Issaquah tragedies, triumphs define a tumultuous year
December 28, 2010
Traffic lines up on state Route 900 at Northwest Talus Drive in February. State Department of Transportation crews completed the long-running project in 2010. By Greg Farrar
The economy lurched from the recession, population growth all but stalled and Issaquah — after cutbacks and setbacks in 2009 — defied the odds to reach major milestones throughout 2010.
Momentum returned in 2010 after a year spent in a holding pattern. Set against the backdrop of a fragile recovery, leaders cut the ribbon on businesses and roads, laid the foundation for preservation and construction, and marked tragedies and successes. Read more
Sammamish decides against taking over Klahanie Park
April 13, 2010
Sammamish will not become the temporary owner of Klahanie Park, the Sammamish City Council decided last week.
With a 7-0 vote, the council decided against becoming the temporary owner of the park April 6. The city will still work to keep the park open.
King County had offered up the park on a three-year basis and on the condition that if Issaquah annexed the Klahanie development in the future, the park would transfer to Issaquah.
For Sammamish to take it over on a permanent basis, the Sammamish City Council would have to sign off on the transfer, the city of Issaquah would need to remove the park from its potential annexation area and the King County Council would have to give its blessing, too.
None of that may matter now, though. The prospect of paying to maintain the park without having permanent ownership wasn’t all that appetizing to Sammamish’s council.
“Why are we cutting their grass for free? That’s how I see it,” Councilman John Curley said.
Concerned Citizens of Klahanie, a citizen group that opposes Sammamish’s proposed takeover of the park, also turned some council members’ heads.
“We’ve gotten a lot of e-mails from people in Klahanie. They really don’t want Sammamish in their park. I think we really should respect their wishes,” Councilwoman Nancy Whitten said.
Councilwoman Michele Petitti went so far as to say that she was offended by the negative publicity attached to the proposed takeover. Read more
Soccer club could be key to future of Klahanie Park
March 30, 2010
The process to transfer the county-run Klahanie Park to Sammamish has slowed, as King County officials and the Issaquah Soccer Club discuss ways to keep the park open. Read more
City wants Klahanie Park decision to hinge on growth
March 2, 2010
Local residents try to have their say in keeping Klahanie Park open, and which local jurisdiction they would like to see be its steward as King County officials plan to close the park. — By Greg Farrar
Issaquah city officials called last week for decisions about adding Klahanie Park to the municipal parks system to be made alongside long-term growth agreements.
Issaquah officials want Klahanie Park decision to hinge on growth
February 26, 2010
NEW — 6 a.m. Feb. 26, 2010
City officials called Thursday for decisions about adding Klahanie Park to the municipal parks system to be made alongside long-term growth agreements.
Members of the Council Services & Safety Committee discussed the park Thursday night. The committee followed a recommendation from the city administration to weigh decisions about the park in conjunction with potential Klahanie annexations in mind.
Although Klahanie and nearby neighborhoods border Issaquah and Sammamish, the area is included only in long-term growth plans for Issaquah. Officials from both cities will discuss the issue and others at a March 9 joint meeting.
City officials also encouraged King County to forge a maintenance agreement with a volunteer group or government agencies to keep the park open.
The full council will discuss the issue at 7:30 p.m. Monday. Members meet in the Council Chambers at City Hall South, 135 E. Sunset Way.
Sammamish city manager addresses Klahanie Park concerns
February 23, 2010
In an effort to set the record straight about a possible takeover of Klahanie Park by neighboring Sammamish, Sammamish City Manager Ben Yazici sent a letter to the Klahanie homeowners association Feb. 12. Read more
Issaquah considers Klahanie Park options
February 23, 2010
After listening to repeated pleas from Klahanie residents, City Council members will meet Feb. 25 to discuss a possible city takeover of county-run Klahanie Park. Read more
City officials mull change to Klahanie annexation area
February 16, 2010
Klahanie residents asked the City Council to reconsider a still-nascent proposal to redraw a key growth map, as Issaquah officials consider annual changes to the city growth plan. Read more
Klahanie residents ask Issaquah City Council to keep community in long-term plans
February 6, 2010
NEW — 6 a.m. Feb. 6, 2010
Klahanie residents asked the City Council to reconsider a still-nascent proposal to redraw a key growth map, as Issaquah officials consider annual changes to the city growth plan.
The council heard Monday from 13 Klahanie residents, who encouraged Issaquah officials not to cede the community to potential annexation by Sammamish. The residents also protested a proposal by Sammamish to take over Klahanie Park.
Proposed amendments to the city growth blueprint to evaluate the Klahanie Potential Annexation Area — about 1,200 acres spread across several subdivisions and home to about 11,000 residents — prompted residents to address the council.
But the council did not discuss the proposed amendments, and instead sent the items to the Council Land & Shore Committee for review. The committee meets 6 p.m. Monday in the Pickering Room at City Hall Northwest, 1775 12th Ave. N.W.
PSAT scores available after Jan. 4
December 29, 2009
Scores for students who participated in the districtwide Pre Scholastic Assessment Tests this fall will be available Jan. 4.
Parents interested in learning what the scores mean for students and additional opportunities available for them having taken the tests can attend a meeting with district officials at 6 p.m. Jan. 6 in the administration building, 565 N.W. Holly St.
Parents can review their child’s answers and find out how to improve their skills in areas like math, reading and writing, and learn about the National Merit Scholarship Program.
District officials can also help parents and students create an educational plan to help students reach their goals.
