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

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

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

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

The Ukrainian carolers at Redmond Town Center

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

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

-- Bob Yoder, 12/3/2023 

City Changes Parking Rules and Enforcement

City of Redmond announced changes to parking rules and enforcement in downtown Redmond effective Jan. 1, 2024. The information is in the latest email newsletter and on the Redmond.gov website.

"Time-limited on-street parking space Downtown and in the Redmond Central Connector public parking lot will change to a two-hour limit to align with citywide parking regulations. Enforcement hours and days will change to 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, effective Jan 1, 2024.

Additionally, parking enforcement will no longer issue warnings and vehicles that are in violation of the on-street parking restrictions will be ticketed."

https://www.redmond.gov/636/Downtown-Parking

Posted by Yoder

Dr. Holmen Remains Superintendent at LWSD

Peoria Unified School District interviews:  For Dr. Holmen scroll to 27.10 m for Dr. Kenneth Sommers advance to 40.44 m 

Announcement on the Peoria Unified School District website:  

"On November 29, the Peoria Unified Governing Board voted unanimously to enter into contract negotiations with Dr. Kenneth Christopher Sommers to serve as the district's next superintendent, pending the result of successful contract negotiations and  background check.  The Board is expected to official approve him as superintendent at a future meeting."  

Though Dr. Holmen didn't get what he wanted we are most fortunate to have him and his expertise on board during these challenging times.  -- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 11/30/2023

Exciting Changes Coming to Redmond Town Center

 

Exciting changes coming to Redmond Town Center...

... but you'll have to wait until 2027

Timeline

Click to see what's in the works (and give feedback)

EvergreenHealth Board Appoints Dr. Ettore Palazzo New CEO

 

EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners Appoints Dr. Ettore Palazzo new CEO

Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP will assume his new role as CEO of EvergreenHealth on Dec. 10

 

KIRKLAND, WA – The EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners has appointed Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP, CEO of EvergreenHealth, the community-owned public hospital district and two-hospital healthcare system effective Dec. 10, 2023. Dr. Palazzo assumes the role following the retirement of CEO Jeff Tomlin, MD.

 

“Over the past 20 years, some of the greatest, as well as most challenging, moments of my personal and professional life have taken place at EvergreenHealth,” said Dr. Palazzo. “It is the honor of a lifetime to work for this organization and serve its community as the next Chief Executive Officer.” 

 

Dr. Palazzo has served EvergreenHealth and its community for 20 years. He joined EvergreenHealth in 2003 as a hospitalist and most recently served as the Chief Medical and Quality Officer.

Emotions fly at LWSD Board Meeting

The Board members of the Lake Washington School District held a very emotional public meeting on November 20th in their chambers.  

• Superintendent Holmen gave Board member Siri Bliesner high praise, gratitude and recognition for her 11 years of community service on the Board.  
• During Public Comment over eight parents gave very emotional talks about the Israelis - Palestinian tension at LWSD and in their families.  

It's definitely worth a listen:  https://lwsd.new.swagit.com/videos/281596

Jon Holmen is interviewing for a new job as superintendent in an Arizona district.  His recognition speech for Siri was extremely well done and I hope they were listening.  

-- Bob Yoder, 11/27/2023

Redmond Lights Holiday Haiku - Michael Dylan Welch

By Michael Dylan Welch:  Holiday Haiku features 30 haiku and senryu poems celebrating both the warmth and the cold of the holiday and winter season. These poems offer reminders of common experiences you may have had in December or later during the winter. Take a moment to dwell in each poem and feel the personal moment presented in the poem, responding with a smile or a nod of understanding.  

Michael Dylan Welch was Redmond's Poet Laureate for two years.   

Learn about Redmond Lights art.  https://www.redmond.gov/1320/Learn-about-Redmond-Lights-Art

Source:  redmond.gov

Redmond Lights Kick-Off Event Schedule, December 2, 4 - 8 p.m.

 Getting Around Redmond Lights 2023

Redmond Lights Kick-Off Event Schedule

Bundle up and bring the entire family for an evening of winter fun at the Redmond Lights Kick-Off Event this Saturday, Dec. 2. From 4 – 8 p.m., the luminary trail will connect Downtown Park and Redmond Town Center by way of the Redmond Central Connector. Both sites will host ongoing performances, craft activities, and more!  

Saturday, Dec. 2, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Family Activities
  • Light Fashion Show, 6:00 p.m. at Downtown Park
  • Family Light Promenade, 6:30 p.m. at Downtown Park
  • Redmond Town Center Kids Coloring Activity, all month long at Redmond Town Center
  • Photos with Santa, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Redmond Town Center
  • Face Painting, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Downtown Park
  • Crafting, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Downtown Park and Redmond Town Center
• Performances
  • Downtown Park, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. (details below)
  • Redmond Town Center, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. (details below)
  • Luminary Trail, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. (details below)
• Luminary Trail, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. (route below)
• Silent Disco, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Downtown Park
• Community Activity Booths, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Downtown Park and Redmond Town Center
• Free glow items (with an original $10 receipt from any Redmond Town Center tenant), 4 p.m.  - 8 p.m. at Redmond Town Center

Superintendent Jon Holmen Finalist for Superintendent in Arizona School District

https://www.peoriaunified.org/superintendentsearch

Jon Holmen, Superintendent of LWSD is a finalist in selecting a new superintendent at Peoria Unified in Arizona.  The Peoria School Board will announce their decision on November 29th.  

Arizona ranks 50th out of 50 states for school funding.  Ah ha, so Jon's experience with Bonds and Levies makes him quite attractive.  

Jon's interview begins at 27m.  He is analytical, systematic with focus on stakeholders.  John Carman of Texas interview begins at 16:45m.  He's low key.  Ken Somers from Colorado is expressive, likeable, somewhat wordy with leadership qualities. Though, he may not have the school funding experience Peoria Unified is looking for.  

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 11/26 

City Hall Protest: "Bring Them Home Now."

Bob, Around noon today, I was on my way to River Trail Roasters for a cup of coffee, when I spotted a demonstration in front of Redmond City Hall, just across the street.  I quickly crossed the street and fished out my cell phone camera and discretely snapped a few photos.

The demonstrators were evidently a local Jewish group, as there were quite a number of planted signs on display, each one showing the photo of someone currently being held hostage by Hamas after the October 7th attack.  Based on a partial count, I estimated the number of attendees as perhaps 50 to 60. Many were carrying Israeli and American flags. 

While I was there, a woman was at the loudspeaker atop the city hall steps, calling out the names of individual hostages for the audience to silently acknowledge.  A large sign mounted at the entrance proclaimed: Kidnapped by Hamas / #BringThemHomeNow. (See first attached photo.)

My sympathies were certainly with them.

-- John Reinke, 11/17/2023

Reader comment:  Mayor Birney needs to proclaim an anti-Semitism Day after her daughter’s deplorable behavior at USC. https://mynorthwest.com/3938818/rantz-mayors-giggling-daughter-exposed-tearing-down-israeli-hostage-flyers/

 library leaves by Reinke

UPDATED 12/5/2023: Angie Nuevacamina Upsets Incumbent David Carson for Council Position #7

Angie Nuevacamina defeated David Carson, 53.67% (5937) to David's 46.07% (5097.)  

What is the significance of the bisected butterfly? 

The meaning of the butterfly is cultural to current day Mexico and Senegal- where I have heritage from. It signals transformation, hope, and are quite a force when moving together. In the design, my name is in the middle- acting as a bridge and being able to hold multiple perspectives.  -  Angie Nuevacamiona.  

The demographics of Redmond have changed dramatically in the last five or so years (~ 50% brown.)  Angie ran on "inclusive," "welcoming," and "equity," and it paid off.  She also prioritized affordable housing, safety, a healthy community and transparent government.  She rallied the voters with a call for "Nothing about Us without Us."  Angie is a member of the LBGTQ community, a queer artist, and small business owner, as a financial services professional.  She currently volunteers on the City planning commission.    

 

David M. Carson, the conservative incumbent of 16 years placed most of his cards on safety:  1) extra police coverage for light rail users, 2)  keeping the county accountable for a drug-free homeless facility in Overlake.  3) he flipped flapjacks for the fire fundraiser at every Derby Days.  4) he served on regional emergency coalitions.  As Presiding Officer on the Parks Council he advocated for access to Redmond's seven "String of Pearls" park properties.  He is a OneRedmond Board member, Foundation member and Kiwanis member.  He praised the Police Department "Sniffer" canine in his political statement.  All this, and Marymoor Village, the new fire station, Senior Center and other facility improvements weren't enough to win over the voters. 

The voters chose values embracing the Redmond's welcoming culture, over a developer/business centric incumbent valuing safety. 

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 11/25/2023

Find 16 years of articles and opinion on Councilmember David Carson HERE

EvergreenHealth -- "America's COVID Hospital"

EvergreenHealth / Seattle Times

EvergreenHealth's website...

"On February 28, 2020, EvergreenHealth's Kirkland campus became the first hospital in the U.S. to respond to the first known cases of community spread of COVID-19, marking the beginning of the global pandemic in the U.S. Given that we had been actively engaged in disaster readiness planning for many years prior to the pandemic, our hospital system was ready to face the challenge."  

Read more about EvergreenHealth's response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

• The New York Times: A Rare Look Inside the Hospital Where 15 Coronavirus Patients Have Died
• The Seattle Times: Kirkland's EvergreenHealth, where coronavirus outbreak was first identified in February, gets first vaccinations
• American Medical Association: How EvergreenHealth, in early U.S. hot spot, responded to COVID-19
• NPR: U.S. Hospitals Prepare For A COVID-19 Wave
• The Hospitalist: At U.S. Ground Zero for coronavirus, a hospital is transformed

The Race for EvergreenHealth Commissioner Was Historic

I'm standing next to one of many Commissioner Jeffrey Cashman's political signs. The number he staked was enormous.  I endorsed both Jeff and his opponent, Amber Wise.  I supported Amber.

Mr. Cashman planted his campaign signs heavily throughout Evergreen Public Hospital District No. 2 --  Redmond, Kirkland, Woodinville, Mill Creek, Kenmore, Duval, Sammamish, and parts of Snohomish county.  Never has a local candidate spread their political signs so far and wide.  

If the residents of EvergreenHealth Public Hospital didn't know they lived in a taxing district they certainly do now.

Currently, residents and landlords are levied ~ 2% / $1,000 appraised property value. Total Levy Revenue in 2022 was $28,556,467.   

Do you know how this money is spent?   70% goes towards capital projects, 30% towards programs like referral networks, CHATT,  and North Shore Senior Center.  The commissioners keep this close to their chest.  I learned about the 70% / 30% split at a Board meeting.  A full report is forthcoming.  

Commissioner Cashman defeated PCC meat-cutter Amber Wise, a union worker and mental health advocate, by roughly 58%. 

-- Bob Yoder, 11/9/2023

I was struck with Covid a few days before the election; this, after 6 vax.  It hit me very hard.

 

City of Redmond Television Is Packed With Community News

Redmond City TV (RCTV) is available on both Comcast (channel 21) and Ziply (channel 34) cable systems. You can also catch RCTV live online 24/7 or replay OnDemand programming from city video archives. 

At the top and/or bottom of the hour from 8 - 10 a.m. the following block of helpful and interesting programing is run continuously.  I highly recommend tuning in.  No commercials! ☝

• The Mayor’s monthly video “Our Stories, Redmond Connects”
• “Bird’s Eye View,” a poem by our previous poet laureate
• Homelessness and panhandling message from Tisza Rutherford, Redmond’s Homeless Outreach Administrator
• Heat pumps and Energy Smart Eastside
• Green Redmond
• Recycling Plastic Bags
• King County House Repair
• Connected by Water, How Redmond protects our water
• Meet Redmond’s new K9 Officer
• Redmond Senior & Community Center tour
• Licensing your pet in King County
• Being visible after dark
• The Together Center
• Redmond’s Stream Team
• King County Jury system

City Council and Planning Commission meetings are available on RCTV, as well.  They are also live streamed on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/CityofRedmond) and YouTube (www.YouTube.com/CityofRedmond). 

Mayor Birney Proclaims October 28th "Green Redmond Day" at Heron Rookery

 

Mayor Birney with parks staff
She's giving her Green Redmond speech and proclamation in front of the Heron Rookery

For a must see video of the Rookery go HERE!

About forty of us  on October 28th planted ~ 400 trees to replace the secondary growth, Douglas Fir dying from root rot.  An earlier planting failed from drought.  The city will water this summer.  We planted shade tolerant, hemlock, cedar and pine. Pam and I are standing next to orange-tagged saplings yet to be planted. 

-- Bob Yoder, 11/5/2023

Learn About Mt. St. Helens' Blast November 11th.

 

Laura Lee Bennett, VP Redmond Historical Society says...

Hey, you History Buffs! Join the Redmond Historical Society next Saturday, Nov. 11th, 10:30 AM, for a journey into the Mount St. Helens blast zone--40 years later. Writer and biologist Eric Wagner talks on the remarkable recovery of the Mount St, Helens ecosystem. Nature finds a way!

This is an in-person program at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center.

Rumble in Redmond Robot Competition

Builders from all over North America brought their robots to Redmond Middle School for an all-out robot clash where innovation and excitement collided. This event will serve as a qualifying event for the Robot Combat League National Championship in May 2024, allowing passionate builders to compete at the highest level of robot combat. 

Competitors unleashed their custom-built remote-controlled armed with hammers, flippers, or blades, delivering stylish and crushing blows to their opponents. Builders invest days, weeks, or even months perfecting their designs for competitions. 

The National Championship was held in Seattle last year.  Three bots from Redmond's league qualified for the tournament.  The Nationals will be held in Seattle again next year.  

Special thanks to OneRedmond for sponsoring this event.  They're hoping for more of them in the years to come.   

-- Post and video by Bob Yoder, 10/23/2023 

The East Lake Sammamish Trail is ready to walk, roll, and bike

King County Parks completed construction of the East Lake Sammamish Trail, its latest contribution to the 44-mile Locks to Lake Corridor that connects Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood to Eastside cities and the Cascade foothills with an uninterrupted paved path.

Posted by Bob Yoder, 10/25/2023 

UPDATED: Esterra Park Opens in Overlake Neighborhood

Esterra Park as seen from Verde Apartment.  Note the green roof. Four surrounding buildings also have green roofs.  Two restaurants serve park visitors. One features soft serve and pizza! / credit Bob Yoder

REDMOND, WA -  Recently, Esterra Park (2808 Calder Avenue NE), celebrated opening in Overlake Urban Center. This 2.67-acre park is the first major privately-owned public space (POPs) in Redmond and helps meet the needs of the growing neighborhood.  

The park was created by leveraging developer incentives written in Redmond’s Zoning Code, with the goal to benefit the entire community. Together, the City, Capstone Partners, and JLL worked with care and intentionality to determine how the community would engage with the space. 

From its layout to its accessibility features, as well as the selection of plants and reclaimed wood seating areas, the design elements were meticulously selected to be welcoming and accessible to the community. Notably, the inclusion of a wildflower native pollinator mix aligns with the City and partners’ shared commitment to supporting local ecosystems and providing a haven for the birds and bees.

The completed park, which was designed and approved by the Parks and Trails Commission in 2014, includes public art, a plaza, an accessible elevator, tree groves, a meadow, an amphitheater, and integrates a hill climb to the north of the park to easily access the nearby light rail station.

To learn more about the project, visit redmond.gov/1979.

UPDATED OPINION: Teacher Diversity at LW School District Deserves Study

*Redmond Middle School Certified Teachers (71)  
click image to enlarge

Redmond Middle School - Teacher Demographics (self-reported)

68.8% female / 31.3% male

White:  89.1%

Asian: 6.3%

Hispanic/Latino 1.6%

Two or more races 1.6%

Opportunities for diversity and inclusion are when a teacher retires, quits and moves, is  terminated and enrollment increases.  I'm sure the District is doing the best they can. 

Source:  Report Card: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

https://washingtonstatereportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/ReportCard/ViewSchoolOrDistrict/101528

*Image may include nurses, counselors and some classified staff

Zakiya Cita is the new LWSD Director of Human Resources Talent Acquisition. 

425-936-1421, zcita@lwsd.org.  

I met Ms. Cita at a WorkSource Fair, Redmond Library.

Opinion:  Bob Yoder, 10/24/2023