Showing posts with label Birney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Birney. Show all posts

Monday, April 8, 2024

UPDATED OPINION: Mayor Birney Should Speak To The Public

OPINION:  Redmond is in turmoil.  From the blue "Demand a Say" signs scattered all over our city and numerous City Hall meetings over-flowing with protesters, we all know Council (and indirectly the Mayor) made a fateful "Plymouth decision" to welcome 100 homeless to our downtown.    

Some background:  The King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRA) is promoting a regional approach to the homeless problem and now taking Seattle's severe homeless problem to the suburbs.  Their disorganized strategy didn't work in Kenmore and it's certainly not working in Redmond.   

Bellevue accepted the first Plymouth Housing building on the Eastside. It opened on July 23, 2023 and is located in a distant 10-acre low income "ecosystem."  So far, no news.

To qualify for a Plymouth studio in Bellevue, potential residents "must have been homeless for at least a year and have at least one disability."  Thus, the conditions of these homeless are severe, by far "not run of the mill."  Should Redmond have a similar building (in 2026) hopefully, these homeless will have enough human services to keep them alive, safely off the streets with even 1-2 or more finding a normal life.          

At Bellevue's Plymouth, "three staff members will live on-site and a health care clinic will allow these homeless to meet with primary care and psychiatry providers, and have an option for 24/7 telehealth urgent care."  Fantastic!  I hope this comes to fruition with many residents exiting.  

Clarity is now needed now needed for our community. Mayor Birney should stand tall and speak directly to the public to explain Council's policy, quell miss-information and stimulate productive, community conversations.      

-- Bob Yoder, 4/8/2024, Updated Opinion 4/18/24

Sources:  Seattle Times, 3/21/2024  Seattle Times, 7/17/2023  Plymouth Housing website  redmondblog.org  Cartoon: The New Yorker.                    

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Downtown Homeless Housing Controversy, City Hall Is Packed / Video

One of Many Signs Staked in Downtown Redmond 

 Video-link to the March 19th Redmond City Council Meeting 

https://redmond.granicus.com/player/clip/2809 

The video shows a packed house at City Hall with demonstrators peacefully holding SafeEastside signs -- "Demanding a Say on Low Barrier Housing in Downtown Redmond."  40 citizens commented.

Pro and Con Comments Of Note:
 
Aspen Richter  39:43m
Al Rosenthal 43:36m
SafeEastside activist
Kiki Montgomery 53:43m
Dennis Ellis 59:43
Ramon (from China) 1:10:23
Cynthia Young 1:14:19
Paul Stephano 1:19:45
Linda Yang 1:22:20
Lisa Tracy 1:35:14
Karen Rodrigues 1:39:17
HopeLink
Bob Yoder 1:46:36
Redmond Blog
Kyle Parker 1:54:37
Sean Moyer 1:55:30
Kathy Lambert 2:08:03
Retired King County Councilmember 
Yuyan 2:15:14 

Video Sources : redmond.gov  YouTube clip
3/23/2024

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Mayor Birney Honors Women's History Month


In honor of Women's History Month, Mayor Birney recently met with the Redmond Historical Society to learn more about the incredible women who helped make our community what it is today. The Mayor and Laura Lee are speaking from the Society's museum; jam-packed with artifacts and exhibits!

Do you know the Historical Society has a monthly Saturday Speaker's Series? The next one is April 13th at 10:30 a.m. It's all about bicycles in Redmond! Location: Old Redmond School House.

Check out the historical society's website for details and the Series line up at: https://www.redmondhistoricalsociety.org/rhs-events

Posted by Yoder, 3/13/2024

Monday, March 11, 2024

UPDATED: SafeEastside Activists Demand "A Say" On Downtown Homeless Housing

 

 

Redmond is in turmoil over Council's decision to allow Plymouth Homeless Housing in our downtown.  Blue signs objecting to downtown "low-barrier" homeless housing (where drugs are allowed in the hotel with conditions) suddenly appeared all over Redmond's downtown today (3/12) including this one at Anderson Park. 

At no fault of their own, Council wasn't transparent in their decision to house100 homeless and low income people in Redmond's downtown.   According to Planning & Community Development Director Helland, a public Hearing wasn't required; and "comment periods" were tabled in the rush to qualify for funding. Thus, SafeEastside activists are demanding "a Say." 

Various ways to have a Say:   

  • Phone or email Council President Vanessa Kritzer (and other councilmembers.)  Request an appointment with her. Councilmember Kritzer holds office hours. 425-305-9892.
  • Phone or email Councilmember Melissa Stewart. 425-305-9892. She holds walk-in office hours at the library, 3 - 5 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month.   
  • Every other week on Tuesday's at 7:00 p.m. the public has a 3-minute opportunity (under review) to address the Council and Mayor at City Hall.   
  • Email: the Mayor, Council or Carol Helland, Director of Planning & Community Development at MayorCouncil@Redmond.gov.  
  • Contact Councilmember Steve Fields, the senior member of Council.  He owns a coffee shop in Redmond and can meet you there. 425-403-9476.
  • Reach out to Mayor Birney.  Mayor@Redmond.gov 
-- Opinion by Bob Yoder, 3/12/2024, Updated 4/16/2024  Photo: Yoder

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

UPDATED: Redmond Locals Wary of Controversial Plymouth Housing Project


This video is eye opening.  

After the Special Meeting closed, Mayor Birney refused to respond to questioning from the media: though a 2/13 agenda memo stated:  "Council's approval gave the Mayor approval to pursue the project contingent on further discussion."    

The housing project is described here

-- Bob Yoder, 2/15/2024

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Mayor Birney Visits a Cool, New Plant Store


I stopped by Plantify about a half year ago and loved it! The owner was kind and very patient with me, answering all my questions about his exotic plants. The plants were gorgeous, but expensive for me. He wished for better parking, but once the nearby construction is finished in a few years, shoppers will be walking to the business! In the meantime, you may find some parking on the side street next to Anderson Park. I love this shop! Probably will gift. Definitely revisit!

-- Bob Yoder, 2/13/2024

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Opening Day of the Overlake Village Pedestrian Bridge

 City of Redmond and Sound Transit Celebrate Opening of Overlake Village Pedestrian Bridge

From left to right: City Council Vice President Jessica Forsythe, Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman, City Council President Vanessa Kritzer, King County Councilmember and Sound Transit Boardmember Claudia Balducci, Mayor Angela Birney, Councilmember Melissa Stuart, and Councilmember Angie Nuevacamina.

REDMOND, WA - The City of Redmond celebrated the opening of the Overlake Village Pedestrian Bridge with a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday. This vital link connects the light rail station at Overlake Village to the 520 Bike Trail across SR 520. The $10.4 million project enhances accessibility and fosters connectivity between key transit points in Redmond.

"The Overlake Pedestrian Bridge exemplifies the successful partnership between the City of Redmond and Sound Transit,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “This project creates an important connection for our community to access transit and demonstrate our commitment to sustainable and accessible transportation.”

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Redmond Mayor and City Councilmembers Sworn In

 

Redmond Mayor and City Councilmembers Sworn In, 12/5/2023

REDMOND, WA - At last night’s Redmond City Council meeting, newly elected Redmond Councilmembers Osman Salahuddin (Council Position No. 1) and Angie Nuevacamina (Council Position No. 7), along with re-elected incumbents Jessica Forsythe (Council Position No. 3), Vanessa Kritzer (Council Position No. 5), and Angela Birney (Mayor) were officially sworn in. Their terms are effective from January 2024 through December 2027.

Birney was re-elected to her second term as Mayor, a position she was first elected to in 2019, after serving on the City Council beginning in 2015, including as Council President from 2018 to 2019. Birney represents Redmond on several regional boards and committees. She grew up in Eastern Washington and moved to Redmond in 1998. Before entering public office, she earned a Master of Education from Heritage University and a Bachelor of Arts in biology education from Eastern Washington University and worked as a middle school science teacher. Birney lives on Education Hill with her husband.

Forsythe is an award-winning Creative Director and owner of a small graphic design studio that works primarily with clients who seek to better their community. Originally from Northeast Ohio, she graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in visual communication design with a concentration in environmental design. Forsythe has worked in environmental design, architecture, and marketing and branding. She is honored to be elected to serve a second term.

Kritzer has been honored to serve on the City Council for the last four years and is looking forward to continuing to provide community-centered leadership in a second term. She has devoted her career to working for social and environmental justice. Kritzer has experience in the nonprofit, government, and private sectors. In addition to her council work, she is currently the executive director of the Washington Association of Land Trusts, where she works to protect Washington’s lands, waterways, and wildlife for future generations. Kritzer attended undergrad at Vassar College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American and Latinx studies and political science, and obtained a Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington Foster School of Business and a Master of Public Administration from the UW Evans School of Public Policy and Governance. Before joining Council, Kritzer served on the City of Redmond’s Planning Commission. She lives in Education Hill with husband and two young kids.

Salahuddin is a lifelong resident of Redmond. After graduating from the Lake Washington School District, he earned a Bachelor of Science in neurobiology with a minor in English from the University of Washington, where he also served as the student body president. His career has included management at a medical device research consulting firm and research at both Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and UW Medicine. He has also volunteered as a member of the Fire Corp with Eastside Fire and Rescue, and helped found the BIPOC Health Careers Ecosystem, a nonprofit. Currently, Salahuddin works as the communications and community engagement manager for King County Councilmember Sarah Perry.

Nuevacamina is a longtime Redmond resident. She is a veteran of the United States Navy, where she served as an aviation electrician and studied philosophy and art history at Oakland University. Nuevacamina's career experience includes working as a financial service professional, consulting small businesses, and previous public service experience serving on the City of Redmond Planning Commission. She lives in Redmond with her family.

Video of Swearing-In.

For more information about the Redmond City Council, including meeting times, how to participate, Council’s priorities, and how Redmond’s government works, visit redmond.gov/Council.

Saturday, November 25, 2023

City Hall Protest: "Bring Them Home Now."




Bob, Around noon today, I was on my way to River Trail Roasters for a cup of coffee, when I spotted a demonstration in front of Redmond City Hall, just across the street.  I quickly crossed the street and fished out my cell phone camera and discretely snapped a few photos.

The demonstrators were evidently a local Jewish group, as there were quite a number of planted signs on display, each one showing the photo of someone currently being held hostage by Hamas after the October 7th attack.  Based on a partial count, I estimated the number of attendees as perhaps 50 to 60. Many were carrying Israeli and American flags. 

While I was there, a woman was at the loudspeaker atop the city hall steps, calling out the names of individual hostages for the audience to silently acknowledge.  A large sign mounted at the entrance proclaimed: Kidnapped by Hamas / #BringThemHomeNow. (See first attached photo.)

My sympathies were certainly with them.

-- John Reinke, 11/17/2023

Reader comment:  Mayor Birney needs to proclaim an anti-Semitism Day after her daughter’s deplorable behavior at USC. https://mynorthwest.com/3938818/rantz-mayors-giggling-daughter-exposed-tearing-down-israeli-hostage-flyers/

Sunday, November 5, 2023

Mayor Birney Proclaims October 28th "Green Redmond Day" at Heron Rookery

 

Mayor Birney with parks staff
She's giving her Green Redmond speech and proclamation in front of the Heron Rookery

For a must see video of the Rookery go HERE!



About forty of us  on October 28th planted ~ 400 trees to replace the secondary growth, Douglas Fir dying from root rot.  An earlier planting failed from drought.  The city will water this summer.  We planted shade tolerant, hemlock, cedar and pine. Pam and I are standing next to orange-tagged saplings yet to be planted. 

-- Bob Yoder, 11/5/2023

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

UPDATED: Mayor Angela Birney's Story / Pedestrian Safety / RCTV


I found Mayor Birney's Story on Pedestrian Safety while watching Redmond City Television (RCTV) on Comcast Channel 21.  

I'm amazed how RCTV programming has improved.  There's much more content.  Tune in at 9:00AM for a half hour of local news, grant opportunities, and tips.  

All of  Mayor Birney's 52 YouTube stories can be watched in a rolling sequence. 

posted by Bob Yoder, 10/11/2023

Thursday, September 28, 2023

UPDATED: 2023 League of Women Voters



The League of Women Voters offers Vote411.org where candidates are given the opportunity to submit written answers to their questions.  

Go to Vote422.org, enter your address, and find and compare your candidates' answers.  They are very informative; a good read! 

As of this date, (10/20/2023) David Carson, Jeff Cashman, Angela Birney, Osman Salahuddin, Janel Schermerhorn, and Linsey Yocum have submitted answers.   

I'll monitor the site for updates.     

Source:  
Allison Feher
Administrative Manager
LWV of Seattle-King County
1511 Third Avenue, Suite 900 Seattle, WA 98101
206-329-4848| www.lwvskc.org 

Saturday, September 16, 2023

UPDATED: OneRedmond 2023 Mayoral Forum


This clip captures the introductory remarks of Mayor Angela Birney and Councilmember Jeralee Anderson at the "OneRedmond Mayoral Forum," sponsored by NELSON Legacy, Meta, and Microsoft.  The forum was held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 9/15.  

Series of forum pictures courtesy of OneRedmond.



-- Video and post by Yoder, 9/16/2023

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Mayor Birney's Story: "Bike Days in Redmond"


This story is a little dated but it's interesting and fun.  The pixilated pedestrian 
and bike bridge is shown with the Mayor highlighting it's art. Cool....

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Mayor Birney Running for Re-Election in November, City Website BIO

 

Mayor Angela Birney
political website
Mayor Angela Birney's City BIO

Mayor’s Biography

Term: 2020-2023

Elected as Mayor in 2019, Angela Birney is now in her first term as Mayor of Redmond. The community of over 72,000 is home to a variety of several large industries such as aerospace, high tech, video game production, and biotech, as well as thousands of small businesses where over 85,000 people are employed.

As Mayor, she is the executive leader who develops the vision and implements the strategies for Redmond. She oversees eight departments and over 700 employees. The Mayor collaborates with Council to set policies for the City of Redmond.

The Mayor serves on the Sound Cities Association Board as Past President, National League of Cities/American Planning Association Housing Supply Accelerator Steering Committee, King County Council Regional Policy Committee, Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board, Cascade Water Alliance Board as Vice Chair, King County Regional Homelessness Authority Governing Committee, OneRedmond Board, Hopelink Board of Directors, King County-Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C), I-405/SR 167 Executive Advisory Committee, AWC Large City Advisory Committee and Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee as an alternate. She also served on the Association of Washington Cities Housing Solutions Group in 2022. 

Councilmember Jeralee Anderson Runs for Mayor, City Website BIO

Councilmember Jeralee Anderson is running for Mayor in the November General Election. 
Political website.

Redmond City Council website:

Jeralee Anderson

Position #6
Council Term Expires 12/31/25
Email Jeralee Anderson
Phone: 425-588-1619
Boards/Committees: Presiding Officer of the City's Public Safety and Human Services Committee, Cascade Water Alliance (CWA), WA Public Works Board, Alternate King County Board of Health, Alternate Healthier Here Governing Board
 and she serves as an Association of Washington Cities (AWC) representative on the State Public Works Board. 

Jeralee Anderson is the President/CEO and Co-Founder of Greenroads Foundation, a Redmond nonprofit organization focused on sustainability education, performance management, and strategic programming for transportation capital projects. 

She received her doctorate in sustainability and civil engineering from the University of Washington in 2012 and is a licensed professional engineer. 

Ms. Anderson worked in a variety of structural, geotechnical, green building, and construction engineering positions after receiving her undergraduate engineering degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a minor in music performance. 

She was recognized in 2013 by the Obama Administration as a Transportation Champion of Change for the 21st Century for her domestic and international work with Greenroads. 

Ms. Anderson has been a resident of Redmond since 2010 and is an active volunteer for Seattle Beagle Rescue. She enjoys reading, health and nutrition, crochet, weightlifting, cycling, teaching, and walking her dogs.She crrently represents the City as an alternate on the Cascade Water Alliance.  

Saturday, September 9, 2023

UPDATED: "Together Center" Grand Opening Celebration, Part One

Janet Richards
Together Center Board Member - Equity Advocate

"Another friend said, “every city needs a Together Center”. I could not agree more. I’m very proud that my city has made it happen first for other cities to follow.

Huge congratulations to:
👏🏾 the Together Center staff (can you believe a small but mighty team of Four people!)
👏🏾 the TC board who played such an active role in leadership and action
👏🏾 the Redmond city human services staff, Council and Mayor Birney
👏🏾 the corporate sponsors like Microsoft and Amazon (who invested millions)
👏🏾 the many donors
👏🏾 government leaders who put in place funding policies for innovative development (this is what systemic change looks like!! To give other forms of development a chance to compete in creating housing)
👏🏾 the non-profit community who work tirelessly for our communities
This is a dream fulfilled in so many ways, in others it far exceeds my wildest dreams."

-- Janet Richards, Sources: Facebook, TC Website
9/9/2023

Special thanks to Janet for sharing this Kiro 7 News clip on the Grand Opening!



Sunday, July 16, 2023

City MONSTER Truck

 

Pam is sitting in the truck very close to the street surface

On our way to Derby Days we saw this shiny new Redmond Public Works truck blocking and re-directing traffic on 95th.  Cool!  It's a monster truck!!

Just what does this truck do?   Do you see the yellow "buttons?"  

-- Bob Yoder, picture, 7/16/23