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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

Issaquah authorizes increase to property tax

FROSTY MORNINGS

BY DANIEL NASH ISSAQUAH/SAMMAMISH REPORTER

Eagles capture state soccor championship -Page 6-

Opinion

Megan Campbell, Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter

Young recruits bolster Republican ranks -Page 4-

Eastside Scene

Frosty weather coated the Big Rock Park meadow off of Southeast Eighth Court Saturday morning. This chilly weather followed a strong wind and rain storm earlier in the week.

ISSAQUAH/SAMMAMISH REPORTER

BY DANIEL NASH ISSAQUAH/SAMMAMISH REPORTER

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SEE TAX, 2

Assessor’s Office STEM interns have big plans for park comes to town BY MEGAN CAMPBELL

Arts and entertainment -Center pullout-

In the run-up to approval of the city’s 2016 budget, the Issaquah City Council voted to approve a bill authorizing a 1 percent property tax increase at its regular meeting Nov. 16. The increase, approved unanimously, was put forward by Mayor Fred Butler in the staff ’s proposed budget for the next year. One-hundred-and-one percent of an implicit price deflator calculation of property taxes collected the prior year — not counting new construction, annexations, refunds and the like in 2016 — is the maximum amount by which property tax collections are allowed under state law to be raised in a given year without a vote of the people. The increase will mean $77,682 additional revenues collected by the city, according to finance department documents based on data from the King County Assessor. The city previously raised its property tax collections before entering the 2015 budget year. Though the total

The King County Assessor’s Office will soon begin physical inspections of all properties in Issaquah and north Sammamish. The inspections, which will also include the Lakemont neighborhood of Bellevue, will determine property valuations that go on to affect landowners’ property tax bills based on their local tax rates. Most years, county Assessor Lloyd Hara and company determine property valuations from statistical models that take into account factors like the selling price of comparable land plats. Properties are inspected physically — grouped by city or neighborhood — once every six years. Physical inspections allow for asSEE INSPECTION, 2

Ten students interning with the city of Sammamish have big plans for one of the city’s parks. The Tesla STEM High School interns joined volunteers Saturday to complete one aspect of their Big Rock Park project: habitat restoration. About 19 people helped plant 190 native plants, like red osier dogwood, twinberry and crab apple, at the park located off Southeast Eighth Court. About a year ago, the city received 40 applicants from the Redmond-based science, technology, engineering and mathematics school to participate in the unpaid, 18-week internship. The selected 10-person group worked with city staff and professionals to design a four-part

project. In addition to the habitat restoration portion, the students also worked to create interpretive signs, an environmental program that supplements elementary education and are still working on finding the funding to install solar panels and an electric vehicle charging station. They participated in community events in Sammamish and

Redmond, like the farmers market, to promote the project and to gain some public input. The interns contributed a total of 550 volunteer hours to the project, Sammamish Parks and Recreation project manager Kellye Hilde said. SEE PARK, 3

Courtesy of the city of Sammamish, photo by Kellye Hilde

Volunteers at Big Rock Park Saturday plant native trees and shrubs.

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City sets up site for Talus slide updates BY DANIEL NASH ISSAQUAH/SAMMAMISH REPORTER

Following hillside movement on a parcel under construction in the Talus community — and subsequent criticisms from area residents that there wasn’t enough communication on the incident — the city of Issaquah has created a dedicated Web page for updates on the site’s safety. On Nov. 13, crews working at Parcel 9 near the intersection of

Northwest Talus Drive and ShangriLa Way ceased construction after earth moved at the site with enough force to cause the road to buckle. A temporary buttress was installed that evening. Ninety homes had been scheduled to be constructed on the parcel during 2016. The page, issaquahwa.gov/talus, will provide daily updates on monitoring of the site, even if there’s no new information.

On Sunday, crews worked in the Rose Crest at Talus upper parking lot to move the city’s water line and Puget Sound Energy’s gas line from the site of movement as part of a contingency plan to protect area utilities. The following Monday, crews were assigned to reparative roadwork on Shangri-La Way. Daniel Nash: 425-654-0383; dnash@issaquahreporter.com

Couple’s art on display in Sammamish City Hall BY MEGAN CAMPBELL ISSAQUAH/SAMMAMISH REPORTER

Art in Sammamish City Hall is featuring a free exhibit of the work of married artists Kent and Michel Van Slyke until Jan. 15, 2016. The Van Slykes have maintained a studio on Bainbridge Island for 45 years and have been creating art together for almost as long, according to a city press release. “Kent and Michele Van Slyke [are] proof that two artists can be exposed to the same experiences and express themselves in a very different manner,” according to the release. For the past 50 years they’ve been making art which reflects their lives and travels, including several trips to China where Michele Van Slyke taught metal sculpture 12 years ago. She has used her skills to create public art work in the United States, France and Japan, as well as for numerous private clients.

“The Journey Goes On,” by Michele Van Slyke is a sculpture made of steel, copper, aluminum, gold leaf and patina. MEGAN CAMPBELL, Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter

Kent Van Slyke has a background as a graphic designer and creative director, and he favors the camera and the computer. All art work is for sale. More information can be found at the exhibit. Sammamish City Hall is located at 801 228th Ave. S.E.

Friday, November 27, 2015

TAX CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

amount of collections increased, new construction and population increases led to a lowering of the rate from $1.20 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2014 to a little more than $1.05 per in 2015. Finance Director Diane Marcotte, reporting on city revenue sources before the council’s vote, said that rate was expected to become $1 and half-a-cent in 2016. That amount is 32 percent of the city’s allowable maximum rate of $3.10, Marcotte said. “The city is blessed in that we aren’t totally reliant upon property taxes,” she said. Councilmember Joshua

Schaer, a self-described historical nonsupporter of annual property tax increases in the city, said he had been won over by Marcotte’s presentation and a presentation by Council President Paul Winterstein. “I am convinced that given the levy rate and given the information that was presented to us, that this is not a harmful move for the city,” Schaer said. “It’s not going to impose an undue hardship on taxpayers within the city.” However, Schaer added that he didn’t care for language in the bill that suggested the need for the increase was immediate, though revenues would simply enter the city’s general fund. Daniel Nash: 425-654-0383

INSPECTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

sessment teams to check for property changes that wouldn’t necessarily show up in a statistical analysis. “If, for example, you had a view property and you’ve lost your view, we can take that into account,” Sit said. An official start date has not been set for the physical inspections, Sit said. The Assessor’s Office has generally scheduled its inspections from fall 2015 to spring 2016. Daniel Nash: 425-654-0383; dnash@issaquahreporter.com

Traffic isn’t the only problem caused by Eastside growth Eastside population has grown eight-fold since the 1960s. Today, traffic jams are the norm rather than the exception. The Eastside’s electric grid is about to suffer a similar fate — soon, demand will exceed capacity, risking longer outages. Learn how PSE is working with your community on a safe, reliable solution.

pse.com/energizeeastside

Friday, November 27, 2015

PARK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“They didn’t take a little bite out of this; they took a huge bite,” Sammamish Parks and Recreation project manager Kellye Hilde said. “I’m so proud.” Big Rock Park, currently under construction, will feature natural playscapes, such as a zip line for ages 7-12. Nivida Thomas, a STEM student, hopes the park will be a space where people can enjoy themselves and learn about the environment. She aims to set up a website which will host educational instructions for experiments and field guides for anyone to access, Thomas said. This will allow people to learn how to test things like turbidity — how clean the water is in the little creek that flows through the park. “Here, they’re getting an opportunity to learn,” Thomas said. “It’s definitely a worthwhile project that we’re going to find a lot of interest in.”

Megan Campbell, Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter

The green strips at Big Rock Park Saturday will eventually be colorful wildflowers.

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The interns hope local elementary schools will take advantage of the resource and will use the park as an outdoor classroom. During habitat restoration, the group worked with city volunteer coordinator Elby Jones to design and implement a plan that increases the health and ecological value of the existing stream corridor, Thomas said. “There are a lot of aspects that need to be considered when repairing a riparian zone,” she said during an October presentation to the Sammamish City Council. The group studied the topography of the land and stream velocity in addition to consulting Jones. The signs, which will be installed along the central boardwalk, will be put in prior to the park opening in spring. “The interpretive signage is probably the most artistic aspect of our project,” Thomas said. The information relies heavily on graphics to highlight specific features of the area. Maya Gupta, another intern, wants to set up a solar-powered charging station at the park. It would serve as an example of how the city could set up these stations throughout the city. Through the process, Gupta faced the challenges associated with a budget and is still trying to find the funding. “That’s a real-world issue,” she said. “It’s been kind of fun.” Gupta had been looking for grant money to fund the solar panels needed, which she estimates would be about $12,000. “All the work and planning has been done and now it’s a matter of funds,” she said. After being denied twice for grant money, she is now submitting to an academic competition. Big Rock Park was donated to the city in 2011.

FEARLESS IS HAVING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN

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Courtesy of Sue Byron

The Issaquah Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Dec. 7 at the Issaquah Valley Elementary School, 555 N.W. Holly Street, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Issaquah orchestra offers casual holiday concert BY MEGAN CAMPBELL ISSAQUAH/SAMMAMISH REPORTER

Families, seniors and all who enjoy live classical music are welcome to attend the free Issaquah Philharmonic Orchestra holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7. The 40-member orchestra will play selections from “The Nutcracker” by composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, a medley of well-known Christmas carols, the first movement from Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, called

“Erocia,” and “Pohjola’s Daughter” by Jean Sibelius. The concert will take place at the Issaquah Valley Elementary School, 555 N.W. Holly Street, in Issaquah. There will be juice and cookies available during intermission and members of the orchestra will take the opportunity to talk with audience members. The all-volunteer orchestra “is truly doing something no other group in our region is doing — breaking down barriers and giving people a chance to enjoy

great classical music for free,” Sue Byron wrote in an email. Byron, of Sammamish, is in her eighth season with the orchestra and plays in the second violin section. “The Issaquah Philharmonic provides an opportunity for people in the community to experience and enjoy classical music in a safe, welcoming, friendly, and risk free environment,” she said. “So many people have stereotypical ideas of what it means to attend a classical music concert — that it is uncomfortable, snobbish and expensive.” Casual attire is appropriate for attendees. All are welcome. For more information on the group, visit www.iphil. org/.

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Friday, November 27, 2015 Contact and submissions: Shaun Scott sscott@issaquahreporter.com or 425.453.5045

Eagles capture state soccer championship BY SHAUN SCOTT

ISSAQUAH/SAMMAMISH REPORTER

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In the final minute of regulation in the Class 4A state soccer championship game, Issaquah sophomore Claudia Longo lined for a corner-kick in a 1-1 tie against the West Valley Rams. Longo’s pass on the corner-kick couldn’t had been more perfect. Eagles’ senior Madison Phan rose above the defense on a header shot which found the back of the net, clinching the Eagles 2-1 win against the Rams in the state title game on Nov. 21 at Sparks Stadium in downtown Puyallup. “We’ve always been great in the air. Madison has been great in the air for four years and she capped her career off with a ridiculous goal.

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Issaquah players hoist the state championship trophy following their 2-1 victory against the West Valley Rams in the Class 4A state championship game on Nov. 21 in Puyallup. It was fantastic,” Issaquah head coach Tom Bunnell said. Phan knew as she saw Longo’s pass fast approaching her what was on the line on that play. “I knew I had to get it. There was no question about it,” Phan said. “Even though the stadium lights were in my eyes I knew I had to get that goal no matter what.” Longo said preparation paid off on the game-winning score.

Reporter ISSAQUAH | SAMMAMISH

“Madison was in a great position. My teammates know where I put the ball so their runs were great,” Longo said. “It was in a tight spot but (Phan) pulled it off. It was a fantastic goal by her.” The Eagles dominated the entire game by a statistical standpoint. They outshot Camas 19-2 and won the corner-kick battle 10-2 but found themselves in a nail-biter nonetheless. West Valley’s Kendra Hanses gave her team a 1-0 lead after scoring in the 34th minute of play. The Eagles tied the game at 1-1 when Longo’s free kick from 30 yards out curved perfectly into the

upper left corner of the goal with 23 minutes left in regulation. Longo said her team wasn’t deterred despite trailing after the first half. “We knew at halftime what we had to do. We took care of business in the second half. Every person played their role and everyone did great,” she said. The Eagles won their first state championship since they captured the Class 3A state crown in 2007. The eight-year hiatus is officially a thing of the past. “I can’t even begin to tell you what this means to us,” Bunnell said. “We were beSEE SOCCER, 10

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Issaquah

Nov. 13 COLDHEARTED: A UPS package and parka were reported stolen at 10:57 a.m. on the 2100 block of Shy Bear Way Northwest. FENDER BENDER: At 3:30 p.m. on the 1100 block of Northwest Gilman Boulevard, a hit-and-run was reported involving an unattended vehicle. The owner reported a $500 loss from a damaged quarter panel and bumper. WET CRASH: At 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of Southeast 54th Street and Southeast Newport Way, an officer responded to a collision. A 41-year-old Maple Valley man was arrested for driving under the influence.

Nov. 14 GTA: At 8:11 a.m. on the 23700 block of Southeast 52nd Lane, a 2007 Toyota Camry was reported stolen at a loss of $12,020. BRANDISHING: At 2:10 p.m. at the intersection of Front Street and Interstate 90, officers responded to a report of a road rage incident that had occurred on the highway. A caller reported a man had brandished a firearm at another driver before taking the Front Street exit and traveling southbound down the road. Officers were unable to locate the described vehicle. INMATE PROBLEM: At 4:21 p.m. at the Issaquah

Police Department building on East Sunset Way, officers responded to the jail to assist with an inmate. The inmate had scratched his arms enough to bleed and smeared the blood in his room. The toilet was also flooded. The inmate was transported to SCORE in Des Moines.

Nov. 15 SLEEP: At 12:20 p.m., an officer responded to a report of a possible DUI on the 1200 block of Northwest Maple Street. The officer observed the suspect sleeping in her vehicle while it was off and not in gear. A parent was summoned to take her keys.

Nov. 16 PLATE: At 2:37 p.m. on the 1400 block of Northwest Gilman Boulevard, a license plate was reported stolen. The plate number was entered into the National Crime Information Center and Washington Crime Information Center databases. HARASSMENT: At 4:48 p.m. at the bus stop outside the Issaquah Police Department building on East Sunset Way, an officer contacted a woman who reported a person had slapped her on her rear. She declined to pursue charges.

Nov. 17 TRIPLE THEFT: At 12:19 p.m. on the 1100 block of Northeast Park Drive, three

Ring in the holidays I N P O R T TO W N S E N D !

11/28: Merchant Open House 12/3-20, Thursdays & Sundays: A Christmas Story at Key City Public Theatre 12/5: Main Street Tree Lighting & Santa Visit 12/12 & 19: Choo Choo Rides 12/12: Yuletide Salon & Ball 12/12: Holiday Homes Tour 12/19: PT Paper Kraft Tree Decorating Contest 12/26-27: Santaland Diaries at Key City Public Theatre 12/31: First Night Celebration 12/31 & 1/1: New Year’s at Fort Worden Commons

Nov. 19 DOMESTIC: At 11:08 a.m. on the 5700 block of East Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast, officers responded to a report of domestic violence. They arrested a 28-year-old San Francisco woman for assault in the fourth degree. Sammamish

Nov. 4 SPA DAY: An unknown female walked into Bel Viso Day Spa at 2830 228th Ave. S.E., took skin care products and left.

Nov. 6 SELECTIVE THIEF: An unknown person broke into an unlocked vehicle in the 24900 block of Southeast 30th Street and stole an iPhone, but left behind multiple tools and copper wire.

Nov. 7 JUST GIVE ME MY TRUCK BACK: A mother in the 23000 of Southeast 45th Place reported her 16-yearold forged her signature in order to sell her truck in exchange for a “junker car.” The mother does not want to press charges; she just wants her truck back.

Nov. 9 SCRATCHES: A woman in the 25800 block of Northeast Second Court reported someone scratched the passenger side of her vehicle on or around Halloween

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NOT MY MILES: An unknown person withdrew 117,500 of a Sammamish resident accumulated airline loyalty reward miles for a car and hotel rental in New York. BUT I SAW IT HAPPEN: A person flagged down an Sammamish police officer who reported seeing two underaged people shoplift beer from the QFC off of 228th Avenue Southeast. The camera on site showed no evidence to support this.

Nov. 13 THAT’S NOT YOUR MONEY: Someone withdrew $2,400 against the victim’s checking account using the victim’s debit card information. The victim was out of the state at the time and in possession of his card when the unauthorized transaction was made in Washington. HOLE: A man in the 1900 block of 226th Place Northeast punched a hole in he and his wife’s living room wall. AGGRESSIVE DRIVER: Sammamish Police were called to assist with an aggressive driver in a 1999 black Ford Mustang who ended up crashing into trees in the 1900 block of 232 Place Northeast.

BY DANIEL NASH ISSAQUAH/SAMMAMISH REPORTER

The Issaquah City Council has two more voting meetings scheduled for December, but Councilmember Nina Milligan bid an early farewell on Nov. 16. Mayor Fred Butler ended his business report at the Nov. 16 meeting by asking Milligan to join him at the council chamber podium, where he gave her a certificate of appreciation for her nearly two years on council. Milligan, the communications manager for the Issaquah Highlands Council, was appointed to the city council on Feb. 3, 2014 to replace Butler after he was elected mayor in the 2013 general election. She declined to run for re-election as she approached the end of her term this year. “This is a bittersweet evening …” Butler said. “… She has done an outstanding job for our citizens and has provided valuable insights and has been an active participant in everything the council has done during her tenure on the city council.” Butler particularly noted Milligan’s work with him representing Issaquah in the Cascade Water Alliance, for which she served as an alternate director of the board. At the close of the meeting, Milligan said she was “savoring the evening” and expected Jennifer Sutton to be a welcome addition to the council. “I’m in awe of all of you, your hard work, your dedication …” Milligan said to her fellow councilmembers. “… [Mayor Butler], thank you for your support and your mentoring over the past few years.”

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Police reports from Issaquah and Sammamish

night. She only noticed the damage Nov. 7 and suspected her son’s friend of causing the damage. KNOCK, KNOCK: Solicitors without a permit were seen knocking on doors in the 1900 block of 205th Place Northeast.

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The Blotter

bicycles were reported stolen at a total loss of $7,300.

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Friday, November 27, 2015

Contact and submissions: editor@issaquahreporter.com 425.453.4270

Young, moderate recruits bolster Republican ranks T

here’s never been a figure in Washington politics quite like Frank Chopp. Since 2002, the Seattle Democrat has served as speaker of the House of Representatives, a 13-year reign that stands as the longest anyone’s ever held the job in state history. If you add in the sessions he shared the gavel in a cospeakership with Republican Clyde Ballard — 1999, 2000 and 2001 — it means Chopp has had his hands on the levers of the The Petri Dish legislating process in the Legislature since the last century. It’s made him one of the most influential elected officials in Washington, at times seemingly more powerful than governors. That power is on display daily in Olympia at legislative sessions where lobbyists and lawmakers JERRY gauge a bill’s chances on “how CORNFIELD Frank feels about it.” But it can’t last forever. Insiders in both parties are chattering louder than usual that just maybe by this time next year Chopp will be out and Republican leader Dan Kristiansen, of Snohomish, will be in as speaker. “It’s Frank’s to lose and he just might do it,” theorized a veteran GOP insider. “He’s a smart cookie. Never count him out.” Chopp could be handing over the gavel and the Democratic Party ceding its majority in the House because Republicans keep adding to their numbers. They’ve picked up seats in each election cycle since 2008 plus a couple of special elections, the latest coming Nov. 3 in a district that straddles King and Pierce counties. Republican Teri Hickel’s defeat of appointed Democrat-

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ic Rep. Carol Gregory reduced the Democrats’ advantage to 50-48, down from the 63-35 margin it enjoyed in 2008. Several factors are fueling the Republican revival, starting with the recruiting of candidates. Of late, Republicans are doing a better job finding people to run who fit the political philosophy and temperament of their district. They’ve wound up increasing their ranks with younger, moderate and less doctrinaire members, many of whom are women. Democrats, meanwhile, are losing seats with candidates whose inclinations are more closely aligned with the liberal theology of Seattle politics than the district in which they’re competing. Campaign strategy is another area Democratic Party leaders are deliberating in their post-election soul-searching. There’s not been a shortage of money. There are those who think too much is spent on mailers and television commercials, and not enough on contacting voters directly. This can be a big deal. Republicans’ pro-business, antitax message lends itself to such forms of communication. Democrats’ talk of creating economic equality, strengthening the safety net and combating climate change don’t

translate as well on a mailer. Another challenge facing Chopp and the House Democratic Campaign Committee is a sense of entitlement or complacency among a few members, a product of 13 years of uninterrupted rule. If the Republican takeover in the state Senate didn’t awaken them to the evolving political balance of power, the very real threat of becoming the minority in the House might do the trick. Still, there are those in the caucus who rationalized Gregory’s loss as the result of a low turnout that favored Republicans. They point out 2016 will bring a presidential election. Participation of Democratic voters will soar and enough victories, they figure, will be racked up to preserve the party’s majority once again. The future of Frank Chopp’s reign as speaker depends on it. Political reporter Jerry Cornfield’s blog, The Petri Dish, can be read at www.heraldnet.com. Contact him at 360352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com and on Twitter at @dospueblos.

To the editor Help refugees at home Yes, we are a generous and caring nation, but the first responsibility is to protect our country and citizens. If the president and governor want to bring thousands of refugees to the U.S., then settle them around the White House and the Governor’s Mansion. Homeland Security and other agencies have stated it is impossible to vet all refugees so that terrorist do not get through the borders like one Syrian “refugee” got through the and attacked Paris. We can help establish safe areas in the refugees’ own homeland and send food, shelter etc. to those areas

to provide for them “in place.” Don’t jeopardize the U.S. population any more by providing an avenue for more ISIS killers to infiltrate more than has already happened. Larry Brickman Bellevue

Inslee wrong on refugees In a highly predictable move Gov. Jay Inslee says that Washington will “welcome all refugees.” Marching in lockstep by Inslee with an increasingly out of touch President Barack Obama is no surprise. What is a surprise, though, is that Inslee can so cavalierly put the citizens of Washington at risk.

On a day when the headlines still report on the massacres in Paris this proclamation by Inslee is unconscionable. What’s the connection? At least one of the Paris murderers has a Syrian passport. And ISIS is claiming responsibility for the massacre. Over two dozen states have already said that they will not accept Syrian refugees. They, along with members of the European Union, are showing concern for the safety of their citizens. It’s too bad that Inslee doesn’t show the same concern. 2016 can’t come soon enough. Denny Andrews Bellevue

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SOCCER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

coming the 1995 Mariners. Now I’m so relieved, I can’t stand it. We want to make a run with this group for a couple of more (titles).”

Eagles defeat Camas in semifinal matchup The outcome of the semifinal matchup between the Camas Papermakers and Issaquah Eagles couldn’t be decided in 80 minutes of regulation or two five-minute overtime sessions. The contest came down to a penalty kick shootout to determine the winner. Issaquah outscored Camas 3-2 in penalty shots earning a 1-0 win against Camas on Nov. 20 in the Class 4A state semifinals at Sparks Stadium in downtown Puyallup.

Friday, November 27, 2015

Eagles players scoring on their penalty shots included Kirstie Johnson, Kaylene Pang and Longo. Issaquah keeper Anna Miller blocked Camas’s Perrin Belzer’s shot to the lower left side of the goal, clinching the victory. Bunnell wasn’t surprised to see Miller come through with a berth in the state finals on the line in the overtime shootout. “I know Anna very well. That is a goalkeepers dream. I have always told her you should love to be in that kind of situation and she did,” Bunnell said. “It was just awesome.” Miller relishes the one-on-one showdown of overtime shootouts to determine the winner. “We practice penalty kicks at practice. I have gotten good at watching the player all the way down. You Photo courtesy of Don Borin/Stop Action Photography see they’re going to look up at one Tears of joy were evident following Issaquah’s comeback 2-1 win against the West Valley Rams in the Class point,” Miller said. “You just got to keep looking for that, then you just 4A state championship game on Nov. 21 in Puyallup. Madison Phan scored the game winning goal in the pick a side and you’ve just got to go.” the final minute of play on a header after receiving a cornerkick from Claudia Longo.

Prep Sports Roundup FOOTBALL

Eastside Catholic crushes Bonney Lake

In a game featuring frigid temperatures hovering in the mid 30s, the Eastside Catholic Crusaders continued their hot streak courtesy of a dominating 47-7 victory against

the Bonney Lake Panthers in the Class 3A quarterfinals on Nov. 20 at Seattle Memorial Stadium in Seattle. Eastside Catholic (11-0), who captured the Class 3A state championship in 2014 courtesy of 35-13 win against Bellevue, will face the Lakes Lancers in the Class 3A semifinals at 4 p.m. on Nov. 27 at the Tacoma Dome. Lakes defeated Kennewick 35-6 in their quarterfinal contest on Nov. 21 at Harry Lang Stadium in Lakewood.

Spartans surge past Papermakers to advance to Class 4A semifinals

The Skyline Spartans cruised to a 35-10 victory against the Camas Papermakers in the Class 4A quarterfinals on Nov. 21 at Skyline High School in Sammamish. Skyline (11-1) will face Lake Stevens in the Class 4A semifinals at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 28 at the Tacoma Dome. Lake Stevens defeated Graham-Kapowsin 49-14 in their quarterfinal matchup on Nov. 21 at Art Crate Field in Spanaway.

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Winter’s coming Redmond set to sparkle at Dec. 5 lights festival by Andy Nystrom

he city of Redmond will celebrate Redmond Lights, its annual winter festival, from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 5. The annual event celebrates the city’s cultural diversity with light installations, traditions, music, activities and fun for all ages. The event will begin at Redmond City Hall (15670 N.E. 85th St.) with free entertainment, a bonfire, food and fun activities. Mayor John Marchione, along with special guests, will light the campus before departing on the luminary walk. The walk meanders down the Redmond Central Connector to Redmond Town Center with performances and light displays along the way. The fun and entertainment continue there with an outdoor skating rink, ice sculpture, holiday carousel and kids activities. The Redmond Senior Center (8703 160th Ave. N.E.) will host a Holiday Market from noon to 6 p.m. Shop for crafted gifts from dozens of regional artists, including jewelry, fine art, accessories and home goods. After 8 p.m., the Downtown After Party will offer special discounts at numerous restaurants. Performances throughout the event will include a Quichua Mashis, Rainer Brass, Redmond Chorale, Rhythms of India, Keith Highlanders Pipe Band, Pacific Island Band, fire and light demonstrations and much more. Parking will be available at Redmond Town Center and the City Hall Parking garage. A free shuttle will run that day between both locations from 3:30-8:30 p.m. For more information about Redmond Lights, visit www.redmondlights.com.

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SO-HO-HO SYMPHONIC

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE ARTS

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The Sammamish Symphony Orchestra prepares for its holiday concert PG 3

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Freaks of Nature actor and comic Tom Clark comes to Kirkland PG 6

2 THE EASTSIDE SCENE

The Don’t Miss List

SO-HO-HO SYMPHONIC by Megan Campbell he Sammamish Symphony Orchestra has a few surprises in store for its holiday concert. Newly appointed conductor and music director Adam Stern said it’s the “musical equivalent of a wrapped present under the tree.” The community orchestra will perform with the Liberty Singers from Liberty High School and will take the stage at the Eastlake High School Performing Arts Center Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. The group’s selection of 10-15 pieces includes the “Four Seasons” by Antonio Vivaldi, L’ArleSienne “Suite No. 2” by George Bizet, “Fantasia on Greensleeves” by Vaughan Williams, and a number of holiday pieces like “The Christmas Song,” “Sleigh Ride” and “Babes in Toyland.” Stern joined the orchestra in January as the group’s intern conductor after longtime music director R. Joseph Scott took medical leave. He was named Scott’s replacement shortly after. “One thing led to another, … and then the orchestra honored me and surprised me,” Stern said. Stern has a long career in music: He was accepted into the California Institute of Arts at age 15 and graduated in 1977 with a master’s of ﬁne arts. He began conducting at 21 as the CalArts’ youngest master’s degree recipient, according to his biography. Stern moved to Seattle in the early 1990s and has been leading the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra since 2003. “In additional to everything else I don’t have time for,” Stern said, “I’m working with Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, another unexpected treasure in life.” He’s been ﬁlling in for the teacher there since early September. “I’m not aware that I really change my style from orchestra to the next,” he said. “You never want it to be just you; it has to be a collaboration.” Working with the Sammamish Symphony is more about “peeling away the emotional layers” of a piece.

By Daniel Nash

“They all are rabid music lovers,” he said. “That in itself is a boon. They live it and breathe it.” First chair violinist and concertmaster Dennis Helppie says Stern helps the orchestra with musicality by helping them bring out the emotion and meaning behind the notes. To do this, they work on the dynamics and phasing of the piece. “Every piece is written for a reason,” Helppie said. “As musicians, we play notes, but we often need the maestro to explain what’s beyond those notes.” Helppie, of Sammamish, has been with the orchestra since 2002. He and his wife, Sherry, own Plateau Music, an instrument store in Klahanie. Helppie credits his wife, for without her he wouldn’t be involved with music to such a degree. Helppie, who graduated from University of Washington with a degree in economics, was named concertmaster in 2005. He said the orchestra is made up of “quite an array of society,” with Microsoft employees, medical professionals, music teachers, like himself, and stay-athome moms. In all, there are about 80 people in the orchestra. They practice once a week as a group. “We work hard to get everything whipped into place for the audience,” Helppie said. All are welcome to attend the casual concert; ticket prices vary.

RECOIL | MONSTROUS

Enter the Kirkland Arts Center and you’re greeted by a chair, a (seemingly) wood and leather antique piece that would feel right at home in a Victorian household. Except, perhaps, for the swarm of crows and “Frankenstein” busts — each one carefully molded by artist Paul Metivier — that form a swirling vortex. As you step closer and cast a more careful gaze down the storm’s loci, you see that the chair’s seat and back are being pushed and rended by tortured, animalistic faces desperate to burst out of their prison’s exquisite leather upholstery. Monstrous, which opened shortly before Halloween, challenges its visitors to accept the beauty in the beast and the glory in the grotesque. Curated by E. Valentine DeWald II, it features the ceramic sculptures of DeWald and Metivier alongside the intricately detailed decay of Kathleen Skeels’ corpses and the colorfully menacing creatures of Carol Gouthro. DeWald’s own ceramic installations — which include fantastical weaponry and the life cycle of a predatory dragon (an egg form, Late Period Draco Ootheca, is pictured above) — can be compared to the work of H.R. Giger, the German surrealist whose dark and violently erotic Necronom IV became the basis for his design work on Ridley Scott’s Alien. Monstrous is free to view, but won’t remain on display much longer, so be sure to catch it quickly. After all: Pretty is overrated. WHEN: Through December 5 WHERE: Kirkland Arts Center, 620 Market St., Kirkland

WATCH | MY FAIR LADY

Not much can be said about musical theater staple My Fair Lady that hasn’t been said already, except that it stands as enduring proof that good comedy burns eternal. So it’s a good thing that Village Theatre has delivered a cast that can tend the flame with wit, energy and rat-a-tat comic timing. Allison Standley proves herself an expert chameleon as Eliza Doolittle, the uncultured Cockney flower girl who is transformed into an honorary member of the British gentry by phoneticist Henry Higgins (Mark Anders). Anders plays condescending and unlikeable well, which is great for his comic back-and-forth with Standley, but an unfortunate hindrance when the story calls for him to become an object of sympathy and (less believably) affection. Given that this is a show about the divisive nuances of British language, Village’s production starts out feeling a bit inaccessible to Lady newbies, like this writer. In other words, the cast hits the accents hard — it’s difficult to tune your ear to it at first, but no more so than your standard episode of BBC Sherlock. Stick it out and you’ll be well rewarded. WHEN: Through January 3 WHERE: Francis J. Gaudette Theatre, 303 Front St. N., Issaquah

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THE PACIFIC SHOWROOM Many mistake “the arts” as an exclusive club populated by opera aficionados, jazz nerds and ballet buffs. But art is remarkably accessible: Art is the home decoration that pulls the room together, the movie that makes us cry (or gorge on popcorn), the playlist we blast from our laptop to get through the work day. Pictured at left, homegrown Eastside artist and Redmond High alumnus Cody Votolato (leather jacket), rocks out with his band Head Wound City at the Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 8. Also pictured is Justin Pearson. Votolato’s former band The Bloodbrothers got its start playing at Redmond’s Old Fire House Teen Center in the late 1990s.

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hy is the development of a vibrant arts and culture sector such an important element in the progress of the Eastside? It’s a fair question. After all, if you’re willing to sit in traffic, pay a toll, and spring for a $20 parking tab, there’s plenty to do in Seattle. But there are 600,000 people who live and work on the sunrise side of the lake and they can’t borrow their cultural life from Seattle forever. About ten years ago, I came across a book entitled “The Rise of the Creative Class,” by Dr. Richard Florida, the Heinz Professor of Regional Economic Development at Carnegie Mellon University. His research focused on “identifying the factors that make certain cities and regions grow and prosper and others lag behind.” He began by examining the conventional wisdom that the key to economic growth lies in attracting and retaining companies, because companies create jobs and people will “go where the jobs are.” But his research showed that the creative sector now accounts for 50 percent of all U.S. economic activity and that innovative companies are being formed almost exclusively in regions that are themselves attractive to creative workers. There are more than 40 million people today who are paid to be creative: designers, engineers, artists, writers, programmers and so on. The emergence of creative workers as an economic force has been so powerful that they now constitute an entirely new economic class. These people don’t work 9 to 5; they think 24/7. Access to this critical mass of creative thinkers is what drives economic growth. They can best be characterized as a “mosaic society”

Guest column by John Haynes

— open-minded, mobile, tolerant and diverse, with non-negotiable arts, entertainment, food and cultural needs. These factors work to enhance a community’s ability to mobilize the resources necessary to support innovative enterprises, from venture capital to nightlife. As executive director of a large performing arts center project, I spend much of my time fundraising for its $160 million construction budget. Frequently a prospective donor — someone with financial capacity and a community leadership profile — will tell me that they’re “just not into the arts.” This response is usually accompanied by the explanation that their interests and passions are tied up in sports, education, health care, or other worthy agendas. I have come to realize that what they mean by “the arts” is very different than what I mean. They may not care for ballet or opera, but I’ll bet that they make playlists, go to movies and decorate their homes. “The arts” is shorthand for creative human expression in all its forms. The arts feed our minds and our hearts… and they help create the kind of community that our prosperity depends on. That our children’s futures depend on. If we care about these things, we’d better care about the arts and nurture the Eastside organizations that provide them. John Haynes is Executive Director and CEO of Performing Arts Center Eastside/Tateuchi Center, a 2,000-seat, regional project being developed in downtown Bellevue. He served previously as President of the California Center for the Arts, Director of Performing Arts at the University of Notre Dame, and President of the Western Alliance of Arts Administrators.

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THE EASTSIDE SCENE 5

CONVERSATIONS WITH FUNNY PEOPLE

TOM CLARK So what’s new in the life of Tom Clark? CLARK: I was just on Conan back in September 28. That was something I’ve been working on for a long time. And I was just in this movie called Freaks of Nature, which was a long delayed movie with Denis Leary and a bunch of other really funny actors. I shot it two years ago and they dumped it on the world pretty recently -- it’s on a limited release. But they kept my scene in, which is pretty great. I think I even made it into the trailer. Who do you play?

CLARK: I was known as “Concerned Citi-

zen Tom.” I have a scene where I’m in a gymnasium with everyone else and — I should back up and explain the movie is about vampires, zombies and humans teaming up to fight aliens. Anyway, I’m one of the humans that are coming out, questioning the aliens and their intentions. What do they want? You grew up in Wisconsin and eventually moved to Los Angeles. Where did you get your start as a standup? CLARK: I started in Milwaukee in the mid ‘90s. I actually started with Frank Caliendo, who’s on ESPN now. There were six or seven comics who were around when I started. Comedy had really bottomed. I was definitely at the low point of comedy.

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Meaning when the comedy club boom had ended. CLARK: Surprisingly, when I started, Milwaukee still had three comedy clubs. But there was this other place in town — not a comedy club — where I started. It was this place called The Safe House, and it was a spy themed bar that catered to tourists. They used to have Thursday open mics, so I started there. They had all these 007-themed things and then there would be comedy in the back. Sometimes you just performed in front of an empty room. Did you get your start in comedy through standup? I know at one point early in your career you were part of a group called The Dead Alewives that included some really impressive guys, like [Community creator] Dan Harmon. CLARK: I started both at the same time, both standup and the Alewives. Yeah, when I got into Comedy Sportz, Dan Harmon was there and Rob Schrab. Dan tried a little standup here and there, but he didn’t really like it. Dan was actually my teacher at one point in Comedy Sportz. Rob Schrab is now directing the next LEGO movie, so it’s been cool to see where they’ve gone. But when they moved [to LA], I was part of the next generation of performers in The Dead Alewives who replaced them. Did a sketch background shape your standup style? CLARK: Not so much sketch, mostly the improv that I learned in Comedy Sportz

6 THE EASTSIDE SCENE

Interview by Daniel Nash

and in performing with The Dead Alewives. I think the improv taught me how to trust myself on stage. It taught me that whatever I say in the moment is the right thing to say. It taught me to just go with the idea and run with it. Your jokes are short and punchy. How did you arrive at that style? CLARK: I think when I initially started I had a lot of longer drawn out bits. I had a... hm, a take home joke or a staff joke... I don’t remember really, but I used to tell this longwinded joke and I would screw up everything every time I tried it on stage. “There was this guy and he, he... he was Irish! No, he was German! Wait, no, he was Chinese!” I would go through all this trouble for just a three-minute joke. But if you’re on TV you have to tell these 30 second jokes, then move right along to the next 30-second joke. I had to learn how to edit myself. You also play up a sort of manic and naive character on stage. How close is your onstage persona to your actual personality? CLARK: I would say it’s not that close. I’m silly, but I think when people meet me they find me pretty serious and pretty down-to-earth. Did you like to be goofy when you were younger? Were you a weird kid? CLARK: Ha, no, I never performed really at all throughout grade school or high school. Or even really in college. I was really quiet. I remember my third grade teacher wrote up my report card and she called me a loner. I was like, what’s a loner? I looked it up later and I was like, aw, man, that means I’m weird. Amongst my friends I’d have two or three friends I would make laugh and come out of my shell with, but it was really only with them. You’re performing at Laughs Comedy Spot in December. Have you performed there before? CLARK: I performed there when it first opened up. I was one of the first comics to perform up there. Dave and Angela, they treat the comics so well. I think Dave knows what comics go through and that makes all the difference. What do you like to do when you’re up here?

CLARK: I usually go to the EMP. I love that

place. I still haven’t been to the top of the Space Needle. My wife Steph usually comes with me when I travel and we usually go to Pike Place Market. Tom Clark will perform at Laughs Comedy Spot in Kirkland Dec. 10-12. You can check out his recent appearances and projects on vimeo.com/ tomclarkcomedy.

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mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 9/15/15 – 12/7/15 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. A qualifying purchase is defined as a purchase of any of the product models set forth above in the 8 THE*Manufacturer’s EASTSIDE SCENE quantities set forth above. If you purchase less than the specified quantity, you will not be entitled to a rebate. Offer excludes Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collection of Silhouette Window Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form ®

of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month

BLACK FRIDAYSavings

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425-391-0363 IssaquahReporter.com

Kids aren’t engineered to be aren’t safe. That’s why Kids engineered our trampolines to be safe. That’sare. why our trampolines are.

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11-27-2015 ISSAQUAH-SAMMAMISH REPORTER

Kids don’t think about safety, that’s why we do. Introducing the world’s safest trampoline. Kids don’t think about safety, that’s why we do. Introducing the world’s safest trampoline.

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CHRISTMAS TREES U-Cut: Noble, Fraser & Grand Fresh Cut: Noble, Nordmann, Turkish & Alpine Fir. 6-18 feet tall In the beautiful Snoqualmie Valley

Research Volunteers Wanted . . . Research Volunteers Wanted ... Do you currently use Research Wanted ... Clarisonic products? Research Volunteers Volunteers Wanted ... Research Volunteers Wanted Would you like to use . . . Research Volunteers Wanted ... Doyou youcurrently currently Clarisonic products? Research Volunteers Wanted ... Do useuse Clarisonic products? Research Volunteers Wanted ... Do you currently use Clarisonic products? We are looking for volunteers

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g with our custom construction and renovation loans, Umpqua Bank offers all of the standard products as well. These include conventional, FHA, VA and USDA programs. Please do not hesiAlong with our custom construction and renovation loans, Umpqua Bank offers all of the to contact us with any questions you may have! We are happy to help or point you in the right standard loan products as well. These include conventional, FHA, VA and USDA programs. ction in any situation! ~Thanks

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have! We are happy to ~Thanks

om Construction Officer helpLoan or point you in the right direction in any situation!

e Jo Cusack

S #208640 Billie Jo Cusack 256-6557 - PhoneCustom Construction Loan Officer NMLS #208640 jocusack@umpquabank.com 425-256-6557 billiejocusack@umpquabank.com Retail Loan Officer

n Knudson

Clarisonic products? Do youcurrently currently use Would you like to Do you use Would you like to useuse between the ages of 18 & Clarisonic products? Clarisonic products? Would you like to use Clarisonic products? Clarisonic products? Do you currently use 70 to participate in Clinical Clarisonic products? Would you likefor useClarisonic Clarisonic products? Studies evaluating Would you like totofor use We volunteers Weare arelooking looking volunteers Clarisonic products? Clarisonic products? We are looking for volunteers between the ages 18 products. between the ages of & 18 & Would you like toof use between the ages of 18 & 70 to participate in Clinical We areparticipate looking forvolunteers Clarisonic products? 70 to involunteers Clinical We are looking for If you are interested please 70 to participate in Clinical Studies evaluating Clarisonic between theages agesofof18 18& & Studies evaluating Clarisonic between the Studies evaluating Clarisonic products. We are looking for volunteers contact us: 70 toparticipate participateininClinical Clinical 70 to products. products. between the ages of 18 & Studies evaluating Clarisonic evaluating Clarisonic Phone: IfStudies you are425-952-3730 interested please 70 to are participate inplease Clinical If you are interested please products. Ifproducts. you contact us:interested Web: Studies evaluating Clarisonic contact us: contact us: Phone: 425-952-3730 IfIf you interested youare are interestedplease please products. https://consumertesting. Phone: 425-952-3730 Phone: 425-952-3730 contact us: contact us: Web: lorealusa.com/clarisonic/ If you are interested please Web: https://consumertesting. Phone: Web: 425-952-3730 Phone: Survey4.asp contact425-952-3730 us: https://consumertesting. lorealusa.com/clarisonic/ https://consumertesting. Web: studies425-952-3730 @ clarisonic.com Web: lorealusa.com/clarisonic/ Survey4.asp Phone: lorealusa.com/clarisonic/ https://consumertesting. https://consumertesting. Survey4.asp Survey4.asp lorealusa.com/clarisonic/ Web: lorealusa.com/clarisonic/ Survey4.asp https://consumertesting.

If you qualify, you will be compensated forSurvey4.asp your participation in completed studies lorealusa.com/clarisonic/

Kevin Knudson

If you qualify, you will be compensated for your participation in completed studies Survey4.asp If you qualify, you will be compensated for your participation in completed studies

HLD Retail Loan Officer NMLS #924939 256-6555 - Phone425-256-6555 kevinknudson@umpquabank.com nknudson@umpquabank.com

S #924939 11-27-2015 ISSAQUAH-SAMMAMISH REPORTER

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Opens Saturday, November 21st Tuesday-Sunday 8am-5pm

If you qualify, you will be compensated for your participation in completed studies If you qualify, you will be compensated for your participation in completed studies If you qualify, you will be compensated for your participation in completed studies

If you qualify, you will be compensated for your participation in completed studies

www.umpquabank.com

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

Loan Products Subject to Credit Approval

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IssaquahReporter.com

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Pre-order Your Holiday Ducks, Geese, Turkeys, Hams & Prime Rib

Open Monday - Saturday: 9:00am - 6:00pm 85 Front Street N • Issaquah • 425.392.3131

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BLACK FRIDAYSavings

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425-391-0363 IssaquahReporter.com

KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING

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On Any Full Kitchen Remodel

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Look in today’s

Kirkland ~ Nov 28th and Dec 5th Renton ~ Nov 28th, 29th, Dec 5th and 6th

Reporter ISSAQUAH | SAMMAMISH

COMMUNITY DELIVERED

*FULL OR PARTIAL DISTRIBUTION

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for advertisements and inserts* containing amazing ideas for Holiday, Household Gifts and Entertaining!

www.SnokingIceArenas.com

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$750 OFF

On Any Full Bath Remodel