Sustainable Redmond to Host Earth Day Community Conversation

April 25th meeting to address local environmental trends since 2011

How has Redmond’s environmental quality changed over the last five years?  As Earth Day approaches, Sustainable Redmond is hosting an open community meeting on April 25th to discuss where we have been, where we are and where we might want to focus our environmental efforts in the future.  The session will be held from 6-8:30pm at the Redmond Library.

In November of 2010, the City initiated a community conversation to shape a number of policies that were incorporated into Redmond’s last Comprehensive Plan.  Besides the environment, economic and social factors were also addressed by City and community participants.  (See the final report of Livable Redmond: A Community Conversation on Sustainability at the link below.)  One of the report’s recommendations was to hold periodic meetings to update the community on environmental initiatives and identify topics of public interest.  Sustainable Redmond is hosting this follow-up conversation in the spirit of that recommendation.

Representatives of the City administration, environmentally-oriented organizations and the general public have been invited to join in a thoughtful appraisal of environmental themes that emerged five years ago.  We will review where they can be found currently in City planning documents or budget priorities and how progress in these areas is measured.  This meeting also offers the chance to identify additional public or private measures that could be taken to improve our environment.  

Please plan to join us and bring a friend.  RSVPs would be appreciated to info@sustainableredmond.org.

About Sustainable Redmond:  Citizens & Neighbors for a Sustainable Redmond is a grassroots organization focused on local sustainability.  The group’s mission is to be a catalyst for moving Redmond’s citizens, businesses and local government towards sustainability through education, advocacy and community events.  Sustainable Redmond was formed in 2010 and became a state and federally-designated non-profit organization (501(c)3) in 2012.

LETTER: Tent City 4 does not limit human services or job finding resources

     I have been reading your blog, especially about the proposal to change permitting for encampments.  I wanted to take the time to introduce myself.  My name is Trey Nuzum, the bookkeeper for Tent City 4, the Eastside encampment for SHARE. It is my understanding the next association meeting for Educational Hill will be April 7th next week, and we will be sending representatives to this meeting.  

      I think your blog is relevant to what is going on in Redmond and the public should be informed.  However, I do feel like SHARE was misrepresented in your March 16th edition (revised 3/30).in that our organizer does not limit human services or job finding resources. Many of our residents are involved in improving their quality of life through the VA, Social Security and other slow moving governmental offices.  Our goal is to make people "less homeless" until they get into proper housing.  Today alone I sent out three resumes for our residents to find jobs or better employment.  Further, this was following a meeting with a gentleman who wants to connect Tent City 4 residents with work in construction where he has a need.

        There will always be those who equate the homeless to the criminals.  However we don't tolerate criminal behavior in our camp.  We also work closely with King County Sheriff's office and currently Sammamish Police Department.  I can provide contacts in the department if you wish to contact them about our behavior in Sammamish.  Although I can't change the mind of Albert Rosenthal as of yet, I would like to make sure you are informed of what Tent City 4 is about.  It would be nice if you could relate some of this to your readers.

        This is very important to us.  We go into some areas under scrutiny, and natural biases about the homeless.  After people get to know us and see us as the people we are, and not a group to be discriminated against, they change their attitudes and see us as a positive group in their community.

        In closing I want to make sure you understand I am hoping to create a bridge here, and I welcome a response and/or questions from you.  What you are doing is important.

     Thank you,

       Trey Nuzum

       (206)618-39\

Blood Drive at City Hall, April 6

I am asking for your help.

Our inventory levels are critical as we are currently almost 700 units below optimal inventory to support patients in our community.

The demand for blood never stops and there is no substitute for blood:  patients in hospitals undergoing surgeries, ERs treating traumatic injuries, patients receiving treatments for cancer, and surgeons performing organ transplants all depend on a stable blood supply. 

Will you donate and save up to three lives?

Wednesday, April 6^th

City of Redmond

Bus on Plaza- Next to City Hall

15670 NE 85 St

9:00 am to 3:00 pm

(closed 11:00 am to 12:00 pm)

Please sign up online at: https://www.psbc.org/programs/drive.asp?URL=1484

City Council to Vote on Tent Encampment Ordinance April 19

March 29, 2016

Dear Editor,

There are a number of misconceptions from a previous letter (in the Redmond Reporter) on homeless encampments that we would like to address.  

Faith communities initiate the hosting of homeless encampments as a part of their religious mission and with the full support of their congregations.  Private, non-profit organizations run the encampments in partnership with the faith community. All homeless encampments need a sponsor to locate in Redmond.  

The City of Redmond does not host, sponsor or locate homeless encampments. Neither do any other Eastside cities. The homeless encampment across the street from Kirkland City Hall is sponsored by the faith community located there, not the city.

The City's role is to regulate the conditions in which encampments can operate. Currently, the City Council is looking at revisions to the current regulations required for homeless encampments when they are located within the City of Redmond. The City Council will examine site conditions such as the length of stay, the length between stays, and the permissible frequency of stays within a five-year period, as well as the mechanism to revoke a permit if there are unacceptable impacts.  Within those conditions, it is the decision of any faith community whether or not to host an encampment.

April 5th is a City Council business meeting in which anyone can testify for up to 4 minutes. On April 12th, the City Council will conduct a study session to examine the questions above. Any action the Council takes would occur on April 19th or later.

The City has a long history of working with community partners to address this very serious issue. Redmond, in collaboration with neighboring cities, dedicates significant resources to non-profit organizations that operate emergency shelters and transitional housing for the homeless. The City also supports efforts to increase the stock of available permanent low-income housing options.

And to clarify for the record, four City Council Members and the Mayor own homes on Education Hill that are proximate to those churches who have hosted encampments.  The City has limited authority over how these churches host, but not whether or not an individual congregation chooses to host.  It is within this context that we strive to make decisions for the benefit of our community within the limits of the laws governing separation of church and state.

John Marchione Hank Margeson Kimberly Allen

Mayor Council President Council Vice President

Note: This Letter was not submitted to my blog. It was forwarded to me. I'm assuming it was sent to Andy Nystrom of the Redmond Reporter.

The Vision of "OneRedmond Foundation" is to be a leader in activating Redmond's downtown, Councilman John Stilin is President

Editor's note:  Jim Stanton is an executive at Microsoft.  Bill Biggs is an executive at Group Health (Kaiser).  Jason Van Nort is at executive for PSE. 


Mr. Yoder:

The mission of the OneRedmond Foundation is to promote, coordinate and fund activities, events and projects that encourage people to live work and play in Redmond and to build community.  Its vision is to be the leader in activating Redmond’s downtowns.

Members of the Board of Directors include: Beth Sigall, Bill Biggs, Dr. Traci Pierce, Jane Wither, Jason Van Nort, Jessica Lambert, Jim Stanton, John Duncan, John Stilin, Mary Morrow, Menka Soni, Nancy McCormick and Pat Vache.

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me.

Bart Phillips                   

BART PHILLIPS, CEcD | CEO P: 425.885.4014 x101| M: 360.607.3610 8383 158th Ave NE Suite 225 | Redmond, WA  98052 www.oneredmond.org

Fundraiser draws $600,000 for youth behavioral health services

BELLEVUE, WASH. — Yesterday’s Invest in Youth Breakfast raised $600,000 for Youth Eastside Services (YES), an organization that provides mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and education and prevention programs for youth and families on Seattle’s Eastside.

“We are so moved by this outpouring of support,” said YES Executive Director Patti Skelton-McGougan. “This community of committed, caring donors is what makes our work possible.”

Speakers included:

·         KIRO 7 news anchor and Voice of the Seahawks Steve Raible

·         Alaska Air Group Chairman and CEO Brad Tilden and his wife Danielle Tilden, whose career in youth-serving organizations spans over 25 years

·         Seattle Seahawk Jermaine Kearse, who made a special appearance in support of YES

·         YES Board of Trustees member Dan Faulker, a realtor and former client of YES

·         Youth speaker Tallulah Gronseth, who recovered from substance abuse with YES’ support

·         Youth speaker Robert Santos, who is recovering from substance abuse with YES’ support

·         Basketball legend and philanthropist Lenny Wilkens

The money raised will support subsidized and free care to struggling families, as well as fund YES’ education and prevention programs.

See photos and a wrap-up of the event at www.YouthEastsideServices.org.

ABOUT YOUTH EASTSIDE SERVICES (YES)

YES provides mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and education and prevention services that positively impact the well-being of thousands of kids and families every year. Since 1968, YES has been a lifeline for youth and families, helping them recover from issues like substance abuse, trauma, depression, anxiety, family conflicts, bullying and dating violence. The organization provides services at more than 70 locations across the Eastside, including doctors’ offices, schools, teen centers and community centers. YES accepts most major insurance providers, Washington Apple Health (Medicaid), and offers a sliding scale so that no family is turned away due to inability to pay. For more information, visit www.YouthEastsideServices.org.

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Fight Climate Change with Eastside Master Recycler Composter training

 
Seattle Tilth Trains New Master Recycler Composter Volunteers this Spring 

Are you passionate about the environment and want to make a positive change in your community? Concerned about climate change, but don’t know how to help? Seattle Tilth’s Master Recycler Composter Eastside trains community members to become environmental stewards -- and climate change heroes -- through sustainable gardening, composting, natural lawn care and water conservation.

Industrial agriculture is one of the driving forces behind climate change, producing 25% of carbon emissions through the use of fossil fuel-based fertilizers and widespread deforestation. Food waste in landfills also contributes to climate change, creating nearly one quarter of methane emissions in the US. Gardening and composting are some of the simplest and most effective ways for you to combat climate change, right from your own backyard!

The Master Recycler Composter Eastside brings together a diverse team of community volunteers to participate in 28 hours of classroom learning, hands-on practice and field trips. Learn how to compost while learning about soil science, gardening, recycling and storm water management! Training includes eight sessions during four weeks starting on Wednesday, April 6 at McAuliffe Park in Kirkland.

After the training, Master Recycler Composters contribute 35 hours of volunteer outreach, teaching practical techniques to other community members in the greater Eastside area. Volunteers work on projects of their own choosing – at schools, churches, community centers, businesses and community gardens.

Apply by March 31
The Master Recycler Composter Eastside program is for King County residents and adjacent Snohomish County neighbors. Read More >>

Opinion: Redmond City Council has no policy valueing or addressing neighborhood services

OPINION:  As you can see below, the City of Kirkland is proud of their neighborhoods and recognizes their neighborhoods with a mission statement and an extensive neighborhood services program.  Why doesn't the City of Redmond have a mission statement for their neighborhoods, active neighborhood associations, and frequent, regular and organized Council/city staff meetings in their neighborhoods.

City legal costs with neighbors escalated from the Redmond Bike Park land use decision.  A neighborhood association could have smoothed communications and saved taxpayer money.
City-Neighborhood communications on the encampment ordinance was poor.  A neighborhood association, per Kirkland's model, could have improved dialogue and outcomes. School and city levy communications are restricted.

It appears the only in-neighborhood services the City of Redmond offers is a dormant "matching gifts program",council visits to those neighbors holding annual National Night Out parties, the fireman's Santa Christmas visit, Redmond Ready, the national CERT program and the Police Academy.  Other in-neighborhood services may be offered but they're scattered all over the city web-site and not readily found or known.

After the Marchione-Fields election the Marchione Administration appears to be reaching out to the neighborhoods with an April 28 Town Hall.  Lisa Rhodes, the city Communications Director announced a "two-way communications" initiative.  Several Education Hill residents are trying to form a neighborhood association, but the city is offering them no assistance or resources.

The city appears to have no interest in establishing formal neighborhood associations nor advocating for them.  A leader of the school district levy bond committee was looking for Redmond associations like Kirkland's but we have none to offer.  For years Mayor Marchione has been aware of Kirkland's associations (his mother is a Kirkland councilmember) but hasn't been empowered by Council to form them.  Council has no policy that addresses neighborhood services.  

Read More about Kirkland's neighborhood mission statement and neighborhood services >>

CrossFit Hosts CPR/AED event with Redmond Firefighters.

If residents are interested in emergency preparedness and CPR/AED training, they can participate in a Redmond Ready Day community class on May 21 at Fire Station 17. Please visit www.redmond.gov/ready to register online. The cost is $25 for the materials.

Redmond, WA - More lives are saved when the general public is trained in CPR and the proper use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). Jason Kingsbury survived a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) last fall because his friends knew CPR, recognized it as cardiac arrest, and knew how to use an AED. This inspired Jason and his wife, Theresa, to organize a CPR/AED training day at CrossFit Fuse in Redmond.

“I was lucky that Arena Sports had an AED that was clearly identified and available,” said Jason Kingsbury. “When I collapsed on the indoor soccer field that night, my friends immediately began CPR and shocked me with that AED. I don’t remember much of that night, but I do know that without having that AED along with friends who knew CPR that I probably wouldn’t be here today.”

The Kingsburys and Crossfit members realized this emergency could have just as easily happened at their workout facility so, with the support of CrossFit Fuse Redmond, they instituted CPR training and purchased an AED. The Kingsburys worked with Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Paul Atkinson, who organized a team of Redmond Firefighters to join CrossFit Fuse member on Saturday, March 12, 2016, for their Work out of the Day (WOD), and then they taught a CPR/AED class.

“It was really great to work out with Jason and Theresa,” stated Redmond Firefighter Atkinson. “I responded to Jason’s SCA at Arena Sports and arrived after his friends had provided CPR and defibrillation. Ever since his SCA, Jason and his wife have worked really hard to raise awareness and to promote CPR and AED training. I was extremely glad to help them provide this CPR/AED outreach.”

Take a virtual tour of the District's aging schools

Take a virtual tour of our aging schools; community meetings coming soon

LWSD has posted videos of the schools that would be rebuilt and enlarged if the April 2016 bond passes.    

• Tour Juanita High School 
• Tour Kirk Elementary School 
• Tour Mead Elementary School

Four upcoming community meetings are a chance to learn more about the district's April 2016 bond measure and the projects it would fund. The four meetings will take place: 

• March 22, Juanita High School cafeteria, 6:30-8:00 p.m. 
• March 23, Redmond High School cafeteria, 6:30-8:00 p.m. 
• March 29, Lake Washington High School commons, 6:30-8:00 p.m. 
• April 13, Eastlake High School commons, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

More information on the bond measure is also available at http://www.lwsd.org/news/2016-bond.

Source:  "Connections"  3/18

Video Clips: Redmond residents speak on the homeless encampment ordinance and city crime

Submitted by Brian Hansford

Attachments area

Preview YouTube video Redmond City Council - Susan Robertson - Homeless Safety Problems March 15

Redmond City Council - Susan Robertson - Homeless Safety Problems March 15

Preview YouTube video Redmond City Council - Andrew Koeppen Tent City Permit Feedback March 15

Redmond City Council - Andrew Koeppen Tent City Permit Feedback March 15

Preview YouTube video Redmond City Council - Paige Norman Tent City Permitting Problems March 15

Redmond City Council - Paige Norman Tent City Permitting Problems March 15

Preview YouTube video Redmond City Council - Brian Hansford Tent City Public Safety Problems March 15

Redmond City Council - Brian Hansford Tent City Public Safety Problems March 15

OPINION: City of Redmond's Far-reaching Encampment Ordinance, A Regional Leader In Tent Cities?

In the April 12, 2016 Study Session Council decided to limit stays at each site to 120 days to ensure Ed Hill will not be burdened with year-round encampments. Each hosting church will have three stays with 12 months between stays for a time uncertain for each permit.  A Council Hearing will be scheduled in the near future to address organizer background checks and service provider access to the camps.

An in depth article on tent encampments in the Redmond Reporter's March 11, 2016 edition, attracted six Redmond citizens to speak at Redmond's  "Items from the Audience" in Council's March 15,2016 business meeting. (Click to watch the video)/All had safety and quality of life concerns about Council's proposed amendment to the ordinance.

Noticeably absent during the March 15 Items were ordinance advocates.  One can assume tent city advocates had been adequately heard by the Planning Commission and Council and they were fully confident the ordinance would pass.

The amendment will significantly increase the presence of camps in Redmond with potential for year-round encampments on Education Hill.  Camp stays will increase from 4 months to 6 months and stays can occur six months per year for the next five years. St Jude and Redwood Family Church are the only churches that host Redmond encampments and they are both on Education Hill.

Eastside Republican Club announces scholarship essay program

EASTSIDE REPUBLICAN CLUB ANNOUNCES 2016 SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY PROGRAM

Do you know a young person in need of additional money for college? The Eastside Republican Club (ERC) will award a $1,000 scholarship to the author of the first place essay, a $750 scholarship to the author of the second place essay, and a $500 scholarship to the author of the third place essay, as determined by the Club’s judges, submitted on the following topic:

“Which national political personality, in or out of the current presidential race, best represents your principles and ideals, and why?”    Read More >>

Woodblock restaurant Grand Opening March 18

There’s a new restaurant on the block in Redmond.

Opening March 18, Woodblock will focus on seasonal fare sourced locally. With snacks like Herb Roasted Olives, to small plates like heirloom carrots with maple syrup, to entrees like braised oxtail butternut squash risotto, Woodblock has something on the menu for everybody.

The bar will have a wide selection of spirits, especially from local distilleries like Sun Liquor, Woodinville Whiskey, and Oola.

The 2,300 square foot space has 76 seats, with 12 seats at the bar. The interior features woven pendant lamps, a bar made out of reclaimed Douglas fir, and a custom piece of woodcut art by Charles Spitzack, a homage to the name Woodblock.

Woodblock, located on Cleveland Street in the Old Town Lofts, is the long-time dream of now first-time restaurant owners Carolyn and Tony Scott.

The Scotts are Redmond residents and wanted to create a restaurant that would be comfortable as well as a good place for a date, family dinner, or just a bite at the bar with friends. It’s conveniently located next to the Connector Trail and near the forthcoming Redmond Central Park.

“Carolyn and I met 20 years ago working at The Painted Table in Seattle,” said Tony. “Opening our own restaurant has always been a long-held dream of ours — and the timing was finally right.”

Woodblock will be open 4-11 p.m. daily and until 12 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Happy hour is daily from 4-6 p.m. in the bar, and there will be a late night menu from 10 p.m. to close.

Woodblock is located at 16175 Cleveland St. in Redmond.

425 Magazine, 3/8

25% of Redmond residents are non-citizens and can't vote on the Bond Measure

Vote ‘yes’ — Supporting the school district bond | Letters to Redmond Reporter

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• Redmond Reporter, 3/11/ at 11:11AM

• I’m a Lake Washington School District (LWSD) parent, and I’m supporting the school district bond that will come before voters on April 26.

For the bond to pass it requires a minimum of 40 percent registered voters who cast ballots in the last general election to vote, and a 60 percent “yes” vote.

As a permanent resident awaiting citizenship, I pay residential taxes for local government services, but I am unable to vote. As I look at the demographics in our rapidly growing school district today, I believe a significant proportion of the LWSD parents are in this same situation (about 25 percent population in Redmond are non-citizens).

In light of this, for a successful bond, we need every eligible voter who supports the bond, to cast a ballot and vote “yes.” Because if you assume the 60 percent “yes” vote will be attained from school parent volunteers, who understand the need for the bond incontrovertibly, you may be miscalculating, because a large percentage of us can’t vote.

Please vote “yes” for our children and schools.

Alice O’Brien

Redmond

Councilman Hank Myers asks for your support during his Polar Plunge fundraiser

Each year the Redmond Police Department sponsors the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics of Washington.  It is this weekend, and a lot of hearty souls will voluntarily go into the snow-fed waters of Lake Sammamish (90% chance of rain and thunderstorms). 

Except for Hank…he has no choice.  Two of Redmond’s finest will assure he participates, and none of this “run in really quickly and come back out” stuff.  Straight off the dock into 10’ deep water, and then swim back.

Go to http://redmondplunge2016.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1148273&lis=1&kntae1148273=5ED9405770164E39B100EFEB2ED2E8CC&supId=416463342, donate now, and after the event you will get video proof.  You win, Special Olympics wins, and for once there will be proof that I am all wet.  Feel free to forward this email.

Thank you for your generous support-

Hank Myers

Redmond City Council

EvergreenHealth leases 20,000 sf of commercial space in Kenmore

At a groundbreaking ceremony last Wednesday (October 16, 2015), MainStreet Property Group LLC revealed their vision for a new mixed-use project across from City Hall (in Kenmore). The LINQ at Spencer Square will feature 94 modern residential flats and lofts, along with approximately 20,000 square feet of commercial space leased to Kirkland-based EvergreenHealth.

EvergreenHealth’s plan for the space will serve as gateway for patients to gain access to an integrated network of primary, specialty, urgent, and emergency care services. When the building opens, EvergreenHealth will move its Kenmore primary care practice from its current location to the LINQ, increasing the practice’s footprint and adding more capacity for specialty care.

Source:  http://www.downtownkenmore.org/#!LINQ-at-Spencer-Square/cu6k/562138ee0cf2c6c643787460

Bob Yoder

Council Taking Comments On Controversial Tent Encampment Ordinance

NOTICE!  Re: the Redmond Zoning Code Amendment: Temporary Use Regulations for Encampments

"The Council will be discussing the revised ordinance during the New Business section of the April 5 regular business meeting prior to taking any action at that meeting. We are accepting public input by phone, email or a face to face meeting, if that is preferred right up until that meeting, where we are anticipating a vote."

~ Kim Allen, Redmond City Councilmember, Ombudsperson for March

The proposed tent encampment ordinance is a controversial amendment that will affect our neighborhoods and downtown for years to come.  Under the ordinance, tent encampments will be allowed to be sited at St Jude's and Redmond Family Church for a six month duration,at a frequency of six months per year,on a five year permit costing $1000.  

Five years is a long time for the St. Jude encampment site -- smack in the middle of four LWSD schools in the Education Hill middle class neighborhood.  In Council's last Study Session I was relieved to learn they were interested in formulating rules and regulations for the two organizing groups, ShareWheel and Camp Unity. Councilman David Carson recommended rules so the homeless residents could have better access to human services and job resources.  ShareWheel has been uncooperative in this regard.  I assume these new rules and regulations will be part of the Revision but our city Ombudsman wouldn't share specifics.

I plan to speak at Items from the Audience at Council's 7:30pm, March 15 meeting.  I hope other neighbors will show up too -- pro and con.  Yesterday, I emailed mayorcouncil@redmond.gov recommending the following ordinance revision.

I  recommend Council approves a 6-year permit for host churches and keep the frequency of encampments to every 2 or 3 years....not every year. Keep the duration at six months.  Increasing duration AND frequency at the same time hasn't been done anywhere in King County.  We are sticking our neck out too far, too fast.  Increasing duration is far more valuable than frequency because it brings stability to ALL -- the homeless, the community, and more reliable human resource & police services.

Redmond already has a growing youth homeless problem in the Downtown. Increasing the frequency to every year, will draw in the adult homeless from outside communities, counties and states because they will learn our "schedule."  Yes, homelessness has become an area-wide problem and we "must do our fair share."  But, isn't increasing the duration to six months a wonderful start?  That alone puts Redmond as the encampment leader area-wide.

Overall, we are focusing too much attention and community resources on encampments and not enough on permanent adult shelters. Bellevue,  Kirkland and Woodinville have shorter duration and frequencies and two of these cities are working on permanent adult shelters. I watch the Council meetings almost every week. I can't recall them ever discussing plans for a permanent adult shelter in Redmond.  

Bob Yoder

CC:  Redmond Reporter
Mayor & City Council