Rebecca Hirt Steps Down From EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners

 

Rebecca Hirt has served as an EvergreenHealth Commissioner for 40 years 

KIRKLAND, WA – On July 1, 2024, Rebecca Hirt stepped down from Position #2 on the EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners. Hirt says she is stepping down to care for her husband of 58 years and spend more time with her family.

 

Hirt was voted onto the Board by the EvergreenHealth community in 1983 and was sworn in January 1984. Over the last 40 years, she has held multiple leadership roles including Board Chair and Board Secretary. In addition to her leadership roles, Hirt has served on several Board committees, including the Levy Funded and Sponsorship Programs Committee, the Quality and Safety Committee and the Audit, Finance and Compliance Committee.

 

“I have cherished my time as a member of the EvergreenHealth Board and getting to work with so many groups and individuals, all dedicated to meeting the health needs of our patients and our community,” said Hirt. “I look forward to spending more time with my family knowing that our Board, the executive team, physicians and staff will continue to deliver quality care and enhance patient safety.”

 

A decades-long resident of Kirkland, Hirt holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology degree from The Ohio State University. Hirt also worked as a Medical Technologist in the clinical laboratory at EvergreenHealth for 10 years before being voted onto the Board.

Individuals interested in this important and exciting role and reside in King County Public Hospital District #2, specifically the subdistrict of Kirkland/Kenmore, should apply.

Updated: HTH-Redmond Chronic Homeless Building Opens / Community Meeting, 7/30

"Grand Opening" of HTH - Redmond homeless building
 credit: Andrew Villeneuve/ NPI

According to the City, HTH - Redmond building in Overlake is now open. 

The Salvation Army will be hosting a community meeting for residents and businesses to learn more about how they will house 100 chronic homeless.

Where: Health through Housing (HTH) Redmond, 2122 152nd Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052  (Overlake Silver Cloud Hotel location.) 

When: July 30, 2024, 6 p.m. 

If you have questions or concerns, please contact The Salvation Army at 425-689-5771 or email HHRedmond@usw.salvationarmy.org. 

BACKGROUND: 

The County paid $28.25 million for the Silver Cloud hotel in Overlake.  

Roughly four weeks ago 6/6/24, Tisza Rutherford, Redmond's Homeless Outreach Coordinator reported all 144+ units of the HTH-Redmond building in Overlake were presently unfilled, awaiting final construction of 100 units reserved for chronic homeless individuals. She didn't know how / if the remaining 44+ units will be used.   According to Tisza, 65% of the homeless individuals will enter from Redmond, Kirkland and Bellevue;  35% will enter from the outlying cities / locations. Tisza works with the King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRHA) to select and admit the individuals. She had 10 Referrals waiting for admission. The HTH - Redmond is providing only Emergency Housing. It has no kitchenettes. Permanent Supportive Housing is not guaranteed. Tisza's work and mission is invaluable.

Mayor Birney is on one of three disorganized KCHRA boards authorized to select a much needed new CEO which they now have. (3 CEO's quit.) 

-- Bob Yoder, 7/3/2024

[ In 2026, KCHRA will participate in selecting chronic homeless individuals for Plymouth Housing in downtown Redmond.  FAQ ]

UPDATED: King County Property Tax Transparency Tool

"Localscape" - King County Assessor Transparency Tool

King County Assessor John Wilson developed the invaluable Localscape "transparency assessor tool" to calculate individual 2024 taxes and levy rates based on your home's appraised value.  Current and past taxes, area median household income, area sales, and copious other useful data is resourced.   

In 1981, I bought my 1,800 sf home on Education Hill for $92,000.  According to the calculator, the 2023 average sales price in my area is $1.2M.  

My total property taxes in 2023 were $8961.80 (up $1,630 from 2022.)  The calculator showed 2023 King County levy rates and dollar amounts on my property were, as follows: 

• Local School 29.30%  - $2475.48
• City 11.04% - $849.3
• County 10.9% - $1311.16
• Library 3.57% - $282.98
• EMS 2.85% - $222.24
• Hospital 2.57% - $151.47
• Transit 2.12% - $160.53
• Port 1.03% - $102.61
• Flood .92% - $69.26
• STATE Taxes $2467.16 (schools, fire, roads, parks & recreation) 

2024 taxes will most likely increase from 2023 owing to voter approved levies and bonds.  This year voters passed a 14 cent /$1000 property tax for the King County Mental Health Crisis Centers; and King County's Silver Cloud hotel in for the chronic homeless.  LWSD will have a $676.9 million construction levy measure on the November ballot. (EvergreenHealth District No. 2 will propose a levy lid-lift August 2025.)

To check out the tax data on your home:  

https://localscape.property/#kingcountyassessor/My-Property

-- Bob Yoder, 7/1/2024

King County Assessor Mailing Property Value Notices

King County Assessor John Wilson

Residential Values Rise, While Values of Large Office Buildings Fall in a Mixed Real Estate Market

The King County Assessor’s office has begun the annual process of mailing property valuation notices to taxpayers. Notices will be arriving soon.  Preliminary indications show most residential areas will increase a little over 10% on average. Commercial properties are more mixed depending on property type.

Data indicates that most residential market areas will see value increases this year. Those increases will range from the single digits in Seattle, to roughly 20% in some east King County areas. In 2022, some Eastside communities saw values soar 50% in year over year.

“Finally, it is always important to remember that voter approved special levies usually have more impact on property tax increases than do increases in home values,” added Wilson.

To learn more about how property values and taxes are determined, the appeal process, the senior exemption or to use the taxpayer transparency tool, please visit here.

EvergreenHealth Commissioners Present Microsoft Community Service Award

 CEO Ettore Palazzo is 4th from the right

This Is the first of two Community Service Awards being presented by the Board this year. 

 KIRKLAND, Wash. — EvergreenHealth’s Board of Commissioners is recognizing Microsoft for its remarkable commitment to improving the health and wellness of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic by presenting the company with the 2023 Community Service Award.

 

During the pandemic, Microsoft volunteered to help EvergreenHealth and Overlake Medical Center, as well as collaborate with numerous community agencies, to create an effective vaccine program. With dedicated efforts to reach and support BIPOC community members, Microsoft helped administer more than 176,000 vaccinations on the Eastside.

 

“In the midst of the pandemic, Microsoft went above and beyond to advance the health of our community,” said EvergreenHealth Board Chair Virgil Snyder. “The company donated its education center and provided staff support for vaccination program operations, implemented tracking software, fully funded the program and covered clinical costs, donated time, leadership and passion around the clock. Their team set an example and encouraged broader community involvement and support. This award expresses our sincere appreciation to Microsoft for its role as a leader in our community during an unprecedented time.”

 

The award was announced during the June 18 Board of Commissioners meeting and was the first of two 2023 Community Service Awards being presented by the Board this year. The second 2023 Community Service Award will be presented in July.

 

Since 1998, the Community Service Award has been presented to community members and groups who make a profound impact on enhancing the health of the Eastside and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to our most important values: compassion, respect, excellence, collaboration and accountability. See a list of past recipients here.

 

EvergreenHealth Board Chair Virgil Snyder (right) presents the 2023 Community Service Award to Colleen Daly (left), Microsoft's Director of Occupational Health, Safety and Research

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About EvergreenHealth   

EvergreenHealth is a community-owned health care hospital system serving more than one million residents in King and Snohomish counties. Since 1972, EvergreenHealth has evolved alongside the Eastside community into a two-hospital health system with a network of primary care practices, urgent care centers, specialty clinics, extensive home care and hospice services, and 24/7 emergency care in Kirkland, Monroe and Redmond. As a public hospital district, the health system’s purpose is to enrich the health and wellness of everyone in the community by providing equal access to high-quality, high-value care, partnering with local organizations to perform outreach and offering health education to address our community’s needs now and for generations to come.  The hospital system is named one of Healthgrades America’s 50 Best™ Hospitals and holds a 5-Star Overall Rating from the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS). Learn more at www.evergreenhealth.com.  

Circle of Life - Moving On

 

Our roundabout way of getting to places in Gibraltar. 😊  

It is nice to be back home and with a fresh perspective after touring Europe for 16 days. I've decided, even more so, that Redmond needs not just news reporting but a "trouble-maker" (like me) to opine, to bring balance, accountability and government transparency to our community.  We deserve more than what the Mayor is delivering right now, especially with regard to King County's push for promised "harm reduction" of homeless housed in our two urban centers. 

In the Ives' Administration, Redmond Reporter editor John Huether gave me a monthly column, "City Watch."  My first column was published February 14th, 2007: "Tent City moves in at St. Jude."  Yes, the homeless problem in Redmond reaches back 17 years, even with affordable housing.  Some homeless were being bused in from Texas.  If I were to have a column today it would focus on mental health, especially on EvergreenHealth's progress in furthering community behavioral health care and improving the governance process. 

My daughter Lexie (LWSD K-12) born at EvergreenHealth is having a baby boy this summer.  I'll be writing and "watching" less often and some day leave Redmond altogether to be with my extended family. I'm writing with a sense of urgency in this circle of my life.  

-- Bob Yoder, 6/27/2024

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

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"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: