Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

 Pam's creation.  Merry Christmas from the Yoder's!

Pam, Zoey, Bob;  Redmond Town Center, 12/3/2023

Redmond Historical Society Newsletter, Quarterly Edition

 

 Board Member Volunteers --BIOS

REDMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER  

Quarter 1, Vol 28, No 1

Highlights:

President’s Notebook: "Fire! Fire! Fire! History and Evolution of the Redmond Fire Department” by John Oftebro

Society Honors Legacy of Chinese Americans in Redmond

"Mom Phones Doctor Way" by Tom Hansen, Lifetime Member

"Redmond Historical Society Ice Cream Social & Membership Meeting"

January 10, 2 PM Happy Valley Range

by V.P. Laura Lee Bennett

Willomoor Farm: Clise Period, 1908-1915

 by Tom Hitzroth

Pagliacci Pizza Opens New Redmond Store

 

SEATTLE – December 15, 2025 – Pagliacci Pizza has opened a new pizzeria in Old Town

Redmond, bringing new life to a familiar corner near the light rail station. The company’s

ninth Eastside location provides neighborhood residents with an inviting place for slices

and whole pies, easy takeout, and expanded delivery in Redmond and nearby

communities.

Pagliacci has transformed the former gas station at 16311 Redmond Way into a warm,

light-filled neighborhood pizzeria that preserves the original post-and-beam structure

and distinctive roofline. The design takes cues from the Pacific Northwest and

Redmond’s historic core, with white brick, striped wood cladding, and large windows

looking into the dining room and open kitchen. New landscaping, street trees, and

outdoor seating make the site more walkable and welcoming.

On Saturday, January 10, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Pagliacci will host a grand opening

party with a live DJ, swag, and free slices (while they last). Local muralist and pop-up

artist Dozfy will be on site creating custom live drawings on tote bags (provided by

Pagliacci) from guests’ pet photos.

“This new location is way overdue,” says co-owner Matt Galvin. “We have looked for

many years and finally were able to find the right location with the right landlord.”

As part of Pagliacci’s Envision Zero initiative, an effort to move toward carbon-neutral

operations with zero waste, the company has added an e-bike fleet to complement

deliveries from the Redmond store.

UPDATE, 12/11/25: New School Board Deliberates on Electric Busses

 

(click pic to enlarge)

(l-r) Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen, President Lisa Guthrie, VP Eric Laliberte, Angela Meekhof, Aspen Richter, Lindsey Yocum (government affaires) and two student representatives, Hoe and Reddy.  

BIO's HERE.

My wife and I went to the swearing in ceremony for Aspen Richter and Angela and stayed for their business meeting.  Sustainability was their focus and priority.  There was much talk about electric buses; and including them as part of their 136 bus fleet.  Grant money for four e-buses was awarded to serve four schools with low-income students. They are operating.  Apparently, no further grant money for e-buses will be available for LWSD;  ~ $300,000- $400,000/ bus was quoted.  There was no discussion of funding e-busses with the Capital Technology levy.  Though, in 2001 LWSD passed a transportation levy.  

LEVY UPDATE:

Every four years the Educational and Operations (EP&O) and Capital Technology and Facilities levies are up for renewal.  The board took formal action to approve a Lid-lift of these 2026 levies at their meeting on October 6, 2025. These replacement levies will be placed on the February 10, 2026, ballot.

Currently, 16% of the Lake Washington School District budget is funded by these two "replacement" levies.  The school board is proposing a special "excess" increase (that will be baked in for years) in the 2026 levy ask owing to: 

• loss of federal funding 5%. (total funding is currently $1.3M)
• new sales tax on services
• salary step increase
• increased compensation
• 8% inflation growth 

EP&O tax increases of $180/year on $1.5M assessed property value ($.97/$1,000 property value)   

Capital Technology and Facilities tax increase of $45/year on $1.5M assessed property value ($.44/$1,000 property value.)  

REF:  final pages of  the "Levy Renewals" slide deck

Redmond Celebrates World Cup Draw

Redmond FIFA World Cup Volunteers / Yoder

June 19, USA vs. Australia 12  noon

Redmond Celebrates the World Cup Draw

More than 120 people enjoyed their Friday morning at the Archer Hotel in Downtown Redmond to celebrate the World Cup Draw. The celebration, which was hosted by the City of Redmond in partnership with Amazon, featured Sounders legends James Riley and Brad Evans as emcees. They shared memories from their professional days, fun soccer facts both locally and globally, and even facilitated a juggling contest for attendees. Riley and Evans also provided commentary when the pots were drawn for each group and engaged with the audience to see who they were most excited to watch.

 

The City of Redmond is preparing to take full advantage of the generational opportunities coming to the region next summer by showcasing Redmond’s connectivity to the region, celebrating the City’s diverse culture, and fostering an atmosphere of excitement and hospitality. For more information about the City’s programming for the World Cup, visit redmond.gov/Soccer.

Local FIFA World Cup Art / photo Yoder
Do you see the ferry? Mt. Rainier?  The Seattle skyline? 

 

• June 19: USA vs. Australia, noon
• Seattle will also host a Round of 32 match that will feature the winner of Group G (Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand) vs. the third-place finisher from one of Groups A/E/H/I/J. That game will kick off at  July 1 at 1 PM.
• Seattle’s final match will be a Round of 16 match that features the winner of the Round of 32 match against the winner of the match between the winner of Group D (which includes the United States) and a third-place team from Group B/E/F/I/J. That game will be played on July 6 at 5 PM.

2025 Redmond Lights

 

2025 Redmond Lights

Dec. 6, 2025 - Jan. 5, 2026   |   5 - 11 p.m.

Downtown Park   |   Esterra Park

Enjoy glowing lights and illuminated art all month long.

Getting there / Parking

Live performances

Art 

Luminary walk from Downtown Park to Redmond Town Center

Redmond "Toys For Tots"

 

Toys for Tots is sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps. 

Looking for a festive holiday light display in Redmond (beyond "Redmond Lights"?)  Drive to the "Toys for Tots" drop-off station adjacent Costco-Redmond on 185th Ave NE and NE 76 Street and give a toy donation. 

Costco is a perfect place for buying affordable toys.  Pam and I found some good ones!  Drop-off times are Monday - Friday, 12/3 - 12/12 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Their holiday light display is amazing.  It runs three blocks.     

-- Bob Yoder, 12/2025

City News Now | December 1, 2025

Homeless Outreach, Redmond Lights, New Garbage and Recycling contractor

Recology Waste Store Opening at Bella Bottega

 

Recology Store Opening in Downtown Redmond

REDMOND, WA – Recology is opening a new store in Downtown Redmond, where customers can drop off difficult-to-recycle items, find Waste Zero products, speak with sustainability experts, get help with account issues, and pay their garbage bill in person. The Recology Store opening in Downtown Redmond is part of Redmond’s transition to a new waste hauler for the first time in over three decades and will be marked by a ribbon-cutting event from 1 – 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, at the new store located in the Bella Bottega Shopping Center, 8862 161st Ave NE, Ste. 104.

Osman Salahuddin Swear-in Ceremonies for 48th Legislative District

This week, I’ll be sworn in again to continue serving as your State Representative for the 48th Legislative District, and I’d love to have you there to celebrate with me!

We’ve got two events coming up: one official ceremony in Olympia, and one community swearing-in here at home. I’d be thrilled if you could make it to either (or both!). Details and RSVP links are below: 

 

Redmond City Council Elected Official Ceremony

December 2nd 2025 Redmond City Council ceremony and Business Meeting.  (Ceremony begins after 30 seconds.)

Former Governor Gary Locke read segments of the Declaration of Independence honoring our government and local Redmond councilmembers.  Retiring councilmember Jeralee Anderson described her accomplishments over 8 years of service and bid adieu.  Retiring Steve Fields was absent.  Councilmember Melissa Stuart was sworn in for a second term and Ms. Soni and Mr. Prakriya were sworn into their council positions. Many local dignitaries attended. It was a full house.  

The ceremony is 17 minutes long and I encourage you to listen. (The Business part of the meeting starts after the ceremony.)

King County Files Lawsuit Against Trump Over Housing

 

NEWS: King County files lawsuit against Trump administration over unlawful restrictions to housing and homelessness services

Summary A national coalition of local governments and nonprofit organizations filed a lawsuit on Monday, December 1 challenging the Trump administration’s unconstitutional action imposing unlawful conditions on the Continuum of Care grant program that seek to limit or dismiss proven housing solutions like permanent supportive housing. Story On Monday, a coalition of seven local governments and four nonprofit organizations, including King County, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island against the Trump administration’s Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The lawsuit challenges the Trump administration’s unlawful and unreasonable restrictions to the Continuum of Care (CoC) grant program in order to receive federal funding for permanent supportive housing and homelessness services. HUD’s current CoC investments in permanent supportive housing are at risk if renewal grants are not protected, impacting an estimated 4,500 households in King County. The HUD Notice of Funding Opportunity released last month dramatically lowers the cap on longstanding funding for permanent supportive housing, a proven housing model, and requires King County to prioritize outreach services, temporary transitional housing, abstinence from substances, and mandatory behavioral health treatment. In addition, new awards will not be executed until May 2026. With previous grants expiring in January, the lag in new funding will likely create a large funding gap before new awards are made which could lead to program closures or interruptions.

Redmond City Council Votes to Rebuild Teen Center

 

Redmond City Council Votes to Rebuild Teen Center

Community engagement will be conducted as the rebuilding project progresses to ensure that the community’s voice is heard and that the voices of teens guide the creation of a new teen center.

REDMOND, WA - At their regular business meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, Redmond City Council voted 6-0 to approve rebuilding a new teen center at the same location as the existing building, which closed in March. In their approval, Council included prioritizing expedience in construction, centering teen voices in the design process, and including music performance space and a dedicated recording studio to continue the Old Fire House Teen Center legacy. The decision was informed by the recommendation of the Old Fire House Teen Center Stakeholder Group.

The Council decision followed a robust, multi-round community engagement process that included online questionnaires, event tabling, listening sessions, workshops, and focus group meetings. Council also formed the Teen Services Subcommittee and joined six meetings with the Stakeholder Group to observe the process. The Stakeholder Group was facilitated by a communications and community engagement consultant contracted by the City and composed of members representing a range of backgrounds and perspectives, including teens, parents, service providers, commission representatives, and other community members.

City News Now | November 24, 2025

EvergreenHealth and Seattle Children's Enter Affiliation For Neonatal and Specialty Care

 

Chris Bredeson, EvergreenHealth chief operating and strategy officer, left, and Jamie Phillips, president and chief operating officer at Seattle Children's, are seen July 1 at the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the launch of Neonatal & Pediatric Specialty Care Services at EvergreenHealth Medical Center.

Kirkland-based EvergreenHealth and Seattle Children’s have entered into a strategic affiliation for neonatal and pediatric specialty care services that will allow Eastside families to get specialized inpatient care from Seattle Children’s doctors at Evergreen’s Kirkland hospital, the parties announced today.

The affiliation took effect July 1, 2025 starting with pediatric cardiologists, neurologists, and general surgeons from Seattle Children’s, according to Chris Bredeson, EvergreenHealth's chief operating and strategy officer. More pediatric specialty services will be added over time, he said in an interview.

“It means a lot for patients to be able to have care in their community — and so we have a big initiative around improving access for people on the Eastside; and in the pediatric area, that's something we've heard from people over and over again that they don't like driving across the bridge to Seattle for all the reasons you can imagine,” Bredeson said. “They want to stay in the community, and so we're going to do everything we can to have as many babies stay as possible ... if they come through the emergency department, go to our pediatric unit, or if they're born at Evergreen.”

425 Business, 7/7/25

EvergreenHealth Executives Meet with State Legislators

 

EvergreenHealthEvergreenHealth18,052 followers18,052 followers3d • Edited • 3 days ago • Edited • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn

CEO Ettore Palazzo, MD:  "In November, we welcomed several state legislators to our Kirkland campus as they prepare for the upcoming session in Olympia!🎈 (Larry Springer was one.)

These visits allowed us to share our role as a public hospital district, highlight our services, and discuss community investments.

Like many hospitals across Washington, EvergreenHealth faces significant financial challenges due to recent state and federal policy changes. We appreciate the opportunity to engage with our elected leaders on these issues and are grateful for their continued support and commitment to quality care."

Pictured: 48th LD Representative Osman Salahuddin, CEO Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP, Director of Women's & Children's Services Tessie (Hughes) Foley, Chief Operating and Strategy Officer Chris Bredeson, MBA, FACHE,  and Chief Financial Officer William Howe

[EvergreenHealth is now partnering with Children's Hospital of Seattle to facilitate and expand care on the Eastside.] by

Redmond Encourages Residents to Apply For Vacant Council Position

 

Redmond Encourages Residents to Apply for City Council Position #1 Vacancy

The City will host an optional Council Information Session at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2. for community members to ask questions and learn more about the responsibilities of being a Councilmember. Meet in Council chambers. 

REDMOND, WA – The City of Redmond today announced the official process and expected timeline for filling City Council Position #1, encouraging community members interested in public service to apply for the role, which is vacant following the resignation of Councilmember Osman Salahuddin.

The vacancy will be filled by a replacement voted on by members of the current City Council; Mayor Angela Birney will cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie. The City Council reviewed recruitment procedures at last night’s Committee of the Whole meeting.

The application is currently open and can be found here.The application period will run through noon on Friday, Jan. 2, with Council reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

Councilmembers serve as the legislative branch of the City of Redmond’s government, providing direction to the Mayor on policy goals and objectives for long-term vision based on community values and needs. Council is responsible for adopting the City’s budget, setting fees, accepting grants, and overseeing financial and performance measures; adopting codes, zoning, and standards in city law and regulations; approving contracts, real estate transactions, claim settlements, and interlocal agreements; approving pay ranges and union contracts; advising the Mayor to support staff implementation of policies; and representing the majority position of the Council to the public.

The first round of in-person interviews will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 13, followed by final interviews with the top 4 candidates and Council voting on Tuesday, Jan. 20. Should a majority vote be reached on Jan. 20, the final preferred candidate will be sworn in that evening.

Redmond Lights Returns To Downtown Park

 Redmond Lights Returns to Downtown Park, Expands to Overlake

REDMOND, WA - Redmond Lights, the City of Redmond’s annual winter celebration of art and light, will illuminate Downtown Park once again this year and, for the very first time, will expand its footprint to the Overlake neighborhood’s Esterra Park, as well. The community can enjoy the free, month-long art installations at both locations from Dec. 6, 2025, to Jan. 5, 2026. A Kick-Off Event will take place from 4 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Downtown Park.

“I look forward to joining our community in experiencing the wonder of Redmond Lights again this year,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “This year will be especially magical with new art and light exhibits at Esterra Park, in addition to the beloved traditions that bring us together this season.” 

NEWS FLASH!! Council Passes Motion To Rebuild Teen Center At Same Location

Council decided on November 19, 2025 the OFH will be rebuilt.

"Community engagement will be conducted as the rebuilding project progresses to ensure that the community’s voice is heard and that the voices of teens guide the creation of a new teen center."  - COR

"After an extensive community engagement process, study of financial and other implications of different options, and reviewing the stakeholder group recommendation and focus group results, the Council passes the following motion to provide formal direction on the Old Firehouse Teen Center facility: 

Rebuild the teen center on the same location. Prioritize expedience in construction, centering teen voices in the design process, and including music performance space and a dedicated recording studio to continue the Old Firehouse Teen Center legacy."

SOURCE:  AM No. 25-184 Business Meeting Agenda, 11/18/2025

AM No. 25-184

Type:

Consent Item

Status:

Agenda Ready

File created:

10/14/2025

In control:

City Council

On agenda:

11/18/2025

Final action:

Title:

Approval to Rebuild the Teen Center on the Same Location. Prioritize Expedience in Construction, Centering Teen Voices in the Design Process, and Including Music Performance Space and a Dedicated Recording Studio to Continue the Old Firehouse Teen Center Legacy

Attachments:

1. Agenda Memo, 2. Attachment A: Old Fire House Facility Recommendation Process, 3. Attachment B: Community and Stakeholder Outreach and Involvement, 4. Attachment C: OFH Stakeholder Group Final Report, 5. Appendix A - Stakeholder Group Charter, 6. Appendix B - Stakeholder Group Meeting Materials, 7. Attachment D: Redmond OFH Engagement - Community Focus Groups Summary

-

UPDATED 12/9/2025: 2026 Redmond Executive And Non-Union Compensation Plan

In all the Council and Mayor meetings I've watched never once did they deliberate on staff salaries and benefits.  Perhaps they don't want to cut off the hands (staff) that feed them. 

After the Human Resources Director gave her Pay Plan presentation, Councilmembers Nuevacamina and Kritzer calendared a 12/9 study session.  Thank you Council.

2026 Executive Pay Plan not counting, COLA (3.8%), bonuses, merit increases, health insurance, retirement, perks. Staff broke this link on 11/19/25: 

Effective January 1, 2026.  Maximum annual band is quoted.  Source for red 2024 bonuses was Public Record Request.    

Chief Executive Officer:  MAYOR  

Chief Operating Officer:  $312,579.17  (Runs Office of the Mayor?)

Deputy C.O.O. $273,238. NEW

Deputy Executive Director:  $218,863.34 (L.M.) [2024 bonus: $7,776.60]

  -- L. M. ?  [Council requested a review of the organizational chart.]

Fire Chief: $273,328.24   

Deputy Fire Chief: $244,740.55

Police Chief: $273,328.24  

Deputy Police Chief: $244,740.55 (B.C.) [2024 bonus: $23,700,60]  Promoted from Captain.

City Attorney:  $273,328.24  

Deputy City Attorney:  $244,740.55

Supervising Attorney:  $202,982.98 

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (P.P.) $155,857.02 [2024 bonus: $7,204.20]

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (S.S.): - *2025 salary and title not quoted in the Plan when first presented by Human Resources.  [2024 bonus: $3,602.19]  Omission

Paralegal (NEW):  $112,714.38 

Total annual salaries, ~$1.1M+$150,000 + benefits

Public Works Director:  $255,958.34,  (promotion.) 

Deputy Public Works Director:  $244,832.88, 

 

Parks & Recreation Director:  $255,958.24  (promotion) 

Deputy Parks Director: $218,863.34. 

*Second Deputy Parks Directer (D.T.) - 2025 salary and title was not quoted by Human Resources in their Plan presentation. [2024 bonus $7,461.60] Omission.   

C.I.O. Director: $247,745.68,  Deputy C.I.O. $224,832.88

Deputy TIS Director (CM), - 2025 title and salary not quoted in original Human Resources Pay Plan presentation. [2024 bonus $9,145.99]  Title later changed to Deputy IT Director.  Omission. 

Finance Director:  $247,745.68,  

 Deputy Finance Director: $218,863.64 [2024 bonus: $5498.13]

 Financial Analyst (non-representative) 

Human Services Director: $247,745.68  

Deputy Human Services Director $218,863.34

HR Analyst, $140,682.28

HR Generalist (NEW) $138,241.91

HR Manager, $171,008.42

Consultant: CabotDow Associates

Total Annual Salaries: $890,000 + benefits

Director Planning and Community Development:  $247, 745.63  This is an understated salary.  Director Carol Helland "runs the government" in a large way.  She Chairs the Technical Committee for all projects. She directs 2 deputies, all the Vision 2050 planners, Development project planners, affordable housing and homeless initiatives, human  services, has written a white paper on Overlake Village, past president of ARCH, directs code changes and amendments, attends community meetings.  

According to a 2024 Public Record Request Director Helland. was not given a bonus or a promotion to a higher band.  Whereas, the Director of Parks and Director of Public Works is slated for promotion this year and Director Helland is not..  

 IMO the Human Resources Director has lost credibility. She calls her job an "art"  using  union contracts as the starting point for salary and COLA decisions system-wide.  She is now proposing a "generalist"  to complement  her consultant and three and a "generalist" in her department?

  -- Deputy Director Planning and Community Development: (S.A.) $218,863,34. [2024 bonus: $5,647.20]

 * -- Deputy PCD Director (Jason L.)  The title and 2025 salary for this position was not  quoted in Human Resources original Pay Plan presentation. [2024 bonus: $9,893,40] Omission. Transparency.                      

1 CEO, the Mayor

1 COO

2 Chiefs

6 Directors

15 Deputies 

4 Attorneys

5 NEW 

SOURCES: AM 25-1814 (altered by the city to AM 25-188) 

 2026 Union Pay Plan not counting health insurance, COLA (3.8%,) merit increases, retirement, and perks and more.  (City staff broke this link on 11/19)

 

Effective January 1, 2026.  Maximum annual pay band quoted: 

For the complete list of "non represented" employees go HERE:

City Clerk:  $171,088 

Assistant City Clerk

HR Analyst, $140,682.28 (consultant was hired)

HR Generalist (NEW) $138,241,91

HR Manager, $171,008.42

Police Captain:  $223,697.30

Police Support Civilian Commander, $202,982,98

Police Support:  $161,480.77

Police Sergeant: $161,257.54 ( 2025 Teamsters Local Union No. 117) 

Police Corporal: $140.695.24 (2025 Teamsters Local Union)

Police Officer: $122,158.48 (2025 Teamsters Local Union) mid-point

City Engineer Manager:  $211,794.58

City Engineer:  $211,794.58

Security Compliance Manager:  $211,794.58

Chief Policy Advisor:  $202,982.98

Supervising Attorney: $202,982,98.

Construction Manager  $180.412. 01 

Managers (16)  Parks, Finance, Utilities ($189,811.79) Emergency Preparedness, Project Management Office Manager ($202,982,98) Planning $189,966,78)  and more.

Supervisors (12) Attorney: $202,982,98.  In general:  $138K - $180K 

 

Paralegal:  $112,714.38 (NEW)  

DEI Program Advisor, $140,684.20  (Position moved up and to the Executive Department.) 

Behavioral Health Professional, $132,248.11

Administrative Assistants (secretaries):  $70,758,38, (minimum annual band) $83,141 (mid-point annual band)  $95,524 (maximum annual band)

SOURCE, AM 25-1814. Council Business Meeting Agenda, 11/18/2025.  (altered to AM 25-188; link broken by staff on 11/19/25.) 

AM No. 25-188   These links were broken by staff on 11/19/25

Type:

Staff Report

Status:

Agenda Ready

File created:

10/29/2025

In control:

City Council

On agenda:

11/18/2025 (compensation subject to Council approval.)

Final action:

Title:

Proposed Updates to the 2026 Pay Plans

Attachments:

1. Agenda Memo, 2. Attachment A: Presentation, 3. Attachment B: Ordinance - 2026 AFSCME Pay Plans, 4. Exhibit 1: 2026 AFSCME Pay Plan “A”, 5. Exhibit 2: 2026 AFSCME Pay Plan “AF-S”, 6. Attachment C: Ordinance - 2026 Executive Pay Plan, 7. Exhibit 1: 2026 Executive Pay Plan “E”, 8. Attachment D: Ordinance - 2026 Non-Represented Pay Plans, 9. Exhibit 1: 2026 Non-Represented Pay Plan "N", 10. Exhibit 2: 2026 Non-Represented Supplemental Pay Plan “N-S”, 11. Attachment E: Ordinance - 2026 General Supplemental Pay Plan, 12. Exhibit 1: 2026 General Supplemental Pay Plan “G-S”, 13. Attachment F: Ordinance - 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan, 14. Exhibit 1: 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan “EO”, 15. Attachment G: Ordinance - 2026 Police Commissioned Pay Plan, 16. Exhibit 1: 2026 Police Commissioned Pay Plan “P”