EFR concerned dispatch problems could hurt service
January 25, 2012
Fire agency considers dropping out of regional fire, police dispatch group
A botched software upgrade at NORCOM, a regional fire and police dispatching agency, has Eastside Fire & Rescue officials considering leaving the regional partnership less than three years after its formation. Read more
Legislature considers allowing voter registration at 16
January 25, 2012
They may not qualify to attend an R-rated movie, but soon 16-year-olds in Washington State could register to vote.
Register? Yes.
Actually vote? No. That civic privilege starts at age 18.
A bill to extend advanced voter registration to 16 year olds has been introduced in the legislature this session and the House Committee on State Government and Tribal Affairs met Jan. 12 to listen to public testimony on the proposal. Read more
Many Sammamish lawmakers support gay marriage
January 25, 2012
State Sen. Andy Hill (R-45) has yet to announce his position
State Sen. Andy Hill says he remains undecided on the issue of gay marriage though two of his Republican counterparts on the Eastside have thrown their support behind a measure that would grant homosexuals the right to marry.
Hill represents the northern edge of Sammamish, and after the redistricting process is complete in November is poised to represent the northern half of the city. Read more
Sammamish continues ban on marijuana gardens
January 25, 2012
Councilman proposes supporting downgrade of marijuana’s classification in federal law
The Sammamish City Council extended a ban on collective medical marijuana gardens for six months at their Jan. 17 meeting, though the council is considering throwing its support behind Gov. Chris Gregoire’s efforts to lobby the federal government on the matter. Read more
Help local businesses recover from storm
January 25, 2012
“Support your local business” takes on new meaning when the city becomes a frozen wasteland for three days.
While homeowners were struggling to stay warm without power, business owners were wringing their hands over the lost business. Some managed to use generator power to stay open, providing homebound residents with necessities — a true community service.
Restaurants were particularly hard hit as food went to waste without refrigeration. Employees, too, suffered the loss of wages. It was life interrupted, not a fun week.
This week we can try to make it a bit better for each other.
Tip your waiter or other service provider just a little extra. Be sure any purchases you make are done locally to help businesses recoup the lost revenue, and to thank them and their workers for braving the storm to help.
Don’t forget to say thank you to those who are helping out. Offer a cup of coffee to the utility workers repairing lines or clearing trees. Let them know they are appreciated.
This is Sammamish, where neighbors help neighbors. With the usual thoughtfulness for the other guy, we’ll be just fine.
City on top of storm
January 25, 2012
Kudos to Sammamish leaders for staying on top of the storm. The city’s website kept resident up to date on traffic problems and other concerns.
Officials opened City Hall during the worst of it, offering residents a warm place to relax — and charge their phones — when almost the entire plateau went dark from power outages.
Then, anticipating the need, generated by high winds, they quickly put together a yard debris drop off this weekend.
Good job, Sammamish, for keeping people safe during the storm, and helping residents deal with the aftermath.
Forum Jan. 25
January 25, 2012
City should encourage walking
As I rode the bus in to work this week (leaving my car safely ensconced in my driveway), I was pleased to hear the bus driver praise the city of Sammamish for its snow response.
According to the driver, Sammamish is one of the best communities in the area for keeping the roads driveable during winter weather. Read more
Report: King County homicides, suicides decline
January 25, 2012
King County experienced the fewest homicides — 59 — in a decade last year, and suicides declined after a spike in 2009.
The information comes from the King County Medical Examiner’s Office. In the agency’s annual report, officials analyze suspicious, sudden, unexpected and violent deaths in King County, plus trends in drug overdose deaths, homicides and traffic fatalities. Read more
Calendar Jan. 25
January 25, 2012
A discussion of the history, ethics and literature of Japanese internment during World War II, led by Professor Robert Keller, is at 7 p.m. Jan.25 at the Sammamish Library.
Get an ebook reader for a present? Learn how to download library books to it during a demonstration at 1 p.m. Jan. 28 and Feb. 11 at the Sammamish Library.
A parent education night teaching parents how to instill resiliency in their children, focused on parents of children ages 3-10, is set for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church.
Christa McAuliffe Elementary School is hosting a used book rodeo with books, puzzles, games and DVDs on sale from noon-3 p.m. Jan.31, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 1 and 2 and from 9 a.m.-noon Feb. 3 at the school. Proceeds will benefit the PTA.
Music Therapy for relaxation, a seminar about the beneficial effects of music on the body presented by Jan Hastings, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Sammamish Library.
Creative Kids Preschool is hosting a workshop on emotional coaching, developed by John Gottman, to help parents learn to guide their children through life’s ups and downs. It is scheduled for 6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 1 at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church. Register by calling 868-9544.
City Council makes appointments to Planning Commission, other boards
January 25, 2012
Sammamish has a host of new faces on its advisory boards.
The City Council made the appointments at their Jan. 17 meeting.
On the Sammamish Planning Commission, current commissioner Mahbubul Islam, a manager for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, was reappointed to the commission. Ryan Kohlmann, a former planner for the city of Issaquah and the Yarrow Bay development near Black Diamond, was appointed to the second open position, taking the place of current commissioner Jan Klier. Read more
