King Conservation District Elections - Vote For Our Environment

I'm endorsing Chris Porter, B. Yoder

A little-known election is now here in King county! Normally your ballot will arrive in the mailbox when it’s time to vote, but for Conservation District Elections you have to remember to request a ballot, show up in person to vote, or use a new online voting system that will allow you to cast your vote through your smartphone or computer.

Voting for the King Conservation District Elections begins online today, January 22, through February 11. 

Check out King Conservation District’s website for more information, updates on how to vote, and to learn about the candidates running this year. 

Districts offer a range of voluntary services including assistance with erosion control, habitat restoration, manure management, wildfire prevention and mitigation, stormwater management, forest plans, irrigation efficiency, noxious weed control, fish barrier removals, livestock stream crossings, and more.

Conservation districts also  offer a range of voluntary services including assistance with erosion control, habitat restoration, manure management, wildfire prevention and mitigation, stormwater management, forest plans, irrigation efficiency, noxious weed control, fish barrier removals, livestock stream crossings, and more.

Conservation Districts are locally-led. Each district is directed by a five-member board of supervisors. There are 45 Conservation Districts in the state of Washington. Check out the list of all Conservation District Elections in Washington.

-- Emily Krieger
   Political and Civic Engagement Manager

"EasTrail" Will Connect Four Light Rail Stations

July 19, 2019 video

"EasTrail," a forty-two mile multi-purpose trail connecting four eastside light rail stations is expected to open in 2023...an amazing amenity for our region! It follows the old rail corridor. One of the goals is to complete the trail from Renton to Redmond and Woodinville by 2025.  The trail will ultimately extend to Bothell, Mill Creek and Snohomish.  

This is so exciting! Especially for recreational bicyclists and commuters! 

-- Bob Yoder

Claudia Balducci Voted New Chair Of King County Council

As chair of the King County Council Claudia Balducci is the first woman since Councilmember Julia Patterson in 2008 to chair the King County Council and the first Eastsider serving as chair since Councilmember Louise Miller held the position in 1999. Recently re-elected to her second term on the Council, Balducci previously served on the Bellevue City Council, including as mayor, where she was a strong advocate for light rail and stewarded the contentious EastLink agreement with Sound Transit to fruition. In 2019 Balducci chaired the Council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee where she sponsored the 2020-25 King County Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Levy, which passed with 70% of King County voter approval. In addition to her role on the County Council, Balducci serves as vice president of the Puget Sound Regional Council, Chair of the Sound Transit System Expansion Committee and she convened and chairs the King County Affordable Housing Committee.

School District's Strategic Plan - "Elevate"

Superintendent Jane Stavem

The calendar has turned over to the new year, and I found it just a bit disconcerting to actually write down the number 2020. I can remember when that date seemed very far away and almost had a science fiction type ring to it. 

On the day before a break ends, I often think of children and adults and the range of emotions that can be part of returning to school and work. I see families making final trips to the store for lunch bag items and supplies for the week and I notice kids outside playing, using up some energy so everyone sleeps well that night. Undoubtedly, there is a mixture of excitement and anxiety about going to back to the regular schedule after being away from the routine. 

Our District Strategic Plan – Elevate includes initiatives that are specifically designed to support people and even create some excitement about returning to school after a break!

UPDATED: EvergreenHealth Moving Forward

According to EvergreenHealth's Communications Officer, the Emergency Department is considering a Behavioral Health Urgent Care clinic.  The hospital is taking a look at Everett's Providence Hospital model.  The Urgent Care model would 1) lighten the load of EvergreenHealth's busy emergency department, 2) cut hospital costs, 3) improve care and 4) help make those seeking behavioral health as seamless as those seeking medical care.

On another note:  Three Redmond city councilmembers and I walked with an EvergreenHealth banner during the annual NAMI Mental Health Walk to raise awareness.  A vice President within the EvergreenHealth organization gave me the banner and promised the hospital would open an out-patient mental health clinic if their $325M bond passed. The bond failed and we have no clinic.

The failed $325M bond measure also included seismic upgrades, relocating their Critical Care Unit  (CCU) and renovating their Family Maternity Center (FMC.)  Though, the hospital won't build a modest mental health clinic, they're moving forward with their plans to relocate and enhance the CCU and FMC with a $70,000,000 loan.  As for seismic upgrades, still no word and it doesn't look good.

-- Bob Yoder

Source:  Board of Commision public meeting minutes, 12/3/19
              Kay Taylor, Marketing and Communications V.P.
              

UPDATED: Mayor Angela Birney: "Be Prepared. Stay Informed"

10-Day Weather Forecast

To update the City on road conditions and downed trees e-mail info@redmond.gov 

Updated: Lake Washington School District Bargaining Update

UPDATED: Lake Washington support professionals ratify new three-year contract with LWSD.  

Lake Washington School District has been actively engaged in bargaining with the Lake Washington Education Support Professionals (LWESP) since May 2019. To help support negotiations, the district requested mediation services from the Public Employees Relation Commission (PERC) in August. 

The district and LWESP have participated in eight mediated sessions since August and have continued to exchange proposals.

On January 6, 2020, the district proposal included an average salary increase of 12.8% over three years. The LWESP provided a counter proposal on January 6 that included an average salary increase of 28.1% over three years.

Despite current progress, LWESP notified the media on January 7 that their members voted to authorize a strike. However, RCW 41.56.120 states that classified employees, such as the LWESP, are not legally permitted to strike.

Under RCW 41.56.123, the current contract extends through August 31, 2020, or until a new contract is established.

The district continues to approach each bargaining session in good faith and will continue to consider all reasonable proposals.

-- Shannon Parthemer, LWSD

King County Property Tax Relief Program Threshold Increases

“As I begin my new term, I am pleased to let taxpayers know we'll be launching a county-wide effort starting in just a few weeks to enroll as many eligible taxpayers as possible into the property tax relief program,” said Wilson. “The old economic threshold of $40,000 will increase in King County by almost 50% -- to $58,423. This change should open the door to thousands more seniors, the disabled, and those injured former vets being eligible for help with their property taxes.”

-- King County Assessor John Wilson

UPDATED OPINION: Redmond Could Be A Regional Leader In Mental Health Care

Mayor Birney's Vision Statement was just released: "A connected community that enhances livability and sustains the environment, and that places Redmond as a leader locally, regionally, and nationally." 

 I really like it.  

During the city official swearing in ceremony Minerva Butler of the EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners addressed the council and mayor encouraging the in-coming councilmembers and mayor and lauding the out-going city officials. The City appears tightly connected with EvergreenHealth and Redmond should have every reason to work with this public hospital toward their goals for improved community health.
  
One health service seriously lacking at EvergreenHealth is mental health care -- though I commend the hospital for recently taking a small step to hire a part-time psychiatrist for treatment of their Parkinson's patients.  EvergreenHealth's service area is over 1 million residents. Their families  deserve much better mental health care than a part-time doctor and restricted in-home care.

It's a known fact that one in five Americans have a mental health condition in a given year.  This translates into well over 13,000 Redmond residents/year (for our population of 65,000) struggling in some way with their mental health. This need deserves action from our public hospital.

Currently, EvergreenHealth's commissioners are considering a "Behavioral Health Urgent Care" clinic to treat suicidal, depressed and anxious residents.  Redmond officials should use their connections to help make this happen.  EvergreenHealth serves Kirkland, Woodinville, Kenmore, and Bothell, as well.  Redmond has the opportunity to be a local and regional leader for mental health care; our mayor should not pass this by.   

- Bob Yoder

Introduction Of Mayor Angela Birney

Mayor Angela Birney
Email Angela Birney
Phone: 425-556-2133

Mayor's Vision

A connected community that enhances livability and sustains the environment, and that places Redmond as a leader locally, regionally, and nationally.

Mayor's Biography

Term: 2020-2023

Elected as Mayor in 2019, Angela Birney is now in her first term as mayor of Redmond. The community of over 65,000 is home to a variety of several large industries such as aerospace, high tech, video game production, and biotech, as well as thousands of small businesses where over 85,000 people are employed.

As Mayor, she is the executive leader, with oversight of eight departments and over 600 employees. The Mayor collaborates with Council to set the strategy, vision, and policies for the City of Redmond.

Redmond has a strong Mayor/Council, non-partisan form of government. Seven council members and the Mayor, all representing the community at large, are each elected directly by the people for staggered four-year teams.

Mayor Birney was elected to City Council in 2015 and served as Council President from 2018 to 2019. Prior to her Council service, she was the chair of the Redmond Parks and Trails Commission and volunteered her time at several different organizations throughout the Redmond community. She currently represents Redmond on the King County Regional Policy Committee, Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Committee, Sound Cities Association Board and Public Issues Committee, Cascade Water Alliance Board, Eastrail Regional Advisory Committee, and the Hopelink Board. She is a 2017 Leadership Eastside graduate.

Angela is a Washington native and grew up in Eastern Washington. She moved to Redmond in 1998. Formerly a middle school science teacher, she earned a Master of Education from Heritage University and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology Education from Eastern Washington University. She lives on Education Hill with her husband and daughters.

--redmond.gov

EvergreenHealth Property Taxes Approved

The "Silver Tower" of EvergreenHealth Med. Ctr. 

During the EvergreenHealth Public Hearing of November 15th, 2019 the seven commissioners voted unanimously to approve a 2020 Regular Tax Levy of $19,311,562 (Resolution No. 907-19.) 

An Excess Proper Tax Levy authorized for 2019 for repayment of UTGO bonds is $8,292,000 for calendar year 2020 was approved (Resolution No. 907-19.)  These bonds are the residual of a bond measure passed by 60% years ago to pay for the Silver Tower and new Emergency Department. 

-- Source:  Public Record Request

NW Lake Sammamish Sewer Upgrade Project

An example of open-cut trenching we can expect

The King County Lake Hills/NW Sammamish Sewer Upgrade Project will seriously impact western Redmond with construction starting in 2021. It will take three years to complete.

"The sewer pipe is located underground directly beneath the Sammamish River Trail surface between N.E. 85th Street and N.E. 51st Street. To replace the pipe, crews will need to remove the trail surface.  It will encroach upon Marymoor Park.and private property. 

"Many trees have grown up round the the sewer pipe since it was installed 50 years ago.  Crews will need an area approximately 30-45 feet wide along the entire pipe route to safely install the new pipe. Plants and trees will be removed in these working limits.  Over the length of the 4.5 mile-long sewer route we expect to remove several hundred trees. 

"When work is complete, we will replant at least one tree for every mature tree that is removed.  For trees that are removed and are 30-inches-wide or larger, three new trees will be planted.  These guidelines are set by the City of Redmond."

 -- King County planner

I highly recommend you participate in the online open house to learn more about the project and give feedback. I've taken it and found it very useful. It is very well done.  

The following meeting is planned to review the project and gather additional feedback:

Wednesday, January 8, 2020
5:30 – 7 p.m. Redmond City Hall, Council Chambers
15670 N.E. 85th St., Redmond, WA 98052

On another note, during 2019 Derby Days the City Parks & Trails Manager said the Sammamish River Trail is planned to be widened. The Trail is on King County property and I wouldn't be surprised if the widening takes place during the sewer project.

- Reported by John Reinke and Bob Yoder

12/31/2019

Booster Seats For School Children

Under a new State law, booster seats will be required for students up to age 13 if under 4'9."  Will this be another reason to tease or bully? 

LWSD 2019 Year In Review

New LWSD Mission Statement

The District's Vision is:  "Every Student Future Ready."

Superintendent Jane Stavem's Mission is: "to help every student graduate prepared to lead a rewarding and responsible life as a contributing member of our community and greater society."

"We accomplish that goal when we all come together through our unique roles to care for our students and love them as they make their way to adulthood – an academic journey, a social journey, and a personal journey."  - Stavem

Connections newsletter, 12/19

City Of Redmond Swearing In Ceremony

l-r Angela Birney, David Carson, Varisha Kahn, Jessica Forsythe, Vanessa Kritzer

In a ceremony during Redmond City Council's December 17th meeting, newly elected Redmond residents Angela Birney (Mayor), Varisha Khan (Council Position No. 1), Jessica Forsythe (Council Position No. 3), Vanessa Kritzer (Council Position No. 5), and David Carson (Council Position No. 7) were officially sworn in. Their terms are effective January 2020 through December 2023.

Thirteen different council/mayoral candidate signs were staked.  Amazingly, most were removed within a day following the election. (click to enlarge)

Mayor-elect Birney was elected to City Council in 2015 and served as Council President from 2018 to 2019. She currently represents Redmond on several regional boards and committees and previously served on the Parks and Trails Commission. Angela grew up in Eastern Washington and moved to Redmond in 1998. Formerly a middle school science teacher, she earned a Master of Education from Heritage University and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology Education from Eastern Washington University. She lives on Education Hill with her husband and daughters.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE YODERS

UPDATED: Dr. David Morton, Redmond's Most Prolific Speaker

Dr. Morton posing at the Youth Climate Strike

In my 13 years of observing and reporting on city government I can say Dr. David Morton, a citizen of greater Redmond with a PhD in Chemistry, is unarguably the most prolific public speaker in the City of Redmond, and perhaps it's history.  For six years David's been speaking during  "Items From The Audience" at the beginning of  each and every  Regular meeting held by Council. Since David's first speech on Sept. 17, 2013 he's delivered 124 prepared  four minute talks.  Besides public speaking, David participates in Redmond's "Green Redmond" program, planting trees and restoring urban forests.

David is a gentle spirit, obsessed with anything having to do with pollution in our city. An activist by nature,  environmental sustainability and pollution in Redmond are his top priorities. He works exceptionally hard with extreme persistence to raise awareness. Very rarely the city takes action but he's had a couple wins along the way.

Dr. Morton's first and longest sequence of speeches (rants) was about the pollution and smell emanating from Watson Asphalt.  He doesn't live far from Watson and was concerned and fearful that plumes of carcinogenic air were blowing into the neighborhoods.  Citing scientific and case studies, he stubbornly recommended  newer scrubbing technology but Council didn't act, though Watson quietly stopped using "cutback asphalt." So David picked another topic to harp on -- leaf blower air and noise pollution.

Redmond Tree Canopy

Evans Creek Trail / Bob Yoder

Tree Canopy in Redmond is very important to our government officials and it's residents. In fact, every year for the past many years our Council and mayor have had multiple Study Sessions on our trees.  

Why is tree canopy so important?  Redmond’s character and main attraction for many community members is its trees, wooded areas, and urban forests. The benefits of trees and urban forests include reduced stormwater runoff, improved water and air quality, attractive communities, increased property values, greenhouse gas reduction, habitat for native wildlife,and improved quality of life, including finding serenity while hiking through Redmond's many wooded trails. 

Currently there are 4,062 acres of tree canopy within Redmond. I'm not sure if this includes our street trees and the Redmond Preserve. (Comments?) Overall, tree canopy coverage is declining at a rate of 12 to 13 acres per year as vacant and underutilized parcels continue to develop or redevelop. During the 2019 Redmond Lights festival I ran into Gary Smith, a parks and trails commissioner. He said a large development in North Redmond involved removing a significant number of trees; he thinks and hopes the trees will be replaced in the Keller Farm Mitigation Bank. 

The City of Redmond is currently at 38.1% tree canopy (as of 2017); the City is working hard to see this grow and has adopted a goal of 40% tree canopy by 2050.  The 2050 goal represents a 200-acre increase in canopy from where we are today. The City currently restores and plants approximately two acres of trees and shrubs annually and is planting four acres of trees in 2019 . Green Redmond recruits citizen volunteers to plant many of these trees.

John Reinke, a Redmond photojournalist, has taken many pictures of birds and wildlife in our woodland habitat. I sent him an outstanding article WITH great pictures titled "Super Trees."  It's a must see.  (For more on John's tree experiences "Read More"

Youth Climate Strike

Kirkland Mayor Penny Sweet responding to youth protesters.
The four student leaders are shown above.

At Kirkland's Marina Park on Friday, December 6th, 1:30 p.m. Four Eastside students led a peaceful "Youth Climate Strike" -- one that was taking place across the country on the same day.  (The march was on not on December 7th.) Student leaders from Lake Washington High, Bellevue High (2) and Overlake High organized the strike. After speeches to mostly adults they led the strikers carrying signs to Kirkland City Hall chanting: "hey hey! ho ho! climate change has got to go!"  Many marched It's estimated the turn-out was 30-40, Kirkland mayor Penny Sweet thanked them for bringing attention to the climate crisis and explained the city's progress towards lowering CO-2 emissions.

One of the students said another strike is planned for April or May at another location. The strike by local youth at Seattle city hall was much larger.  KOMO reported on it, including a good video of the event.

Reported by Bob Yoder
12/10/19

Redmond High School Lacrosse Program Looking Up

*16th annual lacrosse Space Needle Shootout

Coach Rob Edison's Redmond High School Lacrosse Club entered the 16th annual Space Needle Shootout early December.  The Stangs defeated Juanita High 6-2 and Madlax (Portland All-Stars.) 9-0.  They lost to a mixed bag of Bainbridge-Shoreline players 4-12 and Seattle Prep 3-7.

Coach Edison recounted: "We played Seattle Prep but had several starters out with injuries and actually had two more go down during the game, leaving us with only one sub. We hung in there though and considering Prep will be likely playing Odea for the State Championship for the Private School league this year, it was a nice morale victory considering our circumstances. I think the final was 3-7, or something like that.

Our season kicks off in March and between now and then, it will be all preseason conditioning and captains led practices and such. Our HS program should have around 40 guys this year. A vast improvement from years past. Feel very good about this upcoming season. I have built a very competitive schedule. We should have one of the strongest RPIs in the State with rarely a night off. It will be a major test and we will take our lumps here and there, but I have faith that if everyone stays healthy and we continue what we have been doing, we have an opportunity to do something very special at Redmond. While State Championships seem far off, it is not unreasonable to think about us making a run at it if everything comes together and we should certainly be in discussion as one of the top 10-15 teams in the State this year. I hope – depends now on the kids and the work they put in, but they are a great group of kids and are very resilient."

-- Coach Edison, 12/8

*I plan more reporting and promise improving my interview skills. - Yoder

The 16th annual Space Needle Shootout is the oldest and largest boys lacrosse tournament in the Northwest. The Shootout provides the chance for high school teams, town teams, regional teams, select teams and all-star teams to compete from around the Northwest.