Jessica Forshee-Setzer, LMHC, -- EvergreenHealth's "Living Our Values" Honoree

Jessica Forshee-Setzer, LMHC

 

Jessica was honored  with EvergreenHealth's "Living Our Values" award during a July 28 ceremony at Canyon Park Behavioral Health Clinic.   

Jessica's Nomination Story:

"I would like to highlight an inspiring story from our Canyon Park Behavioral Health Clinic — one that reflects the power of compassion, persistence and expert care. It centers on Jessica Forshee-Setzer, LMHC, whose dedication made a profound impact on a young patient’s life in just a few months.

"When this young patient first arrived at the clinic six months ago, his family was deeply concerned. He was experiencing frequent outbursts at school, difficulty communicating and severe challenges with focus. At his initial appointment, he wouldn’t make eye contact or speak, remaining glued to his video game and barely acknowledged those around him. 

"Jessica met him where he was — starting with simple, non-threatening games to build trust. Over time, her gentle persistence and thoughtful approach began to pay off. Session by session, she slowly introduced more engaging activities, and soon the patient began to open up, sharing bits about his school life and family. 

"Milestones followed. He began checking in at the front desk independently, helping himself to water, and even assisting other patients by pressing the automated door button. As more sessions passed, and Jessica was able to work with his school to learn background information and Improvement of Performance (IOP) treatment details, she was able to address his emotional and social needs, helping him to utilize opposite action and positive behaviors.

"Now, as he nears the end of his program, the transformation is nothing short of remarkable. He has developed strong communication skills, learned effective coping strategies, and gained a newfound confidence. He will even greet the psychiatric provider (Dr. Brian Wasicek) at the Behavioral Health clinic.  

"His bright “Hi, Dr. Wasicek!” in the hallway is a small but powerful symbol of how far he’s come. 

"Once a boy who hid his face behind his hands and wouldn’t speak a single word is now a cheerful, talkative adolescent. 

"Jessica’s commitment to this patient’s growth reflects the excellence we strive for every day. Her work reminds us of the incredible difference one person can make. 

"Thank you, Jessica, for the heart and skill you bring to every session. We are honored to have you as part of our team."

OPINION: Council Should Stop Playing Games With Our Teens

Old Fire House Teen Center

OPINION:  On March 11, 2025 the City stated: "Teen programs currently housed at the Old Fire House Teen Center are proactively transitioning to the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village for safety reasons. The transition will begin later this month, and all programs are expected to be operational in their new locations by late April."  After two listening sessions the teens found Marymoor and the Senior & Community Center sterile or unwelcoming.    

More than four months later a bureaucracy of Council / staff / a subcommittee / an advisory committee/ a stakeholder group / focus groups/ and 2 listening sessions still hadn't decided what to do with the Center.  It appeared Council and staff were trying to wear down the teens from protesting in City Hall while shoe-horning them into Marymoor and the Senior & Community Center.  These delays were pure nonsense ... at the expense to our youth's mental and academic health.  

Last night teen participation testimony winnowed down to only three teens.  All spoke against the closure.  One persistently requested accountability. 

In September and October 2025, a Stakeholder Group will meet six times to hear more information, including input from public focus groups, and create a recommendation that will go to Council in November 2025. According to their FAQ City Council is expected to make a decision on whether to renovate the current structure or investigate rebuilding options by the end of 2025.  

Council and staff must stop playing games with our most vulnerable teens.  The Mayor needs to move the process "fast forward."  

Renovation is not an option since Parks Director Loreen Hamilton has invested deeply into taxpayer's pockets for safety and engineering inspections; and it's a potential place for affordable housing.  The building is 50-years old and renovation for safety would be expensive vis a vis the benefits of rebuilding. 

The school district rebuilds all the time, when they tear down their existing buildings and build a new, larger schools on the same parcel. The teen center's basketball courts are mostly unused, as is the deck in the winter.  A rebuild could add 5-6 levels of affordable space, while allowing independent, sound-proofed teen activities in the first floor.  The City owns the land; a partnership with a developer would make it feasible. Hurry!

-- Bob Yoder, 9/3/2025, Updated 9/4/2025

Historical Society Newsletter Jam-packed With Content

Couples enjoy a Saturday night dance organized for Nike battery personnel stationed in Redmond.

Sammamish Valley News, September 27, 1956

Redmond Historical Newsletter, Vol.27. No 6

 Redmond Historical Society SATURDAY SPEAKER SERIES September 13 

"Stomp and Shout": The Untold Story of Northwest Rock & Roll | Peter Blecha, Author and Historian 

Saturday, September 13, 10:30 AM, Old Redmond Schoolhouse, 16600 NE 80th Street, Redmond, WA 

Northwest rock history goes beyond grunge icons like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Explore the lesser known bands that shaped the “Original Northwest Sound,” tracing its roots through garage rock legends, early R&B pioneers, and forgotten scenes that paved the way for a musical revolution.

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Redmond Historical Society Newsletter Vol.27 No. 6 - Topics:  

• Join the Redmond Historical Society on Thursday, September 18, from 4:00–7:00 PM for the Downtown Redmond Art Walk. Meet the artist, and explore pieces from the Society’s collection, such as works by Doris Colvin and Russ Goetschius.
• SATURDAY SPEAKERS SERIES:  October 11 10:30 AM,| The Flora of Seattle in 1850 | Ray Larson, Associate Director and Curator, UW Botanic Gardens.  Before Euro-American settlement, Seattle’s landscape was shaped by native plants and natural scenery. Drawing from herbarium specimens, settler accounts, survey maps, and photographs, this talk explores the area’s original environment prior to its transformation.
• PRESIDENT'S NOTEBOOK:  "Redmond Transportation --From foot paths to Light Rail." by John Oftebro.  
• BUSINESS MEMBER:  "The Opportunity of Community - East Palmer."  by Paige Norman

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... and don't miss the Redmond Historical Society blog! 

9/2/2025

EvergreenHealth Honors Redmond Resident, "2024 Community Service Award"

 

(l-r) sister Joanne Dearth from No. Carolina, Bob Yoder, Pam Yoder

"Since 1998, EvergreenHealth has recognized individuals who make a meaningful impact on community health through its Community Service Award. This year, Bob Yoder was honored for his outstanding leadership and advocacy in mental health care.

Through his thoughtful presentations and compassionate voice, Bob has helped deepen the Board of Commissioners’ understanding of mental health challenges and emphasized the importance of expanding behavioral health services. His work has shaped EvergreenHealth’s response to community needs and strengthened support for vulnerable populations.

We are grateful for Bob’s dedication and proud to recognize his contributions to advancing the health of our community."

Learn more here: http://bit.ly/4luYEKh

-- Virgil Snyder, Chair

Board of Commissioners

EvergreenHealth

Ribbon-cutting Celebrates Completion Of Redmond Central Connector Trail

 

The third and final phase, being celebrated next month, covers an additional 1.6 miles to Redmond’s city limits and connects with the Eastrail, where it branches north toward Woodinville and west toward Kirkland.

Redmond Celebrates Completion of Major Bike and Pedestrian Trail

REDMOND, WA - Redmond Mayor Angela Birney will lead a public ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, to mark the completion of the third and final phase of construction of the Redmond Central Connector Trail.

The event will take place on the trail near Overlake Christian Church on Willows Road and celebrates the opening of the final 1.6 miles of trail that completes the 3.9-mile Redmond Central Connector bike and pedestrian trail, connecting Redmond to the 42-mile Eastrail trail network and beyond. With this, Redmond becomes the first city to fully complete its section of the Eastrail, an important milestone in connecting the region.

Event Details

• What: Ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of the Redmond Central Connector Trail
• When: 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 12
• Where: Redmond Central Connector Trail near Overlake Christian Church
• How: Media wishing to cover the event are asked to RSVP with City of Redmond Communications Manager Kelly Schutz for further details

Event Speakers

Speakers from the City of Redmond will include Mayor Angela Birney, Council President Vanessa Kritzer, Council Vice President Jessica Forsythe, Parks and Recreation Director Loreen Hamilton, and Public Works Director Aaron Bert. Speakers from the project design team will include Berger Partnership Principal Guy Michaelson and Otak Principal Nico Vanderhorst. United States Rep. Su.zan Delbene and Eastrail Executive Director Katherine Hollis will also share remarks

“Completing the Redmond Central Connector Trail marks the culmination of a decade and a half of visionary leadership and hard work,” said Redmond Mayor Angela Birney. “This trail not only connects Redmond to our neighbors in Sammamish, Kirkland, and Woodinville—it also connects us to many of the things that make Redmond special, including the natural beauty of the Sammamish Valley, parks, gathering places, public art, transit, local businesses, and the energy of Downtown.”

The first phase, a one-mile segment through Downtown, was completed in 2013 and included Redmond Central Connector Park, with multiple public art installations. Phase two, completed in 2017, constructed 1.3 miles of trail from east of the Sammamish River to the intersection of Willows Road and the 9900 Block, near DigiPen and Overlake Christian Church. This phase included retrofitting the Sammamish River Trestle. The third and final phase, being celebrated next month, covers an additional 1.6 miles to Redmond’s city limits and connects with the Eastrail, where it branches north toward Woodinville and west toward Kirkland.

From 1889 to 2008, a railroad ran through the heart of Redmond, connecting the City to the wider region, but also creating a barrier through the center of town. The City acquired the property in 2010 with a new vision for the abandoned rail corridor: to create a trail that would bring our community together and draw people to Redmond.

Redmond Central Connector Amenities and Connections

• East Lake Sammamish Trail
• Bear Creek Trail
• Sammamish River Trail
• Powerline Trail
• Eastrail
• Redmond Central Connector Park
• Public Art Installations
  • Erratic
  • Signals
  • Sky Painting
• Sammamish River Trestle
• Sound Transit Light Rail - 2 Line – Downtown Redmond Station

Updated: Idylwood Park Beach Opened

 

Idylwood Beach Now Open

King County Department of Health closed Idylwood Beach in Redmond on August 6 (3650 W Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, Redmond, WA 98052 ) for a minimum of one week after tests found high bacteria levels in the water. 

The beach re-opened over Labor Day weekend.  

9/4/2025

Historic '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.  Passage of this measure was an historic 'win' for the community! 

8/6/2025

Updated: Overlake Bellwether Housing Development, Affordable

Overlake Bellwether Housing 
2027 - 2028 completion date

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 1600 sf of 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 and Department of Commerce grant. 

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

City of Redmond Design Review agenda

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.

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. 

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:  

https://localscape.property/#kingcountyassessor/My-Property

-- Bob Yoder, 7/25/2025

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

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 Budget, Civil 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

Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACPEttore Palazzo, MD, FACP • 1st1stChief Executive OfficerChief Executive Officer
3 days ago • Edited • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn

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