About "Us"

I've lived in Redmond 45 years, started writing Redmond Neighborhood Blog (Redmond Blog) 16 years ago; always its sole reporter and editor.  I'm a community volunteer and publish without pay. Many of my stories are opinionated; my articles are usually sourced.  

Redmond Blog's mission is to keep our community connected and responsive to each other with community news and to make Redmond a better place to live. Special attention is paid to daylighting the local governments of the City of Redmond, Lake Washington School District and EvergreenHealth Public Hospital. To this end, some of my reporting focuses on government transparency, accountability and citizen participation.  

EvergreenHealth excels in many clinical areas, unfortunately not mental health. 

In recent years, I've spoken at numerous EvergreenHealth public meetings pressing their seven commissioners (4 are appointed) to open an "urgent care behavioral health clinic" and other on-site care.  The pandemic raised the incidence of mental illness, raised awareness, and softened stigma but still CEO Tomlin and the "elected" Board of Commissioners had little interest in providing treatment. Mental health services weren't included in their "10-year facilities plan."  This "community-owned hospital" has over 20 specialty clinics; not one is behavioral health.   

The Lake Washington School District is faced with unprecedented growth, equivalent to one new elementary school a year. It's now the 2nd largest school district in Washington State.  In 2018 a critical bond measure failed... attributed to accelerated State property taxes important next bond measure, the Levy Committee was well prepared.  Developer Eric Campbell later joined an elite Bond Committee and the measure passed.  A $120M 6-year Capital Projects Levy was on the 2019 ballot to bridge future capital bonds passed.  And, in February of 2022 a second 6-year Capital Projects Levy passed. The District will try of a 3rd levy in 2024.

Though only about 5% of the school budget is allocated to the Central Leadership Team and Administration their compensation seems high. 

The City of Redmond's downtown and Overlake urban centers are laden with apartment construction cranes and detours. Parking is is a serious issue. The neighborhoods and fine parks offer respite; though housing is seriously unaffordable.  It's expected a downtown "permanent supportive" building for housing for 100 homeless will open in 2026.  The public is vehemently protesting; others want it.  

Redmond Blog's present policy is not to endorse political candidates.  My blog will work to provide the facts.

Bob Yoder
Education Hill
Redmond, 98052
redmondblog@gmail.com

4/17/2024