Press Editorial
November 24, 2009
Polystyrene ban is a solid first step
Issaquah became a leader in the effort to ban difficult-to-recycle polystyrene last week. The legislation represents a watershed moment as Issaquah seeks to set the regional standard in sustainability issues. Polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, is tough to recycle and can be tough on the environment. Read more
Here’s pie in your eye
November 24, 2009
Cub Scout Kyle Reese, from Den 679, throws a pie of whipped cream at Jenny Schaffer, newest leader of the den’s Tiger pack, while Cubmaster David Langrock, already covered from several pie throws from other Scouts, looks on. The den raised $14,395 from popcorn sales.
Safety questions surface about I-90 trails link
November 24, 2009
A plan to add a bridge over Interstate 90 for bicyclists and pedestrians — a project with a nearly $6 million price tag — drew criticism from City Council members last week.
The project would complete a trail about 1,200 feet long, between the end of the state Route 900 boardwalk at the eastbound I-90 off-ramp on the south side of the interstate, and the Sammamish Trail on the north. But critics said overpasses at other locations would better serve pedestrians, and council members raised safety concerns about the project.
The project would complete a missing link and provide a way for bicyclists and pedestrians to traverse the interstate. The connector would also provide a link for bicyclists and pedestrians to the Issaquah Transit Center, about a half-mile south of the interstate.
The key pieces of the connector would include a separate 12-foot-wide pedestrian bridge crossing the westbound I-90 on-ramps and modifications to the existing state Route 900 overpass to install a 10-foot-wide pedestrian crossing. The northern terminus of the project would be Northwest Sammamish Road, while the southern terminus would be the I-90 eastbound off ramp, where the trail would connect with the boardwalk.
Next up: Council Transportation Committee members will discuss a proposal Dec. 3 to accept $400,000 from Sound Transit toward the project. The full council could consider the agreement Dec. 21. Read more
Report: King County traffic deaths, suicides decline, but homicides increase
November 24, 2009
NEW — 6 a.m. Nov. 24, 2009
Fewer people died as a result of traffic crashes last year than in the previous decade and suicides dropped the lowest number since 2002. But the figures — from the annual King County Medical Examiner’s report released Thursday — showed a rising number of homicides.
The report offered detailed analyses of suspicious, sudden, unexpected and violent deaths last year, as well as trends in drug overdose deaths, homicides and traffic fatalities. Read the full 2008 report here.
“Medical Examiner death reviews are crucial for Public Health, because we can target prevention efforts based on our understanding of circumstances, risk factors and trends of these deaths,” Dr. David Fleming, director and health officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, said in a news release. “For example, we’re able to identify the leading causes of traffic fatalities — including alcohol and drug impairment, speed and failure to wear seat belts — and work to address them.”
City Council OKs new Issaquah Creek flood gauge
November 23, 2009
NEW — 6 a.m. Nov. 23, 2009
City emergency planners will soon have a new tool to monitor rising flood waters: a new Issaquah Creek flood gauge.
Though workers will install the gauge early next year, the device will not be calibrated and ready until the next flood season. City Public Works Operations Director Bret Heath said the city would be able to collect data from the gauging station in the meantime.
Heath, who also serves as the city’s emergency management director, said the existing flood gauge arrangement has “a bit of a blind spot.” Heath said the new gauge should fill the gap.
Skyline repeats at girls soccer state championship
November 22, 2009
NEW — 7:30 a.m. Nov. 22, 2009
At times it was messy and each team had its chances Nov. 21 at Harry Lang Stadium in Lakewood, but the Skyline girls soccer team came out on top at the last possible moment to win the 2009 Class 4A state championship 2-1 over Issaquah.
The Lady Spartans won it all after junior forward Michelle Bretl blasted in third penalty kick in a shootout. The two teams had tied 1-1 in regulation and went scoreless through two overtime periods.
Sophomore goalkeeper Tina Vargas literally saved the day for Skyline, blocking two of Issaquah’s first four penalty kicks — one went over the goal.
Skyline pressed early in the game, scoring its only goal of regulation when senior midfielder Shea O’Donnell scored on a breakaway in the 14th minute.
Issaquah scored in the 45th minute wen senior forward Kristen Maris got a feed from freshman midfielder Audrey Thomas in the center of the box and punched it in past a diving Vargas.
Skyline finished 18-4 and Issaquah went 17-3.
Check back for the full story and a photo gallery of the action.
City Council keeps property tax rate at ’08 level
November 22, 2009
NEW — 6 a.m. Nov. 22, 2009
City Council members have decided against a 2010 property tax increase.
With the decision, officials held the tax rate at the 2008 level. The council also nixed a 1 percent increase last year on account of the economic downturn.
Municipal finance officials estimate the city will take in almost $7 million in property tax revenue next year.
Key sources of revenue for the city — sales tax revenue and building permit fees — waned during the recession and assessed property values dipped as well. The downturn hobbled the city and forced officials to make program and staff cuts.
County planners want input about May Creek Bridge replacement
November 21, 2009
NEW — 6 a.m. Nov. 21, 2009
King County transportation planners want to hear from drivers whose commutes will be impacted when crews replace the aging May Creek Bridge.
Send comments about the planned project to the King County Road Services Division. Comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. Nov. 23.
Submit comments to project manager Jessy Jose, 206-296-1916 or jessy.jose@kingcounty.gov, and environmental engineer Peter Drakos, 206-263-0428 or peter.drakos@kingcounty.gov. Road Services Division officials will review the comments.
Check out project details here.
Issaquah church will give away 500 turkeys and groceries Saturday
November 20, 2009
NEW — 4:40 p.m. Nov. 20, 2009
Eastridge Christian Assembly will give away 500 free turkeys and bags of groceries from 9 a.m. – noon Saturday at the organization’s Issaquah location, 24105 Issaquah-Fall City Road.
Organizers will distribute 500 dinner packages on a first-come, first-serve basis, with no demonstration of need required to receive the pre-Thanksgiving help.
Contact Eastridge Christian Assembly at 392-3253 or visit visit the Eastridge Christian Assembly’s Web site to learn more.
Discover the magic of ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’
November 20, 2009
Shannon Merz and Jacob Bernado rehearse a scene from Issaquah Middle School’s "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe." — By Phil Palios
NEW — 6 a.m. Nov. 20, 2009
Issaquah Middle School’s Squak Valley Players are stepping into C.S. Lewis’ famed Narnia for this season’s drama production.
The cast of more than 40 students hopes to take you and your family on an adventure through the magical wardrobe of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the door. The school is located at 400 First Ave. S.E.
“These talented students have infused their modern creativity into a world where fantasy creatures abound,” director Heather Carlyle said in a press release. “While the duels, delights (of the Turkish variety) and daring adventures will please all ages, the true heart of the play is a wonderful lesson in the power of forgiveness.”
