EvergreenHealth Board In a State of Flux

EvergreenHealth Board Sees Multiple Commissioner Changes Following General Election

KIRKLAND, Wash. – The EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners is bidding two commissioners farewell while congratulating and welcoming three others after the King County General Election in November.

 

Norman Seabrooks, who retired from Aetna, Inc. after a 47-year career in the health care insurance industry, was elected by the EvergreenHealth community to a six-year term. Seabrooks is taking Position #3 on the EvergreenHealth Board, which was vacated by retiring commissioner Tim McLaughlin.  He will be representing Redmond and Sammamish. Norman has lived in Redmond for 22 years, and his entire family receives care at EvergreenHealth.

LWSD Plans $971 Million Construction Levy

We have good news the King County Assessor is lowering assessed values in 2024 by ~20%. This may give the Lake Washington School District more breathing room for their proposed $971 million levy measure slated for Fall, 2024.  

The LWSD construcion and funding plan

Elementary Schools: Rebuild and expand Alcott Elementary and Smith Elementary, Add a new elementary school in Lake Washington area. 

Middle School: Rebuild or expand Kamiakin Middle School. 

High School:  Build a fifth comprehensive high school.  Other:  Refurbish Juanita fieldhouse/pool, Add space for early learning. High School: Build a fifth comprehensive high school.  

Other:  Refurbish Juanita fieldhouse/pool.

###

A $705 million "Renewal of Construction" Levy is proposed in 2028.  It will fund school constructions needs for new student space, replacing ageing facilities, and reducing reliance on portables.  

This levy would provide funding to build critical classroom space across our district and addresses aging schools:

Elementary Schools: Rebuild and expand Rockwell Elementary, add two new elementary schools. 

Middle School: Rebuild or expand Evergreen Middle School

High School: Add additional high school capacity to Lake Washington area (TBD). Other: Add space for early learning in Juanita area.

Source:  lwsd.org

UPDATED: Second 8-Story Building Planned for 80th & Leary

Excellent project!    Design Review Board 1 Presentation  Listen to the presentation!

Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer has been a strong advocate for more day-care space in Redmond. The Design Review Board reported day-care space is planned for this project!  Massing of the prominent Redmond Grand apartments on 166th and Redmond way is terrible.  This particular project (west & adjacent to the 8-story "Arco" project) has very creative architecture helping to reduce the massing affect.  Harvey Fairbourne, the new owner of RTC could learn from this exciting new project.

16310 NE 80th ST (& Leary) is a new proposed 85’ tall, 1.18 acre residential apartment building located on 80th Street in downtown Redmond, WA. It is comprised of 8 floors above grade, one level below grade totaling 347,713 sf with 260 parking spaces and 270 residential units. It includes a 5-story wood-framed residential tower above a 3-story concrete podium. Ground level uses include residential lobby/lounge, units and indoor open space that serves the neighborhood, as well as residents. 

Open Government

 

From my experience, the City of Redmond is best with Open Government and the City and EvergreenHealth Public Hospital have the best Public Request Offices.  Lake Washington School District Public Request office is not very professional.  

-- Bob Yoder, 12/28/2023    

Atmospheric River Flooding Event in Redmond, 12/5/2023

The December 4-7, 2023 atmospheric river dumped almost four inches of rain at SEA-TAC.  Peak rainfall was 1.83 inches on December 5th and 2.07 inches on December 6th.  

This video was taken just north and east of the Redmond Safeway store.  The city closes the trail during floods. The Avondale Bridge crosses Bear Creek upstream.  The bridge is a good location foe salmon watching. Deer have been seen in the riparian behind Safeway. It's also a hangout for homeless neighbors.  

This photo shows flooding south of Redmond Way behind Overlake Urgent Care.  Bear Creek is barely be seen in the distance, where the rusty bike/ped bridge ends. In preparation for light rail, the creek channel had to be altered, restored and the riparian was enhanced with tiny trees and shrubs.  White irrigation pipes were installed for the summers.  A video of flood plain activity is here.  

White pipes irrigate tiny shrubs of the Bear Creek floodplain 

 - Bob Yoder, 12/9/2023

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Redmond Mayor and City Councilmembers Sworn In

 

Redmond Mayor and City Councilmembers Sworn In, 12/5/2023

REDMOND, WA - At last night’s Redmond City Council meeting, newly elected Redmond Councilmembers Osman Salahuddin (Council Position No. 1) and Angie Nuevacamina (Council Position No. 7), along with re-elected incumbents Jessica Forsythe (Council Position No. 3), Vanessa Kritzer (Council Position No. 5), and Angela Birney (Mayor) were officially sworn in. Their terms are effective from January 2024 through December 2027.

Birney was re-elected to her second term as Mayor, a position she was first elected to in 2019, after serving on the City Council beginning in 2015, including as Council President from 2018 to 2019. Birney represents Redmond on several regional boards and committees. She grew up in Eastern Washington and moved to Redmond in 1998. Before entering public office, she earned a Master of Education from Heritage University and a Bachelor of Arts in biology education from Eastern Washington University and worked as a middle school science teacher. Birney lives on Education Hill with her husband.

Forsythe is an award-winning Creative Director and owner of a small graphic design studio that works primarily with clients who seek to better their community. Originally from Northeast Ohio, she graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in visual communication design with a concentration in environmental design. Forsythe has worked in environmental design, architecture, and marketing and branding. She is honored to be elected to serve a second term.

Kritzer has been honored to serve on the City Council for the last four years and is looking forward to continuing to provide community-centered leadership in a second term. She has devoted her career to working for social and environmental justice. Kritzer has experience in the nonprofit, government, and private sectors. In addition to her council work, she is currently the executive director of the Washington Association of Land Trusts, where she works to protect Washington’s lands, waterways, and wildlife for future generations. Kritzer attended undergrad at Vassar College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American and Latinx studies and political science, and obtained a Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington Foster School of Business and a Master of Public Administration from the UW Evans School of Public Policy and Governance. Before joining Council, Kritzer served on the City of Redmond’s Planning Commission. She lives in Education Hill with husband and two young kids.

Salahuddin is a lifelong resident of Redmond. After graduating from the Lake Washington School District, he earned a Bachelor of Science in neurobiology with a minor in English from the University of Washington, where he also served as the student body president. His career has included management at a medical device research consulting firm and research at both Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and UW Medicine. He has also volunteered as a member of the Fire Corp with Eastside Fire and Rescue, and helped found the BIPOC Health Careers Ecosystem, a nonprofit. Currently, Salahuddin works as the communications and community engagement manager for King County Councilmember Sarah Perry.

Nuevacamina is a longtime Redmond resident. She is a veteran of the United States Navy, where she served as an aviation electrician and studied philosophy and art history at Oakland University. Nuevacamina's career experience includes working as a financial service professional, consulting small businesses, and previous public service experience serving on the City of Redmond Planning Commission. She lives in Redmond with her family.

Video of Swearing-In.

For more information about the Redmond City Council, including meeting times, how to participate, Council’s priorities, and how Redmond’s government works, visit redmond.gov/Council.

Redmond Lights 2023 - Hrailmore Ukrainian Band

Soloist with choir:   1:58 minutes

Chorus with man and boy featured 58 seconds

by Yoder, 12/4/2023

Pentatonix - Hallelujah - Praying for Peace

Peace, Joy, Comfort and a Message in these very turbulent holiday times.  God Bless You. 

12/2023

UPDATED: Redmond Lights Festivities, No rain, Good Times!

Saturday, December 2nd 4-8 p.m. Kick-off Event downtown

Yay, it didn't rain!  no wind or cold!  For us, the best part of Redmond Lights were the unannounced musical performances in Redmond Town Center.  

We were fortunate to find a few of them.  By far, our favorite were the Hrailmore Ukrainian carolers!...beautiful people, happy and heartwarming music...singing and dancing in authentic Ukrainian dress.  Watch them perform on their Facebook site here!  And, watch a short performance here!  

The Ukrainian carolers at Redmond Town Center

Underneath the RTC Christmas Tree
Merry Christmas from Bob, Pam and Zoey Yoder!

Four years from now when RTC is fully redeveloped I hope Fairbourne (the RTC owner) will commission performances at the Center every month.  It would be good for the retailers and the community.

-- Bob Yoder, 12/3/2023 

City Changes Parking Rules and Enforcement

City of Redmond announced changes to parking rules and enforcement in downtown Redmond effective Jan. 1, 2024. The information is in the latest email newsletter and on the Redmond.gov website.

"Time-limited on-street parking space Downtown and in the Redmond Central Connector public parking lot will change to a two-hour limit to align with citywide parking regulations. Enforcement hours and days will change to 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, effective Jan 1, 2024.

Additionally, parking enforcement will no longer issue warnings and vehicles that are in violation of the on-street parking restrictions will be ticketed."

https://www.redmond.gov/636/Downtown-Parking

Posted by Yoder

Dr. Holmen Remains Superintendent at LWSD

Peoria Unified School District interviews:  For Dr. Holmen scroll to 27.10 m for Dr. Kenneth Sommers advance to 40.44 m 

Announcement on the Peoria Unified School District website:  

"On November 29, the Peoria Unified Governing Board voted unanimously to enter into contract negotiations with Dr. Kenneth Christopher Sommers to serve as the district's next superintendent, pending the result of successful contract negotiations and  background check.  The Board is expected to official approve him as superintendent at a future meeting."  

Though Dr. Holmen didn't get what he wanted we are most fortunate to have him and his expertise on board during these challenging times.  -- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 11/30/2023

Exciting Changes Coming to Redmond Town Center

 

Exciting changes coming to Redmond Town Center...

... but you'll have to wait until 2027

Timeline

Click to see what's in the works (and give feedback)

EvergreenHealth Board Appoints Dr. Ettore Palazzo New CEO

 

EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners Appoints Dr. Ettore Palazzo new CEO

Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP will assume his new role as CEO of EvergreenHealth on Dec. 10

 

KIRKLAND, WA – The EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners has appointed Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP, CEO of EvergreenHealth, the community-owned public hospital district and two-hospital healthcare system effective Dec. 10, 2023. Dr. Palazzo assumes the role following the retirement of CEO Jeff Tomlin, MD.

 

“Over the past 20 years, some of the greatest, as well as most challenging, moments of my personal and professional life have taken place at EvergreenHealth,” said Dr. Palazzo. “It is the honor of a lifetime to work for this organization and serve its community as the next Chief Executive Officer.” 

 

Dr. Palazzo has served EvergreenHealth and its community for 20 years. He joined EvergreenHealth in 2003 as a hospitalist and most recently served as the Chief Medical and Quality Officer.

Emotions fly at LWSD Board Meeting

The Board members of the Lake Washington School District held a very emotional public meeting on November 20th in their chambers.  

• Superintendent Holmen gave Board member Siri Bliesner high praise, gratitude and recognition for her 11 years of community service on the Board.  
• During Public Comment over eight parents gave very emotional talks about the Israelis - Palestinian tension at LWSD and in their families.  

It's definitely worth a listen:  https://lwsd.new.swagit.com/videos/281596

Jon Holmen is interviewing for a new job as superintendent in an Arizona district.  His recognition speech for Siri was extremely well done and I hope they were listening.  

-- Bob Yoder, 11/27/2023

Redmond Lights Holiday Haiku - Michael Dylan Welch

By Michael Dylan Welch:  Holiday Haiku features 30 haiku and senryu poems celebrating both the warmth and the cold of the holiday and winter season. These poems offer reminders of common experiences you may have had in December or later during the winter. Take a moment to dwell in each poem and feel the personal moment presented in the poem, responding with a smile or a nod of understanding.  

Michael Dylan Welch was Redmond's Poet Laureate for two years.   

Learn about Redmond Lights art.  https://www.redmond.gov/1320/Learn-about-Redmond-Lights-Art

Source:  redmond.gov

Redmond Lights Kick-Off Event Schedule, December 2, 4 - 8 p.m.

 Getting Around Redmond Lights 2023

Redmond Lights Kick-Off Event Schedule

Bundle up and bring the entire family for an evening of winter fun at the Redmond Lights Kick-Off Event this Saturday, Dec. 2. From 4 – 8 p.m., the luminary trail will connect Downtown Park and Redmond Town Center by way of the Redmond Central Connector. Both sites will host ongoing performances, craft activities, and more!  

Saturday, Dec. 2, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Family Activities
  • Light Fashion Show, 6:00 p.m. at Downtown Park
  • Family Light Promenade, 6:30 p.m. at Downtown Park
  • Redmond Town Center Kids Coloring Activity, all month long at Redmond Town Center
  • Photos with Santa, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Redmond Town Center
  • Face Painting, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Downtown Park
  • Crafting, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Downtown Park and Redmond Town Center
• Performances
  • Downtown Park, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. (details below)
  • Redmond Town Center, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. (details below)
  • Luminary Trail, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. (details below)
• Luminary Trail, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. (route below)
• Silent Disco, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Downtown Park
• Community Activity Booths, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Downtown Park and Redmond Town Center
• Free glow items (with an original $10 receipt from any Redmond Town Center tenant), 4 p.m.  - 8 p.m. at Redmond Town Center

Superintendent Jon Holmen Finalist for Superintendent in Arizona School District

https://www.peoriaunified.org/superintendentsearch

Jon Holmen, Superintendent of LWSD is a finalist in selecting a new superintendent at Peoria Unified in Arizona.  The Peoria School Board will announce their decision on November 29th.  

Arizona ranks 50th out of 50 states for school funding.  Ah ha, so Jon's experience with Bonds and Levies makes him quite attractive.  

Jon's interview begins at 27m.  He is analytical, systematic with focus on stakeholders.  John Carman of Texas interview begins at 16:45m.  He's low key.  Ken Somers from Colorado is expressive, likeable, somewhat wordy with leadership qualities. Though, he may not have the school funding experience Peoria Unified is looking for.  

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 11/26 

City Hall Protest: "Bring Them Home Now."

Bob, Around noon today, I was on my way to River Trail Roasters for a cup of coffee, when I spotted a demonstration in front of Redmond City Hall, just across the street.  I quickly crossed the street and fished out my cell phone camera and discretely snapped a few photos.

The demonstrators were evidently a local Jewish group, as there were quite a number of planted signs on display, each one showing the photo of someone currently being held hostage by Hamas after the October 7th attack.  Based on a partial count, I estimated the number of attendees as perhaps 50 to 60. Many were carrying Israeli and American flags. 

While I was there, a woman was at the loudspeaker atop the city hall steps, calling out the names of individual hostages for the audience to silently acknowledge.  A large sign mounted at the entrance proclaimed: Kidnapped by Hamas / #BringThemHomeNow. (See first attached photo.)

My sympathies were certainly with them.

-- John Reinke, 11/17/2023

Reader comment:  Mayor Birney needs to proclaim an anti-Semitism Day after her daughter’s deplorable behavior at USC. https://mynorthwest.com/3938818/rantz-mayors-giggling-daughter-exposed-tearing-down-israeli-hostage-flyers/

 library leaves by Reinke

UPDATED 12/5/2023: Angie Nuevacamina Upsets Incumbent David Carson for Council Position #7

Angie Nuevacamina defeated David Carson, 53.67% (5937) to David's 46.07% (5097.)  

What is the significance of the bisected butterfly? 

The meaning of the butterfly is cultural to current day Mexico and Senegal- where I have heritage from. It signals transformation, hope, and are quite a force when moving together. In the design, my name is in the middle- acting as a bridge and being able to hold multiple perspectives.  -  Angie Nuevacamiona.  

The demographics of Redmond have changed dramatically in the last five or so years (~ 50% brown.)  Angie ran on "inclusive," "welcoming," and "equity," and it paid off.  She also prioritized affordable housing, safety, a healthy community and transparent government.  She rallied the voters with a call for "Nothing about Us without Us."  Angie is a member of the LBGTQ community, a queer artist, and small business owner, as a financial services professional.  She currently volunteers on the City planning commission.    

 

David M. Carson, the conservative incumbent of 16 years placed most of his cards on safety:  1) extra police coverage for light rail users, 2)  keeping the county accountable for a drug-free homeless facility in Overlake.  3) he flipped flapjacks for the fire fundraiser at every Derby Days.  4) he served on regional emergency coalitions.  As Presiding Officer on the Parks Council he advocated for access to Redmond's seven "String of Pearls" park properties.  He is a OneRedmond Board member, Foundation member and Kiwanis member.  He praised the Police Department "Sniffer" canine in his political statement.  All this, and Marymoor Village, the new fire station, Senior Center and other facility improvements weren't enough to win over the voters. 

The voters chose values embracing the Redmond's welcoming culture, over a developer/business centric incumbent valuing safety. 

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 11/25/2023

Find 16 years of articles and opinion on Councilmember David Carson HERE

EvergreenHealth -- "America's COVID Hospital"

EvergreenHealth / Seattle Times

EvergreenHealth's website...

"On February 28, 2020, EvergreenHealth's Kirkland campus became the first hospital in the U.S. to respond to the first known cases of community spread of COVID-19, marking the beginning of the global pandemic in the U.S. Given that we had been actively engaged in disaster readiness planning for many years prior to the pandemic, our hospital system was ready to face the challenge."  

Read more about EvergreenHealth's response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

• The New York Times: A Rare Look Inside the Hospital Where 15 Coronavirus Patients Have Died
• The Seattle Times: Kirkland's EvergreenHealth, where coronavirus outbreak was first identified in February, gets first vaccinations
• American Medical Association: How EvergreenHealth, in early U.S. hot spot, responded to COVID-19
• NPR: U.S. Hospitals Prepare For A COVID-19 Wave
• The Hospitalist: At U.S. Ground Zero for coronavirus, a hospital is transformed

The Race for EvergreenHealth Commissioner Was Historic

I'm standing next to one of many Commissioner Jeffrey Cashman's political signs. The number he staked was enormous.  I endorsed both Jeff and his opponent, Amber Wise.  I supported Amber.

Mr. Cashman planted his campaign signs heavily throughout Evergreen Public Hospital District No. 2 --  Redmond, Kirkland, Woodinville, Mill Creek, Kenmore, Duval, Sammamish, and parts of Snohomish county.  Never has a local candidate spread their political signs so far and wide.  

If the residents of EvergreenHealth Public Hospital didn't know they lived in a taxing district they certainly do now.

Currently, residents and landlords are levied ~ 2% / $1,000 appraised property value. Total Levy Revenue in 2022 was $28,556,467.   

Do you know how this money is spent?   70% goes towards capital projects, 30% towards programs like referral networks, CHATT,  and North Shore Senior Center.  The commissioners keep this close to their chest.  I learned about the 70% / 30% split at a Board meeting.  A full report is forthcoming.  

Commissioner Cashman defeated PCC meat-cutter Amber Wise, a union worker and mental health advocate, by roughly 58%. 

-- Bob Yoder, 11/9/2023

I was struck with Covid a few days before the election; this, after 6 vax.  It hit me very hard.

 

City of Redmond Television Is Packed With Community News

Redmond City TV (RCTV) is available on both Comcast (channel 21) and Ziply (channel 34) cable systems. You can also catch RCTV live online 24/7 or replay OnDemand programming from city video archives. 

At the top and/or bottom of the hour from 8 - 10 a.m. the following block of helpful and interesting programing is run continuously.  I highly recommend tuning in.  No commercials! ☝

• The Mayor’s monthly video “Our Stories, Redmond Connects”
• “Bird’s Eye View,” a poem by our previous poet laureate
• Homelessness and panhandling message from Tisza Rutherford, Redmond’s Homeless Outreach Administrator
• Heat pumps and Energy Smart Eastside
• Green Redmond
• Recycling Plastic Bags
• King County House Repair
• Connected by Water, How Redmond protects our water
• Meet Redmond’s new K9 Officer
• Redmond Senior & Community Center tour
• Licensing your pet in King County
• Being visible after dark
• The Together Center
• Redmond’s Stream Team
• King County Jury system

City Council and Planning Commission meetings are available on RCTV, as well.  They are also live streamed on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/CityofRedmond) and YouTube (www.YouTube.com/CityofRedmond). 

Mayor Birney Proclaims October 28th "Green Redmond Day" at Heron Rookery

 

Mayor Birney with parks staff
She's giving her Green Redmond speech and proclamation in front of the Heron Rookery

For a must see video of the Rookery go HERE!

About forty of us  on October 28th planted ~ 400 trees to replace the secondary growth, Douglas Fir dying from root rot.  An earlier planting failed from drought.  The city will water this summer.  We planted shade tolerant, hemlock, cedar and pine. Pam and I are standing next to orange-tagged saplings yet to be planted. 

-- Bob Yoder, 11/5/2023

Learn About Mt. St. Helens' Blast November 11th.

 

Laura Lee Bennett, VP Redmond Historical Society says...

Hey, you History Buffs! Join the Redmond Historical Society next Saturday, Nov. 11th, 10:30 AM, for a journey into the Mount St. Helens blast zone--40 years later. Writer and biologist Eric Wagner talks on the remarkable recovery of the Mount St, Helens ecosystem. Nature finds a way!

This is an in-person program at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center.