Mackey Creek Restoration And Enhancement

Project Overview - Project Completed

Mackey Creek is a spring-fed, perennial creek that is about 2.65 miles long. It passes east to west through the middle of Farrel-McWhirter Park, joining Bear Creek a half mile to the east. Multiple issues related to the health of the stream were identified, including barriers to fish migration, bank erosion from high stream flows, deposits of sediment causing the creek to flow out of its channel, the growth of invasive plants that have exacerbated flooding, and lack of in-stream woody debris.

Project Work

The project work, which restored and enhanced Mackey Creek within Farrel-McWhirter Park, was funded in part by King Conservation District (KCD). Work included:

• Stabilizing stream channel and improving stream habitat
• Removing fish barriers
• Reducing flooding and sediment problems
• Controlling invasive plants, and planting native plants

Get information about all projects.

Oregon!

The New "Esterra Neighborhood" Of Overlake Urban Center

And, we think the Downtown is sprouting 6-story multi-family mixed-use buildings ... Don't discount the 988 home "Esterra Neighborhood" of the Overlake Urban Center just up the hill.

• Two 6-story buildings are under construction totaling 545 apartments ("homes")
• An 8-story tower with 212 "homes" under construction; hotel
• 5 and 6-story buildings totaling 231 homes under construction
• 7-story Office building with 3-levels of underground parking.
• Park 
• And this is just the beginning - 13 buildings in all

I'll be posting a description of each building next week, including sketches.  If you can't wait, check out the city's "Project" page here.  

-- Bob Yoder

Rockin' On The River - Final Performance

The final  performance of city-sponsored "Rockin' on the River" was held at the Senior Center on Thursday, August 8th, 6-8 p.m.  Emerald Heights also sponsors the event.  The Kiwanians grilled hot dogs and hamburgers.  The "Eagle Eyes" band performed; the week before it was the Beatnicks. This is a very popular event and usually draws 400 - 500 residents. According to the City:

Eagle Eyes is a tribute band to the legendary music of the Eagles. They have taken great care and dedication in recreating and capturing the live true magic in the harmonies that make the eagles renowned. 

Hailing from Southern Vancouver Island, BC, the four members of Eagle Eyes have over 120 years of combined experience as professional touring musicians.  

Photos by Reinke

EvergreenHealth resorts to voter-shaming in Prop 1 mailers

MyNorthwest.com article on Prop. 1 shaming

King 5 - "Woodinville Foundation" Apologizes For Election Mailers Shaming Voters

According to the PDC, The EvergreenHealth Foundation spent over $547,000 for "get out the vote" ads. Besides copious mailers, they placed ads on Pandora and even CNBC.  $83,000 of the funds was dark money laundered though a non profit (Source:  Disclosure Act, Public Record Request)

The bond lost by 2%

B. Yoder, opinion

Rockin' On The River

On August 1st there was some great entertainment at the Senior Center - Rockin' on the River by the Beatnicks! Many thanks to the city, Emerald Heights and Kiwanis for sponsoring this event.  Another performance is scheduled for Thursday, August 8th.  They get better and better every year...great fun dancing and jiving outdoors with our neighbors!

-- Bob Yoder, video

Sound Transit Fares - Redmond Technology Center Update

Redmond Technology Center station in Overlake - East Link Light Rail Extension

Civil construction is expected to wrap up late next year. Civil construction will be followed by construction of the light rail operating systems (power, signals, etc.). The systems work takes about one year, and will be followed by pre-revenue service testing.

Fares are set at $2.25 + $.05 per mile, rounded to the nearest $0.25. Fares may change over time to achieve a minimum Board-required revenue target, but at current rates that would put the ~15-mile trip from Overlake to Westlake at around $3, or Overlake to Norhgate at ~$3.50.

Source:  Facebook: East Link light rail

Watching A Beaver Take A Slam Dunk

 John, thanks for the great story and better yet, the laughs! 😂

Credit/ John Reinke

Recently, I was out stretching my legs along the Sammamish River Trail here in Redmond.  Heading north, I was a couple hundred yards south of the "rusty pedestrian bridge" that crosses the river where NW 100th Street would be, if it existed.

Glancing out over the water, I noticed something plowing upstream against the current.  It was too far away to make out what it was, but I suspected it might be a muskrat, which I have occasionally seen in this area.

It was swimming steadily toward me when I suddenly hear a loud "thwack", and saw the creature's hind legs suddenly rise straight up into the air, before immediately sliding down beneath the roiling water.  (I guess we could call it a “slam dunk”…)

Former Mayor Rosemary Ives Endorses Steve Fields

Steve is also a very likable guy!

Former Redmond Mayor Doreen Marchione Passes Away

Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond is saddened to report the passing of former Redmond Mayor Doreen Marchione. She passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 27, 2019, surrounded by her family. Doreen Marchione was first elected to the Redmond City Council in 1975 and then served as Mayor from 1984 – 1991.

“Doreen’s commitment to a lifetime of public service always impressed me,” said former Redmond Councilmember, Arnie Tomac, “She served on both the Redmond and Kirkland City Council and was the Mayor of Redmond. She was always striving to make Redmond and Kirkland better and a great place to call home. Her support of her family, friends and community was legendary.”

Born and raised in Seattle, Doreen Foster Marchione graduated from St. Edwards, Holy Names, and Seattle University. In her more than thirty years of public service, Marchione served eight years as a Kirkland City Councilmember including two years as Deputy Mayor. While serving for 15 years as CEO of Hopelink – the largest provider of social services in north and east King County, she oversaw a 150 percent increase in the number of residents Hopelink assisted. Her service on multiple regional boards and committees is highlighted by the 15 years she served on the Seattle University College of Arts and Sciences Leadership Council, as well as her time served on the State Transportation Improvement Board, as Commissioner of King County Housing Authority, as president of the Washington State Association of Community Action Agencies, and a Board member of the Kirkland Performance Center.

Electric scooters to debut in Redmond July 30th.

Lime, a private bike and scooter share company, is expected to debut electric scooters in Redmond on Tuesday, July 30, and may add bicycles in the future.

This pilot program allows residents and employees to use bikes and/or scooters until May 2020 and then bike and scooter share will be reconsidered.

Vision

Bicycle and scooter sharing support the City’s vision in the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) to improve travel choices and mobility. The scooters will give Redmond travelers new options as the average trip in Redmond is 2.2 miles, which is about a 15-minute bike or scooter ride.

redmond.gov

Letter From The Editor

Bob and Pam

Dear Friends,

I want to apologize for the inundation of political stories on my blog at this time.  The Primary is only 5 days away and I'm trying to design a "Voter's Guide" which requires posting the content for it. After August 6th and our vacation, I'll circle back to you with some fresh reporting.

All the best,

Bob

Steve Fields' Leadership Style Sets Him Apart

In Redmond's "Strong Mayor" form of government our mayor is both CEO and Chief of Staff; Steve Fields will fill both those shoes. I know, because I watch council meetings almost every week and report on them in Redmond Neighborhood Blog.

Primed to excel as CEO, Steve is the only candidate who has led teams preparing large government budgets. As mayor, Steve will manage our city finances with integrity and accountability. He's completed multi-million dollar negotiations and led teams of people that improved operations. The Redmond urban centers have grown exponentially. As CEO, Steve will strategically implement projects to control this growth. He's assertive, likable, and doesn't need the popularity of the elite. Steve isn't bigger than life. He's grounded.

Steve's the best candidate to take the rudder and guide Redmond, both locally and regionally. Career experience has brought him toe-to-toe with Seattle and King County officials. He's connected. While engaging with neighbors he will cut expensive and ineffective projects like the 2-way conversion.

Protecting our environment, our health and our future is his highest priority. He wants to protect our streams, salmon and trees. He took the 5K Walk with NAMI to "bust" the stigma of mental illness. He wants to make our city more affordable for people who call Redmond home and for small businesses -- like he and his wife's coffee shop.

Our traditional small businesses simply can't afford the mixed-use box buildings. They are being driven out, just as workers have been driven out to find affordable housing. Steve wants to change this by navigating through government red tape to provide innovative housing options and tax incentives for our small businesses. For mobility, Steve will move light rail forward, encourage "smart technology" with traffic and parking programs, and design smarter and safer bike lanes.

I've spoken with and listened to the candidates on many occasions. Steve's management and leadership style is what separates him apart. Please vote "Yes" for Steve Fields this August 6th!

-- Bob Yoder

The gem of EvergreenHealth's Proposition 1

The 5K  "National Alliance For The Mentally Ill" Walk to "bust stigma"
supports in part, EvergreenHealth's goal to build an outpatient mental health clinic

When voting on EvergreenHealth's Prop. 1 measure you may not be aware of a hidden gem in this bond.  Our elected officials (commissioners) decided to build an outpatient mental health clinic if we pass the bond!

The need is definitely there. According to the "National Institute of Mental Health": 

• One in 25 have a serious mental health illness like bipolar, eating disorders, major depression and severe anxiety. 
• Only 41% of adults in the U.S. with a mental health condition received mental health services in the past year. Among adults with a serious mental illness, 62.9% received mental health services in the past year.
• Just over half (50.6%) of children with a mental health condition aged 8-15 received mental health services in the previous year
• Suicide is now the Number 2 killer of our teens.

So please know Prop. 1 is more than seismically retrofitting Evergreen's oldest buildings and upgrading the 1985 Critical Care Unit. It's also about "the forgotten people" --  our mentally challenged residents and their families crying for care. 

Please vote "Yes" on Proposition 1.

-- Bob Yoder

Average Cost/Student At LWSD Is $18,432

How much did Lake Washington School District taxpayers pay per student in the 2017 - 2018 school year?

$18,432 cost per student at LWSD

This number was derived from the district's: 

2017 -2018 operational budget of $355,527,166 

+ their capital budget of $192,896,229 = a total 2017 - 2018 budget of $548, 423, 395

$548,433,395 / 29,754 students

= $18,432.

Source: Shannon Parthemer, Director of Communications and Community Engagement

City Revenues Up, Expenditures Down -- Long Term Trend Continues

Each month the Finance Department reviews the prior month’s financial performance. Some highlights from the end of June include:

 General Fund revenues continue to trend over projections by approximately 12% due to one-time collections of sales tax on construction.

 The one-time collections appear in the sales tax category which is over expected collections by approximately $7 million.

 Property taxes the second largest revenue source in the General Fund are on budget.

 Utility taxes are trending lower by approximately $1 million.

 Expenditures are approximately 12% below budget. Under expenditures are primarily due to vacancies and one-time projects that have not begun.

-- Council Committee Meeting Agenda, 7/23/19

NOTE:  The monthly pattern of high revenues and tax collections and expenditures below budget continues to improve, long term.  These favorable financial outcomes will help us address the most significant priority needs in the city's budget:  Infrastructure and Safety.  In my opinion, there is no need for a Safety levy with these financial trends. - Bob Yoder

OPINION: Steve Fields' management and leadership style sets him apart.

In Redmond's  "Strong Mayor" form of government our mayor wears three different hats.  He is 1) one of eight elected officials, 2) the CEO, and 3) the Chief of Staff. 

A good leader is trusted and respected by his employees.  I've known Steve for years and watch city council meetings religiously. Steve is a good listener and as Chief of Staff will guide well. He will hire the right people. Steve gives encouragement and the tools staff needs to grow in their careers and to give tax-payers their best. 

Primed to excel as CEO, Steve is the only candidate who has led teams of people preparing large government budgets. As mayor, Steve will manage our city finances with integrity and accountability. He's completed multi-million dollar negotiations and led teams of people that improved operations. As CEO Steve will take the bull by the horns; and does Redmond have Big Horns. A CEO is assertive, - not laid back - and doesn't need to be popular with a long list of elite endorsements from people who don't live here and can't vote. Steve isn't bigger than life. He's grounded. 

As reported in a recent Seattle Times article Steve believes "Our residents are the best city planners. We need to listen to them." Steve's likable. He's the best candidate to take the rudder and guide the organization, both locally and regionally. Career experience has brought him toe-to-toe with Seattle and King County officials. Steve's connected. With engagement from the neighborhoods he will plan and manage the city to prevent what we've experienced with the downtown park and two-way street conversion. However, he does support the festivities there and would like to find ways to make the park more interesting and attractive for all residents. 

As an elected official our mayor has the enormous responsibility of writing the preliminary budget to prioritize how our tax dollars will be spent.  He gives vital budgetary input to the seven council officials we elect. Steve says in his brochure "We should not further delay the sustainability program that was funded in last year's budget. Protecting our environment, our health and out future is my highest priority."  He wants to make our city more affordable for people who call Redmond home and for small businesses -- like he and his wife's coffee shop. 

Our traditional small business simply can't afford the low-level, mixed-use boxed rental buildings. They are being driven out of our city just as workers are being driven out to find affordable housing.  Steve wants to change this by navigating through government red tape to provide innovative housing options and tax incentives for our small businesses. As for mobility, Steve will move the downtown light rail station forward, encourage "smart technology" programs to help us cope with our frustrating traffic, the parking problem, and smarter and safer bike lanes.    

I'm a 41 year resident and have spoken with and listened to the candidates on many occasions. In my opinion, Steve's management and leadership style is what separates him from the others. For all the right reasons, please join me in voting for Steve Fields on August 6th!  

-- Bob Yoder

Eastside Mayoral Candidate Forum - Angela Birney

The Eastside Mayoral Forum was held in the North Bellevue Community Center on July 18th.  The audience was mostly Indian, North Asian, Chinese, and Japanese.  This is candidate Angela Birney's closing  statement. (1 minute)

-- Bob Yoder

Eastside Mayoral Candidate Forum - Steve Fields

The Eastside Mayoral Forum was held in the North Bellevue Community Center on July 18th.  The audience was mostly Indian, North Asian, Chinese, and Japanese.  This is Steve Fields' closing statement. (1.5 minutes)

-- Bob Yoder

UPDATED 10/20/24: New Parks And Recreation Director And New Public Works Director

Carrie Hite

Dave Juarez

Update:  Mr. Juarez is very active in the Redmond community. He's a Board member of the Redmond Kiwanis Club, solar panel champion-supporter of the new Senior & Community Center and Chairs Redmond's Centro Cultural Mexicano center.  

Redmond, WA – At last night’s meeting, Redmond City Council approved Mayor John Marchione’s appointment of Carrie Hite as the City’s new Parks and Recreation Director and Dave Juarez as the new Public Works Director.

“Carrie and Dave bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their Director positions,” said Mayor Marchione. “We look forward to having them join the City. I am confident their energy and leadership will contribute to continued success in Redmond.”

EvergreenHealth Names Jeff Tomlin, MD, As New Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Jeff Tomlin

Kirkland, Wash. – EvergreenHealth’s Board of Commissioners announced today its selection of Jeff Tomlin, MD, to lead the Kirkland-based health system as chief executive officer. Dr. Tomlin had filled the role of interim CEO since May 31 following Dr. Amy Beiter’s departure from the organization.

Before serving as interim CEO, Dr. Tomlin oversaw the health system’s clinical quality and safety initiatives as EvergreenHealth’s chief medical and quality officer, and was responsible for leading risk management, patient relations, infection control and research, employed specialist practices, surgical services, pharmacy and medical staff services.

“As a longtime and esteemed member of our leadership team and greater community, Dr. Tomlin has an incredibly informed understanding of our organization, from both a strategic and operational perspective. During his time as interim CEO, he has skillfully translated this understanding into thoughtful action,” said Al DeYoung, chairman, EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners. “In addition to his impressive track record of leadership within our health system, he has also established strong ties to the community we serve throughout his 30-year tenure. Under Dr. Tomlin’s leadership, EvergreenHealth is well-positioned to continue pursuing our mission to advance the health of the community with high-quality, safe, compassionate and cost-effective health care.”

LW School District Employees To Receive A 3.1% Inflation Increase

The district entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Lake Washington School District Trades Bargaining Council to extend their current collective bargaining agreement for an additional year. Employees under this agreement will receive the 3.1% state determined inflationary adjustment. 

The district also successfully negotiated the contract reopener for compensation with the Lake Washington Education Association. The parties agreed to: 3.1% state determined inflationary adjustment; Implementation of new salary schedule including legislative minimums; increase substitute rate of pay and provide the 3.1% state determined inflationary adjustment.

Last year's data shows the consumer price index increased 2.1% in the Seattle area.

Sources:  Bureau of Labor Statistics, Western Information Office
                LWSD School Board Meeting Packet, September 17, 2018

Reported by Bob Yoder

Primary Candidate's Explanatory Statements, On August 6th Ballot

City of Redmond, Mayor

• Angela Birney
• Andrew Koeppen
• Steve Fields

City of Redmond, Council Position 7

• Shad Ansari
• David Carson
• Carlos Jimenez
• Osama Hamdan

Lake Washington School District 414, Director District 5

• Siri Bliesner
• John Towers
• Susan Wilkins

Registration For National Night Out Against Crime

This event is on the same day as the August 6th Election.  Please vote by mail before attending this event!  

Redmond, WA – The Redmond Police and Fire Departments are proud partners of National Night Out and will host neighborhood visits on the evening of August 6 by Redmond police officers, firefighters, emergency management, search and rescue teams and elected officials. All Redmond residents are invited to register and plan neighborhood parties by Sunday, July 21 at https://www.redmond.gov/613/National-Night-Out.National Night Out (NNO) is a combined effort by neighborhoods across the country to prevent crime and drug use in our communities. 

To check if your neighborhood is already registered, or to register after July 21, please email crimeprevention@redmond.gov or call 425-556-2632.  When registering neighborhood events, you can request a visit from any of the participating safety departments. We will do our best to match all requests and help make the night fun and informative. Registration is easy – just list the time, place and which department you would prefer to attend.

“National Night Out is a great opportunity for Redmond residents to come together and build stronger ties with their neighbors,” said Mayor Marchione. “This annual event focuses on education, relationship building and continuing to make Redmond a safe community for today and future generations.”

For more information about the history of National Night Out, visit https://natw.org. To reach the Crime Prevention Team, email crimeprevention@redmond.gov or call 425-556-2632.  

Mayoral Candidate Voter Guide

  

*** Mayoral Candidate Election Guide***

(Click for the Guide)

Make sure you mail your ballot by 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 6th. No postage needed.

Or put them in a King County drive-through drop box by August 6th, 8 p.m.

Drop boxes are located at City Hall and the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village.