Orange Soldiers Advance, Take the Hill

Orange "foot soldiers" on 166th Ave NE

....advance to 171st Street on Ed Hill

...the City's first water supply

      And on to Perrigo Springs

7/28/07, My 'Citizen Watch' Reporter column discontinued

The new Redmond Reporter editor from Seattle, Mr. Bill Christianson, appears to have discontinued my "Citizen Watch" column. So best not to waste your time looking for it in the paper.

I wanted you to know the new, young Editor decided not publish my "History of Redmond Mayors" column after recieving a "Press Advisory" from Kim Van Eckstrom, of City Communications. Kim (and the Mayor) complained of "errors" in my "water supply " opinion column. It was clear they were trying to discredit me. Most of my column information that Kim Van Eckstrom said was wrong was taken right off the city website -- edited by Van Eckstrom.

So far, the newspaper has been unable to set the record straight for me and has referred me to the city. Looks like the city 'owns' the paper now. Obviously, during an election politics are heightened. Such is the case. It is known that certain high-level staff members are actually campaigning for Jim Robinson. The "Press Advisory" was triggered by a blog I wrote on Jim's campaign sign "challenge" for safety. At that point, the Administration knew who I was supporting. They have also been frustrated by my blog.

The good news is I'm working with the city administration to improve the factual content on their website, (or stand behind it), encourage a comprehensive water conservation program, and improve communications with citizens who wish to participate in our government.
If you want to read any of my "Citizen Watch" columns they're all posted on the Front Page of this blog under the "MY GROUPS" , "Community ". I've also posted a detailed rebuttal to the Administration about their "Correction" claims there.

Letters to the Editor can me mailed to letters@redmond-reporter.com

Thanks for your readership!
As always,
Bob

RICHARD MORRIS - "Letter to Editor" RR
Bob Yoder’s Citizen Watch column (July 11th) apparently hit a nerve at the Redmond City Hall. I just wanted to clarify our discovery of hidden waste tanks near Evans Creek. Bob and I were doing some field research on Redmond’s Stream Map Update in October 2005. We were concerned about the classification of each stream shown on Redmond’s Stream Map. The map is used by developers to make Land Use Proposals. We discovered hidden waste tanks near Evans Creek along Union Hill Road, and inquired about the status of the tanks with the City of Redmond. After some jurisdiction discussions, King County Councilwoman Kathy Lambert and staff visited the site. The waste tanks were removed in November 2005.I have known Bob Yoder as a neighbor for over 25 years. We have worked together on many Citizen Watch projects as we are both passionate about Redmond’s natural assets. I am proud to know Bob and I can assure you that he strives to do his best to raise awareness about quality of life issues in Redmond. I encourage other readers to support Bob Yoder’s Citizen Watch column in the Redmond Reporter. The newspaper is our community forum.
Saturday July 28, 2007 - 02:00pm (PDT)

RICHARD MORRIS:
Bob, here is an interesting article on http://www.slate.com/id/2171305/fr/flyout about a journalist who is given a second chance. I thought you might find it interesting reading.If the RR gives you a second chance to write Citizen Watch, I have some ideas on how to write a bullet-proof column.I think you have found your voice, and it is effective. If no one in the city hall were reading your column, they would not have “objected to your version of facts”.I hope the RR gives you a second chance to write Citizen Watch. Your column is needed in our town.Thanks, Richard
Saturday July 28, 2007 - 02:02pm (PDT)

YODER
Thanks, Richard. After glancing at this Saturday's RR "opinion column" on trans-fats I realized we do need a respectable citizen Forum in the RR. Maybe they could take my column space and give to the candidates - "Candidate's Turn". If we could get the city to ask - especially Van Eckstrom the young editor would probably move on it. Another idea would be: "Staff's Turn". Then Bill Campbell would be able to explain the continuing Perrigo Springs mess and Kim Van Eck. could defend her "corrections" policy or explain her 16 yeaar old water conservation initiatives. So far, I haven't found them. :) Bob
Saturday July 28, 2007 - 03:12pm (PDT)

COUSIN BRUCEY
hey ho bobo great caesar's ghost kent...perry white woulda never given ya the heave ho... apparently whats news to some is disruptive to others...the squelching of opinion or commentary is a red flag for its need...so it'll be up to the regulars of this blogusphere to stand atop the hill of information you provide and cast its wisdom upon our uneducated masses... probably time to launch that write in candidacy...ey bobo.
Monday July 30, 2007 - 12:36pm (PDT)

FROM: Barb Thompson, Ed. Hill -- I just sent off an email to the Redmond Reporter complaining them about the removal of your column. I want you to know that I appreciate your “cut to the chase, tell the whole story” philosophy.8/5/07

Beautiful, but is it worth $4, 068,000?

Redmond's $4 Million Dollar Water Tanks

Come back soon to hear "the rest of the story" about these tanks on NE 104th Street.

The mural paintings were probably paid for by a 1% arts fee on the $4M project.  The Arts Department gets to keep 1% of the cost of Public Works projects to install art on site.  The bulk of  the money was spent on seismic reinforcement, three coats of paint, and retrofitting two other water tanks - one behind this one and a smaller one by Perrigo Springs.

by Bob Yoder, 11/28/09

photo by Bob Yoder

Updated: Musings on Redmond Arts

There's art and then there's entertainment and a mix of both. I'd like to see a night club in Redmond where we can dance and listen to live music all year long. Hopefully the OneRedmond Foundation, Chaired by John Stilin, will consider promoting this and similar kinds of downtown entertainment.  

Soulfood Coffee House is Redmond's go-to-place to enjoy musicians and artists like Clint McCune, jazz, an open mic, poetry readings, etc. Would Soulfood go so far as to include East Indian music, etc?  Of course, that would be up to the free market, not the city "Arts and Culture" committee.   

For years Clint and Sara Peflrey's Soulfood Coffee House was "the heart and soul" of Redmond.  I'll never forget the "opening night" for Redmond's first poet laureate. She performed at Soulfood and the TV media covered it region-wide. Council Member Hank Margeson was there, everyone. 

When Clint and Sara sold Soulfood they left somewhat of a cultural void. 

For several years it seemed the city wandered seeking a new harbor for our "soul." Will it be the Downtown Park? The Historic Core?  Both?

I like how the city is installing outdoor art and memorabilia representative of our history.  The "erratic" representing the glacial age, was constructed of old railroad rail plates. The Linear Park has a railroad Signal installation. The Mayor says a totem pole installation is planned near Lower Bear Creek.  There's a small park with wood Indian carvings near the Slough. The original school bell is installed (but on an obscure exterior wall of the Public Safety building.)  A stone marker sits by Perrigo Springs -- the first water source for Indians and pioneers. The Downtown clock tower was renamed Naomi Hardy Clock Tower.

The "glacial" ERRATIC

Is it remotely possible the city, with our emphasis on culture. will install outdoor East Indian art, European art, Chinese art, ecetera?  After a botched City Hall installation designed by Portland artist (the water feature wouldn't work) the city fortunately found John Fleming from Ballard for the erratic installation. The erratic was first promoted as a place for kids to play. Today it sits near the future transit corridor, in an obscure RTC location, under-appreciated and little-used accept for the few kids that find it. Later, Mr. Fleming did the interesting railroad Signal installation. Please more outdoor art in the future, especially in our developing Downtown Park and Urban Centers.   
   
Bob Yoder, opinion

Tell Mayor and Council what's on your mind when they visit Ed Hill on May 23
Listen to Clint McCune's music
A slideshow of Graffiti art in "Edge Skate Park"  

8/1/07, Proposition 2 - Parks Ballot Measure Levy Lid-Lift

Proposition 2 Ballot Title and Explanatory Statement for Parks Ballot Measure

This proposition funds operation and maintenance of park facilities and programs, such as the teen center, conservation, and after-school programs. It authorizes an increase in the regular property tax rate for collection in 2008 of $0.05 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, for a total rate (if only this proposition passes) of $1.23 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. The 2008 levy amount would become the base upon which levy increases would be computed for succeeding years.

Should this proposition be approved?

Explanatory Statement The City of Redmond relies on property taxes to provide basic services such as parks and recreation programs. Redmond’s current total property tax rate is $1.18 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. The proposed increase of five cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation would be about a $21 annual increase on an average home in Redmond. The proposed increase of five cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation will go directly to support parks facilities, maintenance and recreation programs. This proposed increase only applies to the Redmond portion of your tax bill, not your entire property tax bill.

The growth of Redmond’s population creates a demand for additional parks and recreation programs. As of 2006, the Parks Department maintains 1,136.8 acres of parks and open space, 24.7 miles of developed trails and 12 miles of street landscaping. In addition, after-school programs and recreation for teens and younger children are in high demand.

This levy increase would fund programs, such as:

• Maintenance and operations of neighborhood, community and downtown parks and natural areas.


• Added teen center hours and programs.


• After-school programs for elementary and junior high aged children.


• If only this proposition passes, the City of Redmond will be allowed to levy up to $0.05 per $1,000 of assessed valuation to invest solely in the future maintenance and operations of parks and support needed recreation programs.

Property Tax Exemptions King County offers various property tax exemptions for those on fixed incomes, including seniors and the disabled. For information on eligibility and other requirements: WEB: www.metrokc.gov/assessor/Exemptions/Exemptions.htm PHONE: 206-296-3920


FROM BOB YODER - It is most unfortunate the Council did not authorize the use of $32 million UNALLOCATED CIP (capital/general fund) dollars and Mayor Ives did not negotiate in earnest to acquire and conserve the Perrigo Heights Woodlands in perpetuity as a natural park. Redmond now is without any "priority habitat" urban forest, other than "steep slope". Did the Council forget Perriog Springs Woodlands would be very inexpensive to maintain and development costs would have been nil?
Thursday June 28, 2007 - 08:19am (PDT)


FROM RICHARD MORRIS - The Seattle Times published an appeal (Sunday, July 29, 2007) for supporting King County Parks thru voting on tax propositions. The editor stated “reluctant support”.I live in Redmond, where we have a City Proposition #2 seeking support for City parks. (See www.RedmondParksLegacy.org) It feels natural to support a tax increase to support parks in my city before supporting King County parks. Naturally, tax payers want to know how the money raised will be spent on parks. Tax payers have a significant tax bill that is cumulative for schools, hospitals, city, county, and state operations.King County has a huge number of parks, but as operations are transferred to cities, the need for county taxes supporting parks should be reduced. For instance, see http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/parks/fairgrounds.htmlKing County and the City of Enumclaw completed an agreement to transfer the King County Fairgrounds and four nearby county-owned parcels of land to the City of Enumclaw. The transaction included $2 million in county funds to help transform the properties into a major tourist attraction. The move is expected to provide a major catalyst for economic development on the Enumclaw Plateau.
Tuesday July 31, 2007 - 06:10pm (PDT)

FROM BOB YODER
#1 I think it was a good move when the King Cty. transferred Idlewood Park to the City of Redmond. The Parks Dept. recently funded additional lifeguards and they are thinking about expanding the beach area. #2 In the last council meeting I saw, the Council/Mayor adjusted their accounting of "unallocated capital funds (CIP)" from $32M to $13M. Aparently, they "forgot" to itemize out various reserve funds. #3. Parks Director Larsens writes that that part of the levy increase will go towards cleaning up the riparian open space along the Sammamish river, Bear Creek, and hopefully Hartman wetlands. Enjoyed reading your county parks comments. Bob Yoder
Wednesday August 1, 2007