1. Reducing air travel by 9,000 miles per year saves us 7,200 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents per year. We mostly stay local, but in 2021, Gail made a round trip to Portland in her 2018 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid, and I made two round trips to Renton in my 1990 Geo Metro XFi. Zoom and Microsoft Teams make it unnecessary to do a lot of flying and driving.
2. Nature has replaced 3,000 square feet of our lawn with drought-tolerant plants like buttercups, dandelions, clover, and blackberry. Although they are non-native and invasive, they require zero watering, minimal mowing with a manual reel mower, and provide nectar and pollen for bees. This saves 42,600 gallons of water a year and earns 4,260 “Sustainability points.” The 40,000 sq. feet of forest that we have been allowing to grow on our property since 1994 has removed more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than our cars have released into it.
3. By adopting smart driving habits, we save 110 gallons of gas and 2,960 pounds of CO₂ equivalents a year. Avoiding heavy acceleration, coasting when possible, light braking, and driving the speed limit help a lot. I turn off my car when stopped at traffic lights; Gail’s hybrid does that automatically. My car has no gas-guzzling air conditioner. And I regularly service our cars and keep their tires properly inflated.
Thursday, August 3, 2023
Dr. David Morton Accepts the Climate Action Challenge
Friday, December 2, 2022
Snippet From Hank Myers City Hall Complaints
Hank Myers, retired Redmond Councilmember |
Hank Myers is a retired Redmond council member of over a decade. Several weeks ago he addressed our elected officials on a variety of topics: 1) "the 53 - 47% Safety Levy loss, 2) the high cost of Redmond government as compared to other cities, 3) He accused some past tone-deaf councils for punishing businesses and residents for not approving even higher taxes." 4) His talk on COVID is summarized below:
Redmond firefighters |
Hank Myers says....
Hello Mayor Birney and Council members,
"We just celebrated Veteran's Day and as a veteran I can say the leaders most appreciated are those who support their troops."
"Two years after the COVID pandemic science taught us vaccines don't dramatically lessen its effect. That's why I'm triple vaxxed."
"The City of Redmond did not handle the pandemic well:
- From the mishandling of Fire Chief Tommy....
- To the firing of many good firefighters who served the city honorably.
Thursday, November 11, 2021
UPDATED: Evans Creek Relocation Improves Fish Habitat, Makes Redevelopment Feasible
City engineer Emily Flanagan gave Council an overview of the Evans Creek Relocation project November 9th 2021. She quoted a total cost of the project at $18,450,000. Grants totaled $850,000. In 2013, $910,868 was approved for a relocation consultant at a Council regular meeting
Thus, the total price tag for relocation, including grants is 18,510,868 (not counting legal fees from lawsuits with "Union Shares." The $910,868 was paid for a preliminary design and to secure permits to relocate 3500 feet of Evans Creek channel out of SE Redmond Industrial area into adjacent open space to the north and east.
BENEFIT: Redevelopment of some aspects of SE Redmond Industrial will be economically feasible with removal of the stream and buffer from it's present location. In addition, passive recreation along the Bear-Evans Creek trail to Perrigo Park will be enhanced since the new channel will share the same open space with the trail.
BENEFIT: Evans Creek is a Class One salmon bearing stream but is impacted by adjacent industrial development with untreated run-off and untreed, paved buffers less than 50 feet wide in some places. Class One stream buffers are supposed to be 200 feet wide but 50 foot buffers have been grandfathered in SE Industrial Redmond. Evans Creek Relocation is listed as a priority in the WRIA 8 Chinook Conservation Plan owing to the wealth of habitat in the upper reaches of Evans Creek. With the relocation Chinook and Coho will be able to swim from the confluence of Bear-Evans Creeks to the upper reaches of the watershed.
According to Ms. Flanagan, the project will take two summers to complete. Expected completion time is 2024.
In 2013 it was estimated the total cost for the relocation is $7.6 Million and is funded by City of Redmond Capital Improvement Projects fund. That's a far cry from $18M. CM David Carson didn't give the source of the funds.
-- Bob Yoder, 2013 Council memo, 11/9/2021, Council Committee meeting.
It's about time (2021) Evans is relocated away from this industrial mess! |
Years past, I was obsessed by the filth draining into Evans Creek. It's one of the reasons I decided to blog. Years ago, I arranged a tour of the site for KCC Kathy Lambert, CM David Carson, and CM Hank Myers. Jon Spangler, the City Natural Resources Manager gave the tour. I thought they were interested in the pollution but it was more than that. Myers and Carson left the tour early when we got close to the All Wood Recycling office. B.Y.
Friday, May 28, 2021
UPDATE: Vividly Colored "Bike-Ped" Tunnel Is Complete
The tunnel is now open! Trail users will be treated to a vivid color and design experience as they travel through the newly upgraded tunnel along the SR 520 trail at NE 40th Street. The tunnel also improves safety by moving much of the pedestrian and bicycle traffic away from the vehicle traffic in that area. Do you see the wall tiles? The **entrances are tiled with a rainbow to honor the diversity within Redmond. Councilmember Hank Myers objected, saying the gay population is only a sliver of Redmond's population.
-- Sources: Facebook, 5/28/2021, Bob Yoder, 5/28/2021, Photo, redmond.gov
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
UPDATED: Dr. David Morton, Redmond's Most Prolific Speaker
Dr. Morton posing at the Youth Climate Strike |
David is a gentle spirit, obsessed with anything having to do with pollution in our city. An activist by nature, environmental sustainability and pollution in Redmond are his top priorities. He works exceptionally hard with extreme persistence to raise awareness. Very rarely the city takes action but he's had a couple wins along the way.
Dr. Morton's first and longest sequence of speeches (rants) was about the pollution and smell emanating from Watson Asphalt. He doesn't live far from Watson and was concerned and fearful that plumes of carcinogenic air were blowing into the neighborhoods. Citing scientific and case studies, he stubbornly recommended newer scrubbing technology but Council didn't act, though Watson quietly stopped using "cutback asphalt." So David picked another topic to harp on -- leaf blower air and noise pollution.
Saturday, December 7, 2019
The Myers - Kahn Race
Credit/ Redmond Reporter |
VARISHA M. KAHN
Voters' Pamphlet:
https://www.electvarishakhan.com/meet-varisha
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication journalism, University of Washington.
Occupation: Community Organizer; Former Political Action Committee Director, OneAmerica Votes.
Statement: As a proud Redmond resident, I running to make Redmond a leader in solving issues we share across the region. If elected, I will prioritize environmental sustainability solutions to reduce our carbon pollution an the face of climate change, and advocate for better, accessible transportation options so residents can get around with less traffic. I pledge to make Redmond a more affordable place to live, work, and play and will up uplift our diverse vibrant communities through meaningful collaboration and inclusion. We need new leaders with the courage to put people's needs first,and that's why I'm the only candidate this race rejecting money from developers, Proudly endorsed by: National Women's Political Caucus; King County 45 and 48 LD, KC Young Democrats; Planned Parenthood; State Senators Patty Kuderer and Mona Das; State Representative Vandana Slatter; City Councilmember Tanika Padye. I would be honored to earn your vote. Thank you!
https://www.HankMyers4Redmond.com
Education: Bachelor of Arts, English, California State University.
Occupation: Transportation consultant. Past clients include Microsoft's Award-Winning commute program.
Statement: Hank Myers brings together the best of Redmond and is an energetic voice for compassion and fiscal responsibility. He is Redmond's advocate for salmon recovery and clean water in our region. A leader in reducing the cost of government, he fights to keep property taxes affordable. As former board chair for the Together Center, Hank served those in our community who need help. From volunteer days in Redmond's parks events to events supporting our police officers, Hank is out with the public, listening to concerns and solving our problems. Call him at 425-830-4265 and see for yourself. That approach earned him the support of police officers, environmental activists, small business owners, seniors, education advocates, and leaders in our diverse communities. Redmond is changing and facing new challenges. Hank will represent what is best about our community today and for the future.
Myers conceded November 25, 2019: "With only 52 votes in doubt against a 64-vote lead, it is time to concede. My 15 years as a King County poll judge made that decision easy."
Angela Birney vs. Steve Fields. Birney won the mayoral position with 60.04% of the votes.
Vanessa Kritzer defeated Eugene Zakhareyev for the open seat with 70.98% of the votes.
Jessica Forsythe challenged Hank Margeson for Position 3 and won with 54.67% of votes.
Varisha Khan challenged Hank Myers for Position 1 and won with 50.15% of the votes.
Incumbent David Carson defeated Carlos Jimenez for Position 7 with 53.02% of the votes.
Steve Fields, Tanika Padhye, and Jeralee Anderson remain on Council.
-- Reported by Bob Yoder, December 6, 2019
Sources: King County Official Local Voters' Pamphlet, November 5, 2019
Public Disclosure Commission (PDC)
Candidate websites
Friday, December 6, 2019
Women Rule In Redmond Politics
Angela Birney / Facebook / November, 2019 |
Angela Birney vs. Steve Fields. Birney won the mayoral position with 60.04% of the votes.
Ms. Kahn secured 6666 votes vs. Mr. Myers' 6600 after a machine recount. Mr. Myers lost by 66 votes...the closest Redmond race in memory. The final count was officially certified by King County Elections on December 6th. 27 write-ins. The Seattle Times wrote an excellent article on Varisha, December 6th. I encourage you to read it!
Councilmember Tanika Padhye's Seat #4 will expire on 12/31/21. Councilmember Jeralee Anderson's Seat #6 will expire then as well.
Reported by Bob Yoder
12/6/2019
2019 Candidate Contributions
Hank Myers |
"Thanks to all the Redmond voters that made this election energetic and the best reflection of public values in 12 years. I sent the following message to all 10 candidates for city offices and hope they will join me.
Reported by Bob Yoder
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Updated: It's Estimated The Senior Center Will Re-Open In 2.5 - 3 Years
The Parks and Recreation Director Carrie Hite and Project engineer Eric Dawson updated Council on the status of the Senior Center during their December 3rd Regular meeting. In August, two stucco panels near the loading dock fell off (fortunately no one was hurt) and serious dry rot was found throughout the plywood of the exterior walls. Though the roof is about 30 years old it was in satisfactory condition. Owing to dangerous conditions, the Center was immediately closed on September 9th. Ms. Hite said many of the Center's activities were re-located to 1) City Hall (Bytes Cafe and the conference rooms, 2) Marymoor Village, Old Redmond School House, 3) Grasslawn Arts Center and other places.
In response to Councilmember Jeralee Andrson's timeline question, Hite said it's estimated the Center will re-open in 2.5 years if renovated and 3 years if demolished and rebuilt. For sustainability Jaralee recommended the waste be recycled.
Ms. Hite suggested an opportunity to expand to 4-stories was possible -- for work force housing, affordable housing, an urban school, etc. Councilmember Hank Myers said he was by no means in favor of an expansion. He insisted on rebuilding ASAP; the audience clapped. It seemed a salute, with parting thanks. (Hank lost to Varisha Khan in the general election by 66 votes; this was one of his last council meetings.) Hank asked the City to do preventative maintenance on all their buildings on a regular basis, just as people do with their cars.
Councilmember Steve Fields agreed with Hank. He noted black mold was regularly bleached out of the green house.and had anecdotal evidence someone pushed their hand through one of the walls. He recommended anecdotal feedback be a part of the preventative maintenance program. Councilmember Tanika Padhye asked if the public engagement process would be thorough and fast-tracked. Ms. Hite suggested a few Public meetings would probably be sufficient.
Council President and Mayor-elect Angela Birney was "encouraged that to rebuild or to fix is about the same, so at least that doesn't seem to be a big task to go one way or the other." She said over the years she learned a lot about what improvements Seniors wanted in their Center. Angela looked forward to establishing partnerships. She was "a little sad about the 2-3 years."
Vice President Councilmember David Carson said it was "a chance for amenities to be added." He was not for renovating or remodeling.
Hank Myers calculated the city already had the funds to re-build saying $15 million was authorized for Senior Center improvements in November of 2018. (Unfortunately, the improvements weren't done until it was too late.) Hank also noted the city was sitting on $6 million of one-time money from the 2017 -2018 budget. Thus, with the $15 million, there's money in the budget to re-build. Hank received another clap. He was one of my favorite Councilmembers.
Reported by Bob Yoder
12/4/2019
Thursday, October 3, 2019
UPDATED: Exciting Art Planned for Overlake Village
152nd Ave NE is planned to become the main street, pedestrian and retail focused corridor in Overlake Village that connects Bellevue, the bus transit center, two city parks and the Overlake Village Light Rail Station. Bike/Pedestrian and Gateway art are planned.
Gateway "wall art" is planned for the corner of 152nd Ave. NE and 124th Street S.to welcome travelers coming to Redmond by light rail. Council member David Carson (running for re-election) recommended focusing the art on the north wall to greet the incoming light rail travelers. Parks Committee Chair Councilmember Hank Myers (also running for re-election) was concerned the current SW and NW walls would be cut into existing properties, like Goodwill. He was re-assured the walls would remain at the same level, that it was more of a Department of Transpiration issue, not affecting art. Staff assured council the art wall will be small and fit well with the landscape design.
The Bike/Pedestrian SR520 Bike/Ped bridge to Microsoft has exciting large scale art in the design stage. It's a square tunnel decorated with tiles made, by a robot. with rainbow colors arched over the tunnel and two rows of palm trees leading up to the tunnel. Staff coined it "a celebration of the LGBPQ community." Staff assured Mr. Myers and Mr. Margeson tagging with graffiti wouldn't be a problem.
I was put off staff labeled and pigeonholed this art as they did. Personally, it made me feel happy like I was heading off from our dreary weather to a vacation in Florida. Council President Angela Birney (running for Mayor) thought it was cool too. Councilmember Steve Fields asked what inspired the City to install it as is? He referenced his knowledge of art in Santa Clara.
Hank Meyers said he has a lesbian daughter but Redmond had many other cultural opportunities; that LGBPQ didn't represent our greater community. Staff answered that Redmond already has a diversity of art! Can you believe it?! He and Councilmember Steve Fields (running for mayor ) were disappointed by the poor public notice, saying community feedback was insufficient. I agree! Staff responded with a very weak response, referencing: an arts commission review, a 2013 "public process," a 2015 survey and a hearing in 2014.
The total budget for this public art project is $180,000, including a one percent allocation from the project. As usual, Steve Fields brought up the budget. $90,000 was spent on the tiles through a $32,000 grant and the general fund bringing the city over-budget. Councilmember Hank Margeson (running for council) said adjustments to the general fund weren't unusual. He appeared to be the go-to man for knowledge on city finances.
-- Bob Yoder
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Box, "Lego" Buildings Are Crowding Our Streetscape
6-story "Lego" buildings are crowding the streets-scape and blocking views to the green ridges. This is progress which I readily accept. The photo looks south on 166th, at the bottom of Education Hill. The Hilton Garden Inn on the left is under construction. Across the street is the 6-story "The Triangle" rental building.
Developers are building "box-like" buildings to cut their costs. Council candidate Hank Myers recently said buildings need to be cost effective to encourage affordable housing. In the same breath he doesn't like the aesthetics of these Lego buildings.
-- Bob Yoder
Photo; Yoder
5/1/2019
Sunday, June 9, 2019
Mental Health Walk A Smashing Success - Candidates Steve Fields and Hank Myers Join In
Friday, May 17, 2019
UPDATED: Graffiti Wall Art in "Edge Skate Park"
Credit Bob Yoder/ Redmond Neighborhood Blog |
The Edge Skate Park graffiti walls are open public space. Anyone can spray or roll art as long as it's civil. The Fire Department House is next door and firelighters keep an eye on it.
Redmond Councilmember Hank Myers says he enjoys going the Edge Skate Park (next to the Park & Ride) every six months to view the ever-changing outdoor "graffiti" art. This is just one of four painted walls.
Factoid: The walls have been painted so many times there's over an inch of paint layers.
-- Bob Yoder
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Updated: Notes On 4/23 Council Meeting
Source: 4/23 Council Study Session & Council Committee of the Whole meeting.
Monday, March 18, 2019
Idylwood Park tree restoration was a total success
Idylwood Park restoration/ Photo Yoder |
Last year, most of the cottonwoods in Idylwood Park were removed owing to danger from falling limbs. This Saturday GreenRedmond sponsored a restoration project to restore and enhance the park landscaping.
In this photo, councilmember Hank Myers is in the foreground along with 4 other volunteers. Dr. David Morton is digging in the backgound. Hank leads on most of the City's environmental projects. Besides restoration, Hank is an expert and advocate of Redmond salmon and their habitat in Lower Bear Creek. I've heard him present at Redmond Kiwanis and was blown away by his knowledge.
Over 70 trees and 350 shrubs were planted that day by 50 residents, including kiddos. We were blessed with beautiful, sunny weather. It was so rewarding to watch the toddlers plant. In the future we will need these little ones to help us battle climate-change.
-- Bob Yoder
3/17/2019
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
City Hall Customer Service improvements
Credit / "Redmond Reporter" |
Last night, Council was briefed by the Customer Service Center Manager during their Parks Council committee meeting. The relatively new Customer Service Center desk is assisting city hall visitors with processing financial transactions, obtaining business licenses, being directly connected to the appropriate staff for permitting and other needs or receiving information regarding city matters. Most importantly, citizens and residents can get information and report issues here.
During the meeting, there was a lot of discussion about the center's mobile "Your Redmond" app. Councilmember Carson spoke very highly of it. Here, you can report non-emergency issues, make service requests, and find answers to common questions on your mobile phone. I haven't downloaded it and use info@redmond.gov.
Few know that several conference rooms near to the customer service desk are available for developers, city staff, and other in-house meetings. Council Chair of the "Parks and Human Services Committee" Hank Myers asked when/if the rooms will be available for community meetings. Owing to legal concerns and other problems customer service is still trying to find a way for the community to access the rooms...this has been going on for months.
I am surprised the Customer Service Center is assigned to the "Parks and Human Services Council Committee" rather than the "Administration, Finance, and Communications Committee." It seems customer service has more to do with communications than parks. Case in point, I asked why (by info@redmond.gov) a replay of a council regular meeting (in which I spoke) wasn't being played on City TV, only to learn from the city clerk all the replays were scrubbed due to technical difficulties. It's important customer service communicates with the Council Ombuds on these serious issues.
-- Bob Yoder