Page B3
If he builds it, will they come? Fan plans to convert Weyerhaeuser’s mill site into race track By Laura Geggel Rally car aficionado Greg Lund wants to put a little zoom in the Snoqualmie Valley. The Issaquah resident plans to buy Weyerhaeuser’s old mill site, located above Borst Lake in Snoqualmie, and build a rally car-driving course that would open this fall. Not everyone, especially the neighbors, is happy with Lund’s idea, saying that it would be noisy and harm the environment. But Lund’s plan, though still in its infancy, might someday rev to life. Lund, 50, grew up in Issaquah and remembers rally car driving in
the Snoqualmie Valley on the tree farm near the mill when he was in his 20s. Rally car driving — a sport in which drivers take their vehicles to challenging, nonpublic areas, like forestry roads — caught his interest. Though wildly popular in Europe, there are only two official rally car courses in the U.S., Lund said: one in New Hampshire and the other in Florida. He stressed that his course would not be used as a racetrack, but rather a place where people would drive at speeds up to 40 mph on a difficult surface of loose gravel, wet pavement and more. “It’s not racing,” Lund said. “You’re only on the course by
yourself. It’s a real learning experience.” He and three other men have formed Ultimate Rally and plan to target car lovers who enjoy driving off the beaten path, drivers who want formal training in off-road driving and businesses like Microsoft and Boeing looking for entertainment and team-building exercises. The course could also attract car manufacturers that need a place where people can test new vehicles and serve as a location for television and movie productions, See RACE TRACK, Page B3
Ultimate Rally LLC General Manager Greg Lund stands at Weyerhaeuser’s old mill site in Snoqualmie, where he and his business partners would like to build a rally car-driving course. CONTRIBUTED
The Issaquah Press
O BITUARIES
Margaret A. Matthews
Margaret A. Matthews, of Issaquah, died at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue on Monday, March 15, 2010. She was 92. At her request, there will be no services. Margaret was born Oct. 13, 1917, in Hudson, Ohio, to Ernest and Annabele Witt. She spent most of her life in the Hudson area, where she married and raised her family. She owned and operated a hair salon in Hudson Square for 25 years. Margaret moved to Issaquah in
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 •
B3
1988 to be near her family. She was active in the Issaquah Women’s Club and an avid gardener. She was preceded in death by her husband Earl and son Richard. Survivors include her sister Florence Matthews, of Tiffin, Ohio; daughter-in-law Anita Matthews and one granddaughter, all from Issaquah; a grandson, from Sammamish; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members in Ohio. Arrangements are by Flintoft’s Issaquah Funeral Home.
Robert Henry Fulton Robert Henry Fulton died peacefully March 24, 2010, after battling 16 months of various health challenges. His mind was set on returning to Robert Fulton the “urban woods” and his beloved home in Sammamish — a goal he nearly accomplished. He was 75. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. April 3 at Flintoft’s Issaquah Funeral Home. Robert, son of the late Rev. Nathan and Nancy Fulton was born in Baltimore on Aug. 4, 1934. He is survived by brothers Cephas Fulton, of Virginia, and James Fulton, of Avondale, Md. He was preceded in death by sisters Lauretta Dickey and Clarice Gore, of Baltimore. He was married to Joan D. Boozer. From this marriage came his only children — Vaunda D. Fulton, of Kirkland; Quanda R. Evans, of Bellevue; and Robert H. Fulton II, of Bothell. He is also survived by four grandchildren. Robert graduated from Dunbar High School in Baltimore in 1951. He attended Howard University for two years and joined the United States Air Force in 1953. Attaining the rank of sergeant, he
was honorably discharged in 1957. Robert continued his education at the University of Washington, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in engineering and computer science; the University of California at Berkley, where he obtained his Master of Science in engineering; and the U.W., where he received his doctorate in computer science. Robert began his civilian work career with General Dynamic in Pomona, Calif., and then worked for General Electric Atomic Energy Division in San Jose, Calif. Robert then took a position with The Boeing Co. in Seattle, and retired after more than 50 years in various departments there. Robert moved his family to Kirkland in 1968. He enjoyed coaching his children in various youth sports programs, designing and building dangerous (but fun) play equipment for the back yard, and performing car maintenance — whether it needed it or not. In retirement, he enjoyed dancing, listening to jazz, exploring the great outdoors and spending an exorbitant amount of time at the Boeing Fitness Center. He also enjoyed socializing with friends, which included his loyal friend of more than 40 years — Albert DePaoli. Arrangements are by Flintoft’s Funeral Home and Crematory. Friends are invited to share memories and sign the family’s online guest book at www.flintofts.com.
Kenneth Earl Solders Kenneth Earl Solders, known by friends as Ken and Kenny by those he worked with, died March 20, 2010, in Issaquah. He was 56. Kenneth Solders A celebration of life will be at 6 p.m. April 3 at Maximilien restaurant, 81 Pike St., Suite A, Seattle. He was born in Portland, Ore., on Nov. 18, 1953. Ken graduated from Portland State University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in economics and business administration. Ken and Barbara Fetty married July 19, 1986, and they resided in the Belmont neighborhood of Portland until they moved to Issaquah in 1988, when he joined The Peterson Co., a specialty food importer and distributor. He served as the vice president of Sales & Marketing. He coined their current slogan, “Delivering a world of good taste.” He was amused that a client called him “the Dick Clark of the Deli business.”
M ORE V OLUNTEER O PPORTUNITIES Start the New Year off right and help homeless and abused animals. Help build a great sanctuary. The King County shelter is closing and there is a need for more sanctuary and no-kill shelters. This group is new and needs a lot of help to get up and running. It’s in desperate need of an experienced fundraiser for an upcoming walk. It also needs help for upcoming charity and fundraising events. For more information, call 891-5869 or e-mail storybookfarm01@gmail.com. Hopelink: Help is needed sorting food in food banks; providing child care and homework tutoring to children in housing facilities; delivering food to homebound clients; or answering phones and helping with administrative tasks. Many other volunteer tasks are available; bi-lingual language skills are a plus for many of them. Volunteers over age 16 and volunteers between ages 12 and 16 with
He lived his life passionately and he enjoyed driving one of his fleet of convertibles on the few sunny warm days the Northwest provides. Ken savored good food with friends and family, and a spirited discussion. Although an enthusiastic traveler, some of his most treasured times were spent at the beach with his family or playing golf at his favorite course, the Manzanita Golf Course. He believed in making the most of every opportunity. He is survived by his mother Nadine, brother Jeffery Solders and his wife Barbara. Ken is loved by many nephews and nieces, who all will remember his joy, light heart and fun-loving nature at every family event. His greatest joy was his 15-year-old daughter Kirsten Solders, who was the brightest light in Ken’s life. He enjoyed supporting his daughter in academics, playing soccer, golf, the piano, marching in the band or just plain having fun. Ken was full of life and love and we all miss him desperately! Ken would have wanted all of you to remember to value and protect your freedom as an American. Remembrances may be sent to Rite Care of Washington, 3227 N.E. 125th St., Seattle WA 981254516.
parent/guardian supervision need to register to attend a mandatory orientation. Register at www.hope-link.org/takeaction/volunteer or call 869-6066. Registration is necessary; space is very limited. King County Library System Traveling Library Center: Share your love of reading with someone who cannot use the library. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, have reliable transportation to deliver materials and can select, deliver and return library materials to one shut-in patron at least once a month, for one year. Training is provided and takes about an hour. The time commitment is two to four hours per month. Call 369-3235 or 1-877-9052008, toll-free. Eastside Baby Corner: Help fill orders each week, including car seats, diapers, books, formula, baby food and clothing, serving victims of domestic violence and homeless families, health care providers, immigrant assistance groups, faith-based organizations, food banks, school districts, low-income and transitional housing agencies, and community centers. Go to www.babycorner.org.
CONTRIBUTED
Heather Gillette, Issaquah PTSA Council president, speaks March 16 during the annual districtwide Golden Acorn Awards. Gillette, who has served as PTSA council president twice, received both a Golden Acorn and an Outstanding Service award.
Golden Acorns FROM PAGE B1
BY GREG FARRAR
Dave and Stephanie Hansen and her son Joshua smile at the recovery and thriving of their family since being helped through a period of homelessness in their life.
Faith FROM PAGE B1
Giving back Besides camp duties, Dave worked as a day laborer and Stephanie worked as a helper for a church member, Elizabeth Maupin. The modest income allowed them a few luxuries — the occasional meal out or a night at a motel. “We tried not to eat as much of the camp food as we could, because we had that extra income and it allowed us to leave things for people who really needed it,” Stephanie Hansen said. The upswing started for the Hansens when Maupin hired Stephanie as a caretaker. Maupin had scheduled surgery, and she needed a helper to aid her during recovery. Maupin — coordinator of the Issaquah Sammamish Interfaith Coalition, a group of local religious organizations — helped bring the encampment back to Issaquah in January. The experience also brought the Hansens closer to Community Church. Every Sunday morning, Stephanie Hansen drove Maupin to church and, after a couple weeks, started at-
Race track: Estimated revenue of $3 million FROM PAGE B1
Lund said. He estimates the business would have an annual revenue of $3 million and would help bring $2.5 million in tourism dollars per year to the valley. “It’s the perfect location, because we’re going to try to do vacation packages,” Lund said. “You could stay at Salish (Lodge & Spa), go skiing, go golfing — maybe even take a cruise up to Alaska.” After hearing about Lund’s plan, some Snoqualmie residents said they are wary of living near a rally car course. Snoqualmie resident Sheri Bucy wondered how Ultimate Rally could be profitable during a recession. She said she worried that once started, the company would have to operate beyond its promised weekday-only hours and would start catering to weekend customers. “I just see and hear a lot of noisy weekends in our future,” Bucy wrote in an e-mail, adding, “This valley is a giant bowl and we can hear everything.” Mark Stadick, of Snoqualmie, remembered when the Weyerhaeuser mill was in service. “I have enjoyed the peace since it shut down,” Stadick wrote in an e-mail. He noted he often bicycles to the mill site and enjoys seeing artists painting Mount Si and people watching wildlife. “Who needs greasy, oily cars
tending services. Eventually, she joined the choir and — in May 2008 — joined the congregation when she was baptized. Dave Hansen followed in January 2009. Joshua will be baptized on Easter. “It kind of sucked moving from place to place” as a foster child, he said. “It’s just good to be in one spot now. It’s nice to be back with my family.” Maupin credits the Hansens for taking the difficult step to leave Tent City 4. The family remained involved with the encampment. When Tent City 4 settled on Mercer Island, for instance, the Hansens dropped off donations at the camp. Nowadays, Maupin and Stephanie Hansen serve together on the board for Response Ability Builders, a Tiger Mountain nonprofit with a focus on teaching homeless people to build disaster-relief housing. Maupin said other Tent City 4 residents could emulate the Hansens’ success with dedication — and no small amount of hard work. “Given a chance and support, they can make it, but they also have to choose to do their part,” she said. Warren Kagarise: 392-6434, ext. 234, or wkagarise@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
around an area like that?” he asked. “Let it recover from the mill.” Lund said he was aware of the concerns. He said cars on the course wouldn’t be any louder than modern street cars. As for the environment, he said his company would try to minimize the course’s contact with wildlife. And, they are working with the Cascade Land Conservancy, a nonprofit organization, to calculate how many more trees they would need to plant to create a sound buffer and help offset the company’s carbon footprint, he said. The company does not plan to operate the business on weekends, he added. For people concerned with maintaining the site’s history, Lund said he would preserve Weyerhaeuser’s historic buildings — using them for the company’s offices and classrooms — and create a museum about Weyerhaeuser. The land is currently part of unincorporated King County, but Lund said he hopes it will be incorporated into Snoqualmie, so the city would benefit from his business. No public meetings are planned for the development, because the property is zoned industrial property, something which bothers Snoqualmie resident David Bach. “Why are no permits required for a business with potentially dramatic impacts on nearby residents?” Bach asked in an e-mail. In the meantime, Lund and his partners are working on the rally car business. “There is no NASCAR,” Lund said. “We’re just a bunch of old guys who want to put on a school and make income for Snoqualmie and jobs as well.” Laura Geggel: 392-6434, ext. 221, or lgeggel@snovalleystar.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
resources become even more important,” said Heather Gillette, PTSA Council president and an award recipient. “This is a great opportunity to acknowledge our volunteer’s efforts and their contributions to all of our students in the district.” Gillette, who has served as PTSA council president twice, was awarded with a Golden Acorn award from Skyline High School and an Outstanding Service award for her work on the council this year. But the awards don’t just go to the hardest-working volunteers; awards also go to the hardestworking employees. This year, four district employees — Barbara Walton, principal at Grand Ridge Elementary School; Kathy Connally, principal at Endeavour Elementary School; Alaine Tibbetts, a bus driver in the Briarwood Elementary School area; and Curtis Betzler, a teacher at Beaver Lake Middle School — earned awards. Walton received a lifetime honorary membership to the PTSA for her years of dedicated service to the district and as the first principal of Grand Ridge. Walton will retire from the district at the end of the year. Connally received an Outstanding Advocate award for her dedication to her students. Tibbetts received a Golden Acorn for her dedication to students who ride her buses to and from Briarwood Elementary School each day. Betzler received the Outstanding Advocate award for his dedication to helping students help students across the world through the nonprofit organization he and PTSA parents formed called Generation Joy. The organization’s major humanitarian project is a necessities drive where students collect donations that are shipped to South African children living in orphanages. “This year’s theme, Celebrating Giving Hearts, was chosen because that is what these people truly do,” Babb said of the winners. “They aren’t doing this for accolades, but this is what they truly love to do.” This year’s winners are: Elementary schools Apollo: Chris Boster, Beth Koontz and Cliff LeCompte Briarwood: Lara Chung, Joanne Kilcup, Stephanie Mayo, Kymberli Nelson and Jenna
This week
C LUBS
American Rhododendron Society, Cascade Chapter: 7 p.m. second Tuesday, Bellevue Presbyterian Church, Bellevue, 391-2366. Cascade Llama 4-H Club: second Wednesday, 391-7988 Eastside Camera Club: 7 p.m. first Thursday, St. Madeleine Catholic Church, 4400 130th Place S.E., Bellevue, 861-7910 www.eastsidecameraclub.com The Eastside Welcome Club: 10 a.m. first Wednesday, 641-8341 Faith and Sharing for those with special needs: 2-4 p.m. first Sunday, St. Joseph parish hall, 200 Mountain Park Blvd. S.W., 392-5682 Friends of the Issaquah Library: 7 p.m. second Wednesday, Issaquah Library, 10 W. Sunset Way, 392-3571 Issaquah Amateur Radio Club: 7 p.m. first Wednesday, Issaquah Valley Senior Center, 75 N.E. Creek Way, 392-7623 Issaquah Business Builders: 7:30 a.m. first Thursday, IHOP Restaurant, 1433 N.W. Sammamish Road, 206-852-8240
Thoresen Cascade Ridge: Jaycee Cooper,
Lynette Springborn and Tina Yerges Challenger: Marilou Dacey, Sandi Dong and Shannon Karr. Leslie Miniken received an Honorary Lifetime PTA Membership. Clark: Kristin Bartholet, Betsy Brewer and Sherry Feiler-Weins Cougar Ridge: Elizabeth Brown, Sara Carmichael, Tricia Jerue and Becky Schultz. Stefanie Beighle received the Outstanding Advocate award. Discovery: Connie Ellis, Jill Kelley and Ken Peatross Jr. and Jane Cristallo. Tom Thompson received Outstanding Advocates awards Endeavour: Miranda Cantine, Becky Lawrence, Chris Leznek and Heather Stambaugh Grand Ridge: Cyn Baumert, Lida Buckner and Theora Dalupan Issaquah Valley: Tanya Alter, Suzie Kuflik and Kim Nardi Maple Hills: Marsha Kauzlarich and Jennifer Wildermuth. Dawn Peschek was given the Outstanding Advocate award. Newcastle: Edana Peacock and Lynne Hepp Sunny Hills: Brian McRae, Darawan Morrison and Monica Rockwell. Donna Gelinas won the Outstanding Advocate award. Sunset: Trina Elliot, Lisa McGowen, Elizabeth Tuohy and Connie Zue Middle schools Beaver Lake: Patty Grembowski and Alayna Niehaus Issaquah: Sally Burnette and Kim Dreiblatt Maywood: Kimberly Montague and Staci Schnell Pine Lake: Monica De RaspeBolles, Ina Ghangurde and Stacy Heller High schools Issaquah: Lori Van De Mark, Vicki Hahn and Debbie Sexton. Jody Mull received the Outstanding Advocate award. Liberty: Maryann DiPasquale, Holly Hollinger, Vanessa McDonald and Betsy Pendleton Skyline: Teresa Bretl and Heather Gillette PTSA Council awards Golden Acorns – Donna Gelinas, Linda Guard, Jody Mull and Connie Rawson Outstanding Advocates – Alison Meryweather and Leigh Stokes Outstanding Service – Heather Gillette and Vicki Hoffman Chantelle Lusebrink: 392-6434, ext. 241, or clusebrink@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
Issaquah Emblem Club: 7 p.m. first Wednesday, Elks Lodge, 765 Rainier Blvd. N., 392-7024 Issaquah Garden Club: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. second Wednesday, Tibbetts Creek Manor, 750 17th Ave. N.W., 603-0711 Issaquah Valley Grange: 7:30 p.m. second Monday, Issaquah Myrtle Mason Lodge Hall, 57 W. Sunset Way, 392-3013 Issaquah Women’s Club: 9:30 a.m. first Thursday (second Thursday in September), Tibbetts Creek Manor, 750 17th Ave. N.W., 369-3090 Pine Lake Garden Club: 9:30 a.m. second Wednesday, occasional workshops and field trips, 836-7810
Weekly Camp Fire Family Group: 7 p.m. every other Tuesday, 3131600 Greater Issaquah Toastmasters Club No. 5433: 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Bellewood Retirement Community, 3710 Providence Point Drive S.E., 306-2232 or issaquahtm@gmail.com Guide Dogs for the Blind: 6 p.m. most Sundays, Issaquah Police Station Eagle Room, 644-7421
The Issaquah Press
A4 • Wednesday, April 7, 2010
OPINION
Thanks to Tent City for opportunity to share PRESS E DITORIAL
Tent City 4 returned to Issaquah in January and is already making plans to move on. The 90-day limit on the encampment ends April 24. Thank you, Tent City, for coming to Issaquah. We hope you have enjoyed the stay and will come again. Your homelessness brings out the caring spirit of Issaquah. You are good for us. Almost as soon as the tents had been set up, every dinner had a sponsor for the 80 residents of the camp. Donations started rolling in, from warm sweaters and mittens to hand sanitizer and paper plates. Some reached out and offered temporary jobs. A local doctor and a dentist gave free health care one Saturday. The weekly e-mail newsletter put together by Elizabeth Maupin highlights a sampling of Issaquah’s generosity. Jan. 15: A collaboration of members of the Negrin/Wojcik family and Vonalaine Crowe and her daughters provided a special Valentine’s Day meal for the camp. A wonderful potluck and concert at St. Joseph Catholic Church that the RCIA group and the Spirit’N’Soul band organized. Feb. 2: Donations have been rolling in. Some donors have paired up to provide one sliced roast per week for sandwich fixing. A couple stepped forward to help Peter with his insulin expenses until the VA paperwork is processed. March 21: Children from St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church will be delivering 100 packages they put together with hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, wash cloths, toothbrushes, sewing kits and a snack. Marianwood employees donated 198 pounds of goods, for a total of 600 pounds since January. Hall’s Auto has a van for SHARE … this will be of great help in the weekly hauling of bedding to be laundered and in moving the campers from one site to the next. March 29: The coffee drinkers are still consuming a lot of coffee and sugar. Thank you Eunshin Kwon for the gift of coffee supplies last week! The Issaquah Singers have been bringing supplies for Tent City to each rehearsal. Someone took people from Tent City 4 to a Techie job fair on Sunday. It’s not too late to get involved in helping these men and women. In the last two weeks that Tent City residents are in Issaquah, the focus is on fundraising for new tents. For more information, call Randy Hunt at 823-1629. A dramatic monologue, “View From The Tent,” will be performed at 7 p.m. April 17 at Mary, Queen of Peace as a fundraiser and one last life lesson on the who, what and why of Tent City. Tickets are available for adults and students at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/106413.
O FF T HE P RESS
Come to tweetup — no nametag required
R
ead on while I convey a message I could otherwise encapsulate into the length of a tweet: Come to the inaugural tweetup co-hosted by The Issaquah Press at 5:30 p.m. April 14. Join other tweeps and a few reporters at the Issaquah Brewhouse, 35 W. Sunset Way. The paper will co-host the event with Chris Pirillo, a selfproclaimed geek, cnn.com tech contributor and Eastside resident. Bring along suggestions ideas for stories and, yes, gripes. In the meantime, look for updates — where else? — on Twitter @issaquahpress and at www.issaquahpress.com. Help spread the word to fellow Issaquah residents and other Eastsiders. A quick primer for the uninitiated: a tweetup equals a meetup for Twitter users. The paper joined the microblogging site last July to
broadcast tweets — 140 characters long and about the length of a text message — packed with headlines, breaking news and Warren requests for story tips. Kagarise Since tweet Press reporter No. 1 on July 27, more than 900 people started following the account, Pied Piper style. The followers translated to new readers, sources and ideas. And — in a more ignominious moment — a follower prompted the paper to run a correction. In addition to a daily parade of headlines, other reporters and I tweeted through Bumbershoot, See TWEETUP, Page A5
Human services director
City needs Steve Gierke’s professional service; appoint him to open position I am writing in support of Steve Gierke as human services director for the city of Issaquah. Having worked for many years with Steve, I believe we will all lose if his professional service to our community is lost. I met Steve more than 10 years ago, when I served on a task force organized by thenmayor Rowan Hinds. Specifically, we were charged with researching how the city could get behind and benefit from private efforts that were already addressing city goals. During this process, it was discovered that the city’s brand new Comprehensive Plan didn’t even have a human services element. So, Steve pulled together a committee on which I also served to write the human services element that is now part of Issaquah’s Comprehensive Plan. Were it not for his efforts, human services would still be a peripheral concern in terms of the city’s overall planning direction. Under Steve’s leadership, more than 60 social service agencies now contribute to those in need right here in Issaquah. As the founder of Compassion House, I have had the opportunity to observe, “up close and personal” how Steve manages these agency relationships. His knowledge and experience in working with human service providers is a rarity in city government. That’s why Steve is widely acknowledged throughout the Eastside as a resident expert in human service matters. Thanks to Steve’s creative approach, Issaquah has avoided directly staffing and financing human service programs, relying instead on public/private partnerships that bring private dollars to bear on public needs. Those of us in the human service arena trust Steve and find him to be an incredible resource. If the city of Issaquah takes human services seriously, then retaining Steve Gierke should be a “no-brainer,” for he does the work of several people and his knowledge of human services is irreplaceable. We all know government has to slim down, but cutting that part of it that touches and gives voice to those on the margins is not the answer.
Mark C. Miller, pastor Founder, board member of Compassion House
Pledge of Allegiance
When people have to recite “one nation, under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance, they are being forced into an unacceptable position of proclaiming religious beliefs that they may not share. One solution would be to remove the two words (under God) that were added in 1955. A better solution would be to do away with
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the pledge altogether. Why should anyone have to publicly proclaim his or her allegiance to the flag? For whose benefit is this being done? Is it for the other people in the room, to show them that we are patriotic? Is it for the person who is reciting it, so they remember to be faithful to their country? Is it to check to see whether there are any nonpatriots in the room? I have lived in this country for almost seven decades; I have worked and paid taxes for five decades. I served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps. I don’t need to recite an allegiance pledge to remind me or to convince my neighbors that I am loyal to my country. I feel foolish doing this. One’s presence at the town’s meetings shows that they care about their community and/or their country. If some people feel the need to reinforce their allegiance to this country, so be it. I do not.
Frank Conley Issaquah
Christians don’t hold monopoly on morality, rather it’s basic to all faiths With so many critical issues that we face, the question of whether or not to require nonbelievers to include “under God” in our Pledge of Allegiance seems to me to be a matter of little consequence. Nevertheless, I can appreciate the irritation that avowed atheists might feel about mouthing words contrary to their convictions. What does stick in my craw are statements like Lynn Stuter’s declaration (in her letter to the editor of March 17) that the United States was established as “a Christian nation.” I am not a Christian, but I am a proud and patriotic American. Our forefathers intended that I be endowed with the same inalienable rights as my Christian brethren. Indeed, it was a Jew, Hyam Solomon, who was instrumental in financing the Revolutionary War, the war of independence that led to the founding of our nation. (Source: Google, Hyam Solomon) Christians do not hold a monopoly on morality as Stuter seems to imply. Morality is basic to all faiths and is the foundation of our common law. “God” is an acronym identifying the Supreme Being, Jehovah, Adonai, Allah or, as Indian lore calls it, “the Great Spirit,” worshipped by all religions. God may be Christian, but he is also Jewish, Muslim and master of all faiths.
Raymond Extract
An allegiance pledge is not needed to reassert loyalty to the country
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T O T HE E DITOR
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First Amendment prohibited founders from establishing a Christian nation
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tion. This couldn’t be further from the truth and this same letter writer proves this in her letter. As she said in the letter’s third paragraph, “The First Amendment prohibits a state established religion.” Based on this, how could the Founding Fathers have established a Christian nation if they stated that there would be no state-established religion? It is impossible to have a Christian nation if there is no state-recognized religion. She goes on to quote John Adams to support her claim that the intent was to have a Christian nation, when in fact, Christianity is never mentioned in the quote, religion is. Only a person who believes that Christianity equals religion and nothing else does would try to use Adams’ quote to support the concept that the United States is a Christian nation. And finally, what many refuse to accept is that this great country of ours is made up of many cultures and religions, and our government is designed to protect the minority from the majority, because it is when the majority uses its numbers to force its ideas onto others that we become no better than the rest of the world. It is this simple fact that differentiates us from the rest and will continue to make us great.
Robert Oberlander Issaquah
LETTERS WELCOME The Issaquah Press welcomes letters to the editor on any subject, although we reserve the right to edit for space, potential libel and/or political relevance. Letters addressing local news will receive priority. Please limit letters to 350 words and type them, if possible. E-mail is preferred. Letters must be signed and have a daytime phone number to verify authorship. Deadline for letters is noon Friday for the following week’s paper.
A recent letter writer, while trying to defend her right to recite the Pledge of Allegiance as it is now written, also tried to claim that the Founding Fathers established a Christian na-
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A6
• Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The Issaquah Press Performance will benefit Tent City 4
BY GREG FARRAR
CAR ROLLS OVER INTO DITCH A tow truck driver prepares to turn over a 2001 Ford pickup truck that rolled off the road and over at 3:50 p.m. April 5 in the 19700 block of Southeast 128th Way. The only occupant, a 56-year old Renton man, was treated for scratches and bruises at the scene by Eastside Fire & Rescue paramedics and refused transport to a hospital. The northbound vehicle took the corner wide onto the soft shoulder, overcorrected, crossed the street and rolled into the culvert, according to county police.
Find a free Evergreen State tourism planner online State tourism officials showcased Issaquah Alps trails and the Salmon Days Festival in the official state travel planner released in early March. Washington State Tourism and the state Department of Commerce released a 152-page, full color print travel planner, and also made the guide available online at www.experiencewa.com. Organizers said the online offer-
ing represented a way to decrease the environmental impact of the guide. Besides English, find versions of the online guide in Spanish, French, German and Japanese translations. Order a printed copy of the planner for free through the state tourism Web site, www.experiencewa.com, or by calling 800544-1800 toll free. The guide includes information about attractions and events across the Evergreen State. “As the economy continues to
B REAKI NG N EWS ! B REAKI NG N EWS ! B REAKI NG N EWS !
FISCHER MEATS IS TURNING 100 YEARS OLD! Since 1910, FISCHER MEATS has been Issaquah’s full service meat counter.
recover, Pacific Northwest residents are looking for affordable vacation ideas in their own backyards, and we hope this travel planner will be a valuable tool, as well as a source of travel inspiration,” Marsha Massey, executive director for Washington State Tourism, said in a news release. “Our great state has so many experiences to offer visitors, from its breathtaking beaches and national parks to refreshingly vibrant urban centers and cutting-edge culinary hot spots.”
New signs educate residents about drinking water City workers posted signs throughout the city in midMarch to remind residents about the importance of ground water. Workers installed five ground water protection signs in the Critical Aquifer Recharge Area — places where rainwater filters into the underground municipal water supply. Ground water pumped from the Lower Issaquah Valley Aquifer serves as a major source of city drinking water. Officials said the signs will be used alongside other tools, like the city Web site, to educate residents about the source of city water, as well as manmade impacts on the ground water supply. Learn more about drinking water, the Critical Aquifer Recharge Area and the signs at www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/gwsigns.
Learn about living without permanent shelter in the Seattle area at a performance of “View from the Tent: Thoughts from a Homeless Man” to benefit Tent City 4. Actor Dan Niven created the dramatic monologue, and he will perform the piece at Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1121 228th Ave. S.E., at 7 p.m. April 17. The performance will be followed by audience feedback, as well as conversation with the actor and a panel of Tent City 4 residents. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors through Brown Paper Tickets, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/106413. Light refreshments will be served at the event. Learn more about the performance at the Tent City 4 Web site, http://tentcity4.info/. Tent City 4 arrived in the Community Church of Issaquah parking lot in late January. About 80 homeless people live in the encampment on a given day. The encampment moves between Eastside churches, and remains at a site for about 90 days. Tent City 4 will leave Issaquah on April 24 for Lake Washington United Methodist Church in Kirkland. Tent City 4 shelters up to 100 adults at a fenced site with 24hour security. Organizers do not allow children to live at the encampment. Most Tent City 4 residents leave the camp during the day for work. Residents undergo warrant and convicted sex offender checks before they are allowed to enter the camp, and strict rules ban offenders.
Governor signs health bill sponsored by Issaquah rep State Sen. Cheryl Pflug, a registered nurse who represents Issaquah in Olympia, sponsored a bill to establish a pair of pilot projects intended to make healthcare more affordable. Gov. Chris Gregoire signed the legislation March 25. The measure sponsored by Pflug, a Maple Valley Republican, promotes a team approach to healthcare. The law encourages public and private healthcare systems to coordinate patient care and pay for results rather than treatments. The measure establishes at least two accountable-care organization pilot projects — collaborations between physicians and hospitals designed to allow a team approach to coordinating patient care. The legislation requires the projects to be established by Jan. 1, 2012. “Accountable-care organizations change today’s patient care model,” Pflug said in a news
release. “Instead of paying doctors a set amount per patient visit or treatment, primary physicians in accountable-care organizations receive additional compensation when they help improve a patient’s health such that it saves money by preventing hospital visits and preventable complications of chronic illness.”
County marks National 911 Education Month King County has recognized April as National 911 Education Month, and encourages residents to learn how to communicate effectively and efficiently during emergencies. King County E-911 Program Office staffers distributed education materials to all public libraries in King County: a coloring book to teach children about 911 and a brochure for adults. Schools and community groups can also request the free materials. Learn more about the education program at www.kingcounty.gov/911. “For the past 25 years, 911 has served as a vital link between the people of King County and emergency services,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said in a news release. “Educating the public on the appropriate use of 911 has contributed to the incredible success of our emergency communications system. Increased awareness is important as we continue to upgrade the 911 system to work effectively with new communications technologies and devices.” Congress and the National Emergency Number Association also acknowledged April as National 911 Education Month.
School district sells remaining 2006 bonds Issaquah School Board members unanimously approved the final sale of $41.2 million in bonds at their March 24 meeting. The sale included $29.8 million in taxable Build America Bonds and $11.3 million in general obligation bonds that were refinanced from the 2006 voterapproved $242 million construction bond. District officials refinanced the bonds because market conditions will potentially allow up to 5.5 percent, or close to $750,000, in savings for taxpayers over the life of the bonds. The bonds were marketed by Seattle Northwest Securities March 23. District officials were present at that sale, made pending final approval by school board members the next day. The money will be used to finish planning and construction on several schools in the south end of the district, like the Briarwood Elementary School rebuild project outlined in the 2006 measure.
Don’t miss our April THROWBACK PRICING !
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First Church of Christ, Scientist, Issaquah
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Living in Abundance Your Local Butcher Since 1910
85 Front Street North • Issaquah
www.fischermeatsnw.com
Two Free Talks by Evan Mehlenbacher
International Speaker on the Healing Power of Prayer Sponsored by
425.392.3131
Saturday, April 10, 2010 • 11:00 am Tibbets Creek Manor 750 17th Ave NW Issaquah, WA 98027
The Issaquah Press goes around the world…
to The Big Climb! Members of Eastside Kickboxing’s team “Flight or Fight” paused for a photo with The Issaquah Press after climbing 69 floors to the top of the Columbia Tower on March 21 to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
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The Issaquah Press
A10 • Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Good songs, good times at Mostly Americana
ARTS
CALENDAR
By Chantelle Lusebrink Issaquah Press reporter
APRIL
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“The Gypsy King,” Village Theatre, 303 Front St. N. through April 25, $19-$59, 392-2202, www.villagetheatre.org
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Jeremy Owen, 6:3010:30 p.m., Vino Bella
Jonathan Byrd and Chris Kokesh, 7:30 p.m., TreeHouse Point, 6922 Preston-Fall City Road, 441-8087, www.treehousepoint.com
Dan Connolly, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Zeeks Pizza, 2525 N.E. Park Drive, Issaquah Highlands “Wonka Jr.” 7 p.m. April 15-17, Maywood Middle School, 14490 168th Ave. S.E., Renton, $7
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Faculty Select Concert, featuring Issaquah musicians, 7:30 p.m., Music Works Northwest, 14360 S.E. Eastgate Way, Suite 102, Bellevue
Fridays in the Living Room with Greta: Special guest Pearl Django, 7:45-10 p.m. Bake’s Place, 4135 Providence Point Dr. S.E., 391-3335 or www.bakesplace.org, $15 Ventura Highway Revisited, 7:30-11:30 p.m., Vino Bella
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David Helfand, traditional Celtic harp, 1 p.m., Issaquah Library, 10 W. Sunset Way, 3925430
Yearning for a little apple pie, big band and crooning quartets? The Fourth of July may be far off but you can have it all by attending Issaquah High School’s fifth annual Mostly Americana chorale concert to honors veterans at 7 p.m. April 17 at the Pacific Cascade Freshman Campus. With more than 350 performers from local schools and Breath of Aire, a regional Northwest community choir, singing patriotic songs, swing, show tunes, gospel, barbershop, spiritual and rock songs, the event promises to be an evening of fun. In addition to allowing students to practice with professionals, proceeds from the event go to help the schools pay for travel expenses for the many shows their chorale groups are invited to across the country. But it isn’t just the songs and fundraising that stirs up emotions; it’s whom the songs are for, said Barbara Irish, the school’s chorale director. “My favorite part is when veterans stand and we sing to them ‘I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free.’ My father’s Air Force plane went down over the Sea of Japan when I was a baby, so I never knew him, yet I feel very close to him, especially at Mostly Americana,” Irish said. “My love for him and our country, my love for these students and my passion for music have come together to form the vision for Mostly Americana. To be there with my students, my friends, my fellow citizens, overwhelms me, and I am very proud to be an American.” All veterans get into the show for free, because it is in honor of them and the
CONTRIBUTED
IF YOU GO Mostly Americana 7 p.m. April 17 Pacific Cascade Freshman Campus 24635 S.E. Issaquah-Fall City Road $15 in advance at Front Street Market, 80 Front St. S., or $20 at the door. Veterans get in free.
debt our country owes them for their service, Irish said. “I think that it is very special, simply because it lets our community come together for one big night to show our appreciation for the veterans of the war,” said Marcus Mitchell, a senior who is in both the chorus and in the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps at school.
The Hi Tones perform for the audience in 2009 during the Mostly Americana concert. “I think our concert is a special way to do that and not something people often do. We get to say thank you as a collective group, as opposed to an individual or a veteran’s family member. Instead, we say thank you as a group, a school and city.” The event is also a chance for children to learn about the history of American song, its meaning and about the patriotism that went into much of it, Irish said. But if that wasn’t enough for you to pencil it into your calendar, how about the lure of Fourth of July treats, which audience members can enjoy during the show’s intermission? A dessert buffet will include a variety of beverages and classic American pastries, like apple and berry pies and a variety of lemon and pecan bars.
Monologue offers ‘View from the Tent’ By Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporter
Darren Motamedy, 8-11 p.m., Pogacha Gail Pettis Quartet, 7:45-10 p.m., Bake’s Place, $15 Chris Stevens and the Surf Monkeys, 7:30-11:30 p.m., Vino Bella
18 20 21 22
A&E
TO SUBMIT AN ARTS CALENDAR ITEM: Call 392-6434, ext. 237, or newsclerk@isspress.com. Submit A&E story ideas to isspress@isspress.com.
18 First Jeep Wrangler & 4 X 4 Roundup, Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-in, 98 N.E. Gilman Blvd., 392-1266
Paul Green & Straight Shot: Sunday Blues, BBQ & Beer, 6:30 p.m., Bake’s Place, $10 Poetry Reading, 6-8 p.m., Vino Bella
Comedy Night, featuring comedian Cowboy Bill Martin, 7 p.m., Vino Bella
Ceilidh Dance, 7-9 p.m. Issaquah Valley Senior Center, 75 Northeast Creek Way
Before Tent City 4 departs from Issaquah, supporters of the homeless camp will pull back the flap and offer a perspective from inside the tent. “View from the Tent” — a dramatic monologue based on letters from a homeless man — will anchor a benefit April 17 for the homeless encampment. Tent City 4 residents will answer questions from the audience after the performance. Author M. Barrett Miller compiled letters from a homeless man, identified as Atreus, into a self-published book, “View from the Tent: Thoughts from a Homeless Man.” Dan Niven, a Seattle actor and musician, chanced upon the book as he browsed the shop at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle last year. Miller co-founded a Seattle nonprofit organization, Let Kids Be Kids, dedicated to helping children participate in efforts to aid the homeless and people afflicted with HIV/AIDS. The experience led Miller to homeless camps throughout Seattle. Once, Atreus handed Miller a letter. The notes continued on subsequent visits. The writer documented the people he met, and their stories, too. “Overall, the stories are very hopeful. They’re very courageous,” Miller said. The idea for a performance based on the experiences of a homeless man in Seattle germinated at a Starbucks. The coffee giant serves as the setting for a key scene in the book, as Atreus writes in a
IF YOU GO ‘View from the Tent’ 7 p.m. April 17 Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church 1121 228th Ave. S.E. $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors Buy tickets online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/106413.
Providence Marianwood celebrates Mother Joseph Day with living history Actress Joan Pinkerton Tucker, of Moses Lake, will portray Mother Joseph of the Sisters of Providence April 16 at Providence Marianwood in celebration of Mother Joseph Day. The Rev. Johann Neethling, Providence Marianwood director of pastoral care, said Tucker’s living-history performance is highly anticipated for the annual celebration. “We’re very excited she’s coming back,” Neethling said, adding Tucker last appeared at the facility in 1988, before Providence Marianwood had taken over operations. “We have some residents from other Providence ministries who have seen her and have been very impressed.” Tucker, who dresses as Mother Joseph did when she worked in the Washington Territory, will present her free, living history monologue “Beggar/Builder: The History of Mother Joseph from 2-2:45 p.m., in the activity room, 3725 Providence Point Drive S.E. Mother Joseph was born Esther Pariseau on April 16, 1823, in a farmhouse near Saint Elzear, Quebec. The third of 12 children, she learned carpentry skills from her father and the domestic arts from her mother. At age 20, she entered the convent of the Sisters of Charity of Providence (later renamed Sisters of Providence) in Montreal, where she took the name Joseph in honor of her father. Nine years later, the order received a call to bring healthcare, education and social services to the American West, where there were “great unmet needs.” Before she died Jan. 19, 1902, Mother Joseph, known as “The Builder,” had established 29 hospitals, schools, orphanages, homes for the aged and shelters for the mentally ill in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Canada. She helped build Seattle’s first hospital and is recognized as one of the first architects in the Washington Territory. Tucker is an author, professional actress and an Inquiring Mind Scholar for the Washington Commission for the Humanities. She wrote “Beggar/Builder” after researching nearly 40 years of correspondence from the archives of the Sisters of Providence and performs in an authentic habit from the Sisters of Providence archives.
Go shopping ......... letter later used in the tome. “Why I think this work is so compelling is because no matter what side of the fence you’re on, you’ll leave with something to think about,” Niven said. Organizers will present the piece a week before Tent City 4 departs April 24 for Lake Washington United Methodist Church in Kirkland. The encampment relocates across the Eastside from church to church. Tent City remains at a site for about 90 days. Residents settled at Community Church of Issaquah in late January. The author and performer, as well as the local Tent City 4 organizers, the Issaquah and Sammamish Interfaith Coalition, hope the monologue educates attendees about local homelessness. “No theater happens in a vacuum,” Niven said. Tent City 4 shelters up to 100 adults at a fenced site with 24-hour security. Orga-
Issaquah/Sammamish
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nizers do not allow children to live at the encampment. Residents undergo warrant and sex offender checks before they are allowed to enter the camp; strict rules ban offenders, drugs and alcohol. Niven turned to serious roles after he tackled a part in a Seattle production of “The Wall” — a drama about the emotional impact of the Vietnam War. St. Mark’s hosted Tent City 3 — the Seattle homeless encampment founded by the same nonprofit behind Tent City 4 — at the same time Niven picked up the book. Before the book reached the stage as a dramatic monologue, Miller had lost touch with Atreus. “I can only hope that he’s all right,” Miller said. “I can only hope that the other people he wrote about are all right as well.”
Mow yard .......... Go to Web site of the week ......
www.break.com
C’mon. Give yourself a break. Don’t you deserve one? Take some time to laugh at funny videos, clips and photos here. The fail videos here are really great, too. Like the one Have where a guy gets stuck in the a rechoop after a slam dunk, or ommendathe guy lighting a barbecue tion for Web site grill or how about that of the week? Send it breakdance rehearsto editor@isspress.com. al? Good time.
The Issaquah Press
Local former astronaut hopes to land space shuttle for museum By Warren Kagarise Issaquah Press reporter Issaquah resident and former astronaut Bonnie Dunbar will step down as CEO of The Museum of Flight in July to focus on acquiring a decommissioned space shuttle for the Seattle museum. NASA will retire the three orbiters by next year. Museums across the nation hope to net the shuttles Atlantis and Endeavour. The space agency has promised the shuttle Discovery to the Smithsonian Institution. Gov. Chris Gregoire and state legislators offered support — and $3 million — to help land a shuttle for Washington. The Museum of Flight plans to add exhibition space, called the Space Gallery, to house a shuttle. “Thanks to the governor and Legislature, the state’s capital budget included $3 million for a Space Gallery to house the space shuttle and other space exploration artifacts,” Dunbar said in a news release. “It brings us to threequarters of our goal which we expect to reach soon. In the meantime, we are hard at work on a design for the gallery.” Dunbar will step down as CEO on July 1. Michael Hallman, a museum trustee and a former Boeing and Microsoft executive, has already started handling dayto-day operations for the museum. “Obtaining one of the retired shuttles for the state of Washington and building a world-class Space Gallery is a top priority for the museum and time is running short,” board of trustees Chairman Kevin Callaghan said in the release. “We are in a good position to be successful but we need a strong push to the finish and Bonnie is the person to lead this effort.” Dunbar will work with government, business, education and civic leaders statewide and across the nation to raise money and build support for a shuttle acquisition. Museum trustees appointed Dunbar as president and CEO in late 2005. Before she accepted a role at the nonprofit museum, Dunbar worked in the aerospace industry for Boeing and Rockwell International. In the mid- and late1990s, Dunbar flew five shuttle missions, including two missions to Mir, the former Russian space
Tent City 4 needs volunteers Help Tent City 4 pull up stakes in Issaquah and relocate to a Kirkland church April 24. The homeless encampment needs volunteers to help disassemble the camp and load tents and other materials onto trucks. Work starts at 8 a.m. Tent City 4 should depart Community Church of Issaquah, 205 Mountain Park Blvd., for Kirkland by 1 p.m. Organizers ask for volunteers to wear work gloves and bring a
station. Dunbar blasted into orbit aboard the shuttles Challenger, Columbia, Atlantis and Endeavour. Disasters claimed Challenger, Columbia and their crews. The former astronaut oversaw the expansion of The Museum of Flight during her tenure, the acceptance of the facility as a Smithsonian affiliate and the recent re-accreditation of the museum by the American Association of Museums.
“Bonnie has served the museum with great focus, intelligence and energy in her five years as our leader,” Callaghan said in the release. “She has led us through difficult financial times and will leave the museum in a sound financial condition. We have been fortunate to have her as our leader for the past five years.” Warren Kagarise: 392-6434, ext. 234, or wkagarise@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
Outbreak FROM PAGE A1
per. “Wildlife disease epidemics tend to occur in cycles, appearing when animal populations are high,” Kristin Mansfield, staff veterinarian with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, said in the release. Officials recommended for residents to feed pets indoors, and secure garbage and compost; bird feeders and chicken feed also attract raccoons. Residents should also secure pet doors to keep raccoons from coming indoors. “While we have seen an increase in the number of raccoons this year at our wildlife hospital that appear to be infected with canine distemper, we encourage people not to panic,” Dr. John Huckabee, wildlife vet-
Budget FROM PAGE A1
costs with inflation. Includes $5.1 million to implement the Race to the Top education reform program, and to begin K-12 funding-formula changes. Eliminates per-pupil funding for class size reductions according to Initiative 728. Cuts $22 million in bus-depreciation funding, in which the Issaquah district participates. Cuts $15.6 million by eliminating the last state-funded Learning Improvement Day for teachers. However, district officials are celebratory, as Superintendent Steve Rasmussen wrote in a letter
False alarms: $2,200 collected in violations FROM PAGE A1 BY GREG FARRAR
Bonnie Dunbar, Issaquah resident, CEO of The Museum of Flight, and former astronaut, will step down to work full time at acquiring a retired space shuttle for the museum. Models of the shuttle in launch configuration (below left) and at orbit (above) are featured in the current Space exhibit.
hammer to help disassemble the wooden platforms on which the tents sit. Volunteers will also be needed to transport Tent City 4 residents to the Kirkland church where the encampment will move: Lake Washington United Methodist Church, 7525 132nd Ave. N.E. Volunteers can arrive at the site on the morning of April 24 or plan ahead by contacting camp organizer Paul Winterstein at pwinterstein.tc4@gmail.com. Contact Winterstein to learn more. The encampment relocates
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across the Eastside from church to church. Tent City remains at a site for about 90 days. Residents settled in the Community Church parking lot in late January. Tent City 4 shelters up to 100 adults at a fenced site with 24-hour security; about 80 residents reside at the camp on a typical day. Organizers do not allow children to live at the encampment. Residents undergo warrant and sex offender checks before they are allowed to enter the camp; strict rules ban offenders, drugs and alcohol.
ness or residence does not have a valid permit. Theresa Schaap, the alarm administrator for the police department, said the program helped the city curb the number of false alarm calls. The city collected $2,200 from false alarms and $1,000 from
Rescuers locate injured mountain biker King County Search and Rescue workers located a mountain biker early April 19 who had gone missing near Lake Tradition. Issaquah Police searched the area for the 41-year-old man late
Wednesday, April 21, 2010 •
TIPS FOR DEALING WITH CANINE DISTEMPER AND ILL WILDLIFE Department of Fish and Wildlife officials offer advice for dealing with problem wildlife at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/living. PAWS Wildlife Center also offers tips for solving conflicts. Call 787-2500, ext. 817. Residents who encounter raccoons exhibiting symptoms of distemper should call 206-296-PETS for information and suggestions about potential resources. King County Animal Care and Control officers will also pick up raccoon carcasses. Raccoons also present a risk of transmitting other diseases, such as leptospirosis, raccoon roundworm and rabies. Learn more at www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices.aspx. People bitten by raccoons should contact their healthcare provider and public health officials at 206-296-4774. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife also maintains a list of nuisance wildlife control operators, who are licensed by the department to respond to problem wildlife. Call 7751311.
erinarian for PAWS, said in the release. “The best way to avoid potential exposure to pet dogs and ferrets is to avoid feeding or otherwise attracting wildlife, inten-
tionally or unintentionally.”
to the community Wednesday. Prior to the compromise, district officials held their breath as the governor, the House and the Senate proposed supplemental budgets with cuts between $2.7 and $6.4 million in funding from the state to the district. The final budget eliminated about $3.1 million in state funding for Issaquah schools. However, the Legislature also passed an increase to the district’s levy cap. The additional 4 percent increase will ensure district officials will be able to raise the full levy amount passed by voters in February, which will offset the cuts. “The Issaquah School District now has the ability to collect a Maintenance and Operations (M&O) levy worth 28.97 percent of its total state and federal rev-
enue; previously, we were capped at 24.97 percent,” Rasmussen wrote. “While this may seem very abstract, here’s the crux: Lawmakers have given us the means to use local levy dollars to offset the systemic cuts they are making to state education funding. The levy-lid lift essentially allows us to break even next year, covering the $3.1 million in state reductions as well as the typical annual growth in operating expenses.” The budget will include $484 million in the state’s ending fund balance to cover emergencies. Gov. Chris Gregoire is expected to sign the supplemental budget within the next several days.
false burglary alarms, plus $275 in late fees, last month. “We’re not trying to make money off this,” Schaap said. “We’re just trying to reduce these” false alarms. The effort to reduce false alarm calls resembles similar programs in nearby cities, such as Seattle and Redmond. Shawn Fitzpatrick, support services supervisor for the Redmond Police Department, said although the number of alarm calls Redmond officers receive has dropped since the ordinance went into effect, more than 90 percent of alarms turn out to be false. Only a handful of alarm calls each year turn out to be warranted, Fitzpatrick added. Redmond officials adopted the ordinance almost a decade ago. The number of false alarms received by Redmond Police has dropped 56
percent since the measure went into effect in January 2001. The number has dropped 18 percent since last year alone. Fitzpatrick said education served a key role before the ordinance went into effect, to remind businesses and homeowners about the upcoming change. Issaquah chief Ayers said the department worked with the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce to educate businesses about the change. “Education was a key component of our new program,” he said in a statement released last week. “Thanks to our community’s efforts to learn more about their alarm systems — and how to prevent false alarms — we have saved valuable time and resources.”
April 18, and then asked the rescue group for assistance. Searchers located the man at about 1:15 a.m., just off a steep trail west of Lake Tradition. The mountain biker had sustained head injuries due to a fall from his bike. Eastside Fire & Rescue crews transported him to Overlake Hospital Medical
Center in Bellevue. His condition could not be determined by press time. The police became involved after hikers noticed the mountain biker’s cell phone on a trail near Lake Tradition on the High Point Trailhead, and notified a friend of the man who then contacted police.
Warren Kagarise: 392-6434, ext. 234, or wkagarise@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
Chantelle Lusebrink: 392-6434, ext. 241, or clusebrink@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
Warren Kagarise: 392-6434, ext. 234, or wkagarise@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress.com.
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The Issaquah Press Council will decide board and commission appointments City Council members will appoint members to 12 city boards and commissions May 3. The appointees will shape the way Issaquah develops, and advise officials about everything from growth to the environment to public art. The council had been scheduled to decide on the appointments April 19, but some council members had trouble accessing a section of the city website with information about the applicants. The difficulty prompted the council to delay the decision until the next meeting, to allow officials time to review the information. The city issued a call for applications in January. Candidates faced interviews with board and commission members. Mayor Ava Frisinger followed the recommendations from boards and commissions officers, and recommended the list to the council for approval.
Police arrest man for Squak Mountain burglaries Issaquah Police arrested a 26year-old Issaquah man last week in connection with burglaries on Squak Mountain. Police said the man burglarized two residences April 21 on Mount Fury Circle Southwest and Mount Olympus Drive Southwest. The intruder forced doors open to enter the residences. Officers recovered stolen property worth more than $3,000. The items included several flat-screen TVs, a guitar and a computer. Authorities booked the man into the King County Jail for felony possession of stolen property and a state Department of Corrections violation. Police seek witnesses to the burglaries, and encourage anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the area in April to call Detective Ryan Raulerson at 8373238.
State patrol seeks trooper cadets Washington State Patrol leaders need a few good men and women — 54 to be exact. Gov. Chris Gregoire and the Legislature authorized the agency to hire 54 trooper cadets in July. Now, the state law enforcement agency faces a challenge to find enough qualified candidates to fill the class. Hiring took on a new urgency due to the number of vacancies and potential vacancies WSP faces. The agency has 34 trooper vacancies, and another 100 or so commissioned officers will be eligible to retire Jan. 1. The combined hiring and training process takes about 12 months to complete. The physical fitness test — pushups, sit-ups and a mileand-a-half run — proves to be a significant hurdle for applicants. Officials said about a third of all applicants fail the physical fitness test. To help meet hiring goals, the agency will conduct testing in Kennewick on April 30. WSP will also condense the six-month hiring process into two months. Learn more about the trooper cadet selection process at www.wsp.wa.gov, or call a recruiter toll-free at 800-888-8384.
Free health screenings at Bartell Drugs on April 30 Bartell Drugs is providing free and discounted health screening clinics at 10 of its stores, including Issaquah, April 28 - May 9. The Issaquah store, 5700 E. Lake Sammamish Parkway S.E., will host a walk-in clinic from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. April 30. Customers will be seen on a first-come, firstserved basis. The screenings will include glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure testing as a preventative measure against diabetes and heart disease, according to a press release. The screenings provide customers with immediate on-site results for blood glucose levels, total good and bad cholesterol lev-
dining guide
Wednesday, April 28, 2010 •
Tiger
els, and blood pressure. The clinics will also have free educational materials for customers. Other discounted screenings and services are: $15 diabetes screenings, $5 osteoporosis screenings and $5 total cholesterol testing. A lipid panel is also available for $15, however, customers will need to fast for eight to 12 hours for accurate results. Learn more at www.bartelldrugs.com.
Benefit raises money for Tent City 4 Tent City 4 garnered more than $1,400 through a fundraiser organized to educate Issaquah and Eastside residents about homelessness. “View from the Tent” — a dramatic monologue based on letters from a homeless man — anchored a benefit for the homeless encampment. Tent City 4 residents answered questions from the audience after the April 17 performance. Ticket and book sales benefited the encampment. Author M. Barrett Miller compiled letters from a homeless man into a self-published book, “View from the Tent: Thoughts from a Homeless Man.” Dan Niven, a Seattle actor and musician, adapted the book into a monologue. Tent City 4 departed Issaquah for Kirkland on April 24 after a 90day stay at Community Church of Issaquah.
Issaquah Highlands ranked as top ‘green’ community Natural Home magazine has named the Issaquah Highlands among the “greenest” communities in the United States. The magazine included the highlands on the “Top 10 Best GreenBuilt Neighborhoods” and lauded the community for residences and commercial buildings built to ecofriendly standards. The magazine also noted the 1,400 acres of forest and open space preserved as part
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FROM PAGE A4
People howled with laughter; some even had tears running down their faces. In fact, the people watching was almost as good as the tiger watching. See it for yourself at the zoo Sunday at 1 p.m. Learn more about the zoo at www.cougarmountainzoo.org or follow the zoo on Facebook. BY LANCE HIRAKAWA, PHOTOGRAPHER, PUYALLUP
Taj, a golden Bengal tiger, plays with his birthday toys at Cougar Mountain Zoo on April 11.
of the highlands. The hillside community has attracted more than 7,000 residents to Grand Ridge since 1998. No other Washington community earned a spot on the list. The list includes three Oregon communities. The rankings appear in the May-June issue of the magazine. Plans for more commercial and office space in the highlands shifted through the years as major tenants — such as Microsoft — opted to build elsewhere. The recession also slowed grand plans for the community. The latest plan offered by highlands developer Port Blakely Communities includes a storage facility, a grocery store, a movie theater and a gas station. Port Blakely seeks a development partner in order to complete the project. Natural Home bills itself as “the authority on sustainable home design and materials, earth-friendly décor and natural lifestyles.”
United Auto Body of Issaquah gains AAA Approval United Auto Body of Issaquah was recently designated as a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.
PUBLIC MEETINGS April 28
To receive its AAA-approved status, the staff of United Auto Body has: An established history of excellent customer satisfaction and community reputation, ASE certified technicians, Maintained a clean and safe facility. As part of the AAA approved network, United Auto Body has agreed to: Guarantee workmanship, fit and finish for a minimum of one year, Take full responsibility for repair of vehicle even when subletting a portion of a repair, Offer a written estimate of repairs, Let AAA arbitrate any disputes regarding the quality of service or repairs. United Auto Body will display the AAA Approved Auto Repair logo to identify them as a reliable facility. The shop is at 1514 N.W. Mall St. and can be reached at 392-7099. Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For a complete list of AAAapproved auto and auto body repair facilities, call 800-AAAHELP toll free or go to www.AAA.com and click on “Automotive.”
Human Services Commission 7 p.m. Coho Room, City Hall 130 E. Sunset Way
April 29 Planning Policy Commission Agenda: Central Issaquah Area Plan update, Land Use Code amendments, officer elections 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall South 135 E. Sunset Way
May 3 City Council regular meeting Agenda: Transportation Improvement Plan public hearing 7:30 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall South 135 E. Sunset Way
May 4 River & Streams Board 7 p.m. Pickering Room, City Hall Northwest 1775 12th Ave. N.W.
May 5 Development Commission 7 p.m. Council Chambers, City Hall South 135 E. Sunset Way
te a r leb
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Sunday, May 9th Reservations & large groups welcome
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(425) 677-8159
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Hours: M-Th 11-9:30pm • Fri 11-10pm • Sat 11:30-10pm • Sun 11:30-9:30pm
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