Arnold Tomac, a Redmond Town Center Founding Father

Arnie Tomac at Soul Food Coffee, 6/2022 / by

Arnold Tomac and a founding of Redmond Town Center go hand-and-glove.  In this piece, Arnie's the storyteller of his early involvement in Redmond and his role as a founding Father.  

 Arnie says...

In 1973, when we moved to Redmond, I noticed we did not have a neighborhood park so I started going to City Park Board meetings. In 1977, I, wife Mary and future mayor Chris Himes called over 500 residents asking for their support of a $2.5 million Park Bond. The bond measure passed and Viewpoint neighborhood park was built.

I also got involved with C.A.R.E. "Civic Action on Redmond Environment," which later led me into running for City Council.  (C.A.R.E. was a coalition of residents with a goal of saving the golf course from development.)  In 1977, Mayor Bud Young appointed me to Chair the City's first Development Guide.

In 1978, several land use issues brewed.  One was an uproar over completing the construction of SR 520.  The other was more serious.  A developer purchased the Old Redmond Golf Course and announced they planned to develop the site. Concerned citizens, many of whom had never attended a Council meeting (moi) descended on City Hall asking the City to stop development.  

I was elected President of Council in 1981.  The population of Redmond was 23,000. The downtown was separated by an operating railway. It served the grain elevator in Redmond and the milk processing Dairygold facility in Issaquah. Everything north of City Hall was blueberry fields.

There were only two roads leading through Redmond that being Cleveland and Redmond Way.  Basically, the downtown with minimal service.  The rest of the Council and I wanted to create a downtown.  

Just before I attended my first Council meeting, we got to review Mayor Young's budget. Every department was listed with number and dollars amount. (ie 87340 $12500.)  So I knew I needed to create a readable budget. We had a surplus the end of the year so we created the Capital Improvement Plan. (C.I.P.)  We also created a new Hearing Examiner position and a Technical Design Committee.  (Tomac has degrees in engineering mathematics.)

In the 1982 election, another CARE candidate Pat Vache' was elected to the Council and Arnold Tomac was elected Council President.  

Town Center Associates offered the city $6 million for the 89-acre golf course.  There was a misunderstanding about a 4.62-acre parcel north of Leary Way.  Town Center thought the sliver of land was theirs;  Councilmembers Vache', President Tomac and the city lawyer felt otherwise and negotiated the final purchase option.  It was approved 6-0 by Council. 

"Councilmember Pat Vache' called me (Tomac) one day and asked if I would come to his office to talk about the golf course. "I said definitely!"  I think the golf course is going to remain controversial until people have a chance to address a ballot issue on the purchase of the property." said Tomac. "Pat and I informed Winmar (the owners) if the bond did not pass we would support "reasonable development" of the property."  The bond did not pass. "Pat and I stuck to our commitment to move forward with development of the property. Of course we received push-back from our supporters who wanted who wanted to keep the golf course open."

"Marchione, Vache' and Tomac all indicated they thought "reasonable development" included keeping some of the green space around the golf course as a condition of development should the voters elect not to buy the property.  "I'd like to keep it (the links) as is," concluded Tomac.  "But, are we willing to pay to keep it?" 

The $6 million measure went out for vote; it lost by 2%.  Master planning of the site came with 37 goals and policies, with 50% of the property to be preserved as open space.  

Tomac's recommendation for enhancing RTC:  "I believe we are lacking vibrant centers in the evenings.  The nighttime activity at Redmond Overlake and downtown is negligible.  It turns out 70% of business income comes from the evening sales.  To have vibrant Urban Centers, policies and zoning regulations must be in place that supports businesses being successful."

-- Reported by Bob Yoder, 11/25/2022

Sources:  Soul Food Coffee house interviews, 2022.  Arnie's notes & family keepsakes.  Excerpts from the Sammamish Valley News. Circa 82-83.  Redmond Kiwanis Club. 

UPDATED: A Tribute to Council Member Steve Fields

OPINION:  I occasionally watch Redmond City Council members deliberate.  I've seen a complete turnaround in Council member Steve Fields' demeanor with the Mayor. He's polite, respectful, always agreeable, yet holds his own.  And, the Mayor is reciprocating. 

Mr. Fields' more peaceful approach may be attributed to his post on the Council Finance, Administration and Communications Committee.  He's the  Presiding Officer so in control of the budget meetings and with humility has earned a satisfying amount of power.  And rightly so.  Mr. Fields' career and Council experience is indispensable on budgetary matters and Mayor Birney knows it.  Steve's in his wheelhouse, with Council and Mayor in tow.  He's respected by all.  

Steve ran for Mayor twice and lost;  impossible to stomach for most. Over time his resentment and bitterness wore off.  His ego healed and he found his true place on Council.

I've never seen a public official so resilient and driven.  I know Steve well from supporting him in three campaigns.  I've heard Steve may not run again, yet he's still giving his all.  Thanks to Council member Fields for all that he does.  Steve's good works on Council are surely appreciated and won't be forgotten.  

 -- B. Yoder  11/10/2022

FB Comment:

He worked on the County budget and was a great voice of reason and fiscal responsibility in a sea of people who were not so concerned about unintended consequences or bow wave impacts of some expenditures. He knows budgeting well and will do a fabulous job as he approaches this with the utmost of integrity.  -- Kathy Lambert, 12/2

UPDATED: $7,500,000 Homicide Settlement Raises City Liability Insurance Premiums 112%

Police on duty to keep the Community Court safe / credit B. Yoder

UPDATED:  Police and Fire Safety Levy

In a September Council Study session the topic of escalating liability insurance came up. And boy is it up.  The premium escalated by112%, attributed to a $7,500,000 settlement to the Churna family for a police homicide. And, the deductible increased from $15,000 to $250,000. According to Finance Director Chip Corder, the City had to switch carriers (CIAA) after 12 years with Travelers.  Director Corder may need to dip into the  General Fund for a solution.  The City is fortunate to have surplus funding from construction taxes. Chip thinks it could take 2-3 years, maybe longer to get in good standing with insurance carriers.  In the meantime, Police Chief Lowe is walking on eggshells.

The Back Story:  On 11/20/20 Ms. Churna was shot and killed by a Redmond policeman.  Ms. Churna did not have a weapon in her hand.  The last time I heard, the officer is still on duty with Redmond. Yes, it's hard to believe. If officers were wearing body-worn cameras would it have lessened the Department's insurance liability?  Probably.  

Body Worn/ In-car Camera Program:  The levy only includes the ongoing expenses related to the Body Worn program, including staffing, training, technology services, records management, public disclosure, and court case preparation. The city already owns the cameras and has not included that expense in the levy. 

The Explanatory statement in the Voters' Pamphlet doesn't clearly describe the ongoing expenses; The price is $9.3 million over ten years. That's a lot of tax dollars.  I would rather see the expense come out of the General Fund.  The Police Information Officer has confirmed "one-time funds" are allocated to temporarily support the expenses related to the body-worn camera program through 2025, in the event that the levy does not pass.  One-time funds are collected from construction sales taxes.

I think body-worn and in-car cameras are an invasion of my privacy but I'll probably vote "Yes" on the measure.  I'm ecstatic about the six mental health specialists/case managers working the beat with the police.  And, we need the emergency preparedness that Fire provides.

Factoids:  Police Chief Lowe instituted a catalytic converter ID program for several weeks. He also started ticketing noisy vehicles. "smash and dash" is still one of major crimes in Redmond.  Life Is Good.

-- Bob Yoder, 10/27/2022  opinion

UPDATED, 11/7/2022 Redmond Town Center 12- Story Building Heights

A rendering of the new Redmond Town Center

Two, 8-story buildings are currently zoned for Redmond Town Center. Scale, massing, and village character are important considerations that may raise or lower the acceptable height.  To incentivize the Applicant (owners) to build up to a maximum of 12-stories the following benefits could be considered:  

2. Benefit:  Covered outdoor entertainment space and children's play area  

3. Benefit:  Covered retail is already in place.   

4. Benefit: Indoor / and covered outdoor common areas appointed with significant art.

.

5. Benefit:  Covered ped/bike urban pathway to light rail station; uncovered pathway in the Marymoor corridor.

5. Benefit:  Green Building Incentive Program:  green walls, trestles, LEED Platinum medal construction.  Plush landscaping with 10 foot trees. Activated, landscaped rooftop patios.

6. Benefit:  Affordable housing.  3 and 4 room apartments for families.

7.City "Safety Station" maned to oversee the light rail station, homeless, and Lime bikes.

8. Benefit:  Community WiFi and coffee plaza / visitor center kiosk.

9. Benefit:  Community bike repair, e-bikes, washing and charging stations.

10.Benefit:  City stoplight at SR520 / Bear Creek gateway to parking areas.

11.Benefits:  Architecture, significant cultural art, pedestrian sidewalks safe from scooters, plazas, alleys, setbacks, dynamic water feature.  

12.  Wayfinding, dog-sitting, mini dog park with wash, food trucks. (whistles and bells)

-- Bob Yoder, 10/26/2022. updated 11/7/2022 opinion

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the proposed Redmond Town Center Code Amendment, Visit  redmond.gov/1860/Redmond-Town-Center. Write to the Planning Commissioners  if you have any comments and  questions, or would like to be a Party-of-Record on this proposal, please contact Glenn Coil, Senior Planner, 425-556-2742, gcoil@redmond.gov.  

UPDATED OPINION: The Good and the Bad of Redmond Square Apartments

This is the first of two 6-Story buildings under construction

 

REDMOND SQUARE APARTMENTS

Looking Southwest from the corner of 166th & Redmond Way

Two 6-Story buildings with 1,2,3,4 room apartments

Very wide, attractive plaza between the buildings

 Pedestrian friendly "Woonerf" or Living Street between the buildings.

Thousands of commercial square feet.

Use of brick material / balconies 

 Not an eight - nine story project.

Many positives (above), yet some negatives too:  1) brick materials but no wood 2) No explanation of Redmond history related to the project. Is this structure built on a bog, as was the downtown park?  4) No 12 - foot sidewalks with landscaping on either side. 5)  Parking provided? 6)  "Canyon effect" when the second building is up. 7)  3.74 acres - intense massing; 2-city blocks. 8) Art?  9) Plans to build further south someday. 10) "crowding" effect on Cleveland.  11) More than 80/20 affordable housing?

-- Updated Opinion by Bob Yoder, 10/15/2022

    Photo, Yoder

UPDATED OPINION: Projects Over Aquifer Susceptible To Earthquakes

AMLI paper notice box empty.  No defined "comment period."  City will post QR codes
 on all yellow boards in the future. (click to enlarge)

Below, is my formal comment to the city planner managing the AMLI Project which is still under review / no decision.

"I'm concerned about a 6.0 or 7.0 earthquake disrupting or destroying all or some of the projects resting over the city's shallow aquifer.  AMLI is one such project. I recommend the following:  

1)  Delay the AMLI Decision until the City develops a solid plan to mitigate earthquake destruction.  In fact, for all projects under review resting over the shallow aquifer please delay the decision until the city updates their mitigation plan.

2) Impose above standard earthquake mitigation at AMLI and other projects under review resting on the shallow aquifer.  By "above standard" I mean mitigate to standards similar to San Francisco and other highly seismically prone cities.  

3) Require earthquake insurance or bonding.

4) Update the safety evacuation plan.

5) Mitigate damage to infrastructure so undamaged buildings and wellheads nearby can still operate.  A city wellhead in Anderson Park is across the street from AMLI.

Again, these comments apply to AMLI and all other projects "under review" resting over the shallow aquifer.

Unfortunately, my comment for AMLI is exceptionally late owing to the comment period not being  posted on the yellow notice board.  But, you can still make comment by emailing dlee@redmond.gov.

AMLI is one of my favorite projects proposed for the downtown. I hope the project isn't delayed by the City.  

-- Bob Yoder, 9/6/2022

UPDATED OPINION, 1/12/2023: Calling a Superbubble: Front Row With Jeremy Grantham

Just a reminder my blog is free. I rarely report on topics outside the blog's purview, but in today's environment you will find the Jeremy Grantham story worthy. Finance is a popular and worrisome topic these days; expect a few more reports, but not too many!😉

Happy Labor Day, Bob Yoder

Jan 26, 2022 For almost a half-century, value-investing icon Jeremy Grantham has been calling market bubbles. Now, he says U.S. stocks are in a “superbubble,” only the fourth in history, and poised to collapse. In this interview, Grantham, co-founder of Boston’s GMO, goes further, explaining his bubble analysis and discussing what he sees as multiple threats to the economy and the planet, including persistent inflation and climate change. He spoke exclusively with Erik Schatzker on Bloomberg’s “Front Row.”

Entering the Superbubble's Final Act, August 31, 2022.

Food for thought, or action? "Insider News" 9/4/2022 Interviews with five Bears.

Notes:

• economic inequality
• capital gains tax preferred
• less fluid economic mobility than other developed countries
• climate change - need to live within means
• natural environment is poisoned, failing
• short Russell 2000, emerging markets are undervalued, positive on hedge funds / venture capital
• Superbubble: collapse in equities, bonds, and real estate. Four superbubbles (including Japan.)
• Grantham is a permabear, a value investor, a billionaire.

-- UPDATED OPINION: B. Yoder, 1/11/2023

Opinion: King County Needs "Behavioral Health Urgent Care"

Providence-Everett Behavioral Health Urgent Care waiting room

A letter to the EvergreenHealth CEO Tomlin and the Commissioners:

Thank you Executive Secretary Candace for your and Commissioners/CEO Tomlin's interpretation of the "Seattle Times" April 11th article on behavioral health. 

The article flatly states: "The county has no walk-in urgent care center for people experiencing a mental health crisis, youths and adults wait hours or days in emergency departments before landing an inpatient bed."  Seattle Times, 8/11/2022. 

EvergreenHealth's two emergency departments are not the only option for community members requiring "same day intervention."  Providence/Everett has proven that.  CEO Tomlin can do more than advocating for greater resources.  He can provide medical treatment.  Your rooms given for NAMI Eastside forums and other "soft" resources are appreciated but by no means enough. 

Thank you CEO Tomlin for as you say, "evaluating and evolving your services to remain in close contact with the county and other community organizations" however, the Eastside population is exploding and Overlake can't carry your burden.  You must be willing to give a little to get a lot. (goodwill, bond passage assurance, positive media exposure, county support and resources, grants,) The commissioners owe it to their "constituents" and community members to provide medical treatment rather than whitewash a remedy with advocacy. 

Of note:  "The Providence Medical Group Behavioral Health Urgent Care provides timely access to behavioral health services for adults 18 and over presenting in a mental health crisis. The program is designed as an alternative treatment setting for those who need urgent (same day) intervention, but do not necessarily require the services of the Emergency Room."  -- Providence BHUC website

Before the pandemic, Kay Taylor, the Director of Nursing, et all were days away from a site visit to Providence Medical Group Behavioral Health Urgent Care.  At that time it was a pilot program for Providence.  They passed the test under severe Covid conditions with flying colors and operate today.  The community was running to their door.  CEO Tomlin, when you have staff resources, I encourage you to visit Providence/Everett, listen, learn and act. Thank you. 

My regards to commissioner Pilcher.

Best, 

Bob Yoder

Redmond, WA.

425-802-2523

redmondblog.org 

file

OPINION: Vote "No" On Public Safety Levy, Rosemarie Ives

Redmond Police in library watching over the Community Court

Credit: Yoder / click to enlarge

On July 16th, Redmond City Council is making their decision on the Public Safety Levy.  You may give them your comments and opinion at this email:  Council@redmond.gov  BY

Good evening Mayor and Council,

Opinion:  My name is Rosemarie Ives, former Redmond mayor, 1992 through the end of 2007

I am here tonight to discourage the council from proposing a new levy to fund staff and programs in both police and fire departments.  At a time with the highest inflation rate in 40 years, the threat of a recession, rising gas, food and housing costs, this is hardly the time for the City to ask the people to increase what they already pay in taxes.  An additional levy will worsen an already unaffordable Redmond.

Facebook "Oculus" Expansion Underway

The Facebook Oculus development is not solely "Building X."  Facebook Oculus has permits for eleven buildings on Willows Road totaling $106 million.

Thus, the  need for the "10 Minute Community" on 124th and Willows, which is currently under construction. 6/21/2022,

A picture of a model of Facebook’s proposed Building X in Redmond. It will include trees on rooftops to help it blend into the surrounding forest.The rooftop forest will cover 2.5 acres. The remaining roof will have solar panels.
Credit:  Redmond Reporter

In the documents, Building X is planned to be constructed in a way that makes it hard to see, if not invisible, from the road and [Willows Run] golf course. It will be set back from the road in addition to having trees planted on many of its roofs. Two existing buildings onsite will be demolished.

Facebook is hiring, looking to fill more than 170 positions in Redmond, including nearly 70 for Facebook Reality Labs and 38 for Oculus, its virtual reality program. Facebook already has space in Redmond near the Microsoft campus and it is unclear how many of these positions would be placed at Building X. It also remains unknown exactly what will be researched at the Building X facility, but plans call for several of its labs to have high, glass ceilings to let in natural light.

-- By Aron Kunkler, Redmond Reporter, 11/16/2018

"Building X" is directly across from Willows Run Golf course. It will have 1,400 parking spaces under the building and 678,000 square feet of space.  Photo, Bob Yoder

What is Oculus?  

-- Compiled by Yoder, 6/21/2022

UPDATED: Big-time Construction Is Creeping Into Education Hill

Well, it looks like they're advancing into our neighborhoods; ever so slowly, just creeping & crawling along.  This one made it as far as Herfy's hamburgers  (164th & NE 85 Street.) before catching it's breath. 😃

6-story "Sunrise Apartments" will replace a grungy, old mall.

Yoder / 6/19/2022

Mayor Angela Birney Developing Vision For Redmond

 

Mayor Angela Birney / redmond.gov

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 President, King County Council Regional Policy Committee, Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board, Cascade Water Alliance Board as Vice Chair, King County Regional Homelessness Authority, OneRedmond Board, Hopelink Board of Directors, King County-Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C), I-405/SR 167 Executive Advisory Committee, and Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee as an alternate.

Mayor Birney was elected to City Council in 2015 and served as Council President from 2018 to 2019. Prior to her Council service, she was the chair of the Redmond Parks and Trails Commission and volunteered her time at several different organizations throughout the Redmond community. She is a 2017 Leadership Eastside graduate.

Angela is a Washington native and grew up in Eastern Washington. She moved to Redmond in 1998. Formerly a middle school science teacher, she earned a Master of Education from Heritage University and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology Education from Eastern Washington University. She lives on Education Hill with her husband and daughters.

###

Per "Redmond 2050"  Mayor Birney is working with two visioning concepts:

1)  Vision is "the intersection of community aspirations, market input, and physical opportunities." 

2)  Vision is "Where growth will go and what it will look like." 

Mayor Birney is asking for community feedback. I like the following Vision definition:  "What Redmond will look like after we're finished changing it."  

-- Bob Yoder, 6/16/2022

UPDATED OPINION: Redmond's Building Designs / 2050

Woodinville is designing some attractive buildings and open places for pedestrians and bicycles. These buildings are next to City Hall.  

Opinion:  A few, but not many, architectural designs of downtown Redmond buildings are "inspired by history." Unlike Woodinville, our City doesn't have an overarching design theme. Redmond's use of history for design is sporadic and unsupported by code. As a result, buildings don't always use the most appropriate materials and aren't visually connected. Wood, stone veneer and building art are uncommon. (Green scaping is more prevalent and welcome!)  The proposed RTC and Nelson Villages' are remaining places where an overarching design theme can be implemented.

Designs of the following projects were "inspired" by Redmond's past: 

"The Osprey" The applicant has a solid start in the design concept acknowledging the history of the region’s indigenous populations with its strong roof forms, reminiscent of the Haida house across the street in Dudley Carter Park, the City’s early timber industry with its choice of wood and stone material, and the City’s future as a modern technology hub with the building’s irregular shape and significant glazing."  (DRB)

"18th & 164th" project:  "The architectural design was inspired by the Cascades and the Nokomis Library of the early 1900's.  How the book stacks were organized and how books can be arranged on the shelf was inspirational to the Applicant in designing elevations." (DRB)

Will Redmond have an overarching design theme to build character into Town Center?  Is the theme underpinned with choices of required elements?   Below, find Woodinville's approach to design code describing their theme and underpinning elements.  

###

The following analysis of Woodinville's Building Design and Details was found in their Design Review Committee Planning Commission memo:  

Rosemarie Ives Upset With Redevelopment Process Of Redmond Town Center

Good evening Mayor and Council.  My name is Rosemarie Ives, former Redmond mayor 1992-2007, and I am here to provide comment and some history relating to the Town Center Amendments on tonight’s agenda.  Although I would like to comment on Tree Regulations, four minutes is hardly enough time for such important issue.  Such a full agenda precludes the public from giving any substantive testimony on more than one item. I hope that Madam Mayor would consider my making a few remarks after testimony from others is concluded.

I was on the Planning Commission when the first conceptual plan for Town Center was presented in preparation of the annexation of the beloved, treed 120 acre property into the City and the heart of our downtown. The Planning Commission worked for 18 months in 1986-1987.  I was an opponent of “the enclosed mall that was initially proposed  while the late former councilmember Richard Cole was a proponent.  Once the land use decision was made, together Mr. Cole and I authored  the 39 conditions that constituted a compact with the community and that were eventually placed on the development.  In 1987, Mr.  Cole and I were elected to City Council….Together we led the council through much of its process of deliberation over the next two years.  In 1992 when  I was elected mayor, Town Center owners proposed a new open air, pedestrian and downtown oriented design incorporating the 39 conditions encouraging redevelopment and revitalization in the adjacent downtown. that was approved in 1995 in Development Guide Amendment 94-004.   Construction began in 1996.

Council Looks At Citizen Participation

Internet

The City Council reviewed "public comment" parameters during their March 8th Study Session. Why now?  I maintain disruptive "homeless hotel" activists, their personal attacks on the Mayor and staff and endless weekly commenting set the wheels of change in motion. Also, passionate firefighters consumed Council business time with lengthy objections to the vaccine mandate.  

Currently, and historically, Council has given individuals a period up to four minutes "to be heard."  This period is technically known as "Items from the Audience."  Sometimes topics are emotionally charged, with large, time consuming turnouts.  "Being heard" can be lengthy but seldom is it disruptive.  Councilmember Anderson asked Council to read the "public meeting participation guide" https://www.redmond.gov/189/City-Council. She suggested taking comments during Study Sessions and endorsed the four-minute rule.  The Mayor and Council officers decided conducting the business of the City was the number one priority, over participation from the public. 

Councilmember David Carson said listening to the people is part of the job. CM Steve Fields agreed, referring to Hartman pool commenting. At times Mr. Carson helps speakers by sharing relevant information. Council President Jessica Forsythe was concerned about defining "disruption" and asked Mr. Carson how he'd describe it.  He said: pornograpy:  it's hard to describe until you see it."  President Forsythe mentioned you might  be able to stick to four minutes if you kept speakers on the same topic to three. Fields nodded yes.  

I believe in the principle:  "Public participation is the hallmark of good government."  So, who does a good job at this?  The City of Kirkland has a model plan.  Lake Washington School District's procedure is:  1)  sign in, mark your talk topic, 2) a school board member explains: a) the 3-minute rule, measured with green, yellow and red lights, b) total commenting time is limited to 30 minutes, c) emails to the Board are accepted 3) speakers with the same topic can all speak as long as they don't repeat each other. 

The Planning Commission uses the three-minute rule. In my experience, it's rare a citizen will show up to comment, so why not 4-minutes?  Seriously. Complex land uses take time to present.  Recently, I made a HEARING comment to the Commission (about tree regs.) I spent lots of time preparing a 4-minute talk and was shocked when the Chair announced I had 3-minutes, this at the HEARING.  I don't think they sent my written comments to Council either.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/12/2022, opinion

OPINION: LWSD MUST OVERSEE THE LEVY COMMITTEE DURING ELECTIONS

 Hello Communications and PR Director,

Apparently, my wife didn't vote for any of the levies.  The District needs to transmit ACCURATE levy information to the LW Citizens Levy Committee!  And once transmitted OVERSEE the Committee to be sure they don't warp the facts!  In this case, the District dropped the ball!  

I was following the Committee's promotional mailers touting NO NEW TAXES, when in fact there is a new tax per FAQ.

I could have reported this malfeasance to King County Elections prior to certification but didn't want to risk the chance of a failed election.

The District needs to get with the program or it will bite you later. Director, please oversee the Committee from beginning to end. Thank you.

-- Bob Yoder, 2/24/2022

CURIOUS ?

"Curious 2020"  Art: Matt Babcock/ Photo: Bob Yoder

"I make public art because public spaces reflect the ways communities and individuals think of themselves in relation to others and to the larger world."

-- Matt Babcock, Seattle-based artist and architect

Updated opinion:  When I saw this orange blob next to Radiant Apartments I was curious so parked to see what it was.  After walking around it multiple times from all angles I decided it was an elephant.  I saw a trunk!  But after looking at this photo I could see it was a bear.  The artwork is close to Bear Creek Parkway.  Does that have any meaning?  

The City is bland.  We need colors to cheer our spirits, and outdoor art to celebrate our cultural diversity.  Many significant downtown projects were recently approved and numerous others are cued up. Is it too late to reward these developers (and taxpayers) with art installations; or incentivize them?  If it is too late, our government has really messed up.  

A few apartment buildings display art in their lobby. Excellent for the tenants; of little value to the neighborhoods.  Winter Lights has wonderful outdoor art but it's temporary.  Marymoor Village is eclectic, but how much is outdoor art, or is architecture their answer?  Overlake??  What a great place to celebrate our cultural diversity. The Downtown Park concrete plaza?  Interactive art?  The 22-acre Nelson Master Plan is a huge opportunity.

We need color and personality in our "villages" and artworks to celebrate our cultural diversity.  

Kudos to Radiant Apartments.   

"Curious" (clip) is located at the entrance to Radiate Apartments on
Bear Creek Trail just west of the Downtown Park. 

.-- Bob Yoder, 12/10/2021

OPINION: Leah Choi Sworn Into LWSD Board

 

School Board Director Leah Choi

Leah Choi was sworn in a LWSD Board Director during last night's Regular Board meeting.  It didn't take me long to know how lucky we are.  She stepped right up with terrific questions and novel recommendations on various topics.  One Board member shocked by her alacrity put her on the spot with questions.  The member coined her as precocious.  IMO, one of the reasons Leah got elected was she is Asian and brings diversity to the Board.  District Asians (and other races) for the most part are highly engaged and take education seriously.  All participants on the superintendent selection committee I attended (Staven) were Asian except for me.  

-- Bob Yoder, opinion

    12/7/2021

OPINION: How Will Lake Washington School District Adapt To Our Rapid Growth?

I've been reporting on Redmond's downtown growth for over a year.  Growth has been massive with still no end in sight. On brief count, 2025 dwelling units are approved for construction in Redmond this year. (This, not counting SE Redmond where schools are planned on a $25 M. parcel and burgeoning Overlake Urban Center.) How can Lake Washington School District adapt to this growth?  Drastic measures may be required. Unfortunately, few of the thousands of new dwelling units are family-friendly 3-BR.  

I'm concerned newly-built schools will require building UP to accommodate this growth. Sad for the disruption to educators and the students; distressing for the community taxpayers.  Also, newly built schools are more expensive since the State doesn't fund new construction.

Below, is a sampling of Redmond's downtown growth:

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2021/11/redmond-center-8-story-twin-towers-to.html 

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2021/11/5-story-apartment-project-proposed-near.html

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2021/11/376-unit-development-planned-for.html

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2021/09/project-one-will-dislocate-three-small.html

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2021/07/lamenting-about-downtown-redmond.html

Does Kirkland have a similar problem?

-- Bob Yoder, 11/30/2021

UPDATED: COVID Funding At Lake Washington School District

During COVID, some staff worked exceptionally hard and were heroes, others had less timely jobs and were paid beyond their need.  For example, why would you need a full-time Director for Certified Talent Acquisition during COVID?  His salary is ~ $177,150. (There are five other HR Directors.)

During the November 15th LWSD school board meeting, Chief Financial Officer Barbara Posthumous presented the annual "Legislative Priorities" report.  She rattled off some interesting statistics, including shortfalls to be made up by taxpayers.

LWSD fully funds Special Education,  In 2021 - 2022 the District shortfall was $18M. 26% of the Levy covers this shortfall

• Despite federal COVID "ESSER" funding, the District had to use additional $6.5M carryover for funding COVID.
• COVID expenses to the District were $14M.  The State and Feds funded $8M.  (21-22)

Social/Emotional Support  (FTE = Full Time Employee.)

• Counsellors:  State FTE 61. District FTE 73
• RN, Psychologists, Mental health specialists, State FTE 7, District FTE 37
• Student Safety: State 6 FTE, District 73 FTE. The District pays excessive amounts on safety as compared to other Districts. 

ESSER Funding = Federal COVID funding to support safe, sustained reopenings and operations. 

• The feds awarded ESSER funds of $409.64/pupil for a total of $12,756,000.  The grant is exceptionally below the State average owing to the District's "free and reduced lunch" poverty data.  North Shore, Mercer Island, and Issaquah Districts also received low funding. 

COVID Costs:  $14M expensed, $8M State and Federal support (21-22.) 

• Health and Safety
• Staff and Support - exceptional Director compensation
• Remote Learning
• Materials
• Curriculum
• Instructional Support for Children in Quarantine. 

-- Bob Yoder, 11/22/2021