In last week’s issue of the Redmond Reporter, we revisited some of the people and events that were on Redmond’s radar in the first half of 2009. Here’s a look back at some of the news we brought to you in the latter half of last year.
JULY
The design for a new Fire Station 17, to be built in North Redmond, was revealed at a public meeting.
A new Metro Transit Park-and-Ride garage opened in downtown Redmond, improving opportunities to commute to work or school in Bellevue, Seattle and elsewhere.
City park planners held a public meeting to get input about a modern pool, multi-cultural center or other desired amenities.
The City of Redmond unveiled plans for a Downtown Central Park to be “the jewel” of community parks.
Thousands flocked to the 69th Annual Derby Days festival, with parades, carnival rides, arts, crafts, food and entertainment for all ages.
The King County Executive race began to heat up. Seven candidates spoke at a forum at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, hosted by the Greater Seattle Muslim Community.
AUGUST
The City of Redmond announced that it would begin enforcement of downtown parking time limits in the fall, because demand for parking spots exceeded the number of available spots. Residents and workers were encouraged to use a new downtown Park-and-Ride garage and R-TRIP (Redmond Trip Resource & Incentive Program).
The Lake Washington School District enacted cutbacks in bus service as a cost-saving measure.
The Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce, City of Redmond and R-TRIP launched a “Think Redmond. Go local, be local” campaign to promote economic vitality, sustainability and community pride.
Heading into its second decade, the Redmond Historical Society sought new members and renewed its commitment to preserving the city’s heritage.
Swedish Physicians announced the opening of a new clinic in downtown Redmond, headed by Dr. Douglas McDonald, who founded Redmond Family Health and later managed it as Redmond’s Evergreen Medical Group clinic.
The City of Redmond invited public comment on an updated Hazards Mitigation Plan with a new section devoted to climate change.
The Redmond branch of Lake Washington Technical College announced the inception of an accounting program in the fall.
SEPTEMBER
A woman wearing a “cast boot” drove through the wall of the Childtime child care center in Redmond. She was arrested in December for vehicular assault because tests revealed she had alcohol in her body.
A mind-blowing dragon cake, commissioned by Redmond High School teacher Misty Doty and created by Redmond-based Mike’s Amazing Cake, ended up in a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! book about fantastic people and products.
Employees at Redmond’s Crane Aerospace & Electronics enjoyed a visit from a team of astronauts who repaired the Hubble telescope, using products manufactured by Crane.
Redmond hit the jackpot when a Chinese Olympic gold medalist Lu Li was named the new coach at Emerald City Gymnastics.
Fueled by a funding boost from Microsoft and economic stimulus money, the City of Redmond announced that a new bridge over SR 520 would be constructed at Northeast 36th Street by next summer.
Microsoft was named one of the 100 Best Companies for 2009 by Working Mother Magazine, due to options such as flextime and telecommuting.
Redmond’s Happy Valley Grange turned 100 years old.
OCTOBER
The Redmond High School football team upset major rival Eastlake High, 24-21 at Walter L. Seabloom Stadium.
Former Redmond High student Molly Abbott Case died in an accidental shooting in Utah.
A new residential/retail development in Redmond’s Overlake neighborhood was set to include The White Swan Condominium and a martial arts school run by a world-famous family.
The Lake Washington School District announced that it would seek levy and bond options for 2010, to address potential overcrowding in schools and improve technology and facilities.
Sally J. Chen, candidate for Position 4 on the Redmond City Council, expressed concern about damaged campaign signs.
Parents of a runaway Redmond High School student asked for help in finding their daughter.
The Reaching Out luncheon for Redmond-based Hopelink, with keynote speaker Lisa Ling, drew more than 1,800 attendees and raised more than $1 million to help fight hunger and homelessness on the Eastside.
A number of residents in the Viewpoint area expressed concern about a proposed Idylwood Innovative Housing development, which they said would disturb the character of their neighborhood.
SecondStory Repertory, the professional theatre at Redmond Town Center, announced that it was facing bankruptcy and needed to raise $80,000 by the end of 2009.
Supporters of health and human service agencies packed Redmond City Hall during a public hearing about the King County Executive’s proposed 2010 budget. Emotional speakers shared stories about threatened programs which helped them rise above problems such as poverty, drug addiction and domestic violence.
Zombies rocked Redmond Town Center in a mass performance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance, as part of a Guinness World Record event and fundraiser for SecondStory Repertory.
NOVEMBER
The search for runaway Redmond High School student Jamie Stevens ended favorably when Lynnwood Police found her and reunited her with her family.
Redmond City Councilmember Kim Allen was re-elected to Position 4, defeating Sally J. Chen.
The Lake Washington School District Board of Directors unanimously approved Superintendent Chip Kimball’s recommendation to put two levies and a bond measure on the Feb. 2010 ballot. If passed, the measures will allow the district to proceed toward a new grade configuration system, including four-year high schools.
Microsoft chief financial officer Chris Liddell stepped down, with Peter Klein named as his replacement.
DECEMBER
The Redmond City Council voted to approve a one percent property tax raise and the City of Redmond announced that 4.5 jobs had been eliminated to help balance its budget.
Redmond High School football coach Mike Pluschke resigned after six years with the Mustangs.
Redmond Police and law enforcement personnel far and wide mourned together and supported one another after the cold-blooded killings of five police officers in the Seattle area within 30 days.
Evergreen Healthcare unveiled plans to open a new medical clinic in downtown Redmond in 2011.
The City of Redmond held open houses to show off plans for projects in North Redmond and Perrigo Park.
Redmond Police arrested a man suspected in at least 29 burglaries in Redmond.
The Redmond City Council voted to move forward with a Downtown Central Park to be constructed between Cleveland Street and Redmond Way, from 161st Avenue Northeast to the site of the historic Stone House.
