Rob Butcher, Kirkland's man-about-town

Rob Butcher

About ten years ago -- before social media really took off as a source for news  -- "hyper-local blogs" were the in-thing.  The Seattle Times caught onto this and started up "News Partners" to organize and link popular hyperlocals to their online paper.  Rob Butcher's "Kirkland Views" was one of them. I first met Rob at a News Partners orientation and we've stayed in touch ever since.

Kirkland Views has evolved into a vibrant, highly successful community "news forum" filling a void left by Kirkland's struggling print media. Read "About Us."  What I admire most about Rob's media are the engaging conversations his readers have with each other. Check it out, you'll see!

Last week we spent 2 hours over coffee catching up. I learned a lot. Rob's highly engaged with his community; in my opinion, in many ways he's Kirkland's "man about town."

Kirkland Views is set up to have a life of it's own, giving Rob plenty of time to participate and volunteer in the community.  He's the Creative Director for Kirkland Events and now works year-round as the organizer of  "Octoberfest with a Northwest Twist."  Proceeds go to community non-profits: the Sibling House, Eastside Time Bank, Imagination Housing, Meow, and the Kirkland Downtown Association.  I suggested  VALA -- a nonprofit in Redmond dedicated to the arts. VALA's Director of Art is also the Chair of Kirkland's Art Commission. He was quite interested. Art is a great connector.

We discussed what makes our cities a great place to live and play. Kirkland's downtown waterfront and village atmosphere is a huge draw.. (My daughter and her friends do most their playing and dining in and around Kirkland's downtown.)  Redmond's the Edge city of Microsoft so we have a more culturally diverse and urban look and feel. I suggested Marymoor Park, linear park activities, our historic Derby Days, tall evergreen trees, and a network of trails and salmon-bearing creeks make Redmond special.

I'm planning to go to Octoberfest in September, insisting he make it to our Derby Days. We'll bump into each other soon I hope!

Bob Yoder  

City of Redmond forbids fireworks

A listing of other jurisdictions that allow fireworks

Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond Fire Department is wishing the citizens of Redmond and Fire District 34 a happy and safe Fourth of July. The Fire Department would like to remind residents that it is unlawful to sell, possess, use, or explode fireworks within the City Limits of Redmond. (Redmond Municipal Code: 9.26.020).

There are no public fireworks displays planned within the City of Redmond, but the following website has a list of fireworks displays occurring throughout King County.http://www.americantowns.com/wa/king-county/news/july-4th-fireworks-schedule-festivities-and-parades-in-king-county-wa-329870

Residents of Fire District 34 (Unincorporated King County) are allowed to use fireworks that are approved by the State of Washington (RCW 70.77.136) and purchased through legal fireworks stands. Fireworks are allowed to be discharged in unincorporated King County only on the Fourth from 9 am to midnight.

To learn more about fireworks ordinances in your city or county and for a list of Fourth of July celebrations, visit the State Fire Marshal website at http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm. For fireworks-related complaints or safety concerns in the City of Redmond or Fire District 34, please call 911.

Blacktail deer sauntering down 160th Avenue

credit Reinke

Yesterday afternoon I was about to drive away after taking a walk along the Sammamish River in Redmond,when I chanced to look through my rear view mirror.

I spotted a deer sauntering down the middle of 160th Ave NE, heading in my direction.  I quickly pulled my camera out of my pocket and waited quietly for it to walk past my window, no more than a few feet away.  I was lucky to snap the attached photo, which came out pretty well.

J. Reinke

Derby Days!

Redmond, WA –Join the fun at Redmond’s 76th Annual Redmond Derby Days Summer Festival on July 8 and 9, 2016 at the Redmond City Hall Campus, 15670 NE 85th Street. There are activities for the whole family including local music, parades, kids and adult bicycle races, food, and beer and wine gardens sponsored by local companies.

“Redmond Derby Days is a cherished event. It brings our community together to celebrate our small-town roots and innovative spirit,” said Mayor John Marchione. “I invite residents of all ages to join me in the festivities and celebrate our thriving and diverse community.”  Read More >>

Lake Washington School District 2016-17 budget proposed

Adding all-day kindergarten, reduced class sizes in grades K-3

Redmond, Wash. – At its June 20 meeting, the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors reviewed a draft budget for the 2016-17 school year that enables the district to introduce All Day kindergarten for all students, reduce class sizes in grades K-3 and make other investments toward achieving the district’s strategic goals.

The draft budget included an increase of 5.8% in general fund revenues. Those revenues will rise from $304 million for 2015-16 to $321 million budgeted for 2016-17. The increase involved additional state revenue to fund basic education. Revenue also increased due to growing enrollment.

                Over the past two years, the state legislature has begun to take steps to fully fund basic education because of the McCleary state Supreme Court decision. That decision ruled the state was not meeting its obligation to fully fund K-12 public education as required by the state constitution.

                Expenditures will increase by about 5.7%, or $17 million dollars. The district’s growing enrollment requires more staff to serve them, part of the increased costs. The budget anticipates an increase of 681 students in 2016-17 to 28,410 students.  Read More>>

Updated: "Poets in the Park"

Last Saturday my wife and I went to Anderson Park for the annual "Poets in the Park" event. My wife painted at the VALA Arts Center booth and spent time talking to Michael Dylan Welch about his passion for haiku.  Michael is Redmond's third Poet Laureate.  My favorite haiku was by Christopher Herold.

foghorns

we lower our kayak

into the sound

I discovered the poem in Michael's installation "Haiku on Sticks."  I spent a lot of time talking to Dawn Laurant at the VALA Arts Center booth.  Dawn is the VALA Arts Director and Chair of the Kirkland Arts Commission.  She could be a tremendous resource for the "Redmond Arts and Culture Committee."  (The City of Redmond really needs to up their game, specifically in outdoor art.)

Dawn is especially excited about "Ekphrastic Assimilations: Finding Poetry in Art."   It's an exhibition of visual art and poetry including 6 artists from China, 6 artists from Washington and several featured poets. Sept 15th - Oct 31st.  The art will be displayed at VALA with poetry readings in Kirkland.  www.Ekphrasic.org (starting July 1) A lot of work and fundraising is going into it. Need I say this will be an incredible event.  It will draw regional attention and put Redmond on the map.

VALA is developing into an exciting arts center for Redmond.  Stop by the gallery in RTC, 8201 164th Ave NE. and pick up their June-September line-up. 100% of the proceeds from art sales go to the artist!  They just hired a new Executive Director, Vicki Todd.  Lots going on!

Poets in the Park activities:  poetry readings, open mics, workshops, a poetry book fair, and free ice cream. Also featured, mini-golf, Poetry on Sticks, art activities sponsored by VALA Art Center, and a Redmond Historical Society display. "Redmond Association of Spoken Word" (RASP) organized the event.  The City of Redmond co-sponsored it with RASP.  The current Poet Laureate, Shin Yu Pai, recited. and her performance drew me to the event.  Michael Dylan Welch (http://www.graceguts.com/) was the Event Director and made it all happen.   

Bob Yoder

Council passes the "Bear Creek Parkway Extension"

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

This is an edited 2008 report, and video on the Bear Creek Parkway Extension. In the video I said the extension would improve aesthetics. Wrong!  B.Y. 2016.

Council passes the Bear Creek Parkway Extension construction project

The July 15, 2008 Council conversations on the $23 million "Bear Creek Parkway Extension" project were interesting, yet challenging to follow. I had to contact the City Clerk to confirm the final 4-2 vote FOR the project.

All councilmembers (Mr. Pat Vache' was absent) wanted the construction project approved, but two councilmembers Kim Allen & Richard Cole were seriously upset with the proposed alignment. In the beginning Councilman David Carson went along with Mr. Cole's original stance against the project. By the end of the debate only Carson and Allen voted against the project. Cole reluctantly voted for it.  Read More >>

Most of the trees in Redmond's oldest city park are saved - for a price

Anderson Park Pump House, 2016

Below is an edited, older 2008 article. I just got home from the "Arts in the Park" event at Anderson Park and thought of this 2008 report when looking at an historical society exhibit. The photos are poorly displayed but it's better than nothing! Bob Yoder 6/25

Anderson Park Pump House during construction, 2008

Anderson Park is Redmond's oldest park and also the home for two city drinking water wells. The wellheads are old and are being replaced. To save many of the park trees the city bought some expensive land a block north to house the treatment plant. 6 trees still had to be removed; 2 were unhealthy. The Board of Parks commissioners led by Chair Lori Snodgrass fought hard for this expensive proposal to preserve Anderson Park. Councilman Vache requested a "fiscal note" to recognize the high cost ($11.6M) of the project.  Read More >>

Commentary: Change and growth are always a challenge

Council member Kim Allen
March 2, 2013 
                                    
Kim originally published this in 2013 as a comment under "Redmond's Identity Crisis"

Council member Kim Allen

As downtown Redmond builds out, it is my wish and intent for the old and new to complement each other. The Downtown park already hosted several successful outdoor concerts last summer and I have often seen folks throwing a ball or frisbee or stopping to sit s spell at the red tables-weather permitting, of course. As the Redmond Way/Cleveland St. Corridor is restored to 2 way traffic over the next couple of years, the elements like street lighting and such will be added to give us a more walkable downtown.

I have been working hard on regional transit to make sure Redmond gets what we need to get more folks out of their cars to lessen congestion. I can tell you that there are many cities competing for a limited pot of transit dollars and hours. We work regionally to keep Redmond at the table as a leader to deliver the transit that is such an important part of a green and walkable Redmond. Through those regional efforts, we are working in partnership with Metro to plan to try out some new ways to access transit in our neighborhoods.

As to the 166th St. 4 to 3 conversion, Councilmember Margeson and I took a firm stand and insisted that adequate funding be put aside in our capital fund during this budget session to do that work as soon as possible. We moved funds from a less urgent project to do so. It is a priority for safety and to give Ed Hill folks a comfortable environment to choose to walk and bike where they need to go.

Change and growth are always a challenge but I believe we can integrate those elements that make Redmond a great place to call home, even as we prepare to welcome more people who will also call it home.

Source:  March 2, 2013 comment on Redmond Neighborhood Blog

Letter To Editor: The Downtown "glacial erratic" Sculpture is a Monolith .

Dede originally published this as a comment under "Musings on Redmond Arts"  

By Dede M Falcone

To me the Downtown "glacial erratic" outdoor art sculpture is a monolith.  First it's position is very poorly placed.  It is at the junction of three roads, the East side of the sculpture (looking west) is obscured by trees. On the north side it can only be viewed driving east, due to a one way road.  And on the southside it is visible for only a few moments once you have driven through the intersection.

I feel that the concept is lacking in depth, and that though the intention is to speak to the past of Redmond as once being Glacial, I hardly think that's a unique enough descriptor for our fair city. Last I heard, most of the Eastside had Glaciers.

No, I don't think the Glacial erratic is an effective use of the "pot of money" for the arts and artists of this burgeoning place, nor do I believe that particular work is terribly interesting, inventive, conceptual or inspiring.

I know that Art has suffered greatly through municipal and educational cuts and austerity measure from recent economic crises, but I think a more thoughtful, more equitable distribution of Art-funding will act as a boilerplate to actual art creation, exhibition, sales and public interaction.  I think the spirit of art is held within the people who make it, love and celebrate it.  Right now none of those "things"* could be definitive of the kinds of art works which have been commissioned thus far.

We (the public) simply have no connection to that artwork nor do we know how to connect to it.  That is the problem. It is missing the human touch of connectivity to its environment, to this culture, to the activities. It's just kind of stagnant.

Anyway, thanks for letting me offer my expertise here.  I hope it's taken in the right light as well intended that we learn from past mistakes.

Editor's note:  children and adults are warned not to climb the Erratic.  

Dede Falcone's opinion was originally published in "Friends."

Flood Control District to implement "split channel option" for the Willowmoor Restoration Project, will work closely with City of Redmond

A 6/18 report on Councilmember Kim Allen's and Susan Wilken's involvement in the Willowmoor project. 

On June 20, the Flood Control District passed a motion to proceed to thirty percent design for the Willowmoor Project

Lake Sammamish Transition Zone Willowmoor Floodplain Restoration Project On Monday, June 20, the Flood Control District Executive Committee passed a motion to proceed to thirty percent design for the Willowmoor Floodplain Restoration Project with an alternative that balances flood control, habitat restoration, fish passage, recreational access and on-going maintenance, including beaver mitigation and a dynamic weir. In response to stakeholder input, the motion also includes exploration of issues raised throughout the public process, including at the last public meeting on June 6th. The motion specifically cites the following topics to be included in the next phase of the Willowmoor Project: Develop the split channel alternative in such a way that balances the objectives of flood control, habitat restoration, fish passage, and sustainability; Include variable depth pools as an enhancement to the split channel alternative; Work with the city of Redmond on coordination with city flood control efforts, groundwater issues related to cold water supplementation, and Bear Creek impacts on Sammamish River flows; Read More >>

Letter: Mackey Creek and Juel Creek restoration

Tom Hardy
City of Redmond

Thanks for coming to the Mackey Creek project meeting last week. It’s always great to have interested members of the environmental community present at meetings.

The Willows Creek project you and John Reinke visited is doing well. There have been a few changes in recent years in the ravine where the streams flows; large trees have fallen over with some of the windstorms we’ve had. The trees have added wood to the stream channel helping to capture sediment (gravel, sand, etc.), dig pools and create a more complex channel. A lot of the native plants that the WCC crew planted have taken off as well, which has helped to improve the riparian buffer.

Juel Creek Restoration Project

During your walk last week, it sounds like you came upon portions of the Juel Creek project that was done over a few years; 2013-15. I’ve attached a map that shows the sequence and general locations of the project elements. The Juel Creek project removed four fish barriers, installed logs and planted the riparian. Although Juel Creek is starting to dry up, it provides great rearing habitat for juvenile salmon and trout (and other species), and is connected to Bear Creek.

Like Willows Creek, we were able to do most of the work with WCC crews and did not have to use many artificial anchors to anchor the logs. We did install a few anchors near the mouth of Bear Creek because of the possibility of the logs floating away during high water events.

I do not know the history of homesteaders in Juel Park. I believe the trees you saw on the bank of Bear Creek were alders. The concrete blocks and other debris was put there by the farmer, years ago, to armor the bank and prevent Bear Creek from migrating east at that location. The City has a project identified in the long term to remove the armoring (concrete blocks) and to install logs and allow the stream to act more naturally.

Thanks for your interest and talk with you later,

Tom Hardy

Stream & Habitat Planner | City of Redmond

A downtown "nature walk" -- and talk with Council member David Carson

My daughter and I took a walk down Education Hill to Frankies for lunch, then Target, then Avondale to 180th, up the Ashford Trail to Perrigo Springs, past the Redmond Bike Park and home. (Beloved Frankies, the Italian restaurant icon is going to be demolished in October to make room for a hotel.) Click the links to read the old stories.of the Ashford Trail, Perrigo Springs and the Redmond Bike Park.  

The Avondale stretch was congested and noisy as usual.  But we were surprised the sidewalk took us on a bridge over our magnificent Bear Creek!  Incredible how nature was only a few yards from the arteriole. To me, Bear Creek, Evans Creek, the Sammamish River and the green ring of conifers surrounding the city are what makes Redmond special.  

David Carson

At the half way mark of our walk, we stopped at Kringles Bakery.  I had never been inside and was curious.  Guess who we found with his computer?  Council member David Carson!  He must have talked with Lexie for 25 minutes. Homeless encampments, the Landing, downtown development, the EvergreenHealth Board expansion, and the Design Review Board were a few of the topics he touched on with me. Then, David got into his love of motorcycling and all the places he's traveled. He's clocked 40,000 miles on his chopper.  Montana, Idaho, Canada, Oregon and on.

Bakeries and any coffee shop other than "Charbucks" are his favorite hangouts...breweries too.  He likes the "savory" food of independent coffee houses and the whiskeys at Woodblock Redmond.  

Mr. Carson's city website Bio:

Position #7
Term Expires 12/31/19
Chair of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Member of the Public Safety Committee
Member of the Finance, Administration, and Communications Committee

David moved from Southern Oregon to Redmond to work for Microsoft in 1991 and works as a Software Test Engineer. He graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. His hobbies are riding motorcycles, cooking and playing in Redmond's recreational softball league. He lives with his wife Danielle and pets in the Viewpoint neighborhood of Redmond.

dcarson@redmond.gov
425.556.2113

By Bob Yoder

EvergreenHealth Named One of the Nation's "100 Great Community Hospitals" of 2016

Kirkland, Wash. — Today Becker’s Hospital Review named EvergreenHealth to its “100 Great Community Hospitals | 2016” list. The health system was among other leading hospitals recognized by Becker’s for its quality care, safety and service achievements over the last year, and for being a vital part of its community by offering quality care and exceptional services to its patient population.

The Becker’s Review honor comes on the heels of EvergreenHealth’s recent recognition among the nation’s Top 100 Hospitals by Truven Analytics for its ability to improve outcomes and reduce overall expenses per patient. EvergreenHealth was the only health system in Washington State to receive this distinction.

“We hold ourselves to the highest standards for quality care, safety, service and value, and we are proud to be named among other industry leaders for setting the bar in these critical areas,” said EvergreenHealth CEO Bob Malte. “This recognition is a true reflection of the dedication of our providers, nurses, staff and volunteers who share a purpose to enrich the health and well-being of every life we touch.”  Read More >>

A little history -- The Big Chicken Barn near Novelty Hill Road

Big chicken barn hatches profits as high-tech storage warehouse

by Sarah Koenig, Redmond Reporter Staff

At 85, Leroy Olson could be a poster child for the way the Eastside used to be. While some lament the changes time has wrought by time and technology, Olson has used some of those changes to his advantage. Standing across from the gigantic circular green barn on the homestead he shares with his wife, Vera, near Novelty Hill Road east of Redmond, he told his story.

"It was a chicken barn, "he said. "It's 500 feet all the way around. It's so big it shows up (on satellite pictures) from outer space. Some people wanted me to tear down the thing. "

He didn't.

"In 1969, I paid $40,000 for 12 acres, and people said I paid too much, " he said. "I get a lot more than that a year in income on the thing. "  Read More >>

Redmond Saturday Market

REDMOND SATURDAY MARKET

May though October, 9-3

Report on the Kokanee Salmon of Lake Sammamish

By Gary Smith
City of Redmond Parks and Trails Commissioner
Water Tender

"Several years ago I reported on the declining number of Kokanee in Lake Sammamish (see the WaterTender Newsletter of Fall/Winter 2009).  It was a familiar story which I called “a dire situation” on waterways near modern developments that increase pollution, sediment buildup (siltation?), flash storm-runoff, and occasionally explosive algae growth.  Kokanee are dying early in increasing numbers, threatening the entire population.

Even though the US Fish and Wildlife Service finally in 2007 (?) declined to list the fish as endangered, local groups went ahead with restoration projects, and those grassroots efforts have shown positive effects.  Returns have been up and down – no surprise for salmon-watchers -- but nothing as perilously low as 2008 when fewer than 100 Kokanee spawned, according to King County spotters.  And a couple striking new developments in the story will bring this update to a more optimistic conclusion. First, a couple basics:

·        Kokanee are the same species as sockeye salmon:  Oncorhynchus nerka (Also: Kickininee, land-locked sockeye; little redfish).

·         Unlike other salmonids, Kokanee complete their entire life cycle in fresh water, maturing in the lake and migrating into tributaries where they spawn and produce offspring imprinted with that natal water.

·         Lake Sammamish has 3 main tributaries with viable Kokanee runs:  Lewis, Ebright, and Laughing Jacobs Creeks (Issaquah Creek once had the largest migration, but it declined over the period of the state hatchery’s operation and was declared extirpated in 2002).  Read More >>

·        Over the past 7 years, each of these tributary runs has been supplemented with hatchery fry raised in its respective natal water and released in springtime (this spring, for the first time Issaquah Creek will receive transplants from other streams raised in at the Issaquah hatchery).  Several other creeks are also showing signs of life; for example, in the Redmond area Idylwood had several Kokanee this past spawning season, and I found a carcass on Bear a couple years ago (Dick Schaetzel and Ed Schein make similar claims).  These fish are probably strays because, to quote from a 2003 King County report:  “In the 1940s, the kokanee in Bear Creek were so prolific that they were considered to be the most important run of kokanee in the entire Lake Washington Basin . . . (but) by the early 1970s, the Bear Creek kokanee population was considered to be extinct” http://tinyurl.com/kokaneeupdate .

The supplementation plan was developed in 2007 by the Kokanee Work Group (KWG), which represents a myriad of government and non-government organizations, coordinated by a King County official.  The group is working to improve the health of this fish population so it becomes self-sustaining and would ultimately support fishing in the lake.  Over its 10-year history the KWG members have remained enthusiastic and have recently come together to sharpen the focus in two new public efforts: 

1.       In 2014, Sammamish Lake was named an Urban Wildlife Refuge, one of eight national programs designated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell made the announcement in spring of that year at the annual Kokanee fry release, and since then, the Kokanee Work Group and other organizations have been building a constituency to conserve fish and wildlife in the central Puget Sound watershed, centered around the Kokanee.  For more info see www.fws.gov/urban/partnerships.php .

2.      Trout Unlimited is establishing a new position, the Lake Sammamish Kokanee Restoration Project Manager.  Supported by the Kokanee Work Group, this person could greatly accelerate the pace of projects already identified by the KWG to improve fish passage and habitat and could also initiate more youth education programs, community outreach events and citizen-science activities.

The overall effort is still aimed at restoring the Kokanee to a self-sustaining population which will support a fishery, but therein lies the rub:  because yearly numbers fluctuate so greatly, it’s not clear what level is sustainable and specifically when it will be possible to take fish for human consumption, the primary goal of some groups including the tribes.  At first glance, the problem doesn’t seem so complicated, at least not compared to the other salmon species.  Since they don’t typically go to sea, the Kokanee population is contained in a closed system, and the variables affecting mortality are relatively few.  Yet, the numbers fluctuate in patterns that perplex fish biologists.  The science is too complex for this short article, but here is an example of the unpredictable numbers.  2012 was the first year when hatchery fish were expected to spawn, and numbers were indeed higher that year, but analysis showed that only 9% of them were hatchery fish.  And in-between, 2013 was another near-disaster for the population:  only 141 Kokanee returned to spawn in the 3 major tributaries, nearly equaling the worst year on record, 2007 (over half the spawners were hatchery fish).  Success is still not certain, and therefore the supplementation effort will continue until more answers are found.  See the timeline for a simplified look at the KWG strategy for Lake Sammamish Kokanee.

Among the steps I suggested in my newsletter article 7 years ago was one that now presents an opportunity for Watertenders:  “Encourage local officials to improve stormwater management.”  With or without our prodding, King County has embarked on a new multi-year project to study stormwater issues in our Bear Creek watershed.  Initial meetings have already set the groundwork for a Stakeholder Workshop and a Public Meeting this fall, aiming to complete a final watershed plan for submission to the Washington State Department of Ecology in 2018.  For details see www.kingcounty.gov/BearCreekPlan .

It is a fitting follow-on to the county’s ground-breaking work done over 25 years ago in the watershed, resulting in the Bear Creek Basin Plan which recommended regulations for storm water retention and detention, forest cover, buffers, etc.  Seems to me worthy of continued Watertender attention.

• The following is not science-based; it’s just a story I’ll call “Chicken and the Egg:”                           So which came first, the Kokanee or the Sockeye:  As a typical glacial lake in the Pacific Northwest, Lake Sammamish is theorized to have become populated with Kokanee during the Ice Age when migrating sockeyes were trapped.  They flourished, and tribal accounts emphasize the importance of this “little red fish” as a food source, smaller than the other salmon but available year-round.  But 100 years ago things changed when the Ballard Locks were built.  It’s believed that during construction when the lake level was dropping and the southern outlet of Lake Washington was shut off and the Black River disappeared, other populations of salmon died out in Lake Sammamish.  And so today, you will often hear that the salmon in the Lake Washington system are all hatchery fish.  This is certainly debatable, and as some of you WaterTenders may remember, we heard a talk (?) attesting to the wild genes in the Bear Creek sockeye population.  Perhaps those modern sockeye had transformed from their landlocked cousins.  Kokanee have been known to occasionally migrate to the ocean and return, so it’s conceivable that the contemporary sockeye has ancient genes preserved through the landlocked period by its cousin, the Kokanee.  (That’s just my speculation and is based on imperfect knowledge of changes in streamflows over the centuries -- see this source for a more factual history of the local Kokanee:  http://tinyurl.com/kokaneehistory "

EvergreenHealth diverts 44 percent (851 tons) of it's total waste into recycled or reused material

Kirkland, Wash. –EvergreenHealth has been selected as the winner of a Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Award for the sixth consecutive year. The award, given each year to honor outstanding environmental achievements in the health care sector, recognizes elite hospital systems for their dedication to transforming health care worldwide.  

EvergreenHealth was honored for its ability to continually reduce its environmental footprint and promote sustainability as a leader in the global movement for environmental health and justice. The Practice Greenhealth Partner for Change Award recognizes health care facilities that continuously improve and expand upon their mercury elimination, waste reduction, source reduction and recycling programs. At a minimum, facilities applying for this award must be recycling 15 percent of their total waste, have reduced regulated medical waste, are well along the way to mercury elimination and have developed other successful pollution prevention programs in many different areas. Last year alone, the EvergreenHealth system diverted 44 percent (851 tons) of its total waste into recycled or reused material.

“Part of providing the highest levels of care and service for our patients and our community means caring for the environment with effective programs and conservation efforts,” said Bob Malte, CEO of EvergreenHealth. “Receiving this award for the sixth consecutive time is a reflection of our staff’s dedication to drive sustainability efforts across the entire EvergreenHealth system.”  Read More >>

Anonymous caller relays information about a possible threat to the Muslim Assoc. of Puget Sound

Becky Range
RPD information officer

Redmond Police was contacted by an anonymous caller at 6:29pm on June 12th, relaying information about a possible threat to the Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS) at 17550 NE 67th Ct, Redmond. We coordinated closely with MAPS staff, for safety measures. MAPS notified their congregation of the anonymous threat. 

At this time, we are continuing to consult with the FBI. As the investigation is ongoing, we will not be releasing further details at this time.

Update June 15th, 2016:  Many of you have heard that Seattle PD/FBI arrested a man on June 14th for making online remarks threatening a North Seattle mosque.  RPD is currently working closely with the FBI to determine if there is any connection to our June 12th caller.  

Redmond officers are communicating closely with MAPS leadership, as well as other religious centers in our city. 

Of note, in the last four days, the FBI has evaluated and coordinated with partners on three reported threats and not found reason to suggest a pending physical threat. You can see the latest press release from the FBI about this and similar issues they are working here. 

OneRedmond

OneRedmond is a public-private partnership. It's Mission is to expand and retain local employers, attract new companies to the region, and to create vitality by developing and implementing data-driven strategies that both support retention and growth of local companies and attract new investment.

Do you want to know more about OneRedmond?  Watch this brief informercial.  

R.Y.P.A.C. (Redmond's Youth Advisory Committee) presentation AND Council member John Stilin's birthday celebration

Watch this video!  You will find these RYPAC youth are incredible high achieving community leaders.  They are big fans of the Redmond Teen Center and they don't want it changed.  RYPAC meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month at 6:30 in the Old Redmond School House Community Center.

John Stilin's birthday was celebrated about half-way through the meeting with a very special cake. You'll get to see a different side of him!

Towards the end of the meeting Council members Angela Birney and John Stilin led discussion on plans for Derby Days, July 8-9.

Bob Yoder

Construction to convert two-way travel on Redmond Way and Cleveland St. begins this month. Completion date is late 2017

Redmond, WA – The major construction project to upgrade utilities and convert both Redmond Way and Cleveland Street to two-way travel begins this month. The project is located on Redmond Way and Cleveland St from 160th Avenue NE to Avondale Way. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2017, which is when the lanes will convert to two-way travel on both streets. 

Throughout June, the initial start-up of the project will include activities such as installing signage and traffic control devices, staging of construction trailers, and demolition of some project elements. In July, travelers through Downtown Redmond will notice more impacts from construction such as pedestrian sidewalk closures and detours, partial lane closures, and traffic control measures as work begins on eleven intersections. The typical construction schedule will be 7 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday, but there will be occasional night and weekend work. 

In addition to the City’s Two-way Street Conversion construction project, several Downtown private development projects will also begin this summer. The Two-way Street Conversion project team is working closely with the construction teams from the private developments in Downtown Redmond to coordinate the work, impacts, and communication with the community. Read More >>

University of Washington making plans to host homeless encampment

One of my Friends sent me this Seattle Times article last night.  When discussing the proposed Redmond encampment ordinance the city council, the planning commission and/or city staff claimed only churches could host encampment organizers, like SHARE/Wheel.  Is University of Washington and SHARE setting a new precedent?  City council still hasn't voted on the proposed ordinance. Could the City of Redmond now write the permit to allow SHARE encampments at sites other than churches?  For example:  City Hall?  The Downtown Park?   cc:  city council.  

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/education/uw-president-campus-to-host-homeless-encampment/

UW is making plans to host homeless encampment in 2017

By Jessica Lee
After hundreds of supporters came forward, the University of Washington is moving forward with plans to host a tent city for homeless people on its Seattle campus next year, the school’s president said.

President Ana Mari Cauce, who presented the idea in March, said Wednesday in a message to the UW community the school is working toward obtaining a permit from the city and planning to host the encampment for three months in early 2017.

The decision comes after officials fielded feedback from more than 1,000 people in emails and town-hall meetings, she said.

 “By a 2-to-1 margin, responses and attendees favored hosting,” Cauce said. “Faculty and departments have expressed eagerness to incorporate service learning into curricula, and local elected officials and community leaders also support the effort.”

Stakeholders prefer a parking lot on Northeast Pacific Street, on the west side of campus, Cauce said. Specifics on the plan to host about 100 people are not finalized.

For that space, she said the school is considering hosting the community known as Tent City 3, an authorized encampment operated by the nonprofit Seattle Housing and Resource Effort (SHARE) and its ally organization, WHEEL. That tent city is now at a church across Northeast 45th Street from campus.

“They have literally been across the street from us this spring … providing safe, secure housing to individuals and families,” Cauce said.

SHARE/WHEEL says residents of its spaces must follow a code of conduct that prohibits weapons, violence, drugs and alcohol — a factor Cauce noted in the letter.

According to the region’s annual One Night Count, this year’s estimate of people without shelter showed a 19 percent increase over last year, at more than 4,500 people. Mayor Ed Murray and King County Executive Dow Constantine proclaimed states of emergency over homelessness in November.

In her message, Cauce said concerns and trepidation about the encampment on campus are fair and expected.
“I only ask that we approach hosting with open minds and take this opportunity to learn from the experiences of our neighbors,” she said.

The Redmond Lacrosse Club hires Rob Eidson, new Program Director

Coach Rob is the perfect agent for transforming our club culture--something our new Board has been working on for a year.  President Rob Leavitt

Rob Eidson, Program Director

The Redmond Lacrosse Club is excited to announce the hiring of Rob Eidson as our new Program Director. Formerly of the Bellevue Boys Lacrosse Club, Coach Rob steps in to a critical role for RLC—he will be in charge of defining our coaching program and philosophy, recruiting and managing coaching staff at youth levels (K2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8), as well as assuming the role of Head Coach of the varsity team.

Coach Rob is originally from the Philadelphia area, playing varsity lacrosse at West Chester East Senior High School. In college he played for Mary Washington in the National College Lacrosse League (NCLL) and was team captain; led the team in scoring and was named to the NCLL National All-Star Team. And before moving to Washington, Coach Rob coached varsity lacrosse in Northern Virginia’s 4A Public HS league.

Here's his recent record by the numbers:

• 41-4 overall JV record at Bellevue
• 14-0 for the 2016 season
• 6-0 record against D1 and D2 varsity opponents
• 3 seasons as the Head Junior Varsity coach at Bellevue High School
• 3 D1 State Championship games
• 2 championship titles (2014 and 2016)
• 2 Summer Solstice Championships

Coach Rob was also plugged into the youth program over the past several seasons as the Assistant Program Director for Youth, and coaching the 5/6 summer teams. Most recently, he took the Bellevue Blue 5/6 team to victory in the Washington Gold Cup.

Coach Rob moved to the Pacific Northwest three years ago with his family--Erin, his wife, and three sons; Hunter (4), Colin (3) and Cameron (9 months)--and he works at Microsoft.

Here is Coach Rob’s vision and goals for the Program, in his own words: Read More >>