Youth Mental Health First Aid Class

Parents in a study session

The statistics are alarming:  18 percent of LWSD seniors have considered suicide. 50 percent of all chronic mental health cases begin by age fourteen. 39 percent of eighth graders are not were not able to stop worrying in the past 2 weeks. 32 percent experience anxiety disorder (ages thirteen to eighteen.) 11 percent report a major depressive episode in the past year (ages twelve to seventeen) One in five have a mental health condition.  Only one third get help from a professional. They may be ashamed or reluctant to share because what others may think.

Last Saturday I attended and participated in an 8-hour Lake Washington Schools Foundation "Youth Mental Health First Aid Class." The classroom was packed by over 30 parents; it was dynamic and fun, with lots role playing and engaging exercises. Danit Erlich, Ph.D taught the class. She's an energetic highly qualified cross-cultural parent coach and speaker. She was awesome!  Danit first asked us to introduce ourselves, then say something our youth.  The stage was set: we all felt connected, empathetic and involved with each other.

We learned skills on how to notice signs and symptoms and have a meaningful conversion to help twelve to eighteen year-old students cope with their mental health challenges.  A helpful 133 page manual addressed the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan for everything from suicide, major depression, eating disorders, panic attacks, substance abuse, psychosis and AdHD.

The Action Plan involves:  1) assessment of symptoms, 2) listening non-judgmentally, 3) giving reassurance and information, 4) encouraging  appropriate professional help, and self -help. Owing to it's severity, we focused on the action plan for suicide; we also did a role play for panic attack.

Danit said suicide is the second cause of death in 12-18 year youth and is escalating. She and other parents attributed it to Snap Chat, Instagram and other social media and not listening intently. She suggested a good place to listen and assess is during short drives in the car and at bedtime.

In the case of suicide assessment we learned to listen non-judgmentally and tell the person that you are concerned and want to help.  Sometimes self-harm, like cutting, is a cry for help. Giving  away positions, heavy drinking and social withdrawal are other signs.

The role play was challenging and some never got through it.  First you have to ask if they decided where they will kill themselves, how, and when. If they say "yes" calmly explain that thoughts of suicide are common, help is available and it doesn't have to be acted upon. Allow the student to do most of the talking by asking open-ended questions. Suicidal thoughts are often a plea for help and desperate attempt to escape from problems and stress; and the student can find relief in talking about it. Immediately, take them to the E.R. or call 911 and never leave them alone.

As a result of this class I feel comfortable talking about mental health with students and assisting them. Along with the Foundation, NAMI Eastside and EvergreenHealth also hold classes. For dates and class information contact NAMI Eastside at 425-885-6264.

-- Bob Yoder

Sources: Danit Erlich, Ph.D
               Mental Health First Aid Course Manual
               LW Schools Foundation brochure

EvergreenHealth Proposes $345 Million Bond Measure

EvergreenHealth residents participated in the 5K NAMI Walk to support mental health care  

On August 6, 2019, residents in our district will vote on Proposition 1, to fund a $345 million general obligation bond measure. 

The Bond has five main areas of focus, including:

• Primarily a critical safety project, with over 60% allocated to seismically retrofit our oldest buildings and replace aging 1970s-era infrastructure in the core of the hospital. In the event of a major disaster, this is critical for EvergreenHealth to continue to function and serve the community.
• Relocate and upgrade our Critical Care Unit so patient rooms will be able to accommodate vital modern equipment and technology.
• **Construct a medical building for programs such as outpatient mental health.
• Upgrade and expand our Family Maternity Center.
• Provide life-saving medical equipment, technology and facility upgrades to support these projects, and poise our organization for ever-evolving technology and the next generation of care.

"Since 1972, our community has embraced EvergreenHealth as the Eastside’s public hospital district, supporting our organization’s evolution every step of the way, as we strive to meet the growing needs of our patients and enrich the health and well-being of every life we touch.

We thank the residents of our district for their forward-looking vision over the past 47 years and continued partnership in helping us meet the ever evolving needs of our growing community through though this bond initiative."

-- EvergreenHealth Website

**Changed from the previous Bond -- outpatient mental health is now part of the initiative they say!

City Considers Safety Levy For Fire Needs

Old photo

At the June 18 Council Committee meeting Fire Chief Tommy Smith noted 1992 was the date of the last Fire Master Plan and it is time for a new one.  In the early '90's there was no code for sprinklers and multi-family housing stock was smaller in size and numbers than today.  In addition, the population of the city has grown exponentially and there's a need for more stations.  The Chief noted Fire Station 12 is inadequate since it services the burgeoning Overlake urban center, Grasslawn, Rose Hill, and Viewpoint neighborhoods. Adoption of the plan is expected by 2020.

Of significance to the public, the city is considering a public safety tax levy; and considering which developments will be subject to impact fees. (With Sound Transit taxes, school bond taxes, a potential public hospital tax and State Park levy, State tax increases, and now this, many residents are facing tax fatigue & pain.)

Up next, the Fire Marshall described their two alarm response to the recent multi-family apartment fire near the Redmond Elementary School.  The subject building has four attached sets of four units. Five of the units burned; three residents had minor injuries. The units were hosed with 15,000 gallons of water. The building was old and had no fire sprinklers or alarms. (Sprinklers weren't required by the city until 2007.)  A good Samaritan notified Fire and alerted the residents.  According to the Deputy Fire Chief, response time was 6 minutes.  The Fire Marshal noted 1042 multi-family units in the city have no sprinklers.  The Department takes proactive safety measures in these buildings to prepare for possible fires. 

-- Bob Yoder

Source:  Safety, Council Committee Of The Whole, 6/18
              Councilmember Steve Fields presiding officer

  

River Jewelwing Damselfly, By Reinke

Photo by John Reinke

The River Jewelwing is the largest damselfly found in Washington state.  It is most commonly sighted in June and July, along rivers and streams.  Indeed, I spotted this one along a recently dried up stream that drains into the north end of Lake Sammamish.  It's the first one of its kind that I've ever seen, so I felt fortunate to photograph it.

The dark patches on the wings indicate it is a male, about two inches long.  Note that the thorax is a brilliant metallic green that shades into an equally brilliant metallic blue covering the long abdomen.  The thorax contains the muscles that control the four wings, which all damselflies have.  The wings are typically folded close together back above the abdomen when the damselfly is perched.

Also observe the spiky hairs that extend outward from the six legs. (They're hard to see.) They all angle down and may help to clasp prey caught in mid-flight.

-- John Reinke

Fields Supports The LBGTQ Community

Hi everyone! I’m Sarah and the daughter of Steve Fields. To all the fathers in Redmond, Happy Father’s Day.

My dad is an amazing person and an even more amazing father. I have no doubt he is the best choice for Mayor of Redmond and will work incredibly hard on behalf of Redmond’s citizen and the community I grew up a part of and that he has lived in most of my life.

I know this is an important time in the campaign and how important it is to him to make time to meet you and hear your concerns and hopes for the future of Redmond but my dad and I planned a trip a year ago to Barcelona to attend https://lovefanfest.com/en/, an event that represents something very important to me. Traveling together and having him with me at this event means the world to me.

Between all the activities we have planned, including cleaning up plastic from local beaches, I know he will still be working hard as a Redmond council member and as a candidate for Mayor of Redmond even while he’s traveling. It’s what he does. He is a 24/7 guy and puts his whole heart in to what he believes in. I believe in him and want you to believe in him too. I’m so grateful for the time I will get to spend with him in Spain and to be able to share this experience with him.

Paige Norman, Redmond Community Organizer

Credit/ Bob Yoder

Thank you Paige for organizing and moderating this mayoral candidate forum! It's one thing to see a campaign sign; but your forum sheds light and truth on the candidates behind all those signs. The forum really helped people; I could see and feel this. Thanks Paige. I look forward to your Council and LWSD school board forums!

-- Bob Yoder

Education Hill Neighborhood Association Forum

INTRODUCTIONS:  2:50 m

OPENING STATEMENTS:  4:40 m Koeppen;  **8:05 m Birney;  10:37 m Fields

QUESTIONS: (**denotes the response I liked the most)
     # 1:  Climate Change 16:16 m: Birney 17:00;  Koeppen 22:12;  **Fields 22:16
     # 2:  Climate Change, King County Collaboration:  Koeppen 27:49; Fields 29.34; **Birney 31:05
     # 3:  Water/Aquifer: Fields 33:14; Koeppen 35:41;  **Birney 37:47
     # 4:  Senior Housing/Vision:  **Koeppen 40:33; Birney 44:17; Fields 46:48
     # 5:  Parks & Recreation, 51:25 m:  Birney 52:13; Koeppen 54:36; **Fields 56:00
     # 6:  Leadership/Vision, Birney 59:12; Koeppen 1:02:44; **Fields 1:05:44
     # 7:  Ban on Facial Recognition, 1:18:50 m  **Birney, Fields, *Koeppen
     # 8:  Saturday Market Relocation, 1.24.00 m  Koeppen, Fields, Birney

STATEMENT:
Koeppen 1:30:45 m Excessive use of electricity at City Hall
**Birney 1:31:28 m Affordable Housing
Fields 1:32:34 m Infrastructure

CLOSING STATEMENTS
1:34:28  Birney, **Fields, Koeppen

Forum Produced And Directed By Paige Norman
Video by Paige Norman , 6/13/19
Opinion by Yoder, 6/17/19

This page is under construction

Mayoral Candidate Election Guide

ELECTION GUIDE 

CLICK TO FIND THE GUIDE

Angela Birney's website:  https://electangelabirney.com/
Steve Fields' website:   stevefieldsformayor.com

Andrew Koeppen's website: www.redmondischanging.info

Angela's Facebook site:  https://www.facebook.com/ElectAngelaBirney/

Steve's Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/stevefieldsredmond/

  Andrew's Facebook site::  https://www.facebook.com/andrewkoeppenformayor/

 If you have any questions about campaign signs or the election e-mail info@redmond.gov 

- Bob Yoder

Light Rail Vehicle Arrives From Sacramento

This Seimens Light Rail Vehicle arrived from Sacramento in the early morning.  According to Doug Thompsen, the shrink wrap keeps the car from getting scratches; it will be recycled.  The vehicles haven't arrived to Redmond yet.  (6/17/2019)

Photo by Doug Thompsen , East Link Light Rail

Reflecting On The 2018-2019 School Year

Cassandra Sage - School Board Summer is nearly here (I’ve already heard the ice cream truck in our cul-de-sac) prompting us to reflect upon the year’s achievements in LWSD: Dr. Jane Stavem was hired to lead our district as the new Superintendent! Passed a Capital Projects Levy that will fund much needed classroom space in the form of brick and mortar additions at five existing schools. Held multiple community engagement forums focused on: student achievement - technology & innovation - safety & security - facilities & finance - recruiting, hiring & retaining top quality staff and communication & engagement. Feedback will help shape LWSD strategic initiatives going forward. Hired a new Director of Equity, Opportunity and Inclusion (welcome Gloria Henderson!) and designed fully inclusive preschool classrooms - shifted highly capable services so more students could attend their home school - expanded a new Dyslexia curriculum (refined screening and teacher training to support all students with reading challenges). Received the Meritorious Budget award for excellence for the second consecutive year. Opened a dual language program at Einstein which is being expanded. Partnered with Lake Washington Schools Foundation to more effectively address youth mental health. Increased community and business outreach to partner for student success. Reached the highest graduation rate to date in LWSD with 93.6% of students graduating. Whether you have a senior who is walking at graduation this year or a preschool student whose educational path is just beginning, thank you for your participation and partnership. Enjoy the summer months (and never stop learning!). - Cassandra Sage LWSD Board of Directors

"Microsoft Refresh" - Building A Modern Campus

I've been told the campus will feature immense underground parking - the largest West of the Mississippi or beyond

-- Bob Yoder

Council Studies Five Acre Marymoor Design District Project

The Marymoor Design District (MDD) is zoned as a moderately dense mixed-use neighborhood. Key features of the zone are the future Link light rail station, allowance of existing industrial uses, and the proximity to a major regional park. The City Council stressed the word “eclectic” when initiating the Marymoor Design District. The Council’s intent is to have an eclectic neighborhood through place-making and architecture.

A redevelopment of a 4.9 acre site consisting of 450 multi-family units (spread over three buildings), 41,500 square feet of commercial space (including a daycare facility), a public art program, community gardens, enhanced pedestrian amenities, and local commercial space is in the planning stages.

The  MDD design standards will likely yield familiar building forms and design mimicking those found throughout the City’s existing urban centers. (Affordable Housing and Parking was not addressed in this memo.) 

The proposal is to construct three residential buildings over ground floor commercial space facing three streets. Two of the residential buildings will be five stories tall and one of the buildings will be six stories tall.  Shallow groundwater is prevalent throughout the site and conveyance of groundwater is a challenge.

 Key goals:

1) Use entryway elements to welcome people to Redmond.  The northern most building is one of the most architecturally unique buildings within Redmond. It is not a typical rectilinear shape; rather, the building employs curves and smoother transitions around corners. Additionally, art is prominently integrated into the building to greet the public to this newly established neighborhood.

2) Provide opportunities for art.  Although the building design and the site stands by itself, the art components elevate the project as a whole. The applicant is integrating 1% of total construction costs to art installations throughout the site and the buildings. The art installations range from augmented reality murals to motion activated pedestrian path pieces to discoverable sculptures.

3) Facilitate opportunities for housing, employment, community gatherings, education, and small-scale shopping. The proposed project will provide 450 residential units across from the future Marymoor light rail station. Five percent of the units (23 units), are being proposed as much needed three-bedroom units which will provide for more housing choices for families.

4) The project also incorporates up to 37,265 square feet of commercial space. LMC is currently in the process of procuring a daycare provider to occupy some of the commercial space, and is also committing itself to provide for a minimum of 3,500 square feet for “local commercial use.” Two community gardens are proposed to be installed within the development as well to help facilitate community building.

LOCATION:  The proposed project is located within the Marymoor Design District (MDD). The site is approximately 4.9 acres in size and is bounded by NE 70th Street on the north, 176th Avenue NE on the west, the future NE 68th Street on the south, and the East Lake Sammamish Trail to the east. The project site is currently developed as a light-industrial use (custom concrete and textiles manufacturer). Lennar Multifamily Communities will be the sole owner of the development. The primary goal is for this area to become a unique neighborhood.

Source:  6/11/19 Public Works Council Committee Of The Whole Memo

City Makes Plans To Improve Night-Time Pedestrian Visibility

PathwayPartners.org

To address complaints and concerns regarding pedestrian visibility at night or early morning in unprotected crosswalks, staff began researching supplemental crosswalk lighting to improve pedestrian visibility during periods of darkness.

Staff requested approval to move forward with a pilot project which will bridge the gap between standard streetlights and active devices such as Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFB).

The crosswalk locations for the pilot projects are:
 NE 90th St at 161st Ave NE (the crosswalk just west of Coho Café)
 NE 104th St at 172nd Ave NE (near Redmond HS)
 NE 79th St at 169th Ave NE (Anderson Park)

The city evaluated 8 companies and picked Howard Industries,  Howard Industries currently offers the best solution to on-demand supplemental illumination for pedestrian walkways and crosswalks. Their large devices (6’) have been in use on business, educational and hospital campuses.  Howard Industries created a smaller model "LightPath" for Redmond. It is a more appropriate size (4’) for use at unprotected crosswalks in Redmond.

Fiscal: Estimated Project Costs for three locations Light Path Crosswalk Lights $ 50,000 Design $ 50,000 Construction/Installation $ 180,000 Total $ 280,000 Project Funding Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program $ 280,000

The game plan is to install the LightPath units by October 2019, prior to daylight saving time.

Source:  6/11/19 Planning & Public Works Council Committee Of The Whole Memo

Primary: Mayoral Voter Election Guide

    Mayoral Election Guide

CLICK FOR GUIDE

Angela Birney's website:  https://electangelabirney.com
Steve Fields' website:   stevefieldsformayor.com

Andrew Koeppen's website: www.redmondischanging.info

Angela's Facebook site:  https://www.facebook.com/ElectAngelaBirney/
Steve's Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/stevefieldsredmond/

  Andrew's Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/andrewkoeppenformayor/

 If you have any questions about campaign signs or the Election e-mail info@redmond.gov 

- Bob Yoder

Mental Health Walk A Smashing Success - Candidates Steve Fields and Hank Myers Join In

The NAMI 5K Mental Health Walk to "bust stigma" was a smashing success!  Great people, great cause!  We were supporting EvergreenHealth's plans to open an outpatient mental health care clinic. Three councilmembers Hank Myers, Steve Fields, Tanika Padeya, and my wife are holding the banner. 

- Bob Yoder

Summer Fun Comes To Redmond

Derby Days/ Credit C.O.R. 

DERBY DAYS 

For two days this summer, it's GAME ON! Join us July 12 and 13 for Redmond's favorite summer festival. Rooted in the spirit of friendly competition, Redmond Derby Days features the world's longest-running bike criterium race, a carnival, parades, arts, music, and great food, with a unique Redmond twist! 

Enjoy free contests, games, virtual reality, a gaming arcade, battle of the bands, an action-packed kids zone and so much more! Feeling extra competitive? Sign your team up for our Derby Dash 5K or Derby Cornhole Tournament! 

Visit the Facebook pageOpens a New Window. for more information.

Rockn' On The River/ Credit C.O.R.

ROCKN' ON THE RIVER

Free Summer Concerts 

Spread out your blanket or set up your beach chairs and listen to the music on four Thursday evenings in Redmond! Enjoy the concessions provided by the Redmond Kiwanis Club as you rock out to original and cover bands from across the country. There's no better way to enjoy a warm summer evening in Redmond! Sponsored by Emerald Heights Senior Living. 

All concerts take on the Garden Plaza (located behind the Redmond Senior Center) on the Redmond Municipal Campus.  

Thursdays 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.  7/18, 7/25, 8/8

8703 160th Ave NE | Redmond WA 98052

So Bazaar, Credit/ C.O.R.

So Bazaar

Your imagination destination in Downtown Redmond, So Bazaar is held on three Thursday evenings in August. Join your neighbors for art, music, and food.

2019 Theme

Metamorphosis

• AIR - Thursday, August 15th; 5-9 p.m.
• WATER - Thursday. August 22nd; 5-9 p.m. 
• FIRE - Thursday, August 29th; 5-9 p.m. Opens a New Window. 

Location

Redmond Central Connector Park & Downtown Park

Along and around the Redmond Central Connector, an award winning urban trail, between 61st Avenue Northeast and Leary Way NE. New in 2019, the event has expanded to Downtown Park! 

Redmond, Then And Now

 2017 Credit/ Bob Yoder

 The Hilton Garden Inn, 2019 Credit/ Bob Yoder

The "Hilton Garden Inn" will open at 166th and Redmond Way....the site of  iconic Frankie's Pizza. The hotel will be 6 stories, 177 rooms with two levels of underground parking. (photo taken on June 6, 2019.) This Frankie's Pizza photo with my wife Pam, was taken on January 7, 2017. All is not lost. In April of this year Spark Pizza opened with "Homage to Frankie's" pizza on their menu. Frankie took part in it's creation. Tony and Carolyn Scott own the establishment.

School Start Time Advisory Findings And Recommendations

"The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that middle and high schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later to give students the opportunity to get the amount of sleep they need, but most American adolescents start school too early." 

The Advisory shared 3 recommendations for the district to consider in planning for any potential future changes in school start times:

1. Recommend that the district consider the range of Preschool programs and Elementary school start times to begin no later than 9:00 a.m.
2. Recommend that the district consider the range of middle school start and end times to remain similar to the 2018-19 ranges. (after 8 AM) 
3. Recommend that the district consider the range of High School start times to begin no earlier than 8:00 a.m. My wife suggested using Microsoft Connector buses.

The big hang-up for our district is geography. The LW High School principal gives their students Orca passes.  My wife recommended Microsoft Connector buses.  

Next Steps:
The Superintendent will examine the recommendations to determine next steps and feasibility for any changes. Any revisions to the existing schedule would not take effect until the start of the 2020-21 school year.

Additional materials, including survey data results, verbatim survey comment themes, and student listening session themes can be found at the Start Time Advisory webpage. 

Education Hill Coyote Feasting On Squirrels

Credit /Ms. Smith

This Redmond Wintering Coyote is feasting on squirrels in South Education Hill

Great Blue Heron feeding on the Sammamish River

Great Blue Heron catches Skimmer dragonfly/ Photo by John Reinke

The dragonfly was an eight spotted skimmer, and it had landed on a plant located right next to the Sammamish River at the south end of the Luke McRedmond Landing, on the south side of the 85th Street Bridge.  The heron cautiously stalked up fairly close to the plant and then made a lightning strike to snatch the dragonfly from its perch.

-- John Reinke

UPDATED: NAMI Mental Health Awareness 5K Walk

The annual NAMI Mental Health Awareness 5K Walk is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th, 9 - Noon along Kirkland's downtown waterfront. It starts at the Marina Park. Those wishing to register and/or donate should arrive around 8:00AM, or click this link.  Anyone giving $100 will receive a t-shirt! All donations will go to the NAMI Eastside affiliate.The Walk is a happy and  family-friendly event and a great way to bust stigma. Dogs on leash are allowed.


There's a chance EvergreenHealth may build an "Outpatient Behavioral Healthcare Clinic" offering care from highly-trained psychiatrists. Since one in five Americans have a mental condition in a given year this clinic will be put to excellent use in our community. 

Our "EvergreenHealth Super Team" will be walking in appreciation of their initiative.  If you'd like to walk with Evergreen, look for our banner or signs to meet-up.  We will be one of the happiest, out-going teams on the Walk!

A Big Tent is in the NW parking lot. Live music!  Find a number of exhibitors with fun free stuff and snacks.  The long range weather forecast is mostly sunny with a high of 70, so great walking weather.  The walk winds its way down Lake Street / Lake Washington Blvd. to Carillon Point and back. Hope you can make it!  

Here's a link to learn more about our mission and how to register and/or donate:  https:www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=30877

-- Bob Yoder