UPDATED, 10/26: Redmond Council Unanimously Passes Resolution Opposing Initiative No. 638

Councilmember Jessica Forsythe authored  Resolution No. 1634 Opposing Initiative No. 638, relating to Participation in Athletics at K-12 Schools.

Initiative Measure No. 638 concerns participation in athletics at K-12 schools. This measure would prohibit students it defines as “biologically male” from competing in certain school athletic activities intended for female students only. It would require verification of biological sex by students’ healthcare providers. Should this measure be enacted into law? Yes[ ] No    

Council President Melissa Stuart said the process for placing Forsythe's resolution on the agenda was outside "Council norms" and recommended a more thorough study and review for future controversial initiatives. Stuart said Initiative resolutions are an acceptable legislative "tool."  In a press release she goes onto say: "As City Council, we have a responsibity to protect the rights of the people we serve." 

Do we really need Council to "protect our rights?"  Should our Council (and Mayor) be telling us how to vote?

Public reach, notice and process was poor. Public testimonies and Council action occured after 11PM, late in the evening.  Only 6 citizens gave testimony and all were in favor of Forsythe's resolution to oppose Initiative No. 638.  Not one citizen was there to speak against the resolution.  

The Forsythe's resolution passed unanimously with focus on the transgender community, city values of inclusion, and privacy.

YouTube of  Council's resolution deliberation starts at 2:58:30  https://www.youtube.com/live/YsJtfph7eYE?si=9LWhQU8AH1-7B-tB

Jessica Forsythe is running against Amy Walen for seat No. 2 in the 48th Legislative District.  

-- Bob Yoder, Updated -10/26/26, Source:  Council Business meeting Agenda 10/20 page 7.  

Lodging Tax May Fund Space and Marathon Events

Seattle Space Week is expanding to add Redmond as a host city in 2027. 

 A point-to-point marathon from Marymoor Park to Gas Works Park on Sunday, April 18th, 2027. 

The lodging tax on hotels funds events to attract visitors to Redmond
credit: Experience Redmond

Funding for the tourism matching grants comes from the 1% lodging tax on Redmond hotels and motels, collected through the Lodging Tax Tourism Fund. 

The purpose of the Lodging Tax Fund is to increase tourism in Redmond by attracting visitors from more than 50 miles away, particularly overnight visitors who stay in Redmond hotels.  The LTAC consists of 7 members, including an equal number of hoteliers and members representing interests that might be funded by the tax. A Councilmember, currently Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer, serves as the committee chair.

VOTE EARLY!

No Kings Vote Early

Lots of fun, and very rewarding!  Over 75 waved signs!

This is not a protest -- this is a non-partisan Get Out the Early Vote event. Next "commuter" sign wavings: 

Tuesday, 10/20: 4:30-5:30 near Redmond library

Saturday, 10/24: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. near Redmond library

Tuesday10/27: 4:30-5:30: 4:30-5:30 near Redmond library 

Ann:  Organizer

Photo: John Reinke

Dunn Issues Statement Regarding $17 million Loss At KCRHA

Redmond Mayor Angela Birney was once on the KCRHA Governing Board representing Sound Cities Association.

Dunn issues statement following report identifying nearly $17 million unrecoverable balance at King County Regional Housing Authority (KCRHA) for the homeless. 

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn issued the following statement Thursday after an independent financial report found that the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) faces an estimated $17 million unrecoverable balance. Work on the report, produced by an independent firm, began in July as part of a 3-part stabilization effort announced by the King County Executive and Seattle Mayor. This comes after Dunn raised concerns about the proposed regional homelessness governance model in 2019 and wrote a 2023 Seattle Times Op-Ed calling for King County to end its participation in KCRHA:

“Once again, King County residents will be asked to foot the bill to cover for bureaucratic and financial mismanagement at KCRHA. Amidst the agency’s repeated administrative mistakes, we shouldn't forget that our region’s homelessness policies have failed the most vulnerable among us.

“If we want to truly reduce homelessness and help those on our streets who desperately need assistance, rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic isn’t enough. We must reverse our failed policies, restore accountability to taxpayer spending, and end the failed experiment that is KCRHA.”

Reservoir Park Sport Court Opens

One of the three tennis courts are lined for two pickleball courts.  However,  pickleball nets are not installed.  You have to bring your own.  Amazon has a selection.

In October, 2025 a city worker said he's been bombarded by people asking why the sports court would cost $1.8 million and takes so long to build.  According to the supervisor, a potable water reservoir of 3,100 gallons rests under the courts.  The lid was 50 years old, deteriorated and had to be replaced, not restored.  That costs money.  Now mid-October, 2026 and Sport Court is open.  -- Yoder,  Photos at redmond.gov

  

Project Overview

City of Redmond press release:

The Reservoir Park Sport Court sits on top of a 4-million gallon drinking water reservoir – both the tank and the sport court were built 50 years ago, in 1975. 

The buried tank is approximately 160 feet in diameter and about 28 feet deep. 

In 2023, a structural condition assessment was performed on the tank, 

and it was found to be in very good condition except for the lid. 

To extend the useful life of the tank and prepare for the new sports court,

 this project will: 

• Remove the existing surface.
• Inspect the tank concrete leveling surface. 
• Repair any defects and joints.
• Install new site drainage.
• Apply a structural waterproofing coating to the entire surface prior to placement of the new sport court surface.  
• Replace the sport court 

The new courts will match the profile of the existing original courts and include markings for tennis, pickleball, and basketball. The project also includes new fencing and noise barriers, new sidewalk, curb ramps, an ADA parking stall, and restriping the parking area. 

All trees on the site will be preserved. An arborist will monitor work to provide direction on protecting the trees. 

Reservior Park Sport Court is Open - 3 tennis courts, one basketball hoop, two pickleball courts  lined in yellow on one tennis court for play.  Porta-potty and water fountain on site. 

 

Mayor Birney Introduces Preliminary Biennial Budget

 

Mayor Angela Birney / redmond.gov

REDMOND, WA – On Tuesday, Oct. 6, Mayor Angela Birney introduced the City of Redmond’s preliminary 2027 - 2028 biennial budget at City Council’s regular business meeting. Over the next several weeks, Council will review and discuss the draft budget ahead of the final budget adoption, which is anticipated for Tuesday, Nov. 10. 

Mayor Birney provided an introduction and an overview of the budget in a letter and an executive summary. The full budget can be viewed at redmond.gov/Budget. Some highlights of the preliminary 2027 - 2028 biennial budget include:

• Housing and Human Services funding to address community needs, including a Housing Navigator, affordable housing investments, and severe weather services.
• Public safety investments to support core operational capacity, emergency preparedness, and operational readiness.
• Rebuilding the City’s Teen Center and ensuring the community’s vision is fully reflected in the new building.
• Redeveloping the City’s Maintenance and Operations Center.
• Rebuilding Fire Station 11.
• Protecting the environment by advancing the City's sustainability and climate resilience work.
• Funding for the RedLink program, a safe route to school action plan, and a transportation network wayfinding plan.
• Creating a new city department that will focus on getting permits approved faster and enhancing the City’s customer service standards.

The City continues to seek community feedback on the preliminary 2027 - 2028 biennial budget and will host two additional public hearings at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, and Monday, Nov. 2. Public comments related to each budget hearing can be submitted by email to budget@redmond.gov. 

Portion of Sammamish River Trail Closed Starting October 13

 The Sammamish River Trail in Redmond runs North transitioning into the 19 mile Burke-Gilman Trail in Bothell then into the heart of University of Washington campus. 

Credit/ King County

Starting Tuesday, October 13, 2026, a section of the Sammamish River Trail will be fully closed for construction from the North Shore Parking Lot at NE 145th Street south to NE 143rd Street.

Heavy equipment will occupy the full width of the trail. Trail users will not be able to pass through the work area during the closure.

The closure is expected to last a few hours, but work may take longer and could continue over multiple days. The trail will reopen as soon as possible and at the end of each workday if additional work is needed.

Please follow posted closure signs. Thank you for your patience as we complete this work.

Questions? Contact parksinfo@kingcounty.gov or (206) 477-4527. 

King County Councilmember Dunn Issues Statement Following Passage of a New Tax

 

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn/ credit King County

Dunn issues statement following Council passage of new tax

 

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn issued the following statement Tuesday after the King County Council passed a sales tax increase without requesting approval from voters. The tax does not have a defined spending plan but is expected to fund youth homelessness services through the Department of Community and Human Services. Its passage comes on the same day as the appointment of a new Inspector General, who is being hired following an Ombuds investigation that revealed waste, fraud, or abuse likely occurred across other DCHS youth-oriented programs.

“Families Across King County are being squeezed by the high costs of housing, groceries, and fuel. At the same time, the county has had to take repeated steps to address waste and fraud in its own spending. The difficult truth is that raising taxes will not make life more affordable. Before asking King County families to once again pay more, we ought to get our own house in order.”

-- King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn

Dean Weidner, Gives EvergreenHealth Largest Gift In History

Dean Weidner, EvergreenHealth longtime philantropist

Dean Weidner was a patient at EvergreenHealth when CEO Ettore Palazzo stopped by his room. Weidner, a longtime philanthropist at the hospital, asked him a simple question: "What's the biggest challenge EvergreenHealth will face in the next 20 years?"

Palazzo’s response was: "Growing. Having the space to care for a community that's growing right alongside us."

That conversation led Weidner to give $100 million to EvergreenHealth, the largest gift in the community-owned hospital's history. The gift will fund a new Patient Tower, with construction beginning in 2027, expanding the hospital's capacity to serve the community for generations to come.

This morning, EvergreenHealth announced Weidner's gift. 

Dean and Ana Weidner were dedicated to the health and welfare of their community. Dean was a successful business leader in the multifamily housing industry. Ana devoted much of her life to philanthropy, with a particular passion for wildlife conservation and animal welfare. They have been actively involved in improving care and supporting key projects at EvergreenHealth since 2019. Ana Weidner passed away in 2024, and Dean Weidner passed away in early 2026. 

-- Press release, 9/28/2026

Bob Yoder, Founder of Redmond Neighborhood Blog

Bob Yoder / credit EvergreenHealth

Bob Yoder is a long-time resident, community advocate, and the founder of the hyper-local Redmond Neighborhood Blog. [1, 2, 3]

• Background: He has lived on Education Hill in Redmond, Washington, for over 40 years after moving from Arizona. Professionally, he worked in medical products sales and marketing. [1, 2]
Community Advocacy: He started the Redmond Neighborhood Blog in 2007 to track local environmental issues like industrial pollution in Evans Creek and to cover city council meetings, local events, and public affairs. [1, 2, 3]
Recognition: He received EvergreenHealth's 2024 Community Service Award for his leadership and advocacy regarding local mental health care and behavioral health awareness. [1] 

Source: AI,  9/26/2026

UPDATED: WALK FOR EPILEPSY October 3

The Walk was a success!  ~ $70,000 was raised for the Epilepsy Foundation; over 300 participated in the park walk sharing their stories.  Next year the event will be held in Spokane, as well!  8 friends and family participated in my daughter's Spokane virtual walk. They raised $1,800!  Brooks was carried right along with them!  

Walk a mile in the park to advocate for epilespy care. Bring your friends!  Pam, I and Zo are on the "Brooks the Brave" team.  Brooks is my 2-year old grandchild struggling with medication-resistent seizures requiring brain surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.  His parents are amazing, loving caregivers dedicated to his rehabilitation!  Brooks is doing so much better!

Sign up or get more info through the Seattle Walk for Epilepsy Event Page.

Schedule

9:30 AM | Arrive and get checked in or get registered and ready to walk! Explore our partner tents, enjoy light refreshments and participate in our family-friendly activities.
9:55 AM | Opening Remarks: Hear from community partners, celebrate our top fundraisers, learn about our mission and recognize our loved ones affected by epilepsy and seizures.
10 AM | Walk with your team! The Walk course is 1 mile long. Feel free to walk as many times as you would like! 
12 PM | Event Ends / food truck/ speakers

Questions?  Email Bob Yoder:  redmondblog@gmail.com

Dr. Ettore Palazzo, Our Exceptional Puget Sound Executive

The Future of Community Healthcare, by Dr. Palazzo (video)

EvergreenHealth CEO Dr. Ettore Palazzo (ai)

 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EvergreenHealth is Dr. Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP. He also serves as the Superintendent of King County Public Hospital District No. 2.  Monroe Hospital [1, 2]

About Dr. Ettore Palazzo

Dr. Palazzo is a long-tenured physician and healthcare executive who transitioned from direct patient care to executive leadership within the EvergreenHealth system.

• Appointment as CEO: He took over as CEO on December 10, 2023, succeeding the retiring CEO, Jeff Tomlin. [1]
• Long Career at EvergreenHealth: Dr. Palazzo has been part of the EvergreenHealth medical staff for over two decades, having originally joined the hospital system in 2003 as an internal medicine hospitalist. [1, 2]
• Previous Leadership Roles: Before steping into the CEO role, he accumulated extensive administrative experience across several key leadership positions in the organization, including:
  • Chief Medical and Quality Officer (where he oversaw clinical quality, patient safety, risk management, and infection control during the pandemic)
  • Managing Physician of the Internal Medicine Hospitalist Service
  • Information Technology Medical Director of Inpatient Services
  • Quality Medical Director [1, 2, 3, 4]
• Education & Credentials: He earned his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine and holds a Fellowship from the American College of Physicians (FACP). [1, 2]
• Community & Board Involvement: Beyond his work at EvergreenHealth, he serves on the boards of the Washington State Hospital Association and the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce. He has also been a vocal advocate for community health initiatives, backing voter-approved property tax increases to expand local primary care, urgent care, and behavioral health infrastructure. [1]
  

Strategic Focus: As a leader, Dr. Palazzo frequently speaks on modernizing healthcare, including the integration of AI in healthcare, expanding services for seniors, and sustaining community-funded health programs. [1, 2]