L.W. School District Buys 25 Acres For Future Schools

Lake Washington School District 
Learning Areas

With 16,000 housing units planned for development in the next 10 years the District is scrambling for any buildable land they can find.  Luck has it, Cadman Gravel was willing to sell the District 25.46 acres.  The land is in S.E. Redmond, east of SR 520 and south of Union Hill.  Federal Express is directly to the West; Costco is just northwest. 

Elementary and secondary schools can be accommodated on the parcel.  One of the finest amenities, in my opinion, is it's proximity to nature preserves, trails and parks. It abuts the riparian habitat of Evans Creek while keeping within the Urban Growth Boundary.  Thousands of housing units may be built south of the property; students can walk to school.  The land is adjacent to a dynamic commercial district.  The regional amenities of light rail, Marymoor Park and trails are not far-off.  

The purchase price is $40,000,000.  Funding sources are:  the Rose Hill property sale ($18,000,000,) April 2016 bond project balance ($20,000.000,) and the Capital Levy. The bond and levy received construction assistance funds.  

Superintendent Barbara Posthumous spent plenty of time talking about the growth within our region, 
pressuring the District.  Some of the news is alarming:   King County is the fourth largest county in the country by population growth; LWSD is the fastest growing District in King county.  LWSD enrollment has grown by 31% (7,337 students) since 2008 and is expecting continued growth of 11% for the next ten years, bringing in an additional 3,450 students. The majority of the district’s schools are at or over capacity, and continued population growth will only exacerbate this.

Totem Lake is projected to have 3,600 new housing units within ten years; with downtown Kirkland and Rose Hill 1900 new units.  The City of Redmond city center and Marymoor Village are projected to have 3200 new units.  Sammamish projects 1274 units in the next ten years.  Redmond has the largest growth of any city in the District.

Twenty-nine of 41 schools are at or over capacity at this time.  LWSD is the second largest District in the State.  

Ongoing business growth on the Eastside is rapid:  Google plans to add up to 1 million square feet of office space in Kirkland. Amazon is bringing 300-600 engineers to Redmond.  A major Facebook business unit is moving onto Willows Road; the large Proctor housing development will service them.

--Reported by Bob Yoder, 4/22/2021

I want to thank Barbara Posthumous, Associate Superintendent of Business and Support for her excellent presentation on the land purchase.  Ms. Posthumous is also the C.F.O. of the District.  Barbara gave her presentation during the District Business Meeting of April 19th.  

UPDATED OPINION: 5/16/2021::Safety Aside: LIME e-Scooters Could Be The Answer To Light Rail Access.

Note:  The scooter can go uphill (actually to the top into Ed. Hill neighborhoods)
and it fits on this particular sidewalk.

                      
As part of the Redmond Transportation Master Plan, bicycle and e-scooter "sharing" support the City’s vision to improve travel choices and mobility. The scooters will give Redmond travelers micromobility options as the average trip in Redmond is 2.2 miles, which is about a 15-minute bike or scooter ride."  (C.O.R.); vitally important when light rail arrives in 2024. 

BELIEVE IT OR NOT on February 24th 2020 reporter Kristina Moy of the Post Intelligencer wrote:  "2019 was a banner year for Lime Redmond. And thanks to its riders, Lime Redmond hit several milestones. Last year, 17,000 unique riders (or the equivalent of 1/4 of the population of Redmond) rode a scooter in Redmond in less than 6 months of operation and 30.9% of riders reported their last scooter trip replaced a car trip. This means that Redmond scooter riders took 21,057 miles of car travel of Redmond roads in 2019."  Ecstasy, lousy reporting or propaganda?  I don't trust Lime.

On February 24, 2020, Ms. Moy reported Lime Redmond expects to surpass its 2019 milestones with the addition of Group Ride which will allow riders to unlock up to five scooters on the same host account and Lime Pass, a discounted subscription pass.  Have you seen Group Ride?

Well, apparently Lime, and Redmond commuters had a very good year in 2019 though I don't recall seeing more than a dozen riders then; and around four this year.  Most all riders were in their 20's or under; just like today.  It appears scooters aren't used at all for commuting, rather mostly for recreation. Why do we see these Limes scattered around the City and in our neighborhoods? Is the City trying to condition us?  Educate us?  

Light rail won't arrive for more than three years.  The city planner seems too far ahead of himself. In my opinion, he's justifying his job.

SAFETY:  You can't talk about Limes without thinking of safety. The following are serious concerns:

1)  Helmets "shall be worn."   97% don't.  When the City gets serious about Limes I suggest they beef up their bicycle police force to warn or enforce the $30 fine.  

2) My wife and I saw a mother scootering down 164th with her 3-year old hanging onto the stem. No comment.

3)  Allowing scooters to share sidewalks with pedestrians makes walking uncomfortable and dangerous. 

4) Maintenance:  If you ever biked the Sammamish River Trail you'd know the value a bell has for safety.  I noticed on a downtown walk a few didn't work; it makes you wonder what else needs fixing and maintaining.    

Urban micromobilty with scooters will be vital when light rail comes to Redmond.  It's good the City is being proactive in preparing for that "big moment."   Currently, Lime ridership is terribly weak, even with this good weather. Next year should be more of the same, though post-pandemic behaviors must be considered. Now is not the time to collect data from pilot programs. ndemic commuting behaviors 

Traffic congestion and parking isn't so severe that Limes are needed for mitigation.  Light rail won't be here until 2024.  We have ample time to stop this experiment and study other cities' programs launching LIME  in 2023.  

-- Bob Yoder, opinion

    Photo, Bob

   4/20/2021

Temperature Checks Required To Enter Schools

Lake Washington School District
Learning Areas

COVID precautions at schools: Daily Digital Attestation process for middle school/high school students, as follows:

We are excited to welcome back our in-person, grades 6-12 students on Monday, April 19! 

All Lake Washington School District (LWSD) students and staff must complete a health check each time they enter the building for the day to attest that they have no symptoms of COVID-19 or close contacts with people who have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Attestation and/or screening of all persons is an important step to keep anyone that has symptoms of COVID-19 out of district buildings. This process is required by The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) as well as the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). 

For middle school and high school students, a new digital attestation process, called “Wellness Screening,” is available from use of a smart phone with an application. Elementary students will continue to complete paper attestation forms. 

Once it has been verified that the student has completed the wellness screener, the student’s temperature will be taken. If their temperature is under 100.4 degrees, the person can enter the building. Even if a student is going to be absent, we are encouraging students to complete their digital attestation to help us keep track of COVID symptoms. 

 -- LWSD "Connection" excerpts and edits 4/17/2021, King County Phase 3

COVID Precautions At Medical Waiting Rooms

COVID dental sign

I've been to two dentists this pandemic and find it's Standard Of Practice the patient wait for their appointment in their car (rather than the lobby.)  Texting facilitates the process. This sign was found on Katie Ostzler, DMD property in Redmond.  

Dental cleaning procedures vary in response to COVID. In one office, a dental hygienist cleaned only by scraping; no brushing.  The dentist would then peek into my mouth for about a 5 second inspection.  I left this dentist. 

I found a much better dentist. Once a day potential virus is removed with an aerosol of sorts. The hygenist spent over 50 minutes cleaning my teeth, inspecting my gums, xraying, etc.  The dentist inspected my neck and tongue for cancer and of  course my teeth. 

-- Bob Yoder, King County Phase 3, 4/17/2021

$600 Million Emergency Supplemental COVID Budget For King County!

King County Executive Dow Constantine 

Coming up at King County Council, April 19-23

 Next week is packed with action at council, including committee action on the next emergency COVID budget ($600M), a proposal to ban the use of facial recognition software countywide, and the Strategic Climate Action Plan, while full council will take up sending the renewal of the Best Starts for Kids levy to voters.

Here’s what’s coming up at King County Council:

• The $600 million emergency supplemental COVID budget is the seventh supplemental since the pandemic began, and will spend money across a variety of services, including vaccination efforts, community supports, public health response, economic recovery and more. This represents the largest appropriation by far and is likely to warrant a robust discussion at the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. Once approved by committee, the measure will go to full council by May 11. The committee meets at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 20.
  
  
• Full council is set to vote on legislation to renew the Best Starts for Kids levy for another six years. The new proposal would set a first-year levy rate of $0.19 per $1,000 of assessed property value with annual growth capped at 3%. If approved, the proposal will appear on the August 3 primary ballot. Council meets at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20.
  
  

2021 Redmond Saturday Market Opens May 1st!

2021 Redmond Saturday Market opens May 1st!

The 2021 Redmond Saturday Market season is upon us!  The Market opens May 1st and runs through the last Saturday of October, 9 am to 2 pm.  We have moved to our new permanent home at the parking lot of Overlake Christian Church on Willows Road.  Masks are required of course. 

See you there!

Redmond Saturday Market
www.redmondsaturdaymarket.org
Health, Strength, Kindness. Eyes Up!

LWSD Opens K-12 Schools For Indoor Learning on April 19th

  Pathway Forward

Starting in February, we (LWSD) will begin bringing our youngest learners back into classrooms (as of April 5, 2021):

• Thursday, February 18: Kindergarten & First Grade Students 
• Thursday, March 18 and Friday, March 19: Grade 2-3 Students 
• Monday, March 29 and Tuesday, March 30: Grade 4-5 Students
• Monday, April 19: Grades K-12 (4 days/week)

For updates visit the "Pathway Forward" hyperlink.

Source: "Pathway Forward"  Photo,Yoder

4/15/2021

City Council Aims To Improve Their Culture

City of Redmond Mayor and Council 
(l-r) Varisha Kahn, Jessica Forsythe, President Tanika Padhye, David Carson, Mayor Angela Birney, Vanessa Kritzer, Vice President Jaralee Anderson, Steve Fields

Video: Scroll to 1:04:35 hours to watch council and a facilitator review their retreat 

It was decided council needs to strive for a better culture.

Stay with the video for some very interesting discussion

Scroll at the beginning to find planning commissioners talking

by Bob Yoder, 4/14/2021

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Several years ago I walked down "memory lane," (77960-7990 170th Ave. NE) coined Adair Street by the Redmond Historical Society. Ms. Adair was a land doner. I took this video of  three cottages circa 1930's and a 97 year-old craftsman home (owned by real estate appraiser Alan Pope. Mr. Pope is a native of Redmond; he graduated from Lake Washington High.)  The homes were demolished last month to build eighteen, 3BR "Penny Lane" townhomes.  The development is only a five minute walk to Anderson Park.  Sad to see these vintage homes go but the site is perfect for the city's needs of density and family housing equity.  

 18 "family" luxury townhomes, "Penny Lane 2 & 3" under construction

An extensive "cultural resource assessment" was conducted to assess: environmental, archaeological, ethnographic, and historical culture. -- Special thanks to Gary Smith for finding and sharing the assessment.

-- Bob Yoder, 4/13/2021

Photo and Video, Yoder

2021 Redmond Historical Society Annual Membership Meeting

Three Mayors of the City of Redmond speak, including Mayor Angela Birney!

... and there's more!

(scroll left for the whole show)

Mayor Birney Presses to Create "Deputy Director" Positions

During Council's business meeting last night a "non-union non represented  pay plan" amendment sparked significant deliberations.

Reclassifying staff members to create three executive positions was at stake: 

1) Council voted 6-0 to hire a "diversity, equity and inclusion program manager."  LWSD has a Director working under Assoc. Superintendent Matt Cunningham doing similar work.     

2) I think the vote was 4-2 against "hiring" a Deputy Executive Department Director.  COO Malisa Files argued she needed all the help she could get.   

3) The vote for a Deputy Director of Technology and Information Services was tied. Mayor Birney broke the tie to approve the position. CM Carson voiced a strong need for the position.

Mayor Birney said she wanted to complete the organizational chart so every Director would have a Deputy.  Her reasons:  succession, "span of control," and it's not part of the budget. 

-- reported by Yoder, 4/7/2021

From Snake Oil to Vaccines: Pharmacy History in Washington State - Webinar

 

Virtual Saturday Speaker Series From Snake Oil to Vaccines: Pharmacy History in Washington State Saturday, April 10th at 10:30 AM

Travel through time with pharmacist John Oftebro (President of the Redmond Historical Society) as he describes the history of pharmacy—the art or practice of preparing and dispensing medicinal drugs—from prehistoric to modern times. Learn what Pacific Northwest Native American tribes used for remedies, and follow the course of pharmacy as a science through settlement, discoveries, practice changes, and the storefront pharmacies in Washington State. Find out what was really in that snake oil—and how our state led the way for pharmacists to vaccinate across the United States.

Redmond Downtown Park In Full Bloom

Plum trees spill out beauty while a distant blue crane reminds us of what's to come

I assumed these were Cherry trees and to confirm used the Google application.  Plum trees were suggested.   Photo, Bob Yoder, 4/2/2021

"Prunus mume is an East Asian and Southeast Asian tree species with common names of Chinese and Japanese plum trees. The flower, is a long beloved subject in the traditional painting and poetry of East Asia and Vietnam."

-- Wikipedia

Sweeping Changes Coming To The Together Center

A sketch of the new Together Center

At this time the old buildings are demolished. The new Center will be five-stories tall and close to Bella Bottega; it's expected to be occupied by April, 2023.  Underground parking is a necessity and will be built.  The new Center will provide eighty units for the homeless with incomes 30-50% of average monthly income (AMI.)  These prices are unheard of.  Two hundred workforce housing units will be available at 50-60% AMI.  Significant square footage is added, probably to accommodate additional nonprofits. (Blessings for the Center. Many years ago when I was the outreach coordinator for NAMI- Eastside we were looking for an office to move our Founder out of his home.  I discovered the Together Center - a jewel - and we've been there ever since.)   If you'd like to donate click here.

The old Together Center directory identifies its three buildings and nonprofits. The most significant change from the old to the new is the addition of affordable housing units.

Pamela Mauk was the Executive Director of the Center for over 10 years.  I found her donation brick  with 50 others in the courtyard.  (The hyperlink is an excellent interview with Ms. Mauk.) 

-- Photos/story by Bob Yoder, 3/31/2021

News: Downtown Redmond Link Extension

Sound Transit has LOTS of work planned and underway for the Downtown Redmond Light Rail Link Extension 

Read all about it!

UPDATED 3/29: LW School District Should Implement 3-Foot Distancing Soon

Internet photo

Yesterday, Governor Inslee ordered by 4/19 middle and high schools open for full or partial in-person learning at least two days each week. Seattle Times, 3/29/2021

My wife and I watched two LW School District Board meetings this month; we were heartsick during the public comment period when students and parents told their sad stories. The pain and suffering they experience from remote learning is severe. We almost cried. 

Most students and parents directed their comments to Superintendent Jon Holmen.  They pleaded to open the schools ASAP.  Some studies show remote learning is 75% of normal.  A significant problem is deteriorating mental health.  Anxiety, sadness, depression, anorexia, substance abuse and suicide have escalated. Abuse at home goes unchecked. There's a dearth of socialization and emotional support. 

On March 25th we finally received some good news from Governor Inslee.  The State Department of Health approved 3-foot distancing with masks.  Superintendent Jon Holmen should be stoked. Six-foot distancing with masks is still required for teachers and staff and in eating and drinking places.  Small classrooms will have more capacity though.

Our children will be affected by this closure in some way for all their life. The District needs to open ASAP.  The administration has had months to plan for this moment.  Confronting the teachers union is a necessary. Today, I asked Superintendent Holmen if he will implement the Governor's distancing order soon.  He said his team is actively working on it. (See his letter below.) LWSD moves with the momentum of a huge tanker turning ever so slowly. However, Dr. Holmen has 5 associate superintendents and over 31 executive directors to help him navigate.  There's little excuse not to move forward expeditiously. 

I wish Dr. Holmen and his team the best of luck.  

-- Bob Yoder, Updated, 3/29/2021

Hello Bob,

 Here is the information that I sent out to staff and community yesterday. 

As you can see, we are developing our plans in consideration of both the Governor’s Emergency Order and the change in K-12 guidance related to classroom distancing. As with all guidance changes, we must take the information and determine the scope and magnitude of opportunity immediately and in the long-term. We are actively working on this.

 

Thank you for following up on our email exchange from earlier with a request for updated information.  With these rapidly changing times updated information is important for all our communities.

 

Thank you,

Jon

 

Dr. Jon Holmen

Superintendent

Lake Washington School District

jholmen@lwsd.org | 425-936-1257

"Transportation Benefit District" Under Consideration

Seattle has a Transportation Benefit District

COO Malisa Files introduced the Transportation Benefit (taxing) District concept to Council during their Tuesday, March 23 meeting. The District would lie within the boundaries of the City.  Vehicle licensing fees of up to $100 and sales tax up to .02% on $100 purchases would be collected.  Council would oversee the District and make funding decisions.  The revenue could fund the needs of light rail, busing, bike lanes, and road work.

CM Jessica Forsythe said Redmond has one of the most regressive tax structures in the country; she probably won't support it.  I'm concerned about tax creep.

Odds and Ends

It was decided Parks and Rec. will hire eight full time employees; three will be hired immediately. 

CM Jessica Forsythe is pushing for one Senior lunch at least twice a week. She wants more substantial lunches.  

CM Vanessa Kritzer wants to set up a mental health fund.  

-- Bob Yoder, 3/26/2021

Notes On Redmond's 2050 Outreach Results

This winter the Administration conducted comprehensive surveys asking citizens "what will Redmond be like in 2050."  Council discussed "Redmond 2050" in their last study session.  Below, are a few of their thoughts on the subject:  

David Carson doesn't like unoccupied housing units.  After one year he suggested double taxing them. Unoccupied housing relates, in part, to investors trying to lock up a good deal.  Fallow housing drains our housing stock. Mayor Angela Birney said no-can-do, that the issue is in the hands of the state legislature. 

Steve Fields said an acquaintance felt Redmond was becoming more "soulless."  Fields appreciated the city's successes but indicated Redmond's "look and feel" and design standards were affecting the character of the City.

Jessica Forsythe felt our parks were missing corridor links and thus walkability; especially in our downtown parks and Overlake.   Mental health resources are important.

Varisha Kahn was unresponsive.  

Vanessa Kritzer (and Jessica) want to build a working relationship with the City of Bellevue.  Vanessa looks to improve the quality of life through child care resources, education and human resources. Mental health resources are important.  

Jaralee Anderson - my notes on Jeralee are poor but a lot of her interest is in transportation and green roads.

Tanika Padhye is interested in 10-minute communities and building a police facility in Overlake.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/25/2021

City Of Redmond Is Awarded Significant COVID-19 Recovery Funding

The Council held a committee meeting last Tuesday focusing on three topics - the first being the American Federal Rescue Plan Act of 2021.  COO Malisa Files presented the plan.

As you know, the federal American Rescue Plan of 2021 is a huge $1.9 trillion COVID-19 recovery program.  $300 billion is targeted for state and local aid. (including Redmond?) $130 billion will be split equally between counties and cities. (including Redmond?)  $65 billion goes to localities.  Redmond gets ~$15.6,  half by May 10th, the remainder in 2022.  

Ms. Files didn't mention King County executive Dow Constantine's $600 million COVID-19 recovery plan.  About half of the funds are allocated to public health and rental assistance; some may spill over to cities.  

Where's the greatest need in Redmond for COVID recovery funds?  Relief for small businesses and nonprofits have been targeted first and foremost.  Tourism, travel and hospitality are also in need.  Hazard pay for essential workers, local government losses, and investment in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure were identified.

-- Bob Yoder, 3/25/2021

UPDATED 3/25: Redmond Council Is Shaking Their Governance

Redmond City Hall

A previous budget discussion triggered Council to review municipal forms of government during their study session last night. For years, the City has been governed in the "Strong Mayor" format and still is.  Like Council, our Mayor is elected to a four year term but also serves as the CEO and Chief Administrative Officer. For 12 years "Strong Mayor" John Marchione assigned Jane Christianson as Deputy Administrator Officer to carry out operations. Jane Christianson was terrific, a real pro, the best. He later hired two co-Deputy Administrators, and just before retiring promoted the Parks Director to COO, a new position.  Mayor Angela Birney then replaced this COO with the Finance Director (a past City Clerk) who is a numbers and strategic person; less a manager and people person.  

In the council-business manager (CB) form of government the manager prepares a budget for the council's consideration. He/she also recruits, hires, terminates, and supervises government staff; serves as the council's chief advisor; and carries out the council's policies.

Characteristics of the “strong” mayor form of government are: The mayor is the chief executive officer, centralizing executive power. The mayor directs the administrative structure, appointing and removing of department heads. While the council has legislative power, the mayor has veto power. The council does not oversee daily operations.

"The most significant differences between Strong Mayor and CB stem from the location and distribution of authority between the legislative and executive officials." - MRSC

The "Council - business manager" form of government is growing in popularity, especially in small/medium sized cities, according to Councilmember (CM) Steve Fields. Large urban cities like Seattle usually have a Strong Mayor.  Kirkland, and a few other surrounding cities use CB.  Fields claims CB's serve 100M people nationwide and the numbers are growing.  In CB, Council shares policy and decision-making equally. Steve says the CB format is less political than the Strong Mayor form of government. 

Green Winged Teal Abstract

Photograph by John Reinke of Redmond, WA. -- Mondavia seasonal pond, Redmond 3/14/2021