Mayor Birney Working to Identify Housing Solutions

 

Redmond Mayor Angela Birney/ Komo News

Angela Birney Joins the Housing Supply Accelerator Partnership

REDMOND, WA - Redmond Mayor Angela Birney is participating on the steering committee of the Housing Supply Accelerator, a partnership between the National League of Cities (NLC) and the American Planning Association (APA) to bring together local governments, community planners, builders, financial institutions, housing policy associations, and state and federal partners to develop, align, and advance solutions for housing supply challenges at the local level. 

There is simply not enough housing in our country, including in Redmond, the eastside, and our state,” said Mayor Birney. “I’m excited to work with others across the nation to help guide actions that will improve housing capacity, identify critical solutions, and accelerate our efforts to ensure quality housing for all.

This solutions-oriented campaign aims to develop model practices, ordinances, and resources to accelerate and incentivize local approaches to land use, housing development, and preservation.

Under Birney’s leadership, the City of Redmond has slated 10 million towards affordable housing in the current budget, contributed four million towards the construction of the Together Center, worked to support the development of more affordable and transit-oriented housing, implemented tenant protections, and housed many individuals experiencing homelessness. The City is currently engaging community members on updates to housing policies as part of Redmond 2050, the periodic update of the Redmond Comprehensive Plan.

Mayor Birney serves on the Sound Cities Association Board as the past president, the King County Council Regional Policy Committee, Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board, King County Regional Homelessness Authority, and Hopelink Board of Directors, among other regional boards and committees.

To learn more about the Housing Supply Accelerator, visit the NLC blog post.

Bear Creek: An Oral History of a Changing Landscape / by Gary Smith

 Produced and Directed by Gary Smith in concert with the Redmond Historical Society

Gary Smith is Redmond's foremost "human and natural history volunteer."

Click on Gary's name to read articles on what he's accomplished and is doing now.

Opinion by B. Yoder

3/5/2023

EVENT: "APex Artist Reception" at Victor's this Sunday, March 5th, 2:30-4:30

 

Marco Coady's "APex Art Corner" at Victor's 
(click picture to enlarge it)

Victors Celtic Coffee in the historic district of downtown Redmond, will be hosting a reception for Smita Yamala, "APex Artist of the Month." this Sunday, March 5th, from 2:30 - 4:30.  The "APex  Student of Month " will also be present!

Smita's artwork, "The Happy Soul," will be installed in the APex & Marco's Corner of Victor's from February 26th to March 26th.  Parking is scarce so walking is encouraged. 

Marco Peers Coady is the founder of "Artists Personal Exchange" (APex,) and advertises his business as, 'a place for artists to meet, connect and share their work.'   

-- Bob Yoder, 3/2/23

    Photo  by

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! "Poetry Showcase Event" Featuring Live Readings from Local Poets. April 22nd.

Credit: Columbia Lutheran Home, Seattle, WA

National Poetry Month is April

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Redmond Historical Society will be hosting a Poetry Showcase on Saturday, April 22nd in the Old Redmond Schoolhouse at 1:00 PM. This event will be free, and open to the public. Enjoy live readings from local poets, an opportunity to explore the Redmond Historical Society's display space, and more!!

###

The Redmond Historical Society is actively seeking poets for this event. 

• Selected poets must be able to provide either a live or recorded reading of their poem for the event.
• Poems should be submitted by March 22nd at 5:00 PM. A submission form is available HERE 

For more information, contact the Redmond Historical Office at 425-885-2919 or poetryshowcase@redmondhistoricalsociety.org. 

Special thanks to Hallee Turner, Administration & Collections Manager.

UPDATED 3/3/2023: The Story Of EvergreenHealth's Attitude Toward Mental Health

 EvergreenHealth - King County Public Hospital District #2

This "Silver Tower" and a 2nd Emergency Department were funded by the district
taxpayers of Redmond, Sammamish, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell, Mill Creek,
Kenmore, Shoreline, Duval, Carnation, and Snohomish County.

EvergreenHealth serves it's community well.  An exception is their almost complete non- performance in treating mental illness.  COVID removed stigma, raised awareness; uncovering the high incidence of those struggling. They should do better and they're not.

Overall though, we are blessed to have EvergreenHealth in our community and region.  They led the Nation through the pandemic onslaught and are deserving of every award earned,  For a hospital with their pandemic experience, they should have no problem finding bandwidth for Mental Health hybrid programming.  

 

Below, is decade's long news and my accounting of EvergreenHealth's lack of progress towards the implementation of mental health treatment and care:

EvergreenHealth history - then & now.

Executive & Medical Leadership Team

Mission, Vision, Values

The Monitor newsletter 

The Status Of Mental Health Care At EvergreenHealth (2022)

King County Asks EvergreenHealth For Behavioral Health Urgent Care Clinic 

 EvergreenHealth:  Serve your community with "Behavioral Health Urgent Care!"

King County Councilmember Actively Engaged In Behavioral Health

EvergreenHealth Aledgedly Misused C.A.R.E Money

The History of EvergreenHealth CEOs

EvergreenHealth CEO Jeff Tomlin - The pandemic CEO.

EvergreenHealth Hospital Governance is not "Open" and Lacks Transparency

 --News and Opinion, Bob Yoder, 3/1/2023

Public Board meeting information is here. Only thing missing are times of the meetings! The public comment period starts at 6:30 p.m.

Brain disorders are generalational in my family.  It's been quite a tortuous ride. BY

UPDATED, 0/23 Large Crane In Use On "Project One"

"Project One" crane stretches over 161 Av. NE. It's close to the Philips 76 station and downtown QFC.
Photo:  Bob Yoder

"Project One" will be eight stories high with 244 mixed use multi-family units, commercial space, and 221 parking spaces (21 parking spaces are free for commercial/retail use within the building.)  The developer committed to minimum of 25 affordable units.

Spacious plazas and arcades with water features will be accessible to the public during extended business hours.  The owner is considering a dog wash station.  The arcade looks very good by design. Unfortunately, the city pencils in narrow sidewalks with questionable lighting.  

Nelson Legacy Group (NLG) is the owner and developer of  "Project One."  They will develop 21 additional acres in the same local per a Development agreement with the city.  It will take about ten years or more for the development to evolve into a village. 

Boundaries:  Adjacent to the Downtown Park, Phillips gas station and Jimmy Johns to the west, Redmond Way to the South. 1.4 acres. 80052 -161 Av. NE. 

-- Bob Yoder, Community Volunteer, 2/18/23

Sources:  Design Review Board Memorandum, 4/15/2020; Carol Helland, Director Planning & Community Development; Thomas L. Markel, NLG; CLARK BARNES "NLG Project One Design Review," 12/03/2020

UPDATED 2/16: Council Authorizes Electric Fire Engine Purchase, Service By 2026

Electric Fire Engine, Pierce Manufacturing

On Feb. 7, 2023, Redmond City Council authorized the acceptance of a grant toward the purchase of the City’s first electric fire engine. The Fire Department applied for and received a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology, which covers 25% of the costs of the electric engine program. 

Redmond will be the first agency in the state to receive the grant, and the engine will be the first electric fire engine in Washington, as well as one of the first few in the country.   

The Pierce Volterra electric fire engine is the first to enter service and has proven effective in its years of use. The project’s total costs, including charging infrastructure, are $2.3 million, of which the grant will pay for nearly $600,000. It is estimated to take about 25 months to receive the new unit now that it has been ordered, as each Volterra engine is built to order. 

Madison, Wisconsin, currently has an electric unit in service, and new electric units will enter service this year in Portland, Oregon, and Gilbert, Arizona. In preparation for this project, Redmond Fire Department personnel visited Madison, Wisconsin, where a Volterra engine has been in service since 2021. They met with Madison’s fire personnel to discuss their experience with the electric engine and its benefits.

“We’ve learned the benefits of these new electric engines reducing fuel costs, and with its backup diesel engine, it will be even more reliable than a traditional diesel engine,” said Mayor Angela Birney. "Quieter operations also help our first responders communicate at the scene of an incident and keep our Redmond community safe." 

Redmond’s Environmental Sustainability Action Plan targets 2030 for city operations to achieve carbon neutrality. The electric fire engine will contribute towards this goal, and its location at Fire Station 12 will also reduce diesel emissions in the vicinity of the station. 

Redmond’s grant is from the Washington State Clean Diesel Program and Volkswagen Settlement Grant Program, in cooperation with the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grants program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The DERA program funds state and local governments to replace or modernize old diesel vehicles with alternative technologies.

-- Jill E. Smith, Communications Manager
    jesmith@redmond.gov, 425-556-2448 

NOTES:

$600,000 grant. Total project cost: $2.3 million

AMAZON may support the program in some way. 

Council Member David Carson was concerned about the short 18-month trial of the Michigan prototype and longevity of the batteries. Michael Despain, COR Fire Department, said the batteries will last 7-9 years and will require a second series of batteries in the lifetime of the truck.  (The typical lifetime of a Redmond fire engine lasts 20- 25 years.)   

It's hard to believe, but even with the diesel back-up, among other features, Despain said $8,000 per year will be saved in maintenance. 

Truck available ~late 2025

-- Bob Yoder, Notes, 2/15/2023

Source:  1/24/2023 "Council Committee of the Whole Meeting - Parks and Environmental Sustainability," CM David Carson, Presiding officer.  Meeting video and agenda:  https://redmond.granicus.com/player/clip/2495?view_id=2&redirect=true&h=b2a2ea34d14425db8f2aa904a2e709b8

Redmond's "Addiction" To Pickle Ball, Nation's Fastest Growing Sport

24 Hour Fitness.Players from all walks of life. Rocket scientist, housekeeper, choral singer, anthropologist, retired fitness instructor and author, mortgage broker, stay-at-home dad, software engineer, passers through, Redmond historian... See the 89 year-old playing with his son?!
 (click picture to enlarge)

                                                        Exercise -  -  Socialize - - Learn

Pickle Ball Basics video.  All ages, body types, and fitness levels. Players willing to share advice. Games are short, lasting about 10 minutes.  Doubles is most common.  Mind  the "kitchen" while "dinking!"  Founded on Bainbridge Island. 

Court Locations and Times:

Old Redmond School House for seniors.  Fun and welcoming group. 3 inside courts.  M,W,Th  9:30 - Noon.  (practice before 9.) Nominal fee.  

Redmond Perrigo Park.  4 outside courts (the way it was made to play.)  "Bangers," Intermediates, Novices, and Families. No fees. Share with 2 tennis courts.  Arrive early to play and practice.  After playing we like to hike the adjacent farmland trail with our dog.  

Redmond Meadows Community Park.  3 outside courts.  Good for families. Courts are rooty.  

Nike Neighborhood Park, 1 outside court, little used.

Senior & Community Center.  Under construction.  2 outside courts.  2-3 inside courts on occasion.  

24 Hour Fitness. One inside court.  9 - 3pm.  7 days a week.  Great for practice!  Membership fee OR health insurance pass. 

Fort Edwards State Park.  Juanta.  6 indoor courts. Medium to high level of play. Adjacent monastery converted to 86-room boutique hotel, fine art, and fancy restaurant. A must! Walk the dog. 

-- Bob Yoder, 2/9/2023

   I've played for 6 months with Pam. Was a very slow learner on the serve and challenged by complicated scoring! 

UPDATED: County Council Votes "Yes" On $1.25B Behavioral Health Levy

The King County Council voted Tuesday to send a $1.25 billion behavioral health levy to voters for consideration on an April special election ballot.

The proposal, which would raise the funds through a property tax levy spread over nine years, would fund:

1.  creation of five regional crisis care centers,
2.  the preservation and restoration of residential treatment beds,
3. growth of the behavioral health workforce pipeline, and 
4. provide immediate services while centers are being constructed. 

In 2024, the levy will cost the owner of a median-valued home about $121.

With council approval, the proposal will now appear on the April 25 special election ballot

KOMO News:  Broadcast of King County Executive Dow Constantine's' Announcement. 

UPDATED: Historical Society Saturday Speaker Series: David Williams: Traces Human and Natural History of Puget Sound

 

Redmond Historical Society Speaker's Program

Saturday, Feb 11, 10:30 AM

Redmond, Old Redmond Schoolhouse, 16600 NE 80th St, Redmond, WA.

Speaker:  David B. Williams 

Author, Homewaters: A Human and Natural History of Puget Sound

About the Event

Homewaters: A Human and Natural History of Puget Sound is an award-winning nonfiction account of the long story of the Sound, tracing human history from the earliest records more than 12,500 years ago to present. Williams also focuses on often overlooked species such as Olympia oysters, rockfish, geoduck, kelp, and herring, as well as salmon and orca. Witty, graceful, and deeply informed, Homewaters presents a fascinating and hopeful narrative, one that will introduce newcomers to the astonishing life that inhabits Puget Sound and offers longtime residents new insights into and appreciation of the waters they call home.

Speaker BIO

David B. Williams is an author, naturalist, and tour guide whose award-winning book, Homewaters: A Human and Natural History of Puget Sound is a deep exploration of the stories of this beautiful waterway. He is also the author of the award-winning book Too High and Too Steep: Reshaping Seattle’s Topography, as well as Seattle Walks: Discovering History and Nature in the City. Williams is a Curatorial Associate at the Burke Museum and writes a free weekly newsletter, the Street Smart Naturalist.  His weekly newsletter focuses on human and natural history.

A HYBRID PROGRAM WITH MORE COMING!

    

Redmond Historical Society 

John Oftebro, President RHS organized the program. Many thanks John!

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Residents Invited to Senior & Community Center "Topping Ceremony"

1 - 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3 at the Redmond Senior & Community Center

REDMOND, WA - Redmond’s new community gathering place continues to mark milestones and make great strides in construction. Next week, the community is invited to join the City of Redmond in celebrating the Redmond Senior & Community Center Topping Out Ceremony, as the project team places a beam in the tallest section of the building. The event will take place from 1 - 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3 at the construction site adjacent to Redmond City Hall at 15670 NE 85th St, Redmond, WA 98052.

REDMOND BLOG EDITORIAL: Carol Helland, Redmond's Urban Planner Extraordinaire

 

Carol Helland, Director of Planning & Community Development 

The complexity and demands of  Director Helland's job don't compare to Directors of the past. Should the Mayor hire a Deputy of Planning Services?

From observations, I believe Carol Helland, the city's Director of Planning & Community Development is the most influential government executive in Redmond. She oversees land use permitting, is Administrator of the Technical Committee, of Public Notice, Code Administrator, oversees the Design Review Board, and director of Human Services among other high level responsibilities. 

Mayor Birney and Council rely heavily on Helland for her understanding of Washington's Growth Management recommendations and requirements. Her flexible use of building codes shape the form, function and character of downtown Redmond, Overlake Urban Center and our gentrifying neighborhoods. Carol negotiates Development agreements with the Mayor and co-approves project permits with Public Works. (A 22-acre Development agreement for NELSON Legacy's downtown Village was inked; RTC is on deck with others to come.)  

Director Helland recently hired Seraphie Allen as Deputy Director of Planning & Community Development.  Already, Deputy Allen's job responsibilities are to communicate with OneRedmond, work with Director Helland's Redmond 2050 Long Range Planning Team, and guide the Mayor's Planning Commission volunteers.  These roles have the ring of a new title, perhaps "deputy director of community development."

The complexity and demands of Ms. Helland's job don't compare to Directors of the past.  Though outside the HR box, the Mayor might possibly assign a second Deputy Director, one for "Planning services" the other for "Community development?"  Ms. Helland is Redmond's Urban Planner extraordinaire and needs all the help she can get. Once Mayor Birney actively teams up with Helland, fewer mistakes will be made and we'll have a more livable Redmond. 

For answers on how you can make Redmond a better community, email Heather at: info@redmond.gov. She's the city's Customer Experience Coordinator and an excellent resource.  Her phone is 425-556-2900.   

Let's make Redmond better together.

-- Bob Yoder

   Editor, Reporter and Scribbler, Redmond Neighborhood Blog    

   1/21/2023

For the Director Helland's job description....

Updated Opinion: Woodinville's Attractive Downtown Is Well Designed, Redmond Is Working On It

Image Credit:  "Next City"

A Redmond Blog reader says...

We live in "unincorporated Woodinville" and had the occasion to drive through downtown Redmond for the first time in a while. Holy cookie cutter, I haven't seen so many gray apartments lined up one after the other along a major thoroughfare, with almost no setback from the street for trees. Either the council or the Community Development department failed residents of the city. I'm not sure why every building has to look exactly the same with almost no character or distinguishing features? Housing was needed, yes - but downtown Redmond now feels soul-less. Gone are the days where you could grab cheap eats at Herfy's or Frankie's. Now you're stuck with expensive restaurants sitting in the first floor retail spaces of these apartment buildings, if they're lucky enough to be able to pay the rent these spaces charge. I get it - old strip malls are eyesores, but they often house popular businesses that would otherwise be unable to afford higher rent. On the other hand, I have been super impressed with what Woodinville has done with the schoolhouse district and Woodin Creek areas. It actually feels like it has character and it has adequate parking for the retail that's there. The Molbak's redevelopment seems encouraging and hopefully it can continue the trend in that area. That actually feels like a place I would want to live if I was single and wanted an apartment or if I wanted to downsize. Redmond does not.

-- Anonymous comment:  "City Salaries Under Review, Bonuses Unknown" post.

Videos of downtown Woodinville streetscape design to follow. by

UPDATED OPINION, 2/23/23: Redmond Town Center's New Owner Proposes Amendments Allowing 12-Story Buildings

Imagining a new town center

OPINION:  It's all so confusing and I'm still unclear.  The new owner of Redmond Town Center, Fairbourne Properties, is proposing "zone text amendments" that would allow two 12-story buildings on his property in exchange for "public benefits" such as, affordable housing, environmental stewardship, and business diversity (eg. retail retail, retail; restaurants, entrepreneurs, recreation, small business, commercial,   The benefits are vague and Council is working to clarify them.

A partial summary of the proposed amendments appear as follows:

1) Increase maximum height to 12-stories through an incentive program of 3 extra levels for above grade parking per building, electric bike space and decent pedestrian lighting.   

2) One amendment involves the owner offering "exceptional amenities" for additional height.  I crave colorful, covered plazas and courtyards, eclectic and cultural artworks, sustainable-public-rooftop-patios-with-pristine-views, public spaces for daycare and pets, and above all else, well lit performing arts spaces welcoming and entertaining all, including commercial and retail employees.  Pickleball is a craze and rooftop courts to activate the Center are being looked at.

3) It's my understanding, the final amendment, if passed, could expand "Town Center Mixed Use" into certain parcels along Bear Creek Parkway; serviced by an office gateway.  The expansion plan is unclear; and it may never happen.

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 1/30/2023, Updated 2/22/23, Resident of Redmond, WA.

SOURCES:  

Council "Planning and Public Works" Committee of the Whole memo, 1/3/2023, excerpted and edited.  Unfortunately, the city red-lined this memo. 

City Council memo, 1/17/2023 - discusses privately initiated text amendments.

FAIRBOURNE Properties (owner)

Hines, RTC owner's consultant and outreach arm.  (Patrick Woodruff is the Hines lead; he's local and enthusiastically seeking ALL opinions and feedback.) 

Converse with the community and the owner HERE)

Carol Helland, Director of Planning and Community Development.  (Ask for Ms. Helland's contact information at info@redmond.gov or Mayor@redmond.gov)

Arnold Tomac, Past President Redmond City Council, a Town Center founder, and co-founder of the Ped/Bike Advisory Committee.  Arnie's BIO.  

by

UPDATED: Council Member David Carson Urges Access & Enhancement to "String of Pearls" Park Properties

CM David Carson

Council Member David Carson says....

"When I joined the Redmond City Council in 2008, I fully expected that park properties along Redmond’s eastern edge (collectively known as the “String of Pearls”) would be, at the very least, made available to Redmond’s citizenry to enjoy since they’ve been in our inventory for now more than 50 years. That unfortunately has not happened, and budgets don’t seem to be getting any easier to afford city-developed projects. Leveraging of our civic pride is a way to do this and involve our residents. It would be a real achievement to make these beautiful properties available to our hiking and recreating public.  

Below, are David's thoughts:

Redmond - Bicycle Capital of the Northwest - Mini-Documentary

Redmond's "Space Needle" Entrance Sign

By Jerry Torell

Jerry Torell in front of the current sign 0f 3/15/2017. Yoder

The Redmond Bike Derby Road Races including the "Bike Derby Parade" from the first year, have always been a major part of the city's civic events with riders coming from around the country and Canada to compete in the annual race.  In the mid 1970’s while I served on the Redmond Chamber of Commerce Board as Vice President, I was also Publicity Chairman for the chamber. Over the years several of my dry cleaning customers commented that the city needed an entrance sign on the west end of Redmond.

I started thinking about it and with the history of the bicycle in Redmond I knew the bike had to be a key part of the sign, so I proposed the idea to my Chamber committee along with a plan to build it. Getting the chamber's approval of the plan, I contacted our City Mayor “Bud” Young to get his thoughts…He LOVED the bicycle sign idea!!   He offered the city staff to lay out some sketches. 

From an earlier Jaycee project I had met Chuck Johns who was the metal’s instructor at Redmond High School.  I called Chuck and explained our city entrance sign plan, asking him if his class could help build an old fashioned bicycle with the “big front wheel and the small back wheel” not knowing then, it was known as the “Penny Farthing.” 

(l-r)  Bud Young, Fred Habenicht, Kim Murrey, Jerry Torell
Credit/ Sammamish Valley News

A key committee member, Fred Habenicht, owner of Frederick’s Appliances, volunteered to contact John Gunderson of Gundy’s Signs to carve and provide a wooden face for the sign.  I then re-contacted the Mayor to confirm the city's help installing and keeping it in good order plus maintaining the grounds around the sign.  The Mayor agreed! and “Gundy” worked out the slogan, “Redmond Bicycle Capital of the Northwest.” The sign was completed and dedicated in July of 1976. 

AS THEY SAY…THE REST IS NOW HISTORY !!

The Bicycle Entrance Sign has become the “Space Needle of Redmond," has Redmond’s symbol, and is copied by most everyone as a logo on literature and replicas mounted on sides of buildings around town. I was originally concerned that the sign would be damaged by vandals but to my knowledge this has never happened and the sign has become a key symbol of Redmond pride. 

The sign is now reconstructed of cement end posts and a redesigned wooden face and lit up with white lights at night and encircled with shrubs and flowers the year around bidding..."WELCOME TO ALL!"

.....so I designed and created the sign.

In 2013, I learned from 90-year old Ray Adams, that kids used to race around Redmond and local citizens would bet on who was the fastest. Ray in 1939 was then 16 and he and his buddy Charlie Lentz were in that first race of about 14 to 16 racers.  

Actually only about 6 of the racers made it all the way around the lake to cross the finish line including Ray and Charlie.   The lake road then was only partly paved on the west side and the rest was mainly dirt and gravel. Ray and Charlie suggested the race be around the lake. Anyway, the idea was accepted and Redmond Bike Derby Race was off and rolling…to become today, the nation’s oldest bicycle race, due to a small town’s public spirit, no matter the hardships.

  --Jerry Torell

Minor edits and photograph by Yoder

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. 

Man's Best Friend

I met a wonderful couple yesterday walking their dog. My Zoey played freely as we talked forever. They sent me this. What a great way to start the New Year!

Redmond Police Chief Lowe Elected President KCPCSA

courtesy C.O.R.

Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe Elected President of King County Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association

REDMOND, WA - Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe will serve as the 2023 president of the King County Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association (KCPCSA). He served as vice president of the board for 2022.      

KCPCSA was founded in 1998 and consists of executive and top management personnel from all law enforcement agencies in King County.

“I’m humbled and honored for the opportunity to lead and be the face and voice of my fellow King County law enforcement executives,” said Chief Lowe. “I look forward to working with local and state politicians in the upcoming legislative session to continue refining our laws for the betterment of the communities we serve.”

Lowe, who has served as Redmond’s Chief of Police since 2019, is also vice president of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs Association (WASPC), which provides services and resources to all law enforcement agencies within the state.

River Of Ice

 

 A river of ice flows right past our house!

Coming home from the airport we had to park on 100th and crawl to our house on whatever friction we could find -- snowy planting beds, driveway slush, clinging on car handles, wipers, and each other. 

This picture was taken on the evening of 12/23/2022

-- Bob Yoder, Redmond, 12/24/2022

"Camp Gileadvent," Carnation, 12/18/22
MERRY CHRISTMAS!