No ban is effective without enforcement

The lead story Aug. 18 reported that people are allowed to carry guns into state parks if they have a permit, but that it is illegal to fire them. How ironic is that?

They should not be allowed in, period. But the bottom line is that without enforcement, no gun or booze ban can be effective. Enforcement requires manpower and severe penalties for violation.

Ray Extract

Issaquah

Park Pointe

Despite overwhelming opposition, land swap approved in sham public hearing

If there were any doubts that the city’s public hearings are a sham, the Aug. 16 hearing on the Park Pointe land swap should have ended any such doubts. The hearing had one of the largest turnouts in years, and the vast majority of speakers were opposed to the swap. Yet, the council unanimously approved it.

Whether you agree with the land swap or not, it was painfully clear to everyone that every councilmember had already made up his or her mind long before the hearing. In fact, if you look at the various transactions and negotiations that have already taken place, it’s probably been a done deal for months.

So, what on earth was the point of having the hearing? The council certainly wasn’t interested in actually hearing what residents had to say. The council was simply putting a checkmark on its list of legal requirements. Held a sham public hearing? Check!

The process is broken. The public hearing should not take place during the same meeting that the council votes on an issue, especially when it’s an important subject that the council has been considering for years. It’s patently absurd.

How are the councilmembers going to digest and sincerely consider comments from 20 speakers in the few minutes before they vote? What if residents raise questions and concerns that the council or staff needs to research?

The solution is to conduct the public hearing earlier in the process — at least one meeting before the vote — hopefully while the councilmembers are still undecided and while they still have time to review the feedback provided.

Or, at the very least, having seen the intense public outcry at the Aug. 16 meeting, the council should have extended the hearing to the next meeting. Ironically, in the past few months, the council repeatedly extended a public hearing (that no one attended) for a trivial vacating of a tiny undeveloped street behind Home Depot that will never be used. But no such extension for a standing-room-only hearing on a controversial issue that affects the entire city. Simply pathetic governance.

Matthew Barry

Issaquah

Reader poem

Thank you for a poem that perfectly captured the essence of McNugget

I just had to write to say how much I really appreciated and enjoyed the reader poem, “Issaquah’s McNugget,” by Albert Perron.

I have enjoyed watching this rooster for years. During some parking lot meetings with him, I find him sweet, funny and talkative. I have also learned that he likes the crusts of Pop-Tarts, lol.

The poem Mr. Perron penned perfectly described the McNugget that I have seen myself. It made me smile and made my day. Thanks for posting such fun hometown “news.”

Kathy Monroe

Hobart/Issaquah

Rules of the road

Letter writer needs to reread state law before complaining about bicycles

Perhaps while a child, Ken Sessler fell off a bicycle never again to ride one, and never to forgive or forget his hurt?

His most recent letter regarding bicycles offers an opinion that “Bicyclists need to stay off the sidewalks,” and if I read it correctly, out of the crosswalks. His warning about “nonlaw-abiding bike riders,” implies sidewalk and crosswalk violations.

Perhaps a few moments reading the Revised Code of Washington might show Mr. Sessler that bicycles are legal on sidewalks, and in crosswalks, as well as on the roadways of Washington. The law obliges automobiles to yield to bicycles and pedestrians on sidewalks and in crosswalks. See RCW 46.61.261 “Sidewalks, crosswalks — pedestrians, bicycles” as a starting point to an informed opinion.

Bob McCoy

Sammamish

Issaquah, Sammamish Rotary clubs helped make event successful

The Life Enrichment Options organization would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to both the Issaquah and Sammamish Rotary clubs for their superb efforts in partnering with us to provide two highly successful gravity car races this past month.

We received a number of e-mails from parents whose child either overcame a fear to get in a car, or were bubbling over with excitement in racing down a hill to the finish line. Every rider with special needs was a winner, getting his or her trophy and certificate with a picture in a car.

None of this could happen without the wonderful volunteers of the Rotary clubs, Athletes for Kids, Issaquah High School wrestlers, Skyline High School cheerleaders, and football and basketball athletes.

Leo Finnegan and LEO board of directors

Eastridge Christian Fellowship

Church in its new location is a better service than store, theatre would be

There’s an old saying in Christianity that “sheep go where they’re fed.” That’s as true locally as it is anywhere.

Thousands of Issaquah residents vote with their feet when it comes to selecting when and where they worship. Many hundreds of them have chosen Eastridge Christian Fellowship, the new church on Issaquah-Fall City Road, dedicated to serving the folks of the Interstate 90 corridor. Not one of those hundreds have been forced to attend Eastridge or any other church. Everyone is there by choice.

I don’t recall ever hearing of anyone complain when a new bar in town opened, or another psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, psychic or New Age practitioner hangs out his or her shingle in Issaquah. I wonder why it is only churches dispensing God’s word, love and compassion that evoke hostility and criticism?

Eastridge takes serving this community seriously. Let me count a few of the ways. For several years at Thanksgiving, Eastridge has given out 1,000 whole turkeys and complete large dinners to families in need. Every year, we send hundreds of underprivileged children and foster children to camp. Each week, many lost and broken people are helped to put their lives back together at Eastridge. We are always available to pray for the sick and hurting. Plus, Eastridge led all Assembly of God churches in the Northwest in giving to missions around the world.

To the letter writer a few weeks ago and others who feel our property could better be used for a grocery store or theater, please come visit us firsthand and see for yourself why Eastridge is so special to so many. Our doors are open to one and all, and I promise you will be welcomed with open arms.

Bette Filley

Issaquah

Road woes

Bicyclists need to stay off the sidewalks

Recently, there was a sign on the Holiday Inn/Arco corner, at the end of state Route 900, that read “caution bicycles on road.” It should have been corrected to “caution bicycles on road and sidewalk.”

Some riders use the sidewalk and the crosswalk signal to navigate around the area. Actually, maybe a better sign would read “walkers and car drivers, beware of nonlaw-abiding bike riders.”

It would be interesting to know how many, if any, tickets have been issued by the Issaquah traffic patrol to any bicycle riders, in the past 12 months.

In an unrelated note, west of the same corner by 150.452 feet there was some road work completed. Whoever did this work should be complimented on the smooth road repair patch that was put in place. Sometimes, those patches are real rough. So, thanks to the repair crew on this one.

Ken Sessler

Issaquah

Don’t forget to keep the family pet safe as temperatures hit record highs

It’s a good time to think about our favorite companions, keeping in mind that summer can be an unusually dangerous time for dogs, cats and other animals.

A few important things to remember:

Dogs should only be walked when it’s cool outside. Concrete gets horribly hot, and can damage the soft pads on a dog’s feet. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times for exercise.

Save games of catch for cooler days, and don’t overexert your dog by playing catch — even in water. The temperature of the water may be too cold too fast, and may cause severe breathing problems — even drowning.

Never, ever leave your dog in the car — not even in the shade. Dogs’ body temperature is 101.5-102.2 degrees; they don’t perspire. The interior of your car can rapidly rise to a blistering 120 degrees, even in the shade with the windows partially open, potentially causing kidney failure, brain damage and death.

If your dog becomes overheated, apply cool cloths to its head and neck, to bring its temperature down and allow it to drink water. Don’t plunge it in an icy cold bath. Gradual is the key.

With severe signs of overheating, take your dog to a vet. A quick check can make a big difference in the recovery time for your dog.

If you see an animal in distress in a car, or a lost or abandoned animal, call 9-1-1.

Finally, keep in mind that humans don’t wear fur coats and walk barefoot on hot summer days. Dogs don’t have a choice. Help them have a cool summer.

Sheryl Lamb

Seattle

Decision 2010

Vote for Peter Dunbar to bring new energy, innovation to Olympia

I am a precinct committee officer on Mercer Island and I have known Peter Dunbar for two years from Republican meetings.

Peter and I became friends and have had many discussions about what is wrong in Olympia. Peter and I agree the No. 1 problem is out-of-control government growth and spending that we can not afford.

Unlike his opponent, he would have voted no on the $800 million in new taxes. He will focus on creating jobs by reducing unnecessary government regulations and bureaucracies that restrict growth of private sector businesses and jobs.

Peter Dunbar will bring much-needed leadership, new energy and innovation to Olympia.

David Dykstra

Mercer Island

Smoking

With smoking banned at restaurants and bars, why is it allowed around children?

It’s illegal to smoke in bars and restaurants and on the sidewalk outside. Why isn’t smoking with children in the car, in their parents’ arms or simply in close proximity, considered reckless endangerment, or child abuse, and punishable by law?

John Birrell-Levine

Issaquah

While enjoying the beauty, beware of the native wildlife

A note to all my trail running and mountain biking friends, and Tiger Mountain hikers: Recently, I ran to the top of Poo Poo Point from the Issaquah High School trailhead. On the way back down, I was feeling great and flying down the trail. I hardly ever see anyone on this particular route, so I took advantage of the solitude to sing at the top of my lungs.

On one particularly steep stretch, I was running quite quickly and had my eyes glued to the trail so as not to lose my footing. I heard a rustle in the bushes to my left and looked over just in time to see a mama bear glaring at me from less than 20 feet away, while her two little cubs scurried up a tree just behind her. I thought for a moment she was going to chase after me and even at my suddenly fear-fueled pace, I think she could have ran me down quite easily.

Fortunately, she seemed to be content just to glower at me and I sped safely down into the woods. She was either being protective of her cubs, or maybe she didn’t care for my singing.

What a beautiful sight, what a surge of adrenaline and what a near miss! I have seen a few bears from a distance before while backpacking, and even one in the back yard of my home in Issaquah, but a near encounter of a mama bear with cubs is quite a scary thing to (literally) run into. There have been a number of instances here in Western Washington of mountain bikers and runners coming upon bears with cubs and being attacked or mauled because of it.

That was my first bear encounter in more than 20 years of mountain biking or trail running. I wanted to pass on this word of caution. I’ll look into some bells or some other item to make my presence a little bit more well-known on the trail, especially in spring during cub season.

What a great area we live in!

Willy Gevers

Issaquah

Littering

Action needs to be taken to replace apathy toward the environment

After dinner recently, I took my two children to the community center to run around on the lawn. When we arrived, there were three teenage boys sitting against the brick wall behind the stage. When they left, I wandered over to where they were sitting. On the ground was a wrapper from a candy or energy bar, cigarette butts and some other bits of trash.

No more than 20 feet away was a trash bin.

Whenever I, or my wife, walk the trail past the community center and the skate park, there are broken bottles, fast food wrappers and loads of other trash littering the trail and neighboring grounds. This trail is used by tax-paying Issaquah residents, who funded the skate park, to walk their dogs and take their children on bike rides.

While I believe parents are ultimately to blame for the disrespectful behavior of their children, it is the children who should be punished for their actions. According to RCW 70.93.060 it is illegal to dump litter. If it is less than a cubic foot the fine is $103.

As a community, how can we solve this?

1) Purchase trash bins to encourage lazy kids who refuse to walk 30 feet to use the trash bins.

2) Add police patrols on bicycle to catch litterers and fine them — this ought to act as a deterrent.

3) Punish the underage people I read about weekly in The Press who are caught with drugs or alcohol by making them clean up the litter.

4) Do what my wife’s principal did when she was in school in England — have the principal of the high school walk the paths the students take home and then have students clean-up the trash as part of detention or just as part of a science class on the environment.

The community center trail is bordered by creeks that drain water from the mountains in winter and spring. That area, although developed, is still part of the Issaquah ecosystem. It is grossly irresponsible of the teens, their parents and anyone else who allows this behavior to continue.

John Birrell-Levine

Issaquah

Incident underscores need to ban both firearms and alcohol

The tragic confrontation at Lake Sammamish State Park punctuates the argument for banning firearms in parks.

Further, although I am personally not a teetotaler, this tragedy provides a solid argument for banning alcoholic beverages in state parks as well. It seems to be the igniter that can inflame passions and lead to the kind of craziness that resulted in this catastrophe.

No sanctions, however, can be effective without enforcement. Park security should be stationed at the entrance and park security should be added to patrol the area. Violation of the firearms ban should be considered a felony mandating a heavy fine and possible incarceration. Bringing alcoholic beverages into the park should carry a heavy fine.What about the cost of additional security? Think about the cost of two lives, the cost of medical care for those wounded, the risk to innocent bystanders, the cost of the investigation after the carnage to determine who were the perpetrators and what was the cause.

Budget cuts caused elimination of lifeguards in the swimming area. So far, one person has drowned this year. Isn’t it about time that we got our priorities straight?

Raymond Extract

Issaquah

Highlands church

Community, religious leaders don’t want, need a new facility here

In regards to the proposed Park Pointe land swap, which would increase density in Issaquah Highlands and expand the urban growth area further east, a Port Blakely representative was quoted as saying, “There is a need for religious facilities” in the Issaquah Highlands.

I disagree, and I bet a very large percentage of highlands residents also disagree. There are already dozens of churches in Issaquah, including that brand new, 20-acre Eastridge megachurch monstrosity on Issaquah-Fall City Road, right outside the highlands. It’s got a coffee-serving cafe and an indoor playland, everything a devout Christian needs. Do we really want a megachurch (and its associated parking lots), a mosque or anything remotely similar in the highlands?

Even some of the pastors in the highlands have no interest in building a church. The pastor of Mosaic Church, Barry Odom, who turns our public elementary school into a church every Sunday, was quoted in a Christian newspaper saying: “One of the core values of the Northwest is efficient land use… our primary goal is not to purchase land and build a building that will sit empty for most of the week.”

Amen! Let’s hear it for using the precious land in our urban village wisely. Most residents are much more interested in seeing the completion of useful buildings, such as a grocery store, a movie theater, etc.

Issaquah Highlands is a unique community, in one of the least religious states in the country. Wouldn’t it be refreshing if at least one neighborhood was free of the typical waste-of-space monuments to superstition that we see on every corner?

Matthew Barry

Issaquah Highlands

Animal shelter

Closure of King County’s Crossroads facility is a loss to our area, too

The closure of the King County Animal Shelter at Crossroads is a loss to our area. I adopted three wonderful cats from that shelter. The staff and volunteers were competent, caring people; they accurately described the animals’ personalities and would honestly assess whether an animal would fit in with other animals and with children.

We want to thank them publicly for the great care and service they gave to homeless animals, and to those who wanted to find an appropriate pet.

Bob McCoy, Benny, Tom and cat Trina

Sammamish

Mail in ballots

It makes more sense to count votes as they’re received, not after the election

I have received my in-the-mail ballot. I have marked it, put it in the envelope, placed the stamp in the proper place and put it into the mail slot.

Now, if there was a way to stop receiving the political stuff via the same in-mail process, I would not need to fill the Waste Management recycle bin with those expensive political mailings. They can save money by taking me off of their mailing list.

Since I have voted on July 30, why do the vote-counters wait until after the so-called Election Day to start counting the mail-in votes?

It would seem cost-effective and more accurate to count and “verify” the mail-in ballots as they are received and not be under the gun to “verify” and count them in a stressful time frame.

Ken Sessler

Issaquah

With more and more businesses leaving, leaders need to address tax, sign issues

The economic situation for the past two years has been difficult on many, including our plethora of businesses in Issaquah. We have seen many businesses close, such as Sweet Additions, Sherm’s BBQ, GI Joe’s and Blockbuster, to name a few. Issaquah businesses continue to struggle and are fighting just to survive.

Businesses, and the taxes generated from our transactions, are the lifeblood of our city and state. Without these revenues, our vital services, public safety and quality of life diminish.

Having said this, I urge our city, county and state leaders to ensure local economic vitality by carefully considering all policy decisions through the lens of economic vitality and budget sustainability.

One way our city leaders could achieve this is by examining ways to increase the signage for our businesses, knowing that even a slight improvement to a businesses’ visibility will most likely boast exponential results.

There are other areas that must be looked at, such as revisiting current regulations, taxes and barriers to business success, as well as streamlining the internal permitting process that may hinder future business recruitment into Issaquah.

Issaquah is a magnificent place to live. Let’s also make it a magnificent place to own a business.

Renee Zimmerman

Issaquah

Issaquah Valley Trolley

It will be a sad day when it runs again

Just one look at our trolley can inspire — even if it can’t move two inches in any direction.

The other day, I was feeling sad and old, took one look at the trolley hanging up in the air with its innards all over the floor and felt worlds better. When my son got depressed about the weather, I showed him the trolley with broken windows, moss- and lichen-covered roof — he got all happy that there were clouds in the sky!

When my neighbor had lost a pet, we went to the trolley and it was living inside – thanks trolley! And what of those twisted rails and rotten ties? We walk on them to build stamina and coordination — have not got lock-jaw yet from those rusted nails, but a good source of iron!

It will be a sad day (whenever it happens) when the trolley finally starts running again.

Bryan Weinstein

Issaquah

Decision 2010

Re-elect Marcie Maxwell

Marcie Maxwell is one of the rare breed who believes in the value of underpromise and overdeliver. She doesn’t just talk; she gets the job done. She does the heavy lifting, the late night meetings, the negotiations.

She led the freshman legislators two years ago to pass the strongest education bill in decades. She didn’t say she was going to do it, and still doesn’t take credit for it. But I know, I was there, I watched. Marcie shows up, Marcie does the work, Marcie listens to her constituents.

Marcie is improving education in the state of Washington. We need her to continue this work. Vote for Marcie Maxwell.

Kelly Munn

Sammamish

Include the highlands when making the city a destination for the sport

As a longtime Issaquah resident, I applaud the Issaquah City Council for its foresight in making Issaquah a mountain biking destination.

Issaquah has plenty of hiking trails thanks to the hard work of the Issaquah Alps Trails Club. I can hike a different trail every day for three weeks and not hit a repeat.

However, mountain biking is limited to a few areas, and there is an opportunity for much more. The highlands seems like a perfect location for mountain biking trails, as kids could ride to the trails. At Duthie, there is a large queue of kids waiting to be picked up by their parents; in the highlands, kids could get themselves to the trails. (And hopefully to a new skate park, too.)

I hope the city continues to explore these exciting opportunities. And as part of promoting mountain biking in the area, Issaquah would be well advised to improve road bicycling infrastructure in the city. I have biked thousands of miles through major urban areas and never feared for my life the way I do while cycling in Issaquah.

Kathy Hardy

IssaquahSaturday delivery

Let the government know if you want to keep service six days a week

As a mail carrier, I have many customers asking me about the possibility of losing Saturday delivery.

Many people want to know what they can do to ensure that delivery continues six days a week. People receiving prescription drubs, Netflix, personal correspondence and packages do not want to wait until Monday. And those wishing to mail bill payments do not want delays.

It is critical that the American public let the Postal Regulatory Commission know that a six-day delivery commitment is essential. If you feel that you wish to retain the same level of service you currently have, it is important that you write to the PRC and tell them your views. Now is the time.

Postal Regulatory Commission

Attn: Office of Public Affairs and Government Relations

901 New York Ave. N.W., Suite 200

Washington, D.C. 20268-0001

Julia Benson

City carrier

Rules of the road

Drivers please slow down on busy hill

We live on Southeast 76th Street hill and everyday people far exceed the 25 mph speed limit going up or down the hill.

It is often difficult to get in or out of our driveway, let alone check our mailbox, which is across the road. We are frightened that someone is going to be hit on that road.

What is it with all the speeders? We would like to remind everyone who uses that hill to SLOW DOWN and think about the families that live on Southeast 76th Street when you are in a hurry to get to work or go home. We certainly wouldn’t drive by your house at 45 mph, so why do you do that to us?

Ashaun English

Issaquah

Before approving facility, consider broken promises that led to Gulf oil disaster

In response to Mr. Sheehan’s letter in favor of a gas station in the Issaquah Highlands, please consider the news from the Gulf of Mexico.

When the oil companies took more than 10 months to plug the Ixtoc leak (in 160 feet of water) back in 1979, they went on to convince the sleeping officials that they could safely drill in 5,000 feet of water.

Don’t worry, they said, we are prepared to clean up a leak of 200,000 barrels a day if need be. Besides, we know how to contain leaks underwater.

All of these gas station promises will be sitting on top of your drinking water, so as you turn on the tap, think about the Gulf of Mexico, BP and those who are now watching their way of life erode away. Of course, the gas would be closer to home.

Hank Thomas

Issaquah

Greenpeace

Protest exposes Costco’s hypocrisy

I am writing in response to Warren Kagarise’s article (July 7) about the Greenpeace blimp flying around Costco. The article brought attention to several interesting aspects.

I think the article did a good job pointing out the hypocrisy of Costco. It can’t deny that it’s selling species such as orange roughy, Chilean sea bass, Alaskan pollock and many more species whose populations are dwindling. At the same time, it has a “sustainability statement” and its spokesperson says it is mostly selling farmed fish.

Still, we all know farmed fish can be even worse than commercial fishing — just take a look at Atlantic salmon. With the seafood Costco is selling, it is contributing to ruining a commonly shared resource by supporting bottom trawling, overfishing and depletion of species. How sustainable is that?

I think it was honorable that the Costco president met with the protesters, though. That shows that he at least gives a damn.

Anna Tilman

Greenwood Point

Draconian blanket ban on walking dogs punishes responsible owners

I was at the new Cybil Madeline Park recently at the end of an Issaquah Environmental Council Work party. Next to one of the large piles of freshly removed invasive vegetation and garbage, I noticed the temporary sign for the park and another that bans dogs.

It quotes Municipal Code 6.08.021, Ord. 1567, which states: “It is unlawful for the owner or custodian of any domestic animal to cause, permit or allow such animal to enter any city park where posted.” Being a dog owner, walker, taxpayer and previous supporter of this park, I was taken aback by this.

To me, it seems ridiculous to totally ban dogs from our parks. I think that dogs should be licensed, leashed, stay out of the tot lots, off the sports fields, and the owners need to be responsible and pick up after their pets. However, it is crazy to me to totally ban people from responsibly walking their leashed dogs through a public park. I thought Issaquah was supposed to be a Trail City and Cybil Madeline Park was going to be our Central Park?

After a bit of thought, I realized that this draconian policy probably got slipped in on us last year when there were problems at Timberlake Park. That park is rather small and isolated, so maybe banning dogs there made sense to someone. However, it makes no sense to me to make the ultimate solution to an isolated problem at one small neighborhood park to totally ban dogs from every city park in Issaquah.

This blanket ban of dog walking in all of our parks is a ridiculous policy, and one I am going to remember the next time I am asked to open my wallet for the next park bond.

C.A. Christensen

Issaquah

Trail system

No fix is needed; bikers already have paved streets for their paths

Mark Lyon’s letter last week rightly celebrated the beauty of our Issaquah trail system. However, his suggestion that we should pave paradise — or at least the part of it that runs behind the high school — would move the trail system in exactly the wrong direction.

As a biker, Mark has miles of trails on which to ride: They’re called streets. As one of many local dog walkers and hikers, we cherish those few paths that get joyously muddy, offer sloppy puddles and otherwise merge into the surrounding charms of Tiger Mountain. The trail ain’t broke and there’s no need to fix it.

Wes Howard-Brook

Issaquah

Many contributors helped make event a success, raising $242,000

On June 5, members from our community took to the track at Skyline High School for another great Relay For Life event. While the sunny weather was a great addition, it was the people involved who truly made this year’s Relay For Life an outstanding event and fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

We’d like to extend our gratitude to the following contributors: the planning team of volunteers who spent the year organizing the event; the team captains and team members who raised money and awareness for cancer education during the relay season; our day-of-event volunteers who helped set up and prepare; and our sponsors and community businesses that made generous donations.

Most importantly, we want to recognize the individuals who demonstrated determination and passion for life as they walked the first lap, dedicated for cancer survivors and their caregivers. Thank you to those who chose to recognize loved ones by dedicating a luminaria in their name for the evening ceremony. And thank you for those who walked through the night and continued on in the rain. Together, everyone who attended this year’s relay event was a great example of why we fight back to support the American Cancer Society’s efforts to create a world with more birthdays.

We are happy to announce that we have surpassed our goal and have so far raised $242,000 in the fight against cancer. Thank you! The 2010 Relay For Life of Issaquah is continuing to raise money until August. If you would like to make a donation or participate in next year’s event, please go to www.issaquahrelayforlife.org.

Karen Conley and Stacy Strickland

Issaquah Relay For Life Event co-chairs