Rain or shine, cruise on down to the XXX Rootbeer Drive-in for the annual XXX Jingle Bell Cruz and Toys 4 Tots drive Sunday.

Restaurant owner Jose Enciso invites the region’s classic car clubs, and anyone else with a big heart, to bring a donation to the event that has grown by leaps and bounds over the years.

“Last year, the Northwest Chevy Club donated more than $800 in toys,” he said. “The Baloney Club brought six fully decked out bikes for kids, and a club from Bremerton came with some bikes worth well over $1,000.”

Initially organized by the local car club Sunset Highway Cruisers, the Jingle Bell Cruz started as just another excuse for the classic car owners to get together.

“If it’s nice, they bring their hot rods,” Enciso said. “If not, they drive their regular cars but still participate and have a good time.”

He added that the donations quickly fill up a section of the restaurant. And at the end of the day, the Sunset Cruisers bring the donations to the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank and Life Enrichment Options.

Then, to add a surprise for the little hot-rodders, Santa Claus makes a guest appearance to complete the holiday cheer.

“This event is our outpouring of passion to help kids who have less during the holiday season,” Enciso said. “With no contest on the line, our trophy is the happiness these kids get for Christmas. That means more than any real trophy.”

Reach Reporter David Hayes at 392-6343, ext. 237, or dhayes@isspress.com.

If you go

XXX Jingle Bell Cruz/Toys 4 Tots

Noon – 4 p.m. Dec. 7

XXX Rootbeer Drive-in

98 N.E. Gilman Blvd.

392-1266

www.triplexrootbeer.com

The Metropolitan King County Council has passed a budget for 2009 that plugs, at least temporarily, a $93 million hole in the general fund. But while that is good for the county, it will have a decidedly mixed effect on Issaquah. The county’s general fund is a $627.8 million chunk of a $4.9 billion budget. 

The county’s 2009 budget reflects the County Council’s desire to maintain funding for public health, safety and quality of life. Compared to County Executive Ron Sims proposal, funding was maintained for alternative sentencing programs; retained funding for Sheriff’s Office community storefronts; and kept agriculture and forestry units. 

The council budget also funds the Drug Diversion Court, Unified Family Court Services, the Mental Health Court and public health centers. 

To achieve this, the council enacted more than $10 million in one-time cuts to future maintenance needs, some technology projects and some lower priority programs. The council left intact cuts to the Prosecutor’s Office, which will result in fewer prosecutions.

Those responsibilities probably will fall on cities, said Issaquah City Administrator Leon Kos. Cases once handled by the county prosecutor are likely to be reduced to lesser offenses and shifted to the cities for prosecution as misdemeanors, he said, adding that that would, in turn, lead to increased caseloads for Municipal Court, more violent offenders in the city jail and higher costs.

“We have to start looking at where we start making cuts,” he said. 

Apart from city government, local nonprofit groups that have relied on county grants have to get by with less. Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery is one example. Executive Director Gestin Suttle said the group had requested a county grant of $25,000 for 2009, but the actual amount awarded was $15,000.

“We are grateful for any amount, because we know it is a really tough year,” she said. “But that is $10,000 less than we were seeking. I’m not sure how we will make that up. That’s what the board will be deciding.” 

Despite the hardships, King County Councilwoman Kathy Lambert pronounced herself pleased with the budget process. The representative for District 3, which includes Issaquah and the entire county to the north and east, Lambert served as vice chair of the council’s Operating Budget Panel. 

“Our ability to make these cuts and live within our means has enabled us to maintain and enhance our rainy day reserve fund,” she said. “Even though the economy is stormy now, we must be prepared in case of a worsening tempest.”

Reach Reporter Jon Savelle at 392-6434, ext. 234, or jsavelle@isspress.com. Comment on this story at www.issaquahpress.com.

Kyle Haddad-Fonda

After a lengthy and intimidating process, including eight letters of recommendation and an interview, Haddad-Fonda was chosen last week for the scholarship. 

Haddad-Fonda talked with The Press about his amazing accomplishments and what he intends to work on in England.

Q: What was your first reaction after having received the scholarship?

A: I was simultaneously excited to hear my name called, relieved to be done with the three-hour wait while the committee deliberated, thrilled at the prospect of studying at Oxford, and humbled by the caliber of the other applicants I had the opportunity to meet over the course of the interview process.

Q: Why did you apply? 

A: The Rhodes offers a tremendous opportunity to study in England, which attracted me because of the talented faculty at Oxford, because I have always loved England when I have visited in the past, and because I like the independence afforded students by the British system. Of course, I also appreciate the irony of studying anti-imperialist movements with the bequest of Cecil Rhodes.

Q: What was the most nerve-wracking part of the process?

A: After my interview, I spent five hours waiting with the other applicants for the interviews to finish and then for the committee to deliberate. We spent much of the time distracting ourselves by attempting — but not finishing — a 1,000-piece puzzle of Oxford’s central library. Despite the tension as we waited, however, I am pleased to have had the opportunity to get to know the other students who also interviewed, including Mallory Dwinal, of Gig Harbor, who also won and will join me next year in Oxford.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish as a Rhodes Scholar?

A: At Oxford, I will pursue a doctorate of philosophy in Oriental studies. I hope to continue to study Chinese and Middle Eastern history with a particular focus on Sino-Arab relations. For my senior thesis at Harvard, I am researching Sino-Arab relations between 1955 and 1958, the period in which Egypt, Syria, Yemen and Iraq formally recognized Communist China. As I continue to study at Oxford, I hope to explore the history of Sino-Arab relations over a much broader time period.

Q: Why do you believe it is important?

A: As China continues to develop and becomes a more prominent force in international affairs, its relations with nonWestern countries will require greater understanding. A true appreciation of Sino-Arab relations requires the historical perspective I hope to gain from my studies at Oxford, which will in turn contribute to our understanding of recent events, such as China’s increasingly strong support for the Sudanese government and the $3 billion oil deal signed by the Chinese and Iraqi governments just three weeks ago.

Q: What is your ultimate career goal?

A: At the moment, I’m just taking life one step at a time. I’m looking forward to studying at Oxford next year, and I know that I’ll have a broad range of opportunities and challenges after my time in England.

Q: Did you ever think you would one day become a Rhodes Scholar?

A: Winning the Rhodes is something I’m proud of, but for me, it was never a goal in and of itself. I like to think of it as validation for activities I have undertaken and interests I have pursued for their own sake.

Q: What activities did you enjoy in high school?

A: I enjoyed swimming and also ran cross country and track, but my favorite sport was orienteering (cross country running with map and compass). I also played on the Lakeside High School quizbowl team and played the harp in my school’s orchestra.

Q: What is one thing you wish you tried in high school, but didn’t?

A: In retrospect, I wish I had begun studying Arabic in high school. My grandfather was born in Seattle in 1909 to two Syrian immigrants, but stopped speaking Arabic after he started kindergarten. After he passed away, I set a goal for myself to learn Arabic. I flirted with studying the language in high school — even going so far as to teach myself the letters of the alphabet — but my school didn’t offer it and I never pursued my interest further. It wasn’t until I started studying Arabic in college that I really regretted not doing more to learn the language earlier.  I did begin studying Chinese in high school, an experience that instilled in me a lifelong belief in the importance of foreign languages.

Q: What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

A: Here is a fun fact: Many years ago, when I was in seventh grade, I was lucky enough to become the youngest phone-a-friend ever used as a lifeline on the show, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” As far as I know, my record still stands!

Q: What would be your advice to students making their way through high school today?

A: I think it is important for students to explore a variety of new subjects, including subjects not taught in school, to discover where their true interests lie. In a world in which art, music, geography, foreign languages, world literature and world history are given diminished attention in our schools, the responsibility devolves to the student to look beyond the established curriculum and remain open to unfamiliar topics.

Robin Callahan, the foundation’s executive director, announced her resignation — effective June 30 — to board members in September. 

“Robin has brought her intelligence, wisdom, compassion and her willingness to do any task needed to cultivate the partnership between the Issaquah Schools Foundation and the Issaquah School District,” said Eve Martine, foundation board president. “She has spent a decade helping to make this a strong district for all students.” “I am ready for a change and a new challenge,” Callahan said. “I hope to remain on the board and still engaged with the Issaquah Schools Foundation, but just in a lesser capacity.” 

Since the organization had numerous activities in early fall, including the start of school and the annual luncheon in October, foundation officials didn’t announce the resignation until they posted the job opening, Callahan said.

Callahan has been with the foundation as its executive director for six years; for three years prior, she was actively involved in the foundation as a board member.

She said she is proud of the way she and foundation officials have been able to strengthen the relationship between the foundation and the district; build community support for the foundation by increasing the amount of donors; and the new programs she has helped to launch, like the VOICE Mentor, Club 7 and the After School Homework programs.

“I love the Issaquah Schools Foundation, but I think there’s something else out there for me,” she said. 

She said she is currently applying to business programs at the University of Washington and Seattle University, so she can earn her master’s degree in business administration. After graduating, she said she hopes to work for a larger, international nonprofit.

“I’ve had all my nonprofit experience with the Issaquah Schools Foundation, so I know there is a lot out there that I still don’t know, especially as it relates to a larger organization,” she said. 

“She has all the talents that she needs to be a success,” Martine said.  “I can only imagine that her future will be as fulfilling as it has been with the Issaquah Schools Foundation.” 

Reach Reporter Chantelle Lusebrink at 392-6434, ext. 241, or clusebrink@isspress.com. Comment on this story at www.issaquahpress.com. 

After nearly 10 years, the Issaquah Schools Foundation is looking for new leadership.

Robin Callahan, the foundation’s executive director, announced her resignation — effective June 30 — to board members in September. 

“Robin has brought her intelligence, wisdom, compassion and her willingness to do any task needed to cultivate the partnership between the Issaquah Schools Foundation and the Issaquah School District,” said Eve Martine, foundation board president. “She has spent a decade helping to make this a strong district for all students.” 

“I am ready for a change and a new challenge,” Callahan said. “I hope to remain on the board and still engaged with the Issaquah Schools Foundation, but just in a lesser capacity.” 

Since the organization had numerous activities in early fall, including the start of school and the annual luncheon in October, foundation officials didn’t announce the resignation until they posted the job opening, Callahan said.

Callahan has been with the foundation as its executive director for six years; for three years prior, she was actively involved in the foundation as a board member.

She said she is proud of the way she and foundation officials have been able to strengthen the relationship between the foundation and the district; build community support for the foundation by increasing the amount of donors; and the new programs she has helped to launch, like the VOICE Mentor, Club 7 and the After School Homework programs.

“I love the Issaquah Schools Foundation, but I think there’s something else out there for me,” she said. 

She said she is currently applying to business programs at the University of Washington and Seattle University, so she can earn her master’s degree in business administration. After graduating, she said she hopes to work for a larger, international nonprofit.

“I’ve had all my nonprofit experience with the Issaquah Schools Foundation, so I know there is a lot out there that I still don’t know, especially as it relates to a larger organization,” she said. 

“She has all the talents that she needs to be a success,” Martine said.  “I can only imagine that her future will be as fulfilling as it has been with the Issaquah Schools Foundation.” 

Reach Reporter Chantelle Lusebrink at 392-6434, ext. 241, or clusebrink@isspress.com. Comment on this story at www.issaquahpress.com. 

Rep. Jay Rodne (R-North Bend) and Sen. Cheryl Pflug (R-Maple Valley) cruised to comfortable wins over Democratic challengers Jon Viebrock and Phyllis Huster. 

Pflug and Rodne each received about 60 percent of the vote compared to their Democratic challengers.

Rep. Glenn Anderson, the Republican incumbent from Fall City, had a closer contest with Democrat David Spring. In early election returns, Spring was ahead, but Anderson won by 2,201 votes out of about 70,000 ballots cast in the race.

In the 41st District, Democrat Fred Jarrett easily won the state Senate race against Republican Bob Baker, an Alaska Airlines pilot. Jarrett, a four-term state House member and former Mercer Island city councilman, had about 59 percent of the vote. 

In one of the most closely observed House races in the state, Democrat Marcie Maxwell, a Realtor and Renton School Board member, won with about 51 percent of the vote against Republican Steve Litzow, a technology entrepreneur and a Mercer Island City Councilman. In the final tally, Maxwell won by 748 votes.

The two were vying for the House seat held by Jarrett, who opted to run for the Senate after incumbent Democrat Brian Weinstein announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election.

Judy Clibborn, a Democrat from Mercer Island, was running unopposed in the district’s other House race.

Issaquah voters resoundingly approved a $4.5 million bond measure to build a new fire station on Maple Street Northwest at state Route 900. The vote was better than a 2-to-1 ratio in favor. 

Construction is likely in 2009. But first, architects must complete design of the building, money must be transferred from Fire District 10, permits must be obtained and city officials must secure the bonds. 

The station is estimated to cost about $8 million including bond costs. Issaquah would contribute $1.5 million, while King County Fire District 10 has committed $2 million. 

The 20-year, general-obligation bonds are for $4.5 million and would cost property owners an estimated 5.77 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. That works out to $28.85 per year for a house worth $500,000. 

However, because the city this year will pay off a previously issued bond (for which taxpayers paid approximately 4.58 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in 2008), the net increase over 2008 is estimated to be less than $6.

In 2006, city officials spent $1 million to buy the building site from Sound Transit. Another $55,000 went to schematic design and cost estimating for the project. 

The station is envisioned as having 11,257 square feet, with three equipment bays and incorporating highly energy-efficient materials and mechanical systems. 

When completed, the new station will replace the temporary Station 72 across state Route 900 on Maple Street Northwest. 

About 84 percent of King County’s 1.1 million registered voters cast ballots in the Nov. 4 election. 

Final election results

5th Legislative District

Senate

Cheryl Pflug (R)

 43,178 — 59.89 percent

Phyllis Huster (D) 

28,851 — 40.02 percent

Position 1

Jay Rodne (R)  

41,630 — 59.65 percent

Jon Viebrock (D) 

28,089 — 40.25 percent

Position 2

Glenn Anderson (R) 

35,913 — 51.52 percent

David Spring (D) 

33,712 — 48.36 percent

41st Legislative District

Senate

Fred Jarrett (D) 

38,327 — 59.42 percent

Bob Baker (R) 

26,092 — 40.45 percent

Position 1

Marcie Maxwell (D) 

32,571 — 50.51 percent

Steve Litzow (R)  

31,823 — 49.35 percent

Proposition No. 1 — 

Fire station construction bonds

Yes 8,669 — 67.13 percent 

No 4,244 — 32.87 percent 

Reach Reporter Jon Savelle at 392-6434, ext. 234, or jsavelle@isspress.com, and Reporter Jim Feehan at 392-6434, ext. 239, jfeehan@isspress.com. Comment on this story at www.issaquahpress.com.

Two would take place north and south of the school at 700 Second Ave. S.E. Of those, one is for improvements and possibly a signal at Second and East Sunset Way, where backups occur during peak hours. The other is at Second and Front Street South, where northbound traffic is delayed at a signal. That location is being considered for a right-turn lane to Second.

The third candidate for mitigation is the intersection of Front and Sunset, which for many reasons is the most congested in the city.

City Councilman Joshua Schaer, who chairs the city Transportation Committee, said he believes revising Front and Sunset is the least likely of the three options. It is farthest from the school, would require major changes to curbs, parking and sidewalks, and the resulting traffic improvements — if any — are not well understood. Cost, too, is an issue.

“The initial consideration is how much money the school district is going to put forward,” he said. “Realistically, I don’t think all three are going to get done.” 

The other two options have problems of their own to solve. At Second Avenue Southeast and Front Street South, the proposed northbound turn lane would be only four or five cars long, Schaer said. 

“Does that cure the backup on Front Street?” he asked. “And the other concern is, it turns Second into a de facto bypass. If we are able to do more than one mitigation, that would be No. 2.”

That leaves the intersection of Second and East Sunset Way as the No. 1 choice. Schaer said it would improve traffic flow on Sunset, but the light also would create a northbound queue on Second. 

Other traffic changes planned for the school include a signal at the campus entry, with a center left-turn lane on Second and restricted access to the upper parking lot.

Reach Reporter Jon Savelle at 392-6434, ext. 234, or jsavelle@isspress.com. Comment on this story at www.issaquahpress.com.

The study, begun in September, was conducted by a team of consultants. They used a telephone survey and public meetings to gauge the public’s needs and preferences; examined the existing pool for deficiencies; reviewed possible sites for a new aquatics center; and developed a cost breakdown for each of six options. 

Those options were explained to the council by Ken Ballard, whose Ballard*King consulting firm led the study. 

Option A would retain Boehm Pool with minor improvements to the building, pool and systems. It would cost $4.8 million with an annual subsidy of $226,000.

Option B would retain Boehm, as in Option A, but add a recreation pool and a larger deck with a recreational “sprayground.” It would cost $9.6 million with an annual subsidy of about $200,000.

Option B+ includes the first two options, with a larger recreation pool, and adds an eight-lane lap pool, spectator seating and a birthday party room. It would cost $20.3 million with an annual subsidy of about $170,000.

Option C would build a new aquatic center in the highlands with a recreation pool, lap pool, spectator seating, party rooms, spa and sprayground. It would cost $31.7 million with an annual subsidy of $150,000 to $200,000. 

Option D includes Option C plus a weight and cardiovascular workout area, a group exercise room, a gymnasium and a community room. It would cost $45 million with an annual subsidy of $50,000 to $100,000.

Option E includes Option A (retain Boehm with minor improvements) and Option C (new aquatics center) with the possibility of future expansion. It would cost $37.4 million with an annual subsidy of $551,000 to $651,000.

A new aquatics center in the highlands would most likely be built on Pad 4 in Central Park, just south of Grand Ridge Elementary School. That site, now bare dirt, met the requirements for a large, flat, city-owned parcel in a convenient location with ample parking. 

It is also favored by many survey respondents.

“Options C or B+ seem to be the preferred options,” Ballard said. 

In researching pool users’ preferences, Ballard’s firm conducted a telephone survey of city residents. But he noted that Boehm Pool actually serves a much larger area that includes parts of Sammamish, Maple Valley, Preston and Newcastle. Its margins roughly correspond to the boundaries of the Issaquah School District.

This caught the attention of council members, who asked why only the city was surveyed if the pool is actually a regional asset. Ballard said his team had discussed the question, but they decided to focus just on those pool users who would be paying for improvements. 

In response, Councilman Fred Butler observed that if the pool attracts regional users then it should be funded through regional partnerships, such as with the Issaquah School District. 

Next steps are to identify one preferred option and develop more detailed analyses and a master plan. Already, the team has determined that Boehm Pool is suitable for an overhaul. The pool itself and building shell are sound, so a virtually new facility could be built around those components.

Architect Jim Kalvelage said that is a good option.

“We believe the shell is the type of building you would build today,” he said. “For all practical purposes, it really is a new pool.” 

This solution would serve the community for another 30 years, Kalvelage said. 

To make it happen, money has to be found. The choices are a public bond issue in 2010; partnering with the school district, swim teams or other communities; establishing a Parks & Recreation Service Area special facilities district; securing grants; and selling naming rights. 

Reach Reporter Jon Savelle at 392-6434, ext. 234, or jsavelle@isspress.com. Comment on this story at www.issaquahpress.com.

Merry Christmas Issaquah Fund

• A woman got an infection in her hand and was not able to work for six weeks. The power company was about to shut off the electricity when she called for help. With small children at home, heat was a necessity. 

• An unemployed man got a job offer, but needed help with bus tickets to get to the job, just until he got paid.• A young mother with a toddler had just leased a new apartment, but underestimated the moving costs, coming up a bit short on the second month’s rent.

• An elderly woman had just had her eighth surgery and was now behind with her power bill.

• A family of six finally had to ask for help. The husband had heart problems, and the wife lost her job when the company she worked for went bankrupt. All they asked for was a little help with the power bill.

These are just some of the people that turn to Issaquah Church & Community Services, the agency that disburses donations to Merry Christmas Issaquah, providing emergency help. 

The help isn’t much, but to the people who need it, it’s everything.

Since the fund drive was started in 1980, more than a half-million dollars has been raised, and given away. As usual, those emergency aid funds collected last year are about gone, yet another 300-400 families will call the volunteers at Church & Community Services for help in 2009. Some callers get referred to other agencies, and some get direct financial support — never cash, just vouchers.

Many of the people who come to Church & Community Services are employed or retired and managing just fine, until the unexpected catches up to them. They are residents of the Issaquah School District, including a few who have resorted to living in a tent on the mountains around Issaquah.

Church & Community Services helps families with rent, utility bills, auto repairs, bus tickets, medical prescriptions, food coupons and a few miscellaneous requests. 

Church & Community Services has already used most of the $49,595 donated from Issaquah residents and businesses last year, and will need at least that much again to offer assistance in 2009. Merry Christmas Issaquah is the only fund drive for the nonprofit organization. One hundred percent of donations goes to help those in need.

“With the high unemployment rate, there is no doubt that 2009 may see more requests for help than ever,” said Pat Stegner, president of Church & Community Services. “Every dollar donated is going to be important to helping an Issaquah family in crisis.”

Donations are tax-deductible. Send to Merry Christmas Issaquah, c/o The Issaquah Press, P.O. Box 1328, Issaquah, WA 98027. 

Donors names, but not amounts, will be published unless anonymity is requested.