Glimpse Of Redmond Councilmembers In Action

l-r Melissa Stuart, David Carson, Jeralee Anderson, President Jessica Forsythe, Varisha Khan, V.P. Vanessa Kritzer, Steve Fields (remote.)           Staff have backs to the camera.

I'm going to periodically report on the important Council "Committee of the Whole" meetings.  It will give you a chance to watch and listen to our representatives and see them take action on the agenda.  Most of their work with staff gets done here.  This is a meeting  of the "Planning and Public Works Committee."

Click HERE to watch the tape of five councilmembers discussing Redmond's "signalization intersection project" with Kirkland ($2,218,035.)   Scroll the tape to find:  Stuart, 15:35m;  Forsythe 16:40m;  Carson 17:00m;  Stewart 21:00m;  Fields 22:00m;  Krtizer 23:15m. (Kahn did not participate.)    

Ms. Khan's term ends December 31, 2023.  She's participated in less than 75% - 85% of council meetings.  The Mayor would have her exact attendance records.  

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 10/9/2023

    Photo:  RCTV Comcast 21  

Halloween Run Through The Park

Zoey reluctantly wears her Halloween costume after a long run in the Redmond Dog Park.  Here, she's lapping water from a bowl the city thoughtfully installed.

- Bob & Pam 

Redmond Ospreys And Their Nests

Marymoor Park juvenile osprey / credit Reinke

According to the Marymoor Park website, this tall osprey nest platform located near Parking Lot B was constructed in 2008, to replace a decommissioned cell tower. The new platform has been used by ospreys ever since.  

A juvenile osprey is currently occupying the nest.  (A juvenile can be identified by the white fringe around all of its brown wing feathers, which adults do not have.) 

I discovered that there are two empty osprey nests only a half mile away and still inside the park.  One nest structure is located in a tall lighting tower on the perimeter of baseball field #6 and the other is similarly located on the perimeter of baseball field #8. .

Empty osprey nests on Marymoor lighting tower

During all of my visits to the platform, only the juvenile has been present and I have never seen it flying around or accompanied by adult ospreys.  However, my visits have all been of fairly short duration, so I presume that the adults are still attending to the juvenile.  Nonetheless, the fall migration season has already begun, so presumably the juvenile and its parents may have already departed.  

-- John Reinke 

    Redmond, photojournalist 

   10/8/2023

CONNECTIONS of Kirkland, Behavioral Health Crisis Center Forum

"Connections Health Solutions" is King County's first of five immediate access multi-service behavioral health crisis response centers.  It will be located in the 405 Kirkland Corporate Center behind Olive Garden Restaurant, two blocks from the Kirkland police.  It's scheduled to open June/July of 2024. 

Heather Genovese, V.P. Clinical Operations of Connections Health Solutions held this ZOOM forum on 9/26, to inform viewers of the facility. Donna Lurie, Board President of NAMI Eastside led Q&A.  Notable items from their Tucson facility:    

• 24/7 Urgent Care Mental Health Clinic open to all. Treats adults over 17 years of age. 
• 15+ chairs for observation by psychiatric providers. No triage. Individuals are seen within 90 minutes.
• 65% stabilized within 24 hours.  65% have comorbid substance abuse. 
• 16-bed unit for crisis stabilization; stabilization is usually within 24-hours. 
• 16-bed unit for sub-acute crisis stabilization usually within 4 days. 
• 60-70% of involuntarily committed individuals convert to voluntary commitment. 
• accepts 100% of those coming through the door, regardless of insurance.
• 50-55% are brought in through the back door by police. No one turned away. Peer support specialists remove remove hand cuffs with care compassion and dignity.    
• 90% receive outpatient care by a mental health provider within 7 days off discharge.  
• 45-Day Transition Program:  "warm hand-off to community care" - recovery, support, and coaching.
• For profit. 
• EvergreenHealth isn't funding the Center. 

"King County invested $11.5 million of state and local dollars toward this crisis center located in Kirkland.  It will service five North King County cities.  It's the start of what we can achieve together when it comes to community behavioral health." -- King County Executive Dow Constantine.

 Posted by Bob Yoder, 10/4/2023 / I participated.

King County Councilmember Sarah Perry, Out In Our Community

 

Out in Our Community!

^{(Left): Earlier this month, we celebrated the stunning new crosswalk created by artist Jing Jing and sponsored by Pride Across the Bridge and the City of Redmond, Washington - Government; (Right) We joined the Indian American Community Services and their Senior Lunch program at the Beaver Lake Lodge in Sammamish!}

Rumble in Redmond – Robot Combat Competition

Join us on Saturday, October 21st from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. in Redmond for the Rumble in Redmond Robot Combat Competition! Builders from all over North America will bring their robots to an all-out clash where innovation and excitement collide. This event will serve as a qualifying event for the Robot Combat League National Championship in May 2024, allowing passionate builders to compete at the highest level of robot combat. 

Competitors will unleash their custom-built remote-controlled armed with hammers, flippers, or blades, delivering stylish and crushing blows to their opponents. Builders invest days, weeks, or even months perfecting their designs for competitions. 

FREE ADMISSION 

This is an all-ages, immersive competitive experience. We invite all who are interested to attend! 

press release, OneRedmond

Redmond Recreation and Pool Programs

 

Park and Recreation Activity Search

Tel. (425) 556.2300

Email: guestservices@redmond.gov

REDMOND POOL PROGRAMS  

How to Register 

• Swim School
• Public Swim  (Lap, Senior, Youth Swim  & Adult Swim Lessons, Water Aerobics)
• Adult Lessons
• Masters
• Lifeguard Training
• Swim Team
• Pool Rental

The Redmond Pool is new. Take a deep dive!  Read about the pool HERE.  

"Redmond Space District"

The "Redmond Space District" Brand

More satellites are made in Redmond, Washington than anywhere else in the world.

This brand was developed to showcase the dramatic growth of Redmond’s Space Cluster. According to research by Alliance Velocity, Redmond companies produce almost half of the satellites in earth’s orbit, and are projected to manufacture more than 75% of the world’s satellites in the near future based on current and future FCC approved satellites. 

Redmond has a long history in the space industry dating back to 1967 when Aerojet Rocketdyne, broke ground on their first site in Redmond. Today, Redmond is home to an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem alongside two of the largest satellite manufacturers in the world: SpaceX, and Amazon Project Kuiper. 

Along with the two satellite manufacturing giants, Redmond’s robust and growing commercial space sector also includes Honeywell Aerospace, Kymeta, Microsoft’s Azure Orbital, RBC Signals, Spectralux, and Triumph providing a rich environment for small businesses like Xplore to locate in Redmond to grow and prosper. 

Source:  excerpts and edits from OneRedmond press release, 3/30/2023

OneRedmond is a public-private partnership for economic and community development. Supported by local private sector businesses in close partnership with the City of Redmond. OneRedmond strives to be the difference maker in connecting our local companies and educational community with resources to keep our local economy stable and growing. For more information go to www.OneRedmond.org

Senior Center "Camp WeGO" Smashing Success

Pam and I were lucky to participate in the the Senior Center's WeGo Sports camp last month. It's for ages 50+. Having a 22-year age "buffer" we were shoe-ins. The sports themed  camp was at the city's iconic Farrel-McWhirter Park. Sara Bouwman curated some fun and stimulating games. The barbeque was tasty. The sing along touched me with familial nostalgia.   Marty Boggs, the Center's manager, lined up sportscaster and storyteller Tony Ventrella as guest speaker. (Marty and Tony are sitting on the lower right.)  He and his staff truly put on an incredible camp.  It was so sad to hear after over 25 years with the city Marty's retiring.  He's moving to a charming city, into a custom home, surrounded by his family. 

Here we are with our Sports Participation Awards -- We were ALL winners!

UPDATED: Work Underway For Innovative "Anderson AMLI Project"

click image to enlarge

FedEx, Value Village and 8 small businesses are removed or re-located:

Dog Day Care, Romos, Gyros 2 Go, Costumes, Fun&Study, Kim's Hair

and Malt & Vine.  

                                                        AMLI  PROJECT  DEMOLITION

                                             Correction:  FedEx moved  next to Jersey Mikes  

Location:  AMLI:  Redmond Way & Avondale Way.  Adjacent McDonalds and Anderson Park; in the old Value Village mall. 

The applicant proposes the construction of two adjacent buildings, referred to as the “West” building and the “East” building respectively. The project includes a "pouch porch" dog run with space for hop scotch, 4-square and living green walls.  The applicant is proposing a woonerf on Avondale Way to safely connect the buildings.

Plantings and a green wall element were added along the ground level to enhance the pedestrian experience along the Redmond Central Connector. Two variations for the integration of planters and vertical green wall trellises are proposed to create visual interest along the concrete wall. 

The west building is a mix of residential and retail uses and varies in height ranging from five to seven-stories. 11,070 sf of commercial retail uses located along Redmond Way. On levels two through seven, there are 249 residential units. 237 internal parking stalls are also provided at ground levels B1 and subterranean levels L1

The east building is six stories and is a multi-family apartment building. Residential amenity space is provided at the ground level. On levels two through six, there are 127 residential units. 205 internal parking stalls are also provided at ground levels B1 and subterranean levels L1. 

A future elevated rail line is proposed south of the project as a part of the Sound Transit Downtown Redmond Link.

-- Design Review Board, April 2022

Three additional posts on this innovative AMLI project are HERE.

Prepared by Bob Yoder, 9/26/2023

It's SalmonSEEson, good viewing locations

It is Salmon SEEson! Adult salmon are making their trip from saltwater to our local streams to spawn. With luck, patience, and good timing, you can watch this amazing Pacific Northwest ritual. The trestle over the Sammamish River on the Redmond Central Connector is a great viewpoint. -- City of Redmond

Juel Park, the bridge over Leary Way, the "rusty bridge" and 90th Street Bridge over the Sammamish River also are good local viewing spots. 

-- Bob Yoder, 9/25/2023

COMMUNITY VOTER GUIDE - Just the Facts

Check it out...

2023 Community Election Voter Guide

 The facts, and more...

  posted by Bob Yoder, 10/20/2023

Redmond Council Position No. 7 Contenders - BIO and Priorities

 City of Redmond Council Position No. 7

Contenders

DAVID M. CARSON

Redmond City Council Position No. 7

Priorities and BIO

ANGIE NUEVACAMINA

Redmond City Council Position No. 7

Priorities and BIO

Redmond Council Position No. 1 Contenders - BIO and Priorities

 Redmond City Council Position No. 1 

Contenders

NATE NIEDERHAUSERN

Redmond Council Position No. 1

Priorities and BIO

OSMAN SALAHUDDIN

Redmond Council Position No. 1

Priorities and BIO

City of Redmond's Button Truck

I was walking my dog and saw this monster of a truck on 166th across from the middle school.  It's installing the small yellow reflector "buttons" that mark the lanes of our roads.  Zoey jerked on the leash and it was over!

-- Bob Yoder, 9/21/2023 

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.

Jeralee Anderson website

Angela Birney website

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

UPADATED, 9/21: "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" Candidate Endorsement Policy

                                                                                     

Please know, "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" is NOT endorsing candidates this election cycle, rather presenting the facts without bias, to the best of it's ability.  

EvergreenHealth Public Hospital District No. 2

Position 6 Candidate Websites

Jeffrey Cashman, At Large (currently appointed, not elected)

Amber Wise, At Large

Redmond Council Candidate Websites: 

                                              Position #1                                                 

David M. Carson

Angie Nuevacamina

Position #7

Nate Niederhausern

Osman Salahuddin

Position #5

Vanessa Kritzer

Position #3

Jessica Forsythe

City of Redmond Mayor Websites:

Jerrale Anderson

Angela Birney

LWSD School Board Director Websites:

Director District No. 1

Eric Laliberte

Andy Markert

Director District No. 2

Lisa Guthrie

Director District No. 5

Janel Schermerhorn

Lindsey Yocum

-- Bob Yoder, Editor, Reporter of Redmond Blog

Hood River, Oregon Getaway, Only 3.5 Hours from Redmond

 

"Winging" and "Kite boarding" on the Columbia River, image Yoder

The fun and relaxing times of  Hood River, Oregon, on the Columbia River, are less than 4 hours from Redmond. Our visit last week was a needed escape from Redmond's frenetic downtown.  Constant winds on the Columbia River gorge make for excellent water sports. Hood River is the "kite board capital of the Nation." Chinook fishing is popular this time of year.  Many a State Park for hiking. The 30-mile farmstead "fruit loop" has inviting fruit stands and wineries. We love the pears. The downtown "hood" is populated with breweries, cafes' and outdoor eateries!  It's historic buildings generate interest. Hood River is a perfect getaway!

-- Bob and Pam Yoder 9/13/2023

"Together Center" Grand Opening, Part Three

The Together Center, Redmond, WA. 
(photo courtesy of Inland Group)

Kiro 7 News Grand Opening clip
Seattle Times coverage

500 people were in attendance at the "Together Center" September 9th to celebrate the completion of its two-year, $106 million campus transformation project that includes:

> A 49,000 sq ft ground floor hub with 20 nonprofits providing critical services

> Five floors with 280 units of urgently needed *low-income and workforce housing

> Coworking spaces for nonprofits to collaborate on client care

> A nonprofit conference and event center

> A community kitchen

> A public art gallery

-- posted by Yoder, 9/10/2023

Together Center press release

* 30% Average Median Income (AMI) units are sold out. 60% AMI units are still available:

Studios: $400-1410, 1x1: $500-1509, 2x1: $600-1806, 2x2: $600-1806, 3x2: $700-2079.

"Together Center" Grand Opening, Part Two

Together Center Grand Opening - Mayor Birney was present (dressed in green.)  Credit:  Bob Yoder

Kiro 7 News Grand Opening clip


CAMPUS MAP -- NONPROFIT & HOUSING INFORMATION

20-Human Service nonprofits...and counting.
Horizon Housing for Redmond residents is sold out (30-60% of Average Median Income)
Polaris Work Force Housing has vacancies (60% of Average Median Income)

-- Together Center Website, 9/9/2023