Off the Press
July 27, 2010
A hair-raising tale that will have you seeing red
The instant I popped out of my mother and into the delivery room, the nurse told my parents they had a redheaded daughter.
“Really?” my father asked, looking at my dark-haired mother and fingering his own dark waves. He said it was hard to tell because I was almost bald, but the nurse insisted it was red.
Now, thankfully, I have more hair, and yes, it has a red hue. So, it was exciting when I received one of my more curious news assignments this month: covering the Redheads and More Redheads Guinness World Record event at Skyline High School in Sammamish.
There were 901 thrilled redheads at Skyline, and though the most excited one of all, local photographer Anne Lindsay, wasn’t a natural ginger, she made up for it with her enthusiasm.
Lindsay called me the week before the occasion, proclaiming, “I’ll only talk to you if you have red hair,” before saying hello. I liked her immediately.
Press Editorial
July 27, 2010
Anderson, Willard should move forward
Voters in the 5th Legislative District — primarily those in Issaquah, Sammamish and Maple Valley areas — face two solid choices in the upcoming contest for a state representative. Mail-back ballots for the Aug. 17 primary election will reach voters this week.
In Glenn Anderson, voters have a seasoned representative who has learned to navigate the Capitol corridors as a member of the oft-marginalized Republican Party. Democrat Dean Willard presents a chance for a fresh perspective.
Willard presents the most credible challenge Anderson has faced in years. With his background in the Eastside technology industry, he has a good grasp of the concerns facing owners of local businesses, small and large alike.
Like his GOP opponent, Willard has also highlighted the importance of education in the campaign, certainly a critical topic in the 5th District. Willard pledges to strengthen the school system to make local students more competitive in a tough global workforce. Anderson has long been an advocate for education funding reform.
In campaign material, both Anderson and Willard say the race hinges on the economy. We look forward to a spirited debate in the months ahead about the role the Legislature should play in jumpstarting the stalled economy.
To the Editor
July 27, 2010
Economic vitality
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
Rapid Response
July 27, 2010
Do you believe the completion of the Interstate 90 Undercrossing will make a meaningful reduction in traffic congestion?
I can only hope so. Pretty soon the waiting lines for a green light to get onto Interstate 90 at opposite ends of Gilman Boulevard may end up touching each other in the middle!
Michele Forkner, Issaquah
Yes, but it should connect to East Lake Sammamish.
Matthew Balkman, Issaquah
Yes, in the short run. However, it will only be a short term Band-Aid as our current infrastructure tries to accompany longer-term planned growth. We will have to think “out of the box” to find alternatives to automotive transportation. Realistically, we will have to limit growth to the capacity of our infrastructure to absorb it.
Raymond Extract, Issaquah
Off The Press
July 20, 2010
David Hayes Press Reporter
Don’t let ghosts get in the way of an opportunityHave you got a business idea but have yet to find the right location to set up shop?
Issaquah is rife with new business parks and other sparkling constructs. But let me tell you about an opportunity to lease a piece of Issaquah’s past.
Situated in downtown, right across from the police department, sits a 4,000 square-foot structure that remains little changed from its original 1946 design. What started out as an auto shop has morphed over the years into businesses including a candy store, an antique gallery and a consignment store.
Oh, and did I mention, it’s haunted?
With so many television shows about ghost investigators visiting some of the world’s hottest spots for the afterlife, this would be the perfect opportunity to capitalize on the craze.
Real estate agent Lauree Naval said she doesn’t have to tell potential clients, but it’s more than likely to come up in conversation.
“You absolutely have to be truthful,” she said. Read more
Press Editorial
July 20, 2010
It’s painful to think that people out to enjoy our beautiful Lake Sammamish State Park turned it into a shooting gallery last Saturday night. Our sympathies go out to the families of the dead and wounded men, those who witnessed the bloodshed and the park rangers who responded to the terror of the moment.
Already, there are comments from some who say they will not go back to the park, fearing it to be unsafe. We understand the initial knee-jerk reaction to stay away — but a few days from now, that might look different.
The people of Washington state may own the park, but to residents of Issaquah and Sammamish, it is “our” park, at least in mind and heart. Don’t stay away from the beaches, the walkways along the water, the picnic tables inviting you to bring a sack lunch, the volleyball and Frisbee games yet to be played, the nearby heron rookery, children with sand buckets, the breeze in the trees, the boat launch or fishing from the sand bar — that is the Lake Sammamish State Park we know and love. Read more
To The Editor
July 20, 2010
Mountain biking
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
Issaquah Read more
Rapid Response
July 20, 2010
How do you feel about a state requirement for schools to record students’ race and ethnicity?
For what purpose? Is funding going to depend on certain demographics? Are subjects or programs going to be race or ethnic specific?
Michele Forkner, Issaquah
Why? What is the purpose? The ACLU would have a ball opposing this in the courts and the media would have a field day. The state should concentrate on ways to fund and provide improved education opportunities for all of our students and stay away from divisive issues.
Raymond Extract, Issaquah
Do you believe the completion of the Interstate 90 Undercrossing will make a meaningful reduction in traffic congestion?
It should take people off Front Street and away from that awfully congested corner at 17th Street and Southwest Lake Sammamish Parkway, so yes, I think it should help. I would rather have seen it go north and end near the Barnes & Noble shopping center, though. But it should help nevertheless.
Barbara Extract, Issaquah
The undercrossing project will relieve congestion by rerouting traffic. An additional benefit is shortened trips, saving fuel, as well as time.
Gail Givan, Issaquah
What features would you like to see incorporated in the downtown, Issaquah Creek-area parks, keeping in mind that the area will be limited to passive activities?
Does it include “passive” smoking?
Paul Stewart, Preston
Hello!?!?! There is a recession going on! The city sends out pleas for ideas about how to save money — here is the plan… stop spending money! Especially on passive parks that very few people utilize when we need to repair and make more usable the parks we have, the parks that serve our population the most (active parks) and that generate some revenue. There are so many repairs and basic infrastructure needs and other active park demands to focus on in our city.
Matthew Balkman, Issaquah
Rapid Response
July 13, 2010
Will King County’s new plan for animal control and sheltering services provide better services for taxpayers?
Yes, if they have a presence here in Issaquah. They will need to have enough officers to respond in a timely manner to complaints or assistance with regard to animals/pets.
Michele Forkner, Issaquah
Only if ‘animal control’ encompasses the cougars trolling the local bars!
Paul Stewart, Preston
Should Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill — facing a domestic violence charge in Issaquah — be allowed to play this season? Read more
Off The Press
July 13, 2010
Bob Taylor Press sports editor
I don’t want to scare anyone, but please take a quick look at my column photo. You will notice that I am pictured wearing eyeglasses.
Well, that is no longer the case.
As of two weeks ago, I have 20-20 vision. With the exception of reading and doing computer work, I no longer have to wear glasses all day. Like many of you with perfect vision, I can wear Foster Grants on sunny days instead of dealing with clip-ons or prescription sunglasses. When I wake up in the morning, I no longer have to fumble around on the nightstand for my eyeglasses. When I get up in the morning, I see a beautiful world without the aid of eyeglasses.
What a world I was missing until last month!
Now, this is not an advertisement for lasik surgery. However, I did undergo surgery on both eyes for cataracts.
I’m not exactly sure when the cataracts started forming. I do recall last summer that when I wanted to do some recreational reading, I would move the book up to the tip of my nose. I thought it was just bad bifocals. Turns out, it was probably the start of bad cataracts. Each week, reading became more of a challenge. Again, I blamed the bifocals.
Last fall, when we had sunny days, I noticed my eyes were becoming very sensitive to light. I started wearing sunglasses more frequently, and often pushed the baseball cap down to cut out extra sunlight. Eventually, I began wearing sunglasses even on cloudy days — and you know how often we get those around here. Read more
