The Story Of Redmond's Well Water Contamination

     

Industrial district abused stormwater run-off pond 70 feet from Evans Creek
Photo, Bob Yoder / 2006

Devices to filter toxic PFAS from well water may be purchased online.

Forty percent of Redmond drinking water comes from five wells, the remainder from surface waters like the Tolt River. At a recent Council meeting, the Director of Public Works Aaron Bert, announced Wells 1 & 2 in Anderson Park were contaminated with a man-made chemical called PFAS, coined a "forever chemical." It doesn't break down and can compromise immunity, lead to cancer, affect pregnancy and other health problems if consumed over a long period of time.

Council hired Hazon consultant ($284,000) to plan a pre-design of filtering infrastructure for Wells 1 & 2. Bert says the estimated cost will be $25-$30 million with projected completion by 2029.

Bert's scientist said in a February 3 year council meeting they know the source was "historic." but not known where. Extensive community research concludes the source is likely from fire foam used in 2013 to extinguish a huge debris fire in the neglected SE Redmond industrial district. Jon Spangler, the Redmond Natural Resource manager saw fire foam floating in nearby Evans Creek and 1900 dead fish. Fire Captain John Stockman remembers fire foam was used.

Fire foam is highly concentrated with PFAS;and according to "aquifer hydrology" the contaminated water reached our Education Hill water supply at Wells 1 & 2 by 2018, in the very least. We ordered a "reverse osmosis" water filter from an online merchant and are VERY happy with the clarity and smooth taste of our water; and knowing it's PFAS free!

-- Bob Yoder

2/11/2026

Forest and Creek Restoration Projects, Sign Up For Smith Woods

Two Redmond Neighborhood Park Forest Restoration Projects

NOW

"Green Redmond" has one remaining forest restoration event this year.  Volunteers will be planting trees and removing invasive plants from Smith Woods Park, Saturday, March 28th, 2026, 9-12,  Click this link for details and to sign up:

https://redmond.greencitypartnerships.org/event/700/

THEN

A few years ago at Smith Woods volunteers built a long trail to the park pond.  Retired Mayor Rosemarie Ives of 20 years was shovelling bark with the rest of them. It was an honorary land donation event, as well.   See the trail pictures and event article here.

The Regional Bear Creek Restoration Project in Redmond's

 Friendly Village 

Photo with Article by John Rienke 

Years ago, the "Adopt A Stream Foundation" (AASF) created a major project to restore Chinook salmon breeding habitat in the portion of Bear Creek that flows through "Friendly Village," a forty plus acre manufactured home residence park operated by the King County Housing Authority in eastern Redmond.

###

The "Adopt A Stream" Founder, Tom Murdoch designed and directed  "Woods Creek Bridge Removal and Restoration project."  His crew of volunteers will be planting trees in Monroe Valentines Day, 2026.  Woods Creek is a tributary to the Skykomish River. It took ten years for completion; and a lot of it fundraising.  

-- Bob Yoder, 2/10/2026

UPDATED 2/7/26: Sandwich Boards Are Proliferating

 

TWO (not one) "Massage," "Head Spa" and a "Handyman" sandwich board signs are "tented" on 85th St. near 166th Ave. NE.  Across the street are two others.  They are  distracting drivers and proliferating almost daily.  If this keeps up, our city will be tacky and visually polluted, yet small businesses need to advertise -- maybe not this way.  

According to Code Enforcement Officer Rob Lewis, the city attorney is working on a sign code amendment.  "We want to ensure the city is clean and presentable but also must ensure we're not infringing of constitutional free Speech rights while doing so."  

A good start in the amendment process would be limiting the businesses to one sign on a street and give fines to those who don't.    

Our right to free Speech is violated during elections when only candidates may post their signs.  During elections, almost always ugly signs from one or two business are staked everywhere.  

 

 Above, seven sandwich board signs are massed on one short block of 85th Street and they wrap around the corner. In "bunches" they are unsightly, distracting, and unfitting for our City.

Bob Yoder, opinion / photographs 2/5/2026 

Christine Tennyson Himes Obituary

 

  "Bridges of Redmond -- Christine Himes -- Public Servant for the Common Good."

 November 11,2021

Christine Tennyson Himes (Chris) Obituary

WA - Christine Himes passed away peacefully in her home in Monroe, Washington on

December 30, 2025. She was born on April 6, 1929 in Washington DC. She was

married to Jack Himes for 46 years. As long-time Eastside residents they raised five 

children. She is survived by Craig and wife Barbara, Valerie and husband Ron Bennett,

Donna and husband Dave Bender, Carole and husband Brian Strong; 13 grandchildren

and 18 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter Darlene; 

and her brother Georg B. Tennyson.

Christine was an active volunteer for local schools, church and community 

events. She served on the Redmond City Council from 1975-1977 and later

served as the first full-time woman mayor from 1980-1984. She is known for 

balancing growth and encouraging business while preserving open space

and creating and preserving 19 parks and a trail system in Redmond. 

She continued to be involved through the Redmond Historical Society where she 

served as President for six years.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 28, 2026, at 12:00 PM 

at the Monroe Community Senior Center, 276 Sky River Pkwy, Monroe, WA 98272

Remembrances may be sent to:

Redmond Historical Society -redmondhistoricalsociety.org

Service Dogs for Veterans Bellingham, WA paveusa.org

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Christine, 

please visit our Tree Store.

Published on February 1, 2026

I have fond memories of chatting and giving hugs to Chris💕 at Redmond Historical

Society meetings.  May she rest in peace.  - Bob Yoder

Facts Behind the 2026 LWSD Levy Ballot

LWSD Levy Committee campaign sign

Currently, 16% of the Lake Washington School District budget is funded by two levies that can be renewed (replaced) every four years by the vote of the people. The levies up for renewal are: Educational and Operations (EP&O) and Capital Technology and Facilities.  In late 2025, the board approved an "Excess Levy" also known as "Levy Lid Lift) to fund: 

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

The election is February 10th, 2026 and the ballots have already been mailed out. 

Reported by Bob Yoder

1/29/2026 

Source:  LWSD website

UPDATED 1/30/2026: Police Search for Suspect Who Stabbed Woman On Bear Creek Trail

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium build. He is described as having a wide face and bumpy, textured skin. At the time of the assault, he was wearing a green hoodie, jeans, and a black hat.

Redmond detectives are actively investigating the assault. Anyone who was on or near Bear Creek Trail between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Jan. 24, has dash-cam footage, or recalls seeing someone matching the suspect’s description is encouraged to please call 425-556-2500 and ask to speak with a detective.

--RPD. 1/3/2025

UPDATED 1/28/26: Redmond's Water Supply Wells Contaminated

Forty - five percent of our clean potable water is supplied by five water supply wells; and they are compromised.   Very recent sampling efforts have detected "PFAS" contaminating Anderson Park's two water supply wells (#1 and #2.)  PFAS - are found in paint, cleansers, fire extinguisher foam, other man-made chemicals and *historic spills.  Public Works Director Aaron Bert said in a staff report, "the City doesn't know the source."  

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalyl subs) are a group of soluble human-made chemicals that can adversely affect human health and the environment.   Higher cholesterol, blood pressure problems during pregnancy. lower birth weights and increased risk of some cancers may occur over an extended period of time.

The sooner the city reaches out to the community to reassure us the better. The estimated cost of mitigation is $25 - $30 million.  On February 3, 4:30 PM in City Hall, Council's consultant will explain how to remove and replace these "forever chemicals."  You are invited or LIVE stream on Comcast Channel 21.   

 HISTORY

2006 photo of the district's stormwater treatment pond
connected to Evans Creek / Bob Yoder

Southeast Redmond's industrial district was historically the city "dump site" with abused 50-foot creek buffers and untreated stormwater *spilling into nearby Evans Creek.  (It's been somewhat environmentally rehabilitated.) In 2013, a massive debris fire started in the district at All Wood Recycling - located in the infiltration zone where potable water is drawn from the aquifer.  It took days and volumes of water with *PFAS-laced fire foam to extinguish it. In my opinion, the industrial site is the source.  

Evans Creek runs through Redmond's Industrial District
 and over a shallow aquifer 

Special thanks to Dr. David Morton for his contributions and collaboration on this source-finding adventure.  

-- Bob Yoder, 1/26/2026, updated 1/28/2026

   Education Hill, Redmond

Patient Centered, Expert Driven: Excellence Rooted in Compassionate Care

Currently, Evergreen is negotiating with UnitedHealthcare for continuance of their insurance.  This is very common for all hospitals.  Almost always there's  resolution and services aren't disrupted.  

-- Bob Yoder, 1/25/2026

Senior & Community Center Art

Dana Harrison

"The Leap," 2019

Acrylic, 30" x 20"

$300 dhari@gmail.com

Photographed by Bob Yoder

UPDATED: Sanya Parsi Appointed Redmond City Councilmember

 

Front row l-r:  Angie Neuvacamina, Menka Soni, Sayna Parsi, Vanessa Kritzer

Back row l-r: Vivek Prakriya, Melissa Stuart, Jessica Forsythe

Stuart is President, replacing Kritzer -  Neuvacamina V.P. replacing Forsythe

Prakriya is 20-years old

Sayna Parsi was appointed by Council to finish Osman Salahuddin's term; who was elected State Legislature, District 48th. Sanya's term ends in two years. 

Saina Parsi — Identified in the interviews as having experience on the Parks and Trails Commission, private-sector program work and community organizing; she emphasized environmental stewardship, inclusive community outreach and using planning documents such as Redmond 2050 to guide decisions. 

Council Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Legislative Branch
• Provides to the Mayor direction on policy goals and objectives for long-term vision based on community values and needs
• Adopts the budget, sets fees, accepts grants, and oversees financial and performance measures
• Adopts codes, zoning, and standards in city law and regulations
• Approves contracts, real estate transactions, claim settlements, and interlocal agreements
• Approves pay ranges and union contracts
• Advises Mayor to support staff implementation of policies
• Represents the majority position of the Council to the public

Source:  redmond.gov

Photo:   Chip Cornwell, City of Redmond

Updated: Celebrating Chinese American Legacies in Redmond

 

Join the Redmond Historical Society and volunteers from the Little Masters Club (小大师聚乐部) as they kick off a new digital exhibit, powered by the curiosity and passion of local high school students who researched, and documented stories from our Chinese American Community.

 

This FREE event celebrating Chinese culture will include hands-on crafts, activities, snacks and more! Enjoy live music from the CHIME Band, originally formed by a group of Chinese Microsoft Employees. Plus, an opportunity to preview portions of the exhibit, and learn how to explore the full project from home

Redmond Library

15990 NE 85th Street

Saturday, January 17

• 1:00 PM Opening Ceremony

• 1:40 PM CHIME Band live performance

• 2:35 PM Traditional Chinese Painting presentation by YongEr Liu

• 3:15 PM Shaolin Kung Fu Academy Demo

City News Now | January 12, 2026

LOTS OF GOOD NEWS HERE!  I'm going to sign up for the Community Police Academy.  "Talk Sporty To Me" looks good too!

-- Bob Yoder, 1/15/26

Overlake Growth In Redmond

Photo/ Bob Yoder

There's lots of interest in our downtown growth but don't forget Overlake.  The population in Overlake will one day surpass our downtown. Here's an eastern view of the "Seritage" 14-acre construction project on 148 Ave. across from the mega Fred Meyer store. The Red Robin is no longer. 😒  That ridge of evergreens will soon "vanish.".  There's talk of 15-30-story towers in Overlake. Thank heavens for our neighborhood parks & trails! (

"Redmond is growing faster than many of us imagine, especially in the Overlake Urban Center.  A 14-acre Urban Village coined "Seritage"  will transform  Sears Plaza into office space, a hotel,  residential, commercial, retail and a large park.  High rise buildings are probable.  

·       The buildings could reach over 9 stories and will include both commercial space, hotel and residential units. 

·         When built, the project will generate over 13,000 vehicular trips a day. Currently planned, the developer-funded road improvements are minimal, in fact the traffic study states traffic will improve when the project is completed! The cities of Redmond and Bellevue will bear the burden of road improvements as part of their infrastructure plans.

·         There will be 2,300 parking stalls (vs. around 1,000 today). 

·         There is an already approved project next door (KCC Limited Edition) that will result in 885 homes, 173,000 square feet of office, 28,000 square feet of retail, an 80-room hotel. Adding this new, larger project to the area will certainly multiply the impacts of this development.

If any of the design assumptions on the project are not correct, the traffic gridlock in the area will intensify." 

-- Eugene Zakhareyev, 11/2017

   Redmond resident and property owner

   Past city council candidate 

   edited by Yoder, 1/12/26

As if Seritage is not enough, read about the Overlake East Master Plan: 

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-redevelopment-of-sears-plaza-is.html

-- Bob Yoder, 1/12/26

EvergreenHealth Executives Serve On Regional Advisory Boards

 

Four EvergreenHealth administrators served on health care and economic boards in 2025

 

Kirkland, Wash.—Last year, four of EvergreenHealth’s administration team were invited to serve on advisory boards throughout the region. These health system leaders give their time, skills and insight to organizations involved in health care and economic development across the state.

 

Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP, EvergreenHealth CEO, was elected to the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) Board of Directors effective January 2025, having previously served as the Chair of the Clinical Excellence Committee from 2023 to 2024. He also sits on the board of the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce and the Steering Committee for the Washington Department of Health Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care.

 

Dr. Palazzo joined EvergreenHealth in 2003 as a hospitalist, and he held various roles before becoming CEO in December 2023. He is responsible for the leadership of all aspects of EvergreenHealth's purpose, mission and vision.

 

Christopher Bredeson, MBA, FACHE, Chief Operating and Strategy Officer, has been invited to sit on the boards of Washington Hospital Services (WHS), the Washington Health Alliance (WHA)—both statewide
de organizations focused on quality and value in health care delivery—and OneRedmond, a public-private economic development partnership.

 

Bredeson has held positions in health care leadership and community advocacy for more than three decades. In his role at EvergreenHealth, he supervises all facets of health system operations and planning.

 

Jessika Groce, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP, Chief Human Resources Officer, was appointed to the Cascadia College Foundation Board effective July 1. The Cascadia College Foundation plays a crucial role in offering scholarships and grants to students needing financial support also backing key college initiatives. The board works to support the college’s mission of delivering accessible, equitable and superior educational experiences to inspire every person to achieve their educational and career goals.

Redmond Fire Department Recruitment Video 2021

Excellent video!  Even more so, is John Oftebro's article: "Fire! Fire! Fire! History and Evolution of the Redmond Fire Department.” (from which this video came.)  John is the President of the Redmond Historical Society and his article can be found in their recent newsletter.  

-- Yoder, 1/7/26

EvergreenHealth Teaching Physician Assistant Students

 

EvergreenHealth Partners with Northwest University To Help Teach Physician Assistant Students

Students receive hands-on experience while also supporting community’s need for more health care professionals

 

KIRKLAND, WA—EvergreenHealth and Northwest University’s School of PA Medicine have partnered to help students complete their degree and give them an opportunity to jumpstart their careers as physician assistants. This partnership is another example of how the two Kirkland-based organizations have collaborated to support health care professionals and the community’s health and wellness.

 

“EvergreenHealth has faithfully partnered with our health professions programs at Northwest University for two decades, first welcoming nursing students into their facilities to train, and now, our PA students,” said Northwest University School of PA Medicine Dean Heather Deibler, PA-C. “Many of our NU nurses went on to careers at EvergreenHealth, and we look forward to the day when our PA graduates serve there as clinicians. We sincerely appreciate EvergreenHealth’s commitment to help equip the next generation of health care professionals who will serve this community and Washington state for years to come.”

UPDATED OPINION: The Fabric Of Our City Is Tattered

Middle and low income residents, the fabric of our city, are getting priced out of the community.  We are losing our base of volunteers and nonprofit members.  8-years ago living in Redmond was affordable.  Not today.  In a large way, of course our problem is inflation,  Home values in Redmond approximate $1.4M, twice pre-pandemic levels. Rent is increasing every year.

But, it's not just a problem of affordable housing. We have to cope with expenses we've never had:    

State Retail Tax.  $10 tax/ on every $100 retail goods purchased

8% Utility price increase this year with no end in sight owing to AI data center power needs.

Hospital:  Historic Levy Lid-lift, 50 cents / $1000 value (~$440/year on my property)  

LWSD:  Two proposed Levy-lid lifts:  Feb. 19th.  Capital increase ($44) and Programs increase ($180) on a $1.5M property.

Other segments of King County property taxes are increasing.

Sound Transit ~ $1,000/year

Proposed C.O.R. Parks and Safety Lid-lifts in 2026 or 2027. 

City staff are allowed up to 2-3 remote work days per week. The Parks Director lives in Kenmore, a Deputy in Duval, and another Deputy in Mill Creek. The cost of living in all these cities is less than Redmond.  Please set a compensation policy for remote meetings that encourages living in Redmond.   

Council members are responsible for developing and overseeing the budget so in light of the financial pain we feel, they must keep the staff compensation at the forefront in their deliberations and throttle it's growth. 

Compensation constitutes the majority of city operations and pulling a lever to slow its growth has never been more crucial. So far, it doesn't look good:  

196 new hires in 2025

Proposed 2026 Executive Pay Plan  Council decision on January 6th.  

Proposed 2026 Non Union Pay Plan  Council decision on January 6th.  

2026 Executive Organizational Chart  (new) 

Examples of Executive and Non Union employee salaries and bonuses.

-- Bob Yoder, 1/3/2026

Puget Sound Journal Honors EvergreenHealth CEO Ettore Palazzo

 

EvergreenHealth CEO Dr. Ettore Palazzo on right/ credit Anthony Bolante, PSBJ

Last night, Puget Sound Business Journal (PSB) hosted a private Power 100 reception to honor the Puget Sound's most influential people who are making news, getting things done behind the scenes, or using their wealth and power for the betterment of their communities. These honorees, including Dr. Palazzo, were brought together for a celebratory evening to applaud their accomplishments and connect with other impactful businesspeople in the region.

Thank you to our sponsors for helping us recognize incredible leaders:
• Founding Sponsor: Bank of America
• Presenting Sponsor: Arnold & Porter
• Platinum Sponsor: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
• Signature Sponsor: Alaska Airlines
• Cocktail Sponsor: Washington State University
• Bronze Sponsors: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound & Laird Norton Wetherby

-- December, 2025