City PRIDE Month Celebration Goes Dark

As you know, it's PRIDE month with many celebrations around town.  However, in Council's June 3 Businees meeting during the public comment period, PRIDE went dark.

It all started with the first 3-minute testimony by Aeron H.  He's a Redmond transgender and gave an horrific story of humiliation and death threats. He reported it to the police "with a picture, message, and name and the police did nothing, they did NOTHING!"  Fearful, "I stayed locked in my apartment for two months. No wonder PRIDE doesn't trust the police."  

At this point pro tem mayor, President Kritzer stated "in conclusion," signifying that Aeron's allowable 3-mintute speaking time was up.  Councilmember Fields made a motion to suspend the rules and extend the time.  It was seconded by CM Forsythe. 

After 13 minutes of  Council rules discussion and advice from the city attorney, they decided to suspend the 3-minute rule for this one meeting and allow 4-minute testimonies. Councilmember Stuart thanked Aeron for his patience.  Aeron was annoyed, and then went on for over a minute about "targeted hate crimes" and his distrust for the police. 

-- Bob Yoder, 8/13.25 

Source:  6/3/25 Business meeting video of testimonies  (Aeron's testimony starts at 8:00 min.)

(Historically, the comment period at Business meetings had been 4- minutes but the present council reduced it to 3-minutes; Councilmember David Carson had strong objections to this limitation.) 

Redmond, A Welcoming City / Immigration Enforcement

Redmond is a welcoming city, with a strong commitment to cultivating an inclusive community, where everyone feels valued, supported, and connected. The City actively creates an environment where all residents can fully access city services, influence local policy, and feel a sense of belonging and safety. In 2017 and 2020, the City Council passed resolutions No. 1465 and No. 1534, respectively, affirming its commitment towards a culturally inclusive community, as well declaring Redmond as a hate free zone. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Redmond Police Department would like to provide some clarification after recent inquiries from residents concerned about immigration enforcement and possible future interaction with immigration officials.

What is the Redmond Police Department’s role in immigration enforcement?
The Police Department does not enforce immigration violations. State law and department policy prohibit Redmond Police officers from asking or collecting information about a person’s immigration or citizenship status, unless there is a connection with a state or local criminal investigation, and officers may not detain a person solely to determine immigration status.

Will the police report me or give my information to immigration authorities?
Under state law and policy, the Department is restricted from sharing information with immigration officials, except under certain circumstances as required by law, such as a valid court order.

Will the police help immigration officials with raids or other operations?
The Redmond Police Department would not typically be involved in federal immigration operations at all. If requested, the Department would provide only support services, such as traffic control or peacekeeping efforts for public safety reasons.

What should I do if immigration officials approach me or knock on my door and want to talk to me?
Review these Northwest Immigrant Rights Project materials.

Redmond Police Celebrates 'Monumental' FAA Drone Decision

Redmond Police Drone Center

Redmond Police celebrates 'monumental' decision by FAA that approves drone use on more 911 calls. 

Below, is a link to King 5 video story on the Redmond Police Department's innovative drone program ... leading the way within western Washington State: 

https://www.king5.com/video/tech/redmond-police-celebrating-monumental-decision-by-faa-that-approves-drone-use-on-more-911-calls/281-6fefce2c-e35d-4851-84dc-51838ff6c66f

-- King 5, 11/26/24

Police Chief Lowe Named To Brown's Transition Committee

 

Redmond Police Chief Named to Attorney General-Elect Brown’s Transition Committee

REDMOND, WA - Attorney General-Elect Nick Brown announced on Tuesday, Dec. 3, the advisors who will serve on his transition committee. The 30-person team will assist Brown as he prepares to take office.

Brown’s transition team will include Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe, who is also president of the WA Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

“I’m honored to be part of Attorney General-Elect Brown’s transition team and to provide law enforcement and leadership insights and perspectives he might find useful in setting up his new administration,” said Chief Lowe. 

Comprised of civic leaders from every part of the state, transition committee members will lend expertise from law enforcement, state government, business, non-profits, labor, and tribal affairs.

According to the announcement, the committee will be tasked with establishing Brown’s office and sharpening his agenda and key priorities.   

CITY WATCH: Updated Community Notes

NOTES ON THE STORM:    

Lots of comments at tonight's Council meeting on the severe cyclone wind storm.  

One lady complained that the warming stations closed at 8pm.  The community center closed at 8pm.  There was no place to go; no plan.  

Redmond AM 1650 emergency radio wasn't updated or current.  (It's available only in vehicles.) 

I'm a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer and saw no others during my trek outside.  I had to wave a woman with her toddler away from a downed power line.  She couldn't speak English. 

I was shocked to hear from a reader the City discontinued the CERT program.  He thought Councilmember Forsythe might know why.  Over 35 - 8 week CERT classes were held, now unorganized and unrefreshed.  When the next "Big One" comes our neighborhoods we will be unprepared. 

NOTES ON PLYMOUTH HOUSING and SILVER CLOUD:  

Plymouth Permanent Supportive Housing is expected to open late 2026.  Evan Sexton, the Plymouth marketing employee said Plymouth will hold open public office hours at the Together Center the second Wednesday of each month, 11am-2pm.  He said they've already had one Advisory Committee meeting. 

The county's Silver Cloud permanent housing staff are looking for community volunteers for the 15 residents housed there. 12 staff members work there!  Staff leaders give me the go-around when I try to help.  

ELECTRIC FIRE ENGINES:   Council President Kritzer prided the city about including the e-fire engine equipment on the budget.  Redmond is the first city on the west coast to pay for one. It was a race with Bellevue.     

CITY ISSUES $100 GIFT CARDS for select citizens participating in a 2-hour workshop on EV infrastructure and EV experiences.  The workshop will be held at the Senior & Community Center where charging stations are located.    

The Mayor purchased 5 new gas-powered snow plows and gave them names.  

-- Bob Yoder, 12/3/24

Updated: Bomb Cyclone Hits Anderson Park

Four Anderson Park landmark trees were blown down in the same western direction by the eastern winds of the "bomb cyclone.".  

This landmark fir crashed into the well pump station and snapped in half.  Amazingly, it was the only park structure hit by a tree.  Power lines down.  No CERT volunteers present.

This park cottonwood fell in a western direction like all the rest.  The large root

balls will be saved and used in rivers, streams, mitigation banks, for erosion control, soil preservation and salmon habitat.  The city does a great job of installing them in Bear Creek, the Sammamish River. and their flood plains.  These 70-year+ old trees are irreplaceable.  

Photos by Yoder, day after the November 21 "bomb cyclone" 

Posted 11/22/24, updated 11/23

License Plate Readers, 22 Camera Readers To Be Installed

License Plate Reader / Flock

In a 8/5/24 regular meeting Council approved funds to implement the "Flock" license plate reader program.  Installation of 22 cameras and subscription cost for two years are priced at $93,534.40.  It's likely the Mayor will finance the balance through the General Fund or Capital Investment Program.      

THE PROGRAM:   Strategically located intersections are identified within the City to place the "Flock" cameras to capture the most license plates entering and leaving the City limits. 

Councilmember Steve Fields made a point to say the program will not infringe on people's privacy. 

The concept of this approach is for officers and dispatchers to be alerted whenever a “Wanted” or “Hot List” vehicle or vehicle used in the commission of a crime is captured on a Flock camera. Officers will respond to the area and look for the vehicle based on the last known location. Vehicles typically placed on “Hot Lists” include stolen vehicles, wanted persons connected to vehicles, and missing persons. 

-- Re-posted by Yoder, 10/17/24 

   Source 8/5/24 Council meeting

UPDATED 10/13: Council Notes: Funding For "Mini City Hall" and Avondale Water Main Replacement

Redmond City Hall

The City is asking our State legislature to fund significant projects next session, as follows:     

1) $1,024,475 to replace several miles of aging, brittle asbestos water main pipe on Avondale Road NE.  In addition, pavement will be re-surfaced for a total cost of $3.3M. 

The pipes "are brittle," with numerous breaks in the last five years.  Key concerns are: 

• Health and water quality
• Impacts to salmon-bearing streams
• Fire protection 

2)  $618,000 for 1,700 sf city service space ("Mini City Hall") in the Overlake Bellwether building.  With State funding the following services would be provided by 2028:  

• customer service
• police desk
• mobile integrated health
• translation services (42% of residents are foreign born)
• multi-cultural lobby with rotating art
• 333 units for low and moderate income (30-80% AMI) families and individuals. 
• access to light rail - across street from the Overlake Station. 

Source:  Amy Tsai, Redmond's

Chief Policy Advisor

Council Study Session, 10/8/24

Updated: "Council Conversations" In The Downtown Park

Downtown Park COUNCIL CONVERSATIONS, The Safety Table / photo Yoder

I sat in at three tables conversing with councilmembers and residents at the busy Safety table, Environmental Sustainablity table and Miscellaneous table.  Council V.P. Jessica Forsythe presided over the Safety Table. Feedback from a resident/family living in a downtown apartment was especially interesting.  He wanted stop signs placed on Cleveland Street intersections and other downtown intersections -- said he saw pedestrians getting mildly brushed.  He said Uber drivers were the worst; always looking at their cell phones. Another guy complained about gangs that prey on residents for their belongings. He thought only 4 - 6 police officers patrolled the whole city and asked for 16 more officers.  I think Jessica said the department had over 140 officers (traffic, patrol, detective, drone, criminal, crime etc.) with plans for 4 more.  CM (councilmember) Fields asked why the need for 16 more officers?  I questioned the need for council taxing their city utilities and raising the business tax to fund a $6 million dollar public safety gap. IMO, the .25% city excise tax on construction was funding enough. 

I briefly sat in at CM Stuart's Environmental Sustainablity Table. Trees were a topic of great interest.  One resident said low income housing developments "lit up the heat map" owing to significant tree loss. Ms. Stuart said our canopy goal was 40%.  We're at about 38% canopy now.  Ms. Stuart alluded to the Master Builders lawsuit against Kirkland. The city has kept our existing 2018 Tree Regulations as is for 16 years (!) and now the new, approved Update has been delayed for two years longer because of the lawsuit, with no end is sight.  So, 40% goal seems out of reach. I suggested focusing on park and street trees like we have in the Downtown Park. Ms. Stuart lives in Overlake; she knows about the green roof installations on many of the buildings there.  My feedback was the city needs code for encouragement of "green roofs" in all downtown construction projects. At least three developments (villages) are planned for Redmond by 2050 and we need green roofs and wall gardens in those buildings,  

CM Stuart took this opportunity to update us on Sound Transit's light rail progress to our downtown. It was very interesting. I believe she said it will reach our downtown by mid-2025 and cross the bridge by late 2026.  I'm not light rail has something to do with our environment, but maybe in part.  I met Council President Vanessa Kritzer after the event; she spoke of a green vegetative - tree ring around the City one day.

Conversations didn't stop after the event was formally over.  I chatted with two on-duty police officers about "speed cameras."  It re-enforced my belief `they would consistently slow my "speed" around schools, but the ramifications to traffic congestion are unknown. I had a 25-minute talk with Andrew Villeneuve about our "news desert."   He wants to start an online newspaper and I plan to help him.  

Councilmember Fields has been pushing for neighborhood Conversations for years.  This one was a total winner and weather permitting, I hope we have many more!  Thank you Steve.  

-- Bob Yoder, 10/1/2024

[All  the councilmembers participated except for Angie.  Retired councilmembers Pat Vache' and Hank Myers were present. Sue Stewart, Kiwanis Secretary and Siri Bliesner retired LWSD Director, and active member of Civic Genius were present.  

[Siri is starting a Civic Genius roundtable on affordable housing.  "Deliberative Democracy" is at their core. If you would like to join Siri please email her at: siri@ourcivicgenious.org]  

NBC Interviews Police Chief Lowe On First Responder Drones

"Redmond is one of the first in police departments in the U.S. to implement drones as first responders to get to the scene faster. But the drones pose privacy concerns." - NBC News’ David Noreiga has the latest on the tech transforming policing.

Posted by Yoder

9/16/2024

"Take Me Home" Police Program

Organized Crime Group Targeting Asian Community

 

CONTACT

Jill Green, Redmond Police Department Public Information Officer
jgreen@redmond.gov
425-556-2627

Police Warn Public about Organized Crime Group Targeting Asian Community

 REDMOND, WA - The Redmond Police Department is asking community members to stay vigilant following a string of robberies in Redmond and nearby cities. The suspects are believed to be part of a Romanian organized crime group targeting elderly members of the East Indian community.

Suspects in these crimes, typically driving SUV rental vehicles, approach victims who are walking on sidewalks or in parking lots. Usually, a male driver and one or more female passengers contact victims by asking for directions or offering to trade jewelry. While engaging the victims in conversation, the suspects attempt to place costume jewelry on the victim and either swap it out for authentic jewelry or take it by force.

Five recent cases have involved female suspects wearing long dresses who use distraction techniques to steal valuable jewelry. Fortunately, the victims have not sustained serious injuries.

“These are not Hate crimes, but rather crimes of opportunity where the thieves travel around affluent neighborhoods and search for potentially vulnerable victims,” said Chief Darrell Lowe. “We encourage community members to be aware of their surroundings when walking alone outside and avoid wearing valuables.”

Redmond police ask everyone to use caution when approached by strangers in vehicles and not accept gifts from them. It is safest to travel in groups, especially when walking. If possible, leave jewelry and valuables locked in a safe when walking alone.

Anyone approached by strangers offering to trade or sell jewelry should contact law enforcement. For crimes within the City of Redmond, please call the Redmond Police Department at 425-556-2500.

UPDATED 10/1/24 City denies Redmond Pot Shop's Request To Install Bollards A Month befor...

KOMO NEWS, 9/5/2024

The owner lined the perimeter of his store with heavy 6-foot cement blocks firmly bolted ~ 2 inches from the sidewalk and utility box cover. Electric bikes and pedestrians are safely walking and running on the sidewalks.  The city didn't pay for these safety enhancements. It's not know if they will amend their code.   

PART 1: Council Approves License Plate Readers

 

PART ONE:  In an ongoing effort to address the increased rate of auto thefts and other crimes, the police department remains committed to using pursuit alternative technology.  

To that end, Council approved the police department's request to accept a $94,968,30 grant to fund installation of 22 automated license plate readers in strategic locations for the cameras and a subscription cost for two years. 

Flock Safety is the chosen vendor. 

Flock cameras have nothing to do with citizen habits of every day driving.  They will be used exclusively to reduce auto thefts and other crimes. 

Reported by Bob Yoder / Source:  Council 8/5/24 Business Meeting memo. 

Police License Plate Recognition Technology Program

Flock Safety website

In the 8/5/24 meeting Council approved funds to implement the "Flock" license plate reader program.

THE PROGRAM:   Strategically located intersections are identified within the City to place the "Flock" cameras to capture the most license plates entering and leaving the City limits.    Councilmember Fields made a point to say the program will not infringe on people's privacy. 

The concept of this approach is for officers and dispatchers to be alerted whenever a “Wanted” or “Hot List” vehicle or vehicle used in the commission of a crime is captured on a Flock camera. Officers will respond to the area and look for the vehicle based on the last known location. Vehicles typically placed on “Hot Lists” include stolen vehicles, wanted persons connected to vehicles, and missing persons. 

Whether responding to a crime in-progress or investigating a past crime, Flock camera technology can locate vehicles based on a description of the vehicle without needing the license plate number. For example, a vehicle involved in a crime described as a red sports car with a spoiler can be entered into the search parameters. Using just that information, the Flock cameras will locate all vehicles matching that description and provide information concerning location, direction of travel, and license plate number.

Flock cameras have nothing to do with citizen habits of every day driving.  They will be used exclusively to reduce auto thefts and other crimes. 

-- excerpt from Regular meeting memo, 8/5 

Flock Safety is an American manufacturer and operator of automated license plate recognition, video surveillance, and gunfire locator systems. Wikipedia

Redmond Police

NOTES (Part 2); Silver Cloud Homeless Housing Community Meeting

Two staff members man the remodeled front desk. 

Will the studios be as nice?

It's one thing to provide the "low barrier" HTH Silver Cloud building for housing chronic, disabled homeless, it's another to care for them.  I attended the Salvation Army's first community meeting and took notes addressing the "care and rehabilitation" provided by the Salvation Army, as follows: 

• HTH care facilities are modeled after "Don's Place" in Auburn.
• Ms. Cook, administrator of "King County Regional Homeless Authority" said twice the Silver Cloud building is "low barrier" meaning there will be no discrimination against homeless residents taking street drugs, excessive alcohol, and/or with serious mental illness.  
• Currently, the residents are housed in rooms, with rights of tenancy under emergency conditions.  Once the studios are fully occupied (with 100 residents) they will be permanently supported with:  24/7 wrap-around services including 11 support staff, 4-5 case managers, three meals a day and more. Until full occupancy the HTH building called "Haven" will operate under emergency conditions.   
• It appears nonprofit support services like "4 Tomorrow,"  and "Nourishing Networks," will volunteer.  Currently "life skills" are on the weekly calendar. Yoga was mentioned.  No A.A. 
• Behavioral health was a key topic since ~ 70% of homeless have a mental health condition and often treat their sickness with street drugs. "Harm reduction" service will be minimal until the building is fully staffed. 
• City of Redmond Fire mobile behavioral health is available for crisis response. A psychiatrist was mentioned.  Ms. Cook said funding is not a problem for services, however Matt said money "will have to be carved out" for mental health care owing to poor Medicaid reimbursement. 
• Primary care will be available, but no details. 
• Matt said there would be transparency on "Code of Conduct."  A man dressed in old "Security Officer" clothes was standing in the parking lot.  He could have been a resident-in-training.  

Reported by Bob Yoder, 8/4/2024

Part 1 Notes on Community Meeting

Photo by Yoder

My last report will be a personal opinion focusing on delays and purpose.

UPDATED NOTES (Part 1): Silver Cloud Homeless Building - Community Meeting

Lobby of the Overlake Silver Cloud HTH homeless building

Housing for the Eastside's homeless is "desperately" needed owing to King County's decision to spread Seattle's homeless housing regionally.  In 2020, the county purchased the Redmond Silver Cloud Hotel for $28.25M.  The building is being renovated by "Health Through Housing"  into studios for "low barrier"  emergency and permanent supportive housing for 100 chronic, disabled homeless.  The forecast for completion is no sooner than late 2025.  

On July 30, I attended their first Community meeting.  My notes:  

• At least 11 signed-in, mostly nonprofit voluntary support services:  (2) KinderCare,  Bellevue School District, no businesses, Nourishing Networks, 4 Tomorrow, ACS Discovery Shop, Redmond Deputy Police Chief Coats, Community police officer Meora,  Redmond Human Services Manager-Brook Buckingham, Media-Redmond Neighborhood Blog, various community members, Plymouth Housing, and the KCRHA agency.  
• Salvation Army's operator, Matt Garrett presented, and introduced key staff.  Matt is friendly and open to questions.  HTH hotels are funded by a .1% property tax.  KCRHA triages referrals and coordinates their entry.  65% of the residents are targeted to come from Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland and United Methodist Church.  35% or more from the Seattle area.  
• Upon the "Community Advisor Group" recommendation monthly community meetings will be held (the last Tuesday of every month, 6pm.)  Matt emphasized the meetings are targeted for nearby neighborhoods and businesses but are open to all; staff will be present and possibly residents.  
• 10 chronic homeless are currently residing under emergency circumstances. 15 additional homeless will be housed no sooner than October, 2024. According to Ms. Cook, KCRHA manager, the 2-year occupancy delay is attributed to shortage of contractors and materials. 
• Renovation won't be complete until at least late 2025. In the meantime, it's used on an emergency basis and won't become Permanent Supportive Housing until all 100 rooms are completely renovated with studios.
• The address is 2122-152 Ave NE.  It's set-back and behind Goodwill.  Heading south on NE 24th Street take a left onto 152nd.  The Silver Cloud "Haven Heights" HTH building is immediately on the right.  A newer mixed-use apartment building fronts the building.   

PART 2  Services provided

Reported by Yoder, 9/2/2024 

Photo credit Yoder 

UDATED 8/3: Redmond Drone Program, More Important Than Ever

Redmond Police Drone Center

The presidential assassination attempt brings home the critical importance of drone surveillance. Honorable Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe is staying ahead of the curve with an updated drone technology program. Council recently approved his request to transition to all American-made parts.  

Per Redmond's website:   "The Redmond Police Department implemented a cutting-edge Drones as First Responders (DFR) program in April 2024 to respond to 911 calls. This technology improves response times and provides real-time information to patrol units on the ground. 

About the DFR program: A drone is flown remotely by a commissioned officer as the pilot and dispatched to calls along with patrol officers. The DFR can arrive faster than ground units, providing information about the incident and broadcasting video to any computer, tablet, or phone. Once overhead, the drone pilot can assess the situation and cancel the ground response if appropriate, freeing up emergency vehicles for other priority calls.

The drones provide critical information about an incident to help officers make better decisions and de-escalate otherwise unknown situations. They are used to safely clear the interior of buildings, aid in suspect apprehension, document crime and crash scenes, and search for lost or missing persons. 

Public Privacy Policy: The drones are used only as a call response, not for proactive patrols. Redmond’s drone policy prohibits the department from using drones for general surveillance, harassing or discriminating against individuals or groups, or conducting personal business."

Comment:  This is a stretch, but it's not out of the question assassins could target local high tech CEOs, not solely high profile politicians and RPD will be ready. 

-- Bob Yoder, updated 8/3/24

Additional information on Redmond's Drone Program is here.

Police Chief Lowe Named President Law Enforcement Organization

Chief Darrell Lowe on right

Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe Named President of Statewide Law Enforcement Organization 

REDMOND, WA - Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe became president of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) board at its May meeting. 

“Chief Lowe’s experience and leadership will serve our state’s law enforcement leaders well as he becomes our president for 2024-25,” said Steve Strachan, WASPC executive director. “He has earned this position of trust and leadership from his colleagues across the state.”

Chief Lowe served as Vice President of WASPC for 2022-2023.

“I am honored to be selected as President of the board and am grateful for everyone’s support,” said Chief Lowe. “WASPC provides the opportunity to enhance the development of Washington’s law enforcement executives and allows for networking, collaboration, and a unified voice for Washington police chiefs and sheriffs.”