Bellevue Reporter, February 27, 2015

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New Boys and Girls Club

Hidden Valley Fieldhouse set to open March 28

Opinion

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Goodbye — and hello

BELLEVUEREPORTER.COM

News

BELLEVUE

REPORTER FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2015

Dems gag on transportation package 'poison pill' Transit, bike, local funds would hinge on Inslee’s low-carbon fuel standards BY BRANDON MACZ BELLEVUE REPORTER

Bellevue Reporter editor Craig Groshart retiring after more than 33 years covering the Northwest

The Senate Transportation Committee passed a transportation package to the chamber floor last week that includes funding for widening Interstate 405, completing

the west side of the State Route 520 floating bridge and what Democrats are calling a "poison pill." Sen. Cyrus Habib, DKirkland, said he approved most of the projects and revenue sources Cyrus Habib identified in the $15.1 billion package, including an 11.7-cent-per gallon gas tax increase.

"I think that the revenue source is fine, and I like the spending in general, with some exceptions," he said. However, Habib joined a number of Democrats on the transportation committee in voting against sending the package to the floor due to a Republican-led policy that would divert transit, pedestrian, bike path, state patrol and local improvement monies in the package to roads should Gov. Jay Inslee issue an executive order setting low-carbon

In search of ‘Peacemakers’

Arts [07 ]

A BAM showcase

fuel standards. "All of that is put at risk because of this poison pill, because they say all of this will just be zeroed out," Habib said of the proposed policy in the package. Democrats were unsuccessful in removing the policy proposal or adding an amendment to examine the policy two years into the transportation package's 16-year lifespan. SEE PACKAGE, 9

Bellevue High staffer under investigation Non-teaching employee allegedly had inappropriate contact with student in Medina BY BRANDON MACZ

Art museum displays Emerge-in kiln-glass artists

BELLEVUE REPORTER

Business [08] Tropical service

Photos courtesy of Andrew Larsen

New smoothie cafe opens in downtown Bellevue

(Above) Bellevue photographer Andrew Larsen (middle) spends time with his friend, Jamal (kneeling on left), and his friends in his store in the main city market of Hebron in south West Bank. (Below) This photo taken by Larsen in Jerusalem shows a view of the Temple Mount and Western Wall.

Sports

Bellevue men document those seeking peace in Israel, West Bank

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Three-peat for Villani

BY BRANDON MACZ BELLEVUE REPORTER

Bellevue wrestler Christian Villani wins third-straight state wrestling title

@BelReporter

Two Bellevue men set out last year to capture the thoughts of the people on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the West Bank and Jerusalem, seeking out those committed to peace. “I do have hope and am deeply committed to working on this the rest of my life,” said Andrew Larsen, a pastor and professional photographer in Bellevue. “I still call it a hobby, but it’s a pretty intense hobby.” Larsen has been to the West Bank and Jerusalem several times — for three months in 2011 as part of a human rights advocacy group — and

Medina Police have been investigating a case since the first part of February involving a Bellevue High School non-teaching staff member alleged to have had inappropriate contact with a student, according to the school district, which recently notified parents. BHS Principal Scott Powers issued a letter to parents Feb. 23 informing them the high school staff member has been placed on paid administrative leave and prohibited from accessing district property. The letter also states the alleged incident occurred in Medina — not on school grounds or during a school district function. Medina Police Chief Steve Burns said his department is not releasing details about the suspect or alleged victim at this time nor specifics about where in the city the incident is alleged to have occurred. “The suspect is cooperating and we have interviewed him, but no charges have been filed,” Burns said, adding the investigation is ongoing. “We anticipate a couple more weeks before it’s complete, because there are several more people we need to talk to.”

Student pleads not guilty to felony harassment wanted to document the views of Jews and Palestinians who only want to live in peace. “Most people felt that they didn’t see it coming any time soon,” he said. “It’s what they longed for and aspired to.” Larsen tapped his friend and Seattle television SEE PEACEMAKERS, 9

An International School student charged with felony harassment for allegedly threatening to shoot up his school pleaded not guilty Monday in King County Juvenile Court. The student was arrested Feb. 13 for allegedly telling classmates of plans to shoot up the International School and alert people when through social media. A case-setting hearing is set for 1 p.m. March 3.


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