Historical Society Speaker Series: "All Over the Map: Surprising Places and Place-names of the Evergreen State"

 Speaker:  Feliks Banel

Redmond Historical Society 

Saturday Speaker Series

Saturday, 10:30 AM, April 8, 2023

Topic: All Over the Map: Surprising Places and Place-names of the Evergreen State” 

HYBRID EVENT: Online + live at Old Redmond Schoolhouse, 16600 NE 80th St., Redmond, WA. 98052

To register for Zoom Webinar:  tinyurl.com/RHSAllOverTheMap

Broadcaster and historian Feliks Banel has been studying place-names since his sister gave him a copy of “Washington Place Names” when he was 10 years old. In this illustrated presentation, Banel explores the stories behind some of the formal and informal names of places and things around Western Washington – including some not found on any map.

Speaker bio:

Feliks Banel is a broadcaster and historian who focuses on Pacific Northwest history, geography, cartography, and pop culture. He presents stories about Northwest history twice each week on KIRO News radio and is host of the weekly radio program and podcast Cascade of History heard live Sunday nights. Feliks also produces history documentaries for the Seattle Channel. 

Special thanks to: 

Laura Lee Bennett

Senior Vice President

Program Committee Chair

Redmond Historical Society

www.redmondhistoricalsociety.org 

programs@redmondhistoricalsociety.org

206-351-2826

King County Assessor Lanches "Taxparency Tool" for April Ballot Measures

  

King County Tax Assessor  John Wilson

 

King County Assessor John Wilson today released his April 2023 general election Taxpayer Transparency Tool, a website which provides each King County taxpayer an individualized accounting of where their property tax dollars go, and the estimated cost of any proposed property tax measure to be voted on.   

All voters in King County will be asked to vote on a new levy to fund mental health and substance use disorder services. 

“Taxpayers have a right to know where their money is going, and what each proposed property tax levy will cost them,” said Wilson.  “Property taxes keep going up.  We need to make sure the public understands why.”

 

Property Tax Measures on the April Ballot: 

COUNTYWIDE: King County Prop 1:  Crisis Care Centers Levy; mental health and substance use disorder services. 

Contact:  Assessor John Wilson 206-369-7677 

Al Dams, Chief Deputy Assessor 206-263-2255  

OBITUARY: Nancy Louise McCormick -- May 2, 1944--March 16, 2023

Nancy served 6 terms on Redmond City Council

 Nancy Louise McCormick -- May 2, 1944--March 16, 2023

Born in Billings, MT she was the daughter of Walter William Mauritson and Mary Louise Hanson. Nancy graduated from Montana State University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. During her college years she was also a proud member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority.

In 1966 Nancy began her career in Three Forks, MT as a high school teacher. After that she moved to Bellevue, WA and continued teaching until 1970. While raising her two boys, Nancy moved to Redmond, WA and became a Redmond City Council member in 1986. From 1986 to 2009 Nancy held many positions on the council including Council President. She had a huge passion for regional politics and the City of Redmond.

Nancy loved being a part of the neighborhood Tamarack Lane, spending time with family and friends, being with grandchildren Turner and Shea, planting flowers in her yard, reading, attending her monthly book club, and keeping up with current events. Nancy will most be remembered by her desire to leave the world a better place. She lived life to the fullest and had the most giving heart.

She is survived by her son Jeffrey Scott McCormick, his wife Tracy McCormick; grandchildren Turner and Shea McCormick; and lots of extended family and wonderful friends. She is predeceased by her parents, Walter and Mary Mauriston, her in-laws Robert and Stella McCormick, and her son, Ryan Walter McCormick.

A graveside service will be held for Nancy on Saturday, April 22nd at 1:00 PM at Cedar Lawns Memorial Park, 7200 180th Ave. NE, Redmond, WA 98052. Following the graveside service, we will celebrate Nancy's life at Redmond City Hall at 3:00 PM.

To send flowers to the family of Nancy Louise McCormick, please visit Tribute Store.

Published on March 26, 2023, "Seattle Times.''           BLOG posts on Nancy McCormick 

UPDATED, 3/27: Green Rooftop Camouflages House, Contributes To Sustainability

 

This neighborhood home is tucked away from all the commotion.  Note how this living, green rooftop camouflages the house and contributes to sustainability.
(click picture to enlarge)

                                                                          

Walking around the Education Hill neighborhood this Spring day we noticed this house had a green and grey roof.  It seems to be holding up quite well. Council Member Jessica Forsythe and others constantly ask the Mayor for green rooftops on new buildings. A tiny green rooftop is planned for the Senior & Community Center.  The city compensates developers for Landmark Trees by "Exceptions."  The same should be done for green rooftops, perhaps as a small amenity.

-- B. Yoder, opinion, 3/25/2023 by

References: 

CITY OF REDMOND / SEATTLE COMMERCIAL

(Note, A City of Redmond is in Oregon)

• 
  

  Low-Impact Development (LID) | Redmond, WA

  https://www.redmond.gov › Low-Impact-Development

  Compost amended soil. - Green roof. - Tree preservation. 172nd Ave NE, Summer 2010, -The City's first rain garden in the 172nd Avenue right-of-way.

21.67.040 Techniques and Incentives for Development

municipal.codes

https://redmond.municipal.codes › RZC

Technique	Points Awarded – Residential Development	Points Awarde...
2. Drought‑tolerant landscaping	1	1
• 20 percent	1	1
• 30 percent	2	2

View 19 more rows

• 
  

  Definitions | Redmond Zoning Code

  https://redmond.municipal.codes › RZC

  A landscaped roof is distinguished from a green roof by not incorporating a bioretention facility as part of its structure. Effective on: 4/16/2011. Landslide .

City of Redmond – Grass Lawn Park Phase III Project

WA.gov

https://apps.ecology.wa.gov › documents

“Green roof” for new maintenance building. The roof is partially or completely covered with vegetation and soil planted over a waterproof membrane. • Play areas ...

Mayor Birney Working to Identify Housing Solutions

 

Redmond Mayor Angela Birney/ Komo News

Angela Birney Joins the Housing Supply Accelerator Partnership

REDMOND, WA - Redmond Mayor Angela Birney is participating on the steering committee of the Housing Supply Accelerator, a partnership between the National League of Cities (NLC) and the American Planning Association (APA) to bring together local governments, community planners, builders, financial institutions, housing policy associations, and state and federal partners to develop, align, and advance solutions for housing supply challenges at the local level. 

There is simply not enough housing in our country, including in Redmond, the eastside, and our state,” said Mayor Birney. “I’m excited to work with others across the nation to help guide actions that will improve housing capacity, identify critical solutions, and accelerate our efforts to ensure quality housing for all.

This solutions-oriented campaign aims to develop model practices, ordinances, and resources to accelerate and incentivize local approaches to land use, housing development, and preservation.

Bear Creek: An Oral History of a Changing Landscape / by Gary Smith

 Produced and Directed by Gary Smith in concert with the Redmond Historical Society

Gary Smith is Redmond's foremost "human and natural history volunteer."

Click on Gary's name to read articles on what he's accomplished and is doing now.

Opinion by B. Yoder

3/5/2023

EVENT: "APex Artist Reception" at Victor's this Sunday, March 5th, 2:30-4:30

 

Marco Coady's "APex Art Corner" at Victor's 
(click picture to enlarge it)

Victors Celtic Coffee in the historic district of downtown Redmond, will be hosting a reception for Smita Yamala, "APex Artist of the Month." this Sunday, March 5th, from 2:30 - 4:30.  The "APex  Student of Month " will also be present!

Smita's artwork, "The Happy Soul," will be installed in the APex & Marco's Corner of Victor's from February 26th to March 26th.  Parking is scarce so walking is encouraged. 

Marco Peers Coady is the founder of "Artists Personal Exchange" (APex) and coins his business as 'a place for artists to meet, connect and share their work.'   

-- Bob Yoder, 3/2/23

    Photo,  by

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! "Poetry Showcase Event" Featuring Live Readings from Local Poets. April 22nd.

Credit: Columbia Lutheran Home, Seattle, WA

National Poetry Month is April

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Redmond Historical Society will be hosting a Poetry Showcase on Saturday, April 22nd in the Old Redmond Schoolhouse at 1:00 PM. This event will be free, and open to the public. Enjoy live readings from local poets, an opportunity to explore the Redmond Historical Society's display space, and more!!

###

The Redmond Historical Society is actively seeking poets for this event. 

• Selected poets must be able to provide either a live or recorded reading of their poem for the event.
• Poems should be submitted by March 22nd at 5:00 PM. A submission form is available HERE 

For more information, contact the Redmond Historical Office at 425-885-2919 or poetryshowcase@redmondhistoricalsociety.org. 

Special thanks to Hallee Turner, Administration & Collections Manager.

UPDATED 3/3/2023: The Story Of EvergreenHealth's Attitude Toward Mental Health

 EvergreenHealth - King County Public Hospital District #2

This "Silver Tower" and a 2nd Emergency Department were funded by the district
taxpayers of Redmond, Sammamish, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell, Mill Creek,
Kenmore, Shoreline, Duval, Carnation, and Snohomish County.

EvergreenHealth serves it's community well.  An exception is their almost complete non- performance in treating mental illness.  COVID removed stigma, raised awareness; uncovering the high incidence of those struggling. They should do better and they're not.

Overall though, we are blessed to have EvergreenHealth in our community and region.  They led the Nation through the pandemic onslaught and are deserving of every award earned,  For a hospital with their pandemic experience, they should have no problem finding bandwidth for Mental Health hybrid programming.  

 

Below, is decade's long news and my accounting of EvergreenHealth's lack of progress towards the implementation of mental health treatment and care:

EvergreenHealth history - then & now.

Executive & Medical Leadership Team

Mission, Vision, Values

The Monitor newsletter 

The Status Of Mental Health Care At EvergreenHealth (2022)

King County Asks EvergreenHealth For Behavioral Health Urgent Care Clinic 

 EvergreenHealth:  Serve your community with "Behavioral Health Urgent Care!"

King County Councilmember Actively Engaged In Behavioral Health

EvergreenHealth Aledgedly Misused C.A.R.E Money

The History of EvergreenHealth CEOs

EvergreenHealth CEO Jeff Tomlin - The pandemic CEO.

EvergreenHealth Hospital Governance is not "Open" and Lacks Transparency

 --News and Opinion, Bob Yoder, 3/1/2023

Public Board meeting information is here. Only thing missing are times of the meetings! The public comment period starts at 6:30 p.m.

Brain disorders are generalational in my family.  It's been quite a tortuous ride. BY

UPDATED 2/16: Council Authorizes Electric Fire Engine Purchase, Service By 2026

Electric Fire Engine, Pierce Manufacturing

On Feb. 7, 2023, Redmond City Council authorized the acceptance of a grant toward the purchase of the City’s first electric fire engine. The Fire Department applied for and received a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology, which covers 25% of the costs of the electric engine program. 

Redmond will be the first agency in the state to receive the grant, and the engine will be the first electric fire engine in Washington, as well as one of the first few in the country.   

The Pierce Volterra electric fire engine is the first to enter service and has proven effective in its years of use. The project’s total costs, including charging infrastructure, are $2.3 million, of which the grant will pay for nearly $600,000. It is estimated to take about 25 months to receive the new unit now that it has been ordered, as each Volterra engine is built to order. 

Madison, Wisconsin, currently has an electric unit in service, and new electric units will enter service this year in Portland, Oregon, and Gilbert, Arizona. In preparation for this project, Redmond Fire Department personnel visited Madison, Wisconsin, where a Volterra engine has been in service since 2021. They met with Madison’s fire personnel to discuss their experience with the electric engine and its benefits.

“We’ve learned the benefits of these new electric engines reducing fuel costs, and with its backup diesel engine, it will be even more reliable than a traditional diesel engine,” said Mayor Angela Birney. "Quieter operations also help our first responders communicate at the scene of an incident and keep our Redmond community safe." 

Redmond’s Environmental Sustainability Action Plan targets 2030 for city operations to achieve carbon neutrality. The electric fire engine will contribute towards this goal, and its location at Fire Station 12 will also reduce diesel emissions in the vicinity of the station. 

Redmond’s grant is from the Washington State Clean Diesel Program and Volkswagen Settlement Grant Program, in cooperation with the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grants program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The DERA program funds state and local governments to replace or modernize old diesel vehicles with alternative technologies.

-- Jill E. Smith, Communications Manager
    jesmith@redmond.gov, 425-556-2448 

NOTES:

$600,000 grant. Total project cost: $2.3 million

AMAZON may support the program in some way. 

Council Member David Carson was concerned about the short 18-month trial of the Michigan prototype and longevity of the batteries. Michael Despain, COR Fire Department, said the batteries will last 7-9 years and will require a second series of batteries in the lifetime of the truck.  (The typical lifetime of a Redmond fire engine lasts 20- 25 years.)   

It's hard to believe, but even with the diesel back-up, among other features, Despain said $8,000 per year will be saved in maintenance. 

Truck available ~late 2025

-- Bob Yoder, Notes, 2/15/2023

Source:  1/24/2023 "Council Committee of the Whole Meeting - Parks and Environmental Sustainability," CM David Carson, Presiding officer.  Meeting video and agenda:  https://redmond.granicus.com/player/clip/2495?view_id=2&redirect=true&h=b2a2ea34d14425db8f2aa904a2e709b8

Redmond's "Addiction" To Pickle Ball, Nation's Fastest Growing Sport

24 Hour Fitness.Players from all walks of life. Rocket scientist, housekeeper, choral singer, anthropologist, retired fitness instructor and author, mortgage broker, stay-at-home dad, software engineer, passers through, Redmond historian... See the 89 year-old playing with his son?!
 (click picture to enlarge)

                                                        Exercise -  -  Socialize - - Learn

Pickle Ball Basics video.  All ages, body types, and fitness levels. Players willing to share advice. Games are short, lasting about 10 minutes.  Doubles is most common.  Mind  the "kitchen" while "dinking!"  Founded on Bainbridge Island. 

Court Locations and Times:

Old Redmond School House for seniors.  Fun and welcoming group. 3 inside courts.  M,W,Th  9:30 - Noon.  (practice before 9.) Nominal fee.  

Redmond Perrigo Park.  4 outside courts (the way it was made to play.)  "Bangers," Intermediates, Novices, and Families. No fees. Share with 2 tennis courts.  Arrive early to play and practice.  After playing we like to hike the adjacent farmland trail with our dog.  

Redmond Meadows Community Park.  3 outside courts.  Good for families. Courts are rooty.  

Nike Neighborhood Park, 1 outside court, little used.

Senior & Community Center.  Under construction.  2 outside courts.  2-3 inside courts on occasion.  

24 Hour Fitness. One inside court.  9 - 3pm.  7 days a week.  Great for practice!  Membership fee OR health insurance pass. 

Fort Edwards State Park.  Juanta.  6 indoor courts. Medium to high level of play. Adjacent monastery converted to 86-room boutique hotel, fine art, and fancy restaurant. A must! Walk the dog. 

-- Bob Yoder, 2/9/2023

   I've played for 6 months with Pam. Was a very slow learner on the serve and challenged by complicated scoring! 

UPDATED: County Council Votes "Yes" On $1.25B Behavioral Health Levy

The King County Council voted Tuesday to send a $1.25 billion behavioral health levy to voters for consideration on an April special election ballot.

The proposal, which would raise the funds through a property tax levy spread over nine years, would fund:

1.  creation of five regional crisis care centers,
2.  the preservation and restoration of residential treatment beds,
3. growth of the behavioral health workforce pipeline, and 
4. provide immediate services while centers are being constructed. 

In 2024, the levy will cost the owner of a median-valued home about $121.

With council approval, the proposal will now appear on the April 25 special election ballot

KOMO News:  Broadcast of King County Executive Dow Constantine's' Announcement. 

Residents Invited to Senior & Community Center "Topping Ceremony"

1 - 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3 at the Redmond Senior & Community Center

REDMOND, WA - Redmond’s new community gathering place continues to mark milestones and make great strides in construction. Next week, the community is invited to join the City of Redmond in celebrating the Redmond Senior & Community Center Topping Out Ceremony, as the project team places a beam in the tallest section of the building. The event will take place from 1 - 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3 at the construction site adjacent to Redmond City Hall at 15670 NE 85th St, Redmond, WA 98052.

REDMOND BLOG EDITORIAL: Carol Helland, Redmond's Urban Planner Extraordinaire

 

Carol Helland, Director of Planning & Community Development 

The complexity and demands of  Director Helland's job don't compare to Directors of the past. Should the Mayor hire a Deputy of Planning Services?

From observations, I believe Carol Helland, the city's Director of Planning & Community Development is the most influential government executive in Redmond. She oversees land use permitting, is Administrator of the Technical Committee, of Public Notice, Code Administrator, oversees the Design Review Board, and director of Human Services among other high level responsibilities. 

Mayor Birney and Council rely heavily on Helland for her understanding of Washington's Growth Management recommendations and requirements. Her flexible use of building codes shape the form, function and character of downtown Redmond, Overlake Urban Center and our gentrifying neighborhoods. Carol negotiates Development agreements with the Mayor and co-approves project permits with Public Works. (A 22-acre Development agreement for NELSON Legacy's downtown Village was inked; RTC is on deck with others to come.)  

Director Helland recently hired Seraphie Allen as Deputy Director of Planning & Community Development.  Already, Deputy Allen's job responsibilities are to communicate with OneRedmond, work with Director Helland's Redmond 2050 Long Range Planning Team, and guide the Mayor's Planning Commission volunteers.  These roles have the ring of a new title, perhaps "deputy director of community development."

The complexity and demands of Ms. Helland's job don't compare to Directors of the past.  Though outside the HR box, the Mayor might possibly assign a second Deputy Director, one for "Planning services" the other for "Community development?"  Ms. Helland is Redmond's Urban Planner extraordinaire and needs all the help she can get. Once Mayor Birney actively teams up with Helland, fewer mistakes will be made and we'll have a more livable Redmond. 

For answers on how you can make Redmond a better community, email Heather at: info@redmond.gov. She's the city's Customer Experience Coordinator and an excellent resource.  Her phone is 425-556-2900.   

Let's make Redmond better together.

-- Bob Yoder

   Editor, Reporter and Scribbler, Redmond Neighborhood Blog    

   1/21/2023

For the Director Helland's job description....

Updated Opinion: Woodinville's Attractive Downtown Is Well Designed, Redmond Is Working On It

Image Credit:  "Next City"

A Redmond Blog reader says...

We live in "unincorporated Woodinville" and had the occasion to drive through downtown Redmond for the first time in a while. Holy cookie cutter, I haven't seen so many gray apartments lined up one after the other along a major thoroughfare, with almost no setback from the street for trees. Either the council or the Community Development department failed residents of the city. I'm not sure why every building has to look exactly the same with almost no character or distinguishing features? Housing was needed, yes - but downtown Redmond now feels soul-less. Gone are the days where you could grab cheap eats at Herfy's or Frankie's. Now you're stuck with expensive restaurants sitting in the first floor retail spaces of these apartment buildings, if they're lucky enough to be able to pay the rent these spaces charge. I get it - old strip malls are eyesores, but they often house popular businesses that would otherwise be unable to afford higher rent. On the other hand, I have been super impressed with what Woodinville has done with the schoolhouse district and Woodin Creek areas. It actually feels like it has character and it has adequate parking for the retail that's there. The Molbak's redevelopment seems encouraging and hopefully it can continue the trend in that area. That actually feels like a place I would want to live if I was single and wanted an apartment or if I wanted to downsize. Redmond does not.

-- Anonymous comment:  "City Salaries Under Review, Bonuses Unknown" post.

Videos of downtown Woodinville streetscape design to follow. by

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