News and Opinion on Neighborhoods, Schools and Local Governments of Redmond, WA.
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Iconic Frankies on it's death bed
Pam in front of iconic Frankies restaurant on 166th and Redmond Way last month. This place is the heart-throb of our city...right up there with REI. It rests on a strip mall which will be removed to build the "Anderson Park Hotel." The hotel will create a "cave effect" on 166th once two 6-story apartment box buildings are built across the street.
Bob Yoder
photo by
Bob Yoder
photo by
Friday, January 6, 2017
Kindergarten Registration begins February 2
Register at your neighborhood school
Redmond, Wash. – If you live in Lake Washington School District (LWSD) and your child will be five years old on or before August 31, 2017, it is time to register them for Kindergarten. Registration takes place at your neighborhood school.
Registration details
"Redmond Way/Cleveland Street Two-Way Conversion" Public Notice
Total taxpayer cost: $5,715,224
Purpose: To install water, sewer, stormwater and transportation infrastructure to service the new downtown mixed- use box buildings and hotels.
Expected Completion: 4th Quarter 2017.
As of January 6th, Redmond Radio 1650 AM for continuous construction and community advisories is not broadcasting
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Updated: The Redmond Rotary Picnic Area -- believe it or not
Greg Woods standing in front of the Redmond Rotary Picnic Area |
Interesting, but my reason for this story is the patch of grass you see on the knoll across from Bear Creek. Luke McRedmond Park is adjacent to us. If you enlarge the photo you'll see a sign that says "Redmond Rotary Picnic Area." Noisy West Lake Sammamish Blvd. runs behind it.
Have you ever seen anyone picnicking here? The only way to get to it is from the north on a very long, wet, rutty trail. If you can believe it, the trail head is near apartments close to Bella Bottega a couple miles away!
Yet, the grass is always cut; there's no evidence of use. How on earth does the Rotary Club cut the grass? Well, they don't. I went to a the Rotary meeting at noon today. A respected member said the city takes care of it. A picnic area that no one can get to. Huh?
The Parks Dept. should install native shrubs to enhance the riparian or develop the trail, not throw tax dollars on something nobody uses.
Bob Yoder
photo by
Monday, January 2, 2017
UPDATED 2/2: City to reach out to Faith-based groups
On December 7th, the new Deputy Parks Directer Rachel VanWinkle,addressed the Planning Commission on specifics of the proposed community/recreation center. Commissioner Phillip Miller wanted to know why the 25-year old Senior Center had $1.5 M in observed deficiencies, indicating he thought the number was high.
Of interest, Ms. VanWinckle said the city will be reaching out to "all the faith-based groups" and other groups to build awareness, seek their needs/wants and gain acceptance of the proposed community/recreation center.
Some of Redmond's faith-based groups are: Hindu Temple (there are 3 Temples within 5 miles of my house.) Washington Cathedral, Buddhist Temple, Redmond United Methodist, Redmond Assembly of God, Timberlake, Revive, Armenian Apostolic, First Baptist, Egyptian Coptic, Faith Lutheran, Mormon Stake, Redmond Presbyterian, Muslim Assoc. of Puget Sound (MAPS,) Meadowbrook Baptist, St. Jude Parish, Evangelical Chinese, Overlake Christian, United Pentecostal, Episcopal Church Holy Cross Redmond.
The city will have their work cut out for them. Focusing on the Hindu Temples would be a good start.
Bob Yoder
Of interest, Ms. VanWinckle said the city will be reaching out to "all the faith-based groups" and other groups to build awareness, seek their needs/wants and gain acceptance of the proposed community/recreation center.
Some of Redmond's faith-based groups are: Hindu Temple (there are 3 Temples within 5 miles of my house.) Washington Cathedral, Buddhist Temple, Redmond United Methodist, Redmond Assembly of God, Timberlake, Revive, Armenian Apostolic, First Baptist, Egyptian Coptic, Faith Lutheran, Mormon Stake, Redmond Presbyterian, Muslim Assoc. of Puget Sound (MAPS,) Meadowbrook Baptist, St. Jude Parish, Evangelical Chinese, Overlake Christian, United Pentecostal, Episcopal Church Holy Cross Redmond.
The city will have their work cut out for them. Focusing on the Hindu Temples would be a good start.
Bob Yoder
Friday, December 30, 2016
A Year-end Salute And History Of Blog Development
With the year-end upon us, I want to thank a few of my friends for helping me start my blog:
Paul Dillon - 11 years ago blogs were "new" and facebook wasn't even in the picture. Paul told me about them and their many different uses, when we were watching our daughters play soccer at 60 acres. He was using the first version of the I-Phone. Wow! Was that ever cool!
Korby Parnell, City planning commissioner advised me to write a blog to daylight the pollution of Evans Creek by All Wood Recycling. He appreciated the value of linking. At the time he had his own blog.
Doug Pratt - Doug came up with the name "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" when we were watching our daughters play Select basketball.
Paul Dillon - 11 years ago blogs were "new" and facebook wasn't even in the picture. Paul told me about them and their many different uses, when we were watching our daughters play soccer at 60 acres. He was using the first version of the I-Phone. Wow! Was that ever cool!
Korby Parnell, City planning commissioner advised me to write a blog to daylight the pollution of Evans Creek by All Wood Recycling. He appreciated the value of linking. At the time he had his own blog.
Doug Pratt - Doug came up with the name "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" when we were watching our daughters play Select basketball.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Inslee's Budget Proposal Seeks $300M for Mental Health
The budget also moves to implement recommendations from outside consultants, including adding three mobile crisis teams and two new community crisis walk-in centers where people suffering a mental health crisis can stay for up to 23 hours.
Write or call your State representatives and Committee Chairs and ask them to support Inslee's proposal! Be personal. Thank you!
***Timm Ormsby, Chair, House Appropriations Committee
http://leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/APP/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx
Eileen Cody, Chair, House Healthcare and Wellness Committee
http://leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/HCW/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx
Frank Chop, Chair, House Rules Committee
http://leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/RUL/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx
Randi Becker (R) Chair, Senate Health Care Committee
http://leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/HLTH/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx
Eileen Cody, Chair, House Healthcare and Wellness Committee
http://leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/HCW/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx
Frank Chop, Chair, House Rules Committee
http://leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/RUL/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx
Randi Becker (R) Chair, Senate Health Care Committee
http://leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/HLTH/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx
EvergreenHealth Announces Open Enrollment for Alzheimer Research Study
Alzheimer’s impacts more than 3 million Americans and their families each year; its impact still looms largely over many local families.
EvergreenHealth Medical Center |
Kirkland, Wash. – EvergreenHealth today announced the health system is accepting patient enrollment for a national clinical research study on Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Through the study, researchers track the progress of enrolled patients for 12 months to determine if PET scans can effectively assist in identifying the causes and symptoms of these diseases, and help facilitate better treatment decisions. There are no invasive procedures involved, and after an initial PET scan, study participants continue to receive their normal course of care from their existing providers. The nationwide study is led by the Alzheimer’s Association and managed by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN).
“As a health system we continually strive to be at the forefront of innovation and research. We are honored to offer our first Alzheimer’s disease research study, which alongside specialists and physicians across the country, will help provide important insights into ways we can improve treatments for those suffering from cognitive impairment and dementia,” said EvergreenHealth CEO Bob Malte. “We encourage all who are eligible to consider participating, as our clinical research is another way to advance our purpose of enriching the health and well-being of those we serve.”
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
New Redmond blog "About Us" page
Bob, Lexie and Pam Yoder |
In the early 2000's, things started to change -- developers moved into our Education Hill neighborhood leveling evergreens. The City of Redmond's, less-then-perfect public notice of an environmentally sensitive project provoked me to start my blog to "get the word out." I've been writing it ever since under the well known premise that governments fostering "transparency and citizen participation" are good governments.
Since local print media doesn't cover all the community news and opinion. I do a lot of general-interest reporting. Our rapid pace of growth, the environment, student education, mental health and City of Redmond elections are popular topics. You'll see more posts on the city council elections, Redmond's creeks and riparian habitat, fine schools and soon advocacy for mental health.
One of my favorite activities is watching the City Council and Mayor on RC-TV. Yes,I'm a government wonk. My interest in the city extends into governance reporting of our school district and local public hospital district. I now advocate much more, than from my earlier days of "open government" activism.
Investigation, analysis and input of the school district's old organizational chart and leadership roles furthers their accountability and transparency. And, after a very prolonged investigation involving blog leverage, EvergreenHeath hospital reshuffled their personnel, began day-lighting their government and re-focused their attention on customer service; revamping pages on their website.
So now you know something about "About Us" and the year ahead!
Cheers,
Bob Yoder
Disclaimer: I'm a Seattle Times News Partner, but by far nowhere close to a journalist. Errors. omissions and miss-representations occur on a regular basis; and my posts aren't always sourced.
Email: redmondblog@gmail.com. Twitter: @RedmondNeighbor Facebook Page Subscribe by email, Sign up for "Friends Who Like Redmond Neighborhood Blog,
Privacy Statement: Facebook and Redmond Neighborhood Blog comments are rarely posted. If possible, I'll contact the author before posting.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Christmas Eve pistol whipping crime
Man Arrested for Assault 1st Degree/Harassment/Threats to Kill
On December 24th, 2016 at 11:03 pm, officers responded to an apartment residence at 16600 NE 80th Street for the report of an altercation involving a pistol. Just prior to our arrival, a 27 year old male visiting a female friend became combative and struck her several times in the head with a pistol. The man threatened to kill her and her 3 year old daughter, while collecting up a rifle, handgun, ammunition, and stun gun from inside the unit.
Monday, December 26, 2016
Home Ownership and Government - interview with John Marchione
In 2016, two joyful John L. Scott agents interview John Marchione about local real estate.
Little did they know, their office will be torn down to build another 6-story apartment box.
3:25 "Quality of life" - "Gorgeous changes in Redmond since you've been Mayor." - "Quality of life attracts big business and high tech businesses to the area....oh, and families." "27% of households have kids."
3:30 "Housing market is hot because 59,000 people live here while there are 83000 jobs and people want to live close to their jobs. Redmond is zoned for 10,000 additional housing units in the next 10 years. 25,000 units now."
8:22 - "Making Redmond a place to live you're entire life." hmm
"Many housing choices for empty nesters looking to downsize to condos (but right now they're all apartments,) Young adults needing an affordable place to live." hmm. (The Cleveland building is the only box building in the Downtown devoted to condos.)
4:25 Developers are required to allocate 10% of their units as affordable but they get a "density bonus so they can build more" "Create a market for people of all income ranges." hmm
13:30 - "buy a house and walk to your office" Really?
Bob Yoder, opinion
Monday, December 19, 2016
UPDATED 1/7/17: Steve Fields to run for City Council
Steve Fields |
As you know, Steve ran for mayor last year; he lost by 871 votes after only six months of campaigning. One of my blog readers was disgusted that out of Redmond's 28,000 registered voters less than 10,000 bothered to vote.
You can find Steve at his coffee bar at noon most days. Down pour is located at 13200 Old Redmond Road.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Letter: Why I plan on leaving Redmond
This comment was made under one of my posts:
This (the loss of REI) is mostly why I plan on leaving Redmond, and Washington for that matter. I've been out here for 10 years, back in 2008 I was paying $1400 for a 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment with a nice size kitchen. That same apartment is now $3300 a month. With the loss of so many stores including REI from Redmond I don't understand why we must pay downtown Manhattan and San Francisco rent prices and not get the perks from living in those cities. What do I get for my $3300 a month? There are no major retailers left in Redmond, no 24hr or open late legitimate restaurants, no beach that's down the street. All I see going up in Redmond is more apartment buildings with $1600 rents for 400sq/ft studios. The loss of REI to Redmond I think was really the last straw for me. I'm a big Seahawks fan and was one of the things that kept me in Washington but I can't justify living in retail hell here in Redmond while paying astronomical rent that provides nothing besides 4 walls and a roof. Redmond needs to get its act together, once the apartment gold rush ends and people finally say no were not paying for this unless the city has something to offer us Redmond is going to be screwed because they simply wont have the space to build anything else. It will be all hotels and apartments, with crappy stores nobody wants.
-- anonymous
Editor's Note: According to "Rent Jungle.com" the average rent in Redmond is $2,047 for one and two bedroom apartments.
This (the loss of REI) is mostly why I plan on leaving Redmond, and Washington for that matter. I've been out here for 10 years, back in 2008 I was paying $1400 for a 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment with a nice size kitchen. That same apartment is now $3300 a month. With the loss of so many stores including REI from Redmond I don't understand why we must pay downtown Manhattan and San Francisco rent prices and not get the perks from living in those cities. What do I get for my $3300 a month? There are no major retailers left in Redmond, no 24hr or open late legitimate restaurants, no beach that's down the street. All I see going up in Redmond is more apartment buildings with $1600 rents for 400sq/ft studios. The loss of REI to Redmond I think was really the last straw for me. I'm a big Seahawks fan and was one of the things that kept me in Washington but I can't justify living in retail hell here in Redmond while paying astronomical rent that provides nothing besides 4 walls and a roof. Redmond needs to get its act together, once the apartment gold rush ends and people finally say no were not paying for this unless the city has something to offer us Redmond is going to be screwed because they simply wont have the space to build anything else. It will be all hotels and apartments, with crappy stores nobody wants.
-- anonymous
Editor's Note: According to "Rent Jungle.com" the average rent in Redmond is $2,047 for one and two bedroom apartments.
UPDATED 12/28: Moving forward
Bob, Lexie and Pam |
With the advent of facebook groups my blog is pivoting to find a new niche, or it may just fade away. I'm using 8 facebook groups to distribute my stories. Starting this New Year I'll still be pasting local news releases but spending more energy on fewer general interest stories and reports. I'm still watching city council meetings on a regular basis and ill be attending their meetings. With the exception of Mr. Myers, Ms. Birney, Mr. Carson, and Mr. Shutz I find council of little interest to our neighborhoods.
I've got some fun and challenging, investigative reports planned for the New Year. They will take quite some time to write and I'm in no rush. A few topics percolating right now are:
1) an historical accounting and report on the development of "Hawks Glenn," the last significant agricultural land remaining in Redmond.
2) a story on recent, inadvertent loss of two magnificent Landmark trees on a small parcel.
3) a report on tree removal procedures from large parcels.
4) a report and opinion on the Chinese nationals impact to our community.
5) a report on access to psychiatric beds at EvergreenHealth and other eastside health facilities. .
6) video reporting of the downtown construction chaos.
7) my opinion of .the city council
Redmond Neighborhood Blog is all fun and good but my family, friends, and outside activities take precedence. That includes finding part-time work of interest, managing my health and of course, hiking Redmond's network of trails!
Bob
Monday, December 5, 2016
Redmond Lights Luminary Walk, Christian Church event
This is a Timberlake Christian Church event (videoed) featured on the Redmond Lights Luminary Walk last Saturday. Redmond Lights gets better and better every year. Ask anyone! Timberlake was one of 7 faiths featured this year. Did you see any of the others?
Bob Yoder
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