Vote 'yes' For Menka Soni - A Unique And Special Candidate

 

Founder, 𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐊𝐀 – My Mother’s Home, offering shelter and hope

15 years as Founder and President of AmPowering:

-Meals served (700k)

-Families sheltered (100) -Lives impacted (500k)

-Jobs created (1000)

-Volunteer hours (20,000) 300 volunteers

Redmond Arts & Culture Commission (two terms.)

One Redmond Foundation, V.P.

Listen to an interview with her sister here.

ENDORSEMENT: My wife and I spent 1.5 hours with Menka over coffee yesterday. She exudes compassion, sincerity, active caring for others (including her 2 daughters!) and high-spirited energy. She admits she's not "the perfect candidate." without budgeting and comprehensive planning experience and has no position on the teen center controversary. However, her strength is moving Redmond towards a "better experience" ... more unique art and cultural events, building trust through culturally competent public safety strategies, a gentle community perspective. Unlike her opponent, I trust she will participate in full, at meetings and be enthusiastic and committed in her Council responsibilities. We are voting 'yes' for Menka Soni in November.

-- Bob/Pam Yoder, 9/15/25

WCC Members To Remove Noxious Weeds, Plant trees

Internet photo

The Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) maintains stream and habitat restoration sites throughout the City of Redmond. Maintenance is typically required by permits for the first 5-10 years after project completion and ongoing maintenance is necessary for long-term project success. 

"Maintenance is a crucial activity to the success of restoration and mitigation . Approximately 100-acres of maintenance sites are distributed around Redmond.  Maintenance of restoration sites involves control of invasive weeds, litter pick-up, replacement planting, and other activities important to overall project success. This regular site maintenance enhances already completed projects, building on the initial investment, as well as improving the aesthetics of sites." 

This project costs $289,880 and includes 4 extra weeks of crew time to assist with large scale noxious weed management and tree planting projects. WCC members are typically college-age students learning restoration techniques and gaining job skills. A crew consists of six staff that work a 40-hour work week, for 42 weeks, primarily managing noxious weeds and installing replacement plantings at City capital improvement projects. In addition, the crew helps with volunteer events, native tree planting, habitat assessment, small stream projects, site monitoring, and de-fishing stream projects. 

-- Council Business Meeting memo, 9/14/25

$6,000 One-Time Grant For Homeless

King County Councilmember Perry

"The City of Redmond Human Services Division is requesting Council approval to accept King County Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy grant for one-time funding totaling $6,000 to support the City’s comprehensive case management services for people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. This one-time funding was awarded by Metropolitan King County Councilmember Perry, District 3.

Acceptance of this funding will expand program flex funds to provide needed services for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability, which local non-profit organizations may not cover. These services include car repair, ID/ driver’s license replacement, vehicle registration, gas cards, storage fees, and move-in assistance."

-- Council Business Meeting memo, 9/14/25

drip drip drip

Council Allocates $250,000 For Immigrant, Refugee, Asylum Seeking Community Members

Internet photo

Redmond residents who are immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers are especially impacted by the current federal regulatory environment, facing fear, harassment, uncertainty and trauma regardless of their legal status. 

To better understand the current impacts in our community, Councilmembers, Mayor Birney, and staff have met with community-based organizations to better understand their immediate needs for relief and support. In addition to strengthened communication, the Councilmembers heard community leaders and their clear call for rapid response funding to support increased levels of service and resources they are providing to our immigrant community members in Redmond and address gaps caused by federal changes. To match our commitment to a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive community with action, it is proposed that the council allocate $250,000 of funding to an immediate needs grant round focused on support for our immigrant, refugee, and asylum seeking community members. The proposed funding may be distributed to nonprofit organizations currently vetted and funded by the city’s human services grant program in order to support: legal assistance, housing stability, food security, and other needs as a result of current immigration enforcement. This is a one-time funding disbursement in response to unprecedented needs and is not eligible for renewal. Funding should be spent to relieve the immediate needs of Redmond residents, not be used to fund ongoing staff positions, and must be exhausted no later than December 31, 2026.

--  Council Business Meeting memo, 9/16/25

Major Human Services Benefactors, 2025-2026

Carol Helland, Director of Planning and Community Relations
oversees Redmond Human Services

Homelessness & Housing $1,790,674 (asked)   $833,844 (given)

$833,834 4 Tomorrow - Emergency Temporary Housing & Homelessness Recovery Program

 $150,000  Archdiocesan Housing Authority- Coordinated Care Agency - 

New Bethlehem Programs $100,000 

100,000 Catholic Community Services of King County - Emergency Assistance

 $12,000  Friends of Youth - Transitional Living Programs

 $38,000  Friends of Youth - Willows Youth Services Center (WYSC)

$115,242 Friends of Youth - Youth Haven 

$12,360 HERO House NW 

Supported Housing $20,000 Hopelink - Financial Resiliency

Overlake Christian Church - Safe Parking and Day Center Emergency Shelter and Support Program  $38,965 

Porchlight - Behavioral Mental Health $25,076 

Porchlight - Enhanced Shelter Program $133,900 

Porchlight - Housing $10,300 Porchlight - Rotating Shelter $12,875 

The Sophia Way - Helen's Place $106,916 

The Sophia Way - Sophia's Place $30,793 

Safe & Healthy Communities $981,653 (asked)   $678,325  (given)

Tomorrow - Mental Health Coordination & Gap Therapy $67,041 

Asian Counseling and Referral Service - Children, Youth and Families (CYF) $14,700

 Asian Counseling and Referral Service - Whole health Oriented Mental Health Program  $15,450

 Consejo Counseling and Referral Service - Domestic Violence Services  $10,300 

Crisis Connections - Regional Crisis Line $10,000 Crisis Connections - Washington Warm Line (Support After Suicide)  

Meet Commissioner Robin Campbell

 

Dr. Robin Campbell

Robin Campbell, PhD is running in the General election to retain his EvergreenHealth Commissioner seat.  He invites you to his "Meet The Commissioner" coffees:  

Roasters

8397 - 158th Ave. NE, Redmond 

Wednesday, September 17

2 - 3:30 PM

Victor's

7993 Gilman St. 

Monday, October 20th

1:00 - 2:30 PM

The Untold Story of Northwest Rock & Roll

 The Redmond Historical Society presents ...

Saturday Speaker Series Stomp and Shout: The Untold Story of Northwest Rock & Roll   Saturday, September 13th at 10:30 AM In the Old Redmond Schoolhouse at 16600 NE 80TH ST, Redmond, WA 98052

Registration is not required. A recording will NOT be available following the event. View www.humanities.org/events to find Peter Blecha's other scheduled presentations.   Northwest Rock & Roll’s historical highpoints are well documented—in the late 20th century, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and other grunge gods took the world by storm. Previously, Seattle’s Queensrÿche and Heart had ruled the heavy metal realm. However, well prior to that, legions of local 1950s and ‘60s garage rock bands – including The Kingsmen, Paul Revere & The Raiders, and The Sonics – had all fueled teen dances with their versions of the region’s signature song, “Louie, Louie.” Yet these iconic bands are only half the story. In this talk, join author Peter Blecha to discover the lesser-known but vitally important bands and scenes that laid the foundation for what was to come—finally connecting all the dots between the fabled Northwest era of Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and Jimmy Hendrix, and the R&B-spiked roots of a distinct regional artform: the “Original Northwest Sound.”

EvergreenHealth Honors Redmond Resident with "2024 Community Service Award."

 

Bob Yoder (l)  Virgil Snyder (r) 
(click picture to enlarge)

"Since 1998, EvergreenHealth has recognized individuals who make a meaningful impact on community health through its Community Service Award. This year, Redmond resident Bob Yoder was honored for his outstanding leadership and advocacy in mental health care.💚

Through his thoughtful presentations and compassionate voice, Bob has helped deepen the Board of Commissioners’ understanding of mental health challenges and emphasized the importance of expanding behavioral health services. His work has shaped EvergreenHealth’s response to community needs and strengthened support for vulnerable populations.

We are grateful for Bob’s dedication and proud to recognize his contributions to advancing the health of our community."

-- Virgil Snyder, Chair, EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners

Learn more here: http://bit.ly/4luYEKh

8/19/2025 

Jessica Forshee-Setzer, LMHC, -- EvergreenHealth's "Living Our Values" Honoree

Jessica Forshee-Setzer, LMHC

 

Jessica was honored  with EvergreenHealth's "Living Our Values" award during a July 28 ceremony at Canyon Park Behavioral Health Clinic.   

Jessica's Nomination Story:

"I would like to highlight an inspiring story from our Canyon Park Behavioral Health Clinic — one that reflects the power of compassion, persistence and expert care. It centers on Jessica Forshee-Setzer, LMHC, whose dedication made a profound impact on a young patient’s life in just a few months.

"When this young patient first arrived at the clinic six months ago, his family was deeply concerned. He was experiencing frequent outbursts at school, difficulty communicating and severe challenges with focus. At his initial appointment, he wouldn’t make eye contact or speak, remaining glued to his video game and barely acknowledged those around him. 

"Jessica met him where he was — starting with simple, non-threatening games to build trust. Over time, her gentle persistence and thoughtful approach began to pay off. Session by session, she slowly introduced more engaging activities, and soon the patient began to open up, sharing bits about his school life and family. 

"Milestones followed. He began checking in at the front desk independently, helping himself to water, and even assisting other patients by pressing the automated door button. As more sessions passed, and Jessica was able to work with his school to learn background information and Improvement of Performance (IOP) treatment details, she was able to address his emotional and social needs, helping him to utilize opposite action and positive behaviors.

"Now, as he nears the end of his program, the transformation is nothing short of remarkable. He has developed strong communication skills, learned effective coping strategies, and gained a newfound confidence. He will even greet the psychiatric provider (Dr. Brian Wasicek) at the Behavioral Health clinic.  

"His bright “Hi, Dr. Wasicek!” in the hallway is a small but powerful symbol of how far he’s come. 

"Once a boy who hid his face behind his hands and wouldn’t speak a single word is now a cheerful, talkative adolescent. 

"Jessica’s commitment to this patient’s growth reflects the excellence we strive for every day. Her work reminds us of the incredible difference one person can make. 

"Thank you, Jessica, for the heart and skill you bring to every session. We are honored to have you as part of our team."

OPINION: Council Should Stop Playing Games With Our Teens

Old Fire House Teen Center

OPINION:  On March 11, 2025 the City stated: "Teen programs currently housed at the Old Fire House Teen Center are proactively transitioning to the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village for safety reasons. The transition will begin later this month, and all programs are expected to be operational in their new locations by late April."  After two listening sessions the teens found Marymoor and the Senior & Community Center sterile and unwelcoming.      

More than four months later a bureaucracy of Council / staff / a subcommittee / an advisory committee/ a stakeholder group / focus groups/ and 2 listening sessions still hadn't decided what to do with the Center.  Total costs just for this  citizen engagement and outreach was $124,600 not counting staff  labor.  It appears Council and staff were trying to wear out the teens from protesting in City Hall while shoe-horning them into Marymoor and the Senior & Community Center.  These delays were pure nonsense ... at the expense to our youth's mental and academic health.   

Last night teen participation testimony winnowed down to only three teens.  All spoke against the closure.  One persistently requested accountability. 

In September and October 2025, a Stakeholder Group will meet six times to hear more information, including input from public focus groups.  According to staff's  FAQ, "City Council is expected to make a decision on whether to renovate the current structure or investigate rebuilding options by the end of 2025."   And THEN the city must renovate or rebuild!  This could take years.  

Council and staff must stop playing games with our most vulnerable teens.  The Mayor needs to move the process "fast forward."  

Renovation is not an option since Parks Director Loreen Hamilton invested deeply into taxpayer's pockets for safety and engineering inspections.  The building is 50-years old and renovation for safety would be expensive.  

The school district rebuilds all the time, when they tear down their existing buildings and build a new, larger schools on the same parcel. The teen center's basketball courts are mostly unused, as is the deck in the winter.  A rebuild could add 5-6 levels of affordable space, while allowing independent, sound-proofed teen activities in the first floor.  The City owns the land; a partnership with a developer would make it feasible. Please get on with it. 

-- Bob Yoder, 9/4/2025, Updated 9/9/2025

Historical Society Newsletter Jam-packed With Content

Couples enjoy a Saturday night dance organized for Nike battery personnel stationed in Redmond.

Sammamish Valley News, September 27, 1956

Redmond Historical Newsletter, Vol.27. No 6

 Redmond Historical Society SATURDAY SPEAKER SERIES September 13 

"Stomp and Shout": The Untold Story of Northwest Rock & Roll | Peter Blecha, Author and Historian 

Saturday, September 13, 10:30 AM, Old Redmond Schoolhouse, 16600 NE 80th Street, Redmond, WA 

Northwest rock history goes beyond grunge icons like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Explore the lesser known bands that shaped the “Original Northwest Sound,” tracing its roots through garage rock legends, early R&B pioneers, and forgotten scenes that paved the way for a musical revolution.

###

Redmond Historical Society Newsletter Vol.27 No. 6 - Topics:  

• Join the Redmond Historical Society on Thursday, September 18, from 4:00–7:00 PM for the Downtown Redmond Art Walk. Meet the artist, and explore pieces from the Society’s collection, such as works by Doris Colvin and Russ Goetschius.
• SATURDAY SPEAKERS SERIES:  October 11 10:30 AM,| The Flora of Seattle in 1850 | Ray Larson, Associate Director and Curator, UW Botanic Gardens.  Before Euro-American settlement, Seattle’s landscape was shaped by native plants and natural scenery. Drawing from herbarium specimens, settler accounts, survey maps, and photographs, this talk explores the area’s original environment prior to its transformation.
• PRESIDENT'S NOTEBOOK:  "Redmond Transportation --From foot paths to Light Rail." by John Oftebro.  
• BUSINESS MEMBER:  "The Opportunity of Community - East Palmer."  by Paige Norman

###

... and don't miss the Redmond Historical Society blog! 

9/2/2025

Downtown Redmond Art Walk Coming Sept. 18

 

Celebrate Art at the Downtown Redmond Art Walk 

Join us for the annual Downtown Redmond Art Walk (DRAW), beginning at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, in Downtown Redmond. This arts-centric event brings together Redmond’s local artists and businesses for an evening of art and togetherness. It’s a free opportunity, encouraging community members to support local artists, merchants, and vibrant arts organizations alike. Also, stop by Downtown Park to say hello to your City Council during the event.

The Ganesh Festival Celebrates Hindu Deity / Marymoor Park

 

The Ganesh Festival, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, particularly in Maharashtra. It honors Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu deity of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. The festival typically spans 10 days, with the main event being the installation and worship of Ganesha idols, followed by immersion ceremonies.

Join us in celebrating three days of joy, cultural immersion, and festive merriment. Mark your calendars and don’t miss this exhilarating experience!

Marymoor Park (free)  Parking is $20.00

Festival Hours:

• Friday, Sept 5: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
• Saturday, Sept 6: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
• Sunday, Sept 7: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Redmond Saturday Market

The Redmond Saturday Market is located in the parking lots of Overlake Christian Church on Willows Road in Redmond:

 

Overlake Christian Church

9900 Willows Road NE, Redmond, WA 98052

Saturdays 9:00am - 2:00pm

Evergreenhealth Commissioner Campbell Certified, Governance And Executive Education

Robin Campbell, PhD earned the prestigious Governance & Executive Education certificate by completing 12 intensive Washington State Hospital Association educational sessions. Dr. Campbell is running in the General Election to retain his EvergreenHealth commissioner Position #5 seat.  The term is 6-years.  

BACKGROUND:

    

Association of Washington Public Hospital Districts (AWPHD) in partnership with Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) offers its members educational opportunities to increase their knowledge and understanding of hospital governance in Washington state. This education assists executive leadership and board members in assessing and enhancing hospital operations and board effectiveness.

For more information on Dr. Robin Campbell visit his website at:  https://www.robin4evergreenhealth.com/

-- Bob Yoder, 8/27/25

Aspen Richter Opposes Martin For LWSD Director #4

Aspen Richter

Aspen Richter is running for Position #4 of the LWSD Board of Directors and has broad support from the community.  I first met Aspen at a "Move Redmond" luncheon; she always has her notebook with her to record salient points.  She likes to "move around" on her e-bike; and avoid guzzling cars!   

Environmental sustainablity at LWSD is a big thing for Aspen.  Below, are some personal notes of her accomplishments:  

Lake Washington PTSA Council Sustainability Chair, 2023-2025.

While Chair, I focused on bringing both district employees and sustainability chairs from the various school PTSAs together to exchange information and strengthen our sustainability efforts. 

I also collaborated with Matt Gillingham (Deputy Superintendent of Operations & Legal Affairs) to hold a linkage session for the board's draft sustainability policy with PTSA chairs, parents, students, and teachers.  I'm looking forward to what 2025-2026 brings for our environmental efforts in LWSD!

I am on the LWSD advisory committees for:

1) Sustainability

2) Facilities: I joined because of the financial and environmental impact of our buildings, and because I had children at two of the schools slated for rebuild from the proceeds of the 2024 levy.

3) Levy: A temporary committee in the spring and summer of 2025, because levies are how we fund facility improvements such as solar panels, switching to electric boilers, and installation of ground-source heat pumps to reduce our environmental impact. The levy committee is one I take very seriously, because the purpose of levy funds---funding our schools---is incredibly important and also because I am aware the end result is very real for property owners in LWSD.

EvergreenHealth Honors Redmond Resident, "2024 Community Service Award"

 

(l-r) sister Joanne Dearth from No. Carolina, Bob Yoder, Pam Yoder

"Since 1998, EvergreenHealth has recognized individuals who make a meaningful impact on community health through its Community Service Award. This year, Bob Yoder was honored for his outstanding leadership and advocacy in mental health care.

Through his thoughtful presentations and compassionate voice, Bob has helped deepen the Board of Commissioners’ understanding of mental health challenges and emphasized the importance of expanding behavioral health services. His work has shaped EvergreenHealth’s response to community needs and strengthened support for vulnerable populations.

We are grateful for Bob’s dedication and proud to recognize his contributions to advancing the health of our community."

Learn more here: http://bit.ly/4luYEKh

-- Virgil Snyder, Chair

Board of Commissioners

EvergreenHealth

EvergreenHealth Commissioner Robin Campbell Runs To Retain Seat

Robin Campbell, PhD

Commissioner Position #5 

At-Large representative
Board member since 2024
Term ends Dec. 31, 2025

In 2023-24, Dr. Campbell served as an  EvergreenHealth Community Advisor and was

appointed EvergreenHealth Commissioner in 2024.  His term ends December 31, 2025

and he is on the ballot in November to retain his seat.  He has earned a Health Care

Governance Certification from the Washington State Hospital Association.

Robin Campbell is a retired executive and board director with over 35 years of

experience in management and executive roles in several life science companies such

as Ciba-Geigy Pharmaceuticals and Amgen.  

From 2004 to 2008, he was President and CEO of  Naryx Pharma , a specialty pharmaceutical company. From 2011 to 2021, he was the Executive Chairman of Aptitude Medical Systems. He has served on the Board of Directors of several public healthcare companies and was also Chairman of the Board of the Cancer Support Community in Ventura County, California, a non-profit organization that provides free support and resources to people with family members fighting cancer.

From 2009 to 2018, Dr. Campbell held an appointment as a Lecturer in the Technology

Management Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara, teaching courses

on life science business, general business strategy and marketing.  

Currently, he volunteers with SCORE, offering free coaching to small business owners,

as well as serving as a Zoo Ambassador volunteer at Woodland Park Zoo.  Campbell

holds a BA in Zoology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a PhD

in Microbiology and Immunology from Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Ribbon-cutting Celebrates Completion Of Redmond Central Connector Trail

 

The third and final phase, being celebrated next month, covers an additional 1.6 miles to Redmond’s city limits and connects with the Eastrail, where it branches north toward Woodinville and west toward Kirkland.

Redmond Celebrates Completion of Major Bike and Pedestrian Trail

REDMOND, WA - Redmond Mayor Angela Birney will lead a public ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, to mark the completion of the third and final phase of construction of the Redmond Central Connector Trail.

The event will take place on the trail near Overlake Christian Church on Willows Road and celebrates the opening of the final 1.6 miles of trail that completes the 3.9-mile Redmond Central Connector bike and pedestrian trail, connecting Redmond to the 42-mile Eastrail trail network and beyond. With this, Redmond becomes the first city to fully complete its section of the Eastrail, an important milestone in connecting the region.

Event Details

• What: Ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of the Redmond Central Connector Trail
• When: 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 12
• Where: Redmond Central Connector Trail near Overlake Christian Church
• How: Media wishing to cover the event are asked to RSVP with City of Redmond Communications Manager Kelly Schutz for further details

Event Speakers

Speakers from the City of Redmond will include Mayor Angela Birney, Council President Vanessa Kritzer, Council Vice President Jessica Forsythe, Parks and Recreation Director Loreen Hamilton, and Public Works Director Aaron Bert. Speakers from the project design team will include Berger Partnership Principal Guy Michaelson and Otak Principal Nico Vanderhorst. United States Rep. Su.zan Delbene and Eastrail Executive Director Katherine Hollis will also share remarks

“Completing the Redmond Central Connector Trail marks the culmination of a decade and a half of visionary leadership and hard work,” said Redmond Mayor Angela Birney. “This trail not only connects Redmond to our neighbors in Sammamish, Kirkland, and Woodinville—it also connects us to many of the things that make Redmond special, including the natural beauty of the Sammamish Valley, parks, gathering places, public art, transit, local businesses, and the energy of Downtown.”

The first phase, a one-mile segment through Downtown, was completed in 2013 and included Redmond Central Connector Park, with multiple public art installations. Phase two, completed in 2017, constructed 1.3 miles of trail from east of the Sammamish River to the intersection of Willows Road and the 9900 Block, near DigiPen and Overlake Christian Church. This phase included retrofitting the Sammamish River Trestle. The third and final phase, being celebrated next month, covers an additional 1.6 miles to Redmond’s city limits and connects with the Eastrail, where it branches north toward Woodinville and west toward Kirkland.

From 1889 to 2008, a railroad ran through the heart of Redmond, connecting the City to the wider region, but also creating a barrier through the center of town. The City acquired the property in 2010 with a new vision for the abandoned rail corridor: to create a trail that would bring our community together and draw people to Redmond.

Redmond Central Connector Amenities and Connections

• East Lake Sammamish Trail
• Bear Creek Trail
• Sammamish River Trail
• Powerline Trail
• Eastrail
• Redmond Central Connector Park
• Public Art Installations
  • Erratic
  • Signals
  • Sky Painting
• Sammamish River Trestle
• Sound Transit Light Rail - 2 Line – Downtown Redmond Station