“We’re just a dedicated group of people who love the game,” said Lucille Barnard.
Barnard, of Sammamish, is one of a group of six Eastside women ages 60-67 who just won the United States Tennis Associations Sectional Championships in the Super Senior Division in Sunriver, Ore. This means the women have earned the chance to play in the National Championship, which will take place in April 2010 in Arizona.
“We had a wonderful time,” Barnard said. She and the other members of her team are now looking forward to the national tournament.
Lucille Barnard, at the net, and her partner Geri Aslin, serving, are part of a team of women from the Eastside that is continuing on to the USTA National Championship in the Super Senior division. Photo contributed
Soccer coaching, triathlons, aerospace business negotiations and running a textile company are just some of things Sammamish City Council candidates listed as important experience in a recent questionnaire.
The Municipal League of King County, which released ratings of the City Council candidates in July, also published online the candidates’ responses to a questionnaire.
The questionnaire delved into the candidates’ political background, history of civic engagement and understanding of City Council government.
The Sammamish City Council is scheduled to tour six barricade sites today. The tour begins at 1 p.m. at City Hall.
The council is visiting some barricade sites as part of a barricade removal process. At the June 9 meeting, City Engineer Laura Philpot said the hope is that removing barricades would create less traffic delays, shorten commute routes, and establish better emergency response routes and more paths for bicyclists and pedestrians. Philpot said that part of the process is determining which sites shouldn’t be opened up to traffic. Read more
Firefighters can’t meet a response time standard, so Eastside Fire & Rescue is changing it.
The EFR Board of Directors decided to adopt a new set of turnout time standards July 14 that fire agency officials call more realistic.
The current standard, which will be defunct as of January 1, 2010, requires that firefighters responding to a call leave the fire station within 90 seconds of receiving a call 90 percent of the time.
In 2008, EFR’s actual turnout time was 146 seconds 90 percent of the time.
Deputy Chief Wesley Collins said the 90/90 standard derived from a report Fire Chief Lee Soptich gave to the National Fire Academy in 2006. Soptich wrote that he believed EFR should set the 90/90 standard as a goal for itself.
But as early as 2007, staff reported to the EFR board that fire crews often took longer than 90 seconds to respond to a call. The board still chose to approve the standard.
In the interim, EFR has experimented with different incentive programs to shorten the response times, Collins said.A combination of unreliable data tracking software and too general a standard resulted in unhelpful information, he said.
At times, a fire engine would be on the road for 30 seconds before its computer would signal to EFR’s central database in Bellevue that the fire engine had left the station, he said.
“We weren’t even coming close to the 90 second standard 90 percent of the time,” Collins said.
The new set of standards would still require emergency medical service calls to receive a 90 second turnout.
On three other types of calls (night emergency medical service calls, daytime fires and nighttime fires), firefighters would have between 120 and 165 seconds to get into their gear and leave the station.
Deputy Chief Jeff Griffin said nighttime calls often involve sleeping firefighters who have to wake up as they respond to a call. For fire calls, firefighters have to don extra protective gear so that not a sliver of skin is vulnerable.
At least one other department in the area has standards comparable to EFR’s and is also having a tough time meeting them.
Bellevue has two response time standards, one for day calls and one for night calls, said Lt. Eric Keenan, public information officer for the Bellevue Fire Department.
During the day, firefighters must respond within 60 seconds; during the night, they must respond within 90 seconds. In 2008, Bellevue firefighters met the daytime standard about 41 percent of the time and the nighttime standard about 72 percent of the time.
Between April 1 and July 1 of 2009, Bellevue firefighters met their daytime standard about 55 percent of the time and their nighttime standard about 83 percent of the time. Keenan said he could see Bellevue break out its time standards into four categories, as EFR is doing, in the future.
Keenan said while response times are important, it’s at least as important to gauge how effective firefighters are once they arrive on the scene.
When the EFR board passed its new time standards, they also agreed to conduct a study of response times; the study would shed light on whether the new time standards better reflect realistic goals for responding to calls.
Collins said he expected that the number and types of standards will stay the same in the future, but the times themselves will be adjusted.
While the four new standards better reflect the reality of how long it takes for firefighters to respond to a call, the exact times within those standards are still just estimates, he said.
Reporter J.B. Wogan can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 247, or jbwogan@isspress.com. To comment on this story, visit www.SammamishReview.com.
Firefighters can’t meet a response time standard, so Eastside Fire & Rescue is changing it.
The EFR Board of Directors decided to adopt a new set of turnout time standards July 14 that fire agency officials call more realistic.
The current standard, which will be defunct as of January 1, 2010, requires that firefighters responding to a call leave the fire station within 90 seconds of receiving a call 90 percent of the time. Read more
The city is scheduled to tack on 4.7 acres and 43 residents to its overall girth July 31.
That’s when Rosemont, a 14-home subdivision located north of the Timberline neighborhood, will join Sammamish.
The City Council approved the annexation at its July 21 meeting 7-0.
“I’m pleased that we’re finally going to invite them to become part of the city,” City Councilwoman Kathy Huckabay said.
City estimates show that adding the neighborhood is profitable for the city: In 2009, the neighborhood would have brought in $33,517 in revenues and would have cost $27,881 in expenses.
Rosemont is the second annexation, following the addition of 113 acres and 347 new residents from the Camden Park area in April. The Aldarra Estates and Montaine neighborhoods have also turned in a petition to join Sammamish, although they are at an earlier point in the annexation process.
In the city’s annexation process, residents undergo two rounds of signature collecting, then the council holds a public hearing and decides to either accept or reject the petition; then a county boundary review board examines the petition and decides whether to accept it. After all those steps, the City Council passes an ordinance annexing the new neighborhood or neighborhoods into Sammamish.
Reporter J.B. Wogan can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 247, or jbwogan@isspress.com. To comment on this story, visit www.SammamishReview.com.
The city is scheduled to tack on 4.7 acres and 43 residents to its overall girth July 31.
That’s when Rosemont, a 14-home subdivision located north of the Timberline neighborhood, will join Sammamish.
The City Council approved the annexation at its July 21 meeting 7-0.
“I’m pleased that we’re finally going to invite them to become part of the city,” City Councilwoman Kathy Huckabay said.
City estimates show that adding the neighborhood is profitable for the city: In 2009, the neighborhood would have brought in $33,517 in revenues and would have cost $27,881 in expenses.
Rosemont is the second annexation, following the addition of 113 acres and 347 new residents from the Camden Park area in April. The Aldarra Estates and Montaine neighborhoods have also turned in a petition to join Sammamish, although they are at an earlier point in the annexation process.
In the city’s annexation process, residents undergo two rounds of signature collecting, then the council holds a public hearing and decides to either accept or reject the petition; then a county boundary review board examines the petition and decides whether to accept it. After all those steps, the City Council passes an ordinance annexing the new neighborhood or neighborhoods into Sammamish.
Reporter J.B. Wogan can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 247, or jbwogan@isspress.com.
Eastside Fire & Rescue is combing through its expenses to find ways to save money. Deputy Chief Jeff Griffin is cautiously optimistic that it has found one.
After promoting a lieutenant to captain, EFR has reported that it appears to be saving money on overtime pay.
The news comes in a year when Sammamish and other partner cities in the regional fire agency are calling for EFR to curb costs wherever possible.
In the past, whenever a lieutenant, battalion chief or captain was sick, EFR had to bring back an off-duty officer (using overtime pay) to fill the vacancy. Each time an employee works overtime, he or she receives 1.5 times the normal pay.
Griffin said the new floating captain position serves as an all-purpose rank that can fill in as a lieutenant, battalion chief or captain, depending on the needs of a specific shift.
“They’re very versatile,” Griffin said.
Early figures indicate the restructuring might be working. In May 2008, EFR spent $64,133 on overtime. In May 2009, it spent $21,191.
The month-to-month comparison for June was an even more dramatic change: $108,264 in 2008 and $35,394 in 2009.
“You can see, that’s a significant drop,” Griffin said.
EFR has been budgeting $600,000 in overtime pay each year. For 2009, the agency expects to spend $480,000 in overtime pay because of the addition of a floating captain position.
Lee Fellinge, a Sammamish representative on EFR’s board of directors, said he was waiting for more data to come in before concluding that the change was actually saving money.
He said two months of data didn’t constitute a trend.
“A couple months of data are encouraging, but I think we need to continue to monitor it,” he said.
Reporter J.B. Wogan can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 247, or jbwogan@isspress.com. To comment on this story, visit www.SammamishReview.com.
Eastside Fire & Rescue is combing through its expenses to find ways to save money. Deputy Chief Jeff Griffin is cautiously optimistic that it has found one.
After promoting a lieutenant to captain, EFR has reported that it appears to be saving money on overtime pay.
The news comes in a year when Sammamish and other partner cities in the regional fire agency are calling for EFR to curb costs wherever possible. Read more
Wearing cooler clothing, staying out of the sun, seeking air-conditioned buildings (movies anyone?) and drinking plenty of water seems like common sense in extreme hot weather, but here are some things you might not have thought of:
A cold beer sounds good, but better to avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, which can be dehydrating. And don’t wait until you are thirsty to reach for that glass of water.
Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are open. Of course, it’s against the law to ever leave kids in a car.
Check on elderly neighbors and relatives. They may be the first to “wilt” in the heat. Take elderly neighbors a pitcher of cold lemonade.
Get out the crafts and board games for children to play low-level activities indoors where it may be cooler.
Cover your windows and keep lights and appliances off during the day to help keep your house cool.
Open windows at night, placing fans near windows to draw the cooler air in.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache and nausea. If you notice someone with signs of overheating, move the person to a cooler location, have them rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage.
Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Symptoms include high body temperature, hot and dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion and unconsciousness.
Remember the effects of heat on your pets, too. Leave pets at home instead of taking them on errands. Pets are susceptible to sunburn and other heat-related maladies and their paws can burn when walking on hot pavement.
Animals need access to shade. Replenish their water dish with cool water throughout the day.
“Dogs and cats cool themselves by rapid breathing, and it means animals must work hard to stay cool. So, when it’s hot for you, it’s even hotter for them!” says Humane Society CEO Brenda Barnette.
Think cool thoughts. Do a little rain dance. This can’t last forever!
Wearing cooler clothing, staying out of the sun, seeking air-conditioned buildings (movies anyone?) and drinking plenty of water seems like common sense in extreme hot weather, but here are some things you might not have thought of:
A cold beer sounds good, but better to avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, which can be dehydrating. And don’t wait until you are thirsty to reach for that glass of water. Read more
What happened to the idea of the old library becoming a teen center? Our children so often get forgotten when they hit their teens.
Businesses don’t want them around. Adults are constantly complaining about their behavior.
Yet, what do they have to do other than go bowling and to the movies; both of which are expensive.
It seems like we are always talking about what our teens are doing wrong rather than providing them with a safe place to hang out that does not cost them a small fortune.
What happened to the idea of the center being for seniors by day and teens by night?
Please, don’t forget our kids. They are our future and should be given more places to have fun together in a safe environment close to home.
Carol Schweitzer
Sammamish
EFR thanks
anonymous heroes
On the evening of July 20, a serious car crash occurred on state Route 203 between Carnation and Duvall.
The head on collision injured both drivers, the only occupants of the vehicles involved. Prior to the arrival of Eastside Fire & Rescue, Duvall Fire, Redmond Medics, and several citizens began the process of assessing the situation and providing aid to the injured.
After the arrival of firefighters and medical personnel, a couple of the citizens remained involved as the driver of one vehicle was extricated and then transported up a steep incline to a waiting aid unit.
In the midst of the situation we were not able to get the names of the good Samaritans that provided us with the extra hands, which allowed us to accomplish the mission safely and without delay.
We greatly appreciate those who stepped in to help prior to our arrival and during the rescue.
We also appreciate the patience and understanding of the motorists that were impacted as the highway was closed down for a couple of hours while the State Patrol and Duvall/Carnation Police did their work.
The fire, medical, and rescue resources in the valley are limited in numbers and are positioned many miles from each other.
In some instances, the ability for us to accomplish our mission successfully relies on the actions taken by citizens before we arrive, and this event was no exception.
Thanks again to those who quietly stepped in and then melted away into the evening on July 20.
Fire Chief Lee A. Soptich.
Eastside Fire & Rescue
Huckabay endorses Jarrett
In the upcoming August primary election, Sammamish voters will be voting for King County executive.
Fred Jarrett is the clear choice.
Sammamish has a real stake in how King County handles its current budget crisis.
We contract with King County for police and maintenance services, and we partner with Metro to provide improved transit service between Issaquah, Sammamish and Redmond.
Jarrett has proven fiscal management skills gained as a long-time Boeing manager and state legislator.
His “Seven-Step Strategy to Clean Up King County’s Budget Mess” (see www.vote4fred.com) will ensure that the county can continue to provide our residents and businesses with high-quality services.
Under this plan, the tax increases proposed by the current King County Executive will not be needed and the severe cuts in police and transit service can be minimized.
As Jarrett’s political roots are in suburban city government of Mercer Island, he will make sure the needs of cities like Sammamish, Issaquah and Redmond are fully considered in county decisions.
We need an executive with his skills and experience to look after our interests in Sammamish as well as the interests of the region.
I know Fred Jarrett and I know him to be a man we can trust.
He has the skills, independence and integrity we need in our elected officials.
Your vote for Jarrett in the primary is the first step in getting him elected.
Kathleen Huckabay
Sammamish
We need the teen center
What happened to the idea of the old library becoming a teen center? Our children so often get forgotten when they hit their teens.
Businesses don’t want them around. Adults are constantly complaining about their behavior.
Yet, what do they have to do other than go bowling and to the movies; both of which are expensive.
It seems like we are always talking about what our teens are doing wrong rather than providing them with a safe place to hang out that does not cost them a small fortune.
What happened to the idea of the center being for seniors by day and teens by night?
Please, don’t forget our kids. They are our future and should be given more places to have fun together in a safe environment close to home.
Carol Schweitzer
Sammamish
EFR thanks anonymous heroes
On the evening of July 20, a serious car crash occurred on state Route 203 between Carnation and Duvall.
The head on collision injured both drivers, the only occupants of the vehicles involved. Prior to the arrival of Eastside Fire & Rescue, Duvall Fire, Redmond Medics, and several citizens began the process of assessing the situation and providing aid to the injured.
After the arrival of firefighters and medical personnel, a couple of the citizens remained involved as the driver of one vehicle was extricated and then transported up a steep incline to a waiting aid unit.
In the midst of the situation we were not able to get the names of the good Samaritans that provided us with the extra hands, which allowed us to accomplish the mission safely and without delay.
We greatly appreciate those who stepped in to help prior to our arrival and during the rescue.
We also appreciate the patience and understanding of the motorists that were impacted as the highway was closed down for a couple of hours while the State Patrol and Duvall/Carnation Police did their work.
The fire, medical, and rescue resources in the valley are limited in numbers and are positioned many miles from each other.
In some instances, the ability for us to accomplish our mission successfully relies on the actions taken by citizens before we arrive, and this event was no exception.
Thanks again to those who quietly stepped in and then melted away into the evening on July 20.
Fire Chief Lee A. Soptich.
Eastside Fire & Rescue
Huckabay endorses Jarrett
In the upcoming August primary election, Sammamish voters will be voting for King County executive.
Fred Jarrett is the clear choice.
Sammamish has a real stake in how King County handles its current budget crisis.
We contract with King County for police and maintenance services, and we partner with Metro to provide improved transit service between Issaquah, Sammamish and Redmond.
Jarrett has proven fiscal management skills gained as a long-time Boeing manager and state legislator.
His “Seven-Step Strategy to Clean Up King County’s Budget Mess” (see www.vote4fred.com) will ensure that the county can continue to provide our residents and businesses with high-quality services.
Under this plan, the tax increases proposed by the current King County Executive will not be needed and the severe cuts in police and transit service can be minimized.
As Jarrett’s political roots are in suburban city government of Mercer Island, he will make sure the needs of cities like Sammamish, Issaquah and Redmond are fully considered in county decisions.
We need an executive with his skills and experience to look after our interests in Sammamish as well as the interests of the region.
I know Fred Jarrett and I know him to be a man we can trust.
He has the skills, independence and integrity we need in our elected officials.
Your vote for Jarrett in the primary is the first step in getting him elected.
