Brainstorming the repurposing of "Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center"

Credit, LWSD

The City is losing the lease on the old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center (ORSCC) in 2018 which may displace 48,000 annual visitors; while the district will regain 40,000 square feet -- only some of it will be used for pre-school classes.   

The School district specifically states on their website that space is needed for 10 pre-school classes, a gym, and cafeteria/commons.  Storage, lockers, ramps and bathrooms designed for special needs students will also be needed. They may want a lobby, who knows what else.  

The City is dying for feedback on our community centers, in particular ORSCC.  So upon request by city staff I volunteered to dig in and help with a blog story. I was ignorant of ORSCC activities and how the building was laid out, so I toured it three times last week and studied their website:

Some of my ideas on how the City can create space for LWSD needs:    

• Move the Parks and Recreation administrative offices to City Hall for a lobby? 

• For the Classes:  Eliminate "weddings, auctions, memorials, dances, meetings, birthdays and small exercise classes" from the 3,174 square foot auditorium.  In anticipation of rapid Redmond Historical Society membership growth, move the society's eight, 3-hour Saturday Speaker Programs  to the higher capacity Emerald Heights or RHS "Performing Arts Center" auditoriums. Should rapid membership growth be unlikely, the 4 spacious meeting rooms downstairs might work for the pre-school classes, and the Historical Society could continue to use the auditorium.   

• For the Gym & cafeteria/commons:  Eliminate the stand-alone exercise room. Membership at the Eastside Gym is only $18/month and it's open seven days a week at most hours.  Eliminate 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Jazzercise and other loud school-time activities from the gym.   

Hopefully, by creating the above space, the District will allow the City to:

• Use the gym for weekend sports activities, weekday evening sports, 6 a.m. and 5:30 p.m Jazzercise.    
• Temporarily keep the Redmond Historical Society office and museum in the Center and move it to the Justice White Building at a later date.     
• Keep the "Adoptive Recreation and Inclusion" special needs members in the Center; perhaps the HERO House could accommodate the older autistic members.
• Keep the Iqra Academy Islamic Pre-School  
• Keep the Tasveer non-profit office (Check out their exciting Environmental Festival event scheduled for Feb. 18-19!);   .  
• Keep the 4 (or 8) spacious upstairs rooms for District, City and Community meeting spaces. e.g. day care, cultural centers, visual & digital arts, private parties, public meetings, churches, non-profits. 
• Keep the clay studio for elementary-aged art classes and community "throwing."  
• Build a downstairs community cafeteria and gathering place, security office and social-needs facility.

I hope the District and City can salvage the "public works" art.

Bob, opinion

Upcoming community conversations about the Center (All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.)

• Tuesday, Feb. 21, Rose Hill Middle School
• Wednesday, Feb. 22, VALA at Redmond Town Center

Demolition of the Claim Jumper at RTC is underway

At a recent Council meeting, CM John Stilin said the demolition of Claim Jumper was underway.  It will be replaced by the "Archer Hote.l"  Mr. Stilin said it will be one of only four "boutique hotels" of its kind in the nation.  The hotel will be 7-stories, with parking on the first floor.  Parking can't be underground owing to the aquifer.   
Is it remotely  possible this event is the genesis of Redmond Town Center gentrification?  

Archer Hotel

Address: 7210 - 164th Ave NE
Project Type and Number: Site Plan Entitlement-LAND-2015-01974
Click on "Critical Areas" for a complete description.

Vicinity Map; Notice of Application; Process Flow Chart

Initial Submittal
Site Plan
Tree Preservation Plan
​
Additional Project Notices SEPA-2016-00779, Critical Areas, Cultural, Geotechnical, Traffic

Native American Settlement at Bear Creek Site -- An informational meeting.

Credit:  City of Redmond

WHEN:      February 25, 2017 – 11:00 am -1:00 pm

WHERE:    Western Most Overlook of the Lower Bear Creek Project

Join project director Dr. Robert Kopperl at the edge of the restoration area overlooking the site to find out more about the study and what we have learned from it, and about the broader picture of the past as seen in our archaeological heritage. 

On Saturday, February 25, 2017, Dr. Kopperl will be on-hand to informally provide information about the Bear Creek site, answer questions about the project, and any other questions you may have about Washington State’s shared archaeological heritage. He will be at the new overlook of the Lower Bear Creek habitat restoration area along the Bear Creek recreational trail (west of World Market) between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Parking is available at the Redmond Town Center shopping mall lots across Bear Creek Parkway from the recreational trail and presentation location. 

City Council Interviews Candidates For Vacated Seat

(l-r) Hank Margeson, Angela Birney, Brian Shutz, John Stilin, David Carson. Hank Myers is behind Carson.
Stephanie Rodriguez is in blue.

UPDATED:  Council worked from 1:00 - 5:30 on Saturday screening 13 candidates applying for Council Position #4, vacated by Ms. Kim Allen. Of the few screening interviews I watched, a couple of my favorites were A.J. Taylor and Amy Mayes.  .

A.J. is a lawyer at Microsoft. (No lawyers now on Council)  He's very smart and with big heart.  He demonstrated strong leadership skills.  A.J.'s lived in Redmond for 12 years -- two children -- and didn't have to study the city website to know what was going on.  A.J." is civicly minded, a proud member of the Redmond Rotary.  I chatted with him before his interview; he is very personable.

I was very impressed with Amy Mayes, a City Arts Commissioner.  Her passion is creating affordable housing choices for those in the lower-paying service industries. Amy was well prepared, succinct, with a good grasp of City workings.  When asked, she said her strengths were: "loyalty, strength and calm."

I hope A.J. and Amy will be finalists for the public Interviews on March 7th.

During one of the interviews CM Hank Myers mentioned their responsibility to the Open Public Meetings Act.  He said council members sometimes meet for dinner before their business meetings for team-building purposes.  They also use a "3-touch" process for consensus building, wherein all items of importance are discussed at committee meetings, study sessions, and business meetings. CM David Carson said pretty much everything "gets ironed out" by then.  6-1 and 5-2 votes are indeed very rare. The City Clerk would probably have to dust an inch off her records to find a 4-3.

According to President Hank Margeson, it's been nine years since Council's had to make a Councilmember appointment....Hank Myers.  Mr. Margeson did a superlative job putting the process in place and building public trust.

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, photo, 2/16

I didn't watch Paige Norman interview or anyone else I know.  Paige is the founder of "Education Hill Neighborhood Association" and writes a blog "PaigesPrattle."   She posted a thorough report of the meeting, including names of those interviewed and a schedule for future meetings.

Brainstorming Version 4.0: Renovation of the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center

Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center

The City is losing the lease on the old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center (ORSCC) in 2018, which may displace 48,000 annual visitors; while the district will regain 40,000 square feet -- some of it to be used for pre-school classes.   

The District specifically states on their website that space is needed for 10 pre-school classes, a gym, and cafeteria/commons.  Storage, lockers, ramps and bathrooms designed for special needs students will also be needed. They may want a lobby, who knows what else.  

The City is dying for feedback on our community centers and ORSCC in particular.  I volunteered to dig in and help.  But, I was ignorant of ORSCC activities and how the building was laid out, so I toured it three times last week to get a feel:   

Some ideas on how the City can create space for LWSD needs:

PUBLIC MEETING, Council Candidate Interviews

Hank Margeson

City Council "Committee of the Whole" will conduct interviews of Council Candidates for Ms. Kim Allen's Vacant Position #4; term ending 12/31/2017

City Council Special Meeting
Council Chambers, City Hall
Saturday, February 11th
1 p.m.


"We execute the process in as public a way possible at every step along the way."
   --Council President Hank Margeson, 1/11/2017

Evergreen Gala to support EvergreenHealth's "Transitional Care Unit for Behavioral Health"

Kirkland, WA.  Join us for the 16th Annual Evergreen Gala on Saturday, April 29, 2017! The theme for this year’s Spectacular Black-Tie Gala is "Let’s Rock ‘n Roll" – so get ready for one fabulously fun evening and secure your spot today. 

Help us build our Gala Playlist HERE to support EvergreenHealth

The charitable focus of the 2017 Evergreen Gala is EvergreenHealth’s "Transitional Care Unit for Behavioral Health."  Our community is experiencing an alarming increase in the number of patients with behavioral health needs.  The safety and security of these patients and our staff present some distinctive challenges. Proceeds from this year’s gala will enable EvergreenHealth to redesign care in a setting that better supports these patients.  The Transitional Care Unit for behavioral health (14 beds)  will be designed to provide for the patient’s unique needs while we transition their care to their final treatment setting.

Evening Festivities
6:00pm     Welcome Reception, Cocktails, and Silent Auction
7:45pm     Gourmet Dinner, Surprise Entertainment, and Live Auction 10:30pm
Late Night Dancing

I picked up a Gala flyer at EvergreenHealth's Feb. 2nd event: "Community Conversation on Ending Mental Illness Stigma."  Over 80 registered from all over the Eastside, with only two weeks notice.  B.Y. 

Volunteer Opportunities at Redmond Historical Society

OLD REDMOND SCHOOLHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER -- Home of the Redmond Historical Society

Contact:  Halee Turner, info@redmondhistoricalsociety.org

(1) Society Secretary, Society Office and Director

What: Leadership Position

Member of Executive Committee and Member of the Board of Directors. 

Attends Exec Board meetings and RHS Board meetings

Attends and takes minutes of Executive Board Meetings and RHS Board Meetings.  Compiles minutes within two weeks of meetings and sends out to respective members of Exec Board and Board members.  Provides final copy of minutes for permanent record.

When: Executive Board meets monthly, on Thursdays before Board meetings.

(2)     Society Director-at-Large, Board Member
What: Leadership Position (3 positions open)

Actively participates in RHS Board meetings and activities.  Willing to volunteer for tasks outside of Board meetings.

When: RHS Board meets Monthly (except July, Aug, Dec) on Tuesdays prior to the Speaker program. 

                Outside time will be required to fulfill Committee work, other tasks.

SIX MORE OPPORTUNITIES, BELOW

Heavy snowfall today!

View from our front door.  Largest snowfall since 2012!  School's out! Just the right temperatures for snowballs and snow persons!  

Updated: Redmond Kiwanis to hold informational meeting

The Redmond Kiwanis Club is holding an "informational meeting for prospective members" on Friday, March 10  I'm very proud to say I've recently become a member. The Redmond Kiwanis Club is a part of Kiwanis International, a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.  Every year, more than 600,000 Kiwanis-family members in over 80 countries give more than 18.5 million volunteer hours and millions of dollars for community service projects.

The meeting for prospective members will be held at the Family Pancake House, 17621 Redmond Way, Redmond.  It will start at 7:00 a.m. and end at about 8:00 a.m.  The meeting will include a speaker program by Kent Hay, the Homeless Outreach Specialist for Redmond.“The Redmond Kiwanis Club is a snapshot of our community,” Ken Ormiston, membership chairperson, said.  “We are unified in the belief that children and our community benefits from the efforts of caring and involved volunteers sharing their talents in service to others."

Anyone interested in attending the the Kiwanis meeting for prospective members, or learning more about the Redmond Kiwanis Club, contact Membership Chairperson Ken Ormiston by e-mail at (kennethormiston@gmail.com) or at 425-307-1891, 

Redmond Boys Lacrosse

"the fastest game on two feet"     "little brother of war"  

REGISTRATION CLOSES FEBRUARY 15TH

Free Registration and Equipment for K-2

Redmond Lacrosse FAQ

• Who plays in the Redmond Lacrosse Program? 
• How much does it cost to play?
• When is the boys season?
• What is the time commitment?
• Can a new player be competitive?
• When are the practices and why do they change from week to week?
• When are the games?
• What equipment do I need?
• 3/4 Division runs on a different schedule, when does play begin?
• What are the 3/4 Division program details?
• Who are the coaches?
• What about Weather?
• How do I improve my lacrosse game?
• How do I get more playing time?
• What are the rules of lacrosse?

 Q: Who plays in the Redmond Lacrosse Program? 

It is open to all boys who attend any school feeding Redmond High School.

Players whose home address lies within these boundaries and who attend school that feeds multiple high schools, or players attending schools outside the boundary who don’t have lacrosse programs are also eligible.

Updated: Kim Allen's last council meeting -- eleven remarkable years of public service

Ms. Kim Allen's last Council meeting, retiring after 11 years of service.

I best remember Kim when she was on the Ive's Planning Commission deliberating the Critical Areas Ordinance Update.  Lately, Kim's been heavily involved in regional transportation and growth issues, but I'll always remember her as a spokesperson for the environment -- our trees, streams, wetlands and open spaces.

Kim was the only councilmember voting against waiving the long standing 35% tree retention ordinance for the massive Group Health - Overlake project.

Quite a few of my stories and reports about Kim are tagged here. and more will be added as I find them. (I'm editing them for accuracy, spelling, grammar, formatting,and sentence structure.)

It's been a helluva run.  Thanks for all you've done for us Kim.

Bob

Washington State blocks Trump's immigration order - King County's Claudia Balducci speaks up

King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci speaking up at Council meeting.  

Washington State leads the Nation to block Trump's immigration order 

Updated: Lake Washington School District seeks new board member

l-r  Mark Stuart (legislative rep,) Siri Bliesner (V.P.) Nancy Bernard, Christopher Carlson, Phd. (President)

Serving on the school board: An informational meeting

Lake Washington School District board member leads session for those interested in learning more

Redmond, Wash. – Have you ever considered serving on your local school board? As elected officials, school boards provide a vital link between their communities and public schools. Their governance role is about the “big picture.” They set school district direction and allocate resources. They monitor performance and hold the district accountable for progress.

Nancy Bernard, a member of the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors, will lead an informational meeting for those interested in learning more about Board service and the process of running for school board. She will provide information on the role of the school board and what it is like to serve in Lake Washington. She will also cover the basic information about running for school board.

Ms. Bernard’s term ends in November 2017. Ms. Bernard, who has served on the board since 1997, has announced that this term will be her last and she will not run again. She lives in District Three.(Kamiakan region, unincorporated.)  Board members must live in their director district but represent the district as a whole. Prospective candidates who live in Director District Three are especially encouraged to attend.

Mark Stuart's term also ends November, 2017.  Mr. Stuart has served on the Board since 2016.. As yet, he hasn't said if he'll run again, but it's probable. I'm in full support of Mr. Stuart. Mark lives in District Four -- Evergreen Region (Evergreen MS/Eastlake/Alcott) -- and like Ms.Bernard represents the District as a whole. 

Candidates for school board file with King County Elections and there is no filing fee. Candidate filing for the August primary may be submitted by mail between May 1 and 19. Online filing takes place between May 15 and 19. More information is available on the King County Elections website Running for Office page.

School Board Service Informational Meeting

Monday, February 27, 7-8 p.m.

Bob Hughes Room

Lake Washington School District Resource Center

16250 NE 74^th St., Redmond

2016 Council Accomplishments

City Council Home Page

Updated: Redmond Way 2-Way Conversion

5 minute walk east on Redmond Way.  No evidence of "We Dig Downtown" signs.   1/30/2017

"City Helps Business during Redmond Way construction,"  Alison Grande KIRO 7, 9/12/2016

Balancing traffic flow with stoplights for pedestrian mobility will be a tremendous challenge once the conversion is completed.  Think about it.

Bob

Trump's shenanigans

Credit, Atlantic 

                      It's time to speak up and say NO to Mr. Trump's shenanigans.

In the early '70's I piled into a U-Haul truck with my Denison University classmates to participate in the candlelight march for peace. What's going on today, in my opinion, palls to the Vietnam war era.

If you need one, this Atlantic opinion-piece  is a good summary of what's happened in the first five day's of the Trump presidency.  (The piece leaves out his efforts for job creation.)

Next time there's a regional or D.C.march count me in.

Bob, opinion

P.S.  I'm proud to say, I didn't vote for him.

Updated, 2/28 EvergreenHealth Event to Discuss Ending the Stigma of Mental Illness

According to NAMI.org, one in five Americans have a mental health condition.  I'm very interested in mental health disorders because the disease is generational in my family; and I've had to cope with it myself.  

EvergreenHealth Medical Center

I once had a job selling medicines for bipolar, OCD and ADHD. In coping with serious disorders, not only is it critical to find a good doctor for treatment, but you have to deal with the sickening disgrace known as "stigma."   

On Thursday, February 2nd, 6-8 p.m. EvergreenHealth is hosting a free Community Event to discuss ending the stigma of mental illness.  I hope the more who register and turn-out, the greater the chance CEO Bob Malte will offer acute Behavioral Health services in Redmond, Kirkland, and the surrounding cities.  Please tell your friends and neighbors;  the capacity of the room is over 100.     

To register call: 425-899-3000 option #1 or register online.  

Bob Yoder

Mayim Bialik's personal testimony on YouTube

How does the City define "community centers," or do they?

I copied this from facebook.. My apologies for the font:

"I watch RCTV all the time. Months ago Council had frustrating study sessions to evaluate (vet) possible locations for "the Community Center." If I remember correctly, at that time they envisioned the Community Center "as a whole" -- aquatics, recreation, meeting and event spaces, visual and digital arts space, day care, performing arts, etc. I think the location decided upon was somewhere just west of City Hall within walking distance to light rail. If by miracle an aquatics/recreation center is sited in Marymoor, the re-defined "downtown community center" footprint might be smaller and less expensive. I'm a senior and definitely hope so. The buzz I've heard discussed lately is funding a downtown community center is top priority."

Bob Yoder,  opinion

Mysterious habitat sign by stream 0102

3/25/17 Update:  Joeseph O'Leary, City P.E tells me Stream 0102 is Peters Creek.  Shortly after this story all the invasive blackberries were were cut down from the platform and adjacent power trail 

I found this charming home-made habitat sign today on a decaying, stream-viewing platform overgrown by creeping blackberry stems. The platform was under the powerline, near a City road, close to a commercial center, about a mile south of the Overlake Christian Church.  The stream (class 2) appears ditched and seemed sluggish for this time of the year.  They're some some beautiful birches on the trailway south to the church..

Pacific Chorus Frog?  Long-Tailed Weasel? Willow Fly Catcher?  American Robin?  Stream 0102? No City or PSE logo?  This is no ordinary place.

.Photos b.y.  

Years past, a Council Meeting in the Park

A meeting in Perrigo Park years ago 

I little bit of history:

"I think this was a Parks and Human Service Committee meeting in 2008 or 2009.  I was Chair of the Committee, but don’t see myself in the picture.  Pat Vache' had suggested, and I went along with having our Committee meetings at key parks and human service agencies.  I thought is was a great idea, but nobody carried the idea on.  When I had Public Safety we had a few meetings away from City Hall, but you would be surprised about the pushback I got from other Council members let alone staff."

--  Councilmember Hank Myers, 1/23

Editor's Note:  Parks and Rec. Director Craig Larson is on the far right of the front bench.  CM Richard Cole to Craig's left facing back.  CM Pat Vache' is on the back bench second from left. CM David Carson is back bench 3rd from the left.  Looks like that could be city planner Betty "B" Sanders across from Mr. Vache'?  To me, it looks like Hank is to the left of Richard.

Bob Yoder, Editor
Photo by Yoder

An Aquatic/Recreation Center -- Do You Believe In Miracles?

King County's Marymoor Park velodrome and climbing rock
An Aquatic/Recreation Center here?

Do you believe in miracles?  Outrageous news!  A process is underway between the County, Redmond, Bellevue and Kirkland for an East King County  "Aquatic/Recreation Facility."  King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci successfully advocated for up to $2 million for a facility during the 2017-2018 budget process.

According to Balducci's Senior Policy Analyst, Joe Cunningham:

There is not a location yet for the regional aquatics facility. Discussions thus far have focused on identifying public land. A process is underway (with the cities and County) to explore what locations are conceivable and public input will be sought. Councilmember Balducci is interested in ensuring a location is found that would be easily accessible from all three cities.

There's buzz around "town" that the cities may choose King County's Marymoor Park as the preferred site. It seems a good location for all.  If you look South from the climbing rock and velodrome you'll see an incredible large piece of fallow open space.  So, there's plenty of acreage for a very large aquatics facility and parking, without infringing on the dog park, bird loop and other uses.

However, not all Redmond, Kirkland and Bellevue citizens center their indoor recreational needs around aquatic swimming, therapy pools, and children splash areas. I don't. Some may want a gym for basketball, dodge ball, a weight room, a running track, exercise classes and martial arts.  Then there's family activities, play areas, dance and art opportunities to consider.  Parks commissioner Tom Sanko suggested the Sumner-Y as a model for activity ideas. Check it out!

After looking at the Sumner-Y website, you may well decide an Aquatic/Recreational Center is the way to go.  And VERY important, the facility should be cost-effective with the two other cities and the county partnering.

An aquatics/recreation facility is a wonderful thing, but we Redmondites need to focus even more in deciding on a downtown Community Center.  The Center location has already been vetted, but what do we want to put in it?  Business and personal meeting spaces, children play areas, clay studios, other hobby areas, space for large community events, digital and visual art space, computer areas, education opportunities, and a help-center are some of the ideas floating around.  If you can think of other uses, please contact Mayor Marchione's office staff at info@redmond.gov.

Bob Yoder, opinion
photo B.Y.

Redmond Way Construction and Parking Updates

Thank you Paige Norman for posting this on your EdNA facebook site.  This conversion looks like an incredible amount of work.  Makes you wonder if they'll come close to completing it by.their estimated date.
    

Estimated Completion: 4th Quarter, 2017

January 19th City road construction update:

• An excavation necessary at 164th Ave NE and Redmond Way to relocate an underground utility to make room for drainage placement.

 • We will continue to have two west bound lanes open on Redmond Way with periodic reductions to one west bound lane during the day. This configuration will be in place for the next several months.

• The contractor is continuing the ongoing placement of signal system work throughout the project; placement of underground conduits for PSE and Frontier as well as sewer line and drainage installations. 

• Zayo, a fiber optic utility provider, will be relocating their facilities along Redmond Way from Avondale Way to 164 Ave NE for the next few weeks.

• The Contractor is scheduling night work the week of the January 30th to install hydrants and drainage in traffic sensitive areas.  

Light Rail is Coming to Downtown Redmond

Voters approved ST3 which will bring Link light rail to Downtown Redmond in 2024. But what will that look like, where will the station be located Downtown, and how will our current transit service integrate with light rail? Come learn about options and give your input. Join us for a public meeting on Jan. 26, 6-8 pm at Redmond City Hall.

Live or Work Downtown? Catch the free shuttle from several apartment locations Downtown and we'll bring you right to City Hall. Click here and scroll down to "Free Shuttle to Public Meeting" for the shuttle details on the route and times.

Historical Society Membership Celebration Meeting (part 2)

About 35 members attended this meeting, most of them "old-timers," except for John Stilin, his wife, the Normans, yours truly, and maybe a few others. I put up a list of the old-timers on a different YouTube clip. I've got to say, sadly one of the co-founders, Miguel Llanos, couldn't make it. He's been an incredible volunteer not just for the society but also the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and Landmark Commission.

A few days after the meeting I had coffee with Joe Townsend at SoulFood to discuss Allan L. Pope's Craftsman house on Adair Street. It was built in 1924.  Now, which Mayor would that be?   Unannounced, Joe brought along John Oftebro,  a retired pharmacist and Chairman of the Board at Kelly-Ross.  John's involved with the finances for the RHS; he's incredibly tuned into local history.

Of note, when I asked Joe if he was open to a Tourism Office in the Justice White House he said others were talking about it and he'd probably be okay with it. IMO we really need a Tourism Office or Information Center, preferably at the City's front door.

I was surprised when Joe told me the RHS is a One Redmond member.

Bob

Bighorn Sheep

Where in Washington did I take this picture?  

Chelan!  3.5  hours from Redmond

And don't miss the large herd of Elk that graze east of Mt. Si High School in the Fall, early mornings and late afternoons. Can't miss em from the road!