The Hopelink Food Banks Are Open

The produce at Hopelink is fresh and abundant.  Enroll today!

 By now you've seen or heard recent news about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and how the program could be impacted by the continuing federal government shutdown. Many of you have already reached out asking how to help, and we’re so grateful. Many have also asked, “What exactly do these changes mean, and how will they affect people here in King County?” You can read our full statement here.

Due to the many hardships our community members are facing with food security, starting on Monday, Nov. 3, Hopelink will provide additional food during visits to Hopelink Food Markets. If you have any questions or would like to enroll in the Hopelink Food Assistance program to shop for free groceries, please call your nearest Hopelink Center.  Information on the Redmond Hopelink center is HERE. 

-- Hopelink, 10/31/2025

Utility Rates to Increase 9.30% in 2026

"In 2026, PSE is proposing a 9.30% increase in electricity rates, adding about $11.20 more per month for a typical residential customer using 800 kilowatt-hours. Natural gas rates would rise by a smaller 2.07%, or about $1.51 per month for the average customer.

PSE points to several drivers behind these increases, including upgrades to the Baker River hydro project, deployment of advanced distribution systems to support EVs and rooftop solar, new clean energy from the Beaver Creek wind farm, wildfire prevention measures, and rising operating costs.

The result is higher bills for households, but also long-term investments in cleaner energy, safety, and *grid modernization." 

--  Puget Sound Energy, 10/11/2025

Sewer / stormwater rates in Redmond will increase, as well.  In addition, *AI requires a tremendous amount of power with no end in sight. Federal funds for relief can't be expected, with Trump.  At a recent City Council meeting President Kritzer noted King County is organizing all their cities to meet on this problem. Living in Redmond is unaffordable for many. Now this.    

-- Bob Yoder, 10/31/2025

Police Communications Manager

Communications Manager for the City of Redmond Police

Improvements to Pool Access / Candidates Stuart, Fields, Salahuddin, Anderson

Happy to see Council cares about improving access and programing for the citizens of Redmond, not just swim teams.  Redmond citizens spent over $8 million in taxes to renovate the pool.  

Councilmember Stuart and Fields participated in the conversation later on.  (CM Fields was virtual; CM Stuart holds office hours in the library twice a month on Thursdays.)  

Environmental Sustainability Action Plan updates.  CM Kritzer suggested review of tree give-away program. No discussion.  Questionable success?    The city delivered air purifiers in response to wildfires.  CM Stuart participated in discussion.

Old Firehouse Teen Center sub-committee, focus group/stakeholder meetings reviewed.  Tons of updates. Tons of citizen updates (mostly from adults.)  November 12 study session to give final report on rebuild vs. renovation.  November 18 more engagement by Council!  Lots of "thank you's" from CM Kritzer. Winter will delay decision progress.  CM Fields commented.  CM Stuart asked for website updates.

Parks Volunteer Program update from new FTE.  Very bureaucratic process. Implement Q-2, 2026.  CM Stuart is excited but wants more data on the website for citizenry.  Green Redmond good opportunity to volunteer (not under auspice of the Volunteer Program.)

Redmond Lights starts December 6th.  Downtown Park events.  $68,000 in sponsorships. CM Stuart asked how many installations in Esterra Park (Overlake.)  None.  Wants a city event there.  

Derby Days recap:  35,000 in attendance.  800 tons of waste diverted.  CM Stuart thinks the size of curb space should double.  Suggests promotion by Grand Marshall.  Star power from World Cup relationships.

CM Anderson did not participate in this Council Committee meeting or the Study Session that followed in the evening. All candidates but Anderson participated in Study Session.  Anderson "participated" by wearing a purple dunce hat (or witch hat) at the Study Session meeting.

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 10/27/25

EvergreenHealth Commission Educational Session

 MINUTES:  

EvergreenHealth Educational Session meeting, August 1, 2025, 7 AM 

Present:  CEO, Commissioners, Staff

• Plymouth Housing - the model, performance, the intent
• UW Clinical professor discusses problems with the U.S. Healthcare systems compared to other countries. 
• Levy lid lift benefits. 

Meetings are held in the Surgeons and Physicians Pavilion #Tan 250 and are open to the public. 

-- Bob Yoder, 10/26/25

Meadow Park Replacement Construction

The City names their construction work at Meadows Park a "replacement."  It seems more of a renovation with the extensive new beddings and shrubs they are planting around the courts. Note the rich, dark soil in the foreground.  Total cost is $593, 910.   

Date of photos, 10/24/2025

Click picture to enlarge.

EXTRA: Alaska Wildlife Refuge Open To Oil And Gas Drilling

 Trump administration finalizes plan to open pristine Alaska wildlife refuge to oil and gas drilling

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The Trump administration on Thursday finalized plans to open the coastal plain of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to potential oil and gas drilling, renewing a long-simmering debate over whether to drill in one of the nation’s environmental jewels.

U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced the decision Thursday that paves the way for future lease sales within the refuge’s 1.5 million-acre (631,309 hectare) coastal plain, an area that’s considered sacred by the Indigenous Gwich’in. The plan fulfills pledges made by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans to reopen this portion of the refuge to possible development. Trump’s bill of tax breaks and spending cuts, passed during the summer, called for at least four lease sales within the refuge over a 10-year period.

...............................................................................................................................

-- Seattle Times, 10/23/25

Reservoir Park Sport Court Replacement

When finished the project will have three tennis courts (one lined for pickleball) and a basketball hoop.  A worker said he's been bombarded by people asking why the sports court would cost $1.8 million.  According to the supervisor, a potable water reservoir of 3,100 gallons rests under the courts.  The lid was 50 years old, deteriorated and had to be replaced, not restored.  That costs money.     

Estimated time of completion is 2026.  

EvergreenHealth CEO Ettore Palazzo Connects With Sammamish City Council

EvergreenHealth CEO Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP, presented the "State of Healthcare" to the City of Sammamish Council on October 14th, answering several questions from Mayor Karen Howe and council members. Premi

Chief Executive Officer3 days ago • Edited • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn

"It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as the Superintendent and CEO of EvergreenHealth. One of the aspects I enjoy most about the role is the opportunity to connect with the many cities and municipalities within the public hospital district.

Thank you to the City of Sammamish Council for the opportunity to provide an update on EvergreenHealth and to share insights on the ever-evolving healthcare landscape."

“We look forward to partnering with you to continuously improve our shared community of care. EvergreenHealth is proud to serve Sammamish & the entire Eastside community with high quality healthcare,” said Dr. Palazzo.

-- LinkedIn, 10/20/25

LWPTSA October News

 

A Word From Council Co-Presidents

Hello from Legislative Assembly!

When this newsletter hits your inbox, we will have concluded our time at the Washington State PTA Legislative Assembly. We are pleased to report that we have a large number of LWPTSA members representing their communities at Legislative Assembly this year. Although it can seem like a less than thrilling way to spend a weekend, it is actually a fantastic opportunity to network, to learn more about how to advocate, and to have some fun (ask our DEIB Chair Morgan about winning a raffle). We look forward to sharing a more detailed report with you in next week's newsletter.

This past week the LWPTSA Council hosted a School Board Candidate Forum. Thank you to those who attended and/or submitted questions for our candidates. It was a fantastic evening, and we all thoroughly enjoyed meeting our four candidates and hearing their thoughts and ideas on a variety of key district topics and issues. Please remember to have a plan to vote on or before November 5. Your voice matters! Seriously!

At our Council board meeting last week, we voted as a board to endorse and financially support the local levies. We will now bring that to our Council general membership meeting next month on 11/6 to vote on the endorsement as a general body.

Finally, please take a look at Brooke’s October Safety Spotlight!

Sincerely,
Colleen McCloskey & Brooke Gialopsos (she/her)
LWPTSA Council Co-Presidents

This Week Kirkland City Council Candidate Forum Coming Up Scholarship Program Assessments Due 11/1 Donate to Equity Fund by 11/1  11/6: Council Membership Meeting

Downtown Park "NO KINGS" protest / Mass Call

Photo credit LD 48 Representative Osman Salahuddin

October 18, 2025 Downtown Park "NO KINGS" protest 

Medicaid Funding Cut In Every State

 

March, 2025 Medicaid presentation by EvergreenHealth CEO Dr. Ettore Palazzo and Senator Maria Cantwell

"Friendly nurse reminder: in WA state, Medicaid is referred to as Apple Health. Medicaid funding is being cut. This could lead to up to ~14 rural hospitals shutting down in 2026 or 2027. The Washington State Hospital Association is advocating at the federal level to protect our rural hospitals from these cuts.

Neither EvergreenHealth or Overlake are on that list but there are layoffs reported at Overlake (possibly related to the cuts) per the Worker adjustment and retraining notification (WARN) layoff and closure database.

So far no layoffs at EvergreenHealth; and it appears no layoffs at Overlake are attributed to Medicaid cuts at this time.

But what does this list mean for you all? Be prepared for longer waits at urgent care and the ER as more patients need to be seen at fewer hospitals AND people start losing insurance and cannot afford to be seen at primary care/urgent care and thus cannot keep up with preventative care.

Try your best to practice preventative care and to treat minor injuries/illnesses promptly so they do not become "BIG" concerns that need the ER or hospitalization."

Source: Recent Kirkland FB group post.

Not every state is cutting Medicaid yet, but they eventually will. Most of the provisions in the 2025 budget reconciliation bill—HR 1—have yet to go into effect and these cuts will have a devastating impact on state budgets. Analysis shows that HR 1 will cut federal Medicaid spending by $1 trillion over ten years. 

-- Source: Internet, Oct 2. 2025

North Carolina and Idaho have already announced plans to cut Medicaid payments to health care providers, including hospitals, doctors, and caregivers.

In Michigan and Pennsylvania — where lawmakers have yet to pass budgets this year — spending on Medicaid is part of those debates. In Washington state, lawmakers approved cuts to the program that will not affect who is eligible, said Hayden Mackley, a spokesperson for the state’s Office of Financial Management.

Source:  Internet, 9/2025

Bob Yoder, updated 10/16/25

Active Park Projects Managed by Construction Division

Anderson Park Community Gardens Construction

Active City Park Projects Managed by The Construction Division

Turf Replacement, Grass Lawn Park Softball Field 1 Construction October 2025 $1,851,216  

Redmond Central Connector Phase 3 Redmond Central  Phase 1 $1,851,216 2019-2020  Complete August 2025 $8,075,000 

Turf Replacement, Hartman Park Baseball Infield Construction October 2025 $599,245 2019-2020

 Reservoir Park Sports Court Replacement Construction October 2025 $1,181,682.

 Meadow Park Sports Court Replacement Construction October 2025  $593,910 2019-2020

Pre-Design $599,245 2019-2020  $593,910 2019-2020 Idylwood Park Parking Lot/ Expansion and Frontage Improvements/ 

SE Redmond Park  $4,476,663 2025-2026 This is a joint project with Traffic Operations Pre-Design October 2028. $13,757,591 2025-2026 Project is starting earlier than planned.

Disclaimer:  I did not watch this meeting on Comcast Channel 21, in-person, Facebook or streaming on the website or a study session.  Some of the labeling of the construction projects may not be aligned with the dates but the dollar amounts are correct. 

-- Council Public Works joint meeting with Parks, October 3, 2025

Discussing Mental Health with King County Executive Candidates

Please listen to the video for accuracy and completeness. The last half is most telling.  

The major theme was managing (Balducci) and coordinating (Zahilay) resources to achieve a continuum of care.  Implementation of voter-approved behavioral health resources is terribly slow (Balducci.) Zahilay listed his coalitions that will disrupt the cycle of addiction and improve behavioral health care.  Balducci insisted the revolving door should have only one entrance.  She stressed wider use of medical records towards this end.

Financial pressure:  Balducci has working experience with state officials on both sides of the aisle.  Prioritization and accountability of spending is needed for this and other levies.  Zahilay co-sponsored the new stabilization .1% sales tax -- 10 cents on a $100 purchase!)  This tax funds 1) fewer sheriff layoffs 2) gun and domestic violence advocacies, 3) courts / victim support, 4) behavioral health treatment.  Balducci said needs evolve and these funds need re-prioritization; accountability, with proactive audits and quarterly reports.     

Youth struggles:  Balducci has one child who did benefit from mental health support after COVID lockdowns. She supports providers (LWSD  councilors, Y.E.S. EvergreenHealth councilors, NAMI.)  Zahilay organized a stakeholder youth group to focus on solutions.  

Full Disclosure:  I lean towards Balducci because I know her better. I just like her.  I've chatted with her at Redmond City Hall meetings and a Hero House gala, I see her riding a bicycle everywhere; not just for transit awareness but demonstrating that exercise is awesome for mental health. She's the county's representative for EvergreenHealth community hospital, She participates with the community in social media, including my blog.  😊

- Bob Yoder, 10/12/2025

  Sources:  Seattle Times & Seattle/King County League of Women Voters forum, 10/9/25

King County Launches New "Stop Hate Hotline"

 

Seattle/ Internet

Summary King County announced today the launch of the Stop Hate Hotline. The hotline is operated by the non-profit Crisis Connections. It is now live and can be used to provide an immediate confidential reporting system for victims of hate crimes and bias incidents, while connecting them to vital community resources and support services. Story Today, King County Executive Shannon Braddock, in partnership with King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn and non-profit Crisis Connections, announced the launch of the new Stop Hate Hotline, marking a significant milestone in the county's efforts to combat hate crimes and support affected communities. The hotline can be reached at 833-786-7481 or 833-STOP-H81. "The launch of the Stop Hate Hotline represents King County's unwavering commitment to creating a community where every resident feels safe, valued, and protected from hate and bias. This hotline provides crime victims and survivors support, resources, and assistance in reporting the crime to law enforcement if they choose," said Executive Braddock. "We recognize that hate crimes don't just harm individual victims; they stoke fear in whole communities. By partnering with Crisis Connections, we're ensuring that when someone reaches out in need, they'll find compassionate, trauma-informed care that honors their experience and focuses on their healing."

EvergreenHealth Among Nation's Top 100 Community Hospitals

Becker's Hospital Review has named EvergreenHealth Medical Center in Kirkland among the nation's 100 great community hospitals for 2024. EvergreenHealth was selected for improving the health of their communities, staying focused on personalized care and clinical excellence. Our 354-bed hospital is only one part of our system, which is community-owned. As a public hospital district, EvergreenHealth also provides health outreach, community education and free services that benefit the community as a whole.

Becker's Hospital Review's list was based on nominations and several outside rankings and ratings organizations, including U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades, CMS, The Leapfrog Group, the National Rural Health Association and The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

Mayor Birney's "Here in Redmond"

Public Art Plan Update

2016 So Bazaar Art Installation 

The origin of this art installation ... 

The City of Redmond is updating its 2017 Public Art Plan to better reflect today’s community needs and priorities. The consultant, MIG ($100,000 cost) has been guiding the city through a collaborative process to create a strategic framework for future cultural art programming.

This update will integrate art into everyday life across parks, downtown, cultural districts, and neighborhoods. Reflect Redmond’s diversity, history, and innovation as both a tech hub and a creative, collaborative community.  It is long overdue though one must say the downtown station light rail art is fabulous and hard to beat.  

Public Art Plan Update

Council Study Session, February, 2026

Finalize Plan, March, 2026

Source:  Council Park Committee of the Whole memo, 9/20/2025

City Launches Old Fire House Stakeholder And Focus Groups.

Old Fire House facility 

The Parks and Recreation Department, with support from Stepherson & Associates ($115,000) is launching a community engagement process to shape a recommendation for City Council regarding the future of the Old Fire House facility.

At the conclusion of this community engagement process, Council will receive a recommendation from the Stakeholder Group via Focus Group to help guide the decision on the future of the Old Fire House. The Stakeholder Group will evaluate options and recommend either a renovation of the existing facility or a rebuild (location TBD). The final report will summarize the rationale for the recommendation, highlight key community priorities, and provide Council with insight into the benefits, challenges, and trade-offs of each option to support an informed decision.

Old Firehouse facility recommendation process - slide bank 

- Source:  Parks Committee of the Whole memo, 9/23/25

Comment:  The memo quoted cost for the Stepherson & Associates work as $115,00.  This is obviously a typo.  The final decision is expected by Council late 2026 after 9 months of deliberation, engagement, outreach and study.  BY

Osman Salahuddin, Our Dedicated Home Grown Representative

State Representative Osman Salahuddin, 48th Legislative District 

"I was raised in Redmond, where I have spent nearly my entire life.  My drive to serve this community is rooted in his parent's immigrant journey in pursuit of the American Dream. 

Like many in our community, I've navigated life as a renter, a user of public transit, and a graduate of our public education system in the Lake Washington School District.   

I've brought new leadership and fresh ideas to the Legislature, and I am proud to represent the 48th Legislative District.  

I am deeply committed to my community and to making ethical, equitable decisions that will help our district and the entire state thrive."   

State Representative Osman Salahuddin
Our Home Grown Representative.  Committed to Community.  Dedicated to Progress

.

City News Now | September 15, 2025

This is some of the best city news I've seen... Some good places to watch the salmon migrate are:  the trestle and red-steel bridges over the Sammamish River. The Avondale Way bridge over Bear Creek. The 90th Street bridge over the Sammamish River. Juel Park's Bear Creek, Leary Way bridge.  

-- Bob Yoder, 9/18 

LWSD Board of Directors To Propose Levy Increases

TAX INCREASES

Every four years the Educational and Operations (EP&O) and Capital Technology and Facilities levies are up for renewal.  The board will take formal action on the 2026 levies at their meeting on October 6, 2025. Once approved by the board, these replacement levies would be placed on the February 10, 2026, ballot.

Currently, 16% of the Lake Washington School District budget is funded by these two "replacement" levies.  The school board is proposing a special "excess" increase in the 2026 levy ask owing to: 

• loss of federal funding (currently 5%)
• new sales tax on services
• salary step increase
• increased compensation
• 8% inflation growth 

EP&O tax increases of $180/year on $1.5M assessed property value ($.97/$1,000 property value)  and a Capital Technology and Facilities tax increase of $45/year ($.44/$1,000 property value.)  I suggest you read the "Levy Renewals" slide deck document for a readable, comprehensive report. Some tax increases may be higher or lower than quoted here.

EP&O Levy Program Funding (% of total program funds:) 

• 25% Special Education* $22.0 Million 
•  20% Counselors $3.0 Million
• 46% 6.5 Million Health and Mental Health Services
• 93% Safety Services $7.0 Million 
• 80% Professional Learning $18.8 Million 
• 90% Athletic & Extracurricular Activities $9.4 Million  
• 100% Additional Course Offerings $5.0 Million 
• 30% Early Learning $0.8 Million 

Capital Technology & Facilities excess levy will finance:  

• Application and modernization for technology systems.  Education and operations instruction.
• Acquire and install computers, implement, train, and manage. 
• Modernize and expand facilities through construction, renovation, and improvements.  Improve technology and training.  

On October 6, the  Board will make their final decision on the 2026 excess levy tax increases.  To comment email them at boardmembers@lwsd.org or phone 425-936-1257 ... before Oct. 6.  

Reported by Yoder, 9/18/25

Source:  LWSD "Levy Renewals" document