Downtown Park "NO KINGS" protest / Mass Call

Photo credit LD 48 Representative Osman Salahuddin

October 18, 2025 Downtown Park "NO KINGS" protest 

Medicaid Funding Cut In Every State

 

March, 2025 Medicaid presentation by EvergreenHealth CEO Dr. Ettore Palazzo and Senator Maria Cantwell

"Friendly nurse reminder: in WA state, Medicaid is referred to as Apple Health. Medicaid funding is being cut. This could lead to up to ~14 rural hospitals shutting down in 2026 or 2027. The Washington State Hospital Association is advocating at the federal level to protect our rural hospitals from these cuts.

Neither EvergreenHealth or Overlake are on that list but there are layoffs reported at Overlake (possibly related to the cuts) per the Worker adjustment and retraining notification (WARN) layoff and closure database.

So far no layoffs at EvergreenHealth; and it appears no layoffs at Overlake are attributed to Medicaid cuts at this time.

But what does this list mean for you all? Be prepared for longer waits at urgent care and the ER as more patients need to be seen at fewer hospitals AND people start losing insurance and cannot afford to be seen at primary care/urgent care and thus cannot keep up with preventative care.

Try your best to practice preventative care and to treat minor injuries/illnesses promptly so they do not become "BIG" concerns that need the ER or hospitalization."

Source: Recent Kirkland FB group post.

Not every state is cutting Medicaid yet, but they eventually will. Most of the provisions in the 2025 budget reconciliation bill—HR 1—have yet to go into effect and these cuts will have a devastating impact on state budgets. Analysis shows that HR 1 will cut federal Medicaid spending by $1 trillion over ten years. 

-- Source: Internet, Oct 2. 2025

North Carolina and Idaho have already announced plans to cut Medicaid payments to health care providers, including hospitals, doctors, and caregivers.

In Michigan and Pennsylvania — where lawmakers have yet to pass budgets this year — spending on Medicaid is part of those debates. In Washington state, lawmakers approved cuts to the program that will not affect who is eligible, said Hayden Mackley, a spokesperson for the state’s Office of Financial Management.

Source:  Internet, 9/2025

Bob Yoder, updated 10/16/25

Active Park Projects Managed by Construction Division

Anderson Park Community Gardens Construction

Active City Park Projects Managed by The Construction Division

Turf Replacement, Grass Lawn Park Softball Field 1 Construction October 2025 $1,851,216  

Redmond Central Connector Phase 3 Redmond Central  Phase 1 $1,851,216 2019-2020  Complete August 2025 $8,075,000 

Turf Replacement, Hartman Park Baseball Infield Construction October 2025 $599,245 2019-2020

 Reservoir Park Sports Court Replacement Construction October 2025 $1,181,682.

 Meadow Park Sports Court Replacement Construction October 2025  $593,910 2019-2020

Pre-Design $599,245 2019-2020  $593,910 2019-2020 Idylwood Park Parking Lot/ Expansion and Frontage Improvements/ 

SE Redmond Park  $4,476,663 2025-2026 This is a joint project with Traffic Operations Pre-Design October 2028. $13,757,591 2025-2026 Project is starting earlier than planned.

Disclaimer:  I did not watch this meeting on Comcast Channel 21, in-person, Facebook or streaming on the website or a study session.  Some of the labeling of the construction projects may not be aligned with the dates but the dollar amounts are correct. 

-- Council Public Works joint meeting with Parks, October 3, 2025

Discussing Mental Health with King County Executive Candidates

Please listen to the video for accuracy and completeness. The last half is most telling.  

The major theme was managing (Balducci) and coordinating (Zahilay) resources to achieve a continuum of care.  Implementation of voter-approved behavioral health resources is terribly slow (Balducci.) Zahilay listed his coalitions that will disrupt the cycle of addiction and improve behavioral health care.  Balducci insisted the revolving door should have only one entrance.  She stressed wider use of medical records towards this end.

Financial pressure:  Balducci has working experience with state officials on both sides of the aisle.  Prioritization and accountability of spending is needed for this and other levies.  Zahilay co-sponsored the new stabilization .1% sales tax -- 10 cents on a $100 purchase!)  This tax funds 1) fewer sheriff layoffs 2) gun and domestic violence advocacies, 3) courts / victim support, 4) behavioral health treatment.  Balducci said needs evolve and these funds need re-prioritization; accountability, with proactive audits and quarterly reports.     

Youth struggles:  Balducci has one child who did benefit from mental health support after COVID lockdowns. She supports providers (LWSD  councilors, Y.E.S. EvergreenHealth councilors, NAMI.)  Zahilay organized a stakeholder youth group to focus on solutions.  

Full Disclosure:  I lean towards Balducci because I know her better. I just like her.  I've chatted with her at Redmond City Hall meetings and a Hero House gala, I see her riding a bicycle everywhere; not just for transit awareness but demonstrating that exercise is awesome for mental health. She's the county's representative for EvergreenHealth community hospital, She participates with the community in social media, including my blog.  😊

- Bob Yoder, 10/12/2025

  Sources:  Seattle Times & Seattle/King County League of Women Voters forum, 10/9/25

King County Launches New "Stop Hate Hotline"

 

Seattle/ Internet

Summary King County announced today the launch of the Stop Hate Hotline. The hotline is operated by the non-profit Crisis Connections. It is now live and can be used to provide an immediate confidential reporting system for victims of hate crimes and bias incidents, while connecting them to vital community resources and support services. Story Today, King County Executive Shannon Braddock, in partnership with King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn and non-profit Crisis Connections, announced the launch of the new Stop Hate Hotline, marking a significant milestone in the county's efforts to combat hate crimes and support affected communities. The hotline can be reached at 833-786-7481 or 833-STOP-H81. "The launch of the Stop Hate Hotline represents King County's unwavering commitment to creating a community where every resident feels safe, valued, and protected from hate and bias. This hotline provides crime victims and survivors support, resources, and assistance in reporting the crime to law enforcement if they choose," said Executive Braddock. "We recognize that hate crimes don't just harm individual victims; they stoke fear in whole communities. By partnering with Crisis Connections, we're ensuring that when someone reaches out in need, they'll find compassionate, trauma-informed care that honors their experience and focuses on their healing."

EvergreenHealth Among Nation's Top 100 Community Hospitals

Becker's Hospital Review has named EvergreenHealth Medical Center in Kirkland among the nation's 100 great community hospitals for 2024. EvergreenHealth was selected for improving the health of their communities, staying focused on personalized care and clinical excellence. Our 354-bed hospital is only one part of our system, which is community-owned. As a public hospital district, EvergreenHealth also provides health outreach, community education and free services that benefit the community as a whole.

Becker's Hospital Review's list was based on nominations and several outside rankings and ratings organizations, including U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades, CMS, The Leapfrog Group, the National Rural Health Association and The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

Mayor Birney's "Here in Redmond"

Public Art Plan Update

2016 So Bazaar Art Installation 

The origin of this art installation ... 

The City of Redmond is updating its 2017 Public Art Plan to better reflect today’s community needs and priorities. The consultant, MIG ($100,000 cost) has been guiding the city through a collaborative process to create a strategic framework for future cultural art programming.

This update will integrate art into everyday life across parks, downtown, cultural districts, and neighborhoods. Reflect Redmond’s diversity, history, and innovation as both a tech hub and a creative, collaborative community.  It is long overdue though one must say the downtown station light rail art is fabulous and hard to beat.  

Public Art Plan Update

Council Study Session, February, 2026

Finalize Plan, March, 2026

Source:  Council Park Committee of the Whole memo, 9/20/2025

City Launches Old Fire House Stakeholder And Focus Groups.

Old Fire House facility 

The Parks and Recreation Department, with support from Stepherson & Associates ($115,000) is launching a community engagement process to shape a recommendation for City Council regarding the future of the Old Fire House facility.

At the conclusion of this community engagement process, Council will receive a recommendation from the Stakeholder Group via Focus Group to help guide the decision on the future of the Old Fire House. The Stakeholder Group will evaluate options and recommend either a renovation of the existing facility or a rebuild (location TBD). The final report will summarize the rationale for the recommendation, highlight key community priorities, and provide Council with insight into the benefits, challenges, and trade-offs of each option to support an informed decision.

Old Firehouse facility recommendation process - slide bank 

- Source:  Parks Committee of the Whole memo, 9/23/25

Comment:  The memo quoted cost for the Stepherson & Associates work as $115,00.  This is obviously a typo.  The final decision is expected by Council late 2026 after 9 months of deliberation, engagement, outreach and study.  BY

Osman Salahuddin, Our Dedicated Home Grown Representative

State Representative Osman Salahuddin, 48th Legislative District 

"I was raised in Redmond, where I have spent nearly my entire life.  My drive to serve this community is rooted in his parent's immigrant journey in pursuit of the American Dream. 

Like many in our community, I've navigated life as a renter, a user of public transit, and a graduate of our public education system in the Lake Washington School District.   

I've brought new leadership and fresh ideas to the Legislature, and I am proud to represent the 48th Legislative District.  

I am deeply committed to my community and to making ethical, equitable decisions that will help our district and the entire state thrive."   

State Representative Osman Salahuddin
Our Home Grown Representative.  Committed to Community.  Dedicated to Progress

.

City News Now | September 15, 2025

This is some of the best city news I've seen... Some good places to watch the salmon migrate are:  the trestle and red-steel bridges over the Sammamish River. The Avondale Way bridge over Bear Creek. The 90th Street bridge over the Sammamish River. Juel Park's Bear Creek, Leary Way bridge.  

-- Bob Yoder, 9/18 

LWSD Board of Directors To Propose Levy Increases

TAX INCREASES

Every four years the Educational and Operations (EP&O) and Capital Technology and Facilities levies are up for renewal.  The board will take formal action on the 2026 levies at their meeting on October 6, 2025. Once approved by the board, these replacement levies would be placed on the February 10, 2026, ballot.

Currently, 16% of the Lake Washington School District budget is funded by these two "replacement" levies.  The school board is proposing a special "excess" increase in the 2026 levy ask owing to: 

• loss of federal funding (currently 5%)
• new sales tax on services
• salary step increase
• increased compensation
• 8% inflation growth 

EP&O tax increases of $180/year on $1.5M assessed property value ($.97/$1,000 property value)  and a Capital Technology and Facilities tax increase of $45/year ($.44/$1,000 property value.)  I suggest you read the "Levy Renewals" slide deck document for a readable, comprehensive report. Some tax increases may be higher or lower than quoted here.

EP&O Levy Program Funding (% of total program funds:) 

• 25% Special Education* $22.0 Million 
•  20% Counselors $3.0 Million
• 46% 6.5 Million Health and Mental Health Services
• 93% Safety Services $7.0 Million 
• 80% Professional Learning $18.8 Million 
• 90% Athletic & Extracurricular Activities $9.4 Million  
• 100% Additional Course Offerings $5.0 Million 
• 30% Early Learning $0.8 Million 

Capital Technology & Facilities excess levy will finance:  

• Application and modernization for technology systems.  Education and operations instruction.
• Acquire and install computers, implement, train, and manage. 
• Modernize and expand facilities through construction, renovation, and improvements.  Improve technology and training.  

On October 6, the  Board will make their final decision on the 2026 excess levy tax increases.  To comment email them at boardmembers@lwsd.org or phone 425-936-1257 ... before Oct. 6.  

Reported by Yoder, 9/18/25

Source:  LWSD "Levy Renewals" document

Coffee-time With EvergreenHealth Commissioner Robin Campbell

CANCELLED, 10/12

EvergreenHealth Commissioner Robin Campbell, PhD
Coffee with the commission reschedule to October 27

 

I spent ~ hour with EvergreenHealth Commissioner Campbell today at his coffee-time at Roasters in Redmond.  I told him my wife's United Healthcare HSA policy was cancelled at Overlake two days ago.  It's too bad medical care is at the mercy of the insurance business.  I recommended Pam go to my doctor at EvergreenHealth since it's close by and coverage is still available there.  My Evergreen internist doctor will refer her to the type of medical services she needs.  

It's good Commissioner Campbell is reaching out to the community with his "Meet the Commissioner" coffee-times.  I learned he is on the influential Levy Committee and has many endorsements. His next coffee at Victor's was rescheduled  to October 27.   

Victor's

7993 Gilman St. 

Monday, October 27th

1:30 - 3:00 PM

ENDORSEMENTS:  

Angela Birney
Mayor, Redmond

Kelli Curtis
Mayor, Kirkland

Davina Duerr
State Representative, LD 1

David Edwards
Coucilmember, City of Woodinville

Michelle Evans
Councilmember, City of Woodinville

Nigel Herbig
Mayor, Kenmore

Shelly Kloba
State Representative, LD 1

Mike Millman
Mayor, Woodinville

Amy Walen
State Representative, LD 48

King County Executive Candidate Forum On Mental Health

credit:  Seattle Times

The new King County executive will have a lot of mental health responsibilities on their plate after they’re elected in November. 

They’ll have to steer a local mental health care expansion and navigate the delicate politics of constructing new walk-in mental health centers. They’ll also have to deal with the aftermath of an audit finding the Department of Community and Human Services failed to properly oversee grant money. 

 

Federal policies will also affect the county: President Donald Trump has suggested states broaden their involuntary civil commitment laws, and changes to Medicaid may also threaten care for some low-income residents.

 

On Oct. 9, join The Seattle Times and the League of Women Voters of Seattle King County for an online forum with candidates Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilay. The two candidates, both current Metropolitan King County Council members, will discuss their visions for improving mental health policy in King County.

 

Register here for the forum, which will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Submit your questions for the candidates using this form and we may use them in the discussion.

 

Redmond Police Host Firearm Exchange Event

 

Redmond Police Department to Host Firearm Exchange Event on September 20

REDMOND, WA - The Redmond Police Department is hosting its second free and voluntary firearm exchange event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Redmond Police Department North Lot, located at 8707 160th Ave. NE, Redmond. This initiative offers Redmond residents, Redmond Ridge community members, and City of Redmond employees a safe way to turn in unwanted firearms in exchange for gift cards. Proof of residency is required. 

Participants must ensure all firearms are unloaded, with the safety on, and stored in the trunk or rear area of the vehicle, out of reach of passengers. When possible, firearms should be placed in a gun case or box to allow for safe examination by officers. No ammunition will be accepted at the event. Firearms collected during the exchange will be safely and permanently destroyed. 

Gift card values offered in exchange for firearms are as follows:

• $0 – Replicas, toy guns, BB-guns, pellet guns, airsoft guns
• $100 – Muzzleloaders, antiques, shotguns, rifles (non-assault style)
• $200 – Handguns (pistols and revolvers)
• $300 – AR-style rifles, AK-style rifles, and automatic rifles

“This event is about giving our community members a safe and anonymous way to remove unwanted firearms from their homes. Whether someone no longer needs a firearm, inherited one, or simply wants to reduce the risk of theft or misuse, this is an opportunity to do so responsibly,” said Police Chief Darrell Lowe. “Our goal is to enhance community safety by preventing firearms from falling into the wrong hands.” 

For information about the event, visit redmond.gov/FirearmExchange2025. 

Menka Soni Projected Winner With 55% Of The Votes

 

Founder, 𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐊𝐀 – My Mother’s Home, offering shelter and hope

15 years as Founder and President of AmPowering:

-Meals served (700k)

-Families sheltered (100) -Lives impacted (500k)

-Jobs created (1000)

-Volunteer hours (20,000) 300 volunteers

Redmond Arts & Culture Commission (two terms.)

One Redmond Foundation, V.P.

Listen to an interview with her sister here.

ENDORSEMENT: My wife and I spent 1.5 hours with Menka over coffee yesterday. She exudes compassion, sincerity, active caring for others (including her 2 daughters!) and high-spirited energy. She admits she's not "the perfect candidate." without budgeting and comprehensive planning experience and has no position on the teen center controversary. However, her strength is moving Redmond towards a "better experience" ... more unique art and cultural events, building trust through culturally competent public safety strategies, a gentle community perspective. Unlike her opponent, I trust she will participate in full, at meetings and be enthusiastic and committed in her Council responsibilities. We are voting 'yes' for Menka Soni in November.

-- Bob/Pam Yoder, 9/15/25

WCC Members To Remove Noxious Weeds, Plant trees

Internet photo

The Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) maintains stream and habitat restoration sites throughout the City of Redmond. Maintenance is typically required by permits for the first 5-10 years after project completion and ongoing maintenance is necessary for long-term project success. 

"Maintenance is a crucial activity to the success of restoration and mitigation . Approximately 100-acres of maintenance sites are distributed around Redmond.  Maintenance of restoration sites involves control of invasive weeds, litter pick-up, replacement planting, and other activities important to overall project success. This regular site maintenance enhances already completed projects, building on the initial investment, as well as improving the aesthetics of sites." 

This project costs $289,880 and includes 4 extra weeks of crew time to assist with large scale noxious weed management and tree planting projects. WCC members are typically college-age students learning restoration techniques and gaining job skills. A crew consists of six staff that work a 40-hour work week, for 42 weeks, primarily managing noxious weeds and installing replacement plantings at City capital improvement projects. In addition, the crew helps with volunteer events, native tree planting, habitat assessment, small stream projects, site monitoring, and de-fishing stream projects. 

-- Council Business Meeting memo, 9/14/25

$6,000 One-Time Grant For Homeless

King County Councilmember Perry

"The City of Redmond Human Services Division is requesting Council approval to accept King County Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy grant for one-time funding totaling $6,000 to support the City’s comprehensive case management services for people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. This one-time funding was awarded by Metropolitan King County Councilmember Perry, District 3.

Acceptance of this funding will expand program flex funds to provide needed services for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability, which local non-profit organizations may not cover. These services include car repair, ID/ driver’s license replacement, vehicle registration, gas cards, storage fees, and move-in assistance."

-- Council Business Meeting memo, 9/14/25

drip drip drip

Council Allocates $250,000 For Immigrant, Refugee, Asylum Seeking Community Members

Internet photo

Redmond residents who are immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers are especially impacted by the current federal regulatory environment, facing fear, harassment, uncertainty and trauma regardless of their legal status. 

To better understand the current impacts in our community, Councilmembers, Mayor Birney, and staff have met with community-based organizations to better understand their immediate needs for relief and support. In addition to strengthened communication, the Councilmembers heard community leaders and their clear call for rapid response funding to support increased levels of service and resources they are providing to our immigrant community members in Redmond and address gaps caused by federal changes. To match our commitment to a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive community with action, it is proposed that the council allocate $250,000 of funding to an immediate needs grant round focused on support for our immigrant, refugee, and asylum seeking community members. The proposed funding may be distributed to nonprofit organizations currently vetted and funded by the city’s human services grant program in order to support: legal assistance, housing stability, food security, and other needs as a result of current immigration enforcement. This is a one-time funding disbursement in response to unprecedented needs and is not eligible for renewal. Funding should be spent to relieve the immediate needs of Redmond residents, not be used to fund ongoing staff positions, and must be exhausted no later than December 31, 2026.

--  Council Business Meeting memo, 9/16/25

Major Human Services Benefactors, 2025-2026

Carol Helland, Director of Planning and Community Relations
oversees Redmond Human Services

Homelessness & Housing $1,790,674 (asked)   $833,844 (given)

$833,834 4 Tomorrow - Emergency Temporary Housing & Homelessness Recovery Program

 $150,000  Archdiocesan Housing Authority- Coordinated Care Agency - 

New Bethlehem Programs $100,000 

100,000 Catholic Community Services of King County - Emergency Assistance

 $12,000  Friends of Youth - Transitional Living Programs

 $38,000  Friends of Youth - Willows Youth Services Center (WYSC)

$115,242 Friends of Youth - Youth Haven 

$12,360 HERO House NW 

Supported Housing $20,000 Hopelink - Financial Resiliency

Overlake Christian Church - Safe Parking and Day Center Emergency Shelter and Support Program  $38,965 

Porchlight - Behavioral Mental Health $25,076 

Porchlight - Enhanced Shelter Program $133,900 

Porchlight - Housing $10,300 Porchlight - Rotating Shelter $12,875 

The Sophia Way - Helen's Place $106,916 

The Sophia Way - Sophia's Place $30,793 

Safe & Healthy Communities $981,653 (asked)   $678,325  (given)

Tomorrow - Mental Health Coordination & Gap Therapy $67,041 

Asian Counseling and Referral Service - Children, Youth and Families (CYF) $14,700

 Asian Counseling and Referral Service - Whole health Oriented Mental Health Program  $15,450

 Consejo Counseling and Referral Service - Domestic Violence Services  $10,300 

Crisis Connections - Regional Crisis Line $10,000 Crisis Connections - Washington Warm Line (Support After Suicide)  

Meet Commissioner Robin Campbell

 

Dr. Robin Campbell

Robin Campbell, PhD is running in the General election to retain his EvergreenHealth Commissioner seat.  He invites you to his "Meet The Commissioner" coffees:  

Roasters

8397 - 158th Ave. NE, Redmond 

Wednesday, September 17

2 - 3:30 PM

Victor's

7993 Gilman St. 

Monday, October 20th

1:00 - 2:30 PM

The Untold Story of Northwest Rock & Roll

 The Redmond Historical Society presents ...

Saturday Speaker Series Stomp and Shout: The Untold Story of Northwest Rock & Roll   Saturday, September 13th at 10:30 AM In the Old Redmond Schoolhouse at 16600 NE 80TH ST, Redmond, WA 98052

Registration is not required. A recording will NOT be available following the event. View www.humanities.org/events to find Peter Blecha's other scheduled presentations.   Northwest Rock & Roll’s historical highpoints are well documented—in the late 20th century, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and other grunge gods took the world by storm. Previously, Seattle’s Queensrÿche and Heart had ruled the heavy metal realm. However, well prior to that, legions of local 1950s and ‘60s garage rock bands – including The Kingsmen, Paul Revere & The Raiders, and The Sonics – had all fueled teen dances with their versions of the region’s signature song, “Louie, Louie.” Yet these iconic bands are only half the story. In this talk, join author Peter Blecha to discover the lesser-known but vitally important bands and scenes that laid the foundation for what was to come—finally connecting all the dots between the fabled Northwest era of Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and Jimmy Hendrix, and the R&B-spiked roots of a distinct regional artform: the “Original Northwest Sound.”

EvergreenHealth Honors Redmond Resident with "2024 Community Service Award."

 

Bob Yoder (l)  Virgil Snyder (r) 
(click picture to enlarge)

"Since 1998, EvergreenHealth has recognized individuals who make a meaningful impact on community health through its Community Service Award. This year, Redmond resident Bob Yoder was honored for his outstanding leadership and advocacy in mental health care.💚

Through his thoughtful presentations and compassionate voice, Bob has helped deepen the Board of Commissioners’ understanding of mental health challenges and emphasized the importance of expanding behavioral health services. His work has shaped EvergreenHealth’s response to community needs and strengthened support for vulnerable populations.

We are grateful for Bob’s dedication and proud to recognize his contributions to advancing the health of our community."

-- Virgil Snyder, Chair, EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners

Learn more here: http://bit.ly/4luYEKh

8/19/2025 

Jessica Forshee-Setzer, LMHC, -- EvergreenHealth's "Living Our Values" Honoree

Jessica Forshee-Setzer, LMHC

 

Jessica was honored  with EvergreenHealth's "Living Our Values" award during a July 28 ceremony at Canyon Park Behavioral Health Clinic.   

Jessica's Nomination Story:

"I would like to highlight an inspiring story from our Canyon Park Behavioral Health Clinic — one that reflects the power of compassion, persistence and expert care. It centers on Jessica Forshee-Setzer, LMHC, whose dedication made a profound impact on a young patient’s life in just a few months.

"When this young patient first arrived at the clinic six months ago, his family was deeply concerned. He was experiencing frequent outbursts at school, difficulty communicating and severe challenges with focus. At his initial appointment, he wouldn’t make eye contact or speak, remaining glued to his video game and barely acknowledged those around him. 

"Jessica met him where he was — starting with simple, non-threatening games to build trust. Over time, her gentle persistence and thoughtful approach began to pay off. Session by session, she slowly introduced more engaging activities, and soon the patient began to open up, sharing bits about his school life and family. 

"Milestones followed. He began checking in at the front desk independently, helping himself to water, and even assisting other patients by pressing the automated door button. As more sessions passed, and Jessica was able to work with his school to learn background information and Improvement of Performance (IOP) treatment details, she was able to address his emotional and social needs, helping him to utilize opposite action and positive behaviors.

"Now, as he nears the end of his program, the transformation is nothing short of remarkable. He has developed strong communication skills, learned effective coping strategies, and gained a newfound confidence. He will even greet the psychiatric provider (Dr. Brian Wasicek) at the Behavioral Health clinic.  

"His bright “Hi, Dr. Wasicek!” in the hallway is a small but powerful symbol of how far he’s come. 

"Once a boy who hid his face behind his hands and wouldn’t speak a single word is now a cheerful, talkative adolescent. 

"Jessica’s commitment to this patient’s growth reflects the excellence we strive for every day. Her work reminds us of the incredible difference one person can make. 

"Thank you, Jessica, for the heart and skill you bring to every session. We are honored to have you as part of our team."

OPINION: Council Should Stop Playing Games With Our Teens

Old Fire House Teen Center

OPINION:  On March 11, 2025 the City stated: "Teen programs currently housed at the Old Fire House Teen Center are proactively transitioning to the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village for safety reasons. The transition will begin later this month, and all programs are expected to be operational in their new locations by late April."  After two listening sessions the teens found Marymoor and the Senior & Community Center sterile and unwelcoming.      

More than four months later a bureaucracy of Council / staff / a subcommittee / an advisory committee/ a stakeholder group / focus groups/ and 2 listening sessions still hadn't decided what to do with the Center.  Total costs just for this  citizen engagement and outreach was $124,600 not counting staff  labor.  It appears Council and staff were trying to wear out the teens from protesting in City Hall while shoe-horning them into Marymoor and the Senior & Community Center.  These delays were pure nonsense ... at the expense to our youth's mental and academic health.   

Last night teen participation testimony winnowed down to only three teens.  All spoke against the closure.  One persistently requested accountability. 

In September and October 2025, a Stakeholder Group will meet six times to hear more information, including input from public focus groups.  According to staff's  FAQ, "City Council is expected to make a decision on whether to renovate the current structure or investigate rebuilding options by the end of 2025."   And THEN the city must renovate or rebuild!  This could take years.  

Council and staff must stop playing games with our most vulnerable teens.  The Mayor needs to move the process "fast forward."  

Renovation is not an option since Parks Director Loreen Hamilton invested deeply into taxpayer's pockets for safety and engineering inspections.  The building is 50-years old and renovation for safety would be expensive.  

The school district rebuilds all the time, when they tear down their existing buildings and build a new, larger schools on the same parcel. The teen center's basketball courts are mostly unused, as is the deck in the winter.  A rebuild could add 5-6 levels of affordable space, while allowing independent, sound-proofed teen activities in the first floor.  The City owns the land; a partnership with a developer would make it feasible. Please get on with it. 

-- Bob Yoder, 9/4/2025, Updated 9/9/2025