King County agrees to program to shift density into Sammamish Town Center
August 31, 2011
New: Aug. 31, 11:34 a.m.
King County has officially signed off on a program that could ensure that more than 700 acres of land just outside city limits is preserved as forest and open space.
That is if there’s enough room in Sammamish’s Town Center to fit the extra development rights that those rural landowners would sell to developers.
The county’s “transfer of development rights” program, which County Executive Dow Constantine signed at the end of July, allows up 75 development rights just north of city limits to be sold to developers in Town Center. Read more
King County could save $70 million
August 30, 2011
King County is projected to save more than $70 million in the decades ahead, or about $3 million per year, after refinancing sewer revenue bonds Aug. 22.
The county Wastewater Treatment Division issued $494 million worth of sewer revenue bonds at a rate of 3.79 percent. The savings to county taxpayers is projected at more than $70 million through 2034. Read more
Sammamish businesses cited in liquor sting
August 30, 2011
Nine local businesses were cited after the Washington State Liquor Control Board says they sold alcohol to a 19-year-old working undercover.
During the Aug. 15 sting, a Sammamish Police officer and a liquor control board agent were on hand as the 19-year-old entered and attempted to purchase beer, wine or liquor, according to a Sammamish Police press release. Read more
Sammamish has a hero
August 30, 2011
If there’s a key to the city lying around, someone needs to give it to Greg Barton. While he is modest and humble about his efforts to carry his neighbor out of a burning building, we cannot praise him enough.
Barton said he just did what anyone else would do. He’s wrong there. He did what a hero would do. This page often comments on the sense of community and service that exists in Sammamish, but this act outshines them all.
Barton’s bravery and courage should be an inspiration to everyone.
Volunteer opportunities abound in the fall
August 30, 2011
As summer and its busy weekends wind down, children are back in school and life gets back to a routine. It’s time to think about new activities.
Fall might mean a new computer class or getting back into a fitness program, signing up the kids for extracurricular activities — or volunteering.
Schools also need numerous volunteers, either in the office or the classroom. Youth groups are calling for scout leaders, Sunday school teachers and coaches. Read more
Sammamish Forum August 31
August 30, 2011
Support the teen center
There is a lot of discussion currently on whether or not to build a community center. This would be a great asset in Sammamish, however, its future is uncertain and many years away. In the meantime, I’d like to draw attention to the construction that is happening right now.
The Redmond/Sammamish Boys & Girls Club is renovating the former library on 228th into an EX3 Teen and Recreation Center to be completed this fall. I encourage our community to fully support this project. Read more
Police Blotter August 31
August 30, 2011
Bank fraud
A Sammamish resident called to report that someone had made more than $1,000 in fraudulent charges to their debit card Aug. 16 and 17. The suspect also attempted to charge $960 at a store in Bellevue but was declined. The resident has possession of their card and is unsure how their account information was compromised.
Organizers ready for third Seek Justice Challenge
August 30, 2011
Since visiting the International Justice Mission headquarters in Washington, D.C. in early 2011, Allie Knechtel has lived with a new sense of urgency.
It’s an urgency to stick up for the hundreds of thousands of people around the world who are caught in modern day slavery, sex trafficking or are victims of illegal property seizure.
So the incoming Skyline senior decided to take action by participating in and helping organize the third annual Seek Justice Challenge. Read more
Filmmaker explores life of artist father Henk Pander
August 30, 2011
They say that art imitates life – Henk Pander need look no further than his canvas for confirmation.
The Dutch-born Portland, Ore. resident is the subject of a documentary being shown from 1-4 p.m. Sept. 10 at City Hall. Pander’s son Jacob produced the film, titled “Painted Life,” which follows Pander’s life as a child in Holland during World War II, his move to the United States and his life as an acclaimed artist in Portland.
“The U.S. was this huge blank page,” Henk Pander said of his 1965 immigration to America. “I never really felt totally at home anywhere. You lose a lot, but you gain a lot … That slight sense of alienation that allows you to look at stuff objectively.” Read more
Steve Schmutz is excited to be principal at Eastside Catholic High School
August 30, 2011
Each school year new faces pop up in classrooms and administrator’s offices throughout Sammamish schools.
This fall, Eastside Catholic students and parents will welcome their new high school principal, Steve Schmutz.
An Edmonds resident, Schmutz brings more than a decade of teaching and administrative experience to the leadership team at the school.
Steve Schmutz
