Mayor Birney's 2024 Redmond LIGHTS

  " YOUR PLACE IN THE MYSTERIOUS UNIVERSE" 

Artist:  Karl Whiteside

(click picture to enlarge) 

National Indigenous Peoples Day For Eastside Youth

A Proclamation On Indigenous Peoples' Day, by Joseph R. Biden,

October 7th, 2022

Indigenous Peoples were forcibly removed from ancestral lands, displaced, assimilated, and banned from worshiping or performing many sacred ceremonies.  Yet today, they remain some of our greatest environmental stewards.  They maintain strong religious beliefs that still feed the soul of our Nation.  And they have chosen to serve in the United States Armed Forces at a higher rate than any other group.  Native peoples challenge us to confront our past and do better, and their contributions to scholarship, law, the arts, public service, and more continue to guide us forward.

                       "Am I Enough?" celebration at Lake Washington High

 Am I enough to be seen as an indigenous person?  Watch a short video HERE of students celebrating "Am I Enough." 

Mary Wilber, Program Coordinator of the Eastside Native American Indian Association organizes events for our Salish Sea indigenous youth.  She invites indigenous students from three school districts to her Monday evening classes at Lake Washignton High.  

Pam and I celebrated with the Eastside Native American families at Lake Washington High and in a Pow Wow at Juanita High.  Both ceremonies touched our hearts.  School Board members Siri Bliesner and Mark Stuart participated in the Lake Washington festivities.

Posted by Yoder

10/13/24

Updated 10/27: Neighborhood Stormwater Threatens Sammamish River Salmon.

 In response to this post the City posted this advisory on their website front page.

Redmond's pollution truck advertises their pollution hot line:  425-556-2868 
photo by Yoder

We live two houses up from the intersection of NE 100th Street and 169th Ave. NE.  City public works had two trucks there working on a major drain to "clear up stormwater pollution."  Comcast is planning a downhill dig into 169th Ave. to install new cable that's eroded.  Comcast must have notified the city of a possible pollution problem since there was no "salmon sticker" near the drain.  A sewer line parallels the stormwater pipe making things more complicated.   

Copper residue from vehicular tires and/or fertilizers, car-washing soaps, and lawn mower oils may all have contributed to the pollution.  My guess is the stormwater pollution may have been caused by corrosion from Comcast's aging cable, tire contaminants, a sewer line leak or all three. This particular drain is in a prime location for stormwater run-off; collecting stormwater from two long residential roads. One could say the subject drain services a mini-stormwater watershed. 

  Fortunately, there are two nearby "wet-vaults" just downhill from the subject drain. Vaults treat the stormwater before it eventually enters the Sammamish River where salmon are migrating.  The supervisor said the vaults were fully operational containing only 20% sediment and didn't need to be vacuumed.  While Public Works was there they cleaned out a drain above the house from ours.   

If you have concerns about possible pollution in your neighborhood call the city hotline at 425-556-2868.  I asked the city and two city councilmembers for a "salmon sticker" for this drain and they didn't respond.  

-- Bob Yoder, Updated: 10/27/24 

UPDATED, PART ONE: RHS 25th Anniversary Celebration / John Oftebro

 

Redmond Historical Society 25th Anniversary Celebration in the new Senior & Community Center

President John Oftebro of the Redmond Historical Society (RHS) did a fabulous job producing, directing and emceeing the Redmond Historical Society 25th Anniversary Celebration and Social.  Over 120 attended.  The event was held on Saturday, October 28 at the new Redmond Senior and Community Center.  John's an excellent fund-raiser and superlative jack-of-all trades.  

Laura-Lee Bennett, the Executive V.P. oversaw the event.  RHS Co-founder Miguel Llanos flew up from Los Angeles and gave a 30-minute interactive slide show.  John Couch, Redmond's Park & Rec. Director of 30 years dressed-up as Mayor Bill Brown. Chris "Hurricane" Himes, Redmond's first Strong Mayor gave a charming, short speech. Former Mayor Rosemary Ives was on Block Island attending to her family.  

Board member Deborah Oftebro assembled lead-members to work the coffee cake and cookie table: Judy Lang, Jo Ann Potter, Deb Akerstrom and a Morelli?  My wife Pam and I got to sit with good friends, John Reinke, Gary Smith and Terry Lavender. John Reinke gave the entire audience a holler as he sang along.  

Photo and story by Yoder

9/29/2024

Circle of Life - Moving On

 

Our roundabout way of getting to places in Gibraltar. 😊  

It is nice to be back home and with a fresh perspective after touring Europe for 16 days. I've decided, even more so, that Redmond needs not just news reporting but a "trouble-maker" (like me) to opine, to bring balance, accountability and government transparency to our community.  We deserve more than what the Mayor is delivering right now, especially with regard to King County's push for promised "harm reduction" of homeless housed in our two urban centers. 

In the Ives' Administration, Redmond Reporter editor John Huether gave me a monthly column, "City Watch."  My first column was published February 14th, 2007: "Tent City moves in at St. Jude."  Yes, the homeless problem in Redmond reaches back 17 years, even with affordable housing.  Some homeless were being bused in from Texas.  If I were to have a column today it would focus on mental health, especially on EvergreenHealth's progress in furthering community behavioral health care and improving the governance process. 

My daughter Lexie (LWSD K-12) born at EvergreenHealth is having a baby boy this summer.  I'll be writing and "watching" less often and some day leave Redmond altogether to be with my extended family. I'm writing with a sense of urgency in this circle of my life.  

-- Bob Yoder, 6/27/2024

Notes and Observations Of Light Rail Line 2

Redmond Technology Station Train / credit "Experience Redmond"

The April 27 ribbon-cutting for opening Light Rail "Line 2" was an historic day in Redmond.  The ceremony took place at Redmond Technology Station. Misty, 50-degree temps didn't stop the rush of thousands eager to experience their first ride on the Eastside.  My wife Pam and I had a terrific time!

The 6-mile, 17-minute trip from Redmond to south Bellevue had eight fun-filled station stops.  By far, the Overlake Village Station had the most exhibits, entertainment and food choices.  Unfortunately, we didn't have time to fully immerse, but I do have a few notes and observations to share:   

UPDATED: Redmond Lights Festivities, No rain, Good Times!

Saturday, December 2nd 4-8 p.m. Kick-off Event downtown

Yay, it didn't rain!  no wind or cold!  For us, the best part of Redmond Lights were the unannounced musical performances in Redmond Town Center.  

We were fortunate to find a few of them.  By far, our favorite were the Hrailmore Ukrainian carolers!...beautiful people, happy and heartwarming music...singing and dancing in authentic Ukrainian dress.  Watch them perform on their Facebook site here!  And, watch a short performance here!  

The Ukrainian carolers at Redmond Town Center

Underneath the RTC Christmas Tree
Merry Christmas from Bob, Pam and Zoey Yoder!

Four years from now when RTC is fully redeveloped I hope Fairbourne (the RTC owner) will commission performances at the Center every month.  It would be good for the retailers and the community.

-- Bob Yoder, 12/3/2023 

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 

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!

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

Marymoor Village Apartment Complex Offers Public Community Gardens

The city wants to see Marymoor Village of SE Redmond develop into an eclectic neighborhood, different from the downtown.   For the summer months and with a splash of art, Spectra Apartments in Marymoor Village is going in the right direction!

Partnering with the City of Redmond, Spectra apartments offers two community Gardens as an amenity for their tenants.  The Gardens are also open to the public. The Spectra front desk manages the Gardens, not the city.  We signed up and are 3rd on the wait list for an $80/year box.  

3 rows of carrots have sprouted!  

Spectra Apartment Community Gardens

(click images to enlarge)

-- Bob Yoder, photos, 7/29/2023

City MONSTER Truck

 

Pam is sitting in the truck very close to the street surface

On our way to Derby Days we saw this shiny new Redmond Public Works truck blocking and re-directing traffic on 95th.  Cool!  It's a monster truck!!

Just what does this truck do?   Do you see the yellow "buttons?"  

-- Bob Yoder, picture, 7/16/23

Redmond Middle School Courts Resurfaced, Lined For Pickleball

Redmond Middle School Tennis Courts

You may have noticed?  The Redmond Middle School's six tennis courts are being resurfaced (with an acrylic coating.) Though unconfirmed, the workers said all six tennis courts will also be lined for pickleball.  Completion is expected by 7/31/2023.

Only 42-inch high standard tennis court nets will be installed.  30-inch pickleball nets will not be available.  I've played on both net sizes and find them equally fun.  

-- Bob Yoder, photo, 7/14/2023

 

Redmond Town Center's Heron Art

click pictures to enlarge

 

It's all a matter of perspective and taste. By night Fairbourne's RTC art installation draws you towards an amenity of the Center; its proximity to Bear Creek.  But in daylight, what's it trying to convey?  

(After dinner, our waitress at BJ's took our picture!) 

UPDATED OPINION, 2/23/23: Redmond Town Center's New Owner Proposes Amendments Allowing 12-Story Buildings

Imagining a new town center

OPINION:  It's all so confusing and I'm still unclear.  The new owner of Redmond Town Center, Fairbourne Properties, is proposing "zone text amendments" that would allow two 12-story buildings on his property in exchange for "public benefits" such as, affordable housing, environmental stewardship, and business diversity (eg. retail retail, retail; restaurants, entrepreneurs, recreation, small business, commercial,   The benefits are vague and Council is working to clarify them.

A partial summary of the proposed amendments appear as follows:

1) Increase maximum height to 12-stories through an incentive program of 3 extra levels for above grade parking per building, electric bike space and decent pedestrian lighting.   

2) One amendment involves the owner offering "exceptional amenities" for additional height.  I crave colorful, covered plazas and courtyards, eclectic and cultural artworks, sustainable-public-rooftop-patios-with-pristine-views, public spaces for daycare and pets, and above all else, well lit performing arts spaces welcoming and entertaining all, including commercial and retail employees.  Pickleball is a craze and rooftop courts to activate the Center are being looked at.

3) It's my understanding, the final amendment, if passed, could expand "Town Center Mixed Use" into certain parcels along Bear Creek Parkway; serviced by an office gateway.  The expansion plan is unclear; and it may never happen.

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 1/30/2023, Updated 2/22/23, Resident of Redmond, WA.

SOURCES:  

Council "Planning and Public Works" Committee of the Whole memo, 1/3/2023, excerpted and edited.  Unfortunately, the city red-lined this memo. 

City Council memo, 1/17/2023 - discusses privately initiated text amendments.

FAIRBOURNE Properties (owner)

Hines, RTC owner's consultant and outreach arm.  (Patrick Woodruff is the Hines lead; he's local and enthusiastically seeking ALL opinions and feedback.) 

Engage with the community and the owner HERE)

Carol Helland, Director of Planning and Community Development.  (Ask for Ms. Helland's contact information at info@redmond.gov or Mayor@redmond.gov)

Arnold Tomac, Past President Redmond City Council, a Town Center founder, and co-founder of the Ped/Bike Advisory Committee.  Arnie's BIO.  

-- Bob Yoder, 2/23/23

"Redmond Lights" Redux

Pam and Zo at popular art installation
(click pic to find Zo)

It was a blustery, cold and very rainy night but we went Redmond Lights anyway. A friend was working a booth and asked me to come. Pam and Zo tagged along too but they were not a happy puppies.

There wasn't much new:  Same five light installations.  Relatively scant residents, and fun music on the pavillion.  Unfortunately, food trucks don't have much room for parking at the downtown park.  We did see an espresso wagon and ice-cream van.  Sounds silly, but the colorful restroom lights fit in well with the show.  

-- Bob Yoder, 12/10/2022, opinion 

Am I Enough?

 

click to enlarge

"Am I Enough?"

"Indigenous Peoples' Day" was celebrated at Lake Washington High School on October 1st. 

LWSD filmed an excellent video of the event HERE.

Mary Wilber, Program Coordinator of the Eastside Native American Indian Association organizes the events.  Ms Wilber invites indigenous students from three districts to her Monday evening classes. 

A Proclamation On Indigenous Peoples' Day,  by Joseph R. Biden, October 7th, 2022 (excerpt)

For centuries, Indigenous Peoples were forcibly removed from ancestral lands, displaced, assimilated, and banned from worshiping or performing many sacred ceremonies.  Yet today, they remain some of our greatest environmental stewards.  They maintain strong religious beliefs that still feed the soul of our Nation.  And they have chosen to serve in the United States Armed Forces at a higher rate than any other group.  Native peoples challenge us to confront our past and do better, and their contributions to scholarship, law, the arts, public service, and more continue to guide us forward.

  

Pam and I celebrated and honored the Eastside Native American families at this event, and a Pow Wow.

Both touched our hearts. School Board members Siri Bliesner and Mark Stuart partook in the festivities.  

The Redmond "Heron Rookery"

 

The Heron rookery, minus birds and trees

My wife and puppy are in the middle-third of this large unforested portion of the Heron Rookery.  There's a lot of dirt behind me that you can't see.  Unfortunately, the trees that once stood there are gone.  No one seems to know why the trees died off. A quandary, since there are no stumps. 

 

A must see short video on the history of the herons and rookery forest is HERE. 

The 4.6 acre open space site is located on the southwest corner of Bear Creek Parkway and Leary Way in Redmond, Washington. It stands at the entrance to Downtown Redmond and features what's left of an urban forest and a trail that runs through the middle.  The city lists it as a park with use for hiking.  

The infamous Workshop Tavern, long torn down abutted the rookery.  It was an historic establishment serving Redmond's first hamburgers and beer.

UPDATED: Redmond 2050 Visioning Workshop

My beautiful wife Pam on left.  Planning Manager Jeff Churchill wearing red shirt. Yasir Alfarag with Berk Consulting in middle. Credit, Bob Yoder

This map is the starting point, before participants shuffled Legos according to their perspective of 2050. The white Lego stacks represent existing jobs.  Five urban centers including residential neighborhoods were mapped:  Overlake, Downtown, Marymoor, SE Redmond, and "NE 90th & Willows" local center. Overlake is slated to accommodate half the jobs in the city.  Can you find the "NE 90th & Willows" local center?  

The Redmond 2050 "Draft Environment Impact Statement" (DEIS) is much more than visioning the Redmond environment.  It's a living story about "how we can accommodate anticipated growth."  

I enjoy visioning in general, but was confused by the "DEIS" acronym and so brushed Redmond 2050 aside until Pam and I attended a "Visioning Lego Tabeling Workshop."  I was hooked.  It was super fun, productive and exceptionally engaging (one if the city's favorite words.)  The workshop was organized and managed by thc city's Long Range Planning Manager, Jeff Churchill (Jeff is a Redmond High graduate, with lots of equity.)  

Mr. Churchill described the participants' Lego conclusions at a Council Study session, saying the Lego community chose "SE Redmond"  for the most job and housing growth as compared to Marymoor, the downtown, residential neighborhoods, and Willows.  However, Churchill noted SE Redmond and Marymoor had infrastructure challenges. 

Councilmember David Carson was "utterly baffled and confused by the first two slides" of the Lego workshop.  Said Carson, "if someone could actually explain it to me...." and "what do I take away from that."  Mr. Carson, a 13-year councilmember, probably knows the Development community better than any representative.  A Council conservative, David is connected to "One Redmond"...Redmond's Chamber of Commerce "on steroids."

Council's focal points for growth were "Centers"  and "Centers & Corridors"  Mr. Carson preferred the "Center and Corridor" option.  "Centers & Corridors" is defined as:

• highest concentration of jobs near light rail, frequent bus routes (compared to other options)
• higher job growth in Overlake (compared to other options.)
• greater risk of manufacturing displacement compared to "Centers" option.
• low housing displacement / affordability, diversity of housing types (58,179 targeted housing units, second to Overlake)
• need to study potential of new local center at "90th St. & Willows"
• high jobs along Willows.
• can accommodate 27,000 new jobs. 

The "Centers" focuses on Overlake for high job growth, then Marymoor and SE Redmond; studies for potential protection of industry and manufacturing are required.  "Centers" accommodate 30,100 new jobs and targets 53,697 housing units. Mr, Churchill advised development in Marymoor and SE Redmond area could be influenced by wastewater and sewer infrastructure challenges.

Last week the Planning Commission evaluated the 90th St.& Willows local center.  Commissioner Sherri Nichols worried about consequences to some of the long-time businesses like Eastside Gym. (I went there for years. Loni, the owner, is a super dude.)  The "district" is zoned for 2-4 stories.  According to Churchill, upzoning is likely so buildings could go even higher. 

And then there's "benefits."  After developers deliver "benefits" to the public like Open Space, water fountains, plazas, and mini dog-parks, they can qualify for Bonus stories to boost their building height.

According to the Story Map, the 90th St. & Willows local center has potential for households second only to Overlake.  I was surprised by the high stack of Legos there.  The corridor is a sleeper.   

-- Bob Yoder, photo Yoder, 8/2/2022

"New Woodinville's" Family Recreation Place

 The Schoolhouse District

YMCA, restaurants, wineries, apartments

Do you see the foosball tables?

City of Woodinville Commercial Design Standards

(something the City of Redmond could learn from)

Vision Redmond 2050 / Workshops

(we've got some serious - and fun - work ahead of us)

-- Bob Yoder, 7/17/2022