Celebrating Earth Day At EvergreenHealth

 Earth Day has been celebrated April 22 every year since 1970

Read Jeff Friedman's full profile

Jeff Friedman's EvergreenHealth Blog

By Jeff Friedman, FACHE, Vice President Operations

"This year's Earth Day theme at EvergreenHealth is Our Power, Our Planet. We're encouraged to take action, protect and preserve our planet. Here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, our own efforts – in concert with others around the world – will help protect our shared island home.

One of the purposes of Earth Day is to celebrate our natural environment, so let me share some of my personal story.

UPDATED OPINION: Proposed Tree Code Needs Modification To Accomodate Housing Needs

Cottages in Kirkland / photo Master Builders
After removal, replacement trees must be planted on and *off-site.

The City of Redmond is refreshing their Environmental Sustainable Action Plan (ESAP) and wants Redmond 2050 input on trees, EVs, heat pumps and more.  Click ESAP to participate.  

OPINION:  The city has not updated their tree regulations in over 26 years.  They are procrastinating to accomodate  much-needed housing.  The removed trees are replaced with saplings but at numbers that can't reach Redmond's 40% canopy goal.  Off-site planting sites of replacement trees should be identified by Parks and Public Works to broaden canopy cover. The replacement trees are supplied by the developer and installations financed with one-time money and CIP funds.  

*Suggested off-site planting sites:  Parks, trails, Keller Farm (forested) wetland tree mitigation bank, streets, sidewalks and by-ways, urban growth easements, Light rail stations, M&O Center and other large city projects, the Heron Rookery,  schools, "plant a tree" neighbohood programs, Hartman forested wetlands, Green Redmond, open spaces and more.    

According to the Master Builders Association  "A good tree code responsibly maintains or grows the level of tree coverage in a city while also allowing much-needed housing for current residents. newcomers and future generations."    

The city has a 40% canopy goal.  Canopy provides cooling, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, aesthetics, raises property values, improves mental health, lowers blood pressure and more. 

In my opinion, the following 2019 tree regulation modifications would improve code to accomodate need for balancing trees with much-needed housing.  It's a compromise:   

• For every one Landmark tree (30 inches or more) removed, six "replacement saplings trees" (rather than three) must will be planted either on-site, off-site or fee in-lieu. ($2,000.) in that order.  
• For every one "Significant" tree  (6 inches in diameter at breast height) removed three saplings (rather than one) must be planted either on-site, off-site, or fee in-lieu ($500) in that order.
• For each tree removed illegally by topping the contractor's penalty will be tripled. 
• On-site and off-site tree replacements  are arn't required for single family homes.  

Council, the Mayor and the Director of Planning & Community Development need to impliment suggested or similar abreviated code to maintain our quality of life while building much-needed housing. 

Bob Yoder, opinion, 4/21/2025

UPDATED: Redmond Seeks to Move Resources From Popular Old Fire House Teen Center

A video of teens giving passonate testimony to Council this week .

(click link)

The City may close down the Old Fire House Teen Center "for safety reasons" despite over 3,400 signatures to keep it open. Ironically, the Nelson Legacy Group (NLG) headquarters is directly adjacent to the Teen Center.  NGL the largest landowner and developer in Redmond.  

photo Bob Yoder

From the COR Marketing Department:  "Redmond is planning for the future of Redmond’s younger residents and wants to understand how to best serve the community of teens (approximately 13 to 19 years old), now and in the future.

Throughout spring 2025, the City will engage with the community to learn more about what Redmond teens need, how the City can best serve their interests, and where services are needed the most.

For more information on the project and the history of teen services in Redmond, visit redmond.gov/TeenServices(External link)."

-- redmond.gov  4/8/2025

###

On 04/15/25, twenty-two teens spoke pasionately to Council of the importance of the Redmond Fire House Teen Center, comparing it to how "sterile" and unwelcoming the Marymoor Community Center is.  Hear their passionate testimonies at this link:  

https://redmond.granicus.com/player/clip/3096?view_id=2&redirect=true

-- Bob Yoder, 4/18/25

"Hands Off" Demonstrators Rally At Downtown Park

 

"HAND OFF" DEMONSTRATION IN REDMOND DOWNTOWN PARK, photo Matt Loschen

In Redmond, attendees heard from City Councilmember and State Representative Osman Salahuddin and United States Representative Suzan DelBene. “This is the energy that’s going to send a clear message to House Republicans, Musk and Trump for tanking our economy, attacking Social Security and Medicaid,” DelBene said.

By Andrew Villenveuve, 4/5/2025

Cascadia Advocate (NPI) 

UPDATED OPINION: Tree Loss Is Severely Changing The Character Of Redmond

 I've lived in Redmond 44 years and have witnessed the severe tree loss. Fortunately, neighborhoods like Education Hill and Grasslawn have retained most of their character.  Loss in the urban centers and outlying developments is severe. - Yoder

OPINION:  When tree loss from city mitigation is combined with tree loss from  private development the impact to our environment and city character is severe.   A case in point is the Chelsea Square II project of two-eight story downtown buildings.  Its Tree Preservation Map shows all trees will be stripped including most lush street trees.  (NE 83rd Street, 164th Street.)  Especially damaging, Tree Regulations protecting our canopy haven't been upadated in over 26 years.  Good for the developers, bad for our environment and city character. 

   

Canopy provides  cooling, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, aesthetics, raises property values, improves mental health, lowers blood pressure and more.                

City Tree Mitigation Update, 2025:  

The City will remove, top or limb ~ 271 trees by late 2025 with more to come in 2026. 

BACKGROUND:  In 2023 the city assesseed 18,000 city-owned trees for health in parks, right of ways, open spaces, and street trees, to ensure public safety while preserving our urban forest. The assessment focused on trees that were 12” or greater in trunk diameter [significant and landmark trees] located within striking distance of a target, near streets, parking spaces, buildings, or structures. 

In 2024 the 35 the city's highest priority trees were mitigated for health risks.  Council Presisident Kritzer was unhappy when she heard of this and planned to look at them before they were cut.    

David Tuchek, a Deputy Parks Director said about a third of the trees would be removed, a third would be topped into snags for wildlife habitat, and a third would be limbed or pruned.  After hearing Tuchek's report, Council President Kritzer reneged stating the mitigation plan was a good for the city and wildlife habitat. 

In 2025, the city will focus on the next 50-60 highest priority trees with additional funding for mitigation in 2026.  That's a total of  ~ 271 trees that will be mitigated (removed, topped, limbed, pruned) by 2025 with more to come in 2026.  After a query by CM Fields the Parks Director listed several projects in place like Green Redmond for planting tree replacements. 

-- 3/25/25 Council Committee of the Whole, Parks & Human Services

New Anderson Park Community Gardens Sold Out

 

20 PLOTS ARE ALREADY PURCHASED AND ARE ELIGIBLE TO RENEW

All 26 plots are taken - $70 - $84/plot

Start date: Tuesday, April 1 2025.

Schedule:

 Every day, 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM,

 Open:  April 1, 2025 until October 31, 2025,

 Anderson Park Community Gardens,

Resource person: Cindy Johnson (This program is run by the city.)

Location: Anderson Park Community Gardens | 7802 168th Avenue Northeast, Redmond, WA, 98052

Description:

(Ages 18+) Do you love to garden, but need a space to call your own? You’re in luck – purchase a plot at a community garden! Having a garden plot is a great way to meet your neighbors, beautify our community, and harvest fresh food. All community gardens are open to the public to enjoy.

Anderson Garden Map

Note - Plots 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A are all Accessible (ADA) Raised Beds and you should only register for one of these beds if you need a raised bed or if no other plots are available. These plots are not eligible to renew for multiple years.

Garden Requirements:

• Attend the Mandatory Kickoff Meeting on Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the "Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village."

• Contribute a minimum of 8 service hours towards the common areas of the garden

• Practice only organic gardening

• Actively garden plot beginning April 15 and put plot to bed by October 31

45th Legislative District Town Hall, March 15, 2025 / Quite Revealing

Rep. intros at 3.5 minutes. The bulk of the town hall starts at 17 minutes.  Rare opportunity to learn the state of Washington State.  It's not good.   

City Counci Meeting Agendas Distributed By Email

 

Redmond City Council Agendas

for the Weeks of March 17 and 24, 2025

Starting March 16, 2025  agendas will be distributed twice a month and will include two weeks of agendas.

To sign up for email delivery of Council agendas click this link:  

https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAREDMOND/subscriber/new  

• Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services (Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 4:30 p.m.)
• Business Meeting (Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 7 p.m.)  [THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO COMMENT AT BUSINESS MEETINGS IN CITY HALL - 3 MINUTES]]
• Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability (Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 4:30 p.m.)
• Study Session (Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 7 p.m.)
• Meeting Attendance: In person - Redmond City Hall Council Chambers, 15670 NE 85th Street; Remote viewing options - Redmond.gov/rctvlive, Facebook/YouTube (@CityofRedmond), Comcast Channel 21/321, Ziply Channel 34, or listen at 510-335-7371

Study Sessions and Business Meetings are held every week in City Hall.  Click on the links and find useful and very interesting information related to Council/Mayor decisions. Staff always gives presentations at these meetings.  They and the Mayor run the government.  

"Committee of the Whole" is loaded with excellent information and topic discussion  e.g. 

Automated Speed Safety Cameras, Amended City Ordinance, and Camera Vendor Service Agreement

Attachments:

1. Agenda Memo, 2. Attachment A: Amended Redmond Ordinance 10.25, 3. Attachment B: Speed Camera Program Analysis and Recommendations, 4. Attachment C: Service Agreement Between City of Redmond and NovoaGlobal, 5. Attachment D: NovoaGlobal Sole Source Justification

-- Yoder, 3/18/25

Redmond, A Welcoming City / Immigration Enforcement

Redmond is a welcoming city, with a strong commitment to cultivating an inclusive community, where everyone feels valued, supported, and connected. The City actively creates an environment where all residents can fully access city services, influence local policy, and feel a sense of belonging and safety. In 2017 and 2020, the City Council passed resolutions No. 1465 and No. 1534, respectively, affirming its commitment towards a culturally inclusive community, as well declaring Redmond as a hate free zone. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Redmond Police Department would like to provide some clarification after recent inquiries from residents concerned about immigration enforcement and possible future interaction with immigration officials.

What is the Redmond Police Department’s role in immigration enforcement?
The Police Department does not enforce immigration violations. State law and department policy prohibit Redmond Police officers from asking or collecting information about a person’s immigration or citizenship status, unless there is a connection with a state or local criminal investigation, and officers may not detain a person solely to determine immigration status.

Will the police report me or give my information to immigration authorities?
Under state law and policy, the Department is restricted from sharing information with immigration officials, except under certain circumstances as required by law, such as a valid court order.

Will the police help immigration officials with raids or other operations?
The Redmond Police Department would not typically be involved in federal immigration operations at all. If requested, the Department would provide only support services, such as traffic control or peacekeeping efforts for public safety reasons.

What should I do if immigration officials approach me or knock on my door and want to talk to me?
Review these Northwest Immigrant Rights Project materials.

Mayor Birney Joins "America's Housing Comeback Advisory Group"

 

                               America’s Housing Comeback Advisory Group

REDMOND, WA – Mayor Angela Birney joined city leaders from around the country in Washington, D.C. as a member of America’s Housing Comeback Advisory Group, led by the National League of Cities. This group is an initiative for the Housing Supply Accelerator, which Mayor Birney has served on, and is part of a national consortium of leaders developing and advancing solutions for housing supply challenges at the local level. Together, group members will improve and accelerate the growth of public-private partnerships focused on locally driven housing solutions and pioneer new approaches that elevate the potential of housing financing now and into the future. 

“I am honored to join this advisory group to address the housing challenges within our communities,” said Mayor Birney. “Every person has a right to safe and affordable housing, and I am confident that we will find innovative solutions to help both our residents here in Redmond and those across the U.S.”

As a member of this group, Mayor Birney will meet with the advisory group; participate in work group meetings; and co-develop and adopt the America’s Housing Comeback Advisory Group’s principles for federal-local partnerships, public-private partnerships, and the federal housing supply agenda. 

This work aligns directly with Redmond’s commitment to being a regional leader in addressing the housing crisis. Redmond 2050, the City’s Comprehensive Plan update that was adopted in 2024, increases the types of housing for community members, such as duplexes, triplexes, and townhomes [in neighborhoods.] It also supports increasing the supply of housing units by 20,000 from 2019 to 2044. About 11,000 of these are needed for households earning equal to or below 50% area median income (AMI). In 2020, the City also completed a Housing Needs Assessment, which informed the Housing Action Plan, both of which were approved in early 2021. 

3/13/2025 

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Food Insecurity In Redmond

Volunteering at the Hopelink Food Bank 

Hopelink Food Program

NourishingNetworks

Open  Kitchen - Redmond United Methodist Church

   -- Wednesday 5-6 PM Dine-in or Take-out

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Backyard Cherry Tree

 

Massive cherry tree specimen 

A view from my desk to our backyard cherry tree.  You can't see, but it's a grouping of 2 landmark trees and 2 others (cabled) reaching over our fence.  Can you find the bird house we nailed to the trunk years ago without use of a ladder?  Yes, it's grown tremendously in our 36 years here.  All kinds of wildlife live in this tree, including racoon families.  On the downside, it's a garbagy tree.  In the Spring, faint blossoms and copious pollen falls on our windshields for weeks, then in the summer and Fall a multitude of sepals, inedible cherries and leaves must be swept from the patio.  Though this monster is my "therapy tree," I'll be glad to leave it behind when I move out of Redmond this year.       

-- Bob Yoder, 1/25/2025

For personal reasons, I'm taking a break from this blog.  I may be back in several weeks or so. [Most of the "Popular Posts" on the sidebar are dated.] 

Lake Washington School District Budget Earns Award

 

Eight is great! Lake Washington School District Budget Earns Meritorious Budget Award

Award reflects District’s goal of fiscal responsibility

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District’s (LWSD’s) 2024-25 Budget has earned the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) Meritorious Budget Award (MBA). This award promotes and recognizes excellence in budget development, communication, and presentation in school districts. LWSD has received this award eight years in a row. LWSD is the only district in the state of Washington to receive this award.

Mayor Birney's Year In Review

Osman Salahuddin Appointed To Serve 48th Legislative District

Redmond Councilmember Osman Salahuddin's Facebook post on his appointment to serve in the Washington State House of Representatives for the 48th Legislative District. Osman will still serve as a Redmond councilmember.

"Exciting life update: I’ve been appointed to serve in our WA State House of Representatives for the 48th Legislative District!

I’m humbled by the outpouring of support from my community. Thank you to the King County Council and the 48th LD PCOs for entrusting me with this responsibility. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you who have been a part of this journey — THANK YOU

As the only Muslim, South Asian, and now the youngest member of our WA State House, I’m honored to have this opportunity to advocate for communities whose voices have not often been represented in government.

I’m excited to continue my path of public service and representation of our diverse Eastside communities and all Washingtonians. More importantly, I’m ready to get to work (starting Monday!) aH

(I’ll be sharing a longer post to recognize all the amazing people, labor unions, organizations, and community champions who supported me in this process!)

Read about the appointment process here and how this vacancy came about: https://www.nwprogressive.org/.../king-county-council.../amp"

-- Osman Salahuddin, Facebook, 1/09/2025

Redmond Historical Society Newsletter, Annual Meeting

FRESH OFF THE PRESS!  The Society's comprehensive quarterly newsletter.  

Senior Center Art And Activities

Alice Groaski

Flowing,2023

Watercolor on paper, Japanese  

woodblock print  26x20

$250 206-612-3260

Monthly Senior ENCORE Newsletter. - a must read - online or in print.  

Register for Senior Center Activities and Special Events HERE  ("Winter Whimsey" tickets are going fast.) 

Community Centers 

The Front Desk will help you sign up for activities. 

OR contact Karen Phillips, 425-556-2388, kphillips@redmond.gov for assistance OR email guestservices@redmond.gov.

- Yoder

  1/3/2025

Mayor Birney's 2024 Redmond LIGHTS

  " YOUR PLACE IN THE MYSTERIOUS UNIVERSE" 

Artist:  Karl Whiteside

(click picture to enlarge) 

Updated: Redmond Kiwanis Club

You may have seen Redmond folks wearing blue Kiwanis shirts and hats around town.  Or, seen their name on the Senior Center donation plaque. They don't have a sign on the road but they are here and very active.  I was once a member when the Club was founded by retired Redmond Councilmember Pat Vache'.    

According to their Board, "the Redmond Kiwanis Club remains committed to serving our local community with a focus on reducing food insecurity, supporting youth programs, and engaging in outreach activities that foster connections within the area."  

If you're interested in learning more about them or want to join I recommend you reach out to Nika Kahhna.  Her email is:  President@redmondKiwanis.org; or visit their website.  Membership is $160/year, an application with BIO and informal interview is required and you need a sponsor.  

-- Happy Holidays,

    Bob Yoder, 12/18/2024

Updated: Marymoor and Downtown Light Rail Stations To Open Spring 2025

Light rail is coming to Downtown Redmond. Earlier this year, we celebrated the opening of Overlake Village Station and Redmond Technology Station, and in the spring of 2025, we will celebrate the opening of two more!

-- City of Redmond Facebook

Kritzer Elected Chair Of Salmon Recovery Council

 

Redmond Council President Vanessa Kritzer Elected Chair of WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council

REDMOND, WA - City Council President Vanessa Kritzer was elected to serve as chair of the Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Watershed (WRIA 8) Salmon Recovery Council, a partnership working to protect and restore salmon habitat in the region, including Redmond’s streams. The watershed is also referred to as Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 8 and covers an area of Puget Sound near the shore and inland from the north end of Elliott Bay to south Everett and east to the Bear Creek basin, the Issaquah Creek basin, and the upper Cedar River basin.

“It’s inspiring to see what we can accomplish when we work together, and I look forward to leading on this vital salmon recovery work. I encourage all residents to join in by learning about what you can to support our salmon and a healthier ecosystem,” said Council President Kritzer.

The WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council is composed of elected representatives from 29 local governments in the WRIA 8 watershed, plus partners and representatives from community organizations, business, environmental interests, and state and federal agencies. The council oversees the implementation of the science-based Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan, a response to the listing of Puget Sound Chinook as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

Our watershed is home to multiple species of salmon, including Chinook, coho, and sockeye, as well as kokanee, a small red landlocked species native to Lake Sammamish. Salmon are an important environmental and cultural resource for our region, and their survival depends heavily on our choices. Recovery efforts seek to restore salmon runs to levels that would consistently support sustainable runs for tribal and recreational fishing year-to-year.

Redmond Police Celebrates 'Monumental' FAA Drone Decision

Redmond Police Drone Center

Redmond Police celebrates 'monumental' decision by FAA that approves drone use on more 911 calls. 

Below, is a link to King 5 video story on the Redmond Police Department's innovative drone program ... leading the way within western Washington State: 

https://www.king5.com/video/tech/redmond-police-celebrating-monumental-decision-by-faa-that-approves-drone-use-on-more-911-calls/281-6fefce2c-e35d-4851-84dc-51838ff6c66f

-- King 5, 11/26/24

12/2024: City Staffer Says Development Has Slowed, Will Remain Flat

Yoder's Cartoon Opinion

Redmond city staffer writes "development in the City has slowed down compared to previous years and will remain relatively flat in the coming years."  

Overall, development in the City has slowed down compared to previous years, and this has had a noticeable impact on revenue. The decline in development activity became evident in 2023, and based on current trends, we anticipate that revenue from development will remain relatively flat in the coming years. Development revenue plays a crucial role in covering the full costs associated with the development staff. This includes salaries, benefits, and other operational expenses tied to the personnel who manage and oversee development projects within the City. Given the importance of development revenue in supporting these staff members, any fluctuations or declines in development activity directly impact our ability to maintain these roles at their current levels. To mitigate the impact of these fluctuations and protect against downturns in development revenue, we maintain a reserve within the Development Review Services fund (listed below). These reserves are designed to provide a financial buffer, ensuring that we can continue to support the necessary staffing and maintain service levels even during periods of lower development activity.

-- E.Z. Interim Financial Planning Manager, 11/6/2024

The 2025 estimated beginning fund balance for the General Fund is $51.9 million, which is used to fund reserves and contingencies that will be carried over and replenished each budget cycle. The remaining surplus is utilized to fund one-time (money) operating service enhancements, capital investments, and technology projects. The following General Fund reserves and contingencies are included in the preliminary budget:

 

• Economic Contingency ($4,645,228,000)  ("One-time money" is used exclusively for non-recurring expenses.)  
• Salary & Benefit Contingency ($5,365,000)
• Fire Overtime Contingency ($1,600,000)
• Body Worn Camera Program Reserves ($1,340,144)
• Opioid Funding Reserves ($557,000)
• Development Review Services Reserves ($3,619,750)

Source:   2025-26 Preliminary Budget / Expenditures 

Posted:  12/15/2024

Balducci Issues Statement On Harborview Tax Vote

 

Balducci issues statement on tax vote for Harborview Medical Center

 

The King County Council on Tuesday approved the so-called “Sunshine Ordinance” which sets the type and rate of county taxes each year, which funds a broad spectrum of basic government services. To fund Harborview Medical Center operations, maintenance and capital expansion, this year’s ordinance includes a dedicated property tax increase of 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, costing the average King County homeowner about $7.30 per month.

After Tuesday’s vote, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, a member of the King County leadership group that led to the creation of the Harborview funding proposal, released the following statement:

“I am proud of the action we took today to ensure Harborview Medical Center continues serving the people of King County and our region. The public we serve – and the workers who make this hospital so critical to the health of our region – will benefit from the investments we are making. Harborview offers an essential lifeline by prioritizing those most in need of care and compassion with the fewest resources to access it: care for people without insurance, survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and people with mental illness or substance use issues.