Three Council Members Not Part Of Decision To Demolish Old Firehouse

Vivek Prakriya, Menka Soni, Sayna Parsi [middle of photo]

After re-reading the 470 page report from the council’s July study session (that extensively detailed suggestions for remediation for all questionable and possibly unsafe conditions) did council actually read it entirely?   In the study session the majority of council members never made the effort or never asked the question of what it would take to keep this building open and safe. 

One new councilmember, Sayna Parsi, was recently appointed.  Two new members were recently elected (Menka Soni and Vivek Prakriya)  Thus, three who had no part in the decision to demolish, with little knowledge, experience, and insight, will be entrusted to move this challenging building process forward. 

The teen center is a limited use facility—opened maybe 20- hours a week. The $9 million price tag for the rebuilding scenario is inflated with expenditures that are not necessary or warranted such as EV charging station, water fountain with bottle filler, ADA shower, new kitchen cabinets and appliances. Coupled with the city’s track record with the community center’s escalation of costs from 30 million to almost 70 million, this reality is scary.

-- Honorable Former Mayor Rosemarie Ives

   4/15/2026

Forensic Consultant Must Be Present During Old Firehouse Demolition

Rosemarie Ives, Founder of the OFH Teen Center

While listening to the Council’s last parks committee meeting on demolition of the Old Firehouse, council inquired about preservation efforts. There were several erroneous comments from staff but staff’s words are not binding. The demolition bid does not make mention of methodology to be used for a building that has historical and cultural significance—neither staff nor salvage companies have that expertise. So I have three requests:

1. That Council directs the mayor to separately contract with a forensic consultant to be present on site during all of the demolition.

2. That an interpretive display be prominently erected on site acknowledging the building’s storied history.

3. That the city contracts with an oral history expert to interview the former city clerk, former parks and teen center directors and Fire and police personnel.

4. Provide the Redmond Historical Society with a copy.

-- The Honorable Former Mayor Rosemarie Ives, 4/15/2026

cc: Mayor Birney

UPDATED: City Doubles Down On World Cup

The Mayor and Council are committing $2,144,838 towards the World Cup event in hopes to leverage economic growth within the City.  

According to an April 14, 2026 Council agenda memo, the funding breakdown is, as follows: 

• Program Manager   $177,780 (new hire)
• Communications Specialist   $153,289 (new hire)
• Operating response staff plan   $748,320,500
• Event production  $472,500
• Marketing, Communications and Productions  $220,000
• Tourism Marketing  $50,000

Council Member Vanessa Kritzer recommended following-up after the event to measure the benefits to our local economy from this significant expense. 

-- Bob Yoder, 4/14/2026, updated 4/15

$1,267,396 Sidewalk Installation on 40th Street

This job was too large for Redmond's 5-person sidewalk crew.  

Funded by "Transporation Benefit District (TBD)

City Council is presently working on their biennium budget.  A $1,267,396 sidewalk project was presented by a Deputy Public Works Director under the budget category: "Vibrant and Connected."  $239,000 of the funding is a "Excise Real Estate Tax" on large downtown construction projects.

The deputy said the project "replaces 2,000 linear feet of sidewalk that was severely damaged by tree root growth" and 13 non-compliant curb ramps will be replaced with ADA ramps  Sidewalk on 40th Street will be replaced from Bell-Red Road to 156th Avenue.  

Council Member Sayna Parsi asked if the old trees will be replaced with new sidewalk compliant trees.  The deputy said he'd look into it.  The project memo gave a "2024- 2025 time frame." so is it already completed?  There were no photos of the sidewalk in the agenda memo. Council has to approve all projects over $300,000.  Council did not state this project would be placed on the consent agenda for approval.    

-- Bob Yoder, 4/12/26

Ride Redlink

 

Ride RedLink https://ow.ly/zaj750YEBzt 
With the new Crosslake Connection joining Redmond to Seattle and beyond, 2026 is a big year for public transportation. Last month, Redmond launched RedLink, a free, on-demand, all-electric ride service for community members to get around Redmond easily, affordably, and sustainably.

All you need to do is download the free Circuit App to your phone and create an account. When you’re ready, request a free ride and get picked up in minutes! Local micro-mobility resources like RedLink can help take you to local businesses, run errands, or get to your transit station on time without needing a personal car, all while supporting the Environmental Sustainability Action Plan’s Big Move 3: Accessible and Sustainable Transportation.

Next time you need to get somewhere on wheels, consider one of the many alternate modes of transportation Redmond offers. From RedLink to light rail, there are so many possibilities!

Ride RedLink https://ow.ly/zaj750YEBztRide Circuit App 
-- redmond.gov

Opinion: Council's Public Meetings Are Seriously Non-transparent

Owing to a sick grandson I'm having to spend more time in Spokane and away from my regular "watch dog" duties of Redmond government.  And, so far I don't like what I see.  

https://redmond.granicus.com/player/clip/330_id=2&redirect=true

Note this link to to Council's April 7th, 2026 Planning and Public Works Committee of the Whole meeting.  Transparency is at an all time low:

 1)  The agendas are impossible to read.

 2)  One has to wait 1.10 minutes into this video before council begins discussion.  

 3) Videos from three previous meetings  are "not available."

 This is unacceptable.  

-- Bob Yoder, 4/11/26

CC:  Council

Saturday Speakers Series - Murder at Avondale

 

Redmond Historical Society

Saturday Speaker Series Murder at Avondale: Joseph Cicero, August 21, 1895 Saturday, April 11th at 10:30 AM In the Old Redmond Schoolhouse at 16600 NE 80TH ST, Redmond, WA 98052

This event is free to RHS members; a $5 donation is suggested for non-members. Registration is not required.   On August 21, 1895, Joseph Cicero was killed on Avondale Road just south of NE 116th Street.   This event was discovered by Dean Jowers while doing research for the Redmond Historical Society. Information was gathered from newspaper articles, court records, and property tax rolls. Working together with Tom Hitzroth, a story of the murder was written for presentation at the Saturday Speaker Series.   Tom will recount how two once-friendly neighboring families became enemies.  He will go into detail of the day of the killing. Following that, Tom will touch on the complexity of the trials and the ramifications of the death to both families.   A recording will be available on the Redmond Historical Society's YouTube account following the event.

Celebrate Old Fire House Teen Center's Legacy

 

Celebration Saturday April 4th, 2 to 6 p.m. 

Celebrate the Old Fire House Teen Center’s Legacy on April 4

The City of Redmond invites the community to a celebration of the Old Fire House Teen Center from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 4. This event will honor the building's decades of impact on generations of Redmond residents and visitors before the site is redeveloped into a new teen center. Please note that the event will take place outdoors and there will be no access into the building.

Event Programming:

• Music: Join us for live music from bands spanning all eras of the Old Fire House's music scene, plus a special acoustic jam tent where anyone can join in and play, the OFH way. We'll also be playing a special playlist between acts featuring many of the bands and artists that have played at OFH over the years.

Main Stage Performers
The Hit	2 p.m.
Mae Amber	3 p.m.
Tomo Nakayama	3:50 p.m.
Fight Milk	4:40 p.m.
Suzzallo	5:20 p.m.

• Art: Contribute to timelines, a fingerprint activity led by teens, and more!
• Memories: We'll have a photo booth area with show poster backdrops, and a videographer will be on hand to collect community stories.
• Screen Printing: Join VERA Project for a live screen priting demonstration. Show up with an old t-shirt for a free screen print (it's already got a graphic on it? Turn it inside out, and that's a new shirt!). You can also purchase blank shirts for $7 and 2 for $10. The print options will the Old Fire House logo as well as the original 1994 Old Fire House Grand Opening illustration.
• Speakers: You'll hear from the mayor, the Redmond Youth Partnership Advisory Committee President, former staff, and more as we celebrate what this facility has meant to the community for decades.
• Redmond.gov, 3/30/26

Patterson Park Affordable Townhomes Complete Energy Upgrade

 

Patterson Park is Making Big Moves

Redmond and community partners recently completed a clean-energy upgrade at Patterson Park, an affordable townhome community in Redmond. Twenty-two homes received new electric heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, replacing older gas systems. Completed in just three months, the project improved comfort and affordability for residents, while delivering meaningful progress on the Environmental Sustainability Action Plan’s Big Move 1: Making Existing Buildings Better. The project was thanks to many partners, including Energy Smart Eastside, Puget Sound Energy (PSE), the Washington Department of Commerce with funding from the Climate Commitment Act,  Habitat for Humanity, Hopelink, and the City of Redmond. Patterson Park transitioned to clean and efficient heating technology at no cost to its residents, while supporting the City’s affordable housing priorities. See if you qualify for an Energy Smart Eastside incentive to retrofit your home below!

-- City of Redmond, 3/30/2026

EvergreenHealth Nurses Honored With Worldwide Excellence Award

EvergreenHealth in Kirkland, WA, has earned its 5th consecutive Magnet Designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a prestigious honor highlighting nursing excellence, high-quality care, and professional development.  In March 2026, they achieved Magnet with Distinction awarded to only 87 hospitals worldwide. This recognition demonstrates that their nursing staff meets rigorous standards and has a supportive environment for career growth. 

-- google search

Light Rail "Connect" Celebration: Two New Stations, Two Lines, One System

Thank heavens for Sound Transit's volunteer ambassadors who tried to manage the intense flow of riders into the South Bellevue train station. Everyone wanted to be the first to cross the lake. We were all literally crammed in like a can of sardines. (Dogs Out of panic, some departed at the next station.  We all rode free this day, but starting Monday agency ambassadors on Line 2 will be looking for boarding tickets.

Pam joined in on the fun :) 

We made it to the Judkins Park "Connect" celebration starting from the Redmond Marymoor station.  (Parking at the Redmond Downtown station is problematic.) Thousands attended.  I especially liked the Cascade Bicycling Club booth.  Most everything was small, tented merchandizing booths. 

The community art center was fabulous. Local artists painted on three panels. 

A video of people lined up for miles trying to get home from the celebration. Pam and I took a bus instead.😂 We got off at the Mercer Island light rail station then home to the Marymoor station, where our car was parked.  Who knows what hour or day these people would make it home.  Some express!

-- Bob Yoder, (click images to enlarge)

   3/26/2026

UPDATED: Rosemarie Ives Parting Comments, Old Firehouse Teen Center

Rosemarie Ives:  "Elbow Grease Makes a Beautiful Community"

On March 17th, Rosemarie gave this testimony during "Items from the Audience."  She figures Council probably won't respond to it saying they spend excessive Ombuds. time recounting their numerous committee activities.   

As former Redmond mayor, 1992-2007, and founder of the Old Firehouse Teen Center, I object to the premature demolition of the Old Firehouse—what is the rush? The public has not seen renderings for the new 13 Million dollar building, nor heard about funding which appropriately should be part of council’s budgetary decisions this fall.

The City administration has failed to give consideration to or share with the public the building’s historic significance—it was the first city hall, first council chambers, first fire station before the teen center, a regionally acclaimed music venue. According to King County Historic  Preservation staff, the Firehouse is likely eligible for designation for historic and cultural significance and possibly architectural significance.

Did any of you (Council) know this?

Inside the building, there are priceless artifacts such as the city’s first vault and local newspapers stuffed in the holes of the cinder blocks used in construction, maybe a time capsule and more. This building should be treated with care, not hastily bulldozed.

UPDATED 3/27: Light Rail "Crosslink Connection" Opens, Celebration Judkins Park Station

Parking in and around the Downtown Station is problematic.  A 1,300 parking garage awaits you at the Marymoor Station.  It's only a few minutes away.  Drive and park there!

JUDKINS PARK STATION, credit Peter Bohler, Sound Transit

The Link Light Rail 2 Line "Crosslake Connection" opens March 28, 2026, connecting Redmond directly to Seattle via a major opening celebration. Festivities include a 9 a.m. ribbon-cutting at Judkins Park, followed by the first trains across Lake Washington at 10 a.m.. Celebrations, featuring food trucks and music, will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at stations including Mercer Island and Bellevue. 

Key Details for the Opening Celebration:

• When: Saturday, March 28, 2026, starting with a 9 a.m. ceremony.
• Where: Celebrations will take place along the 2 Line, with major events at Sam Smith Park (near Judkins Park Station).
• Highlights: First passenger service over Lake Washington on the new light rail bridge, followed by community events, live performances, and local food vendors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..

Rick's Outdoor Neighborhood Art

 Rick with Scully On Education Hill
Happy Easter Neighbors!

Scully all suited up for Saint Paddy's Day

Rick launched Scully on Halloween dressing him up as a witch. He's done every holiday since....Christmas, Valentines Day, Saint Paddy's Day, and Easter.  I'll be posting Rick's future creations as each holiday comes!   

-- Bob Yoder, 3/22/26; photos
click pictures to enlarge 

Mayor Birney's 2026 State of City Address

 

This video leaves one with a sensation of pride for our City.  The address shows the essence of Redmond and will help put us on the world map. Seriously. Peal away from national news for an hour and enjoy the entertainment!  Mayor Angela Birney hit a home run on this.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/21 

UPDATED 4/10/26 Part 1: New HOA Governance Law

Washington State Capital

The Washington Legislature passed the "Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership" Act, (WUCIOA) codified by RCW HB 64.90 that has changed the landscape for Homeowners Association Associations, (HOA.)  And, those who know about it are scrambling to meet the requirements and deadlines.  

I'm an HOA member of a large association in western Washington.  It exemplifies undemocratic, governance neglect our owners have endured for over 25 years, However, with this new law the Board, in good faith, is slowly changing their ways.

As of March 15, 2026: 

• Meetings weren't Open.
• A Board member once told me "we don't have agendas."
• If you happen to learn of a Board meeting your comments are restricted to agenda items.
• No Special Meetings on significant issues.  (Our Board made a $250,000 decision to buy a new dock system via the Reserve Fund without owner Special meeting participation or vote.)
• Owner contact information is "kept in a vault" by the property manager. 
• Board members are voted in year-after-year, one for over 35 years.
• No formal Maintenance Committee at the time when over $900,000 special assessments were required to renovate the buildings and landscaping. No Special meetings or vote. NO RESERVE.
• An early property manager was a felon skimming funds.   

Under RCW 64.90.445 Meetings (and Voting requirements) must be implemented by January 1, 2027. 

I'm very happy with RCW 60.90 (1) (c) (d.)  It states: "Unit owners must be given a reasonable opportunity to comment at ANY meeting regarding ANY matter affecting the common interest community interest or the association."  

UPDATED: Grouping of Redmond Historical Society Leaders

~ 100 residents (sitting on the right) attended the Lisa Dupar Speaker Series

 Left to Right:  John Oftebro (dressed in Cougar colors), Patsy Rosenbach, Halee Turner, Laura Lee Bennett, speaker Lisa Dupar 

"A Covey of Redmond Historical Society Leaders:"

   

John Oftebro, President of Redmond Historical Society 

Prominent Washington State University alumnus.  

Patsy Rosenbach, Photography/Greeter - a brief history

Halee Turner,Staff, Administration and Collections Manager

Laura-Lee Bennett, Vice President, "Culture, Weaver, Community Builder"

Updated 4/11: ANNOUNCEMENT: City Council / School Board Drop-in Gathering

ANNOUNCEMENT

Thursday, March 19,  7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Redmond Middle School

10055 NE 166th Ave.

 - an informal, drop-in gathering with City Councilmembers and Lake Washington School District Board Members to discuss topics of importance to attendees

- Councilmember Sayna Parsi, 3/15

Lisa Dupar Of Pomegranate Bistro, Redmond History Saturday Speaker Series

On a snowy day in March over 100 residents turned out for the "Redmond Historical Society Saturday Speaker Series featuring Lisa Dupar, owner of the Pomegranate Bistro. She spoke  enthusiastically and expressively to "Ya'll" about her life, and work as a restaurateur, chef, caterer. Her first restaurant was in deceased Mayor Brown's House on 164th, before the Brown Bag closed.  

The Bistro is offers casual dining, with a southern bent, a bar, and pastry selection.  I ordered a "Fried Chicken & Waffle," Yummy. Their tomato soup & grilled cheese sandwich is iconic.  Lisa's ramping up her breakfast fare to Monday -- Friday, 8 AM -- 3  PM.

  

"A Covey Of Redmond Historical Society Leaders"

 

  Left to Right:  John Oftebro (dressed in Cougar colors), Patsy Rosenbach, Halee Turner, Laura Lee Bennett, speaker Lisa Dupar 

John Oftebro, President of Redmond Historical Society 

Prominent Washington State University alumnus.  

Patsy Rosenbach, Photography/Greeter - a brief history

Halee Turner, Administration and Collections Manager

Laura-Lee Bennett, Vice President, "Culture, Weaver, Community Builder"

Reported and photos by Bob Yoder, 3/15/2026

Spring Snow On Education Hill

I woke early this morning, through open the sash, and look what I saw! ....this snowy view from our house on Education Hill.   My gladiolus and camellias are already in bloom, tulips are not too far behind, with hostas soon coming. 

And this is basically Spring ... mid March! Will the Mayor show off her new fleet of snowplows?  I wouldn't doubt it. My favorite is named "Control Salt Delete."

Coming from Minnesota, Chicago, Illinois, a New York it's a dusting.  But, that doesn't mean you don't have to look out for the other guy, slip sliding away.... 

-- Bob Yoder, 3/13/2026

SE Redmond Park Project Design

CLICK PICTURE TO ENLARGE AND SEE DETAILS

The SE Redmond Park project includes the design and construction of a new 3.2-acre park in the SE Redmond neighborhood. It will buffer the residential neirborhoods from northern commercial. Planned features include recreational amenities such as playgrounds, a picnic shelter, and sports courts; public art; stormwater improvements; and sustainable landscaping with expanded tree canopy. 

As part of the project, two studies will be conducted to evaluate parking needs and assess noise impacts from a proposed pickleball court. In addition, community outreach will be conducted to define and incorporate a community identity feature into the park design. The site is located along the north side of NE 68th Street, bounded by 188th Avenue NE to the west, 191st Avenue NE to the east, and undeveloped land to the north. 

 SE Redmond Park location site maps and description.

SE Redmond Park Master Plan - comprehensive and informative

Total cost $13,757,591

-- Source:  Council Memo, 3/3/2026 

Learn About Redmond's Pomegranate Bistro This Saturday

 The Society's monthly Programs are awesome!

Updated: United Healthcare And EvergreenHealh Reached An Insurance Agreement, Silver Tower Expansion

 

Silver Tower

Very good news!  

EvergreenHealthEvergreenHealth
2 days ago • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn

Following months of negotiations, EvergreenHealth and United Healthcare have reached an agreement on a new contract, allowing EvergreenHealth to remain a participating provider in United’s network.

Patient FAQ

And more good news!  At a Board meeting yesterday, I learned all our district levy money ($255,000,000) will over time pay for expanding the second floor of the Silver Tower and Plaza Building without need for a new levy or bond.  WE let Evergreen increase our property taxes for this to happen -- to build capacity and access for more doctors, more specialists, more beds, a cardiac-cath lab, instrumentation, woman's health services and more.  We'll soon be reaping the benefits!  Thank you Dr. Palazzo. Thank you Board of Directors.  

-- Bob Yoder, 3/6/2026, updated 3/8/2026, 3/9/2026

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