Redmond Pool Expected To Re-Open In Fall Of 2020

Redmond, WA – The Redmond Pool is currently in the first phase of essential improvements which include new mechanical and electrical systems, air handling units, boiler systems, roof and windows, and improved circulation. These improvements will result in better air and water quality, energy efficiencies and operational savings. Phase 2 includes locker room and lobby improvements, pool deck re-surfacing and ADA improvements.

Recently contractors discovered a previously unknown condition. The substructure of the pool is compromised; there are areas where concrete has deteriorated leaving aggregate and rusting rebar behind. The damage extends sporadically from approximately 1’ to 5’ off the bottom of the pool’s deep end. This unexpected repair will take approximately three months to correct the substructure and complete the pool lining. To accommodate this unexpected delay, the Redmond Pool will not open in November as previously scheduled and will remain closed to complete both Phase 1 and 2. The pool is expected to re-open in fall of 2020. “This timeline allows us to accelerate Phase 2 to begin in May, ultimately completing the full renovation earlier than expected,” stated Parks Director, Carrie Hite.

UPDATED: Fentanyl Laced Illegal Drugs Are Killing Our Teens

Special thanks to King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert for sharing this video with the community.

Suicide Awareness - A Message From Councilmember Kathy Lambert

November 8, 2019

Dear Friends,

This is a difficult time and we all need to be aware and address this problem directly. Recently, our community has been impacted by a number of tragic suicides and drug overdose deaths (caused by fentanyl). I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the families of those who passed away, and to their communities that are also impacted.

We have been working with many sources and here is very specific and helpful information. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or drug addiction, please consider using the resources available to get help in King County.

By educating ourselves and others, we can make a difference in prevention.

First, knowing the warning signs of a potential suicide are vital. Here is some information from Public Health – Seattle & King County:

“There is no typical suicide victim; however, there are some common characteristics.

The most common are:

• A previous suicide attempt
• Current talk of suicide or making a plan
• Strong wish to die or a preoccupation with death
• Giving away prized possessions
• Signs of depression, such as moodiness, hopelessness and withdrawal
• Increased alcohol and/or drug use
• Hinting at not being around in the future or saying goodbye
• Experiences drastic changes in behavior

Opinion: Should LWSD Expand To Seven Directors?

I met Dr. Jane Stavem at a City Hall meeting tonight.  She said the district is bound by the state legislature to keep the board of Directors to five, unless the population in the district reaches 400,000.
 - Bob Yoder, 11/14

With LWSD now the 2nd largest school district in the State should our school board expand from 5 directors to 7 directors?

A few advantages:

• Board member district boundaries are irregular and confusing; they could be delineated into more cohesive, understandable districts.  The election process would be more transparent.

• Work plans would be more comprehensive and regular for greater efficiencies.  

• Two additional perspectives would add to the deliberation mix.  More vibrant and effective conversations.

• Improved  representation. 

The Seattle School Board has 7 Directors.  EvergreenHealth expanded from 5 commissioners to 7 commissioners last year.  Their chamber was re-configured to accommodate 7 on the Dias.

This suggestion was e-mailed to President Siri Bliesner at boardmembers@lwsd.org. 

-- Bob Yoder, opinion

LWSD Now 2nd Largest In State

Superintendent Message - November 2019

What are the implications for being the second largest district in the state?
This is a question I recently posed to our District Leadership Team as we reflected on our
new rank within Washington school districts. 

You may have just reread that first sentence thinking it’s potentially an error
because just five short years ago the district was only the sixth largest district in
the state. That is a short trip to second place as we welcomed over 31,100 students this fall. 

To help you digest that enrollment figure a little more, let me give you some fun facts for
 perspective:

• This year, 12 of the 19 King County school districts experienced enrollment growth with
•  Lake Washington, Seattle, Northshore and Auburn representing 87% of the King County growth
• Of that 87%, Lake Washington accounts for about 40% of the growth, which is the
•  fastest growth of any district in the Puget Sound area
• Since 2008, our district has grown by 31%
• On average, our district has grown the size of a large elementary school every year for the past eleven years

District growth is not unusual, but the growth trajectory of Lake Washington is. So, back to my original
question – what are some of the implications for a growing district? What are the things we need to pay attention to the most
as we ride this wave?

Here are some of the themes that emerged as we thought about the future together:

Green Roof Benefits

Overlake Hospital Medical Pavilion Rooftop

Increases the feeling of well-being

Living and working in a green environment has a positive effect on the well-being of people. Greenery offers relaxation and reduces stress.  

Offers healing environment

Greenery encourages faster recovery for patients, resulting in a shorter hospital stay. A persons tolerance of pain is higher  in a green environment. This is also known as a ‘healing environment’.

A green roof protects the roofing material from external influences such as the sun, rain, wind and temperature fluctuations and doubles or triples the life span of the roof to up to 60 years or even longer. You will recoup the investment in your green roof within 8 to 21 years.

Plants absorb sunlight, 50% is absorbed and 30% reflected; so green roofs help to create a cooler and more pleasant climate. For the indoor climate this means that the air conditioning doesn't have to work so hard, which in turn means energy savings. And this too has an extra positive effect on the climate in the immediate vicinity of your building and on the temperature in the city. Overall, it means a 3°C temperature reduction in the city.

The Sedums, herbs, grasses or host plants that are included in a green roof promote the habitat of birds, butterflies and insects, especially in the city environment which is mainly concrete and asphalt.

A green roof absorbs rain water by the water buffering in the plants, substrate and drainage layer. This delays the discharge of rainwater to the sewage system, purifies the rainwater, and water also evaporates through the plants. This all helps to stabilize the groundwater level, reduces the peak load on the sewage system and reduces the risk of flooding.

The natural and sustainable appearance, combined with a reduction in energy costs and extension of the life span of your roof, means an increase in value of your property.

Source:  https://www.sempergreen.com/en/solutions/green-roofs/green-roof-benefits

Plans For "Winter Lights" Underway

redmond.gov

On December 7th and 8th, 2019, the City will host the 20th Redmond Lights.

This community celebration of our diverse winter traditions, cultures and faiths is explored through light and art. The event brings community together to experience unique art programming including artistic light displays, live performances, and activities that celebrate the magic of the winter season and Redmond’s cultural diversity.

The event will have a two-night format this year with Saturday being the livelier evening and Sunday being more peaceful, without as many activities. 

The following is a summary of the planned activities. Saturday, December 7, 4:00 to 8:00 PM: “A Joyful Celebration”

  Begin at City Hall to pick up your blinker, explore fun family activities inside City Hall and at outdoor booths, experience visual art installations and the hot air balloons, and watch cultural and festive performances on stage. Close to 5:00, crowds will anxiously await Santa Claus and Mayor Marchione’s last count down for the tree lighting. Afterwards, participants can listen to more music, continue exploring the hot air balloons and activities, or begin the luminary walk. 

 As participants walk down the Sammamish River Trail to the Redmond Central Connector, they will encounter new artistic light installations and five performing groups. At 161st Ave NE, participants will turn left and have an opportunity to warm up by burn barrels and with some warm treats from food trucks and in the beer and wine garden at Downtown Park. The Moving Art Center will be energized by music on 161st Ave NE, vendors will be situated along the west end of the park, an artwork by Jen Szabo will be on display in the lawn, and Buoyant will be activated by Artist in Residence Maja Petric.

 As walkers exit the park on Brown street, they will walk east on the Redmond Central Connector, passing festive light displays and encounter a fire dancer and steel drum band on the way to Redmond Town Center. There, participants will explore community and faith groups of our city, vendors, another performing arts stage, Santa’s house, a skating rink and ice sculpture photo booth. Sunday, December 8, 5:00 to 8:00 PM “A Peaceful Interlude” 

 Begin at City Hall experience beautifully illuminated trees and a visual art installation. 

 As participants walk down the Sammamish River Trail to the Redmond Central Connector, they will encounter the artistic light installations. 

 At 161st Ave NE, participants will turn left and have an opportunity to warm up at burn barrels and with some warm treats from food trucks and in the beer and wine garden at Downtown Park. 

 At Downtown Park, an artwork by Jen Szabo will be on display in the lawn and Buoyant will be activated by Artist in Residence Maja Petric. 

- Redmond City Council Committee Memo

Happy Halloween!

Ready and waiting for all the Education Hill munchkins!  Let the doorbell ring!!

Photo by John Reinke, November 2011 near Redmond library

Seismic Upgrades Recommended for 1996 City Water Storage Tank

The City owns and operates a four and half million-gallon (4.5 MG) water storage tank in SE Redmond. The tank is located at 18609 NE 65th St., near Fire Station 16 and Genie Industries. 

The steel tank was constructed in 1996 and is scheduled for exterior and interior paint recoating. The contract consultant, Gray & Osborne Engineers, has completed their preliminary evaluation of the existing tank coatings and the seismic structural design from 1996. 

The evaluation report recommends that the tank re-coatings move forward, and the seismic design be updated to higher structural performance level. 

This project will also make other improvements to the tank, installing new safety railings, storm gutters, support piping and telemetry system updates. The water tank will need to be taken off line and drained during construction to re-coat the interior surfaces and to upgrade the seismic system. The temporary shutdown will occur outside of the summer peak period. The shutdown will have no impact to water service because of the built-in redundancy of the City water system. 

-- Council Public Works Committee memo 

The Great ShakeOut And EvergreenHealth

Millions of people worldwide will practice how to drop, cover and hold on, on Oct. 17 during Great ShakeOut earthquake drills. Lake Washington School District is participating as well as Kaiser Permanente.

Washingtonians can join them by registering for the 2019 Great Washington ShakeOut. Participating is a great way for EvergreenHealth employees, their patients and others to be prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes.

I wrote our seven elected officials at EvergreenHealth to encourage them to participate in the program since the hospital is so concerned about seismic retrofitting, as per the failed $345 million bond. They never responded how and if they are preparing their employees for the big one. EvergreenHealth’s lack of planning doesn’t encourage me to go there. Hopefully, our community hospital will take its head out of the sand and join other hospitals participating in the Great ShakeOut.

Bob Yoder

This Letter to the Editor was published in the Redmond Reporter, 10/13

EvergreenHealth Seeking Community Advisor Candidates

Volunteers provide counsel to EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners and Administration

Kirkland, Wash. – EvergreenHealth is now recruiting volunteers for its Community Advisor program, who play a vital role in advancing the health system’s mission to enrich the health and well-being of its community. Community Advisors serve as ambassadors for the organization, helping to shape future services and programs through direct consultation with EvergreenHealth’s elected board and administrative leaders.

Community Advisors attend nine educational sessions throughout the year focusing on health care issues that impact the Eastside community and explore the services EvergreenHealth offers to address those issues. Additionally, they serve on internal EvergreenHealth committees, such as the Ethics and Board Quality committees, and represent EvergreenHealth at community events and organizations.

Board-appointed volunteers serve three-year terms beginning in January, with the option to renew after each three-year term and serving up to nine years. Qualifications include community involvement, professional and/or volunteer experience, strong communication skills and an interest in health care delivery. Advisors must be residents of the EvergreenHealth District, which encompasses Bothell, Duvall, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish and Woodinville.

Please submit applications online by October 31^st, available online at www.evergreenhealth.com/advisors; by calling 425.899.2613 or by emailing cmchamberlin@evergreenhealth.com.

Sections Of Education Hill Homes May Be Subject To ReZoning

Take a look at a City of Redmond draft document “City of Redmond Community Strategic Plan 2019”.

On page 10, under 2019-2020 Actions, there is is a bullet for “explore rezones that allow increased density in return for increased affordable housing production”.  Look under Objective 3, ‘Not started’ on page 10 to see the proposed rezone statement. It is mid-page.

There is no explanation of which city locations might be under scrutiny.  

This is is something for the Education Hill neighborhood to be aware of, since there are sections of older homes that may be vulnerable to ‘upzoning’. (Ironically, the older homes are ‘affordable' single family housing).

-Susan Robertson, Education Hill resident

EdHNA Mayoral Candidate Forum

UPDATED: Exciting Art Planned for Overlake Village

In the October 1st Council Committee meeting some exciting news was reviewed about two large-scale Overlake Village art projects in the vicinity of 152nd Ave. NE.

152nd Ave NE  is planned to become the main street, pedestrian and retail focused corridor in Overlake Village that connects Bellevue, the bus transit center, two city parks and the Overlake Village Light Rail Station.  Bike/Pedestrian and Gateway art are planned.

Gateway "wall art" is planned for the corner of 152nd Ave. NE and 124th Street S.to welcome travelers coming to Redmond by light rail. Councilmember David Carson (running for re-election) recommended focusing the art on the north wall to greet the incoming light rail travelers. Parks Committee Chair Councilmember Hank Myers (also running for re-election) was concerned  the current SW and NW walls would be cut into existing properties, like Goodwill. He was re-assured the walls would remain at the same level, that it was more of a Department of Transportation issue, not affecting art. Staff assured council the art wall will be small and fit well with the landscape design.

The Bike/Pedestrian SR520 Bike/Ped "black" bridge to Microsoft has exciting large scale art in the design stage. It's a square tunnel decorated with tiles made, by a robot. with rainbow colors arched over the tunnel and two rows of palm trees leading up to the tunnel. Staff coined it "a celebration of the LGBPQ community." Staff assured Mr. Myers and Mr. Margeson tagging with graffiti wouldn't be a problem.

I was put off staff labeled and pigeonholed this art as they did. Personally, it made me feel happy like I was heading off from our dreary weather to a vacation in Florida. Council President Angela Birney (running for Mayor) thought it was cool too.  Councilmember Steve Fields asked what inspired the City to install it as is?  He referenced his knowledge of art in Santa Clara.  

Hank Meyers said he has a lesbian daughter but Redmond had many other cultural opportunities; that LGBPQ didn't represent our greater community.  Staff answered that Redmond already has a diversity of art! Can you believe it?!  He and Councilmember Steve Fields (running for mayor ) were disappointed by the poor public notice, saying community feedback was insufficient. I agree! Staff responded with a very weak response, referencing: an arts commission review, a 2013 "public process,"  a 2015 survey and a hearing in 2014.

The total budget for this public art project is $180,000, including a one percent allocation from the project. As usual, Steve Fields brought up the budget. $90,000 was spent on the tiles through a $32,000 grant and the general fund bringing the city over-budget. Councilmember Hank Margeson (running for council) said adjustments to the general fund weren't unusual. He appeared to be the go-to man for knowledge on city finances.

-- Bob Yoder

Join Redmond Fire Department For An Open House

Redmond, WA – The Redmond Fire Department is joining the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in observing national Fire Prevention Week, October 7 – 12. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” The campaign works to educate everyone about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

The Redmond Fire Department will host a series of open houses at local fire stations throughout Fire Prevention Week. The open houses provide an opportunity for residents to make a home escape plan, meet Sparky the Fire Dog, tour a local fire station, try on bunker gear, and climb aboard the fire engines that Redmond Fire uses to serve the City.

NFPA statistics show that in 2017, U.S. Fire Departments responded to 357,000 structure fires. These fires caused 2,630 fire deaths and 10,600 fire injuries. On average, seven people died in a fire in a home per day during 2012 to 2016 in the United States.

“Home fires continue to be a serious risk, but planning and preparation improves safety and saves lives,” said Redmond Fire Chief Tommy Smith. “Fire Prevention Week is a great opportunity for community members to meet their local firefighters and learn about fire safety.”

For the complete schedule of fire station open houses and to read more about Fire Prevention Week, visit www.redmond.gov/FireWeek.

Earthquake Preparedness In LWSD

Lake Washington School District (LWSD) works with all its schools to ensure that earthquake response plans are in place. Our buildings are built to seismic codes, and older buildings have been retrofitted. All natural gas lines have seismic shut-off valves. The district has a Safety Advisory Committee that meets monthly to discuss emergency planning and safety. As part of those plans, the district follows guidance from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and currently recommends “drop, cover and hold” as the state-approved response to earthquakes. Students practice this method during earthquake drills. LWSD will also participate in the Great Washington ShakeOut on October 17 at 10:17 a.m. This is a state-wide earthquake drill. Source:  LWSD Connections What is EvergreenHealth doing to retrofit their buildings?.... many of them built to 1968 - 2010 standards.  The $345M August, 2019 bond was intended to provide seismic retrofits. It failed. To date, their leadership has lacked transparency - not providing solutions to how they will be earthquake ready.   On another note, the Redmond fire department is retrofitting their stations.

UPDATED: A small opportunity for affordable housing?

Open green space on 83rd and 166th

About a half a year ago I posted a photo of  the downtown "pocket park" on 83rd and 166th Ave. It obviously isn't a park but for the downtown it seemed a pleasant patch of green "open space."

I explored the place and counted 9 trees on the property, some of which appeared dangerous so I contacted the code enforcement officer.  It took quite a while to hear back because the city real estate division was trying identify the owner.  Well, wouldn't  you know -- the city owns the property! (Currently the city is assessing the trees for safety.)

So what are the possible uses of this open space?  The above photo  was taken at 10:30 a.m. today and we see it's filled with parked cars....perhaps construction worker's cars.  Personally, I don't think parking is best use.  Affordable housing is a huge need in the city. Why not build "tiny houses" here or even a small pod multi-family apartment building?

If you think tiny houses or some other use is a good idea write city council at:  council@redmond.gov.  I just asked the Council to consider an apodment.

(An "apodment" is a separately rentable bedroom-bathroom suite in an apartment, with use of the apartment's kitchen, in a building full of such units. A typical apodment has 150 - 275 square feet of private space, not including shared kitchens, hallways, stairs, and entries)

-- Bob Yoder

Gull Feasting On Huge Salmon - Sammamish River

Gull with Chinook salmon

At first I thought it must be a log or a piece of driftwood.  However, as I drew closer to it, I could see that it was actually a large dead Chinook salmon – indeed, one of the biggest I have ever seen.  It had likely been on its way back to breed at the Issaquah Hatchery, when it somehow met its demise.

It was clearly a male, as evidenced by the noticeable ‘kype’ located at the tip of the lower jaw.  This is a hook-like secondary sex characteristic which develops in some male salmonids prior to the spawning season.  I estimated its size as about three feet in length.

As I drew closer, I noticed a couple of gulls circling overhead. One landed in the water and swam over to the salmon.  After inspecting it for a few moments, it sank its beak deep into the eye socket area, as I snapped off a few photos.

The gull appeared to me to be an immature glaucous-winged gull.  This species is very common in our area and takes four years to become an adult.  In the immature phase, the feather coloration is an admixture of cream-colored white and a mottled tan, with a black beak. 

The gull continued to paddle along beside the salmon and occasionally peck at it.  After observing the two for a while longer, I finally decided to continue on my way, leaving nature to take its inevitable course.

Story and Photos by John Reinke

Young Mink Spotted On Sammamish River

Young mink spotted on Sammamish River across from the fishing pier at Luke McRedmond Landing

The mink is scampering into the grasses

During a break in the rain showers on Monday afternoon, I went for a stroll south along the Sammamish River Trail.  I started from the promontory located opposite the Opportunity Building, near the Ben Franklin store.

After a few minutes, I passed underneath Redmond Way and entered the park area known as the Luke McRedmond Landing.  Continuing southward, I bypassed the short concrete walkway that branches off and descends to the river’s edge, where anglers sometimes cast for fish.

Glancing directly across the river at that point, I thought I saw some movement on a small ‘island’ of tangled logs and branches up against the opposite bank.  Slowing my stride, I took a closer look.  Sure enough, I spotted what I quickly realized was a young mink, dark brown in color.  It was much smaller than the otters which I have also occasionally seen in here the river.  I would guess it was about 15 or 16 inches in length.