Opinion: The Downtown "glacial erratic" sculpture is a monolith .

Dede originally published this as a comment under "Musings on Redmond Arts"  

By Dede M Falcone

To me the Downtown "glacial erratic" outdoor art sculpture is a monolith.  First it's position is very poorly placed.  It is at the junction of three roads, the East side of the sculpture (looking west) is obscured by trees. On the north side it can only be viewed driving east, due to a one way road.  And on the southside it is visible for only a few moments once you have driven through the intersection.

I feel that the concept is lacking in depth, and that though the intention is to speak to the past of Redmond as once being Glacial, I hardly think that's a unique enough descriptor for our fair city. Last I heard, most of the Eastside had Glaciers.

No, I don't think the Glacial erratic is an effective use of the "pot of money" for the arts and artists of this burgeoning place, nor do I believe that particular work is terribly interesting, inventive, conceptual or inspiring.

I know that Art has suffered greatly through municipal and educational cuts and austerity measure from recent economic crises, but I think a more thoughtful, more equitable distribution of Art-funding will act as a boilerplate to actual art creation, exhibition, sales and public interaction.  I think the spirit of art is held within the people who make it, love and celebrate it.  Right now none of those "things"* could be definitive of the kinds of art works which have been commissioned thus far.

We (the public) simply have no connection to that artwork nor do we know how to connect to it.  That is the problem. It is missing the human touch of connectivity to its environment, to this culture, to the activities. It's just kind of stagnant.

Anyway, thanks for letting me offer my expertise here.  I hope it's taken in the right light as well intended that we learn from past mistakes.

Editor's note:  children and adults are warned not to climb the Erratic.  

Dede Falcone's opinion was originally published in "Friends"
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Flood Control District to implement "split channel option" for the Willowmoor Restoration Project, will work closely with City of Redmond

A 6/18 report on Councilmember Kim Allen's and Susan Wilken's involvement in the Willowmoor project. 

On June 20, the Flood Control District passed a motion to proceed to thirty percent design for the Willowmoor Project

Lake Sammamish Transition Zone Willowmoor Floodplain Restoration Project On Monday, June 20, the Flood Control District Executive Committee passed a motion to proceed to thirty percent design for the Willowmoor Floodplain Restoration Project with an alternative that balances flood control, habitat restoration, fish passage, recreational access and on-going maintenance, including beaver mitigation and a dynamic weir. In response to stakeholder input, the motion also includes exploration of issues raised throughout the public process, including at the last public meeting on June 6th. The motion specifically cites the following topics to be included in the next phase of the Willowmoor Project: Develop the split channel alternative in such a way that balances the objectives of flood control, habitat restoration, fish passage, and sustainability; Include variable depth pools as an enhancement to the split channel alternative; Work with the city of Redmond on coordination with city flood control efforts, groundwater issues related to cold water supplementation, and Bear Creek impacts on Sammamish River flows; Read More >>

Letter: Mackey Creek and Juel Creek restoration

Tom Hardy
City of Redmond

Thanks for coming to the Mackey Creek project meeting last week. It’s always great to have interested members of the environmental community present at meetings.

The Willows Creek project you and John Reinke visited is doing well. There have been a few changes in recent years in the ravine where the streams flows; large trees have fallen over with some of the windstorms we’ve had. The trees have added wood to the stream channel helping to capture sediment (gravel, sand, etc.), dig pools and create a more complex channel. A lot of the native plants that the WCC crew planted have taken off as well, which has helped to improve the riparian buffer.

Juel Creek Restoration Project

During your walk last week, it sounds like you came upon portions of the Juel Creek project that was done over a few years; 2013-15. I’ve attached a map that shows the sequence and general locations of the project elements. The Juel Creek project removed four fish barriers, installed logs and planted the riparian. Although Juel Creek is starting to dry up, it provides great rearing habitat for juvenile salmon and trout (and other species), and is connected to Bear Creek.

Like Willows Creek, we were able to do most of the work with WCC crews and did not have to use many artificial anchors to anchor the logs. We did install a few anchors near the mouth of Bear Creek because of the possibility of the logs floating away during high water events.

I do not know the history of homesteaders in Juel Park. I believe the trees you saw on the bank of Bear Creek were alders. The concrete blocks and other debris was put there by the farmer, years ago, to armor the bank and prevent Bear Creek from migrating east at that location. The City has a project identified in the long term to remove the armoring (concrete blocks) and to install logs and allow the stream to act more naturally.

Thanks for your interest and talk with you later,

Tom Hardy

Stream & Habitat Planner | City of Redmond

A downtown "nature walk" -- and talk with Council member David Carson

My daughter and I took a walk down Education Hill to Frankies for lunch, then Target, then Avondale to 180th, up the Ashford Trail to Perrigo Springs, past the Redmond Bike Park and home. (Beloved Frankies, the Italian restaurant icon is going to be demolished in October to make room for a hotel.) Click the links to read the old stories.of the Ashford Trail, Perrigo Springs and the Redmond Bike Park.  

The Avondale stretch was congested and noisy as usual.  But we were surprised the sidewalk took us on a bridge over our magnificent Bear Creek!  Incredible how nature was only a few yards from the arteriole. To me, Bear Creek, Evans Creek, the Sammamish River and the green ring of conifers surrounding the city are what makes Redmond special.  

David Carson

At the half way mark of our walk, we stopped at Kringles Bakery.  I had never been inside and was curious.  Guess who we found with his computer?  Council member David Carson!  He must have talked with Lexie for 25 minutes. Homeless encampments, the Landing, downtown development, the EvergreenHealth Board expansion, and the Design Review Board were a few of the topics he touched on with me. Then, David got into his love of motorcycling and all the places he's traveled. He's clocked 40,000 miles on his chopper.  Montana, Idaho, Canada, Oregon and on.

Bakeries and any coffee shop other than "Charbucks" are his favorite hangouts...breweries too.  He likes the "savory" food of independent coffee houses and the whiskeys at Woodblock Redmond.  

Mr. Carson's city website Bio:

Position #7
Term Expires 12/31/19
Chair of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Member of the Public Safety Committee
Member of the Finance, Administration, and Communications Committee

David moved from Southern Oregon to Redmond to work for Microsoft in 1991 and works as a Software Test Engineer. He graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. His hobbies are riding motorcycles, cooking and playing in Redmond's recreational softball league. He lives with his wife Danielle and pets in the Viewpoint neighborhood of Redmond.

dcarson@redmond.gov
425.556.2113

By Bob Yoder

EvergreenHealth Named One of the Nation's "100 Great Community Hospitals" of 2016

Kirkland, Wash. — Today Becker’s Hospital Review named EvergreenHealth to its “100 Great Community Hospitals | 2016” list. The health system was among other leading hospitals recognized by Becker’s for its quality care, safety and service achievements over the last year, and for being a vital part of its community by offering quality care and exceptional services to its patient population.

The Becker’s Review honor comes on the heels of EvergreenHealth’s recent recognition among the nation’s Top 100 Hospitals by Truven Analytics for its ability to improve outcomes and reduce overall expenses per patient. EvergreenHealth was the only health system in Washington State to receive this distinction.

“We hold ourselves to the highest standards for quality care, safety, service and value, and we are proud to be named among other industry leaders for setting the bar in these critical areas,” said EvergreenHealth CEO Bob Malte. “This recognition is a true reflection of the dedication of our providers, nurses, staff and volunteers who share a purpose to enrich the health and well-being of every life we touch.”  Read More >>

A little history -- The Big Chicken Barn near Novelty Hill Road

Big chicken barn hatches profits as high-tech storage warehouse

by Sarah Koenig, Redmond Reporter Staff

At 85, Leroy Olson could be a poster child for the way the Eastside used to be. While some lament the changes time has wrought by time and technology, Olson has used some of those changes to his advantage. Standing across from the gigantic circular green barn on the homestead he shares with his wife, Vera, near Novelty Hill Road east of Redmond, he told his story.

"It was a chicken barn, "he said. "It's 500 feet all the way around. It's so big it shows up (on satellite pictures) from outer space. Some people wanted me to tear down the thing. "

He didn't.

"In 1969, I paid $40,000 for 12 acres, and people said I paid too much, " he said. "I get a lot more than that a year in income on the thing. "  Read More >>

Redmond Saturday Market

REDMOND SATURDAY MARKET

May though October, 9-3

Report on the Kokanee Salmon of Lake Sammamish

By Gary Smith
City of Redmond Parks and Trails Commissioner
Water Tender

"Several years ago I reported on the declining number of Kokanee in Lake Sammamish (see the WaterTender Newsletter of Fall/Winter 2009).  It was a familiar story which I called “a dire situation” on waterways near modern developments that increase pollution, sediment buildup (siltation?), flash storm-runoff, and occasionally explosive algae growth.  Kokanee are dying early in increasing numbers, threatening the entire population.

Even though the US Fish and Wildlife Service finally in 2007 (?) declined to list the fish as endangered, local groups went ahead with restoration projects, and those grassroots efforts have shown positive effects.  Returns have been up and down – no surprise for salmon-watchers -- but nothing as perilously low as 2008 when fewer than 100 Kokanee spawned, according to King County spotters.  And a couple striking new developments in the story will bring this update to a more optimistic conclusion. First, a couple basics:

·        Kokanee are the same species as sockeye salmon:  Oncorhynchus nerka (Also: Kickininee, land-locked sockeye; little redfish).

·         Unlike other salmonids, Kokanee complete their entire life cycle in fresh water, maturing in the lake and migrating into tributaries where they spawn and produce offspring imprinted with that natal water.

·         Lake Sammamish has 3 main tributaries with viable Kokanee runs:  Lewis, Ebright, and Laughing Jacobs Creeks (Issaquah Creek once had the largest migration, but it declined over the period of the state hatchery’s operation and was declared extirpated in 2002).  Read More >>

·        Over the past 7 years, each of these tributary runs has been supplemented with hatchery fry raised in its respective natal water and released in springtime (this spring, for the first time Issaquah Creek will receive transplants from other streams raised in at the Issaquah hatchery).  Several other creeks are also showing signs of life; for example, in the Redmond area Idylwood had several Kokanee this past spawning season, and I found a carcass on Bear a couple years ago (Dick Schaetzel and Ed Schein make similar claims).  These fish are probably strays because, to quote from a 2003 King County report:  “In the 1940s, the kokanee in Bear Creek were so prolific that they were considered to be the most important run of kokanee in the entire Lake Washington Basin . . . (but) by the early 1970s, the Bear Creek kokanee population was considered to be extinct” http://tinyurl.com/kokaneeupdate .

The supplementation plan was developed in 2007 by the Kokanee Work Group (KWG), which represents a myriad of government and non-government organizations, coordinated by a King County official.  The group is working to improve the health of this fish population so it becomes self-sustaining and would ultimately support fishing in the lake.  Over its 10-year history the KWG members have remained enthusiastic and have recently come together to sharpen the focus in two new public efforts: 

1.       In 2014, Sammamish Lake was named an Urban Wildlife Refuge, one of eight national programs designated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell made the announcement in spring of that year at the annual Kokanee fry release, and since then, the Kokanee Work Group and other organizations have been building a constituency to conserve fish and wildlife in the central Puget Sound watershed, centered around the Kokanee.  For more info see www.fws.gov/urban/partnerships.php .

2.      Trout Unlimited is establishing a new position, the Lake Sammamish Kokanee Restoration Project Manager.  Supported by the Kokanee Work Group, this person could greatly accelerate the pace of projects already identified by the KWG to improve fish passage and habitat and could also initiate more youth education programs, community outreach events and citizen-science activities.

The overall effort is still aimed at restoring the Kokanee to a self-sustaining population which will support a fishery, but therein lies the rub:  because yearly numbers fluctuate so greatly, it’s not clear what level is sustainable and specifically when it will be possible to take fish for human consumption, the primary goal of some groups including the tribes.  At first glance, the problem doesn’t seem so complicated, at least not compared to the other salmon species.  Since they don’t typically go to sea, the Kokanee population is contained in a closed system, and the variables affecting mortality are relatively few.  Yet, the numbers fluctuate in patterns that perplex fish biologists.  The science is too complex for this short article, but here is an example of the unpredictable numbers.  2012 was the first year when hatchery fish were expected to spawn, and numbers were indeed higher that year, but analysis showed that only 9% of them were hatchery fish.  And in-between, 2013 was another near-disaster for the population:  only 141 Kokanee returned to spawn in the 3 major tributaries, nearly equaling the worst year on record, 2007 (over half the spawners were hatchery fish).  Success is still not certain, and therefore the supplementation effort will continue until more answers are found.  See the timeline for a simplified look at the KWG strategy for Lake Sammamish Kokanee.

Among the steps I suggested in my newsletter article 7 years ago was one that now presents an opportunity for Watertenders:  “Encourage local officials to improve stormwater management.”  With or without our prodding, King County has embarked on a new multi-year project to study stormwater issues in our Bear Creek watershed.  Initial meetings have already set the groundwork for a Stakeholder Workshop and a Public Meeting this fall, aiming to complete a final watershed plan for submission to the Washington State Department of Ecology in 2018.  For details see www.kingcounty.gov/BearCreekPlan .

It is a fitting follow-on to the county’s ground-breaking work done over 25 years ago in the watershed, resulting in the Bear Creek Basin Plan which recommended regulations for storm water retention and detention, forest cover, buffers, etc.  Seems to me worthy of continued Watertender attention.

• The following is not science-based; it’s just a story I’ll call “Chicken and the Egg:”                           So which came first, the Kokanee or the Sockeye:  As a typical glacial lake in the Pacific Northwest, Lake Sammamish is theorized to have become populated with Kokanee during the Ice Age when migrating sockeyes were trapped.  They flourished, and tribal accounts emphasize the importance of this “little red fish” as a food source, smaller than the other salmon but available year-round.  But 100 years ago things changed when the Ballard Locks were built.  It’s believed that during construction when the lake level was dropping and the southern outlet of Lake Washington was shut off and the Black River disappeared, other populations of salmon died out in Lake Sammamish.  And so today, you will often hear that the salmon in the Lake Washington system are all hatchery fish.  This is certainly debatable, and as some of you WaterTenders may remember, we heard a talk (?) attesting to the wild genes in the Bear Creek sockeye population.  Perhaps those modern sockeye had transformed from their landlocked cousins.  Kokanee have been known to occasionally migrate to the ocean and return, so it’s conceivable that the contemporary sockeye has ancient genes preserved through the landlocked period by its cousin, the Kokanee.  (That’s just my speculation and is based on imperfect knowledge of changes in streamflows over the centuries -- see this source for a more factual history of the local Kokanee:  http://tinyurl.com/kokaneehistory "

EvergreenHealth diverts 44 percent (851 tons) of it's total waste into recycled or reused material

Kirkland, Wash. –EvergreenHealth has been selected as the winner of a Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Award for the sixth consecutive year. The award, given each year to honor outstanding environmental achievements in the health care sector, recognizes elite hospital systems for their dedication to transforming health care worldwide.  

EvergreenHealth was honored for its ability to continually reduce its environmental footprint and promote sustainability as a leader in the global movement for environmental health and justice. The Practice Greenhealth Partner for Change Award recognizes health care facilities that continuously improve and expand upon their mercury elimination, waste reduction, source reduction and recycling programs. At a minimum, facilities applying for this award must be recycling 15 percent of their total waste, have reduced regulated medical waste, are well along the way to mercury elimination and have developed other successful pollution prevention programs in many different areas. Last year alone, the EvergreenHealth system diverted 44 percent (851 tons) of its total waste into recycled or reused material.

“Part of providing the highest levels of care and service for our patients and our community means caring for the environment with effective programs and conservation efforts,” said Bob Malte, CEO of EvergreenHealth. “Receiving this award for the sixth consecutive time is a reflection of our staff’s dedication to drive sustainability efforts across the entire EvergreenHealth system.”  Read More >>

Anonymous caller relays information about a possible threat to the Muslim Assoc. of Puget Sound

Becky Range
RPD information officer

Redmond Police was contacted by an anonymous caller at 6:29pm on June 12th, relaying information about a possible threat to the Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS) at 17550 NE 67th Ct, Redmond. We coordinated closely with MAPS staff, for safety measures. MAPS notified their congregation of the anonymous threat. 

At this time, we are continuing to consult with the FBI. As the investigation is ongoing, we will not be releasing further details at this time.

Update June 15th, 2016:  Many of you have heard that Seattle PD/FBI arrested a man on June 14th for making online remarks threatening a North Seattle mosque.  RPD is currently working closely with the FBI to determine if there is any connection to our June 12th caller.  

Redmond officers are communicating closely with MAPS leadership, as well as other religious centers in our city. 

Of note, in the last four days, the FBI has evaluated and coordinated with partners on three reported threats and not found reason to suggest a pending physical threat. You can see the latest press release from the FBI about this and similar issues they are working here. 

OneRedmond

OneRedmond is a public-private partnership. It's Mission is to expand and retain local employers, attract new companies to the region, and to create vitality by developing and implementing data-driven strategies that both support retention and growth of local companies and attract new investment.

Do you want to know more about OneRedmond?  Watch this brief informercial.  

R.Y.P.A.C. (Redmond's Youth Advisory Committee) presentation AND Council member John Stilin's birthday celebration

Watch this video!  You will find these RYPAC youth are incredible high achieving community leaders.  They are big fans of the Redmond Teen Center and they don't want it changed.  RYPAC meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month at 6:30 in the Old Redmond School House Community Center.

John Stilin's birthday was celebrated about half-way through the meeting with a very special cake. You'll get to see a different side of him!

Towards the end of the meeting Council members Angela Birney and John Stilin led discussion on plans for Derby Days, July 8-9.

Bob Yoder

Construction to convert two-way travel on Redmond Way and Cleveland St. begins this month. Completion date is late 2017

Redmond, WA – The major construction project to upgrade utilities and convert both Redmond Way and Cleveland Street to two-way travel begins this month. The project is located on Redmond Way and Cleveland St from 160th Avenue NE to Avondale Way. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2017, which is when the lanes will convert to two-way travel on both streets. 

Throughout June, the initial start-up of the project will include activities such as installing signage and traffic control devices, staging of construction trailers, and demolition of some project elements. In July, travelers through Downtown Redmond will notice more impacts from construction such as pedestrian sidewalk closures and detours, partial lane closures, and traffic control measures as work begins on eleven intersections. The typical construction schedule will be 7 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday, but there will be occasional night and weekend work. 

In addition to the City’s Two-way Street Conversion construction project, several Downtown private development projects will also begin this summer. The Two-way Street Conversion project team is working closely with the construction teams from the private developments in Downtown Redmond to coordinate the work, impacts, and communication with the community. Read More >>

University of Washington making plans to host homeless encampment

One of my Friends sent me this Seattle Times article last night.  When discussing the proposed Redmond encampment ordinance the city council, the planning commission and/or city staff claimed only churches could host encampment organizers, like SHARE/Wheel.  Is University of Washington and SHARE setting a new precedent?  City council still hasn't voted on the proposed ordinance. Could the City of Redmond now write the permit to allow SHARE encampments at sites other than churches?  For example:  City Hall?  The Downtown Park?   cc:  city council.  

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/education/uw-president-campus-to-host-homeless-encampment/

UW is making plans to host homeless encampment in 2017

By Jessica Lee
After hundreds of supporters came forward, the University of Washington is moving forward with plans to host a tent city for homeless people on its Seattle campus next year, the school’s president said.

President Ana Mari Cauce, who presented the idea in March, said Wednesday in a message to the UW community the school is working toward obtaining a permit from the city and planning to host the encampment for three months in early 2017.

The decision comes after officials fielded feedback from more than 1,000 people in emails and town-hall meetings, she said.

 “By a 2-to-1 margin, responses and attendees favored hosting,” Cauce said. “Faculty and departments have expressed eagerness to incorporate service learning into curricula, and local elected officials and community leaders also support the effort.”

Stakeholders prefer a parking lot on Northeast Pacific Street, on the west side of campus, Cauce said. Specifics on the plan to host about 100 people are not finalized.

For that space, she said the school is considering hosting the community known as Tent City 3, an authorized encampment operated by the nonprofit Seattle Housing and Resource Effort (SHARE) and its ally organization, WHEEL. That tent city is now at a church across Northeast 45th Street from campus.

“They have literally been across the street from us this spring … providing safe, secure housing to individuals and families,” Cauce said.

SHARE/WHEEL says residents of its spaces must follow a code of conduct that prohibits weapons, violence, drugs and alcohol — a factor Cauce noted in the letter.

According to the region’s annual One Night Count, this year’s estimate of people without shelter showed a 19 percent increase over last year, at more than 4,500 people. Mayor Ed Murray and King County Executive Dow Constantine proclaimed states of emergency over homelessness in November.

In her message, Cauce said concerns and trepidation about the encampment on campus are fair and expected.
“I only ask that we approach hosting with open minds and take this opportunity to learn from the experiences of our neighbors,” she said.

The Redmond Lacrosse Club hires Rob Eidson, new Program Director

Coach Rob is the perfect agent for transforming our club culture--something our new Board has been working on for a year.  President Rob Leavitt

Rob Eidson, Program Director

The Redmond Lacrosse Club is excited to announce the hiring of Rob Eidson as our new Program Director. Formerly of the Bellevue Boys Lacrosse Club, Coach Rob steps in to a critical role for RLC—he will be in charge of defining our coaching program and philosophy, recruiting and managing coaching staff at youth levels (K2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8), as well as assuming the role of Head Coach of the varsity team.

Coach Rob is originally from the Philadelphia area, playing varsity lacrosse at West Chester East Senior High School. In college he played for Mary Washington in the National College Lacrosse League (NCLL) and was team captain; led the team in scoring and was named to the NCLL National All-Star Team. And before moving to Washington, Coach Rob coached varsity lacrosse in Northern Virginia’s 4A Public HS league.

Here's his recent record by the numbers:

• 41-4 overall JV record at Bellevue
• 14-0 for the 2016 season
• 6-0 record against D1 and D2 varsity opponents
• 3 seasons as the Head Junior Varsity coach at Bellevue High School
• 3 D1 State Championship games
• 2 championship titles (2014 and 2016)
• 2 Summer Solstice Championships

Coach Rob was also plugged into the youth program over the past several seasons as the Assistant Program Director for Youth, and coaching the 5/6 summer teams. Most recently, he took the Bellevue Blue 5/6 team to victory in the Washington Gold Cup.

Coach Rob moved to the Pacific Northwest three years ago with his family--Erin, his wife, and three sons; Hunter (4), Colin (3) and Cameron (9 months)--and he works at Microsoft.

Here is Coach Rob’s vision and goals for the Program, in his own words: Read More >>

Redmond Councilmember Kim Allen testifies at the "Willowmoor Flood Plain" public meeting

Above, is a 6-minute video of the "Willowmoor Flood Plain Restoration project."  The purpose of the project is to control floods in the Sammamish River and Lake Basin while improving fish habitat.

In 2010 residents living along Lake Sammamish started to complain about floods on the lake that eroded the shorelines and damaged docks and piers. The King County Flood Control District organized a task force to find solutions. Nine meetings and 500 volunteer hours later, on June 6th a few days ago, the District held their final public design meeting. The options are: the "split channel with cold water supplementation" or "transition zone river widening."  Both are significantly cheaper than the County's current willow shrub maintenance program.    

Susan Wilkins, a Redmond Water Tender was on the Task Force and testified at the public meeting. (Well over 40 to 50 citizens attended.) She recommended the Split Channel because it is more salmon friendly while still offering flood control. The Split Channel option provides cool water supplementation and enhanced habitat important to Kokanee and King Salmon survival.  Matt Baerwalde, Water Quality Manager for the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, also spoke in favor of the split channel option and highlighted the Tribe's concern about declining salmon runs and the cultural significance of salmon to the Native American people.

Redmond Councilmember Kim Allan testified and recommended the Split Channel. The City of Redmond spent $150,000 from their Opportunity Fund towards project planning. Ms. Allen said the city invested $1.7 million on Tosh Creek restoration and the Split Channel would be the better option for Tosh Creek.  Redmond's water table is high and it's expensive and troublesome for developers to "de-water."  Ms. Allen said the wide channel option would make matters worse.  

I counted nine people who testified at the meeting. Six were in favor of the Split Channel. I prefer it too. The Chair implied the study was over-vetted and a decision would be moved up to June 20. Construction isn't expected for completion until 2020 or 2021!

Of note, an old "weir" that acts as a "brake" to control river flows is beyond its useful life. Several testified a new "dynamic weir" is necessary for either option to work.  

Bob Yoder

Community coffee-time with Police Chief Kristi Wilson

Police Chief Kristi Wilson recently reached out to our community with a 2-hour "coffee" at Victor's Coffee.  It's great that she's so community-minded. I was lucky to have 25 minutes with her and another police officer.

She spent a lot of time answering my questions about the mentally ill, specifically about "involuntary commitment."  If a mentally ill person is at harm to himself or others or is gravely disabled, the police have the training and authority to take this person by force, if necessary, to a hospital for treatment.

I was curious how many involuntary commitments are made by the police Citywide -- the officer answered 1/day.  I was shocked.  And, over the course of about eight years, 12 involuntary commitments were made at tent-encampments.  If you calculate it, there's a higher incidence of involuntary commitments at the encampments, than Citywide.

Chief Wilson seemed excited about a new "police-human services pilot program" starting this July. The program will employ a city "social worker" to go out on patrol to help the homeless, and others down on their luck, to find human services.  The city is taking a leadership role on the Eastside with this program.   Kristi mentioned the police are also working with the school district and parks department to help youth find human services.  There's consideration the Teen Center will be used for job-finding services.

I was curious about how many patrol officers work each shift.  According to a police support officer, about 5 patrol officers work the first shift, 5-7 work the middle shift, and 5-6 work the last shift.  That doesn't seem like a lot.  But besides patrol officers there are traffic officers and support officers.

In preparation for our coffee, I checked out the city website and discovered King County identifies registered sex offenders by address and profile.  I told her I have eight living within two miles of my home.  Kristi said she just registered a new offender that day.

Becky Range, police information officer, was also present.  Becky said there was a rash of car break-ins recently.  Kristi said most of the break-ins happen when people don't lock their cars.

My time was well spent!  Thank you RPD!

Bob Yoder
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Open House on the proposed Mackey Creek rehabilitation project

Redmond, WA – An open house on the proposed Mackey Creek rehabilitation project will be held on June 16, 2016, at Farrel-McWhirter Park, one of the most beloved parks in Redmond. Mackey Creek runs through the middle of the park and adds to its charm. Trail bridges cross the creek in multiple locations and are favorite spots for watching the cascading water and for shooting photos. 

Despite its idyllic appearance, the health of the spring-fed stream has declined over the years. The creek is exhibiting bank erosion, barriers to fish migration, deposits of sediment causing it to flow out of its channel, and growth of invasive plants that have increased flooding problems. 

The City of Redmond is developing plans for rehabilitation and enhancement of the streams and wetlands within Farrel-McWhirter Park. An upcoming public meeting on Mackey Creek will provide a briefing, exhibits on recent studies of the creek’s condition, and the preliminary rehabilitation proposal. The public is invited to learn about the project and to share information or observations they may have about Mackey Creek. 

Date: June 16, 2016 
Place: Farrel-McWhirter Park — Big Red Barn 
Open House: 5:00 – 6:30 pm 
Presentation: 6:00 pm 

For more information about the project, please visithttp://www.redmond.gov/PlansProjects/Parks/FM-MackeyCreek. 

For questions or more information contact Tom Hardy, Stream and Habitat Planner, at 425-556-2762 or twhardy@redmond.gov. 

Redmond Way - Cleveland Street 2-way conversion begins June

Redmond, WA – The major construction project to upgrade utilities and convert both Redmond Way and Cleveland Street to two-way travel begins this month. The project is located on Redmond Way and Cleveland St from 160th Avenue NE to Avondale Way. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2017, which is when the lanes will convert to two-way travel on both streets. 

Throughout June, the initial start-up of the project will include activities such as installing signage and traffic control devices, staging of construction trailers, and demolition of some project elements. In July, travelers through Downtown Redmond will notice more impacts from construction such as pedestrian sidewalk closures and detours, partial lane closures, and traffic control measures as work begins on eleven intersections. The typical construction schedule will be 7 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday, but there will be occasional night and weekend work. 

In addition to the City’s Two-way Street Conversion construction project, several Downtown private development projects will also begin this summer. The Two-way Street Conversion project team is working closely with the construction teams from the private developments in Downtown Redmond to coordinate the work, impacts, and communication with the community. 

Converting both Redmond Way and Cleveland Street to two-way travel will create more access to our Downtown businesses and make Downtown easier to navigate and more connected whether you’re driving, walking, biking, or taking transit. While there will be some inconveniences, people who live, work, and visit Redmond are encouraged to continue patronizing downtown businesses throughout construction. More information about Downtown projects can be found at www.Redmond.gov/Downtown. 

For questions or more information contact Jill Smith, Economic Development Manager, at jesmith@redmond.gov or 425-556-2448. 

Redmond's Downtown Urban Center resident population is targeted to increase 53% over the next 15 years

One of my Friends differed from me about the size of the resident population in our Downtown. This prompted me to get the facts.  Jason Rogers, a Redmond senior planner kindly gave me the low down:  

  

The Citywide resident population in 2015 was 59,250.  The citywide growth target in the next 15 years is 78,000 residents; that's a 31% increase. 

The Downtown Urban Center resident population last year was 7409. The growth target for this Urban Center over the next 15 years is 11,350; that's a 53% increase.  

The Overlake Urban Center resident population last year was 2,596.  The city's growth target for this Urban Center over the next 15 years is 10,550 residents; that's a 303% increase..  

Thus,  Redmond is planning to accommodate roughly 2/3 of targeted growth over the next 15 years in the two Urban Centers. According to Mr. Rogers,

 This is in keeping with Growth Management Act, VISION 2040, and Redmond Comprehensive Plan goals to create compact communities where appropriate services can be provided, and to retain Redmond’s community character and high quality of life  The remainder of targeted growth would be accommodated in areas including the North Redmond, Willows/Rose Hill, and Southeast Redmond neighborhoods which still have capacity for additional growth.

No doubt the population of Redmond is growing fast!  Let's just say, the traffic and congestion each year isn't going to get any better. We'll have to live and adapt to this growth for many years to come.   

Below, are the 2015 resident populations for the all of our city neighborhoods. Many thanks to Mr. Rogers for providing the data.  Read More >>