Inslee's Budget Proposal Seeks $300M for Mental Health

Governor Inslee's budget proposal calls for $300 million in the next two years to improve mental health capacity and add staffing. The plan also seeks to move people hospitalized on civil commitments out of the state's two psychiatric hospitals and into beds at facilities in the community. Western State Hospital — an 800-bed facility in Lakewood — has been plagued with problems, including staffing and bed shortages and is currently under scrutiny by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services over concerns involving patient safety.

The budget also moves to implement recommendations from outside consultants, including adding three mobile crisis teams and two new community crisis walk-in centers where people suffering a mental health crisis can stay for up to 23 hours.

Write or call your State representatives and Committee Chairs and ask them to support Inslee's proposal!  Be personal.  Thank you!

***Timm Ormsby, Chair, House Appropriations Committee

http://leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/APP/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx 
Eileen Cody, Chair, House Healthcare and Wellness Committee
http://leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/HCW/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx 
Frank Chop, Chair, House Rules Committee
http://leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/RUL/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx
Randi Becker (R) Chair, Senate Health Care Committee
http://leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/HLTH/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx  

EvergreenHealth Announces Open Enrollment for Alzheimer Research Study

Alzheimer’s impacts more than 3 million Americans and their families each year; its impact still looms largely over many local families.

EvergreenHealth Medical Center

Kirkland, Wash. – EvergreenHealth today announced the health system is accepting patient enrollment for a national clinical research study on Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Through the study, researchers track the progress of enrolled patients for 12 months to determine if PET scans can effectively assist in identifying the causes and symptoms of these diseases, and help facilitate better treatment decisions. There are no invasive procedures involved, and after an initial PET scan, study participants continue to receive their normal course of care from their existing providers. The nationwide study is led by the Alzheimer’s Association and managed by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN).

“As a health system we continually strive to be at the forefront of innovation and research. We are honored to offer our first Alzheimer’s disease research study, which alongside specialists and physicians across the country, will help provide important insights into ways we can improve treatments for those suffering from cognitive impairment and dementia,” said EvergreenHealth CEO Bob Malte. “We encourage all who are eligible to consider participating, as our clinical research is another way to advance our purpose of enriching the health and well-being of those we serve.”

New Redmond blog "About Us" page

Bob, Lexie and Pam Yoder

Hello!  I'm Bob Yoder, the Editor and Scribbler of Redmond Neighborhood Blog.  I've lived 38 years in Redmond and started blogging about 10 years ago.  When I first moved here from the mid-west to sell medical supplies, Redmond was a rural one-stoplight town. We loved visiting the downtown feed store to play with the chicks; golf the downtown course; drive through the horse farms, line up at for ice cream and milk at Thenos and generally just enjoy a peaceful lifestyle away from the big city. 

In the early 2000's, things started to change -- developers moved into our Education Hill neighborhood leveling evergreens. The City of Redmond's, less-then-perfect public notice of an environmentally sensitive project provoked me to start my blog to "get the word out." I've been writing it ever since under the well known premise that governments fostering  "transparency and citizen participation" are good governments.  

Since local print media doesn't cover all the community news and opinion. I do a lot of general-interest reporting.  Our rapid pace of growth, the environment, student education, mental health and City of Redmond elections are popular topics. You'll see more posts on the city council elections, Redmond's creeks and riparian habitat, fine schools and soon advocacy for mental health.  

One of my favorite activities is watching the City Council and Mayor on RC-TV.  Yes,I'm a government wonk. My interest in the city extends into governance reporting of our school district and local public hospital district. I now advocate much more, than from my earlier days of "open government" activism.  

Investigation, analysis and input of the school district's old organizational chart and leadership roles furthers their accountability and transparency.  And, after a very prolonged investigation involving blog leverage, EvergreenHeath hospital reshuffled their personnel, began day-lighting their government and re-focused their attention on customer service; revamping pages on their website.

So now you know something about "About Us" and the year ahead!

Cheers, 

Bob Yoder

Disclaimer:  I'm a Seattle Times News Partner, but by far nowhere close to a journalist. Errors. omissions and miss-representations occur on a regular basis; and my posts aren't always sourced. 

Email:  redmondblog@gmail.com. Twitter: @RedmondNeighbor    Facebook Page  Subscribe by email,  Sign up for "Friends Who Like Redmond Neighborhood Blog,

Privacy Statement:    Facebook and Redmond Neighborhood Blog comments are rarely posted. If possible, I'll contact the author before posting.  

Christmas Eve pistol whipping crime

Man Arrested for Assault 1st Degree/Harassment/Threats to Kill

On December 24th, 2016 at 11:03 pm, officers responded to an apartment residence at 16600 NE 80th Street for the report of an altercation involving a pistol.  Just prior to our arrival, a 27 year old male visiting a female friend became combative and struck her several times in the head with a pistol. The man threatened to kill her and her 3 year old daughter, while collecting up a rifle, handgun, ammunition, and stun gun from inside the unit. 

Home Ownership and Government - interview with John Marchione

In 2016, two joyful John L. Scott agents interview John Marchione about local real estate.

Little did they know, their office will be torn down to build another 6-story apartment box.

3:25  "Quality of life" - "Gorgeous changes in Redmond since you've been Mayor." - "Quality of life attracts big business and high tech businesses to the area....oh, and families."  "27% of households have kids."

3:30  "Housing market is hot because 59,000 people live here while there are 83000 jobs and people want to live close to their jobs.  Redmond is zoned for 10,000 additional housing units in the next 10 years.  25,000 units now."

8:22 - "Making Redmond a place to live you're entire life."  hmm

"Many housing choices for empty nesters looking to downsize to condos (but right now they're all apartments,) Young adults needing an affordable place to live."  hmm.  (The Cleveland building is the only box building in the Downtown devoted to condos.)

4:25 Developers are required to allocate 10% of their units as affordable but they get a "density bonus so they can build more"  "Create a market for people of all income ranges."  hmm

13:30 - "buy a house and walk to your office"  Really?

Bob Yoder, opinion

UPDATED 1/7/17: Steve Fields to run for City Council

Steve Fields

Steve Fields intends to run for one of two Redmond city council seats opening next year.  Councilmembers Byron Shutz's, John Stilin's terms end December 31, 2017. When I saw Steve last Friday at his coffee shop, he didn't say who he'd be challenging.
  
As you know, Steve ran for mayor last year; he lost by 871 votes after only six months of campaigning.  One of my blog readers was disgusted that out of Redmond's 28,000 registered voters less than 10,000 bothered to vote.  

You can find Steve at his coffee bar at noon most days. Down pour is located at 13200 Old Redmond Road.

Winter Coyote on Education Hill

Credit, Kim Cashon-Smith

Kim lives on the south side of Education Hill and took this picture in her yard a few years ago.  No, this coyote is not mouthing a cat!

Letter: Why I plan on leaving Redmond

This comment was made under one of my posts:  

This (the loss of REI) is mostly why I plan on leaving Redmond, and Washington for that matter. I've been out here for 10 years, back in 2008 I was paying $1400 for a 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment with a nice size kitchen. That same apartment is now $3300 a month. With the loss of so many stores including REI from Redmond I don't understand why we must pay downtown Manhattan and San Francisco rent prices and not get the perks from living in those cities. What do I get for my $3300 a month? There are no major retailers left in Redmond, no 24hr or open late legitimate restaurants, no beach that's down the street. All I see going up in Redmond is more apartment buildings with $1600 rents for 400sq/ft studios. The loss of REI to Redmond I think was really the last straw for me. I'm a big Seahawks fan and was one of the things that kept me in Washington but I can't justify living in retail hell here in Redmond while paying astronomical rent that provides nothing besides 4 walls and a roof. Redmond needs to get its act together, once the apartment gold rush ends and people finally say no were not paying for this unless the city has something to offer us Redmond is going to be screwed because they simply wont have the space to build anything else. It will be all hotels and apartments, with crappy stores nobody wants.

-- anonymous 

Editor's Note:  According to "Rent Jungle.com" the average rent in Redmond is $2,047 for one and two bedroom apartments. 

UPDATED 12/28: Moving forward

Bob, Lexie and Pam

I'm a 36-year resident of Redmond and, like some, have seen drastic changes in our "town" during the 11 years I've been writing this blog. Early on, I devoted much of my time as an activist, scrutinizing and reporting to make our local governments more transaprent- this, at great expense to my family and work life.  For years I forced myself into the mold of a citizen-journalist - much due to a news partnership with the Seattle Times. I was directed not to advocate, sucking out my passion. It wasn't until last year when I advocated for the school bond that I took real ownership of "Bob's Blog" -- and felt the liberation and joy of being a greater part of our community.

With the advent of facebook groups my blog is pivoting to find a new niche, or it may just fade away. I'm using 8 facebook groups to distribute my stories. Starting this New Year I'll still be pasting local news releases but spending more energy on fewer general interest stories and reports.  I'm still watching city council meetings on a regular basis and ill be attending their meetings. With the exception of Mr. Myers, Ms. Birney, Mr. Carson, and Mr. Shutz I find council of little interest to our neighborhoods.

I've got some fun and challenging, investigative reports planned for the New Year. They will take quite some time to write and I'm in no rush.  A few topics percolating right now are:

1)  an historical  accounting and report on the development of  "Hawks Glenn," the last significant agricultural land remaining in Redmond.
2)  a story on recent, inadvertent loss of two magnificent Landmark trees on a small parcel.
3)  a report on tree removal procedures from large parcels.
4)  a report and opinion on the Chinese nationals impact to our community.
5)  a report on access to psychiatric beds at EvergreenHealth and other eastside health facilities.  .
6)  video reporting of the downtown construction chaos.
7)  my opinion of .the city council

Redmond Neighborhood Blog is all fun and good but my family, friends, and outside activities take precedence. That includes finding part-time work of interest, managing my health and of course, hiking Redmond's network of trails!

Bob

Redmond Lights Luminary Walk, Christian Church event

This is a Timberlake Christian Church event (videoed) featured on the Redmond Lights Luminary Walk last Saturday. Redmond Lights gets better and better every year.  Ask anyone!  Timberlake was one of 7 faiths featured this year.  Did you see any of the others?

Bob Yoder

"Public Works Art" is all over the downtown and neighborhoods - with much more to come

1% of  expenditures for new city sidewalks, bridges, parking lots, the downtown corridor and other Public Works construction projects are allocated for art installations. That's right!  1% goes to art!  "Public Works art" is in our downtown and in our neighborhoods -- big and small.  This heron was found on a sidewalk near the Leary Way bridge. Salmon artwork is under the 90th Street Bridge. This "brass leaf" art on a traffic-calming sidewalk is only a few steps from where I live.  A lot of the smaller "street art" was installed during the Ive's administration. The large "Icicle" art in from the City Hall was Ive's.  Marchione's public works art is a huge undertaking. It includes the ERRATIC, SIGNALS, and the SKY PAINTING parking lot. Of great significance, Public Works art is planned for the Cultural Corridor build-out of the couplet conversion and probably the Downtown Park. Wouldn't it be nice to know what they're planning for art there so we could give the planners some input?

Bob Yoder
photos by

How can we have a say in what public art the city chooses?    e-mail Art's Administrative Manager Ms. Rubenacker at jarubenacker@redmond.gov. 

UPDATED: King County passes budget - $2 million funded to support development of aquatics/recreation regional facility in the Bellevue/Redmond/Kirkland area.

As found this on King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci's Blog:

"Throughout our budget deliberations, we kept returning to the most urgent issue of our day – affordable housing and homelessness.  By weighing priorities we were able to identify $5.9 million that will be used to fund a men’s shelter and a navigation center in and around downtown Seattle.  Another $1 million was set aside so the County can partner with cities that want to address homelessness in their jurisdictions.  For example, a city like Kirkland, which is currently moving to build a women’s shelter, could seek support from this fund.

Beyond responding to the immediate crisis I urged my colleagues to also think about the larger problem of housing affordability and how we can prevent people from losing their homes in the first place.  As a result, the Council approved my motion to work with our regional partners, such as cities, non-profits, private business, and faith-based organizations, to develop a long-term plan for how we can ensure all our residents have a safe and affordable place to live throughout King County.

In addition to looking at the big picture needs of the county, I am excited about some of the great projects and services we will be funding in District 6;"

• $2 million to support the development of an aquatics and recreation facility in the Bellevue/Redmond/Kirkland area
• $50,000 as a first investment for the I-90 Trail on Mercer Island
• $7.6 million in funding for the Eastside Rail Corridor which will ultimately provide a unique “highway without cars” connecting Woodinville, Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue and Renton
• $50,000 to help complete the capital vision for the Bellevue Youth Theater
• $200,000 for small grants to District 6 programs that will help youth and older adults get and stay active (to be allocated in 2017)
• Restored full funding to domestic violence, sexual assault and civil legal aid programs, including the Eastside Legal Assistance Program"

The City of Redmond wants to hear from you about their plans for city aquatics center, community center, teen center, and senior center. 

Comment here

"The Last Test," by Bruce Holmes

"The Last Test" by Bruce Holmes, 2001

From the City of Redmond Visual Arts Collection a few steps north of the 90th Street Bridge on the Sammamish River Trail.

photo by

Lessons learned from Redmond's homelessness forum

On November 3rd, my wife and friend John Reinke attended a forum on Homelessness at the Redmond library.  It was excellent. The panel included:  Two speakers from Hopelink (case workers,) NAMI-Eastside (a bipolar spokesperson,) Resource Police Officer Dave Sowers, Kent Hay (Redmond's homeless outreach specialist,) Karina Woodruff of Friends of Youth (FOY,) the Executive Director of Teen Feed (Seattle based,) and Mellisa Munn responsible for monitoring and enforcing the "rules of conduct." at the  Redmond Library.

We learned the homeless are welcome to the library without I.D. at any time as long as they abide by the rules of conduct. "Friends of Redmond Library" sponsors community service providers to assist the homeless at the library on the first Wednesday of every month.  Kent Hay runs the program.  .

Mr. Hay's primary job is to work with the police as a buffer to the homeless, in part, to overcome the police stereotype of crime enforcement.  In Kent's buffer role, the homeless are more approachable and receptive to human service assistance.  Officer Sowers was thrilled with Kent's police/homeless assistance and complimented Police Chief Wilson for initiating the program.

Severe mental illness is approximately four times more common in the homeless population. I asked officer Sowers what the incidence of  involuntary commitment of the mentally ill was in our community.  He couldn't answer me but indicated the commitment process in our State is very involved.  Earlier this year when I had a public coffee with the Chief Wilson I was told the police involuntarily commit about one citizen a day. I just can't believe this and emailed the Chief to clarify. She didn't respond.

The NAMI-Eastside spokesperson, a valued and generous volunteer, quoted a 60% incidence of mental illness within the homeless community.  In my opinion, 60% is too high and saying so contributes to stereotyping the homeless. Scientific literature finds 20 to 25% of the homeless population in the United States suffers from some form of severe mental illness.  Upon questioning, he clarified 60% included mild illnesses.

The Friends of Youth manager said 30% of their clients have a severe mental illness and another 30% have milder "homeless induced" illnesses.  Friends of Youth (FOY) shelter and care for the Eastside's homeless teens -- many with a: 1) mental impairment, 2) substance abuse, and/or 3) sexual abuse issue. Their extensive programs and services are described here.

The manager, Karina Woodruff, didn't know anything about HERO House -- a non profit devoted to providing the seriously mentally impaired with socialization opportunities, job rehab and housing assistance. I've attended two HERO House galas and two luncheons and have tried very hard to help them reach-out to the community for new consumers.  The House is now moving to a new location and doubling in size.  Already, they've been reaching out to Fairfaix Hospital and Swedish outpatient home clinic.  

Some of the homeless could find comfort from their belief in a God.. We need to start thinking about the usefulness of  compassionate spiritual caring and include the faith community in our discussions.

Bob Yoder, opinion

According to NAMI.org "one in five of Americans have a mental health condition in a given year".--  "Only 6% of Americans are severely mentally ill (National Institute of Mental Health, 2009.)"

What can you do to help the homeless?   There are many,many ways.

Artist-Commissioned Light Installations at Redmond Lights

Everything you would want or need to know about "Redmond Lights."

Redmond Lights returns on December 3, 2016 to celebrate the City's diverse winter traditions, cultures and faiths. In addition to traditional luminaries, light displays, and performers, this year’s event will feature a stronger arts presence than in years past. Four temporary artist-commissioned light installations and a balloon installation by Redmond Poet Laureate Shin Yu Pai will punctuate the event along the Luminary Walk. Near City Hall, Redmond Poet Laureate Shin Yu will share some of her poetry at Redmond Lights via a custom balloon installation. Poetry balloons will be available for the first 250 attendees. A floating light installation in the shape of holiday lights by Suzanne Tidwell will illuminate the Sammamish River. The installation can be viewed along the Luminary Walk or from above on the 85th Street bridge.

layered leaves

credit: John Reinke

John Reinke of Education Hill found these leaves at the Senior Center and layered them into photographic art. See his 'portfolio' of photos and stories.

Vandalism at the Muslim Association of Puget Sound, Redmond

LETTER:  As you may have heard, the Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS) has been vandalized at least twice in the last week.  This sort of activity has happened before in Seattle and other places, and the community stood up to assist.  Typically these acts are temporary and are the result of incidents in the news or thugs feeling emboldened by perceived political permission.  I hope the need of our neighbors is temporary, but I would like to assist in making a community statement through helpful action.

There are two steps that may assist, and I will contact the mosque to see if either would be welcome.  First, we can assist in repairing damage.  That may require carpentry, graffiti removal or other steps.  Second, there may be an opportunity to assist or supplement overnight patrols of the property.  This would only be done if the Redmond Police approves, but I expect that this is already being done by MAPS congregants.  To some extent this is also a symbol of community values, but I do believe the physical risk is minimal.

I welcome your responses and advice, as well as support if your feel it is appropriate.

Hank Myers
425-830-4265
Hank@hankm.com

11/22 4:15 pm 

The Lake Washington School District is considering later start times, task force formed

 ' Night Owls' May Face Special Challenges
Credit New York Times

A study published in Pediatrics this month evaluated sleep patterns of adolescents, further documenting why students suffer from early start times. All the recent literature recommends start times no earlier than 8:30 am. 

Presently Redmond, Eastlake, ICS and Tesla STEM all start at 7:30 a.m. Lake Washington High and Everson High start at 8 am. And, it can take well over 30 minutes to arrive at school requiring some students to wake as early as 5:45 a.m.

In 2015 the CDC reported that adolescents who do not get enough sleep are more likely to be overweight (1); not engage in daily physical activity (2); suffer from depressive symptoms (2); engage in unhealthy risk behaviors such as drinking, smoking tobacco, and using illicit drugs (2); and perform poorly in school (3). However, insufficient sleep is common among high school students, with less than one third of U.S. high school students sleeping at least 8 hours on school nights (4). In a policy statement published in 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) urged middle and high schools to modify start times as a means to enable students to get adequate sleep and improve their health, safety, academic performance, and quality of life (5). AAP recommended that "middle and high schools should aim for a starting time of no earlier than 8:30 a.m."

Kathryn Reith, LWSD Communications Director, says a Task Force is underway to study the problem. The Seattle School District, Issaquah, Bellevue and North Shore districts raised their start times.  If you want to push for later start times, e-mail: krieth@lwsd.org or the school board at board@lwsd.org.  

Bob Yoder, opinion

Incredible array of PTSA Scholarship Auction Baskets are on display at District HQ

LWPTSA Council Scholarship Basket Auction

Auction closes:   Thursday, December 1, 10-11am, LWRC Lobby Bidding is now underway! Support our students and get some holiday shopping done at the same time!   Please join us on December 1 for the close of the LWPTSA Council basket auction and reception. Free espresso drinks, desserts and a lively raffle await! All proceeds from the event support post-high school learning opportunities for Lake Washington students and continuing education opportunities for our staff. The Lake Washington PTSA Council began its scholarship program over 35 years ago to assist graduating seniors with their college education.  In 1990, scholarships were added for district staff to help defray the costs of continuing education.  Funding for these scholarships is primarily provided by the PTAs in the Lake Washington School District. Each PTA makes an annual donation to the scholarship fund and contributes a themed basket to be auctioned off at the Lake Washington Resource Center. The generosity of community partners such as the LWSD Central Leadership team, Lake Washington Schools Foundation, Lake Washington Education Association and individual donors, help make this event a successful tradition for the LWPTSA Council. The auction closes at a reception that is open to the public. Everyone is welcome to attend on Thursday, December 1, from 10-11 am(immediately following the Council Membership meeting.) There will be many opportunities for supporting the LWSD seniors and staff. In addition to the auction, there will be a raffle, bring-a-buddy door prize, gift card wall (purchase gift cards at cost) and donation opportunities starting at $10. Please join us for fun, tasty treats, and an opportunity to help students from across the district achieve their potential! Questions? Contact Auctions@lwptsa.net.

Now's the time to sign-up to play "the fastest game on two feet."

Lacrosse is "the fastest game on two feet."  

RLC Facebook Page

The Redmond Lacrosse Club is dedicated to promoting lacrosse and providing students athletes the opportunity to learn the fundamentals and develop their skills while fielding competitive teams and honoring the game.  The Club serves players from K-12 who reside in the area served by Redmond High School.

Now is the time to commit to Spring lacrosse and tell your players to tell their friends. This is the best way for them to have fun.  - Rob Leavitt, President, RLC