Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Planning Commissioner Roy Captain asks for your vote, Council Position 6

Roy Captain's photo.
Roy Captain (photo, Facebook) 
You, your family, your friends
Redmond is the sum of its people. Wonderful people, like you, who chose to come here from down the street or across the world. Regardless of where we came from – we likely want the same things. We want a safe place for our friends and families to live, learn and flourish. We want an inclusive society that cares for all of its citizens – every color, all religions, varied income levels, those with homes and those in need of shelter. We want to protect our own while welcoming newcomers. We are so unique already and we have an opportunity to set an example for our region, our state, and our country. To do so, we need tight connections between our local government and our communities. It’s not just about reading reports. I walk this town daily, I talk to everyone (ask my wife…literally everyone!), I listen, I learn, I understand, I help. On the Redmond City Council, I will create supporting policies and effective infrastructure. I will work tirelessly to create the change, to underpin the values of our town. Redmond is a city with heart. Let’s keep it that way.

Your car
Yes, your car. Chances are you’re spending more time in it as traffic throughout the region increases.

Jason Antonelli vies Dr. Jeralee Anderson and Commissioner Roy Captain for Council Position 6

"My two little favorite supporters"  - Jason
Hello, I’m Jason and I am running for Redmond City Council Position #6
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I am the proud husband of Denice and father of Ava and Dylan. I have called Redmond home for more than 20 years and currently reside in the Education Hill neighborhood. Our daughter Ava will be starting at Norman Rockwell in September and our son Dylan is attending Montessori Children’s House in Redmond. My wife, Denice, is a local small business owner.

I came to Redmond out of college at the University of California at San Diego and have been a long-time Software Engineer at Microsoft.

My goal in running for City Council is to represent our shared concerns about traffic congestion, public safety, and community cohesiveness.

Dr. Jeralee Anderson runs for City Council Position 6

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Jeralee Anderson
As an experienced non-profit executive, civil engineer, and startup founder, I have dedicated my career to public service and sustainable development.

I am committed to creating policies and making decisions that promote a safe, prosperous, and resilient Redmond for residents, families, businesses, and future generations.

I am a passionate advocate for healthy, equitable communities, and environmental conservation. I will be a voice on the Council representing Redmond’s diverse businesses, startup culture, women’s issues, and STEM education.

I will apply my problem-solving skills and engineering creativity to future-proof Redmond’s infrastructure projects. I will make sure your tax dollars are invested in projects that enhance quality of life and do right by the environment. Together, we will make Redmond’s streets smarter, safer, and better connected for pedestrians, bicycles, transit, and for all ages and abilities.

I would be honored to serve as your Councilwoman. Thank you for your vote.  Endorsed by 48th and 45th District Democrats. 


Source:   Website  www.jeraleeanderson.com

"Meet the Candidates" Forum



 "Meet the Candidates" forum, was sponsored by the "Education Hill Neighborhood Association" and organized by Paige Norman.  City council and LWSD candidates participated.  Paige has set up 3 new "Meet the Candidates" forum events for August, September and October. These forums will be for candidates in the General Election -- those that made it through the Primary process.

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Osama Hamdan, Position 2, Representing a Diverse Redmond on Five Key Issues is Endorsed Steve Fields

Osama Hamdan
Coming to the US as a refugee with my 
parents at the age of 7, I have had all the opportunities of the American dream. My father always instilled in his children that hard work is the way we can achieve that dream. He started his first job as a janitor in a hospital outside Detroit, eventually getting a job on the Ford assembly line and ultimately opening his own business. His goal was to provide for his family which led to my college education and me joining Microsoft more than 20 years ago. 

I moved to Redmond because I believed it would provide the best experience for my family. My oldest boys have grown up playing baseball on the RedWest Little League and now are both on the Redmond High School Mustangs Football team. My daughter plays on the Redmond Girl Select Basketball team. These experiences have helped my kids build a strong sense of community. They are not just players on a team, but are part of a team that cares for each other. These are the same experiences I want for all our residents. 


Throughout my life I have built a passion for identifying and solving problems. From when I worked for my father in his business to building and running strong teams at Microsoft. I pride myself on understanding the issues from different perspectives and coming up with solid long-term solutions.


Today, Redmond is a great place to live, but we can’t take it for granted. We are at a key turning point and how we manage through the challenges we face will define the Redmond of the future. Traffic and other pressures are only getting worse and we need to do better at solving those problems. Redmond is the kind of community my father dreamed about when he came to America. It has opportunity for everyone and offers a lifestyle where we can raise our families and enjoy our community. Those are the values we all share in Redmond, and with my background and experience, I will work to build a community that lives up to those values.  


ISSUES:  


Fiscal Responsibility:  We need to prioritize spending based on projects that our residents find value and improve our quality of life. 

Byron Shutz, Position 2, A passionate community leader

Steve Fields, Position 2, "Build Community, not Just Buildings"

Promote a Smart and Sharing City

Steve Fields
Our quality of life is good, but as we’ve grown, we’ve been steadily losing ground. Residents have been regularly asked to dig a little deeper to help pay for new parks and new amenities to keep up, but we continuously fall further and further behind while growth happens and developers determine what the look and feel of Redmond is going to be. We should not be a city in retreat. We must turn that around immediately! Our success as a city brings great benefits, also, great challenges. As a former Redmond official said to me recently, “Redmond’s focus over the past five years has been on quantity not quality. The massive downtown buildings lack a creative, innovative architecture design. Getting around Redmond in any mode is stressful. Our open spaces have disappeared.”
We can choose to be smarter and do a better job of managing our growth. This begins with reevaluating how we make our decisions and improve our current approaches and methods to be more inclusive and more comprehensive. Our best city planning resources are the people who live and work in Redmond. If elected, I will be an advocate for community involvement in determining what our city will look like and what amenities we will insist on.

Friday, July 14, 2017

Changes in the Sammamish Valley - Pictures worth a thousand words




Image result for lake sammamish images











To help visualize how Redmond's landscape has changed over time, the City of Redmond Natural Resources Division asked the Seattle nonprofit Common Space to help create a series of time-lapse computer visualizations. They reflect how three different views of the Redmond would have changed from 1890 through 1936 to the year 2000. 
  • Looking northwest from Lake Sammamish down the Sammamish River Valley
    1890 - 1936 - 2000
  • Looking northeast across the Sammamish River Valley towards downtown Redmond
    1890 - 1936 - 2000
  • Looking southeast from the location of today's Willows Run Golf Course down the Sammamish River Valley towards Lake Sammamish and Mount Rainier
    1890 - 1936 - 2000
 -- redmond.gov

Redmond City Council Candidates Primary Profiles

The Primary Election  of Tuesday, August 1st is over.

This video was deleted by the city.  Steve Fields, Jason Antonelli and Jeralee Anderson, and Byron Shutz advance to the General Election.


City of Redmond, Council Position 2
Osama Hamdan   
Byron Shutz
Steve Fields

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Mayor Marchione's annual "State of the City" address

A few highlights:

Affordable housing is a very big problem.

Change in travel time:
+ 7 minutes on Red-Wood
+ 3 minutes on Willows
- 1 minute on Avondale

Parking:
655 on-street parking spaces
92 on "sky painting" parking lot (across from the Saturday Market)
116 spaces on 160th.


Redmond housing prices soaring:
2010 - $385,000
2017 - $785,000
Eastside median - $880,000

Lake Washington School District Superintendent's June Message

Dr. Traci Pierce, LWSD Superintendent 
Great communities make schools great, and we very much appreciate the support of our parents, community members, and city and business leaders in supporting the 2016 bond measure that passed, making the new schools a reality today.
Formal portrait of LWSD Superintendent, Dr. Traci Pierce
Dr. Pierce
At the groundbreaking ceremony for Juanita High School, I had the opportunity to share a few words, and talked a bit about yesterday and the past – specifically about 1971. In 1971 a gallon of gas cost 40 cents and a US stamp was 8 cents. Popular films included Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Dirty Harry, and Fiddler on the Roof. Flare jeans and belted turtlenecks were popular. Three Dog Night’s Joy to the World topped Billboard’s list of hot 100 singles.
1971 was also a time of growth and change. In 1971, Apollo 14 lifted off on the third successful lunar landing mission. Back in 1971, Walt Disney World opened in Orlando Florida. Intel released the world’s commercially available microprocessor, the Intel 4004. And back in 1971, Juanita High School originally opened as a groundbreaking new school in Lake Washington School District.
Since 1971 the current Juanita High School has proudly served thousands and thousands of students. Over the past 46 years I estimate approximately 69,000 students have graduated from Juanita. Today we recognize and honor the past as we look to the future and to 2020, when a new Juanita High School will open and continue a great legacy of proudly serving the Juanita Learning Community.
As superintendent, each June I have the honor and privilege of sharing a few words with all Lake Washington School District graduates in the form of a letter to graduates. This year was an especially meaningful time for me to share with graduates as I prepare to attend my 30th high school reunion this summer. This year I was also inspired by 2017 being the 40th anniversary of Star Wars. My letter to the Class of 2017 is posted here if you would like to read it.
Thank you for another great school year. We are looking forward to 2017-18.
---Excerpt from Superintendent Pierce's June message

Monday, July 10, 2017

New Lake Washington School District Website is launched



It's been 10 years since the Lake Washington School District website has been updated.  Kathryn Reith, Director of Communications, spearheaded the project to create a new website.  She is narrating this video.  Ms. Reith recently retired and a new Communications/Engagement Director has been hired to replace her. Ms. Reith's efforts were invaluable to our community.  She was always willing and eager to work with the public and local media. She will be really missed.

Bob Yoder

Sunday, July 9, 2017

Redmond Kiwanis embraces our community


Club Meeting

"Kiwanis Is All About Helping Children"  

The Redmond Kiwanis Club is composed of men and women who, at the local level, take part in a variety of youth-focused service projects for the community and fund raising activities to support these projects. 

To raise funds to support their youth projects, Redmond Kiwanis are preparing and selling food and ice-cream for the "Rockn' On The River" (video) summer concert series.  The concerts are held on the Outdoor Plaza of the Senior Center.  Remaining concerts are Thursday evenings, 6 - 8:30pm on July 13, 20th, 27th and August 10th.  My wife and I have been to several concerts in the past.  It's a gem.  The music is lively and inviting to children and families wanting to dance.    

Many of their service projects involve serving food for the vulnerable.  On July 17th they will prepare and serve food for the homeless youth and young adults at the Landing, a
shelter run by Friends of Youth.  

Redmond Kiwanis hold their meetings at the Family Pancake House on Redmond Way every Friday at 7am.  Often they will host a guest speaker who talks about child-related organizations.  On Friday, July 14th the Outreach Coordinator for "ARC" will present.  ARC works with advocacy groups to educate people about the legislative process for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.   On July 21st a speaker from "Havens Community Connections" will describe how they help women in domestic abuse situations.  

Their website is robust and  updated every month with information about the club, their activities, speakers, and service projects.  Redmond Kiwanis embraces our community and welcomes new members.  If you'd like to be a guest at one of our meetings please call Pat Vache' at 425-883-2314.  

Bob Yoder

Thursday, June 29, 2017

UPDATED: The Status And History Of Mental Health Care At EvergreenHealth

Image result for Dale Chihuly art installation images
"The many colors of  bipolar mood disorder"
Dale Chihuly art (Internet) 
The National Association of Mental Health says 1 in 5 adults in the United States suffer from a mental health condition in a given year and only half get treated.  COVID brings this home.

In the Spring of 2024 Evergreen's seven commissioners began work on a preliminary plan to provide psychiatric treatment in their two Emergency Departments and two Urgent Cares using remote and in-person care.  Careful budgeting of funds with help from the community could move this forward.    

Years ago, EvergreenHealth planned a 14 transitional care bed unit to keep their acute mentally-ill patients from being "boarded" in the Emergency Department.  
They later decided against building the unit and instead remodeled the emergency department and partitioned 7 "Rainier beds" from the working part of the department for peace and quiet until services could be found. Sometimes it takes weeks. 

They sponsored a community awareness event several years ago emphasizing 1 in 4 have a mental health "disease." It was an excellent free educational forum; surprisingly none of the 7 commissioners attended.   

Staff was considering an "Outpatient Mental Health Urgent Care" clinic 2020 but  momentum was lost by onset of the pandemic.  Providence in Everett pioneered one of the first mental health urgent care clinic's in the Nation; during the pandemic if proved great success. 

For friends and family needing psychiatric diagnosis and treatment, Overlake Medical Center offers a variety of  services, including 16 in-patient hospital beds, day care and an outpatient clinic.

EvergreenHealth offers telepsychiatry for "in-home mental health service," restricted to adult King county Medicaid patients living distant from Evergreen.  An application is required. 

Several "soft" programs are offered,  including:  1) a  levy-supported "Community Health Access Team."  2) Smokey Point behavioral health evaluations, 3) Grief and Bereavement Services, 4) Social work youth suicide program with L.W.S.D. (no other district, 5) Perinatal mood, and anxiety care.  

Glass artist Dale Chihuly is struggling with his mental health. At 76 and still in the throes of a decades-long glass artist career, he discussed his bipolar mood disorder for the first time in an interview with The Associated Press.  Several  photos of his amazing glass art are included in this article.  I'm not sure if Mr. Chihuly has passed away.  

Brain disorders are generational in my family. 

Bob Yoder, updated: 6/3/2024

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

The "Overlake Neighborhood" Is Booming

Esterra Master Park
It appears "flat top" buildings are envisioned for the Overlake Urban Village















Woah!  Downtown construction of the 6-story rental buildings and the couplet road conversion are totally distracting us (at least me) from what's going on in the Overlake Urban Center. To catch up, I'll be posting a series of reports on this "neighborhood" over the next several weeks.

Right now, Education Hill is the most populous neighborhood in the City.  Soon the Downtown will be the most populated; finally in the end, Overlake will be number one.  Five thousand new homes and 95,000 new jobs are are expected between 2010 - 2030.  Overlake is the third largest jobs center in Puget Sound!  Light rail will arrive in six years further stimulating growth.

Yes, the 9-story twin towers proposed for the old post office site are tall but be prepared for Overlake! Commercial buildings are zoned 8-10 stories and residential buildings, 8-12 stories. According the city's old Overlake Urban Center web page seven projects have already been completed.

A few months ago Steve Fischer, City Development Manager, gave Council a status update on projects currently underway:

1)  Capstone Lofts Hotel, 274 rooms, completed by this summer.

2) Avalon Block 4, 230 apartments, partially occupied, near 152nd.

3)  Red 148, old Asteca site, 244 units, 24 "affordable," [Impact fees:  fire $46,872, park $686,984, transportation $360,000]

4) Block 7, partially occupied, 260 apartments and about 13,000 square feet of retail

5 ) Lincoln Park:  Blocks 5, 6A, 9 -- 156th Ave. NE & NE Turing St.  3 multi-family housing buildings:  6-story w/ 215 homes, 8-story w/ 212 homes, 6-story, w/ 231 homes, just starting, 150,000 cubic yards removed.

6) Avalon Block 8 on NE 24th & 152nd, 330 units, just starting, 25,000 cubic yards removed.

More to come...

Bob Yoder

Thursday, June 22, 2017

UPDATED: "Design Review Board" brings color to Redmond's Town Square District

Rendering of the Twin Towers showing the blue and green color scheme, brick material and roof line chosen by the Design Review Board.

This massive structure will be right across the street from Hancock's Bakery.

Opinion:  For years now, residents have complained about the dull earth tones, "box-like" construction, and absence of brick materials in our new Downtown 6-story buildings. Council often joked of their fatigue with the "browns and mustards" - Councilmembers Hank Myers and Kim Allen in particular. But nothing was done. 

Last week I went to the Design Review Board (DRB) meeting where "Color Options" were reviewed for the 9-story twin tower building proposed at the old post office site...in the Town Square District.  The Town Square District is envisioned as high density, 6-8 story buildings, including office, entertainment, retail and residential use.  The towers are a signature building setting the stage for the design of future development in the District. Thus, what comes out from this Design Review will impact "look and feel" of the entire Town Square District for years to come.  

I was the only citizen that showed up for the twin-tower meeting and was given a wonderful opportunity to comment on color before the Board made their decision.  After looking at color schemes presented by the developer, Board and staff I recommended teal (blue) over red.  During our nine months of grey weather the blue will remind us of our sunny blue sky days of summer. The red scheme was eclectic and rich with too much pop.  

The Board decided to go with blue and a small amount of green at the street level. Oscar said blue was more sophisticated and red shouts.  Chair David Scott Mead -- very influential -- jokingly said he'd see the red from his house, summarizing the review with a blue-green "Go Seahawks!" cheer. Yey!  Watch the video.  Next step:  Oscar, the diminutive, likable project manager will meet with city staff to fine tune the color scheme.  He made it known he doesn't like "Northwest Moss" green wanting color with little more punch.  Yey again!  

The Board proceedings were very interesting. I'm grateful to the developer's architect for thanking me for my input. She made me feel I made a difference. I admire this developer and his commitment to form and aesthetics.   

I'm very unhappy with the city's severe lack of transparency with this body.  Though several times Councilmember Stilin advised the public to look into the DRB, it was only by luck that I learned the public can comment.  Without public comment the "look and feel" of our Downtown buildings are left up to just 7 citizens and a powerful staff - many not living in our city. "Design damage" is already done to the downtown core, though opportunity remains to get it right -- with public input -- during the Town Square District build-out and development of Marymoor Village.   

The Board meets on the first and third Thursday's of the month at 7PM, City Hall.  DRB approval is required before the land use permit is issued so your comments can significantly influence project outcomes.  To learn what's on the DRB agenda click this link and go to "Agendas Summaries" for 2017.  They don't make it easy! 

Bob Yoder

http://www.redmond.gov/Government/BoardsCommissions/DesignReviewBoard

Read More for:  a YouTube of the DRB deliberating, Twin Tower design elements and a comment from city staff. >>


Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Status of 2016 LWSD bond projects

2016 Bond Projects - Program Schedule2016 Bond Construction Project Schedule
New School Projects  
New Middle School – Redmond Ridge
Click here for more information.

 Project Information​
Location:Redmond Ridge Drive NE and NE 99th Place, Redmond Ridge East
​Square Footage:134,000
Capacity:​900 students
​Spaces:24 standard classrooms, instrumental and vocal music, special education, art, lab science, CTE, library, cafeteria/commons with stage, and gymnasium
​Estimated Project Cost:$77,592,000
​Planned Opening:2019
Neighborhood boundaries:​Boundaries will be developed in a process including public feedback during the 2018-19 school year.
New Elementary School – North Redmond
Click here for more information.

 Drawing of new elementary school in north Redmond


Project Information​
Location:172nd NE and NE 122nd, Redmond
​Square Footage:78,000
Capacity:​550 students
​Spaces:30 standard classrooms plus music, art/science rooms, ELL/SN/special education, library, cafeteria/commons, gymnasium, and outdoor covered play area
​Estimated Project Cost:$43,257,000
​Planned Opening:2018
Neighborhood boundaries:​Boundaries will be developed in a process including public feedback during the 2017-18 school year.

Read More for six additional projects