Food Insecurity In Redmond

Volunteering at the Hopelink Food Bank 

Hopelink Food Program

NourishingNetworks

Open  Kitchen - Redmond United Methodist Church

   -- Wednesday 5-6 PM Dine-in or Take-out

Please click "comment" below to leave them.

Backyard Cherry Tree

 

Massive cherry tree specimen 

A view from my desk to our backyard cherry tree.  You can't see, but it's a grouping of 2 landmark trees and 2 others (cabled) reaching over our fence.  Can you find the bird house we nailed to the trunk years ago without use of a ladder?  Yes, it's grown tremendously in our 36 years here.  All kinds of wildlife live in this tree, including racoon families.  On the downside, it's a garbagy tree.  In the Spring, faint blossoms and copious pollen falls on our windshields for weeks, then in the summer and Fall a multitude of sepals, inedible cherries and leaves must be swept from the patio.  Though this monster is my "therapy tree," I'll be glad to leave it behind when I move out of Redmond this year.       

-- Bob Yoder, 1/25/2025

For personal reasons, I'm taking a break from this blog.  I may be back in several weeks or so. [Most of the "Popular Posts" on the sidebar are dated.] 

Lake Washington School District Budget Earns Award

 

Eight is great! Lake Washington School District Budget Earns Meritorious Budget Award

Award reflects District’s goal of fiscal responsibility

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District’s (LWSD’s) 2024-25 Budget has earned the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) Meritorious Budget Award (MBA). This award promotes and recognizes excellence in budget development, communication, and presentation in school districts. LWSD has received this award eight years in a row. LWSD is the only district in the state of Washington to receive this award.

Mayor Birney's Year In Review

Osman Salahuddin Appointed To Serve 48th Legislative District

Redmond Councilmember Osman Salahuddin's Facebook post on his appointment to serve in the Washington State House of Representatives for the 48th Legislative District. Osman will keep his Redmond Councilmember seat.

Exciting life update: I’ve been appointed to serve in our WA State House of Representatives for the 48th Legislative District!

I’m humbled by the outpouring of support from my community. Thank you to the King County Council and the 48th LD PCOs for entrusting me with this responsibility. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you who have been a part of this journey — THANK YOU

As the only Muslim, South Asian, and now the youngest member of our WA State House, I’m honored to have this opportunity to advocate for communities whose voices have not often been represented in government.

I’m excited to continue my path of public service and representation of our diverse Eastside communities and all Washingtonians. More importantly, I’m ready to get to work (starting Monday!) aH

(I’ll be sharing a longer post to recognize all the amazing people, labor unions, organizations, and community champions who supported me in this process!)

Read about the appointment process here and how this vacancy came about: https://www.nwprogressive.org/.../king-county-council.../amp"

-- Osman Salahuddin, Facebook, 1/09/2025

Redmond Historical Society Newsletter, Annual Meeting

FRESH OFF THE PRESS!  The Society's comprehensive quarterly newsletter.  

Senior Center Art And Activities

Alice Groaski

Flowing,2023

Watercolor on paper, Japanese  

woodblock print  26x20

$250 206-612-3260

Monthly Senior ENCORE Newsletter. - a must read - online or in print.  

Register for Senior Center Activities and Special Events HERE  ("Winter Whimsey" tickets are going fast.) 

Community Centers 

The Front Desk will help you sign up for activities. 

OR contact Karen Phillips, 425-556-2388, kphillips@redmond.gov for assistance OR email guestservices@redmond.gov.

- Yoder

  1/3/2025

Mayor Birney's 2024 Redmond LIGHTS

  " YOUR PLACE IN THE MYSTERIOUS UNIVERSE" 

Artist:  Karl Whiteside

(click picture to enlarge) 

Updated: Redmond Kiwanis Club

You may have seen Redmond folks wearing blue Kiwanis shirts and hats around town.  Or, seen their name on the Senior Center donation plaque. They don't have a sign on the road but they are here and very active.  I was once a member when the Club was founded by retired Redmond Councilmember Pat Vache'.    

According to their Board, "the Redmond Kiwanis Club remains committed to serving our local community with a focus on reducing food insecurity, supporting youth programs, and engaging in outreach activities that foster connections within the area."  

If you're interested in learning more about them or want to join I recommend you reach out to Nika Kahhna.  Her email is:  President@redmondKiwanis.org; or visit their website.  Membership is $160/year, an application with BIO and informal interview is required and you need a sponsor.  

-- Happy Holidays,

    Bob Yoder, 12/18/2024

Updated: Marymoor and Downtown Light Rail Stations To Open Spring 2025

Light rail is coming to Downtown Redmond. Earlier this year, we celebrated the opening of Overlake Village Station and Redmond Technology Station, and in the spring of 2025, we will celebrate the opening of two more!

-- City of Redmond Facebook

Kritzer Elected Chair Of Salmon Recovery Council

 

Redmond Council President Vanessa Kritzer Elected Chair of WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council

REDMOND, WA - City Council President Vanessa Kritzer was elected to serve as chair of the Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Watershed (WRIA 8) Salmon Recovery Council, a partnership working to protect and restore salmon habitat in the region, including Redmond’s streams. The watershed is also referred to as Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 8 and covers an area of Puget Sound near the shore and inland from the north end of Elliott Bay to south Everett and east to the Bear Creek basin, the Issaquah Creek basin, and the upper Cedar River basin.

“It’s inspiring to see what we can accomplish when we work together, and I look forward to leading on this vital salmon recovery work. I encourage all residents to join in by learning about what you can to support our salmon and a healthier ecosystem,” said Council President Kritzer.

The WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council is composed of elected representatives from 29 local governments in the WRIA 8 watershed, plus partners and representatives from community organizations, business, environmental interests, and state and federal agencies. The council oversees the implementation of the science-based Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan, a response to the listing of Puget Sound Chinook as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

Our watershed is home to multiple species of salmon, including Chinook, coho, and sockeye, as well as kokanee, a small red landlocked species native to Lake Sammamish. Salmon are an important environmental and cultural resource for our region, and their survival depends heavily on our choices. Recovery efforts seek to restore salmon runs to levels that would consistently support sustainable runs for tribal and recreational fishing year-to-year.

Redmond Police Celebrates 'Monumental' FAA Drone Decision

Redmond Police Drone Center

Redmond Police celebrates 'monumental' decision by FAA that approves drone use on more 911 calls. 

Below, is a link to King 5 video story on the Redmond Police Department's innovative drone program ... leading the way within western Washington State: 

https://www.king5.com/video/tech/redmond-police-celebrating-monumental-decision-by-faa-that-approves-drone-use-on-more-911-calls/281-6fefce2c-e35d-4851-84dc-51838ff6c66f

-- King 5, 11/26/24

12/2024: City Staffer Says Development Has Slowed, Will Remain Flat

Yoder's Cartoon Opinion

Redmond city staffer writes "development in the City has slowed down compared to previous years and will remain relatively flat in the coming years."  

Overall, development in the City has slowed down compared to previous years, and this has had a noticeable impact on revenue. The decline in development activity became evident in 2023, and based on current trends, we anticipate that revenue from development will remain relatively flat in the coming years. Development revenue plays a crucial role in covering the full costs associated with the development staff. This includes salaries, benefits, and other operational expenses tied to the personnel who manage and oversee development projects within the City. Given the importance of development revenue in supporting these staff members, any fluctuations or declines in development activity directly impact our ability to maintain these roles at their current levels. To mitigate the impact of these fluctuations and protect against downturns in development revenue, we maintain a reserve within the Development Review Services fund (listed below). These reserves are designed to provide a financial buffer, ensuring that we can continue to support the necessary staffing and maintain service levels even during periods of lower development activity.

-- E.Z. Interim Financial Planning Manager, 11/6/2024

The 2025 estimated beginning fund balance for the General Fund is $51.9 million, which is used to fund reserves and contingencies that will be carried over and replenished each budget cycle. The remaining surplus is utilized to fund one-time (money) operating service enhancements, capital investments, and technology projects. The following General Fund reserves and contingencies are included in the preliminary budget:

 

• Economic Contingency ($4,645,228,000)  ("One-time money" is used exclusively for non-recurring expenses.)  
• Salary & Benefit Contingency ($5,365,000)
• Fire Overtime Contingency ($1,600,000)
• Body Worn Camera Program Reserves ($1,340,144)
• Opioid Funding Reserves ($557,000)
• Development Review Services Reserves ($3,619,750)

Source:   2025-26 Preliminary Budget / Expenditures 

Posted:  12/15/2024

Balducci Issues Statement On Harborview Tax Vote

 

Balducci issues statement on tax vote for Harborview Medical Center

 

The King County Council on Tuesday approved the so-called “Sunshine Ordinance” which sets the type and rate of county taxes each year, which funds a broad spectrum of basic government services. To fund Harborview Medical Center operations, maintenance and capital expansion, this year’s ordinance includes a dedicated property tax increase of 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, costing the average King County homeowner about $7.30 per month.

After Tuesday’s vote, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, a member of the King County leadership group that led to the creation of the Harborview funding proposal, released the following statement:

“I am proud of the action we took today to ensure Harborview Medical Center continues serving the people of King County and our region. The public we serve – and the workers who make this hospital so critical to the health of our region – will benefit from the investments we are making. Harborview offers an essential lifeline by prioritizing those most in need of care and compassion with the fewest resources to access it: care for people without insurance, survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and people with mental illness or substance use issues.

Police Chief Lowe Named To Brown's Transition Committee

 

Redmond Police Chief Named to Attorney General-Elect Brown’s Transition Committee

REDMOND, WA - Attorney General-Elect Nick Brown announced on Tuesday, Dec. 3, the advisors who will serve on his transition committee. The 30-person team will assist Brown as he prepares to take office.

Brown’s transition team will include Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe, who is also president of the WA Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

“I’m honored to be part of Attorney General-Elect Brown’s transition team and to provide law enforcement and leadership insights and perspectives he might find useful in setting up his new administration,” said Chief Lowe. 

Comprised of civic leaders from every part of the state, transition committee members will lend expertise from law enforcement, state government, business, non-profits, labor, and tribal affairs.

According to the announcement, the committee will be tasked with establishing Brown’s office and sharpening his agenda and key priorities.   

King County Launches 10 Additional Behavioral Health Mobile Crisis Teams

This week King County launched new mobile crisis teams to help people experiencing a mental health, drug or alcohol crisis.

Teams travel across the county to de-escalate behavioral health crises and connect people to support services. King County added 10 teams for a total of 27 teams operated by the Downtown Emergency Service Center and Sound Behavioral Health.

“We’re building a robust crisis system where everyone has access to the care they need, when and where they need it — reducing hospital and jail visits,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “By expanding the number of mobile response teams, we're on track to ensure people in crisis can get 24/7 help from a specialized behavioral health team.”

Anyone can text or call 988 for help and support.

Seattle Times article, 12/5/24  (1 minute read) 

Posted by Yoder, 12/5/24

King County property taxes fund this service.

Four-week Detour On Redmond Way

 

Bike and Pedestrian Detour in Downtown Redmond  

As early as the morning of Dec. 9th, Sound Transit’s contractors will be closing a section of sidewalk along Redmond Way and routing people walking or rolling on a temporary detour route. The closure and associated detour will be in place for approximately four weeks.   

 

The detour route will utilize a section of the future East Lake Sammamish Trail which will open in 2025. Once this temporary detour has been utilized this section of the East Lake Sammamish Trail will be closed until construction is completed in 2025. Please see the map below for more information on the detour route.  

LWSD Data Reveals Alarming Mental Health Challenges Facing Their Senior Students

Recent data from the 2023 LWSD Healthy Youth Survey reveals the alarming mental health challenges facing high school seniors: 25% report symptoms of depression, 12% have contemplated suicide, and 26% feel they have no adult to confide in. Additionally, 13% have experienced unwanted sexual contact, and 11% identify as “problem” or “heavy” drinkers. These figures underscore an urgent need for expanded access to mental health care.

“The statistics are alarming, but they also highlight the incredible need for a service like Care Solace,” remarked Katy Philips, LWSF Executive Director. “We are grateful for the opportunity to make mental health care more accessible and to work alongside LWSD and the City of Redmond to support our community’s well-being.”

Care Solace connects individuals with a large network of verified mental health providers, addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and more. The service offers 24/7/365 multilingual support in over 200 languages and is available at no cost to all LWSD students, families, and staff, regardless of insurance status.

By offering a centralized hub for connecting individuals to mental health care providers, Care Solace ensures timely, confidential access to services while relieving school staff of the challenging task of referring students to appropriate care. The platform’s database of over 560,000 providers enables efficient connections and ensures that students, especially those from historically underserved communities, receive the right support.

-- Lake Washington Schools Foundation

Mayor and Council Approve Credit Card Service Fees

The City of Redmond will start charging service fees for credit and debit card payments made online, over the phone and at the counter beginning December 2, 2024.  

Debit and credit cards used by Seniors will be charged fees of  2.75% plus 30 cents.  

Debit and credit cards used for Parks and Recreation registrations will be charged the same.  

Utility bills paid online or by phone will be charged $5.00.

Customers who wish to avoid the fee may pay with check or cash by mail or in person.  

Sources:  Senior "Encore" Newsletter;  City Council meetings

CITY WATCH: Updated Community Notes

NOTES ON THE STORM:    

Lots of comments at tonight's Council meeting on the severe cyclone wind storm.  

One lady complained that the warming stations closed at 8pm.  The community center closed at 8pm.  There was no place to go; no plan.  

Redmond AM 1650 emergency radio wasn't updated or current.  (It's available only in vehicles.) 

I'm a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer and saw no others during my trek outside.  I had to wave a woman with her toddler away from a downed power line.  She couldn't speak English. 

I was shocked to hear from a reader the City discontinued the CERT program.  He thought Councilmember Forsythe might know why.  Over 35 - 8 week CERT classes were held, now unorganized and unrefreshed.  When the next "Big One" comes our neighborhoods we will be unprepared. 

NOTES ON PLYMOUTH HOUSING and SILVER CLOUD:  

Plymouth Permanent Supportive Housing is expected to open late 2026.  Evan Sexton, the Plymouth marketing employee said Plymouth will hold open public office hours at the Together Center the second Wednesday of each month, 11am-2pm.  He said they've already had one Advisory Committee meeting. 

The county's Silver Cloud permanent housing staff are looking for community volunteers for the 15 residents housed there. 12 staff members work there!  Staff leaders give me the go-around when I try to help.  

ELECTRIC FIRE ENGINES:   Council President Kritzer prided the city about including the e-fire engine equipment on the budget.  Redmond is the first city on the west coast to pay for one. It was a race with Bellevue.     

CITY ISSUES $100 GIFT CARDS for select citizens participating in a 2-hour workshop on EV infrastructure and EV experiences.  The workshop will be held at the Senior & Community Center where charging stations are located.    

The Mayor purchased 5 new gas-powered snow plows and gave them names.  

-- Bob Yoder, 12/3/24

Fancy Redmond Snowplows

Cute, but does the city really need these?   And a tracking map??