The historic Justice White House, a piece of the Community center puzzle

Justice White House
credit Redmond Historical Society

This historic Justice White House was initially put up as the Hotel Redmond by Emma McRedmond White and Justice William White, her husband.  They also lived in the building.  Emma lost the house during the depression because of the common problem of not being able to pay the taxes.

The Society is currently interested in this building to, 1. bring it into the nonprofit or even public sphere where its long-term existence is more likely.The house is currently owned by the Town Center Shopping Center.  It is zoned as Old Town and not as a part of Town Center zoning.  The building is landmark protected at the state, county, and local levels.  The owners are respecting that landmarking.  But, as it says on the state Archaeology and Historic Preservation website, landmarking does not prevent building owners from tearing them down if they want.  It's merely a set of incentives so they are not inclined to do that.  The building has been retained in its nearly original form on the exterior but has been thoroughly remodeled, rehabilitated, and modernized for office use on the interior.  The current tenet is Jensen Fey Architects.

2nd, the Society would be thrilled if we could move our offices into the building and create a museum.  Certainly this is part of the consideration of our facilities task force as we look for alternate office and exhibit space to replace Room 106 in the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center.  However any notion that the Justice White House would be a venue for our meetings or speaker programs is simply not the case. It is not a place of assembly and does not have a room large enough to hold a large audience.

As Rachel Van Winkle, Deputy Parks and Recreation Director, said in her comments about Redmond's Community Centers the Lake Washington School District is working on their educational objectives towards placing preschool classes in the Old Redmond Schoolhouse.  A report from the school district is expected in February and March  on how they will or will not use the building for that purpose and how much of the building they will retain.  The Parks Dept of course has a lease from the school district and the Redmond Historical Society has a lease from the Parks Dept for our space and the use of the auditorium.  As the Parks Dept is making broadly known, they anticipate their lease being terminated or significantly revised effective July of 2018.   Our lease also hangs in the balance.

One of the big unknowns is whether the auditorium in the old Redmond schoolhouse would continue to be available to the Society for our speaker programs if the school district takes back the entire building.  There are a few other facilities in Redmond that would accommodate audiences such as ours, up to 275 people.

--Joe Townsend, President of the Redmond Historical Society.  

Here's a YouTube video on the Society's impact to the community; as presented by Joe Townsend at their "First Annual Membership Celebration."  When asked, Joe said he was open to having a Tourist Center at the Justice White House.  

City Council to choose Vice President

David Carson

Opinion:  Ms. Kim Allen is Council Vice President; after over a decade of  dedicated service she's retiring January 31st.  My wish is Council will choose David Carson as Council V.P. (Providing he wants the job.) Not only does David have tenure (10 years,) he's in it because he loves our community. Mr. Stilin, in my opinion, is groping for the office to build his resume for better things.  Mr. Stilin works very hard for the City, he's smart  and savvy.  I just prefer a more friendly, approachable and passionate person like David. He's a big advocate for us.   

Bob Yoder
Mr. Hank Margeson is Council President and a good guy too.

Redmond High School Art

At the Monday business meeting, Principal Jane Dodd of Redmond High School gave a "host school" presentation to the Board of Directors. The entire wall behind the dias was filled with Redmond High School art.  This piece was centered behind Superintendent Dr. Traci Pierce. The art will remain for a month according to Pres. Nancy Bernard.

Bob Yoder

Camp Unity proposes homeless encampment at St. Jude's Parish

The encampment is scheduled to open February 3

"The only new information related to encampments is a resolution to the fees. The new fee is $2,684.36. No new ordinances have been approved by the City Council with respect to encampments.  Please refer to RZC 21.46 Temporary Uses for relevant Code language.  Please let me know if you have any additional questions?  Thank you." 

Ben Sticka

Planner – City of Redmond
425-556-2470

Camp Unity Website
Photoby

UPDATED: PSE installs new electric lines in residential neighborhood -- New water lines are next.

PSE is installing new electric lines on Education Hill.  Above, a crew is working on NE. 96th Street not far from the Bike Park.  The entire street is lined with equipment.  The foreman said 100's of miles of PGE line are old and deteriorated; the really bad lines like this one need immediate replacement. He said residents on this street are experiencing black-outs in the absence of storms.  Electric lines are also being installed on 172 Ave. and 98th NE the Ct.  That's it. The construction is non-invasive with only moderate road tear-up. It's two week project.

Except for the drum of a jack-hammer, it was pretty quiet.

But this work is mild compared to what's coming.  According to a September 13th, 2016 staff report, a new water line will be installed in roads near Nike Park in early Spring. (March - November.)  It has something to do with restoring water pressure.  The construction will be highly invasive and the affected residents have already been noticed and have had a neighborhood meeting.  Last year, I reported this and other residential projects that are in the books.  Check it out here.

Bob Yoder
photo by

Updated, 1/15: Vacant position on Redmond City Council - Council to hold study session.

The appointment process will be discussed in the January 31st study session, City Hall, 7:30 pm. It's possible there will be public Q&A with the candidates.   --Council President Hank Margeson, 1/11/2017 REDMOND, WA - City of Redmond residents with an interest in local government and community issues are invited to apply for an opening on the Redmond City Council. With Councilmember Kim Allen's resignation (effective January 31, 2017), there is an opening for Position 4 on the City Council to fill the remainder of her term until the November 2017 election.  To be eligible to serve on the Council, applicants must be a resident for one year and be a registered voter of the City. If a person has residency questions in this regard, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.  The seven-member City Council establishes City law and policy by passing ordinances and resolutions. The Council also adopts the city budget, approves appropriations, contracts in the City's name, levies taxes, and grants franchises. Regular business meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday evenings of every month, with special meetings or study sessions on current issues scheduled for the second and fourth Tuesday evenings.   To apply, please submit a letter with a statement of your qualifications and interest (1000-word limit, 12 point font).  No additional materials will be accepted.  All submissions are public record. Letters of Interest shall be submitted to the City Clerk’s office:  Personal Delivery – 2nd Floor, City Hall, Customer Service, 15670 NE 85th Street, Redmond WA (c/o City Clerk) Certified Mail – Michelle M. Hart, City Clerk, City of Redmond, P.O. Box 97010, Redmond, WA 98073-9710 The application deadline is Friday, January 27, 2017, at 4 pm, to be followed by interviews in February. For questions and more information contact Lisa Maher, Communications & Marketing Manager, at lmaher@redmond.gov or 425-556-2427. This press release is available on www.redmond.gov.

CycleBar Grand Opening January 11

Indoor cycling studio opens in bicycle capital of the U.S.

Redmond, Washington – January 10, 2016 – The premium indoor cycling studio, CycleBar, opens its doors to the public this week with a Grand Opening Celebration Wed., January 11 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The studio, which offers a high energy workout in a theater environment, is located in Redmond Town Center (7425 166^th Avenue NE Suite C250).

Mayor John Marchione will join owner JP Green in a ceremonial ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m. to kick off the event. Food from Matt’s Rotisserie and light refreshments will be served for those checking out the new studio. The studio is also giving away prizes including ride packages and merchandise to those attending.  

EASTSIDE MUSLIM SAFETY FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

January 9, 2017

This Press Release was published tonight by the City at 10 PM.  

REDMOND, WA -  The Muslim Community and Neighborhood Association has partnered with Eastside police departments to host an Eastside Muslim Safety Forum on January 10, 2017 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  The educational event is being held at the Muslim Association of Puget Sound located at 17550 NE 67th Ct in Redmond. 

This event is open to the public and there will be childcare available.  Media are also invited to attend.  

The following police chiefs will attend:

The Rain Run

http://www.therainrun.com

Welcome to The Rain Run, presented by GORE-TEX®!

This boutique half marathon is a great way start off the year.  January in the Pacific Northwest is typically wet but mild, which we think makes for fun running weather.  At the Rain Run, we believe it’s better to be running and wet, than sitting and dry.  So get out your rain gear and join us for a 13.1 mile romp through the rain, and go home feeling like you rocked the grey weather, it didn’t rock you!

Join us for this awesome run, 9 AM, January 21st, 2017 and you’ll get:

City Scheduled to Remove 42 Dead Street Trees

Redmond:   This time of year it is often difficult to tell a dead tree from a dormant tree. However, this past summer the death of several street trees along 185th Avenue NE came to the attention of the City’s Park Operations work group who manage the nearly 8,000 street trees along major arterials and downtown.

“Multiple seasons of extended drought have resulted in stressful growing conditions for both newly planted and established trees,” said staff arborist Chris Tolonen. These dry conditions have contributed to the death of 40+ trees on this street between NE 76th Street and State Route 202.

The removal of the dead trees will be accomplished with Park Operations staff beginning on January 17. Removals, including the grinding of the stumps, will be followed by the planting of replacement trees. Work activities should be confined to the parking lane; intermittent sidewalk closures will be required to maintain pedestrian safety.   

For questions and more information contact Lisa Maher, Communications & Marketing Manager, at lmaher@redmond.gov or 425-556-2427. 

We had a beautiful, 40-year old hybrid vine maple in our front yard.  It had incredible colors. We loved this tree. It died last year and we had to chop it down.  The arborist said the terrible drought in 2015 and another one in 2016 killed off many trees; he's never seen so many dead.  B.Y. 

Rep. Vandana Slatter appointed to 48th District Seat

Legislative News: Washington House Democrats - Olympia, Washington Rep. Vandana Slatter appointed to 48th District seat OLYMPIA – Last week, at a meeting of the King County Council, Representative Vandana Slatter (D-Bellevue) was appointed to represent the 48th Legislative District in the Washington House of Representatives. Rep. Slatter, a resident of Bellevue for more than 13 years, stepped in to fill the seat left vacant when former Representative Patty Kuderer was appointed to the Senate.  Slatter comes to the House serving on the Bellevue City Council.    “It has been an honor to serve the people of Bellevue,” said Slatter. “I am so grateful for this opportunity to represent the 48th Legislative District and continue advocating for this vibrant, innovative and diverse community. ” With a Doctorate in Pharmacy and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Rep. Slatter brings her experience as a health care professional to the House. She has over 20 years working in the biotech industry and four years of service on the Washington State Board of Pharmacy advising the Department of Health. “I believe that good government is all about removing obstacles and providing opportunities for people to succeed,” said Slatter. “I plan to bring my experience and unique perspective to address key issues that affect the families and communities in the 48th District.” In addition to her term on the Bellevue City Council, Slatter has served as trustee of the Overlake Hospital Foundation, a volunteer advisor to Bellevue College’s Science Department, a board member for NARAL Pro-Choice Washington Foundation and the Children’s Institute for Learning Differences, as well as on the advisory boards for Global Social Business Partners and Farmer Frog. ### Rep. Vandana Slatter, D-Bellevue (48th Legislative District), represents part of King County including part of Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and all of Medina, Clyde Hill, Yarrow Point and Hunts Point. I'm in the 48th.  Rep. Joan McBride, past Mayor of Kirkland  serves the 48th, too.  B.Y.

Lake Washington Schools Open Enrollment Is February 1-28, 2017

Some schools closed to those outside their area

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District holds an open enrollment period once each year for parents who want their children to attend a school other than their neighborhood school. Parents may apply between February 1-28 for a change to the school assignment for the 2017-18 school year for their student in grades 1-12. This option is also known as an In-District Variance.  

Kent Hay - Redmond's new Homeless Outreach Specialist

This is a video clip about Mr. Hay and his job of helping Redmond's homeless.

And, here's a link to resources and information on how you can help our homeless.

Mr. Hay is the City of Redmond's Homeless Outreach Specialist, a unique position initiated by Police Chief Kristi Wilson; and under the purview of the Human Services Department.

Bob Yoder

Benefit Concert: Voices from Standing Rock and The Music Resistance at SoulFood this Wednesday.

American Activist Livestreams will be presenting a benefit concert and speakers, this Wednesday night at SoulFood CoffeeHouse and Fair Trade Emporium, 7-10pm, in support of the Occupy Inauguration concert in Washington DC. 

On the SoulFood Coffeehouse stage, stories from the frontlines of Standing Rock and the valuable lessons of collaborative resistance will be shared. Along with these stories, local musicians (Clint McCune)  will be adding their voices to the night in the understanding that it is through these stories, music and community that we will be able to make an impact. 

With the intention of collective impact, we want to send support to those who are taking the fires of their communities to the inauguration in DC to speak truth to those in power.

Interfaith Dinner Dialogue on "Welcoming Refugees, Asylum Seekers & Strangers"

"Fostering Interfaith Relationships on the Eastside" invites you to the eighth in a series of Dinner Dialogues aimed at fostering interfaith relationships, on Sunday, January 29, 5PM to 8PM, hosted by St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, 13216 NE 100th Street in Kirkland (at the corner of 132nd Avenue NE).

Updated: LittleFreeLibrary in neighborhood remnant

Pam's behind the succulents planted on this "LittleFreeLibrary."  Ben Franklin beading booklets and Half-Priced books were inside. The library is on downtown's 170th Ave. NE (Adair Street) in front of this rented cottage, a few houses from a 1920's Craftsman.  Three six-story apartment box buildings surround it.  I'm thinking of proposing of a mini-library to the Kiwanis  for children and their families in an affordable housing neighborhood on Avondale.

Bob Yoder
Photo BY

"We Dig Downtown"

Conversion on Redmond Way.  Kringles bakery and it's four "gateway" cedar trees are jammed into the background.  David Carson and Ps. Robroy Ranger of Redmond AG frequent this cute little bakery. The sidewalks are a disaster.  I almost got run over today.

Oh, do WE dig downtown!  (King 5)

Bob Yoder
Photo by

Construction of downtown mixed-use box building

This is a 1 minute clip.

Will the trees in the background one day be leveled?  I think so.  In the least, they won't be visible from 166th.