Redmond Downtown Park In Full Bloom

Plum trees spill out beauty while a distant blue crane reminds us of what's to come

I assumed these were Cherry trees and to confirm used the Google application.  Plum trees were suggested.   Photo, Bob Yoder, 4/2/2021

"Prunus mume is an East Asian and Southeast Asian tree species with common names of Chinese and Japanese plum trees. The flower, is a long beloved subject in the traditional painting and poetry of East Asia and Vietnam."

-- Wikipedia

Sweeping Changes Coming To The Together Center

A sketch of the new Together Center

At this time the old buildings are demolished. The new Center will be five-stories tall and close to Bella Bottega; it's expected to be occupied by April, 2023.  Underground parking is a necessity and will be built.  The new Center will provide eighty units for the homeless with incomes 30-50% of average monthly income (AMI.)  These prices are unheard of.  Two hundred workforce housing units will be available at 50-60% AMI.  Significant square footage is added, probably to accommodate additional nonprofits. (Blessings for the Center. Many years ago when I was the outreach coordinator for NAMI- Eastside we were looking for an office to move our Founder out of his home.  I discovered the Together Center - a jewel - and we've been there ever since.)   If you'd like to donate click here.

The old Together Center directory identifies its three buildings and nonprofits. The most significant change from the old to the new is the addition of affordable housing units.

Pamela Mauk was the Executive Director of the Center for over 10 years.  I found her donation brick  with 50 others in the courtyard.  (The hyperlink is an excellent interview with Ms. Mauk.) 

-- Photos/story by Bob Yoder, 3/31/2021

News: Downtown Redmond Link Extension

Sound Transit has LOTS of work planned and underway for the Downtown Redmond Light Rail Link Extension 

Read all about it!

UPDATED 3/29: LW School District Should Implement 3-Foot Distancing Soon

Internet photo

Yesterday, Governor Inslee ordered by 4/19 middle and high schools open for full or partial in-person learning at least two days each week. Seattle Times, 3/29/2021

My wife and I watched two LW School District Board meetings this month; we were heartsick during the public comment period when students and parents told their sad stories. The pain and suffering they experience from remote learning is severe. We almost cried. 

Most students and parents directed their comments to Superintendent Jon Holmen.  They pleaded to open the schools ASAP.  Some studies show remote learning is 75% of normal.  A significant problem is deteriorating mental health.  Anxiety, sadness, depression, anorexia, substance abuse and suicide have escalated. Abuse at home goes unchecked. There's a dearth of socialization and emotional support. 

On March 25th we finally received some good news from Governor Inslee.  The State Department of Health approved 3-foot distancing with masks.  Superintendent Jon Holmen should be stoked. Six-foot distancing with masks is still required for teachers and staff and in eating and drinking places.  Small classrooms will have more capacity though.

Our children will be affected by this closure in some way for all their life. The District needs to open ASAP.  The administration has had months to plan for this moment.  Confronting the teachers union is a necessary. Today, I asked Superintendent Holmen if he will implement the Governor's distancing order soon.  He said his team is actively working on it. (See his letter below.) LWSD moves with the momentum of a huge tanker turning ever so slowly. However, Dr. Holmen has 5 associate superintendents and over 31 executive directors to help him navigate.  There's little excuse not to move forward expeditiously. 

I wish Dr. Holmen and his team the best of luck.  

-- Bob Yoder, Updated, 3/29/2021

Hello Bob,

 Here is the information that I sent out to staff and community yesterday. 

As you can see, we are developing our plans in consideration of both the Governor’s Emergency Order and the change in K-12 guidance related to classroom distancing. As with all guidance changes, we must take the information and determine the scope and magnitude of opportunity immediately and in the long-term. We are actively working on this.

 

Thank you for following up on our email exchange from earlier with a request for updated information.  With these rapidly changing times updated information is important for all our communities.

 

Thank you,

Jon

 

Dr. Jon Holmen

Superintendent

Lake Washington School District

jholmen@lwsd.org | 425-936-1257

"Transportation Benefit District" Under Consideration

Seattle has a Transportation Benefit District

COO Malisa Files introduced the Transportation Benefit (taxing) District concept to Council during their Tuesday, March 23 meeting. The District would lie within the boundaries of the City.  Vehicle licensing fees of up to $100 and sales tax up to .02% on $100 purchases would be collected.  Council would oversee the District and make funding decisions.  The revenue could fund the needs of light rail, busing, bike lanes, and road work.

CM Jessica Forsythe said Redmond has one of the most regressive tax structures in the country; she probably won't support it.  I'm concerned about tax creep.

Odds and Ends

It was decided Parks and Rec. will hire eight full time employees; three will be hired immediately. 

CM Jessica Forsythe is pushing for one Senior lunch at least twice a week. She wants more substantial lunches.  

CM Vanessa Kritzer wants to set up a mental health fund.  

-- Bob Yoder, 3/26/2021

Notes On Redmond's 2050 Outreach Results

This winter the Administration conducted comprehensive surveys asking citizens "what will Redmond be like in 2050."  Council discussed "Redmond 2050" in their last study session.  Below, are a few of their thoughts on the subject:  

David Carson doesn't like unoccupied housing units.  After one year he suggested double taxing them. Unoccupied housing relates, in part, to investors trying to lock up a good deal.  Fallow housing drains our housing stock. Mayor Angela Birney said no-can-do, that the issue is in the hands of the state legislature. 

Steve Fields said an acquaintance felt Redmond was becoming more "soulless."  Fields appreciated the city's successes but indicated Redmond's "look and feel" and design standards were affecting the character of the City.

Jessica Forsythe felt our parks were missing corridor links and thus walkability; especially in our downtown parks and Overlake.   Mental health resources are important.

Varisha Kahn was unresponsive.  

Vanessa Kritzer (and Jessica) want to build a working relationship with the City of Bellevue.  Vanessa looks to improve the quality of life through child care resources, education and human resources. Mental health resources are important.  

Jaralee Anderson - my notes on Jeralee are poor but a lot of her interest is in transportation and green roads.

Tanika Padhye is interested in 10-minute communities and building a police facility in Overlake.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/25/2021

City Of Redmond Is Awarded Significant COVID-19 Recovery Funding

The Council held a committee meeting last Tuesday focusing on three topics - the first being the American Federal Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  COO Malisa Files presented the plan.

As you know, the federal American Rescue Plan of 2021 is a huge $1.9 trillion COVID-19 recovery program.  $300 billion is targeted for state and local aid. (including Redmond?) $130 billion will be split equally between counties and cities. (including Redmond?)  $65 billion goes to localities.  Redmond gets ~$15.6,  half by May 10th, the remainder in 2022.  

Ms. Files didn't mention King County executive Dow Constantine's $600 million COVID-19 recovery plan.  About half of the funds are allocated to public health and rental assistance; some may spill over to cities.  

Where's the greatest need in Redmond for COVID recovery funds?  Relief for small businesses and nonprofits have been targeted first and foremost.  Tourism, travel and hospitality are also in need.  Hazard pay for essential workers, local government losses, and investment in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure were identified.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/25/2021

UPDATED 3/25: Redmond Council Is Shaking Their Governance

Redmond City Hall

A previous budget discussion triggered Council to review municipal forms of government during their study session last night. For years, the City has been governed in the "Strong Mayor" format and still is.  Like Council, our Mayor is elected to a four year term but also serves as the CEO and Chief Administrative Officer. For 12 years "Strong Mayor" John Marchione assigned Jane Christianson as Deputy Administrator Officer to carry out operations. Jane Christianson was terrific, a real pro, the best. He later hired two co-Deputy Administrators, and just before retiring promoted the Parks Director to COO, a new position.  Mayor Angela Birney then replaced this COO with the Finance Director (a past City Clerk) who is a numbers and strategic person; less a manager and people person.  

In the council-business manager (CB) form of government the manager prepares a budget for the council's consideration. He/she also recruits, hires, terminates, and supervises government staff; serves as the council's chief advisor; and carries out the council's policies.

Characteristics of the “strong” mayor form of government are: The mayor is the chief executive officer, centralizing executive power. The mayor directs the administrative structure, appointing and removing of department heads. While the council has legislative power, the mayor has veto power. The council does not oversee daily operations.

"The most significant differences between Strong Mayor and CB stem from the location and distribution of authority between the legislative and executive officials." - MRSC

The "Council - business manager" form of government is growing in popularity, especially in small/medium sized cities, according to Councilmember (CM) Steve Fields. Large urban cities like Seattle usually have a Strong Mayor.  Kirkland, and a few other surrounding cities use CB.  Fields claims CB's serve 100M people nationwide and the numbers are growing.  In CB, Council shares policy and decision-making equally. Steve says the CB format is less political than the Strong Mayor form of government. 

Green Winged Teal Abstract

Photograph by John Reinke of Redmond, WA. -- Mondavia seasonal pond, Redmond 3/14/2021

 

King County Supplemental COVID Funding

Eviction protections extended, added vaccination support in $92M budget approved by King County Council

 

The King County Council on Tuesday approved a sixth round of supplemental funding in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The $92 million budget includes funds for eviction protection and rental assistance, vaccination efforts, PPE, community-based organizations and more.

 

“The Council’s unanimous approval of the 6th Covid Budget marks the year’s first big step forward in addressing the health and financial needs of our community as we face the continuing challenges of Covid together,” said Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles. “This budget addresses critical needs in public health and provides a massive amount of assistance to residents struggling to pay rent.  We also apply the lessons learned over this last difficult year and created many improvements to our systems, adding a hub-and-spoke model to work with community-based organizations and an advisory committee to the rental assistance program and an accounting system that will allow small organizations without deep reserves to receive assistance when they cannot wait for reimbursement.”

 

While this budget largely represents efforts to maintain existing support and programs responding to COVID-19, it still makes large investments in several key areas:

 

• $45.2 million for rental assistance funded by Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, a $900 billion supplement to CARES Act
• $29 million for public health response and county operations funded by reappropriation of unspent Coronavirus Relief Funds
• $11.2 million for vaccination efforts for 60 days funded by state grants
• $5 million to establish a revolving fund to provide upfront payment for grants to community-based organizations that cannot wait for reimbursement$1.9 million to extend the JustCARE and Co-LEAD programs to end of March.

Light Rail Construction Reaches Downtown Redmond

 Westbound lane closures at NE 40th St. in Redmond

Beginning as early Monday, March 29 through August 2021, Sound Transit contractor crews will close the westbound lanes on Northeast 40th Street between 148th Avenue Northeast and 156th Avenue Northeast. This closure is needed to help the construction of the future Downtown Redmond Link Extension. 

Microsoft Opens Headquarters To Workers

 Microsoft to start bringing workers back to headquarters

REDMOND, Wash. (AP) — Microsoft will begin bringing workers back to its suburban Seattle global headquarters on March 29 as the tech giant starts to reopen more facilities it largely shuttered during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a post Monday on the company’s corporate blog, Executive Vice President Kurt DelBene said Microsoft has been monitoring local health data and decided it can bring more employees back to its Redmond, Washington, campus.

DelBene said workers will have the choice to return to headquarters, continue working remotely or do a combination of both.

More than 50,000 people work at the company’s headquarters campus in Redmond, 15 miles (24 kilometers) east of Seattle.

On Monday, Washington state moved into Phase 3 of its COVID-19 reopening plan, meaning all of the state’s 39 counties will be allowed to relax coronavirus restrictions.

Under Phase 3, all indoor spaces — including indoor dining at restaurants, indoor fitness centers, and retail — can increase capacity from 25% to 50%. Larger events like concerts and graduation ceremonies will also be OK since up to 400 people will be allowed to gather for indoor and outdoor activities as long as physical distancing and masking are enforced.

-- 3/22/2021  Microsoft press release

Restoring A Place Where Salmon And People Can Live Together

 Dear WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council and interested parties,

 We’re excited to announce that the 2020 WRIA 8 Progress Report is now available online. 

 

Jason Mulvihill-Kuntz

Salmon Recovery Manager

Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Watershed
206-477-4780 /jason.mulvihill-kuntz@kingcounty.gov

WRIA 8 website:https://www.govlink.org/watersheds/8/

 

Please click the above Progress Report.  It is an incredible site!  Bob

Senators Question CDC's Interpretation Of Data For Re-Opening Schools

 Source:  "Washington Alliance For Kids"  March 9th, 2021

To: Dr. Rochelle Walensky Director Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30329

From: Six U.S. Senators

Dear Director Walensky: 

We write with regard to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) school opening guidance. Numerous reports have documented how school closures continue to cause grave harm to our nation’s students’ educational outcomes and mental wellbeing. The overwhelming body of evidence indicates that it is safe for schools to offer in-person learning, and experts agree that the best thing we can do for students is to get them back in the classroom. 

Many of our states have been able to safely provide in-person learning for the majority of this year, and yet, the CDC and the Biden Administration have failed to provide our nation’s schools with a workable set of standards and a consistent science based message to help them reopen. To address those concerns, we demand a Tiger Team composed of public health experts to identify and address the source of this failure, align the guidance with science, and get our students back to school.

Last week, every Senate Democrat voted against our amendment to incentivize schools to reopen. Instead, they moved forward with $123 billion in funding that has no ties to any specific reopening timing. We are now left with an untenable crisis where it seems unlikely the unions will end their opposition to in-person learning, even after they receive billions in additional funding. 

The endless moving of goalposts by teachers’ unions make it hard to see a future in which our students will be able to pursue the in-person education they deserve. On February 12, 2021, the CDC admitted that listening sessions, with parents and teachers led to direct changes to their original draft guidance. By putting forth biased, unscientific guidance, the CDC made a clear decision to side with teachers unions over the well-being of students. 

School Board Expects District Will Exceed Governor's Requirements For Hybrid Learning

"The Lake Washington School District (LWSD) Board of Directors welcomes and supports Governor Inslee’s announced proclamation requiring all school districts to begin offering hybrid in-person instruction this spring. We believe that, although remote learning has worked for some, for many students the best model of instruction is in-person, in a classroom with their teacher. This Board also views the Governor’s proclamation as a minimum, not a goal. 

Accordingly, it is the Board’s expectation that LWSD will exceed the requirements of the Governor’s proclamation in implementing in-person learning this spring. It is also our expectation that all students who choose to remain in remote instruction will continue to receive high-quality instruction and services. Finally, it is our expectation that, if health and safety guidelines allow, all students in all grades will have the option for full-time in-person instruction next fall. As a Board, we commit to doing everything we can to ensure this happens...."

-- LWSD Board of Directors, release excerpt 3/15/2021

Three foot distancing policies can be adopted in school settings with masking mandates without negatively impacting student or staff safety. Clinical Infectious Diseases, March 10, 2021

WASHINGTON ALLIANCE FOR KIDS

A comprehensive, quality website packed with information focused on getting our kids back to school. 

Pandemic Pedaling - Bikes Everywhere!

 

Doing it right, on the Sammamish River Trail, Photography by John Reinke 

Green Rooftop And Vertical Garden Building Incentives

Overlake Medical Center Pavilion

Note the patio furniture and benches

Redmond is committed to initiatives that preserve our natural resources and enhance the long-term environmental sustainability of our community. The City’s environmental programs and initiatives are concentrated in four key areas to cultivate a thriving environment; two of which are: *stormwater runoff management  and preserving and enhancing green space, the tree canopy and *natural habitat.  

Despite being a biologist and knowing the benefits of green rooftops Mayor Birney states "staff are not presently advancing policy or code development work specifically related to green roofs. The staff are focused on updating the Comprehensive Plan in its entirety....)  2/17/2021  Why is the Mayor leaving green roof policy up to staff?  Doesn't the Council set policy?  With each passing year, projects are developed in Redmond yielding literally acres of rooftop that will never be green. For a City that prides itself in environmental sustainability, the Administration is leaving the citizens behind as it races to accommodate growth. 

Incentives:  Just as we use art, height, courtyard architecture, trees and other features for project incentives we can do the same for green rooftops and vertical gardens. In the Quadrant/Proctor 10-minute community site on Willows & 124th, the Administration offered four Green development incentives.  The four options offered:  1) electric vehicle charging, 2) green roofs, 3) solar panels on the townhomes, and 4) solar panels on the community buildings. Quadrant was required to use two of the four options. If green incentives can be used at this development why not others?

It's my hope our Mayor will support Green policy guidance from our representatives and not leave everything up to the Development and Engagement office.  

-- Bob Yoder, 3/4/2021

   Sources:  Note from Mayor Birney, 2/17/2021

   Blog piece on Proctor development

   redmond.gov 

   Photo, Bob Yoder

Cackling Geese Seen On Sammamish River

Just north of the 90th Street bridge I saw a fair number of folks walking and riding bikes up and down the trail, but these "Cackling geese" paid no attention to them as they munched away on the grass.  Some folks approached fairly closely to take photos, as I did also.  The geese didn't object or scuttle away.

I had come upon them as I headed north along along the Sammamish River.  After taking a number of photos, I turned around and walked back south.  As I did so, I kept an eye on the grass growing between the trail and the river, on which the geese had been feeding.  I discovered lots of goose poop spread along this area for at least 100 yards south from where I had first encountered them.  I would guess they must have already been on the scene for close to an hour to have chewed their way through this stretch of land.

Conclusion:  Free grass clipping and free fertilizer!  What more could we ask from our feathered friends?

FYI: Cackling geese are a separate species that closely resemble Canada Geese, but are smaller in size.

[ to learn about cackling geese, go to this link: https://www.audubon.org/news/learn-tell-cackling-goose-canada-goose ]  

-- Picture and story by John Reinke, 1/17/2001

Secondary Students To Maintain Remote Courses And Teachers For Remainder Of The Year

February 25, 2021

Lake Washington School District jointly with the Lake Washington Education Association are releasing pertinent information and details related to secondary educational offerings for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.

The District and Association have a shared agreement that secondary students need to be offered access to in-person experiences. 

Dr. Holmen stated, “We need to ensure that any secondary student who wants an in-person experience is afforded that opportunity.” He went on to say, “Our adolescent youth are experiencing this pandemic in many different ways. We need to be responsive to those needs and be creative in how we address the varying needs across our district.”

Secondary students can expect to maintain their current remote courses and teachers for the remainder of the school year. After analyzing a number of factors, the District has determined that the shift to a hybrid model and disruptions to schedules would create more challenges and problems for secondary students than benefits. Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen will release a live-recorded message for secondary families on Friday providing additional information about the decision to maintain the current remote instructional model.

Press release excerpt ,2/26/2001

LWSD Allows In-person Attendance To Their Public Meetings

Lake Washington School District is now allowing in-person attendance at their public meetings on a limited basis.  Below, is their announcement:  (B.Yoder, 2/24/2021)

"Effective March 1, LWSD board meetings and study sessions will be held in-person. 

 

If you would like to attend either a board meeting or study session, you must pre-register to Diane Jenkins, djenkins@lwsd.org by 1:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Due to the regulations in Phase 2, there can only be 16 audience members in attendance. Reservations will be on a first-come, first-served basis. A contact list will be retained for 28 days. Attendees can be staggered (move in/move-out) to reduce gatherings.

 

Board meetings and study sessions will continue to be livestreamed and viewable on the district website. 

Second Through Fifth Grades Transition To In-Person Or Continued Remote Learning

 February 22, 2021

Lake Washington School District jointly with Lake Washington Education Association are excited to release pertinent details for the second through fifth grades elementary learning model transition to in-person or continued remote learning services. 

UPDATED, 3/2/2021: My Covid Vaccination Experience

I never thought I'd admire this little town so much (photo P. Yoder) 

It's been about a year that we've been living under the cloud of the pandemic. Stress and sadness shows its ugly head. I'm fatigued having to wear a mask and socially distance all the time. One of my pet peeves is seeing noses uncovered. I can't stand it.  (I'm outside and distanced when unmasked.)

Like most, we were overjoyed when the vaccines were released!  At age 70 with underlying conditions, and my wife at 67, we persistently searched for an appointment; an horrific endeavour.  (Though some V.I.P. donors at Overlake Medical Center, Providence-Everett and EvergreenHealth silently moved up the line.)  My wife, Pam set the alarm clock for early morning calls to city, county and state vaccination sites.  

Breaking news! On 2/10, my wife and I won the vaccine lottery with a grand prize trip to Pateros for two Moderna shots! haha. Pateros is a town of 600, four hours east of Redmond, 20 minutes north of Chelan.  We have a rental in Chelan and had to do some business there so transportation wasn't a big problem.

The site was run by three county Fire Departments; they vaccinate about 40/day.  We were quickly vaccinated from our car, and ecstatic when given a card for the second shot!  According to the New York Times (2/20/21), only 13% of the U.S. population have their first shot and 5.4% have both shots. We feel blessed.  

-- Bob Yoder, 2/20/2021

I took the second Moderna shot 25 days later...moderate fatigue a day later.

What a Look

 

She looks quite ravishing, what with her 'flower power' eyes and festooned with a striking fuchsia scarf around her shoulders.  She is certainly a cheery addition to our otherwise drab winter scene.  -- John Reinke, 2/17/2021, Sammamish River.

COVID 19 Has Not Affected Home Values

 -- Mr. John Wilson, King County Assessor, 2/17/2021

King County Mails First Tax Bills Since the Beginning of the Pandemic: Some Areas Will See Increases Due to the Passage of Special Levies 

COVID 19 Pandemic Has Not Affected Home Values, but Some Commercial Businesses Have Taken a Major Hit 

Overview of 2021 Property Taxes 

Voter approval of special levies, in conjunction with a strong housing market, will generate a 4.03% general increase in King County property tax collections for 2021 – although some jurisdictions will see double digit increases. 

Overall, countywide property tax collections for the 2021 tax year are $6.6 billion, an increase of $256 million from the previous year of $6.3 billion.  Total County property value increased by 2.65%, from $ 642.5 billion to $659.5 billion between 2020 and 2021. 

“This year’s tax bills reflect the complexity of our property tax system,” said Assessor John Wilson.  “Taxes are going up for many county residents, but not all. And the pandemic which has affected all our lives has hit the economy hard but has not dramatically affected property values.” 

King County Treasury began sending out the annual property tax bills February 16. King County collects property taxes on behalf of the state, the county, cities, and taxing districts (such as school and fire districts) and distributes the revenue to these local governments. 

About 57 percent of 2021 King County property tax revenues pays for schools. Property taxes also fund voter-approved measures for veterans and seniors, fire protection, and parks. King County receives about 17 percent of your property tax payment for roads, police, criminal justice, public health, elections, and parks, among other services. 

Property Values Largely Unaffected By the COVID-19 For 2021 Taxes 

The King County Assessor has been monitoring the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.  While residential housing values have remained steady, some commercial sectors are being heavily impacted. It is important to note, however, that, by state law, values are set as of January 1 each year. Taxes collected this year are based on the value of the property on January 1, 2020. Therefore, any changes in commercial values caused by COVID will be reflected in the 2021 assessed value for taxes payable in 2022. 

“The world today is radically different than it was on January 1, 2020 when state law has us set assessed values for this year’s taxes,” said Wilson. “While residential values have been steady, many businesses have been either temporarily closed or their operations dramatically constrained. And thousands of workers have been laid off or furloughed.” 

 Local Levies Lead to Property Tax Increases 

By state law, property taxes are calculated on values set January 1, 2020 – well before the economic impacts from COVID-19. During 2020, many local special levies, particularly for schools, were passed by voters. Taxes to fund those levies will be collected for the first time this year, leading to property tax increases in many parts of the county. 

For example, the four largest increases are in Pacific, up 13% over 2020, Enumclaw, up 11%, Maple Valley, up 15%, and Algona, up 18%.

Input is requested on the Senior and Community Centers

Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond invites community members to give their input on the program and design process for the future Redmond Senior and Community Center. The community is invited to join a virtual public meeting on February 24 from 1-3 p.m. for seniors and 6:30-8:30 p.m. for all ages. In addition to this meeting, an online questionnaire is available through March 10. To RSVP for this meeting or to complete the questionnaire, visit the project webpage at www.redmond.gov/RSCC.

Thousands of citizens have been polled on the Senior Center in recent years.  With the Centers not opening in a few years from now; I won't be participating in this survey.  I'll wait for the next one. -- B. Yoder, 2/16/2021