Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Amazing 'win' for EvergreenHealth Proposition 1, Levy Lid Lift


With 24.12% of EvergreenHealth Prop 1 ballots counted on August 5th, 25,453 (60.54%) were approved and 16,591 (39.46%) were rejected.  Amazing 'win' for the community!  Woo Hoo!  😃

8/6/2025

City News Now | August 4, 2025

Overlake Bellwether Housing Development, Affordable

Overlake Bellwether Housing 

The City of Redmond is seeking to enter into a 2.4 acre purchase and sale agreement with Bellwether Housing for the acquisition of a commercial property on the ground floor of an affordable housing project. This project is located adjacent to the Overlake light rail station and will contain two additional commercial spaces and 328 affordable housing units. 

Approval of the purchase and sale of Bellwether allows the City of Redmond to acquire coveted commercial space in the Overlake Neighborhood right next to light rail.  The development will include a six-story, mixed-use building housing small businesses, “mini town hall,” and nonprofit services. · 

Most importantly, affordable housing for ~328 homes include studios, 1, 2, and 3-bedrooms will be available at 30% to 80% Area Median Income (AMI) however, families will qualify only for 50% AMI. 

Below are outlined some other potential benefits: 

 City services: Potential for increased access to city services, such as customer service, translation services, bill pay, mobile integrated health, Police desk, and other city services, along with rotating art.  

 Co-location of  1,600 sq commercial condo adjacent to a planned multicultural small business hub. The City envisions the use of the parcel as a dedicated to open space, suitable for small-scale community use. 

Multicultural services:  In the Overlake Intercultural District more than 42% of the residents are foreign born and 46.5% speak a language other than English at home. 

Multi-modal transportation on sidewalks and streets close to the Overlake Station.  

The Mayor has approved allocating $1 million in funds budgeted for Bellwether's housing development.  King County staff have proposed a matching contribution with an additional $1.15 million. City staff has applied for federal and state grants to support the acquisition and tenant improvements. The City was successful in receiving a state grant earmark.

Source:  Council Committee of the Whole, 8/5/2025  (Election Day) 

City of Redmond Design Review agenda

Monday, August 4, 2025

ELECTION RESULTS

 

Election closes August 5, 8 PM  

 
(click)

FOR CANDIDATES AND MEASURES

Previous results reports will be made available by 4:30 p.m. the next day

  • August 5 results report  
  • August 6 results report
  • August 7 results report
  • August 8 results report
  • August 11 results report
  • August 12 results report
  • August 13 results report
  • August 14 results report
  • August 15 results report
  • August 18 results report
  • August 19 results report  (certification) 
Of 21.37% of EvergreenHealth Prop 1 ballots counted, 25,453 (60.54%) were approved and 16,591 (39.46%) were rejected.  Amazing 'win' for the community!

Sunday, August 3, 2025

EvergreenHealth Community Healthcare Access Team (CHAT)


Sahayra Bororjas Tapia, Outreach Liaison with the EvergreenHealth Community Healthcare Access Team (CHAT), discusses CHAT’s resources, from housing, transportation services, to helping a patient find a provider.

If you or someone you know are in need of assistance, please call CHAT at (425) 899-3200 or email CHAT@evergreenhealth.com.

The EvergreenHealth Community Healthcare Access Team (CHAT) is levy-funded.

Saturday, August 2, 2025

EvergreenHealth Board Appoints Ettore Palazzo CEO, December 2023


Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP  assumed his new role as CEO of EvergreenHealth 

on Dec. 10, 2023.  Since then, he's reached out to over 14 organizations addressing the community's  "State of Healthcare."  

 

KIRKLAND, WA – The EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners appointed Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP, CEO of EvergreenHealth, a public hospital district and two-hospital healthcare system effective Dec. 10, 2023. Dr. Palazzo assumed the role following the retirement of CEO Jeff Tomlin, MD.

 

“Over the past 20 years, some of the greatest, as well as most challenging, moments of my personal and professional life have taken place at EvergreenHealth,” said Dr. Palazzo. “It is the honor of a lifetime to work for this organization and serve its community as the next Chief Executive Officer.” 

 

Dr. Palazzo has served EvergreenHealth and its community for 20 years. He joined EvergreenHealth in 2003 as a hospitalist and most recently served as the Chief Medical and Quality Officer.

 

When Dr. Palazzo joined EvergreenHealth, he was soon elected managing physician of the Internal Medicine hospitalist service, acting as the liaison between hospitalists and the EvergreenHealth Administrative Council. He then spent almost nine years as IT Medical Director of Inpatient Services while continuing to see and treat patients.

 

In 2014, Dr. Palazzo was appointed Quality Medical Director and was tasked with improving EvergreenHealth’s readmission rates. He created and implemented successful strategies that not only achieved lower readmission rates but also led to patient safety and outstanding outcomes awards and recognitions from organizations like Healthgrades, Leapfrog and the Lown Institute.

 

In 2019, just months before EvergreenHealth would be the first hospital in the U.S. to report community spread of COVID-19, Dr. Tomlin offered Dr. Palazzo the role of Interim Chief Medical and Quality Officer. Dr. Palazzo accepted the role and began overseeing risk management, quality/patient safety, regulatory, infection control, pharmacy services and hospitalist/intensivist services. Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Palazzo demonstrated his ability to lead compassionately as he guided his teams through unprecedented issues and helped the hospital system to continue delivering high-quality care.

 

“The last several years have been incredibly challenging for the organization, both clinically and financially, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftereffects,” said Dr. Palazzo. “Despite those challenges, EvergreenHealth has remained true to its mission, vision and values, achieving its highest marks in quality and patient safety in the history of the organization, as our staff consistently strives to achieve even better outcomes.”

 

Ultimately, Dr. Palazzo accepted the permanent position of Chief Medical and Quality Officer. In addition to his roles at EvergreenHealth, Dr. Palazzo has been a member of the Eastside Health Alliance Quality Council since July 2017 and is currently a Board of Directors member and Appointed Chair of the Washington State Hospital Association’s Patient Safety Committee. Dr. Palazzo also served as a Quality Committee member for the Eastside Health Network from July 2017 to May 2023.

 

“We’re delighted and honored to confirm Dr. Palazzo’s selection as CEO of EvergreenHealth and look forward to his leadership in the years to come as we continue our journey of 50-plus years, enriching the health and well-being of every life we touch,” said EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners Chair Virgil Snyder.


About EvergreenHealth

Serves Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville, Bothell, Kenmore, Mill Creek, Duvall, Carnation, Sammamish, Monroe, parts of Snohomish.

EvergreenHealth is a community-owned hospital system serving more than one million residents in King and Snohomish counties. Since 1972, EvergreenHealth has evolved alongside the Eastside community into a two-hospital health system with a network of primary care practices (12), urgent care centers (7), specialty clinics (28), extensive home care and hospice services, and 24/7 emergency care in Kirkland, Monroe and Redmond. As a public hospital district, the health system’s purpose is to enrich the health and wellness of everyone in the community by providing equal access to high-quality, high-value care, partnering with local organizations to perform outreach and offering health education to address our community’s needs now and for generations to come. The hospital system is named one of Healthgrades America’s 50 Best™ Hospitals and holds a 5-Star Overall Rating from the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS). Learn more at www.evergreenhealth.com. 

Thursday, July 24, 2025

King County "Transparency Assessor Tool"


Transparency Assessor Tool: 
https://localscape.property/#kingcountyassessor/My-Property

The King County Assessor developed an invaluable Localscape "transparency assessor tool" to calculate individual 2025 taxes and levy rates based on your home's appraised value.  Current and past taxes, area median household income, area sales, and other useful data are resourced.   

In 1981, I bought my 1,800 sf home on Education Hill for $92,000.  According to the calculator, the 2023 average sales price in my area is $999,375.  

My total property taxes in 2023 were $8961.80 (up $1,630 from 2022.)  The calculator showed 2024 King County levy rates and dollar amounts on my property, as follows: 

  • Local School 29.30%  - $2475.48
  • City 11.04% - $849.3
  • County 10.9% - $1311.16
  • Library 3.57% - $282.98
  • EMS 2.85% - $222.24
  • Hospital 2.57% - $151.47
  • Transit 2.12% - $160.53
  • Port 1.03% - $102.61
  • Flood .92% - $69.26
  • STATE Taxes $2467.16 (schools, fire, roads, parks & recreation) 
Total 2026 taxes may increase from 2025 owing to voter approved levies, bonds and the 1%/year allowable increase.  

In 2024 voters passed a 14 cents /$1000 property tax for the King County Mental Health Crisis Centers; and King County's homeless hotel.  LWSD passed a  6-year $676.9 million construction levy refresh measure. EvergreenHealth District No. 2 is proposing a 50 cents/$1000 levy lid-lift August 2025; and King County is proposing a 23 cents/$1000 parks, trails & open space 6-year levy refresh August 2025.

To check out the tax data on your home:  


-- Bob Yoder, 7/25/2025

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Redmond Man Convicted In Death

 


Redmond Man Convicted in Death and Concealment of Elderly Victim

 REDMOND, WA - Andrew D. Stanisci, 39, has been convicted in connection with the death of 68-year-old Joel Godino, whose remains were found concealed in a suitcase in a Redmond apartment in March 2023.

After a year-long investigation by the Redmond Police Department, Stanisci was found guilty on July 7 of multiple serious charges, including Manslaughter in the First Degree, Unlawful Imprisonment, Removal or Concealment of a Body, Identity Theft in the First Degree, Theft in the First Degree, and Forgery.

Investigations and witness reports revealed that Stanisci physically abused, drugged, isolated, and financially exploited Mr. Godino over an extended period, even confining him to a closet and denying him basic care.

Following Mr. Godino’s death, Stanisci allegedly tried to cover up the incident by hiding the body for two months, posting a false note on the apartment door to avoid discovery, and continuing to access the victim’s bank accounts, transferring nearly $10,000, and forging checks.

EvergreenHealth Levy Lid Lift History And Growth Milestones



Lid Lift History and Growth Milestones

How much will your property tax rise?

EvergreenHealth Services/Levy Lid Lift FAQ

EvergreenHealth website

King County Council Approves Sales Tax, Prevents Cuts To Safety


King County Council Approves Safe and Stable Communities 0.1% Sales Tax to Prevent Devastating Cuts to Public Safety. 
 

Today, July 23, 2025, the King County Council voted 8-1 to approve the Safe and Stable Communities Sales Tax, a critical measure to protect public safety, preserve essential services, and stabilize King County’s budget amid a projected $160 million deficit.

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Vote "yes" for Osman

Osman Salahuddin was appointed to the 48th Legislative District and now faces a Primary to keep his position. 
 Osman also currently serves as a Redmond city council member. 
                     

As your representative in the Washington State House for the 48th Legislative District, I am deeply honored to listen to your concerns and be your voice in Olympia.

I approach governance as a collaborative effort rooted in listening, understanding, and action. As we move forward together, I remain focused on addressing the issues that matter most to our district.

One of the greatest challenges we face is the rising cost of living. Addressing the interconnected needs of housing, childcare, healthcare, and economic stability requires thoughtful, comprehensive strategies. To better accomplish this work, I am honored to serve as a member of the House Capital BudgetCivil Rights & Judiciary, and Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committees.

My office is here as a resource for you and your family. Often, we can help you directly, but if for some reason, we don’t have all the answers, we can connect you with others who can help.

It is an honor to serve the people of the 48th District.

Sincerely,

State Representative Osman Salahuddin

EvergreenHealth CEO Honors King County Paramedics

It was an honor to be present today for the graduation ceremony of Class 51 of the King County Medic One Paramedic Training Program. These exceptional individuals, along with those who came before them and those who will follow, carry forward a proud tradition of delivering some of the highest quality prehospital emergency care anywhere in the nation. Their dedication, skill, and service are a true credit to our community.
-- CEO Ettore Palazzo, EvergreenHealth

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Redmond Art Walk

 

Downtown Redmond Art Walk Returns to Downtown Park

REDMOND, WA - Redmond will host the Downtown Redmond Art Walk (DRAW) for a third year, beginning at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, in Downtown Redmond. This celebration of creativity and beauty brings together Redmond’s local artists and businesses for an evening of art and encourages community members to support local artists, merchants, and vibrant arts organizations.

From 4 – 7 p.m., Downtown Park will feature art installations, performances, and live mural painting curated by the City’s Cultural Arts Program. There will also be opportunities for the community to connect with City Councilmembers, and share their perspectives on the importance of art that will be incorporated into the Public Art Master Plan. Participating businesses will join in celebrating local talent through exhibitions, poetry readings, live music, and more.

“Downtown Redmond Art Walk showcases our community’s talented local artists and businesses,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “I’m excited we are continuing this event for a third year as we celebrate the dynamic and creative spirit of our city.” 

In addition to the art in Downtown Park, the City will provide a map for self-guided tours of the participating businesses that will showcase artists that evening. This one-night experience is made possible thanks to a generous Arts Sustained Support grant from 4Culture.

For information about the event and how to get involved, visit redmond.gov/DRAW.

--Redmond.gov

Monday, July 14, 2025

Redmond Launches Its First-Ever Tree Giveaway

 

Redmond Has a goal of 40% tree canopy by 2050

REDMOND, WA - For the first time, the City of Redmond is launching a free tree giveaway to help grow the City’s urban forest and reach the goal of 40% tree canopy cover by 2050, as supported by the Tree Canopy Strategic Plan, Redmond 2050, and the Environmental Sustainability Action Plan.

“From enhancing the richness of life in Redmond and improving our health to protecting our streams and hillsides from erosion, trees provide countless benefits to our community,” said Redmond Mayor Angela Birney. “Trees are also an essential part of our City’s commitment to improve environmental sustainability and mitigate the impacts of climate change.”

Through this new event, Redmond is giving away 500 trees to Redmond residents, groups, and organizations, such as schools, faith organizations, nonprofits, HOAs, and small businesses with fewer than 25 employees within Redmond city limits. Educational materials will be provided to help participants choose, plant, and care for their trees.

The giveaway application is now open. A completed application is required before picking up a tree, as quantities are limited. The giveaway will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at the Redmond Municipal Campus.

Volunteer opportunities are available. For those who want to join the fun but don’t have a space to plant a tree of their own, there will be a community planting event with Green Redmond in October.

To learn more and apply, visit redmond.gov/TreeGiveaway. For questions about the tree giveaway, contact guestservices@redmond.gov.

Plans referenced above:

Rep. Osman Salahuddin, 48th District State Primary


As your State Representative, I am focused on delivering results – improving public safety, transportation, and environmental protections while fighting for workers and small businesses. As a Redmond Councilmember and lifelong Eastsider, I understand local priorities: affordable housing, strong schools, healthcare access, and protecting our freedoms. I’m running to continue serving our communities with integrity and a commitment to common-sense solutions.

Endorsed: Senator Maria Cantwell; Congresswoman Suzan DelBene; Governor Bob Ferguson; County Councilmember Claudia Balducci; Mayors of Redmond, Bellevue, and Kirkland; 48th Democrats; WA Education Association; State Labor Council; Redmond Firefighters; Association of WA Business; Planned Parenthood Alliance; and more!

-- King County Elections

Sunday, July 13, 2025

EvergreenHealth CEO Reaches Out To Bothell And Woodinville

Bothell City Council 
EvergreenHealth is honored to serve so many vibrant and engaged communities across the Eastside. Thank you to the City of Bothell and the City of Woodinville, Washington for the opportunity to share important updates on the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, and how EvergreenHealth is working to preserve and strengthen essential services for the residents of our hospital district.
-- Linked In