The Status Of Mental Health Care At EvergreenHealth

 

"The many colors of  bipolar mood disorder"
Dale Chihuly art (Internet) 

The National Association of Mental Health says 1 in 5 Americans struggle with a mental health condition in a given year and only half are treated.  COVID brought this home.

This Spring, EvergreenHealth's seven commissioners and CEO Palazzo approved  psychiatric and therapy treatment for their two Emergency Departments and three of their Urgent Care clinics. This is a giant leap forward for EvergreenHealth (Evergreen) and the community. The COO of Trauma is putting the program together. She's hiring psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and advanced social workers; it will be remote and in-person. Evergreen is community-owned and a levy lid-lift may be proposed this year or next in support of this program and others.   

Some of the levy-supported Programs today are:  EPIC (MyChart,) "Community Healthcare Access Teams," Grief, Palliative and Hospice care services, Geriatric services, a "Mental Health First Aid Kit" program for LWSD student suicide prevention, and perinatal mood and anxiety maternity care.  

2024 State of the City

Some of the leaders and staff I saw in this video:

  

John Oftebro, President of Redmond Historical Society

Arnie Tomac, retired Council President and co-founder of Redmond Town Center (RTC)

Pat Vache', OneRedmond Foundation Board Treasurer, retired Council President, co-founder of RTC, and Founder of Redmond Kiwanis Club.

Vanessa Kritzer, OneRedmond Board, Council President (and a future Mayor?😇)

Mary Nelson Morrow, OneRedmond Board President, OneRedmond Foundation Board.

Tom Markl, OneRedmond Board, CEO Nelson Legacy Group

Laureen Hamilton, Redmond Parks and Recreation Director

A retired city planning commission chair and LWSD facilities advisor 

Malisa Files, CEO, City of Redmond

Brian Coats, Police Captain

Police Chief Darrrell Lowe

Fire Chief Adrian Sheppard

Siri Bliesner, retired LWSD Board President, Centro Cultural Mexicano Board Vice Chair.

Aspen Richter, LWSD Levy Committee, Facilities Advisory Committee, PTSA Sustainability Chair

This was a Hybrid meeting...

-- Bob Yoder, 6/3/2024

Enrollment Declining At Lake Washington School District

Fewer students in elementary leads to an eventual decline in secondary schools.

The School Board is proposing a $676.9 million, 6-year construction levy this year. If passed, 2 elementary schools and 2 middle schools will be rebuilt and enlarged.

"WHY IS ENROLLMENT DECLINING in our schools even with so much construction going on in the district?  

ANSWER:  "The district is tracking over 9,500 residential units opening within the next 10 years. The majority of the new construction is now multi-family housing (apartments, condominiums, townhomes) rather than single-family. Multi-family housing units do not generate as many students as single family homes do. Multi-family housing generates about seven students for every 100 units vs. a single-family development that generates about 60 students for every 100 homes. This housing growth is certainly offsetting what could be larger enrollment declines. The other reason for the decline is a decline in birth rates. Birth rates are down for Lake Washington area, King County, and across the country. This results in lower kindergarten enrollment and fewer students enrolling at the elementary level. Fewer students in elementary leads to an eventual decline in secondary, even though secondary school enrollment is currently not declining in the same way." 

Source:  LWSD Demographics, FAQ 

Posted by Bob Yoder, 6/3/2024

Police Chief Lowe Named President Law Enforcement Organization

Chief Darrell Lowe on right

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

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

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

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

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

Redmond Police News Release, Arrest

 

Redmond High School Counselor Arrested for Having Inappropriate Relationship with a Student.

A Redmond High School counselor was arrested for allegedly having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student. 

Redmond detectives became aware of the relationship between Derik Detweiler, 35, of Kenmore, and the 17-year-old girl after she came forward on May 22 to Lake Washington School District staff. The school placed Detweiler on administrative leave and notified Redmond police. 

An immediate and thorough investigation developed sufficient evidence to secure a warrant for his arrest. Redmond detectives tracked Detweiler to Wyoming, and on May 30, local authorities took him into custody without incident. He will remain in custody in Wyoming pending extradition back to Washington.

Downtown Park Receives Canadian Award of Excellence

Credit:  CSLA's Awards Atlas.

 REDMOND, WA - The City’s Downtown Park earned the prestigious Award of Excellence for Small-Scale Public Landscapes from the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA). The award recognizes the innovative design and thoughtful planning behind this tech-savvy urban space.

Designed by PFS Studio, a leading planning, urban design, and landscape architecture firm based in Vancouver, BC, Redmond Downtown Park is a testament to visionary design's power in reinvigorating urban spaces. The park, located in the heart of Redmond, is a vibrant gathering place for community engagement and cultural activities.

Fare Ambassadors Check For Fares

Fare Ambassadors wear blue-clad jackets and yellow hats

Fare Ambassadors will only check for fares on platforms on the 1 Line during the summer of 2024.  (But, payment of fares is still expected on 2 Line.)  

Sound Transit expects to expand fare paid zone inspections to 2 Line stations as more riders begin using the system. One-way adult fares range from $2.25 - $3.50.  (see Fare charges.)  ‎

Fare Ambassadors systematically review paid passenger fares. In pairs, they start at opposite ends of light rail vehicles and announce their presence before checking for paid fares. Have your proof of paid fare ready, and feel free to ask any questions. They will also inspect while waiting next to the tracks.  

Source:  Sound Transit ; Seattle Times (5/28)

ATTENTION: Multiple 2-Line Service Disruptions

Thirteen, 2-Line Sound Transit service disruptions reported 5/23 - 5/25  Sign up for 2-Line service updates ### "Update: Link Shuttle buses are replacing the 2-Line from South Bellevue Station to Overlake Village Station until further notice. Updates to follow when available. For 2-Line to Redmond Technology get on/off buses at: South Bellevue Station – Bay 3 East Main Station – SE 300 Block (Far Side) Bellevue Downtown Station – NE 6th St North Side) Wilburton Station – Rapid Ride Stop 116 Ave SE (Far Side) Spring District/120th Station- NE Spring Blvd (Far Side) Bel-red/130th Station – NE Spring Blvd (North Side) Overlake Village Station – NE Shen St (Far Side)

LWSD Board Proposes $676.9 Million Construction Levy -- Passed in 2024

The 2024 levy passed 53% vs. 47%

LWSD proposes a six-year capital construction levy totaling $676.9 million in the November ballot. The annual tax will average $128 million. See the school board and staff's informative, colorful slide presentation here.

Dr. Jon Holmen, LWSD Superintendent says...

"Our community has an opportunity to set the stage for future generations, continuing to make Lake Washington a great place to live, raise a family and educate children,​” said  “Our students deserve educational environments that match the excellence we strive to attain with each of our students.”

Why does the district need a construction levy?

To continue to provide excellence in education for the students of our community, LWSD recommends placing this measure on the ballot. This levy will focus on aging facilities - to rebuild and enlarge the four remaining schools that have not received upgrades or rebuilds since the start of the 1998 modernization program. This levy would allow the district to ensure secure facilities with single entry points, interior hallways, and other features to ensure students continue to learn in a safe environment.

Levy will focus on replacing four aging schools and upgrading/modernizing the fieldhouse and community pool at Juanita High School.

UPDATED:, 6/6-2024 - Regan Dunn Condemns Homelessness Approach, Population Surges Past 16k

 

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn issued the following statement Wednesday after the King County Regional Homelessness Authority issued its 2024 Point-in-Time count of the number of people experiencing homelessness in King County, which tallied 16,385 people:

“King County’s homeless population has surged nearly 50% since the King County Regional Homelessness Authority was first formed five years ago and a shocking 23% since 2022, despite the millions of dollars spent. Leaders need to face the fact that the KCRHA’s current approach doesn’t work. Lives depend on leadership’s ability to change course.”

-- CONTACT: Daniel DeMay, 206-265-9197

###

"To qualify for a Bellevue Plymouth Crossing studio potential residents must  come through the King County Regional Homelessness Authority’s Coordinated Entry process, which determines who is prioritized for permanent supportive housing."

-- Seattle Times, Paige Cornwell, 7/17/2023

Update:  Presently, the Redmond Silver Cloud permanent housing hotel  is only used for emergencies until kitchenettes are installed. 35% of chronic homeless individuals go through a King County Coordinated Entry.  65% will be locally placed through Coordinated Entry by Tisza Rutherford as well (from Redmond, Kirkland and Bellevue referrals.) "The hotel has a capacity of 184 units and will house 100 after renovation is completed in 2025. Those in need of permanent housing are sent elsewhere."  So far, there are 10 referrals and the facility is currently unoccupied.  Tisza is doing a fantastic job finding homes and shelters for Eastside residents.  

 -- Source:  Tisza Rutherford, Redmond Homeless Outreach Coordinator, 425-553-7093 (mobile.)  6/5/2024

Redmond Councilmember Melissa Stuart said earlier this week that until KCHRA gets a new CEO and reorganizes, the Silver Cloud housing hotel could start moving forward.  On 6/5/2024 they hired hired Kelley Kinnison. 

-- posted by Yoder, 6/6.   

Mayor Birney / Senior & Community Center

Council Writes New Rules On Public Participation

Neighborhood Meeting with Council, 2019

Will we ever circle back?  

Council Writes New Rules For Public Participation in response to uncivil  comments by "SafeEastside" anti-homeless protesters.

Only for city business are citizens allowed to speak during City Hall "Items from the Audience."  All speakers must conclude their public comments within three minutes.  Any public comments made after three minutes are considered disruptive and may result in removal of the speaker from the meeting.  

Public commenters may not provide any comments which would be considered:

1. incitement, 
2. fighting words (words likely to provoke the average person to retaliation, and thereby cause a breach of the peace), 

Redmond Senior & Community Center Ribbon Cutting

 

(L-R) John Marchione, former Redmond Mayor; David Carson, former City Councilmember; Jessica Forsythe, City Council Vice President; Keri Pravitz, Head of Community Affairs for Amazon on the Eastside; Loreen Hamilton, Parks and Recreation Director; Senator Patty Kuderer; Redmond Mayor Angela Birney; Vanessa Kritzer, City Council President; Senator Manka Dhingra; Cari Scotkin, Redmond Arts and Culture Commissioner; Angie Nuevacamina, City Councilmember; and former City Councilmember Tanika Padhye. Photo: City of Redmond

Business/Community Plymouth Housing Forum

Centro Cultural Mexicano hosted the forum.  
Plymouth CEO Carol Lee sitting far left. 

Carol Lee, CEO of Plymouth Housing held a forum on April 27 for Redmond business and community members to learn about Plymouth's homeless services and operations.  About five businesses showed up. 

Plymouth Housing will build a downtown facility for 100 chronic homeless people.  It will be sited in a 6-story building near Anderson Park, with completion expected by 2026

Notes and Observations Of Light Rail Line 2

Redmond Technology Station Train / credit "Experience Redmond"

The April 27 ribbon-cutting for opening Light Rail "Line 2" was an historic day in Redmond.  The ceremony took place at Redmond Technology Station. Misty, 50-degree temps didn't stop the rush of thousands eager to experience their first ride on the Eastside.  My wife Pam and I had a terrific time!

The 6-mile, 17-minute trip from Redmond to south Bellevue had eight fun-filled station stops.  By far, the Overlake Village Station had the most exhibits, entertainment and food choices.  Unfortunately, we didn't have time to fully immerse, but I do have a few notes and observations to share:   

Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Redmond Downtown Park

 

Centro Cultural Mexicano invites you to join us at our annual Cinco de Mayo event at Redmond Downtown Park! This free, family-friendly cultural celebration highlights traditional Mexican culture, music, and food through seven hours of entertainment. We welcome you to be part of our event this year!

When:  Sunday, May 5 

11 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Where:  Downtown Park

 

--  ExperienceRedmond.com

UPDATED: The Peoples Right To Know

 

The City of Redmond's lack of good information on Silver Cloud-Redmond homeless housing and Plymouth Housing prompted this post.

Open Government:  The Peoples Right To Know

Redmond has three local governments:  The City of Redmond, Lake Washington School District and EvergreenHealth Public Hospital.  The public has a "right to know" information about their inner workings.  Public Record Request forms usually find the information you need.  When you don't get good information or it's a hassle finding it, you may feel like the bearded guy in the cartoon! 

Below, are helpful links to the Public Record Request forms for each government.  In my investigative reporting, I have some good experience with them and their Public Request Offices.  I've found the public records office of EvergreenHealth the most professional, the City of Redmond a close second with LWSD in the rear. 

Critical Area Ordinance, Public Hearing

 Great Blue Heron 
"Species of Local Importance"  
Sammamish River, Redmond, WA.   

Hello Planning Commissioners:

"I only caught part of your meeting last night, but it sounds like the State is requiring updates to the Critical Area Ordinance? 

As a college educated biologist -- similar to Mayor Angela Birney -- Critical Areas are important to me.   In the Ives Administration, I made "Species of Local Importance" and "Habitat of Local Importance" comments to the Planning Commission chaired by Mr. Snodgrass.  After much discussion, the commission decided on the Great Blue Heron (GBH) and Riparian habitat, in which it lives.   

City Dog Park Opens On Education Hill

 

Zoey getting ready to enter the small dog side

The new Redmond Pop-Up dog park is located behind the Hartman pool and high school baseball field.  Follow the signs on 104th for limited parking; it's easily walkable.  

We talked to Parks staff when it was under construction.  Brett Barker 😀 said it will be closed late August to make room for the high school cross country races.  Zoey romped happily today with two large dogs!  We had nice chats with their owners too!  

See you there!

-- B. Yoder, 4/19/2024

UPDATED 5/16/24: Council Review Of "The Homeless Hotel" And Plymouth Housing

Video of Council's "Safety & Human Services Committee Meeting." 8/16/2024 (Mayor Birney didn't participate.)

Notable viewing stops:  

Min 18:15 - Police Chief's Quarterly Activity Update (hyperlinked topics)

Min 40:00 - Start of the Permanent Supportive Housing Update (hyperlinked topics)

Min 45:35 - Emergency role of the HTH Overlake Homeless Hotel.

Min 47:50 - Community Advisory Group

Min 56:55 - Council Policy 

Min 1:14:10 - Councilmember Steve Fields' dialogue with Planning Director Carol Helland:  

Helland said, as the Administrator carrying out Council's policy, "there is no Hearing required" by State law.  Background information is included in the Plymouth Housing - Redmond FAQ's.

UPDATED, 4/18: Councilmember Forsythe's Letter On Plymouth Housing

 

COUNCIL V.P. JESSICA  FORSYTHE'S LETTER

The Facts