Sammamish River nature photographer captures Downy Woodpecker

click to enlarge

The title is kinda funny, huh?

On a recent overcast day, I stepped out onto the promontory that overlooks the Sammamish River in downtown Redmond, opposite the Opportunity Building.  I was surprised to see a downy woodpecker suddenly alight in a low bare-branched tree in the middle of the fence at the edge of the river bank.

click to enlarge

I quickly reached for my camera, hoping I’d be lucky enough to get off a few shots before it flew away.  To my surprise, it ignored my approach and calmly flitted about, pecking at the bark on the trunk and branches.  It was a male, as evidenced by its red topknot. 

click to enlarge

Downy woodpeckers are the smallest woodpeckers in Washington state and indeed the country.  They are quite common and typically inhabit deciduous forests.  They find insects in the crevices of bark, but also feed on berries, seeds and suet.  Monogamous breeding pairs form in late winter.

My little friend allowed me to take several photos at close range.  It's amazing what you can find in our  growing downtown urban center.

-- John Reinke

    Redmond, WA

    Photos credit John Reinke

Elementary students to compete for Future Chefs champion

This is an exciting a fun event!  I've been a mentor over the years and love working alongside these kiddos. They are all exceptional, creative chefs  - Pam Yoder

Students will take to the kitchen to create Asian inspired dishes based on their own recipes in the Sodexo Future Chefs competition. With the help of a nearby adult, the students will need to prepare and cook the dish in a set amount of time alongside their peers. Students dishes will be judged on a range of factors like nutrition, preparation and overall quality. The winner of the overall quality award will be considered to compete in the regional finals.

Sodexo’s Future Chefs Competition is a national challenge encouraging students to make healthy food choices and get creative in the kitchen. The event was created to get kids thinking about and making healthy choices by increasing fruit, vegetable and whole grain choices in their diet.

14 fourth and fifth-grade students from throughout Lake Washington School District will  be competing based on the recipes they submitted.   

The March 14th event, 2:30 - 6 p.m. is at Rose Hill Middle School.  13505 NEth Street, Redmond.  The public is invited.  

UFO hovers over Downtown Park

No need to rush. It'll probably be here for another six months.

Photo: B. Yoder

Close encounter with Steve Fields at "down pour coffee bar"

Steve Fields pouring coffee at his coffee bar

 I stopped by Steve and Ronnie's"down pour coffee bar" this morning for a visit.  I had planned to ask him a few questions about the city but the place was buzzing and we had to reschedule

Scarce parking didn't deter these Down Pour
lovers (click pic to enlarge)

Steve's one of two new Redmond city council members and in my opinion does a fantastic job in many ways.

The following are a few questions I wanted to ask him:. 

1)  I thought the new Downtown Park was going to cost $40M but the project sign says $19M.  Facebook readers felt the city was not being up front.  What's up?

2) The 14-acre Estera / Sears project is probably the largest project the City will EVER build....but only 14 citizens showed up at the last community meeting.  Ridiculous!  Steve once suggested an extensive session.  Yes, we need one!  Also, according to the Redmond Reporter only 7% of the planned 2,000 apartments will be "affordable."  City standards are 10% affordable so what's up??  What's the mayor doing?

3)  I had a few questions about how council conducts their council committee meetings as they relate to the Open Public Meetings Act.  In this week's study session Jim Haney, JD explained how council's  "Rules and Procedures" pertain to these meetings. Whatever the outcome, I hope when there is quorum all members present will have an opportunity to talk.

On to Down Pour.  This morning the place was literally buzzing with chatter; few were on their devices.  How refreshing and pleasant to have genuine conversations.  Steve and Ronnie (his spouse) offer "no password" WiFi.  Is this the reason? (I'm not a marketing guy.) Anyway, if you're looking for a vibrant, fun coffee shop, this is the place.

-- B. Yoder

Updated: Sound Transit: Another Record-Breaking Year for Ridership

The East Link of Light Rail is targeted for the Overlake Urban Center in five years!
The East Link of Light Rail is targeted for Downtown Redmond within 5-6 years!

The 4th Quarter ridership numbers were released today along with the 2017 year-end numbers for Link, Sounder, ST Express and Tacoma Link. The year-end ridership report adds another data point to mirror widespread news of how our region leads the nation in transit ridership growth. 

Overall Sound Transit carried folks on 47,031,129 trips last year, a 10 percent increase over 2016. Here's the breakdown by mode: 

• Link light rail - 23,186,633 
• ST Express bus - 18,373581
• Sounder - 4,438,374 
• Tacoma Link - 972,405  
• Paratransit - 60,136 

The largest growth was on Link with 22 percent growth over 2016. Last year was the first full year of service since new stations opened at the University of Washington, Capitol Hill and Angle Lake. We also started running more 3-car trains last summer to meet the booming demand. 

Here's a quick video clip showing just how effective Link light rail has become at moving masses of people. It's footage of trains clearing the southbound platform at Westlake Station in downtown Seattle after the Women's March on Jan. 20 of this year.

OPINION: The Redevelopment of Sears Plaza is Something to Ponder

"Redmond is growing faster than many of us imagine, especially in the Overlake Urban Center.  A 14-acre Urban Village coined "Seritage"  will transform  Sears Plaza into office space, a hotel,  residential, commercial, retail and a large park.  High rise buildings are a possibility.  

Click this link to discover the magnitude of this village:   https://www.redmond.gov/595/Seritage

·       The buildings will reach 9 stories and  include both commercial space, hotel and residential units. 

·         When built, the project will generate over 13,000 vehicular trips a day. Currently planned, the developer-funded road improvements are minimal, in fact the traffic study states traffic will improve when the project is completed. The cities of Redmond and Bellevue will bear the burden of road improvements as part of their infrastructure plans)

·         There will be 2,300 parking stalls (vs. around 1,000 today). 

·         There is an already approved project next door (KCC Limited Edition) that will result in 885 homes, 173,000 square feet of office, 28,000 square feet of retail, an 80-room hotel. Adding new, larger project to the area will likely multiply the impacts of this development.

If any of the design assumptions on the project are not correct, it is likely that the traffic gridlock in the area will intensify. The best way to influence the project is to get informed and provide comments to the city either at the meeting or via email. After all, there are 10,000 of us in Overlake today (in Bellevue and Redmond both) and many have a perspective on proposed development and its impacts.

Sidewalk Tree Art on The Hill

Walking on the 116th Avenue sidewalk north of 104th you'll come upon some enchanting "sidewalk tree art" covering a diseased row of arborvitae trees. Salmon, water birds, and frogs are painted onto some kind of heavy-duty paper that can withstand the harsh weather while still holding a palette of colors.  Somebody really knew what they were doing. This art is very innovative and makes good use of recycled trees don't you think?   We sure have some creative neighbors on the Hill.  You might want to take a stroll and see it for yourself!  You'll probably find some colorful critters I missed.

B. Yoder

EvergreenHealth To Screen All Hospital Visitors for Flu Symptoms

EvergreenHealth Medical Center To keep all patients, providers, staff and volunteers safer from the flu this season, EvergreenHealth Medical Center will begin screening all visitors for flu-like symptoms before allowing access to its inpatient hospital areas in Kirkland. EvergreenHealth will direct visitors to four main screening points where staff will check for flu symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat and body aches. If a visitor shows signs of the flu and is seeking medical treatment at EvergreenHealth, they will be asked to wear a mask during the visit. However, if the visitor is not seeking medical care themselves, they will be asked to postpone the visit until their flu symptoms have subsided. Additionally, children under the age of 16, who are among those most susceptible to the illness, are restricted from visiting the medical center regardless of showing signs of the flu, with the exception being children who have an immediate family member in the Family Maternity Center, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or Pediatric Care Unit. For those units only, visitors will be screened and permitted to visit their family member, so long as they do not show any signs of the flu.

Comment: NAMI-Eastside lobbies State legislators for mental health funding

Rep. Paul Graves (right center) with NAMI-Eastside volunteers during "Mental Health Lobby Day."

NAMI-Eastside members spent all day yesterday lobbying our Eastside legislators for mental health funding.  Many of us asked for out-patient psychiatric services. This photo was taken of us with Representative Paul Graves in his office.  

Representative Graves is in the 5th Legislative District encompassing Maple Valley, Issaquah, North Bend, Carnation and Black Diamond.  He responded very favorably to our message, with sensitivity to the shame we face. He's a big advocate for foster children and is the primary sponsor of House Bill 2256 "Online Availability Of Foster Parent Preservice Training,"  The bill passed House and is currently under review by the Senate.

NAMI-Eastsiders lobbied 10 other legislators including: Senator Patty Kuderer, Representative Joan McBride and Representative Vandana Slatter of the 48th Legislative District; and Senator Manka Dhingra, Larry Springer, and Roger Goodman of the 45th Legislative District.  

Bob Yoder
48th District resident

Downtown Redmond Parkscape

Richard Morris at SW corner of the Downtown Park.  (double click picture to enlarge)

look at the vanishing ridge of green trees

Help the victims of the school shooting -- donate blood

BE A VALENTINE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE….DONATE AT REDMOND PRESBYTERIAN TUESDAY,  FEB. 27, 1-7PM

 As Bloodworks NW celebrates their 10th year….will you step up to donate on Feb. 27th?  

💝Bloodworks NW sent off units of O negative to Florida to help victims of the school shooting this week…each week there are needs from train accidents or car accidents or just for those undergoing radiation or chemo.  Plain old O and O negative are always needed! 💝

Join hands with donors from across Redmond to meet our communities need for 900 units of blood/ day!

WHEN:   Tuesday, Feb 27th

TIME:  1-7PM  (tech break from 3-4pm)

WHERE:  REDMOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

   10020  166th AVE NE 

   REDMOND, WA  98052

   www.redmondpres.org for directions

Make an appointment by contacting Tina Paul, call 425-485-5620. or drop in.

Updated: LW School District hit hard by higher State property taxes

Argument FOR

Argument AGAINST

Results:  Proposition #1-- Replacement Education and Operations Levy       YES by 65% of vote
Results:  Proposition #2-- Replacement of Existing Capital Projects Levy      YES by 55% of vote
Results:  $299M Bond --- 54% Yes; 46% No;  60% supermajority required             NO by 6%

My King County state property taxes increased 18% this year.  My Education Hill home is 2020 sf.

FACTOIDS:
EvergreenHealth is a public hospital district:  Their tax represents 3.3% of total King County property taxes or $200.42/ year.  

ST-3 is a Transit tax.  Their tax represents 2.3% of King County property taxes or $140/year.

B. Yoder

UPDATED: Redmond mother appeals to council for Green power resolution

Rachel Molloy's daughter stands up for the environment

At the last Regular meeting of  Redmond City Council, Redmond resident Rachel Molloy stood up to ask Council for a resolution to close Costrip, MT mining  2025 and replace it with clean energy and no new natural gas."

Ms. Molloy asked the council and the public to join the City of Kirkland and the City of Olympia on a trip to Renton, Wednesday, February 21st to speak to the "Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission."  The commission is reviewing Puget Sound Energy's 20-year plan for supplying their rate payers (us) and King County with energy.  Currently, 60% of PSE power is supplied by fossil fuels -- coal and fracked gas -- and the commission could "lock these fuels in for three decades."  If you can't make the trip to Renton, write the commission on their Public Comment Form or call them toll free 1-888-333-9882. 

The City of Redmond is a member of the King County Climate Collaboration and passed three ordinances to commit to Green energy.  Council was influenced by Ms. Molloy's talk and decided to hold a study session on February 27nd to consider drafting a resolution to commit to clean energy.

-- B. Yoder

Source:  Regular council meeting, February 6th.

Amazing Seattle Times article on Colstrip, MT mining -- 2 plants to close in four years!
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/environment/as-washington-state-looks-for-cleaner-power-a-montana-coal-town-faces-an-uncertain-future/

Sign up HERE for PSE's Green Power residential renewable energy program.

Citizen-environmentalist gives tips on how to combat climate change

David Morton with his wife

Dr. Morton is a regular speaker on environmental issues at City Council meetings. He's both activist and advocate.  You can watch him speak at Regular Council meetings on Redmond City T.V. at 7:35 pm every other Tuesday. Below is his talk from last week:  

By David Morton, PhD

By signing an initiative called the Mayors’ National Climate Action Agenda in June 2017, Mayor Marchione affirmed Redmond’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement goals to combat climate change.

Here are some ideas everyone can consider:

74. Push your city to support 100 percent clean energy. Switching to 100 percent renewable power may seem like a lofty goal, but it’s not as far off as you think. Many cities have started pledging to switch to renewables, joining the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 Campaign. By making the commitment, mayors and city leaders have started to change transportation, planning, and energy policies, embarking on the long road to cleaner air. And, as many who have signed on have discovered, renewables will save significant money in the long run.

75. Come together to combat climate change. Villagers in the rural English town of Ashton Hayes didn’t need government help, special technology, or extra funding to fight climate change. Over the last decade, neighbors there have achieved a 24 percent reduction in emissions by collaborating and changing everyday behaviors, sharing tips on weatherproofing, and reducing energy usage.

My e-bike hill climb

Richard Morris holding the PIM bike (see the battery?)

We had our first good weather in months today!  The sun even came out!  It was time to finally roll my PIM e-bike (electric bicycle) demo out from the garage.  I invited my neighbor, Richard Morris, to come over, check it out; he immediately wanted on.   Richard walks 2-3 miles everyday with his dog so had no problem climbing this gentle hill  He didn't need any power, just down-shifted some. I think this particular bike has 18 gears....just like a regular bike.

I tried the bike months ago but it was way too frigid to shift and I was in crappy shape.  I was dying to get out today to try Power level 3 since I had trouble finding it earlier.  I needed Power 3 to get up 166th.  Pam, my wife, was on me to be safe so I took 171st from the Redmond Bike Park down to Redmond El. (virtually no traffic.)   A few huffs or two and I was up.  Yikes! ...next time I'll gear up for a better fat-burn.

It was awesome to get some fresh air and see the green native-growth easement again.

B. Yoder

Lake Washington School District student art exhibit.  I love this piece, It says so much. 

Vote "yes" on school measures

OPINION:  I've talked to activists on both sides of the levies/bond measure for hours on end.  I'm 67 years old, on a fixed income and the rising taxes are starting to really stress me out.  I'm not sure if I'll be able to pay for the pending 2022 and 2026 measures but after looking at my budget I've decided I can pay for this one.

The data the district gives us is confusing and quite frankly I'm burned out trying to figure it all out.  I found a July 1, 2017 article in PATCH that's helped me a lot and makes good sense.  The "tax rate" gibberish is removed so you can focus on the real thing, tax dollars.  Tax dollars directly affect our pocketbooks not rates.  It's important to remember rising school taxes aren't the district's fault.  If you need someone to blame, point to the State legislature.

The PATCH article centers on the House measure passed late last year that raises state taxes by $2.70/ $1000 assessed value to fund education.  (The good news is local levy dollars are reduced.)  If you're really interested in an estimate of how the state increase will affect your household budget I suggest you read the article.  Though I may be wrong, I figure if my wife and I have one less latte per day our state tax increase will be paid.

The bond measure is another story. It's too confusing for me to explain how the tax is derived despite hours of study.  I do know we are in a terrible hole for lack of classroom space and if the bond doesn't pass our district will be entering a dark age.  On a bright side, should the bond pass the benefits to our kids and teachers will be immeasurable.  OPEN THIS LINK.

In addition to this measure, we need to budget for two more bond measures -- one in 2022 and another in 2026.  And, we can expect other taxes over time; for example every biennium the city consistently raises taxes 1% and the water utility tax 2%.  We live in an affluent area under the "Amazon effect" and we have to accept high taxes or move out.  Fortunately tax discounts are available for seniors.

At Paige Norman's "Education Hill Neighborhood Association" EhHNA meeting Eric Campbell, a developer on the Bond Committee addressed cost efficiencies from new architectural and construction practices.  New schools will be larger with connections for new wings. The  Middle School on Redmond Ridge and Juanita High will have two stories with straight walls and fewer corners.  Eric says $44 million will be saved by these practices alone.  The district is doing the best they can do to educate our children.  Now it's our turn.

Please VOTE "Yes" on February 13th

BOB YODER
Redmond Community Member 

This opinion was published in the Redmond Reporter, 2/12/18  

Letter: Building thriving neighborhoods

I'm a Redmond resident and member in Leadership Eastside's two-year enrichment program. My final project focuses on building thriving neighborhoods on the Eastside, and my project team and I were hoping you could help us by posting our survey on your blog. It's about neighborhood engagement and takes no more than 2-3 minutes to fill out. It will provide us with invaluable data. Peoples answers will be completely anonymous unless they provide their email address at the end for the opportunity to join a focus group on this topic in the March-April timeframe. I'm happy to answer any questions about the project or Leadership Eastside [E-mail aaknopf@hotmail.com]  Thanks if you are able to post the survey, and I hope you and your readers take it, too: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NK5VZ62

-- Aaron Knopf
    Redmond

Mayor Marchione Responds to City of Everett's Initiative to Transfer Land for Mentally Ill Homeless

Below is an "Everett Herald" article announcing the transfer:

City votes to transfer land for homeless, mental ill housing

Everett Herald, Updated: Jan 4, 2018 - 11:34 AM 

EVERETT, Wash. - The Everett City Council voted to approve the plans for low-barrier housing and to transfer land to Catholic Housing Services.

The Everett Herald reports the Safe Streets housing project on Berkshire Drive is set to be a 65-unit complex with around-the-clock staffing primarily for the chronically homeless or those living with mental illness.

Tenants cannot have convictions for arson, sex crimes or producing methamphetamine.

About half the residents would be from Everett.

The construction budget is $10.5 million. Most of the costs are borne by Catholic Housing Services and funded by tax credits and grants, which the city helped secure.

Groundbreaking is planned for later this month.

Rendering of Everett's "Safe Street project"

Mayor Marchone's comment on the Everett Herald article:

"Thank you Bob. We are always interested in, and staff work to stay apprised of, what other jurisdictions are doing to address the challenge of homelessness.  That said, not every strategy is appropriate for every jurisdiction.  Everett is essentially the Seattle of Snohomish County, with both the largest population and greatest concentration of resources.

As one of many connected suburban cities, Redmond works closely with our Eastside neighbors to craft policies and strategies that will serve the sub-region as a whole.  In addition, Redmond has been very proactive in developing strategies focused on our local community. 

I appointed a Community Task Force on Homelessness in 2016 that developed a list of recommended action items.  A recent staff report to the City Council summarized the status of those action items which have been almost completely implemented.  

Two key strategies to emerge included the addition of a dedicated outreach specialist to work in partnership with the Redmond Police, and a new website to provide information about homelessness in general, and ways that individual community members can get involved.  I encourage you to check it out:  http://www.redmond.gov/Residents/homelessness

Our activities in 2018 will include an exploration of what we as a community should do to most effectively further this work.  We will make sure you are included when we reach out to the community on this topic.

Thanks again and Happy New Year."

John

John Marchione

Mayor │ City of Redmond

(: 425.556.2101 | *: mayor@redmond.gov | Redmond.gov

MS: 4NEX │ 15670 NE 85^th St │ Redmond, WA 98052

      

   NOTICE OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: This e-mail account is public domain. Any correspondence from or to this e-mail account is a public

   record. Accordingly, this e-mail, in whole or in part, may be subject to disclosure pursuant to RCW 42.56, regardless of any claim of

   confidentiality or privilege asserted by an external party.

Artest's rendering of the project:  

The Mayor approved my posting of his letter.

-----Original Message-----

From: Bob Yoder [redmondblog@gmail.com]
Received: Thursday, 04 Jan 2018, 10:55PM
To: Mayor (Internet) [Mayor@redmond.gov]
Subject: Homeless housing

Hi Mr. Mayor, 

I thought you'd be interested in what Everett is doing for their mentally ill homeless.  

http://www.kiro7.com/news/north-sound-news/city-votes-to-transfer-land-for-homeless-mental-ill-housing/676269846

Redmond's First Parks Director to Talk About Early Years

John Couch, City Parks Director of 30 years with speak on Saturday, February 10th, 10:30 am at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center located on 16600 NE 80^th Street.  

Redmond, WA January 5, 2018 - Ask locals what they treasure about Redmond, and you’re likely to hear parks and trails.

But those recreational spaces didn’t just happen. Fifty years of planning have gone into them -- starting on Jan. 1, 1968, when the city created a Parks and Recreation Department. Within a decade, 16 parks and more than 200 acres had been acquired for public benefit. By 2000, Redmond had 34 city parks and 25 miles of trail.

John Couch, Redmond’s first and longest-serving parks director (1968-2000), will look back on the department’s first decade at the upcoming Redmond Historical Society Speaker Series program on February 10.

Become a FAN of Music Arts

It’s a bad idea to take your tuba on the bus. Consider the obvious problems: shoving it through the folding door, heaving it down the aisle, and jamming it onto a seat. Even if you can manage all that, nobody will fit next to you. Not good for your social interactions or your instrument, which suffers wear-and-tear when traveling. That’s one reason why our schools purchase instruments for orchestra and band students to use at school. This policy also helps ensure that anyone who wants to play gets to play, regardless of their ability to purchase or rent their own instrument. But these school-owned instruments are showing their age, and the need is only growing. The Lake Washington School District needs to purchase nearly $300,000 in instruments over the next five years. The state doesn’t provide funding for this, and while booster clubs perform an amazing service, this funding gap is too big for a booster. So we’re coming to you for help.

Click to learn which instruments are needed in each school and contribute to the school or learning community of your choice. - Larry Wright, PhD Executive Director of LW Schools Foundaiton