King County Mask Directive Ends, 6/29/21

 

King County's mask directive ends as COVID-19 rates are down and number of people fully protected hits 70% goal

Summary Public Health – Seattle & King County is announcing the end of the current King County Mask Directive that has been in place since May 20, 2021. Now that the local directive has ended, the Washington state mask guidance is in effect in King County. Unvaccinated people will need to continue wearing masks in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces.  Story With 70% of King County residents age 16 and older considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the number continuing to increase, Public Health—Seattle & King County is announcing the end of the King County Mask Directive as of today, June 29. The end of the local mask directive marks a remarkable achievement for the residents of King County as high vaccination coverage has led to drops in COVID-19 cases. King County has reached this milestone today, two weeks after 70% of residents age 16+ completed their vaccine series, as it takes two weeks after completing the vaccine series to be fully protected. Now that the local directive has lifted, the Washington state mask guidance is in effect in King County. Unvaccinated people will need to continue wearing masks in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces and continue to take other precautions including avoiding crowded indoor spaces and physical distancing. The end of the local directive nearly coincides with an end to most COVID-19 pandemic restrictions statewide, including in King County. That happens tomorrow, June 30.   Now that the local mask directive has ended in King County, it’s important to know that: Vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask in most public settings but may choose to do so based on personal considerations. Everyone, vaccinated or not, should continue to keep a mask with them when they go out. Masks will be needed in some indoor spaces. People who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated must continue to wear face coverings when they enter indoor public spaces, according to state guidance. This helps protect not only adults who are unvaccinated, particularly as more contagious variants are spreading, but also children and those with medical conditions that prevent them from getting vaccinated or from being fully protected by vaccines. Businesses are allowed to request or require their customers and employees to wear masks regardless of vaccination status. If there is a surge in COVID-19, masks will be an important tool.  Don't throw away those masks!

Temperatures reach historic highs -- 109 degrees in Redmond

 

Do you know what Redmond park this is?
redmond.gov

Due to the continued high temperatures, Redmond City Hall (15670 NE 85th St.) has extended community cooling center hours today until 9 p.m. and will be open again tomorrow, June 29, from 12 pm – 9 pm. Visitors must wear a face covering unless fully vaccinated. Please bring your own refillable water bottle. http://ow.ly/qlYC50FkdKs

-- Mayor Angela Birney, Facebook, 6/28/2021

We had three days over 100 degress.  

UPDATED: "Porch + Park" Has An Innovative Design, Possibly With Green Roofs

 

Porch + Park, 425business.com
The building is top center of the photo facing the Downtown Park pavilion 
It appears it's designed with a "green roof."  

An 86-unit mixed-use apartment building located in downtown Redmond. The six floor development will include 19,000sf office space and 12,000sf commercial space. 95 under-building parking stalls including 30 stalls for public use are proposed.  The existing 5,000 square foot mattress eye-sore will be demolished; the popular 1,600 square foot Subway restaurant will stay.  -- redmond.gov, 4/20/21.

An agreement was accepted from the City reducing the number of required balconies from 104 to 52, provided the applicant pays the fee-in-lieu for each required balcony.  -- Design Review Board, 4/20/21

Click Pic To Enlarge, Photo Yoder

See what we get to live with while these beautiful developments are under construction.
Porch + Park is predicted for completion in 2022.  Redmond Square (600 units) will break ground in August on busy 166th Ave and Redmond Way. Demolition will probably take months.   

-- Bob Yoder, 6/26/2021

Construction Of "Together Center" Well Underway

 

Site preparation for below grade parking (228 stalls)

PROJECT OVERVIEW:  Demolish existing building and construct two six-story mixed-use buildings with very affordable 280 dwelling units,  A single, approximately 2.47-acre parcel (Parcel number 29060600301300) located at 16225 NE 87th Street in Redmond, Washington

The City of Redmond Technical Committee and Design Review Board have reviewed and approved the above-referenced proposal for two mixed-use residential buildings with a total of 280 exceptionaly affordable residential units, approximately 49,000 square feet of gross floor areas of ground floor office space, and 228 stalls of below grade parking. 

The Site is currently developed with three (3) single-story commercial buildings totaling approximately 35,706 net square feet. The Site is being used by several businesses including: the Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy, the Together Center, a nursing agency, the Transition Academy for the Lake Washington School District, and a dental office. The site mapped as occurring within seismic hazard and critical aquifer recharge areas (which were not addressed within the Talasaea memo.)

-- Wetland LLC, 15803 Bear Creek Parkway, 3/4/2020

A sketch of things to come.

Bob Yoder, 6/25/2021

UPDATED: QFC Grocery Adds COVID Advisory Warnings To Their Signage

click to enlarge

UPDATE:  World Health Organization encourages fully vaccinated individuals to mask up owing to malicious Delta variant. 6/29/21

Seattle/King County Department of Health removes Mask directive.  In most cases the fully vaccinated are allowed to demask.  6/29/21

QFC - Bella Bottega posts new COVID signage in addition to their original signage.  The following language was added:  

1)  Do you feel sick?  STOP

2)  If you are sick or have been in the last 24 hours please DO NOT ENTER.

3)  A list of the common hygene practices.  Plus:  Stay at home if you are sick.

4)  Masks should cover the nose and mouth.

5)  50% customer capacity limit in the store for social distancing.  

All said and done, importantly "Masks are not required for fully vaccinated individuals."  (a good reason to get vaccinated.)  

-- Bob Yoder, 6/25/2021

Downtown Redmond Link Extension spring 2020 design update

If you want to know about what's coming to Redmond, you've come to the right place.  

Sammamish River Eagles - Photos By John Reinke

Parent with eaglet - John Reinke, Redmond resident

Eagle is turning it's head 180 degrees!  - John Reinke

 

Melissa Stuart To Run for Redmond Council Position No. 4

Melissa Stuart

15127 NE 24TH ST #329

REDMOND, WA 98052

(425) 224-3438

electmelissastuart@gmail.com

www.electmelissastuart.com

Education: Master of Non-Profit Leadership, Seattle University; BA Communication

& BA Political Science, Washington State University

Occupation: Development Director, Boys & Girls Clubs; Former Redmond Library Trustee

Statement:

I’m running for city council because I believe Redmond can be a great place to live for all. I will ensure that every person can have their voice heard. I will collaborate with city leaders to invest in climate change mitigation today and resiliency for what is to come tomorrow.

 

To council, I’ll bring my years of experience breaking down barriers for youth and families; including my work at Youth Eastside Services to secure access to affordable behavioral healthcare for all families, and at Treehouse to promote education success for youth in foster care. I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, former 48th LD Democrats PCO, former Sound Transit/Metro Sounding Board member, and active environmental advocate in our city.

 

Endorsements: 45th LD Democrats; Congresswoman Suzan DelBene; Representative Vandana Slatter; Redmond Mayor Angela Birney, Council President Tanika Padhye, Councilwoman Vanessa Kritzer; Zero Waste Washington Executive Director Heather Trim

-- King County Elections

READ COMMENTS: Dennis Ellis To Run For Redmond Council Position No. 4

 

Dennis Ellis

5421 157TH DR NE

REDMOND, WA 98052

(425) 829-9250

elect@dennisaellis.com

www.dennisaellis.com

Education: Gonzaga University, Bachelor Business Administration; Seattle University, 

Master in Science of Finance

Occupation: Senior Financial Analyst, The Boeing Company

Statement:

I have been a resident of Redmond for nearly 30 years and love our city. It has been truly amazing to be a part of Redmond's transformation from a relatively small town to a still growing, beautiful city. However, as is the case many times, with growth comes some unintended consequences: traffic gridlock, urban planning miscues, and the demise of many small businesses in the community.

As your council member, I will bring my small business, finance, and corporate experiences to serve the people of Redmond and help solve these issues. Additionally, I will do everything in my power to provide city services to all as cost effectively as possible.

Finally, I proudly served my country in the military and took an oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States". I promise to take the same approach in serving our city. Thanks for your support.

--King County Elections

UPDATE!! Safeway: "Masks Are Encouraged For Non-Vaccinated Customers" - Not Required

 

Redmond Safeway, 6/01/2021

UPDATE:  World Health Organization encouages fully vaccinated wear masks owing to malicious variant.  6/29/2021

Seattle/King County Department of Health discontinues mask directive - permits fully vaccinted to de-mask.  6/29/2021

This Safeway sign blew me away:  "Masks are encouraged for non-vaccinated customers."  Not required.

 

Subtitle:  "Safeway, Albertsons and Carrs care about the well-being of our Associates, Customers and Neighbors, as well as maintaining a safe and comfortable store enviroment." 

Fine print:  

"This does not apply to children under the age of 2 or those with the following exemptions:  Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disablility that prevents wearing a facecovering that could obstruct breathing or persons who are incapatitated, or otherwise unable to remove a facecovering without assistance.  Persons who are hearing impaired or communiting with a person who is hearing impaired where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication." 

NOTE:  A few weeks ago I was shopping in Costco without a mask when 97% were masked-up. I began to feel uneasy and mildly anxious so masked-up.  It helped.  After that one episode I've had no problems entering an establishment where masks aren't required; in fact I look for them.  I cherish the freedom and happiness from being vaccinated.  I also feel like I'm supporting our businesses.  I was fully vaccinated on February 20; all is well.  

-- Bob Yoder, 6/17/2021

City Considers Multi-Family Housing On Avondale

Perrigo Heights wet vaults -- a different development

Next Wednesday the 16th, the Planning Commission will review a multi-family land use proposal (Pier 67) on the westside of Avondale Road, north of 104th Street. 10431 Avondale.  Besides, single family dwellings, I hear senior housing and assisted living of sorts are planned.  This excites me because it brings a diversity of economic segments and household types.  And, the land use doesn't conflict with the character of our Education Hill neighborhoods.

One of my questions is the challenge of ingress and egress at Avondale Road.  Well, I guess if other multi-family complexes can navigate Avondale Road, Pier 67 can too. It's also nice there's a bus stop at 104th and Avondale. Residents could ride scooters to the bus stop right?  

Stormwater runs off the western hills.  Of course, the city requires keeping our stormwater clean.  Thus, Pier 67 will install two "wet vaults." and maintain  a bioswale to filter dirty water before it enters Bear Creek.  Pier 67 management are good stewards of our environment.

To make this all work, and bring diversity to this part of Avondale zoning would have to change from 4-dwellings per acre to 12 (or more) dwellings per acre.  The Planning Commission is holding a HEARING, next Wednesday the 16th at 7 p.m.  They're asking for comments on zoning and the neighborhood element. 

Please email your comments to the Planning Commission at:  planningcommission@redmond.gov

The Planning Commission unanimously denied the amendment. 7/11/2021

--Bob Yoder, 6/11/2021

   Photo, Yoder

Welcome Cecilia Martinez!

 

Cecilia Martinez - Redmond's first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager

Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond has named Cecilia Martínez-Vásquez as its first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager. Martínez-Vásquez will be leading the new DEI program that will provide citywide leadership to advance Redmond’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals of reflecting the community, engaging in purposeful and accessible community outreach, and providing equitable service delivery and policy-driven outcomes. The DEI Manager will work to achieve these goals by recommending, developing, and implementing strategies, initiatives, and organizational change.  

Redmond, a global city that attracts residents from around the world, is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

“We envision a community where all residents can fully and effectively access city services, influence city policy and direction, and feel a sense of belonging,” says Mayor Angela Birney. “Cecilia brings the experience, education, and vision to lead Redmond towards our vision of being a welcoming and inclusive community for all.”  

Martínez-Vásquez holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Comparative American Cultures/Ethnic Studies, with a minor in Women’s Studies, from Washington State University, and a Master of Science in Justice and Social Inquiry from Arizona State University. She has worked with many different organizations and individuals on the Eastside and across King County as the Multicultural Center Manager at Shoreline Community College and with the Wrap-Around Services Program at the City of Bellevue.  

Cecilia grew up in the Yakima Valley, the daughter of farmworkers. The experiences of her youth paved the path for social justice-driven equity, diversity, and inclusion work while an undergraduate at Washington State University. Her work, education, and personal experiences have allowed for exposure to many areas of diversity including socioeconomics, culture of poverty, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, ageism, disabilities, and more.  

Redmond Is Juiced On LIME Scooters

double click to enlarge

This picture shows two positives:  1) The scooters are parked next to a wayfinding sign [they need updating] and 2)  Looking closely, you'll see two new, modernized scooters. They are much more inviting than the scuffed LIMES handed down from Seattle.  They look and probably are safer.  I'm 70 with lousy balance yet might even jump on a new one were it not for the sidewalk issues. Oh, and I need a helmet.  

I didn't understand why the City permitted LIME so early when light rail is three years away.  But, now may be a good time to test scooters for usage on the major trails and downtown sidewalks and streets.  LIME is trying to condition and educate us; and to date, it appears few have learned.  

The program looks like a flop; patience is required. I hope to see many more scooters on the roads. I'm confident the City can make a success of it with the right education.  At least LIME is paying for it -- I hope.  

-- Bob Yoder

    6/5/2021

    Photo:  Yoder

Exciting New Redmond Tunnel Opens

 

Move Redmond.org

A new tunnel under SR520  (video) in Redmond "adds some topical flair to the ride and connects the Regional  Trail and Transit System."  

-- Move Redmond, 6/5/2021

Automatic Walk Signals? Or Use your elbow.

 I use my elbow when the city doesn't protect me like this
(double click to enlarge)

..
 This may be the last remaining automatic walk signal installed in the Downtown to "protect" pedestrians from surface COVID. B.Yoder, Photo: Yoder 6/4/2021

"While updated guidelines say that surface transmission is unlikely, people are still applying disinfection protocols to sanitize surfaces in homes. Some people refer to the act of overcleaning as “hygiene theater.” This term suggests that certain sanitation practices exist more as a “show” to ease people’s minds instead of being based in science."  - WebMD

UPDATED - QFC Grocery Store Lightens COVID Restrictions

Sign at entrance to QFC - Bella Bottega (click to enlarge) 

UPDATED, 6/29/2021 - The World Health Organization encourages fully vaccinated individuals to mask-up owing to DELTA variant.

Seattle/King County Department of Health end mask directive  -- fully vaccinted don't need to wear masks in most situations. 6/29/2021

When President Biden and the CDC announced masks weren't required if you were fully vaccinated, I was both shocked and elated.  Several times in a speech, President Biden merrily explained we can now show our smiles again!  

Voila!  When we returned from a trip to Winthrop (most of the boutiques had restrictions) we discovered  this COVID sign at QFC-Bella Bottega alerting customers:  "Masks not required for fully vaccinated individuals."   Was I smiling! 😃  I'm fully vaccinated.  Thanks President Biden! 

When we were in the store at 6:30 p.m. yesterday it appeared everyone was masked-up. I discussed the new policy with a checker.  He said his vaccination card was on file in the office and he wasn't required by management to mask-up.  But he thought the opening was too early.  

It's amazing  when only six months ago we were told to limit our time there, shop alone, or "pick up."  Grocery stores were some of the most dangerous places to be.  Personally, feel comfortable when not wearing in grocery stores; Costco is a different thing - I felt anxious.

-- Bob Yoder, 6/3/2021 Photo: Yoder

UPDATED, 9/1/21: TRANSPARENT ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS AT LWSD HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED, 9/1/2021

If you can find links to the District public record request form you are very lucky. Expect lots of hunting and pecking.  

Your best bet is to email Mr. Effertz, but his address and phone number are not readily avalable on the web. 

Print Center Supervisor

Public Records Officer

Support Services Center

15212 NE 95^th St Redmond, WA 98052

E: meffertz@lwsd.org | P:425-936-1128 | C:323-673-8661

-- Bob Yoder, 9/1/2021

CC:  boardmembers@lwsd.org 

Sammamish River Swallows by Reinke

(l-r) Olive Green Swallow, Barn Swallow

(l-r) Barn Swallow, Olive Green Swallow, Tree Swallow

 "I had never before seen these swallows perch anywhere along the [Sammamish] river, although they can be seen all the time swooping and diving in the air, back and forth along the river, catching insects "on the fly".  - John Reinke, 5/19/2021

Downtown Transit Station Will Have Escalators And Elevators

Description of the station

Light rail coming to downtown in about three years.
Looking west towards Redmond Town Center.

 

UPDATE: Vividly Colored "Bike-Ped" Tunnel Is Complete

The tunnel is now open! Trail users will be treated to a vivid color and design experience as they travel through the newly upgraded tunnel along the SR 520 trail at NE 40th Street. The tunnel also improves safety by moving much of the pedestrian and bicycle traffic away from the vehicle traffic in that area. Do you see the wall tiles? The **entrances are tiled with a rainbow to honor the diversity within Redmond. Councilmember Hank Myers objected, saying the gay population is only a sliver of Redmond's population.

**The rainbow entrances might have more to do with bike-ped bridge.

-- Sources: Facebook, 5/28/2021, Bob Yoder, 5/28/2021, Photo, redmond.gov

The City's "Stay Safe Re-opening Plan"

 

Mayor Angela Birney at a ribbon cutting ceremony

A five stage strategy for re-opening city facilities, services, and programs.

The city plans to open in person city hall for meetings by July 6th 2021.

The C.O.O. Malisa Files,  Human Resource Director, and the Fire Chief presented Redmond's "Stay Safe Re-opening Plan" at Council's May 27th Study Session.  It was well received, however councilmember David Carson noted he has a hard time speaking through a mask and requested this restriction be removed. Ms. Files said mask removals were a possibility.    

Reported by Bob Yoder, 5/27/2021

$631 Million Emergency COVID Budget Approved by King County Council

 Record $631 million emergency COVID budget approved by Council

 A seventh round of emergency funding in response to COVID-19, this time totaling more than $631 million, was approved Tuesday by the King County Council by a vote of 8-1.

The supplemental budget, funded largely by the American Rescue Plan Act, is larger than all previous King County COVID budgets combined and will provide support for a variety of services as King County looks toward recovery from the pandemic and its many collateral impacts. These investments align with the Council’s set priorities around housing stability and homelessness services, food security and access, mental and behavioral health, economic recovery, and workforce support, childcare and access to justice.

“Today we passed the largest supplemental budget in the history of King County. This is transformational — providing support for the mother struggling to provide for her child, for the renter on the edge of eviction, for the business owner getting relief from the new BIPOC economic resiliency fund, for the survivor of sexual assault or gender-based violence seeking justice, and many, many more,” said Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, who is also budget chair. “I appreciate the ambitiousness of Executive Dow Constantine’s budget, and the collaboration of my colleagues in crafting this budget. Our work is not finished but these investments will help us find our way out of this extraordinary challenge.”

The major spending areas include:

Community Supports (e.g. food security, rental assistance, etc.)	$255 million
Vaccination Efforts including mass vaccination sites	$117 million
Public Health Response to the pandemic	$114 million
Economic Recovery / Jobs	$67 million
County Operations in response to the pandemic	$41 million
Arts, Entertainment, Culture and Science	$36 million

King County Vice Chair Votes "No" On $630 million COVID Budget

 Dunn condemns ‘failures’ in passage of more than $630 million COVID budget

 In response to passage Tuesday of the seventh COVID-19 supplemental budget – the largest in county history, topping $630 million – King County Vice Chair Reagan Dunn issued the following statement:

“Today I voted no on the seventh COVID-19 supplemental budget because it fails to fund the most basic functions of our County government — criminal justice and public safety. We have heard from the Sheriff’s Office, the Prosecutor’s Office, and sitting judges of the King County Superior and District Courts about the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the criminal justice system’s ability to operate. We are seeing an unprecedented backlog in both violent and non-violent felony cases, an 86% increase in murders, and a significant increase in hate and bias crimes. With the facts before us, the safety of our community is at stake with no relief in sight—and that is unacceptable. We cannot lose sight of our basic job as elected County leaders, and I believe that this budget has.”

-- 5/25/2021

    King County Press Release 

Construction On Redmond's East Link Light Rail Speeds Along

 
As you can see, the station and track are elevated.  The station will likely be located across from the Redmond Town Center @ 166th.  

 

A segment of the Redmond Central Connecter Trail runs from Overlake Urgent Care to Redmond Town Center. Some of the light rail track will be installed on this segment.  The controversial ERRATIC outdoor art was installed at this corner and then moved at great expense to a more suitable Leary Way location.  

-- Bob Yoder / report and photos

5/25/2021

Emerald Heights Expansion Approved After Four-Year Battle With Neighborhood HOA

 

Emerald Heights.com

APPELWICK, J. — The City approved permits necessary for construction of a large assisted living residence on Emerald Heights’s retirement campus. The property is zoned R-6. The building would occupy what is presently a greenbelt abutting 176th Avenue NE in Redmond. The City determined that the construction would not have significant environmental impacts, and issued a determination of DNS under SEPA. The HOA of Abbey Road, a community of single-family residences on the other side of 176th Avenue NE, filed a LUPA appeal of the hearing examiner’s determinations to the superior court. The superior court overturned the City’s issuance of a DNS, but reserved ruling on the permit issues. Emerald Heights appeals. The State Appeals Court Division 1 reversed the Superior Court decision on May/24/2021 (and the Emerald Heights project is for all matters approved.)

UPDATED OPINION, 5/28/2021 Should We Spend $1,450,000 For Police Cameras Next Year?

Internet photo

UPDATED OPINION:  "Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe is exploring equipping Redmond officers with both body-worn and in-car cameras and will present a proposal to City Council in June. The cost for equipment and staffing is anticipated to be approximately $815,000 to initiate the program and about $635,000 annually to maintain." The annual camera maintenance expense for each police officer is $7,299.  Total expenses for the first year will be $1,450,000.  

PATCH:  Regarding the deadly 2020 Redmond police shooting of Andrea Churna:

"The Police chief said he had no reason to believe criminal charges would be filed in the shooting."  -- Patch

The chief concludes:

"It is the Prosecutor's Office who will determine if any criminal charges will be filed against any of the officers involved. Based on what limited information I know now, I have no reason to believe this will happen. Therefore, the officers involved were returned to duty after a period of administrative leave which is protocol in these types of incidents. My heart is with Ms. Churna's family and loved ones, as well as my officers and dispatchers involved in this incident. It is a tragedy this incident had to end with a loss of life. I will continue to share updates with our community as more details become available." 

According to Police Chief Darrell Lowe, a poll on the issue is one of the most successful community polls the city has had with more than 1,400 people having taken it so far. A total of 94% of respondents voted "no" to fund cameras.  "One of the most successful community polls?"  Hardly.  The population of Redmond is ~ 65,000.  1378 votes is not statistically significant in our city.  In the final poll the worm turned and ~ 87% of the respondents voted "yes" to not fund cameras.

Council should weigh the cost and define the necessity of body cameras vs. the city budget and community benefits derived without cameras. A few benefits our community could garner without the $635,000 annual expense of  cameras are:   Enhanced mental health training and patrols, enhanced bias training, social workers, community education forums, improved homeless care, meaningful mental health care on the street; drug intervention, sheltering outreach; upgraded SRO resources, fewer levies. As the city grows, council will have the funds to add safety FTEs. Mitigated overtime costs.  I'm sure our Council could identify other benefits.

Redmond is a mostly sleepy town, compared to most other cities. Our police should feel blessed to have a beat here; Chief Lowe has the funds to hire the finest.  Apparently, the  most common crime in Redmond is "smash and dash" vehicular break-ins. Package and mail theft and vandalism are also common.  "The Police chief said he had no reason to believe criminal charges would be filed in the Churna shooting."  I hope Council has the strength to rise above politics and shepherd our city safety funds objectively.

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 5/20/2021

Opinion: Did the District Buy a Hazardous Waste Dump?

LWSD property viewed from south along NE 67th St.

When LWSD announced that they were purchasing the 25-acre Cadman site for $40 million, I sent a public records request to the District for documents and information about the purchase.  I got a reply that I would get the information by May 28, 2021.  The district closed on the property on May 6.  It has or is next to a giant pile of construction debris (see picture).

The Bargain and Sales Deed that I found on King County's parcel viewer contains an "Environmental Release" on pages 8-9 that states that there may be hazardous substances on the property.  Page 10 grants a "Noise, Dust and Vibration Easement" to Cadman so that they can still run their gravel operation next door.

It is disturbing that the District agreed to these terms.  It's also disturbing that the District was so secretive about this purchase until a few days before the sale was completed.  Did the District just buy a hazardous waste dump?

-- Susan Wilkins, opinion

    5/19/2021

No, I can't imagine the District would ever build a school over a hazardous waste dump.  B. Yoder

 

In the Light of the Shining Moon

 

Waxing Gibbous Moon as seen from the Sammamish River Trail ~ 5-fold magnification
Photo by John Reinke, 4/22/2021 : 6.49 p.m.

For those who weren't Boy or Girl Scouts, "waxing" means becoming a full moon. 

I see the moon and the moon sees me,
The moon sees somebody I wanna see
God bless the moon and God bless me:
And God bless that somebody I wanna see.

Clifton Johnson, 1896

City Allocates $392,000 for Pandemic Relief

On May 4th Council reviewed the 3rd round of federal pandemic funding allocations.  All funds must be allocated towards the prevention, response and preparation of the pandemic.  A total of $392,000 were assigned: 

• $98,000 for mental health (at Youth Eastside Services.)
• $47,000 food for senior citizens.
• $39,000 administration costs for all three rounds.
• $100,000 for legal services for housing stability and prevention of homelessness
• $116,000 to Sophia Way for sheltering

$95,000 in food and mental health services may be available under a different plan.

Council will review and make a decision on May 18th, 2021. 

-- Reported by Bob Yoder

    5/9/2021  Image: Internet

UPDATED: Senior and Community Center to Open 2023

Community ribbon heart to memorialize the old Senior Center before demolition  

During the May 4th Council Committee meeting, Parks Director Carrie Hite gave an update on the Senior and Community Center.  The new building will open 2023. It will be at minimum LEED Gold Certified and built to last 50-100 years. Estimated cost is $41 million.  Councilmember Jeralee Anderson asked "if you had unlimited funds where would you spend them?"  Ms. Hite responded: "a buildout of the second floor." 

Staff showed maps of the layout of the spaces.  A list of the spaces on the website, with square footage and descriptions, would  be helpful in understanding the building.

-- Bob Yoder, 5/9/2021 (Internet photo)

Grant money available for restaurants with COVID losses

Just one of  many  Redmond restaurants with losses from COVID

In the May 3rd Council Business meeting, Mayor Angela Birney announced a "Restaurant Revitalization Fund" providing restaurants up to $5 thousand from loss due to the pandemic. The mayor didn't give the source of the funds but encouraged interested parties to  apply quickly.    

Below are some COVID links I found on the One Redmond website. 

Restart And Reopen Guide

Temporary Restaurant Outdoor Seating Permit

 Grants

COVID links from the City of Redmond website are here.

-- Bob Yoder, 5/8/2021

Photo, Internet 

Redmond's County Property Taxes Up 1.8%

King County Tax Assessor John Wilson

On May 3rd, Mr. John Wilson, King County Tax Assessor, gave Council and Mayor an informational presentation on how the global pandemic affected county real estate taxes. 

Redmond is doing really well.  Our taxes increased only 1.8% from the previous year, whereas taxes were up countywide by 4%.  The average increase on an average home in Redmond is $140.00. 

The County is also doing well.  County revenue  was up by $256,000 compared to the year before.  Where do these fund go?  57% of the revenue is allocated to County schools, K-12.  The City of Redmond gets 15% of the tax revenue.  King County receives 17%.  EveregreenHealth public hospital, the County libraries and other smaller entities get the remainder.

Be prepared for rising King County taxes next year.  As you know, residential housing prices have exploded upwards. Pandemic real estate values (and taxes) will not go down according according to Mr. Wilson.  

What about the Seniors...they're in a pinch.  There's been a 300% increase in applications over the previous year for senior exemptions.  To qualify for an exemption you must be:  1)  61 years of age or on social security disability or V.A. disability. 2) $40,000-58,000 income.  Based on the median SFH price of $600,000 an applicant could save up to $43,000.

-- Reported by Bob Yoder, 5/3/2021

Redmond Historical Society Hosts Virtual Fundraiser

Redmond Historical Society Hosts Virtual Fundraiser May 7th

Redmond, WA—May 7, 2021—Redmond Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to discovering, providing, and preserving Redmond’s history, announces its first-ever Virtual Fundraiser and Auction Friday, May 7th, 6:30 pm. The theme is “We Love Redmond.”

Funds raised will go toward digitizing the Society’s collection of Sammamish Valley News—a vital record of Redmond’s history—and preparing the Society’s museum space in the Old Redmond Schoolhouse—its new (and old) home.

Since 1999, the Redmond Historical Society called the Old Redmond Schoolhouse its home. However, since LWSD took over the historic building for repairs in 2018, the Society was compelled to find another space, which a few local business owners were happy to provide. “We’ve had a rather nomadic life, moving our offices and Saturday Speaker Series to venues around town,” recalls President John Oftebro. 

“Thanks to the City, we’re back in the Schoolhouse. However, we need the support of our members and the greater community to move forward. Together, we can galvanize the new space, and make our re-opening a celebration of Redmond’s past, present, and future.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on such items as a Patriotic Picnic on 4th of July, an Italian feast, a day of crabbing and beachcombing, baked goods, and other delights from local businesses. Featured will be Auctioneer Troy McVicker. Speakers include John Oftebro, Society President, as well as Redmond Poet Laureate Raúl Sánchez, and Society Vice President, Laura Lee Bennett.

To register or donate, visit charityauction.bid/LoveRedmondHistory. To volunteer or for more info, contact the RHS office: Phone: 425-885-2919.