Showing posts with label video clips--community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label video clips--community. Show all posts

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Founder of Xplore, Brands Redmond "Space District"


Hosted by John Oftebro, President of the Redmond Historical Society, Saturday Speaker Series. Advance to 9:20 m

Lisa Rich discusses her commercial space company Xplore, designed to collect infinite streams of proprietary data from the XCRAFT®, its next-generation satellite. Speaker bio: Lisa Rich is a successful serial entrepreneur, investor and thought-leader who entered the space industry in 2014 to accelerate sustainable business that positively impact the environment, education, national security, and advance the $1T space economy.

She is Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Xplore, a commercial space services company using its multi-sensor platform to store and transmit data, achieve data fusion, on orbit processing.

Ms. Rich is also Founder of Hemisphere Ventures, a top space sector VC that has invested in 37 outstanding commercial space companies including Axiom Space, Umbra and Lynk. She presents at conferences, engages Fortune 500 think tanks to discuss space strategy and the landscape for space investment.

Ms. Rich was nominated to the National Space Council User Advisory Group led by Vice President Kamala Harris; she played a pivotal role in establishing the Redmond Space District in Washington State. Media appearances include Bloomberg and CNBC.

-- Posted by Yoder, 3/14/2024

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Mayor Birney Visits a Cool, New Plant Store


I stopped by Plantify about a half year ago and loved it! The owner was kind and very patient with me, answering all my questions about his exotic plants. The plants were gorgeous, but expensive for me. He wished for better parking, but once the nearby construction is finished in a few years, shoppers will be walking to the business! In the meantime, you may find some parking on the side street next to Anderson Park. I love this shop! Probably will gift. Definitely revisit!

-- Bob Yoder, 2/13/2024

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Rumble in Redmond Robot Competition


Builders from all over North America brought their robots to Redmond Middle School for an all-out robot clash where innovation and excitement collided. This event will serve as a qualifying event for the Robot Combat League National Championship in May 2024, allowing passionate builders to compete at the highest level of robot combat. 

Competitors unleashed their custom-built remote-controlled armed with hammers, flippers, or blades, delivering stylish and crushing blows to their opponents. Builders invest days, weeks, or even months perfecting their designs for competitions. 

The National Championship was held in Seattle last year.  Three bots from Redmond's league qualified for the tournament.  The Nationals will be held in Seattle again next year.  

Special thanks to OneRedmond for sponsoring this event.  They're hoping for more of them in the years to come.   

-- Post and video by Bob Yoder, 10/23/2023 

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

UPDATED: Mayor Angela Birney's Story / Pedestrian Safety / RCTV


I found Mayor Birney's Story on Pedestrian Safety while watching Redmond City Television (RCTV) on Comcast Channel 21.  

I'm amazed how RCTV programming has improved.  There's much more content.  Tune in at 9:00AM for a half hour of local news, grant opportunities, and tips.  

All of  Mayor Birney's 52 YouTube stories can be watched in a rolling sequence. 

posted by Bob Yoder, 10/11/2023

Monday, January 9, 2023

UPDATED: Mayor Angela Birney's 2022 Year-In-Review



Mayor Birney / credit Hopelink

Hello Residents, 

Different cultures celebrate the start of a new year in very distinct ways. For most, it's a time to rejoice, pause, and reflect on the past and future. A sense of normalcy returned in 2022 and provided an opportunity to build upon the lessons learned over the past few years. We have so much to be thankful for in Redmond, and I'd like to share some of the City’s accomplishments this past year: 

Environmental Sustainability: In the area of environmental sustainability, we worked with the community to preserve and enhance our natural environment. And now it’s easier than ever to see that progress through our new Environmental Sustainability Data Dashboard. We completed a Climate Vulnerability Assessment to advise our long-range environmental planning efforts. And we partnered on programs and challenges to bring resources to you, such as the Redmond Climate Action Challenge and Energy Smart Eastside. Together, we planted trees, shrubs, and ground cover to expand and enrich Redmond's natural environment. 

Connected Community: Creating connections and opportunities in our community continues to be an ongoing priority. Thousands enjoyed the return of Derby Days and the new elements to Redmond Lights. The City awarded lodging tax funds to over 22 Redmond events, and the Parks and Recreation Department returned to full in-person programming last year. We broke ground and are making tremendous progress on the new Redmond Senior & Community Center, which will soon offer arts, events, and recreational options for residents of all ages.

Infrastructure: City staff continued to work with and support Sound Transit’s light rail project in Redmond, bringing dependable access and connection to the region. And we continued to invest in our infrastructure by completing current projects and being awarded nearly $4.5 million in grant funds to leverage other transportation projects. 

Saturday, December 10, 2022

"Redmond Lights" Redux

Pam and Zo at popular art installation
(click pic to find Zo)

It was a blustery, cold and very rainy night but we went Redmond Lights anyway. A friend was working a booth and asked me to come. Pam and Zo tagged along too but they were not a happy puppies.

There wasn't much new:  Same five light installations.  Relatively scant residents, and fun music on the pavillion.  Unfortunately, food trucks don't have much room for parking at the downtown park.  We did see an espresso wagon and ice-cream van.  Sounds silly, but the colorful restroom lights fit in well with the show.  

-- Bob Yoder, 12/10/2022, opinion 

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Indian Kokanee Salmon Event October 12th

culture.snoqualmietribeweb.com

"Spawning Grounds" film
 "Trout Unlimited" President recommends this film.
Produced by eight salmon-related agencies
Hello -

I wanted to send a quick reminder about the Release the Kokanee event coming up next week, October 12th at 5:00 pm at the Lake Sammamish Boat Launch. We are excited to celebrate the work of this group, connect, and ceremonially release some of the kokanee we are working so hard to save. We hope you will join us at this KWG sponsored event.

Sharing: Please share the event with your staff, partners, supporters and friends!  Feel free to use the attached flyer or share a post from the Lake Sammamish UWRP social media (FacebookInstagram) or the Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands Movement (FacebookInstagram). Event info web address: www.bit.ly/KokaneeRelease.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like additional information.

 

Best,

Alix

 

 

Alix Lee-Tigner (she/her)

Lake Sammamish Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership Coordinator

(406) 868-1902

alix.lee-tigner@tu.org


Trout Unlimited is "a rapidly growing community struggling to save its native Little Red Fish."


--  Posted with edits by Redmond resident and Trout Unlimited member Gary Smith.



Sunday, May 29, 2022

Detention Tanks Safeguard Sammamish River, WLWB Exit Dangerous


In this image, notice the beginning of  the West Lake Sammamish Blvd. exit off of SR-520.  Do you see the beginnings of  light rail construction on the right?  The train will run right over the exit ramp. 

This exit was one of the most dangerous for me in Redmond for a while, especially at night.  The "fake" stop light, further down the sharp ramp was very misleading. Did this exit frighten you too?  Finally, it's fixed.

The video shows two points of interest.  

1)  As you drive east on SR-520, notice how close the rail is to the highway.  

2)  Orange stormwater detention tanks are densely massed together for a good reason; the Sammamish River is immediately below the filthy construction site.  Detention tanks "filter" contaminated sediment from construction runoff. 

Sound transit is a steward of our environment.  

--Bob Yoder, opinion/ Video Yoder, 5/29/2022

Monday, March 14, 2022

Redmond Fire Tells Their Story


This is one of Mayor Birney's most informative videos on City operations, in this case the Fire Department. It includes engaging interviews with staff and amazing statistics.  

I can most relate to Fire Marshall Todd Short's interview.  He's responsible for fire prevention.  One of his duties is "proper addressing." 

Thirty-five years ago, I almost lost my  rental to a kitchen fire. The tenant was toasting pop tarts. The fire crept behind the oven; smoke took over the whole upper level. The fire fighters said they had a terrible time finding the house. Several engines drove all around looking for the road and street sign.  Once there they did an excellent job extinguishing the fire. Even though the temperature readings were okay, they put an axe to the sheetrock behind the stove to look for evidence of fire. Yikes. I was really impressed and thankful when they blew out the smoke with a powerful fan.  

Okay, it was time for trouble-shooting. I looked for the street signs next to my rental. Three close-by streets form a Y leaving no street sign next to my house.  We didn't have a Fire Prevention Marshall back then so I called CM Richard Cole who incredibly drove to my rental, and looked at the roads and signs. It wasn't long before Public Works installed proper signage.  Thank you Richard!

One last experience:  Last year my neighbor told us her house had a mild "burn" smell.  We called the Fire Department and soon three firefighters arrived. They were very thorough. One of them spent a very long time looking at the furnace...it may have been Mr. Short.  Turns out the filter hadn't been changed for years. She was told to buy a new furnace.  They said calls like this are very common in the Fall when folks start-up their furnaces.  They fanned out the smell!  Great customer service!

-- Bob Yoder, 3/14/2022 

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

"Bird's Eye View" -A Poem by Redmond's Poet Laureate



The City of Redmond is proud to announce the 2022 Poet Laureate, Laura Da'. 

Our new Poet Laureate, a poet and a public-school teacher, Da’ studied creative writing at the University of Washington and the Institute of American Indian Arts. A lifetime resident of the Pacific Northwest, Da’ is the recipient of fellowships from the Native Arts and Culture Foundation, Richard Hugo House, and the Jack Straw Writers Program. She is the author of Tributaries, winner of the American Book Award, and Instruments of the True Measure, winner of the Washington State Book Award. Da’ is Eastern Shawnee. She lives near Renton with her husband and son.

If you're a bird watcher you'll truly love Da's work of art. If you're not a watcher, close your eyes, listen, and feel their special presence. Your journey is just beginning!  -- B. Yoder, 2/8/2022 

Monday, January 10, 2022

Bear Creek Floods Behind Safeway Closing The Trail


The photo below shows Bear Creek spilling onto it's floodplain after an "atmospheric river" deluge the first week of January, 2022.  The photo was taken behind Safeway on the "Bear Creek Trail and Greenway." The creek crested ~ Friday. This photo was taken on Sunday. You're looking at floodplain not the creek. The creek is in the distance.  Nearby Avondale Way bridge is a great place to see salmon in September and October when spawning.

(click to enlarge)


(click to enlarge)

The City did a great job posting interpretive signs along the trail. This one explains flooding.  I saw evidence of a deer in the creek riparian. It's amazing urban downtown Redmond is home to these critters!  (Of note: A family was having lunch on the Creekside picnic table.)

(The rains and snow were so bad last week that all five passes were closed; Leavenworth declared a state of emergency calling in the National Guard. Another atmospheric river is expected the week of 1/10/2022.  I'll take another picture on Thursday when I think the creek will crest.) 

Sunday, December 19, 2021

UPDATED, 12/21: Art Is Back In Redmond!

Laura Lee Bennett (correct spelling,) is Executive V.P. of the Redmond Historical Society and a VALA Board member. She gave me a tour of VALA, highlighting community Penny farthing art. 



Laura Lee is standing next to Dawn Laurant's "In Place" oil painting.  Dawn is a past VALA Board member and art appraiser.  (double click to see Dawn's artwork.) 

Crystal Edwards is President of VALA Eastside ("Venues for Artists in the Local Area.")  The Penny farthing is her creation. VALA's Mission is "Connecting artists to artists, artists to the community, and the community to art." Years ago VALA had an art center at Redmond Town Center, then moved to Kirkland.  This is their new space back in Redmond, and the first exhibit is called "We Are Here!" Many past VALA Board members, volunteers, and other contributors are in the show.  

VALA is an official blinker stop for "Redmond Lights 2021." Stop by and pick up a holiday blinker!  Their art center is at 8020-161 Av. Ne. #104, just a hop across the street from NW  Downtown Park.  Find hours of operation at their website! 

-- Bob Yoder, 12/18/2021
   Photos, Yoder

Monday, November 8, 2021

City Prepares For Winter Conditions


This is a helpful, interesting and reassuring video about winter safety in Redmond, especially the first 5 minutes. When it's dark and raining drive slowly, even if you feel "pushed" by the car behind you.  It's easy to miss your turn and be put into a precarious situation, right?  I'm not the best driver and almost had two horrifying accidents recently.

-- Bob Yoder, 11/8/2021

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Leah Choi Thanks Councilmembers Jeralee Anderson and Steve Fields For Their Support In The School Board Race (video clip)


Leah Choi challenged Cassandra Sage for Lake Washington School District Board of Directors Position 3.  Leah Choi (53.99%) was leading Casandra Sage (45.45%) as of 8:15 p.m. 11/2.  Lake Washington School District is the second largest in the State of Washington.

-- Bob Yoder, 11/3/2021

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Environmentally Sensitive Light Rail Construction Underway

 


Construction of the Downtown Redmond Light Rail Extension will impact a swath of trees and riparian habitat along Bear Creek in the vicinity of the Overlake Urgent Care Center west to Creekside Crossing and Redmond Center Open Space.  Clearing and grading permits are required to remove 144 trees to accommodate the rail, Bear Creek "restoration," and construction access. Most of the trees will be planted off site because they won't survive in the wetland areas. For each significant tree removed, 6 saplings will be planted; for each landmark tree removed 18 saplings will be planted. A section of Bear Creek will have to be dredged to create a "back channel" for flood control and wetland habitat. Back channels are also valuable for salmon rearing.

Overall, approximately 500 linear feet of Bear Creek will be "restored or enhanced" when all is said and done.  The Design Builder is encouraged to reuse previously removed trees for onsite habitat features. In addition, Sound Transit plans to purchase off-site wetland mitigation credits at the Keller Farm site further upstream along Bear Creek for any restoration that cannot be accommodated on-site.

All the work near Bear Creek described above is subject to review as part of the City’s shoreline and clearing and grading permits, the Army Corps and the tribes.  Construction is over 3 years out.  

  -- City Council Study Session, 5/28
      Meeting memo (map)

* In 2020 I took a tour of the site with City staff.  They said the light rail will run five feet over Bear Creek.  B.Y.  

Saturday, July 31, 2021

OPINION: Lamenting "Redmond Square"

Sign still up during demolition, photo Yoder 8/15/2021

Below, is an old comment from a reader in response to a (2/2019) video of "Redmond Square mall" prior to demolition. 

"I've heard some say "they're trying to turn Redmond into Bellevue." That wouldn't be much of a problem if we had all the space of Bellevue. (I think Bellevue is a lovely city--it's classy, clean, safe and I haven't noticed the aggressiveness of beggars there like in Redmond.) But trying to squeeze so many high rises into our little town on a bog is an eye sore.  We're basically leveling our town and cramming everything in. When brand new, some high rises may look tidy and clean, but most of them look drab. Honestly, they remind me of Cabrini-Green projects in Chicago. :( As they age and get dirty/moldy they'll become an eyesore to many (to me they already are). And they obstruct Redmond's natural beauty and cast big shadows on an otherwise coveted sunny day. Perhaps this could alter downtown Redmond's microclimate as well. It all makes me sad."

--- Anonymous, 2/23/2019


Above, is a video I took of "Redmond Square mall" currently (7/29/2021) being demolished.  The finished product will be in a prime location next to the Downtown light rail station.  Unfortunately, owing to it's location on Cleveland, 166th & Redmond Way traffic could be a nightmare for at least two years.  Nearby businesses and apartments will have to put up with the noise.

When finished, the Redmond Square Apartments will offer 1,2,3 and 4 room apartments, rooftop activities and many other amenities.  Legacy Partners partnered with a Chinese corporation to develop the project.  

-- Bob Yoder, 8/1/2021.
    Photo, Videos, Yoder 


Redmond's Design Review Board video (above) shows a wide pedestrian plaza, the narrow street, landscaping and significant use of brick. Below are additional details. Some parking will be available but I'm afraid not much.  Light rail, bikes, walking, scooters, and remote are the ticket.

 New 6 story buildings with approximately 623 dwelling units split by a narrow street (woonerf.) The project will redevelop the block bounded by Cleveland Street on the south, Redmond Way to the north, 166th Avenue NE on the east. The overall site is Redmond Square - LAND-2021-00220 2 | The site is approximately 3.47 acres.   Approximately 30,120 square feet of commercial space is  proposed at the street level along Redmond Way, Cleveland Street and 166th Avenue NE. The southern portion of the property will be separated by a Boundary Line Adjustment for future development.  (Design Review Board, 5/28/2021)

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

A Walk Down Memory Lane


Several years ago I walked down "memory lane," (77960-7990 170th Ave. NE) coined Adair Street by the Redmond Historical Society. Ms. Adair was a land doner. I took this video of  three cottages circa 1930's and a 97 year-old craftsman home (owned by real estate appraiser Alan Pope. Mr. Pope is a native of Redmond; he graduated from Lake Washington High.)  The homes were demolished last month to build eighteen, 3BR "Penny Lane" townhomes.  The development is only a five minute walk to Anderson Park.  Sad to see these vintage homes go but the site is perfect for the city's needs of density and family housing equity.  


 18 "family" luxury townhomes, "Penny Lane 2 & 3" under construction

An extensive "cultural resource assessment" was conducted to assess: environmental, archaeological, ethnographic, and historical culture. -- Special thanks to Gary Smith for finding and sharing the assessment.

-- Bob Yoder, 4/13/2021
Photo and Video, Yoder

Monday, April 12, 2021

2021 Redmond Historical Society Annual Membership Meeting


Three Mayors of the City of Redmond speak, including Mayor Angela Birney!
... and there's more!

(scroll left for the whole show)