City Dog Park Opens On Education Hill

 

Zoey getting ready to enter the small dog side

The new Redmond Pop-Up dog park is located behind the Hartman pool and high school baseball field.  Follow the signs on 104th for limited parking; it's easily walkable.  

We talked to Parks staff when it was under construction.  Brett Barker 😀 said it will be closed late August to make room for the high school cross country races.  Zoey romped happily today with two large dogs!  We had nice chats with their owners too!  

See you there!

-- B. Yoder, 4/19/2024

Grocery Stores and Cafe's In Our Residential Neighborhoods?

Will the City increase and encourage densification in our single family home neighborhoods by zoning for townhomes, triplexes, and fourplexes?  Is this acceptable to you?  Are cafe's, food trucks and grocery stores wanted in our neighborhoods?  Participate in one of these workshops to get informed and tell the city what you'd like to see.

• Monday, July 24 | Virtual Workshop on Complete Neighborhoods - What changes we would like to see in our residential neighborhoods to bring services closer to homes
• Tuesday, August 1 | Complete Neighborhoods Workshop @ Redmond Library (co hosted by Eastside For All and other local community organizations)

-- Posted by Bob Yoder, 7/14/2023

UPDATED, 3/27: Green Rooftop Camouflages House, Contributes To Sustainability

 

This neighborhood home is tucked away from all the commotion.  Note how this living, green rooftop camouflages the house and contributes to sustainability.
(click picture to enlarge)

                                                                          

Walking around the Education Hill neighborhood this Spring day we noticed this house had a green and grey roof.  It seems to be holding up quite well. Council Member Jessica Forsythe and others constantly ask the Mayor for green rooftops on new buildings. A tiny green rooftop is planned for the Senior & Community Center.  The city compensates developers for Landmark Trees by "Exceptions."  The same should be done for green rooftops, perhaps as a small amenity.

-- B. Yoder, opinion, 3/25/2023 by

References: 

CITY OF REDMOND / SEATTLE COMMERCIAL

(Note, A City of Redmond is in Oregon)

• 
  

  Low-Impact Development (LID) | Redmond, WA

  https://www.redmond.gov › Low-Impact-Development

  Compost amended soil. - Green roof. - Tree preservation. 172nd Ave NE, Summer 2010, -The City's first rain garden in the 172nd Avenue right-of-way.

21.67.040 Techniques and Incentives for Development

municipal.codes

https://redmond.municipal.codes › RZC

Technique	Points Awarded – Residential Development	Points Awarde...
2. Drought‑tolerant landscaping	1	1
• 20 percent	1	1
• 30 percent	2	2

View 19 more rows

• 
  

  Definitions | Redmond Zoning Code

  https://redmond.municipal.codes › RZC

  A landscaped roof is distinguished from a green roof by not incorporating a bioretention facility as part of its structure. Effective on: 4/16/2011. Landslide .

City of Redmond – Grass Lawn Park Phase III Project

WA.gov

https://apps.ecology.wa.gov › documents

“Green roof” for new maintenance building. The roof is partially or completely covered with vegetation and soil planted over a waterproof membrane. • Play areas ...

"Water Lily Impressions" by Lynn Colwell

 

"Water Lily Impressions"  by Lynn Colwell

"When I am complimented on my photography, I admit to having “a good eye.”

"I was walking back to the condo after a disappointing half hour shooting when I noticed striped light falling on these lily pads. I added a bit of contrast to end up with a keep-worthy shot. The secret to developing a good eye is to LOOK and light is almost always key."

-- Lynn Colwell,

Viewpoint neighborhood

Lynn Colwell, who had been told by a teacher at age 10 or 11 that she should engage in other endeavors than art, finally gained the courage to try it anyway at the age of 69. For the last eight years, she has been turning out almost one piece a day, all of which she gives away for a donation of $25 or more to any nonprofit or person in need. Photography has been a lifelong passion. She often combines her art and photography to create new digital pieces. She’s lived in Redmond with her husband of 53 years, for seven years.

Comment Below:

Updated, 5/29: ATTENTION TREE HUGGERS: Council To Act On Neighborhood "Tree Regulations Update," June, 7th

 

Twenty-eight inch Significant tree too close to our house / photo Yoder

Redmond City Council will make a decision on the proposed "Tree Regulations Update," Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at 7:00pm, City Hall. If you can't make it to their meeting to give testimony (4 minutes) email your comments to: MayorCouncil@redmond.gov. 

RESOURCES:  

Most of the improvements from the proposed updates are directed to large developments. For example, penalties are tripled for topping trees in native growth easements. And, replacement tree requirements for landmark removals are increased three-fold. Single Family Homes receive few benefits from the update. I've included some resources for assistance in sending comments to Council. Email: Council@redmond.gov.

ATTENTION:  PROPOSED TECHNICAL TREE REGULATIONS RELEVENT TO DEVELOPERS (RCZ 21.72) AND INCLUDING SINGLE FAMILY HOME REGULATIIONS, BELOW:   

1) Tree Replacement requirements for Single Family Homeowners:  For every "landmark tree" removed (MINIMUM 30 INCHES DIAMETER) three replacement trees are required. For every "significant tree" removed (6 inch diameter) one replacement tree is required. Minimum sizes for replacement trees shall be two-and-one-half-inch caliper for deciduous trees and six feet in height for evergreen trees.  

2) City of Redmond Residential Tree Removal Application. One heathy landmark tree may be removed every 365 days by deviation request and/or two "significant" trees may be removed every 365 days on a 10,000 sf lot.

Enforcement: All single family home permits are "enforceable" but are not enforced;  They have no teeth.  No fines, no penalties, no off-site planting or fee-in-lieu alternatives.   

3) Single Family Homeowners support the Tree Canopy Strategic Plan by monitoring canopy changes against a citywide target of 40% coverage over 30 years. 

Redmond's Tree Canopy by neighborhood:  January 2019  (dated, over three years ago.)

Rose Hill/Willows:  49.9%, Idylwood: 40.3%, Education Hill: 40%, Bear Creek: 38.5%, Grass Lawn:  37.6%, North Redmond, 36.5%, Overlake:  31.7%,  Downtown: 19.3%, Sammamish Valley: 17.2%, SE Redmond:  15.3%, Major deforestation in North Redmond. 

4) "The Director of Planning & Community Development may consider smaller-sized replacement trees if:  the applicant is a single-family homeowner applying for a tree removal permit and the homeowner will plant the replacement tree(s) versus hiring a contractor. In this case, the homeowner may request a waiver as part of the tree removal permit to have the size at installation of a deciduous replacement tree reduced to five-to-ten gallon sized trees. There is no waiver for size at installation for evergreen trees. The minimum size for evergreen replacements is six feet tall."

When is a tree removal permit required?

City of Redmond Residential Tree Removal Permit:  No permit fee.

-- Bob Yoder, 5/18/22

Questions?

Contact Cathy Beam, Principal Planner

cbeam@redmond.gov

425-556-2429

UPDATED: The Odyssey Of A Lost Wallet

My thin red wallet was found and amazingly returned to our doorstep!

 
A huge shout-out to the unbelievably kind person who found my wallet and returned it entact to my to my front door.  I totally couldn't believe my luck! It was an awesome example of "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  I'll never forget it.

I wish I could have thanked them but a note or number wasn't left. My relief, in order of emotional intensity:   OMG, there's my wallet on the front doorstep!!  Now I don't have to call for a new credit card, update all my auto-payments, or replace my driver's license.  Even the cash was untouched.

I hope you've never, ever have the painful experience of losing your wallet.  My recovery attempts were were obviously futile.  With frustration and worry, I frantically checked my pockets. My worry turned into mild panic while retracing my steps:  Ooba Tuba, Pharmaca, Staples, and QFC. Nothing.  I looked inside my car and pockets one more time.  My last big hope was searching the parking lot. No luck.

Here's my guess:   My  smart phone and wallet were together in the same pocket; when pulling out my phone for a call the wallet came unbenounced with it, slipping onto to the parking lot. My wife threatened to buy me a nerdy phone holster  Yep, I'm motivated that much more to be careful! 😨☝

-- Bob Yoder, 3/5/2022 

While on the subject of protection the police advise locking your car and closing the windows when it's not in use.  There's been a rash of thievery of late.

Redmond crime rate is low

Redmond Police Chief Kristi Wilson/ Internet

Annual crime data is reported to Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.  They determine crime rate per thousand by local jurisdictions and statewide as a comparison.  Police Chief Wilson says: "Analysis Data continues to demonstrate the crime rate within the City of Redmond is incredibly low and has remained consistent over the past several years."

Property crime continues to make up the significant majority of reported crime  (3022 in 2017.) "Smash and Dash" and package thieves are the most prevalent property crimes. Violent crime also continues to remain at a very low rate at 1.72/K.  Statewide violent crime is 3.5/K.

Kristi Wilson, Police Chief
May 21 Council Committee meeting

Note:  In the first Council "Neighborhood Conversations" meeting Mayoral Candidate Andrew Koeppen complained that dangerous crime rates were much higher in Redmond. The Mayor and Councilmember Carson clarified stating the State went to a new reporting system.

-- Bob Yoder

Sidewalk Tree Art on The Hill

Walking on the 116th Avenue sidewalk north of 104th you'll come upon some enchanting "sidewalk tree art" covering a diseased row of arborvitae trees. Salmon, water birds, and frogs are painted onto some kind of heavy-duty paper that can withstand the harsh weather while still holding a palette of colors.  Somebody really knew what they were doing. This art is very innovative and makes good use of recycled trees don't you think?   We sure have some creative neighbors on the Hill.  You might want to take a stroll and see it for yourself!  You'll probably find some colorful critters I missed.

B. Yoder

Tyler Daniel becomes 100th Eagle Scout in troop's 50 year history

Redmond Scout Earns Eagle Scout Rank
 

Redmond Boy Scout Troop 550 would like to congratulate Tyler Daniel on becoming the 100^th Eagle Scout in the troop’s almost 50 year history.

Tyler Daniel attained the rank of Eagle Scout on January 8^th, 2013. Achieving this rank demonstrates a strong commitment to community service, leadership, and scouting values.

 

Tyler joined Troop 550 in March of 2008. During his time as a Boy Scout, he earned 29 merit badges as part of his requirements to achieve Eagle rank.
 

Tyler led a landscaping and beautification project at Evergreen Middle School for his Eagle project (completed June 2012).
 

Troop 550 in Redmond was established in 1964 and is sponsored by the Redmond United Methodist Church. 
 

For more information about Scouting, please see the Chief Seattle Council website at www.seattlebsa.org.

Two citizens protest impacts of proposed Valley Furniture redevelopment

Valley Furniture in downtown Redmond (8178 164th Ave NE) sits on quite a large lot - 1.15 acres with significant trees.  MacDonald's Book Exchange sublets on the site.   Both are scheduled to be torn down with the trees sometime this summer providing permits are approved for a new 215 unit multi-family residential project containing over 4500 square feet of retail. 

Two citizens complained about the project at the last council meeting saying the project would change the look and feel of the neighborhood, stress nearby 165th Ave NE, and cause parking congestion. 

Kimberly Price said the project is "equivalent to a Redmond 160 or Cleveland building in her  townhouse backyard".  She quipped her kids would be yelling at the builders as the six-floor complex was raised above her two-story townhouse.  She complained that 165th Ave. had poor visibility and wasn't designed to service 215 additional units and retail space. 

Heather, the first speaker, scrutinized the parking plan and the land use process complaining citizens weren't given notice of the complete removal of the landmark trees.  She said that only 230 parking stalls are planned by the city for the project when 272 are required according to code.  She quoted city code that 1.25 parking stalls are required for all projects over 6 units and 3.5 stalls are required for every 1000 sf of commercial space.  (Limited additional structured and street parking will be available). Heather was concerned that 50% of the parking space was marked for compact cars and that larger vehicles would have to park on the street or elsewhere.

The mayor advised council that an appeal has not been filed at this time.   Kimberly asked Council to "reconsider the size, scale, scope of the project and how close it comes to the property boundary" of the adjacent residences. 

Reported by Bob Yoder     

Learn "Hands On CPR" in this one minute video - or sign up for an Evergreen Health program

      AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION Official 2012 Hands Only CPR Video Guide (1min)

Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation has come a long way with the new AHA approved compression method called "Hands Only CPR".  View the one minute clip to see how simple and effective it is.  Or watch this engaging two minute interactive AHA clip here. 

Evergreen Health Hospital teaches the program to adults and children from various locations, but I haven't seen their program in Redmond yet, have you?   Of 400,000 citizens in the hospital district, "1,986 residents took the Hands Only CPR program last year, according to Kay Taylor, Director of Marketing, Evergreen Health.   About 1/5 of the participants are adults and were charged $40 each for materials. 

Under commissioner oversight, it's free for the rest thanks to levy funding.  They are considering expanding the program since so few in our community know about this simple and easy life-saving CPR technique and some have asked for it.   If you want to sign up for the hospital program or see Evergreen run it in your city try 425-899-3000 or visit the Evergreen Health website.   The commissioners and administration may decide to expand the program in some way with your input (and your tax dollars).  Do you think they should?   The City of Redmond teaches the technique in their C.E.R.T. program and new RedmondReady program (redmondready.org).  

King County Public Hospital District No. 2, registered with the State and Seattle Times for public noticing as "Evergreen Healthcare," was established in 1972 to serve citizens in north King and south Snohomish counties. Registered voters (155,154) elect 5 Commissioners to oversee the 2012, $15,285,968 annual levy and $9,242,180 capital bond.   Serving more than 400,000 citizens every year, the District operates a 290-bed hospital and a network of primary and urgent care centers. Evergreen Healthcare district boundaries include Bothell, Duvall, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville, part of Sammamish and parts of unincorporated northeast King County.
 

Lots of entertainment and fun at MAPS "Art and Culture Day"

Plenty of good art and entertainment at Saturday's MAPS "Art and Culture Day"

Last Saturday was an excellent day to connect with the Muslim residents and some of the culture of greater Redmond.  This is a photo of  some visitors to the "Arts and Culture Day" held the mosque in SE Redmond.  (Their dress can be art it itself). We were fortunate to run into Hyder Ali in the morning who told us exciting news that the Mayor of Bellevue and Redmond Police Chief Gibson had already stopped by. 

Hyder is a resident of greater Redmond, works at Microsoft and is President of MAPS (Muslim Ass'n of Puget Sound), the sponsoring organization.  The event was held in a SE Redmond Muslim mosque named "Maasjid Ar-Rahmah," which is also a gathering place for the cultural community.  We enjoyed a brief visit with Hyder's son.The Event was very entertaining and fun with dancing and singing and we learned a lot about the cultures of Syria, Libya, Pakistan, Palestine, and Turkey at their art exhibits.  Hopefully, a slide show to follow.  Please send in your pictures!

Read more about Hyder Ali and how to connect with the cultural center and mosque  Read More >>

UPDATED: The tree snag in Laura's neighborhood garden

Visit Molbak's summer calender of events and gardening workshops....

"The garden is mostly the work of my wife, Laura. As you mentioned she works for Molbak's. She is a Certified Professional Horticulturalist.  My roll is periodic manual labor and design input. If you must use one of our names, by rights it should be called Laura's garden."  - Abbott

This Douglas fir manufactured snag is visible from NE 104th Street near Avondale

UPDATED:  As you drive down 104th Street near Avondale and  look left and you'll see a sidewalk neighborhood planting area affectionately known as "Laura's Garden."   This photo shows Abbott's wife Laura diligently tilling the soil and planting the "seconds" she picks up from her job a Molbaks.  They live adjacent to the planting area on 184th Ave NE and 104th Ave NE.

Last year, "Redmond Blog" (RNB) featured Abbott's Arbor.  This year, the Douglas fir snag has been added to the Abbott collection, mostly by luck and good intentions of the city.  It was classified "hazardous" and manufactured into a snapped-off tree snag.  The trunk is loaded with woodpecker holes.

Do you see the snag?   It has jagged edges on the top   High school science students walking up the hill will tell you this tree snag provides invaluable habitat and foraging for hundreds of species of wildlife and insects.  

So, who in the city do we thank for not stumping this tree to the ground.  Parks?  Department of Natural Resources?  The Street Division,  Planning & Development? (an 11-lot plat is approved down the hill), The city council Ombudsman?  The neighborhood?  My vote's on the Mayor.  He's a good listener; can't you see?   

Opinion and photo by Bob Yoder

Redmond area families invited to host exchange students.

"BENNETT'S BUNCH" FROM LAST YEAR

Liven Up Your July -  Be Connected Forever!

Educational Homestay Program Starts July 12. Sign-Up Today!

Educational Homestay Program (EF), is a non-profit organization  bringing short-term foreign exchange students to our area for many summers ~ perhaps you've met some!
 
50 high school students from Spain and China will be living in and around Redmond this summer from July 12-31 and we need many host families to take them in. (We can find a filler family if you will be gone part of the time.)
 
Hosting is super easy and fun since the students will go on daily field trips and to school at RJH each M-F from 9-5 (being taught by the ever-popular Ms. Samppala) . Host family members are welcome to attend field trips and just need to provide meals, transportation to RJH, and a bed.
 
You can host 1-4 students but most host 2. (Students can share a room with you or each other.) They also bring their own spending $ and are fully insured.
 
Hosting can often be counted for community service hours. For more info please don't delay in contacting Kris Bennett at Bennettbunch@aol.com  or 425-890-9252 and check out the EF website: http://www.ef.com/ehp 
 
By Kris Bennett
Education Hill neighbor
"Like"  Redmond Neighborhood Blog on Facebook

Naomi "Nao" Hardy

Our Founder & Guiding Light:
Naomi Jean Hardy

July 3, 1945 ~ January 16, 2012

The Historical Society lost its founder and Redmond lost its most passionate citizen. Below are words written by Nao’s family, followed on other pages by reflections from board members and a proclamation issued by the City. 

Naomi “Nao” Hardy passed away on January 16th, 2012, after a short battle with lung cancer. Nao is survived by her husband of 45 years, Jerry, her children Natalie and Jeffrey, and her grandchildren Benjamin and Elizabeth.

Naomi was an accomplished writer. She published a mystery novel, wrote humorous editorials for several newspapers and had her poetry recognized in contests and magazines.

In 1999 she founded The Redmond Historical Society, and for more than a decade she worked tirelessly to preserve, document and share the history of Redmond. Since its inception, the organization has grown to become one of the largest and most active civic organizations in the city. Nao wrote the book “Redmond Reflections: From Settlers to Software.”

Nao will also be remembered for her wit, smarts, and collections. She collected rocks, bears, tins, green glass, hats and much more. She was an old soul who died too young.

Love you Mom ~ Natalie

Read Mayor John Marchione's Proclamation. Read More >>

"Pump House", by Sigmunde Potgieter

a Maple falls for Sigmunde's Pump House

Sigmunde Potgieter lives on Northeast Education Hill on a parcel filled with trees, deer, bobcat and critters.  She loves to photograph nature and took this picture during our January storm.  

Find out what's going on your neighborhood - mail pick-up, crime & safety, deals, recycling and more!

City of Redmond Neighborhoods

Best wishes this New Year!

Have you checked out this blog's (RNB) "Neighborhoods" page lately?  It's always on the Header.  Lots of  good information here.  Updated, today!

For "vacation holds" on US Postal mail, this link provides time-saving information on how restore your deliveries and where the new "Annex" is located to pick up your mail. 

You will also find links to the following tips and services, and more:

• The city crime map
• What's the best kept secret in Redmond?  (AM 1650 Redmond Emergency Radio)
• Names and locations of Sex offenders living in Redmond
• Recycle your TV's, monitors and electronics for free in Redmond
• Sign up for Groupons
• Senior and affordable housing resources

Link to Neighborhood Page:  http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/p/neighborhoods.html

Happy New Year! from RNB!

Bob Yoder
Neighborhood Resident-Reporter

Cause of devastating New Year's Day Fire at Sammamish Ridge Apartments Ruled Undetermined

"The aftermath"

Redmond, WA – The Redmond Fire Department released its final report regarding the January 1, 2011 fire at the Sammamish Ridge Apartments.

Redmond Fire Investigators recently received the testing results from wiring and electrical outlets sent to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Forensics Laboratory in Maryland. The ATF laboratory determined the electrical samples were not the cause of the fire. This was the last piece of information required to complete the report.

After a thorough investigation, the cause of the fire is ruled undetermined.

“We appreciate the efforts of all agencies outside of Redmond who were part of this response including the ATF, Washington State Patrol, and Seattle Police,” commented Assistant Fire Marshall Lynn Sjolander. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected in this situation including the family, friends, residents, staff, and first responders.”

City Press Release, 12/6/2011
Google Images Photo

LETTER: Expression of hate in city park angers resident




swastika taped to park tag wall

LETTER:  I was at the Redmond Edge Skate Park this week during one of the beautiful summer-like afternoons.  The park was in full use with teens on skateboards, scooters and bikes.  As I was watching the activity I noticed five teens placing duct tape on one of the graffiti walls.  (For those that don’t know, these graffiti walls are provided by the City for legal street art or “tagging”.)  As the pattern took shape I could tell what it was – a swastika. I was flabbergasted by this behavior and I immediately called 911 because I thought they just committed a hate crime of some sort.  The teens noticed I was calling the cops and they were laughing and skating around the park taunting me with various hand gestures.  Ultimately they tried to blend into the crowd when they saw I wasn’t intimidated or backing away.

Redmond PD did respond with two officers and they pulled the duct tape boys to the side.  I asked one of the officers if this was some kind of hate crime, especially since it was on public property.  Unfortunately I was told the expression was protected by the Constitution.  I was frustrated and angry but I understand that even ignorant punks have rights to express themselves, even if I don’t agree with the form of expression of speech.  The responding officers gave a very stern lecture to the boys.  I’m not sure exactly what was said and any other action such as informing their parents. Read More >>

Redmond man charged with child pornography following largest probe in history

ATTN:  The addesses of  registered sex offenders living in and around Redmond is posted on this link

Redmond man charged with child porn following largest probe in history 

By Levi Pulkkinen, August 3, 2011

SeattlePi.com

"A Redmond man is among 72 men charged with child pornography-related crimes following what’s been described by Justice Department officials as the largest child pornography prosecution in the nation’s history.

Late last month, federal prosecutors in Seattle filed child pornography charges against Eric Karl Myszke-Francis, a Redmond man accused of sharing images of abused children over the “Dreamboard” site."

Read More >> 

Internet photo

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