COVID-19 Vaccination Data For Washington State

coronavirus.wa.gov

COVID-19 Dashboard:  May, 9, 2022:

74.4% of 5-year-olds-and-up in Washington State have completed the "primary  series." (fully vaccinated, not boosted.) 

81.8% of 5-year-olds-and-up in Washington State received at least one dose.  

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Vaccination Data Summary, May 11, 2022

Unvaccinated 12-34 year-olds in Washington are:

• 1.5 times more likely to get COVID-19 compared with 12-34 year-olds who have completed the primary series. (fully vaccinated, not boosted.)

• 4.2 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 compared with 12-34 year-olds who have completed the primary series. (fully vaccinated, no boost.) 

Recap of Recent COVID-19 News and Updates, 5/12/22

Washington State Department of Health

Recap of Recent COVID-19 News and Updates

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Contact:

Public Information Desk doh-pio@doh.wa.gov

Statewide Response Updates

Newest numbers. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 1,524,078 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on May 10. There have been 12,724 COVID-19 deaths in Washington.

Data note (Wednesday, May 11): Due to a technical issue in our data systems, the Hospital Use data may be incomplete.

For the most recent number of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's dashboard.

[7-day count of hospital admissions in King County is 514. (4/28 - 5/4) Trend is up.]

[Cumulative cases in King County are:  40,736 cases, 11,712 hospitalizations, 2,754 deaths.]  5% hospital beds occupied by COVID patients; case trend is up.]

Redmond Senior and Community Center Tour / Groundbreaking June 2nd

Join the architect in a walking tour throughout the Senior & Community Center.

Community Invited to Celebrate Groundbreaking of the New Redmond Senior & Community Center

REDMOND, WA – The City of Redmond invites community members to celebrate the commencement of the construction for the new Redmond Senior & Community Center during a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, June 2. Brief remarks from Mayor Angela Birney and Parks and Recreation Interim Director Loreen Hamilton will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the site of the new center, 8703 160th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052, followed by an open house inside the lobby of City Hall. 

“We are excited to see all of the planning and community engagement coming to fruition during the construction phase,” said Interim Director Hamilton. “A new community center with dedicated space for seniors, as well as additional recreational opportunities is the culmination of years of work and collaboration across the City, including input from a wide variety of stakeholders and Redmond seniors.”

The new Redmond Senior & Community Center will be a 52,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility, with a total project budget of *$48 million. The building will utilize LEED-certified materials, efficient energy-conserving systems, and rooftop solar panels which will provide 50% of the building’s electricity. The City of Redmond began outreach for the project in 2020, which confirmed Redmond’s need for a larger center to serve the senior population while also serving the entire community with cultural arts, events, and multigenerational recreation experiences and gathering space.

"Woodinville Weekly": Carnation Takes First Glance At Economic Development

 

Carnation City Hall / photo "Woodinville Weekly"

By Madysen McClain, "Woodinville Weekly," 5/4/22

Residents and city officials in Carnation are brainstorming ways to preserve the city’s small-town feel, while also encouraging economic growth.

Ricardo Noguera, an expert in economic development, was hired by the city as a consultant in April 2022. According to the city, he was brought on board to provide administrative support and guidance for using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

For over two decades, Noguera has helped communities with economic development in cities like Tacoma and Los Angeles, Calif.

Noguera visited Carnation in April 2022 for a “fact-finding mission,” he said. He toured the city and spoke to stakeholders such as the Carnation Chamber of Commerce and business leaders. From there, he compiled notes and recommendations for the city to pursue economic development. 

He shared his findings during a council meeting on April 19. Residents and business owners showed overwhelming support to preserve and enhance the small-town character of Carnation, he said.  

He said constituents also want to increase tourism dollars spent in the city by developing an inviting space for visitors to experience local farms, parks, restaurants and shops. 

“You do not want to be Duvall. You do not want to be a bigger city,” he said.

UPDATED, 1/4/2024: Molbak's Shares Vision For 20-acre "Garden District" -- Developer Pulls Out Of Deal

  December, 2024 Seattle Times article on Molbackl's closure.  What a loss to the eastside community!

"Gardens District," a 20-acre downtown Woodinville development. "A city within a garden." Phase One (of three) will include 250,000 sf commercial space, 220 unit apartment, and structured parking.  Molbak's Garden to occupy part of the commercial space. Built green,  Breaking ground ~ late 2022. 

B.Y.  https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/molbaks-to-close-due-to-woodinville-redevelopments-collapse-family-says/

"Mobak's Shares Vision for "Garden District" 

May Madysen, "Woodinville Weekly" 4/27 

Molbak’s Garden + Home plans to transform its 20-acre property in downtown Woodinville into a “city within a garden,” according to CEO Julie Kouhia. 

The company will break ground on the new development, aptly named the Gardens District, in less than a year.

Molbak’s unveiled its vision for the project during a Woodinville Chamber of Commerce luncheon at 21 Acres on Thursday, April 21.  

“We have a current location that we love, but we recognize that it's getting old and it's going to need improvement,” Kouhia said. “We decided we didn't want to just rebuild.”

The construction site will be located between Northeast 171st Street and Northeast 175th Street. Construction is expected to begin in late 2022 or early 2023, depending on permitting. 

Molbak’s is expected to celebrate the grand openings of its new store in 2025, Kouhia said. Until then, the original store will remain open.

OPINION: Redmond Council Approves $7.5 million Homicide Settlement

Message from Chief Lowe on Settlement with Churna Family

Chief Darrell Lowe
Internet

Dear Redmond Community,

At a special meeting on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, Redmond City Council approved a $7.5 million settlement to the family of Andrea Thomas Churna, who was shot and killed by a Redmond Police officer on Sept. 20, 2020.

The original Redmond Police Department news release on Sept. 21, 2020, included an error, stating, "During the interaction, she confronted officers with a handgun, multiple shots were fired, and the subject was struck several times." 

While Churna was armed with a handgun earlier in the encounter with Redmond officers, when she was shot and killed in the hallway just outside of her apartment, Churna was unarmed. Following the shooting, the officers found Churna’s gun on the balcony of her apartment. I apologize to Andrea Thomas Churna's family and loved ones for the inaccurate statement made regarding the circumstances surrounding her death.

The Challenge And Sorrow Of Cutting Down My Tree

 The city is updating their tree regulations soon. City council is reviewing the tree permit and considering community donations to a "Tree Fund" for tree planting events. 

Pam on Landmark tree stump in our front yard.

UPDATED: 04/2022  As much as I love trees, it was time to remove this Doug fir from our front yard. With the high winds and rain we get the tree was hazardous being only 20 feet from our house.  So, after much thought and some pain I filed for a city tree removal permit and hired Rudy Schulze of "Top Notch Tree Service" to do the work. Removing the tree was a heartbreak.

When we moved into our "East Firs" Burnstead home 25 years ago, the tree was maybe half the size?  But in the last 7-10 summers the tree sucked up every drop of water around it, killing a small tree, some shrubs and our lawn.  Acidic cones, needles and branches dropped like rain on the roof.  Our street appeal was suffocating.  

           My double-trunked fir on the left was removed
after getting a permit from the city.

Pam and I wanted to salvage one of the forked  trunks, but Rudy and one of his arborists said no, that felling only one trunk would be like pruning more than 50% of the tree. Rudy called it out as a hazardous Landmark and removed the entire tree and checked it off on the permit.  **Not an Exception since hazardous. 

Some tips:  Be careful of Evergreen arborist companies(s). IMO only one is professional, the others not so much.  A few aren't  arborists and over-cut to raise their profits. One quoted over $2,500 for the tree.  I paid Rudy from Top Notch, $950 and a tip.  He dropped the trunks and limbs next to my vine maple and house with precision.  The very next day, Rudy's partners hauled away all the wood for free and offered affordable stump grinding services. I also highly recommend Paul Harvold, 425-748-4649. Visit the International Society of Arboriculture website to find an ISA certified arborist.

Redmond requires a permit for removing "significant trees" and Landmark Trees. There's no fee. I  heard about the permit by word-of-mouth.  You're allowed  to remove up to two healthy or hazardous "significant" trees (six - to less than 30 inches in diameter) or **one healthy, non-hazardous Landmark every 365 days with a permit.  

I found the permit here. Read it carefully. For every tree removed you're required to replace it in your yard with small native trees even if there's no space for it. Arborists don't tell you.  If this is a hardship in any way, and you love trees, please know, the City Council is updating their tree regulations and considering a neighborhood "Tree Fund" for community Park planting events. 

** Principal planner Kathy Beam says all Landmark removals require an Exception form. 

Photos & Story By Bob Yoder, 03/2011

Updated:  4/29/2022, 7:30am

Councilmembers value your input.   If  you want to donate to a community "Tree Fund" for tree planting events send council your wishes by emailing council@redmond.gov or email customer service at Info@redmond.gov.  Your feedback will make a huge difference. 

Redmond's Threatening Spills Reported To Ecology

An excerpt from Redmond's Environmental Sustainability Action Plan Implementation Update

BACKGROUND: 

 • The City of Redmond and other agencies investigated 164 illicit discharge (spill) reports in 2021. Of these, 55 calls came through the City Spill Hotline.

• 46 of the spills were located within City rights-of-way. 25 of the spills we responded to were determined to “constitute a threat to human health or the environment” and were reported to the Department of Ecology. Four discharges resulted in water quality impacts to receiving waters and were also reported to the Department of Ecology.

• One City response was related to an illicit connection (associated with new construction) discovered by City staff.

• One hundred percent of the MS4 has been checked for illicit connections since the permit became effective (August 2019). These checks are integrated into biennial catch basin inspections.

-- Council Committee Of The Whole Memo, 4/27/2022

COVID Cases Rising in King County

COVID cases are rising a tad in King County.   DEFCON YELLOW!

Pam and I were vaccinated yesterday for a second Modera booster!😇 (Read KIRO'S article.)  After the shot, I read immunity is strengthened in the first four months but then wanes by the eighth month. This was disappointing, especially after having a reaction. (mild fatigue and achiness for a day.)  Pam was fine.  I'm happy having the shot and not as concerned about masks.  

Getting vaccinated is much easier now. Our hassle-free appointment for our Modera was quicker than the first; less paperwork, shorter waits, and still time to ask questions.  

-- Bob Yoder, 4/25/2022

By Deedee Sun, KIRO 7 News

April 25, 2022 at 6:41 pm PDT

SEATTLE — COVID cases are again on the rise in King County. It’s pushed King County from the “green” to the “yellow” zone – meaning the county is back in the CDC’s medium COVID-19 community level.

Tesla STEM High School Top School in Washington

Wikipedia

Tesla STEM High School in Redmond is the top school in Washington, according to a new national ranking by U.S. News and World Report. This year's list of best high schools evaluated more than 17,800 schools nationwide, including hundreds in the Evergreen State.

The 2022 ranking of best high schools is intended to show how well the nation's public schools serve all students, regardless of achievement level, by teaching them basic skills and preparing them for college-level work, according to a news release from U.S. News.

-- Lucas Combos, PATCH, 4/26  (Abridged)  

Small Business Holds Fundraiser For Ukrainian Relief Efforts

 

Redmond Councilmember Steve Fields sponsored a Ukrainian art fundraiser April 16 at "Down Pour Coffee Bar," a small business owned by his wife Roni. The event was a heart throb; yet so cheerful and fun!  The art was created and sold by Ukrainian locals, music played, and the weather was great.  On first count, the Ukrainians and their friends outnumbered the supporters when I was there.   

Julia, the Ukrainian event organizer advertised,  "All proceeds go directly to Ukrainian relief efforts."  Good to know!  So, I doubled down on my art purchases and enjoy our kitchen nook that much more. 

Mr. Fields invited Margo Shiromyama, Special Projects for OneRedmond to test the waters. Steve thinks the event could be a good model for other small businesses.  He remarked he's presently having good discussions with OneRedmond.

I met a lady who finds support and resources for local Ukrainians. (Her family's in this picture.) She says Ukrainian refugees have yet to arrive in numbers but it's only a matter of time.  Afghans are first in line for now.  Washington state has at least 6,200 Ukrainians, behind only California and New York.  

The Ukrainian population in Washington State is high because their social networks and our human services are more attractive than California and other states.  Redmond ranks 49th of cities with the highest percentage of Ukrainians in Washington State.  When the door opens to Ukrainian refugees many will find their families here.     

-- Bob Yoder, 4/24/2022 

Our Stories | Redmond Police / April 2022

Have you ever seen the city police team patrolling the downtown on their bicycles?  

PATCH: Silver Cloud To Temporarily House Refugees

King County will temporally use Redmond's Silver Cloud Hotel to house refugees from Afghanistan and elsewhere.  The county plans to welcome the first guests to the hotel by the first week of May and will host them through September. 

King County Constantine's office said temporary use of the hotel will not impact the timeline for transforming the hotel into a supportive site for people experiencing long-term homelessness

-- Lucas Combos, PATCH, 4/21/2022  (excerpted and edited.)

Read the complete PATCH article here.

Coyotes Abound In Our Neighborhood

"Ring" photo of our coyote visitor

(click pic to enlarge)

Last night a friendly critter visited our front walkway.  First, we thought it was a cat, but look at those legs.  And the legs look a bit skinny for a dog. "It could be a deer," Pam sighed.  😕  No, it's a coyote!  You can almost see it's bushy tail and pointed ears.

Is he chasing down a cat, a squirrel, a bunny?  Lots of coyotes roam Education Hill neighborhoods, the woods and Powerline trail.  Check this photo of feasting coyote on South Education Hill.

Important to know:  Coyotes will chase down and eat cats and dogs (up to 50 pounds.)  They can hit 40 mph.  Hundreds of  unseen wild (feral) cats live in our neighborhoods so they're probably a primary food source.  

According to the Internet, coyotes run in packs of 3-7 adults and 2-7 pups.  Hmm, not so sure about that. They mate between January and March and are commonly seen then.

Be vigil when your cat or pup is out at dusk.

-- Bob Yoder, 4/15/2022

   Education Hill

Rockwell Elementary Salmon Release

The 4th grade salmon fry release is an incredible experience for our kiddos.  The release is not only about learning, but an opportunity to experience nature and the outdoors.  For many it's a lifetime memory. My 30-year old daughter, Lexie, participated in the release with her teacher, Mr. Sheridan. I was lucky to look on. But, it didn't stop there.  Mr. Sheridan kept a fish tank in the hallway so the kiddos could watch the fry grow. Lexie now works for an engineering firm as an environmental planner. I attribute a tiny seed of her career motivation to Mr. Sheridan's teachings.

-- Bob Yoder, 4/14/2022

Eastlake Student Wins $250,000 Award

Top of the science world – Eastlake student wins $250,000 award for project on space research

Mar 23 2022

Christine Ye, senior at Eastlake High School, was recently awarded a major prize for her research on space. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Society for Science announced on March 15 the top ten winners headed by Ye, who won the top award in the 2022 Regeneron Science Talent Search. According to the organization, this is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. 

"Vertical School" At Urbanized Redmond Town Center?

Urban Developer.com

City Council is just beginning to study an applicant's request to redevelop suburban Redmond Town Center into a "walkable" urban center that could include 12-story buildings.  A detailed Vision Statement hasn't been delivered, but it's fun taking a stab.  Over and again, I see the possibility of a "Vertical School" public-private partnership. The school might take 3-4 stories of the 12-story building?  Light rail would be a God-send. Teachers and staff could commute by rail from more affordable homes to school. 

-- Bob Yoder, 4/13/2022

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A good article on Australian vertical schools (click link)

"High land prices and a scarcity of suitable sites make vertical schools an economic alternative to our longstanding cultural preference for low-rise schools.

A vertical school is designed to accommodate the full range of teaching, administration and recreational activities within one or two buildings, often with outdoor recreation spaces constructed on upper levels. New vertical schools, ranging in height from four to seventeen stories, are now starting to be commissioned across all Australian mainland states."

-- Archticturea.com excerpt, 5/2019

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.

UPDATED, 9/4/2024: R.T.C. Will Have Two-12 Story And Two-7 Story Buildings

RTC / Kidder.com

Update 8/27/24:  RTC will have two 12-story buildings and potentially two 7-story buildings according to their new Master Plan.  

Several years from now, Redmond Town Center (RTC) will be torn down and redeveloped.  The vision is "to encourage redevelopment of RTC from an auto-centric suburban campus to a walkable mixed-use urban neighborhood."  The light rail station is only a step away.  Planner Carol Helland and Council have been  reviewing the Master Plan, Zoning amendments, and the urban center element.  To a smaller degree the Planning Commission is involved.  

The applicant, Fairbourne Properties, LLC is a full-service real estate investment and property management company focusing on acquiring, managing and asset managing office, retail, and mixed-use properties throughout the United States.  Fairbourne owns the property known as "Redmond Town Center Creekside Crossing." and is the applicant for redevelopment of the Center.  

Fairbourne is asking Council to remove constraints and be flexible, as follows:  

• build as high as 12 stories "in return for public benefits."
• removing the 600,000 square feet requirement of minimal leasable areas.
• remove the minimum retail provision
• remove the commercial provision

Councilmembers asked staff for information in preparation for their Study Session two weeks away:

Councilmember (CM) Vanessa Kritzer wants an explanation of "building up in return for public benefits." She was concerned about sufficient affordable housing. CM Jessica Forsythe wants a dedicated community for start-up businesses.  She asked for a map with building heights, holistically including nearby property owners. CM Steve Fields wasn't certain how "auto-centric" the area is . CM Melissa Stuart wanted discussion on protection of the large open space owned by RTC.  A stream buffer could be vulnerable.  She asked for 2021 Council conversation records.

Planning Director Helland asked the public to give their input to the Planning Commission. To comment email Chair Sherri Nichols at planningcommission@redmond.gov.  It's my understanding the 
Commission has had two Study Sessions; only two citizens commented at their Hearing and this is a huge development! 

Affordable housing plans are 60% AMI for an undefined number of units. 

-- Bob Yoder, 4/6/2022, updated 9/4/2024

    Source:  City Council Business Meeting and Agenda memo, 4/5/2022

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This vision for another urban village development near QFC/Redmond Center/Opportunity Building:

"The timing of the 22 acre Nelson Master Plan redevelopment will be gradual and evolutionary. You will not see sudden, rapid, dramatic changes.  Our vision is to gradually create an urban village and the central place in the downtown where the community can shop and gather, and also a place where people can live and work.  The timing of each project in the redevelopment will be determined by many factors, including the leases of our current tenants and the needs and opportunities presented by the marketplace.  Since retail is an important component of the vision, we will strive to retain our current tenants."

--Tom Markl, CEO Nelson Properties

DERBY DAYS, 2022

Derby Days is Redmond’s signature historic town festival. Rooted in the spirit of friendly competition, Derby Days started in 1940 as a bike derby and parade for the community and continues each year as an opportunity to bring together Redmond’s diverse community in celebration. This year’s event takes place July 8 & 9 on City Hall’s municipal campus and features parades, bike races, a 5K community walk/run, carnival rides, live music, food, and more.

Council meeting, 3/2022

Mayor Birney's 2022 State of the City Speech