Lake Washington School District Hires Additional Mental Health Counselors

Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen

Thank you for your information and advocacy. We are in agreement that there needs to be an expansion of services and available beds for acute care. We are pleased to have been able to expand the implementation of mental health counselors at our secondary schools. Through district resources and some grant funding, all secondary schools in LWSD will have a full time mental health counselor this school year. We will continue to work to maintain and expand services through direct district support services but also through partnerships with community agencies, municipalities and other entities with a mission of supporting the mental health and well being of the youth in our community.

 

I hope you are doing well.

 

Thank you,

Jon

 

Dr. Jon Holmen

Superintendent

Lake Washington School District

jholmen@lwsd.org | 425-936-1257

 

Mental Health Is In the Forefront At EvergreenHealth

 

EvergreenHealth "Silver Tower" funded by the community

Mental health is in the forefront these days

In 1998, Chair DeYoung of EvergreenHealth wrote a letter to the community stating EvergreenHealth's Vision was to "be an inclusive health care system and the most trusted source for community health care solutions." I'm truly appreciative of their inclusion of mental health -- as they are now seriously evaluating a much needed Behavioral Health Urgent Care clinic, and other mental health care services.

Quality psychiatric care, fewer visits to their ER's, lower patient costs, and countering stigma, are major benefits of behavioral health urgent care.

Last week I attended a suicide prevention workshop at Redmond High School and ran into several EvergreenHealth social workers who assess students for suicide and other mental health issues. Erin, your social worker for RHS said she's done 80 assessments in her two years. Suicide is at crisis levels in high schools! 8th graders struggle very much too.

In a big way, the suicide crisis sparked the "Mental Health First Aid program" for adults assisting young people. I took the class to prepare for LWSD's Lunch Buddy mentoring program; it's very helpful. EvergreenHealth taught 4 classes last year with more to come. One of the LW Schools Foundation themes for this year is "mental wellness." I hope some of EvergreenHealth commissioners and some staff will attend their annual spring luncheon....and you!

I'm thankful for EvergreenHealth's "In-Home Mental Health Program." It's a great program for adult, seriously impaired medicaid patients that lack mobility, and it doesn't cost the hospital a dime. Evergreen is starting to do some really good things for mental health in our community. I hope they keep moving forward.

-- Bob Yoder, 6/2020

King County Councilmember Perry Visits EvergreenHealth , Wants "Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinics"

 

King County Eastside Councilmember Sarah Perry

Hi Bob, Thank you so much for reaching out to Councilmember Perry’s office to share this information and feedback. Councilmember Perry has been actively engaged in the behavioral health conversations happening at the County in conjunction with the budget conversations beginning now. While I don’t have more details to share at this time, I know that having a 23 hour behavioral health facility in the district is a top priority for Councilmember Perry. Additionally, we are currently in the process of scheduling a visit to Providence in Everett to see their behavioral health facility with State and County legislators, DCHS and other stakeholders to help inform these ongoing conversations, especially as the Executive gets ready to transmit his budget proposal to the Council later this Fall. We are also in the process of setting up a meeting with each of the hospitals in our district and surrounding areas, including Overlake, EvergreenHealth, and others, to make sure we are including them in this ongoing conversation. I will be sure to pass this along to Councilmember Perry as she prepares to have these conversations with the health facilities. In the meantime, we really appreciate you passing this feedback along. Please let us know if you have anything else you would like to share with us as the Councilmember continues to work on this critical issue.

 

Sincerely,

 

Robby Paige

Legislative Aide

Councilmember Sarah Perry

King County Council, District 3

206-445-9246

Video of Providence/Everett's "Behavioral Health Urgent Care" with

psychiatrist and social worker narrating.

Posted by Bob Yoder, updated, 2/23/2023

EvergreenHealth Opens Redmond Town Center Primary Care

Yeah! KUDOS EveregreenHealth! Now let's get "Behavioral Health Urgent Care" in our community to keep patients out of the emergency room and in safe hands.

EvergreenHealth Primary Care, Redmond Town Center opened its doors on Monday, but today we made it official with a ribbon-cutting featuring Dr. Jeremiah Pamer, Dr. Jordan Collier, and Dr. Eliana Vasquez.

Many thanks to Redmond mayor Angela Birney, EvergreenHealth Commissioners Virgil Snyder and Dr. Chuck Pilcher, CEO Dr. Jeff Tomlin, COO Chris Bredeson and more for joining the celebration! (EvergreenHealth Facebook page.)

EvergreenHealth Primary Care - RTC
7345 164th Ave NE, Suite 1-105
Redmond, WA.  98052
425-522-8312

How to find us:  Our entrance is on the ground level right off of NE 74th Street between 163rd Place NE and 164th Avenue NE. 

Get care from the experts at our clinic in the comfort of your home when you select a virtual visit when scheduling your appointment. Hours 8-5 Monday through Friday.  Closed Saturday and Sunday. If you need a same-day appointment, we ask that you call the office. 

We're located in the southwest corner of the Redmond Town Center directly across NE 74th Street from the Seattle Marriott Redmond.Free parking is available behind the building off of 163rd Place NE.

 Website, 8/29/2022, excerpted

Posted by Bob Yoder, 8/29/2022

OPINION: Community Comments On EvergreenHealth's Behavioral Health Practices

EvergreenHealth Public Hospital should initiate a bare bones plan to medically treat community members struggling with behavioral health conditions. This video (140 seconds) explains the value of "Behavioral Health Urgent Care."  Below, are five people making exceptional social media comments gleaned from the article:  King County needs "Behavioral Health Urgent Care."  

 Molly Schroeder

"I am a mental health therapist and have seen first-hand how frightening a mental health emergency can be when there are no resources readily available! And how many clients have I treated over the years for the trauma they endured by resorting to a local ER?! If the ER is all that is available, I support that route, but Urgent Care for behavioral health would be an amazing option!"

Jennifer Z D Baldwin

"In my experience, including multiple mental health trips to Seattle Children’s ER, is that our current mental health system, at least in King County, is solely crisis focused. Meaning we do have systems in place for someone who’s immediate safety is in danger. But there is very little, adequate, on-going, accessible and meaningful/effective treatment for actually helping people heal. 

Imagine what it would be like if we treated mental health like we do physical health. Imagine if our minds were part of our bodies and that anything that impacted one impacted the other. Imagine if we dropped the shame around mental illness and had annuals, well visits, sick appointments, and talked openly with friends about what we were struggling with, trying, working on, and freely shared provider recommendations. That when we knew a family was struggling with mental health we organized meal trains, picked up groceries, or offered to take the kids. Like we do with physical health. Imagine if we had enough providers and treatment options and that they took insurance because dealing with insurance wasn’t a nightmare for everyone.

My rant is done (for now.) I know this is bigger than just King County. But the solutions to these problems start with awareness, social investment, public conversation, and specific needs assessments which can lead to increased funding and infrastructure. Thank you Bob Yoder for sharing this and providing a public space for (what I hope is thoughtful and civil) conversation."

Maggie Quintus

As someone with a person with mental health issues in my family I can assure you that having more resources for mental health would be invaluable. There is nothing worse than being sent home with someone in crisis and no help available

Matthew Dekker

This is timely. I brought a family member having a psychiatric emergency to Evergreen ER recently, and she was treated abhorrently. I kept saying to my wife throughout the process that there has to be another option

Ansley Heinsohn

My husband is a Program Director for a Mental Health Group & they are at capacity w/100’s more needing service & no where to get it. It is desperately needed.

###

Attn:  School Boards

Seattle Children's Hospital Behavioral Health Crisis Clinic . To avoid the ER.  Six Psychology PhD's.  One mental health nurse.  

Pediatric Behavioral Health Urgent Care, an innovative model of care for children and adolescents.

Opinion: King County Needs "Behavioral Health Urgent Care"

Providence-Everett Behavioral Health Urgent Care waiting room

A letter to the EvergreenHealth CEO Tomlin and the Commissioners:

Thank you Executive Secretary Candace for your and Commissioners/CEO Tomlin's interpretation of the "Seattle Times" April 11th article on behavioral health. 

The article flatly states: "The county has no walk-in urgent care center for people experiencing a mental health crisis, youths and adults wait hours or days in emergency departments before landing an inpatient bed."  Seattle Times, 8/11/2022. 

EvergreenHealth's two emergency departments are not the only option for community members requiring "same day intervention."  Providence/Everett has proven that.  CEO Tomlin can do more than advocating for greater resources.  He can provide medical treatment.  Your rooms given for NAMI Eastside forums and other "soft" resources are appreciated but by no means enough. 

Thank you CEO Tomlin for as you say, "evaluating and evolving your services to remain in close contact with the county and other community organizations" however, the Eastside population is exploding and Overlake can't carry your burden.  You must be willing to give a little to get a lot. (goodwill, bond passage assurance, positive media exposure, county support and resources, grants,) The commissioners owe it to their "constituents" and community members to provide medical treatment rather than whitewash a remedy with advocacy. 

Of note:  "The Providence Medical Group Behavioral Health Urgent Care provides timely access to behavioral health services for adults 18 and over presenting in a mental health crisis. The program is designed as an alternative treatment setting for those who need urgent (same day) intervention, but do not necessarily require the services of the Emergency Room."  -- Providence BHUC website

Before the pandemic, Kay Taylor, the Director of Nursing, et all were days away from a site visit to Providence Medical Group Behavioral Health Urgent Care.  At that time it was a pilot program for Providence.  They passed the test under severe Covid conditions with flying colors and operate today.  The community was running to their door.  CEO Tomlin, when you have staff resources, I encourage you to visit Providence/Everett, listen, learn and act. Thank you. 

My regards to commissioner Pilcher.

Best, 

Bob Yoder

Redmond, WA.

425-802-2523

redmondblog.org 

file

"Bear Creek Bridge" Connects Trails

The middle of the bridge is right over Bear Creek.
Two cranes positioned the bridge / credit B. Yoder
Click the image to enlarge - do you see the creek?

Thank you for your inquiry, Bob.  The bridge is a new pedestrian and bike bridge that will cross Bear Creek and connect the East Lake Sammamish Trail to the Bear Creek Trail. It is being constructed as part of the Sound Transit project.

For more information on Sound Transit and the system expansion in our regional areas, please visit https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can assist with.

Thank you,
Heather Burtsche
Customer Experience
info@redmond.gov

King County COVID-19 Report

 

King County Weekly COVID-19 Report

• focus on students
• back to school
• isolation and quarantine
• test to treat
• homeless service providers
• looking for Novanex
• free at-home Covid-19 tests for the blind
• SUMMARY OF CASE REPORT DASHBOARD DATA

All other COVID-19 dashboards are posted at www.kingcounty.gov/covid/data

-- Posted by B. Yoder, 8/25/2022

Redmond, WA. Census Data Wheel

Redmond, WA. Deloitte Data Wheel:

• Economy
• Diversity
• Housing
• Civics
• Covid-19
• Education
• Health

Attn:  OneRedmond

Additional useful links:

READ MORE

City Council Selects Name for New Community Center

 Posted on: August 22, 2022

Citizens give testimony asking for "Senior" in the Center name.

  (click picture to enlarge)

REDMOND, WA – At their Aug. 16 business meeting, members of the Redmond City Council voted ( *four to one) in support of naming the City’s new community center the Redmond Senior & Community Center. The name recognizes the new facility as a space for all generations to enjoy, gather, and recreate. Throughout the robust naming process, community members shared that they appreciated the name’s descriptiveness and that it clearly identifies the building as a place where seniors can feel comfortable and welcome. 

The name was selected in accordance with the City’s process for naming new city facilities and included extensive community outreach and involvement. Initially, 31 names were collected from key stakeholders and then staff reviewed the options and narrowed the list to three. This list was shared with the Redmond community for feedback at community events and in an online questionnaire, which received nearly 350 responses. Following this outreach, Parks and Recreation Department staff presented the options and feedback to the Parks and Trails Commission, which put forward a recommendation that was presented with the feedback to City Council. The Council discussed the recommendation and alternative names at length and determined the approved name was the best suited for the new building.

“We are excited for this important milestone and thank everyone who shared their voices throughout the process,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “We are now one step closer to providing a new welcoming space in Redmond that is designed for all ages to recreate, meet, and build community.”

The Redmond Senior & Community Center will be a 52,000-square-foot facility. The building will utilize LEED-certified materials, efficient energy-conserving systems, and rooftop solar panels which will provide 50% of the building’s electricity. The City began outreach for the project in 2020, which confirmed Redmond’s need for a larger center to serve the senior population, while also serving the entire community with cultural arts, events, and multigenerational recreation experiences and gathering space.

The new community center is slated to open in late 2023 on the site of the former Redmond Senior Center, adjacent to City Hall on Redmond’s Municipal Campus. The design concept includes a senior lounge and library, a multipurpose community room with a commercial kitchen, active recreation areas and gym, locker rooms, classroom and meeting space, and a supervised Kid Zone for Redmond’s youngest community members.

For more information about the project, visit redmond.gov/RSCC.

Comment:  * David Carson, Steve Fields, Jessica Forsythe, and Malissa Stewart voted "yes," Jaralee Anderson voted "no." Vanessa Kritzer was on family leave, and Varisha Kahn didn't show.  (Ms. Kahn is about 25 years old.)  

Surprisingly, the debate on "name" took several meetings and was contentious at times. I personally didn't hear one citizen give pro-Red Oak CC testemonity.  Staff pushed hard for Red Oak.  Council member Steve Fields concluded "we are very fortunate to have this community resource, regardless of name." Applause from both sides followed  -- Bob Yoder 

"art within art"

Arts & Culture Day, mosque in SE Redmond / photo Yoder
6/18/2012 

UPDATED: Citizens Can Have The Last Word Designing Our Buildings And Villages

The developer's rendering of his twin-tower commercial / residential project.

This massive structure (two 9-story towers) will be built on the old post office site 

across the street from Hancock's Bakery and a block from the fire station.

Opinion:  For years now, residents have complained about the dull earth tones, "box-like" construction, and absence of brick and wood 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. 

In June of 2017. I went to the Design Review Board (DRB) meeting where "Color Options" were being 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 and applicant made their decision.  After looking at color schemes presented by the developer's architect, Board and DRB manager Steve Fischer, 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 and applicant decided to go with blue and a small amount of green at the street level. Oscar, the diminutive,.likable project manager said blue was more sophisticated and red shouts.  DRB 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. Yay!  Watch the video.  Next step:  Oscar 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.  Yay again!  

The Board proceedings were very interesting. Unfortunately, participation by the Board was weak. One member was absent and the other barely said a thing.  I'm grateful to the developer's architect for reaching out to me and genuinely 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  powerful staff - many not living in our city. "Design damage" has 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.  Their approval is the last action 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, June, 2017

No women are members of the DRB.

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2017/06/design-review-board-brings-welcome.html

Redmond Square Apartments Announce Three Businesses Are Open

 

Redmond Square Apartments
166th Ave. NE and Redmond Way
photo/ Bob Yoder
8/1/2022

FLASH FROM THE PAST:  "Community Is Encouraged to Support Businesses During Construction," September 16th, 2016:

Redmond, WA – “We Dig Downtown,” Redmond’s new buy-local during construction campaign, kicks off in Downtown Redmond on Monday. The weekly themed events promote that Downtown Redmond is OPEN for business during construction.

For eight Monday evenings beginning September 12 and ending October 31, varying Downtown locations will feature performers, artists, and games. The community is invited to join the activities and encouraged to patronize local businesses.

Inspired by requests from Downtown businesses for the City’s assistance during the impacts of construction, the goal is to encourage and invite customers to buy local, enjoy a sense of community and support Downtown businesses.  

Jill Smith, City of Redmond Economic Development Manager, hopes residents and commuters alike will take part in the campaign. “Please join the City and community and support Downtown Redmond businesses. Bike or walk throughout Downtown and you will enjoy great food and drink, shopping and entertainment.”

-- City Press release, September, 2016

Tom Hinman, Redmond Activist And Commissioner Passes

Tom Hinman
June 6th, 1945 - July, 24th 2022

Share a memory, expressions of sympathy, or give flowers on Tom's Neptune Society Page.

My sympathies will be shared on Tom's Neptune page.  BY

Dear Friends and Family,

This morning, Sunday, July 24th at 7:00 am, Tom went home to God.  I am deeply grateful for the 42 1/2 years of marriage that we shared. He asked that his memorial service and interment be held at the military cemetery at Mira Mar, near San Diego. All who knew Tom know what a wonderful, loving man he was.  His passing is a deep loss to our family and extended family.

Sincerely,

Monica Hinman

Tom Hinman, was a long-standing Redmond planning commissioner and environmental & community activist. 

He founded "Imagine Overlake" to organize and facilitate resident participation in the redevelopment of Overlake. Tom co-founded "Sustainable Redmond." and was nominated for a "Leadership Eastside" award. Tom's annual meetings were attended by council members, environmentalists and citizens at large. 

Tom loved urban trees and their contribution to our ecology and well-being.  After the Group Health clear-cut he led volunteers in salvaging and transplanting understory shrubs to the Audubon Bird Loop.  Tom activated urban tree conversations at Council meetings.  He pushed for and accomplished a city requirement to map trees on land use notices. 

Tom cited the Overlake Corridor expansion, Group Health clear-cut, and the Nokomis Building dispute as examples of the City’s long-standing disregard for resident and community input on issues of growth; and wrote abundant of emails to change that.

Former Redmond Mayor Rosemarie Ives' tribute: 

I am so very sad!!! Thought Redmond was blessed to have an outstanding candidate for the Planning Commission when I appointed him!   His participation there in addition to chairing the commission was exemplary! However, no one in recent times could match Tom’s public participation and diplomacy as a citizen activist from the time he left the Planning Commission up to last year. ..a span of 11 years. He was well researched, thorough, providing live testimony with written copies punctuated and substantiated by citations from City of Redmond documents.  From his Sustainable Redmond commitment to unsuccessfully saving 1200 significant and landmark trees at Group Health in Overlake, to updates of the Comprehensive Plan and related planning issues, he was most strident about the City’s less than authentic participation opportunities for the public…it was about a year ago when the “update of the tree protection regulations” was edited to “tree regulations” omitting the word “protection” that he conceded to me that preparation for and providing input to the City was a waste of his time and mine! Never would he or I know what his fate would be just one year later!

Tom and his wife, Monica, and Jon and I discovered that we had sons living in San Diego. There were years where we saw more of each other there than in Redmond! For several years we worked out at KOKO Fit on Cleveland Street too! He was a “go to” guy to discuss some really important city issues… he now joins Richard Grubb…I miss both of them!!! 

-- Former Mayor Ives

More on Tom Hinman

The River, Landmark Oak Trees, And Summer Fun

 

 Heritage Red Oak Tree in apparent distress during Senior Center construction.
(click to enlarge)

After a Vision Redmond 2050 meeting last night I joined Pam for some awesome "Hey Jude dancing" to the "Beatnicks." It was Rockn' on the River time!   

The Senior & Community building construction was nearby so we checked it out.  We first noticed the Heritage Red Oak Tree.  Not to alarm, but I'm concerned for its health.  Notice the mound of earth piled within the dripline root zone.  The roots are clearly disturbed.  Near the trunk a subsurface cement box is dug-out. Does the right side of the tree look somewhat shriveled/limp to you?  Why is the invasive work done in the heat of the summer?   

Worries out of the way, we then rushed to see if Council kept Red Oak 161. Yes, they did!  All three landmark Red Oaks are standing tall.  Three other good sized trees remain nearby.  

At a Council meeting (7/26) the Parks Director reported concerns that removing the tree will increase  impervious surfaces in the shoreline buffer.  In my opinion, pervious asphalt should be installed on the Center walkways within the shoreline buffer. Yes, it's expensive but if the city can install pervious asphalt on the entire Phase II Central Trail Connector they can certainly afford it on the State shoreline buffer.  

It was nice to see the white detention tanks for treating runoff.  They looked new, state of the art, and clean.  Only the best for the Sammamish River!

After Rockn' on the River was over we ran into Marty Boggs, Senior Center Administrator; he noted something extraordinary.  There wasn't a shred of litter on the lawns!  Said Marty, "It's like this every year, Redmond is a special place"   

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 8/12/2022

Updated: City To Apply "Slurry Seal" To Select Education Hill Roads

 FINAL REPORT:  COMPLETE DISCLOSURE, 9/12/2022

ORIGIONAL SOURCE:  CITY PROJECTS, July, 2022

180th Ct NE and NE 105th Way.   Education Hill  Call 425-556-2776 to confirm

Beginning August 19, 2022, a City of Redmond contractor will place a slurry seal on 180th Ct NE and NE 105th Way. This is a pilot project to test the effectiveness of slurry seals as a pavement maintenance technique. 

Project Overview

In Summer 2022, a City of Redmond contractor will place a slurry seal on 180th Ct NE and NE 105th Way. This is a pilot project to test the effectiveness of slurry seals as a pavement maintenance technique. 

What is a Slurry Seal?

A slurry seal is the application of a mixture of water, asphalt emulsion (mixture of asphalt and a form of soap), aggregate (very small crushed rock), and additives to an existing asphalt pavement to help the roadway last longer.

After Application

• Slurry seal is brown and sticky, and residents will not be able to drive, bike, walk or allow their pets on the street during the day of construction till the slurry seal has fully cured (will look black and dry).    
• The road’s new surface has more friction and sheds some of the larger aggregate, creating small gravel deposits on top of the new slurry seal.  Crews will sweep the streets one week after application, then again in three weeks.  Over time, the road surface will smooth out. 

"Water Lily Impressions" by Lynn Colwell

 

"Water Lily Impressions"  by Lynn Colwell

"When I am complimented on my photography, I admit to having “a good eye.”

"I was walking back to the condo after a disappointing half hour shooting when I noticed striped light falling on these lily pads. I added a bit of contrast to end up with a keep-worthy shot. The secret to developing a good eye is to LOOK and light is almost always key."

-- Lynn Colwell,

Viewpoint neighborhood

Lynn Colwell, who had been told by a teacher at age 10 or 11 that she should engage in other endeavors than art, finally gained the courage to try it anyway at the age of 69. For the last eight years, she has been turning out almost one piece a day, all of which she gives away for a donation of $25 or more to any nonprofit or person in need. Photography has been a lifelong passion. She often combines her art and photography to create new digital pieces. She’s lived in Redmond with her husband of 53 years, for seven years.

Comment Below:

"Save The Oak Tree"

 

  

 A member of the  "Chat Cafe" Facebook site said: "Interestingly, I saw this on a sign along the river trail today."  (8/2/2022)

 oak tree story