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| Beautiful art! But don't stare down at it when you're in the crosswalk. Drivers may get distracted and not recognize it's a crosswalk. |
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| EvergreenHealth Public Hospital |
The proposed North Tower would have:
Additionally, it was noted that the public hospital district taxes are 2.1% of the entire King County levy.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Paul Hess, Kenmore resident, asked if EvergreenHealth has implemented lean organizational strategies, noting that it will help close the gap. Additionally, he spoke about the Foundation, how their staff report to EvergreenHealth, and hopes that no Foundation funding will be used for a UTGO Bond. He also spoke critically about how he and other District residents pay taxes to fund the hospital but don’t use the services, while others who don’t pay taxes to fund the hospital use the services.
SOURCES:
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I saw this poor vagrant sleeping in Anderson Park landscaping about 1 p.m. this morning. I've seen homeless sleeping on Anderson Park benches before. I've notified the city council ombudsman and hopefully the city can find a way to help this man. Dial 991.
-- Bob Yoder, 9/1/2023
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| Beijing based public company financed this $31 million project. The yellow building is under construction and part of the project. The remaining orange vapor barrier film is being covered with more drab materials. See the small cranes at work? |
Last month, the planning department distributed a questionnaire with pictures of different building designs. Believe it or not, there are still many large projects in the pipeline. Please take the survey!
Who was our mayor in 2008? Mayor Ives / Mayor Marchione? Building design surveys, open houses, and workshops should have been done ~ fifteen years ago. As is, we will have to live with this and other high profile ugly buildings with no art for over ~ 50 years. 😮
-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 8/30/2023
Sadly, only 29.31% of Redmond's 33,853 registered voters voted....that's 9,923.
The Council Position #7 race was razor-thin:
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| EvergreenHealth "Community Hospital, owned by the community," lacks Behavioral Health Specialty Care. |
Their specialty care clinics are listed below:
Breast Health Center
Booth Gardner Parkinson's Care Center
Cancer Care
Colon and Rectal Care
Diabetes and Endocrinology Care
Diabetes Education & Nutrition Services
Ear, Nose & Throat Care
Eye Care
-- Photo B. Yoder, 8/7/2023
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The light rail graffiti is adjacent Red Robin. It's disturbing. I've notified Mayor Birney and the code enforcement officer.
-- Bob Yoder, 8/7/2023
Last week the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office’s Public Integrity Team released their filing determination regarding Andrea Churna, who was shot and killed by a Redmond police officer on Sept. 20, 2020.
The Public Integrity Team issued a Decline Memorandum, recommending that no criminal charges be filed against any officers present during this incident.
When the shooting occurred, the policy in place at that time does not allow me to specifically elaborate on the internal findings until the conclusion of the inquest process (that policy has since been revised).
Per policy, Officer Mendoza, who fired the fatal shots, was put on paid administrative leave following the incident. As of October 2022, Officer Mendoza is no longer an employee of the Redmond Police Department.
I have acknowledged that mistakes occurred that night. As a result of the multiple investigations, we have refined our policies and procedures to align with industry best practices. These include access to additional less-lethal options, implementing a body-worn and in-car camera program, and increasing mental health resources.
While nothing can bring Ms. Churna back, we are continuously striving to improve the quality of service our first responders provide our Redmond community in order to prevent another tragic loss of life.
We will continue communicating throughout this process with our community.
Sincerely,
Chief Darrell Lowe
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| Green Heron spears a frog on the 90th Street Bridge stormwater pond |
For over twelve years, I have been observing and photographing the abundant wildlife that often appears in this pond. Great blue herons frequently catch fish and frogs here. Above, is a rare Green Heron spearing a frog! Different species of waterfowl often appear during the spring and fall migratory seasons. I once photographed six adult male wood ducks together in the pond at the same time!
In addition to the varied birdlife, I have photographed: a beaver on two different occasions, a raccoon, river otters frolicking in the pond twice, and a coyote, which really surprised me.
I don't know what will become of this wildlife once the project is complete. A worker said they netted all of the fish at the east end of the enclosure, and relocated them to the west end, nearest to the river. This was to protect the fish. The worker said that when entering the pond the accumulated sediment was so deep where they were netting the fish, that it came up to their shoulders!
--Photos and Story by John Reinke, 8/7/2023
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| City removing rich, organic soil from the pond |
"The existing NE 90th St stormwater pond treats the runoff from the 90th St stormwater basin before it drains into the Sammamish River. It was constructed in 2000 and currently provides about two thirds of the water quality treatment required by today’s regulations. The pond works by allowing sediment to settle out of the stormwater before it enters the Sammamish River. Over the last 20 years, significant sediment has accumulated, filling up a portion of the pond. The City will be removing the accumulated sediment from the pond during the summer of 2023. "
(Source: NE 90th Street Stormwater Pond Retrofit | Redmond, WA )
Angie vs. David, a virtual tie.
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| Incumbent, David M. Carson |
David Carson is a seasoned councilmember of 12 years and leans to the right. He doesn't make a big thing out of political endorsements since council members are nonpartisan. He actively supports small businesses and the community. Angie Nuevancamina is a Redmond Planning Commissioners; she leans left like most of the present councilmembers and is openly supported by democratic representatives and organizations. She's a supporter of small businesses, as well.
-- Posted by Yoder, 8/4/2023, updated: 9/29/2023
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| Redmond 2100 ?? |
Tell the city what you like and don’t like in architectural and building designs. 23 building designs are displayed for your opinion and comment. Add your own ideas for Downtown buildings and comment on the designs.
The city will use your feedback to develop Downtown’s design standards for new development. Give your feedback here.
Questions? Principal Planner, Kimberly Dietz, kdietz@redmond.gov, 425-556-2415
Posted by Yoder
About Washington Bike Law:
Washington Bike Law (WBL) represents injured bicyclists statewide and helps make our streets safer for everyone. WBL was the first law office in the nation to be honored by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bike Friendly Business. Find more at www.washingtonbikelaw.com.
Bike accidents are probable in Redmond: 1) no protected bike lanes, 2) the intersection of Redmond Way and East Lake Sammamish Blvd. is hazardous and potentially deadly. The City of Redmond could be liable. (B. Yoder.)
SEATTLE – Ten people injured in bicycle crashes on the "Missing Link" of the Burke-Gilman Trail recently filed claims against the City of Seattle for its failure to make the existing roadway reasonably safe for ordinary travel, according to attorneys representing the individuals. The ten riders suffered varying degrees of injury ranging from contusions to broken bones to traumatic brain injury.
Washington Bike Law (WBL) and Schroeter Goldmark & Bender (SGB) are Seattle law firms cooperatively representing the bicyclists. “The aim of the claim notices filed today is not simply to achieve compensation for our clients’ injuries, but to prompt action by the City to prevent more people from being seriously injured by this known danger,” said SGB attorney Adam Berger.
The Missing Link is a 1.4-mile stretch in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood where the Burke-Gilman Trail abruptly ends, sending bicyclists onto streets that are still not reasonably safe for travel by bicycle. The ten bicyclists were all injured where many others have crashed before them: the Missing Link’s “Crash Zone,” a dangerous railroad crossing under the Ballard Bridge.
WBL’s Bob Anderton has represented multiple bicyclists injured in this same Crash Zone dating as far back as 2001.
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| Photo by Rick Zucker, posted on Café Chat Facebook group. Band is singing and playing "Chicago" songs. Lots of dancing, too! Line Up Two more free performances. August 9th and 16th. Redmond City Hall lawns. 6-8 p.m. |
1. Reducing air travel by 9,000 miles per year saves us 7,200 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents per year. We mostly stay local, but in 2021, Gail made a round trip to Portland in her 2018 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid, and I made two round trips to Renton in my 1990 Geo Metro XFi. Zoom and Microsoft Teams make it unnecessary to do a lot of flying and driving.
2. Nature has replaced 3,000 square feet of our lawn with drought-tolerant plants like buttercups, dandelions, clover, and blackberry. Although they are non-native and invasive, they require zero watering, minimal mowing with a manual reel mower, and provide nectar and pollen for bees. This saves 42,600 gallons of water a year and earns 4,260 “Sustainability points.” The 40,000 sq. feet of forest that we have been allowing to grow on our property since 1994 has removed more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than our cars have released into it.
3. By adopting smart driving habits, we save 110 gallons of gas and 2,960 pounds of CO₂ equivalents a year. Avoiding heavy acceleration, coasting when possible, light braking, and driving the speed limit help a lot. I turn off my car when stopped at traffic lights; Gail’s hybrid does that automatically. My car has no gas-guzzling air conditioner. And I regularly service our cars and keep their tires properly inflated.
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| 3 rows of carrots have sprouted! |
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E-scooters and e-bikes pilot project discussed. Seattle and Everett are the only cities in Puget Sound that have e-scooters. Parking spaces will not be marked with paint owing to maintenance. Several councilmembers complained about e-scooters as difficult to ride, blocking sidewalks and ADA intersections. At least 9 accidents were reported by the Fire Dept. Most didn't want more than one vendor owing to multiple phone applications. Lime is the present vendor; they will present to council in their next meeting. September may be the month council decides on a permanent contract. Email feedback to council at council@redmond.gov.
Council Salaries: Councilmember Anderson started a 29 minute discussion about council salaries, recommending Ordinance 3116 be repealed or amended to allow council to set their own salaries for new members. They decided to have a private Executive Session to discuss the matter. Councilmember Varisha Kahn made a rare comment agreeing to an Executive Session. For the most part, Ms. Kahn very rarely participates in any conversation at council meetings.
The city pays each councilmember over $18,600/year, plus generous benefits.
Watch council discuss council salaries at this video meeting: 1:01:38 - 1:30:19
-- posted by Bob Yoder, 7/27/2023, Source: RCTV and mayor memo
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| Internet |
In response to a question from CM Steve Fields, Emory explained the change was to mitigate police involvement with student discipline and miss behaviors; rather leave discipline up to district staff and administration.
One Police Liaison Officer would still be assigned to each high school (and it's community of schools) but their only duty is law enforcement. Police involvement in mental health would be only secondary to the administration and staff. (Police Chief Lowe said one mental health officer is "embedded" in the department.)
Councilmember David Carson agreed with the program but couldn't see why the title had to be re-named.
[North Shore SRO position: https://www.nsd.org/get-involved/task-forces-committees/sro-task-force]
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| Overlake East - three building project - Videos HERE. |
Overlake Center shopping mall, Macy’s mattress store, Mayuri Foods, TruDental of Redmond, and a variety of retail and restaurant businesses will be torn down.
The application proposes a Master Plan for a four-building development to be constructed in three phases:
• Phase 1 includes Building A, located on the north parcel, to consist of an eight-story mixed use building.
• Phase 2 includes Buildings B and C, located on the corner parcel, to consist of a seven story mixed use building (Building B) and a seven story multifamily building (Building C).
Mental Health Triage Kits Contain Items to Help Police Comfort Those with Autism and Small Children
Redmond police officers now carry Mental Health Triage Kits in their patrol vehicles to better connect with small children, autistic individuals, and members of the intellectual and developmental disability community. The kits contain sensory care items.
Redmond Police Explorers assembled the kits during their monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 18, at the Redmond Police Department (RPD).
Wednesday, Aug 2: Rockfish and FriendsAn 11-piece band consisting of some of Seattle’s most talented and experienced musicians, Rockfish And Friends focus on an eclectic mix of “Classic Rock That Kicks Brass” from the 60’s, 70’s and 80's. You’ll be hard pressed to find another group in the area so accurately recreating the very best from artists like Chicago, Steely Dan, Heart, Lighthouse, Doobie Brothers, Toto, Wings, Blood, Sweat & Tears and many more. | |
Wednesday, Aug 9: Catch a WaveThis Beach Boys tribute band comes direct from California. Established in 2001 Catch A Wave is the original striped shirt true-to-form Beach Boys show. Others just don't quite measure up. The idea for this incredible show was to recreate the look and sound of a live Beach Boys concert circa 1964 | |
Wednesday, Aug 16: Laurel Canyon LegacyLaurel Canyon Legacy celebrates the explosion of popular music that came out of LA’s Laurel Canyon in the mid-60s as folk music blended with rock and went electric. Come take a musical journey through the 60’s and 70’s as they perform your favorite songs by groups like The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, The Byrds, Beach Boys, Carole King, America, Buffalo Springfield, The Mamas and the Papas, and more. |
Free Summer Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on the great lawn next to Redmond City Hall.
RCW 28A.343.400 Compensation—Waiver. Each member of the board
of directors of a school district may receive compensation of fifty
dollars per day or portion thereof for attending board meetings and
for performing other services on behalf of the school district, not to
exceed four thousand eight hundred dollars per year.
Any director may waive all or any portion of his or her
compensation under this section as to any month or months during his
or her term of office.
The compensation provided in this section shall be in addition to
any reimbursement for expenses paid to such directors by the school
district.
-- Source: Public Record Request, 7/19/2023
The School Board holds a Study Session and Business Meeting every other week. They hold Executive Sessions and Special Meetings. They get no benefits, health care insurance, etc. There are 5 Board members.
* With the exception of Councilmember Varisha Kahn, all the Redmond councilmembers and LWSD directors attended their meetings on a regular basis.
cc: COR Council
The City is accepting applications for the Design Review Board. Two vacancies are open to Redmond residents within the city limits who are passionate about the quality of architecture and landscaping in the City. Volunteers review and make recommendations to the Technical Committee, as well as approve site plans, landscape and architectural design, colors, and materials for commercial, industrial, and multifamily projects. Interested residents are encouraged to apply by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 31.
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| Pam is sitting in the truck very close to the street surface |
On our way to Derby Days we saw this shiny new Redmond Public Works truck blocking and re-directing traffic on 95th. Cool! It's a monster truck!!
Just what does this truck do? Do you see the yellow "buttons?"
-- Bob Yoder, picture, 7/16/23
David M. Carson
16318 NE 50TH WAY
REDMOND, WA 98052
(206) 484-8480
carson4redmond@outlook.com
