Redmond Is Juiced On LIME Scooters

double click to enlarge

This picture shows two positives:  1) The scooters are parked next to a wayfinding sign [they need updating] and 2)  Looking closely, you'll see two new, modernized scooters. They are much more inviting than the scuffed LIMES handed down from Seattle.  They look and probably are safer.  I'm 70 with lousy balance yet might even jump on a new one were it not for the sidewalk issues. Oh, and I need a helmet.  

I didn't understand why the City permitted LIME so early when light rail is three years away.  But, now may be a good time to test scooters for usage on the major trails and downtown sidewalks and streets.  LIME is trying to condition and educate us; and to date, it appears few have learned.  

The program looks like a flop; patience is required. I hope to see many more scooters on the roads. I'm confident the City can make a success of it with the right education.  At least LIME is paying for it -- I hope.  

-- Bob Yoder

    6/5/2021

    Photo:  Yoder

Exciting New Redmond Tunnel Opens

 

Move Redmond.org

A new tunnel under SR520  (video) in Redmond "adds some topical flair to the ride and connects the Regional  Trail and Transit System."  

-- Move Redmond, 6/5/2021

Automatic Walk Signals? Or Use your elbow.

 I use my elbow when the city doesn't protect me like this
(double click to enlarge)

..
 This may be the last remaining automatic walk signal installed in the Downtown to "protect" pedestrians from surface COVID. B.Yoder, Photo: Yoder 6/4/2021

"While updated guidelines say that surface transmission is unlikely, people are still applying disinfection protocols to sanitize surfaces in homes. Some people refer to the act of overcleaning as “hygiene theater.” This term suggests that certain sanitation practices exist more as a “show” to ease people’s minds instead of being based in science."  - WebMD

UPDATED - QFC Grocery Store Lightens COVID Restrictions

Sign at entrance to QFC - Bella Bottega (click to enlarge) 

UPDATED, 6/29/2021 - The World Health Organization encourages fully vaccinated individuals to mask-up owing to DELTA variant.

Seattle/King County Department of Health end mask directive  -- fully vaccinted don't need to wear masks in most situations. 6/29/2021

When President Biden and the CDC announced masks weren't required if you were fully vaccinated, I was both shocked and elated.  Several times in a speech, President Biden merrily explained we can now show our smiles again!  

Voila!  When we returned from a trip to Winthrop (most of the boutiques had restrictions) we discovered  this COVID sign at QFC-Bella Bottega alerting customers:  "Masks not required for fully vaccinated individuals."   Was I smiling! 😃  I'm fully vaccinated.  Thanks President Biden! 

When we were in the store at 6:30 p.m. yesterday it appeared everyone was masked-up. I discussed the new policy with a checker.  He said his vaccination card was on file in the office and he wasn't required by management to mask-up.  But he thought the opening was too early.  

It's amazing  when only six months ago we were told to limit our time there, shop alone, or "pick up."  Grocery stores were some of the most dangerous places to be.  Personally, feel comfortable when not wearing in grocery stores; Costco is a different thing - I felt anxious.

-- Bob Yoder, 6/3/2021 Photo: Yoder

UPDATED, 9/1/21: TRANSPARENT ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS AT LWSD HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED, 9/1/2021

If you can find links to the District public record request form you are very lucky. Expect lots of hunting and pecking.  

Your best bet is to email Mr. Effertz, but his address and phone number are not readily avalable on the web. 

Print Center Supervisor

Public Records Officer

Support Services Center

15212 NE 95^th St Redmond, WA 98052

E: meffertz@lwsd.org | P:425-936-1128 | C:323-673-8661

-- Bob Yoder, 9/1/2021

CC:  boardmembers@lwsd.org 

Sammamish River Swallows by Reinke

(l-r) Olive Green Swallow, Barn Swallow

(l-r) Barn Swallow, Olive Green Swallow, Tree Swallow

 "I had never before seen these swallows perch anywhere along the [Sammamish] river, although they can be seen all the time swooping and diving in the air, back and forth along the river, catching insects "on the fly".  - John Reinke, 5/19/2021

Downtown Transit Station Will Have Escalators And Elevators

Description of the station

Light rail coming to downtown in about three years.
Looking west towards Redmond Town Center.

 

UPDATE: Vividly Colored "Bike-Ped" Tunnel Is Complete

The tunnel is now open! Trail users will be treated to a vivid color and design experience as they travel through the newly upgraded tunnel along the SR 520 trail at NE 40th Street. The tunnel also improves safety by moving much of the pedestrian and bicycle traffic away from the vehicle traffic in that area. Do you see the wall tiles? The **entrances are tiled with a rainbow to honor the diversity within Redmond. Councilmember Hank Myers objected, saying the gay population is only a sliver of Redmond's population.

**The rainbow entrances might have more to do with bike-ped bridge.

-- Sources: Facebook, 5/28/2021, Bob Yoder, 5/28/2021, Photo, redmond.gov

The City's "Stay Safe Re-opening Plan"

 

Mayor Angela Birney at a ribbon cutting ceremony

A five stage strategy for re-opening city facilities, services, and programs.

The city plans to open in person city hall for meetings by July 6th 2021.

The C.O.O. Malisa Files,  Human Resource Director, and the Fire Chief presented Redmond's "Stay Safe Re-opening Plan" at Council's May 27th Study Session.  It was well received, however councilmember David Carson noted he has a hard time speaking through a mask and requested this restriction be removed. Ms. Files said mask removals were a possibility.    

Reported by Bob Yoder, 5/27/2021

$631 Million Emergency COVID Budget Approved by King County Council

 Record $631 million emergency COVID budget approved by Council

 A seventh round of emergency funding in response to COVID-19, this time totaling more than $631 million, was approved Tuesday by the King County Council by a vote of 8-1.

The supplemental budget, funded largely by the American Rescue Plan Act, is larger than all previous King County COVID budgets combined and will provide support for a variety of services as King County looks toward recovery from the pandemic and its many collateral impacts. These investments align with the Council’s set priorities around housing stability and homelessness services, food security and access, mental and behavioral health, economic recovery, and workforce support, childcare and access to justice.

“Today we passed the largest supplemental budget in the history of King County. This is transformational — providing support for the mother struggling to provide for her child, for the renter on the edge of eviction, for the business owner getting relief from the new BIPOC economic resiliency fund, for the survivor of sexual assault or gender-based violence seeking justice, and many, many more,” said Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, who is also budget chair. “I appreciate the ambitiousness of Executive Dow Constantine’s budget, and the collaboration of my colleagues in crafting this budget. Our work is not finished but these investments will help us find our way out of this extraordinary challenge.”

The major spending areas include:

Community Supports (e.g. food security, rental assistance, etc.)	$255 million
Vaccination Efforts including mass vaccination sites	$117 million
Public Health Response to the pandemic	$114 million
Economic Recovery / Jobs	$67 million
County Operations in response to the pandemic	$41 million
Arts, Entertainment, Culture and Science	$36 million

King County Vice Chair Votes "No" On $630 million COVID Budget

 Dunn condemns ‘failures’ in passage of more than $630 million COVID budget

 In response to passage Tuesday of the seventh COVID-19 supplemental budget – the largest in county history, topping $630 million – King County Vice Chair Reagan Dunn issued the following statement:

“Today I voted no on the seventh COVID-19 supplemental budget because it fails to fund the most basic functions of our County government — criminal justice and public safety. We have heard from the Sheriff’s Office, the Prosecutor’s Office, and sitting judges of the King County Superior and District Courts about the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the criminal justice system’s ability to operate. We are seeing an unprecedented backlog in both violent and non-violent felony cases, an 86% increase in murders, and a significant increase in hate and bias crimes. With the facts before us, the safety of our community is at stake with no relief in sight—and that is unacceptable. We cannot lose sight of our basic job as elected County leaders, and I believe that this budget has.”

-- 5/25/2021

    King County Press Release 

Construction On Redmond's East Link Light Rail Speeds Along

 
As you can see, the station and track are elevated.  The station will likely be located across from the Redmond Town Center @ 166th.  

 

A segment of the Redmond Central Connecter Trail runs from Overlake Urgent Care to Redmond Town Center. Some of the light rail track will be installed on this segment.  The controversial ERRATIC outdoor art was installed at this corner and then moved at great expense to a more suitable Leary Way location.  

-- Bob Yoder / report and photos

5/25/2021

Emerald Heights Expansion Approved After Four-Year Battle With Neighborhood HOA

 

Emerald Heights.com

APPELWICK, J. — The City approved permits necessary for construction of a large assisted living residence on Emerald Heights’s retirement campus. The property is zoned R-6. The building would occupy what is presently a greenbelt abutting 176th Avenue NE in Redmond. The City determined that the construction would not have significant environmental impacts, and issued a determination of DNS under SEPA. The HOA of Abbey Road, a community of single-family residences on the other side of 176th Avenue NE, filed a LUPA appeal of the hearing examiner’s determinations to the superior court. The superior court overturned the City’s issuance of a DNS, but reserved ruling on the permit issues. Emerald Heights appeals. The State Appeals Court Division 1 reversed the Superior Court decision on May/24/2021 (and the Emerald Heights project is for all matters approved.)

UPDATED OPINION, 5/28/2021 Should We Spend $1,450,000 For Police Cameras Next Year?

Internet photo

UPDATED OPINION:  "Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe is exploring equipping Redmond officers with both body-worn and in-car cameras and will present a proposal to City Council in June. The cost for equipment and staffing is anticipated to be approximately $815,000 to initiate the program and about $635,000 annually to maintain." The annual camera maintenance expense for each police officer is $7,299.  Total expenses for the first year will be $1,450,000.  

PATCH:  Regarding the deadly 2020 Redmond police shooting of Andrea Churna:

"The Police chief said he had no reason to believe criminal charges would be filed in the shooting."  -- Patch

The chief concludes:

"It is the Prosecutor's Office who will determine if any criminal charges will be filed against any of the officers involved. Based on what limited information I know now, I have no reason to believe this will happen. Therefore, the officers involved were returned to duty after a period of administrative leave which is protocol in these types of incidents. My heart is with Ms. Churna's family and loved ones, as well as my officers and dispatchers involved in this incident. It is a tragedy this incident had to end with a loss of life. I will continue to share updates with our community as more details become available." 

According to Police Chief Darrell Lowe, a poll on the issue is one of the most successful community polls the city has had with more than 1,400 people having taken it so far. A total of 94% of respondents voted "no" to fund cameras.  "One of the most successful community polls?"  Hardly.  The population of Redmond is ~ 65,000.  1378 votes is not statistically significant in our city.  In the final poll the worm turned and ~ 87% of the respondents voted "yes" to not fund cameras.

Council should weigh the cost and define the necessity of body cameras vs. the city budget and community benefits derived without cameras. A few benefits our community could garner without the $635,000 annual expense of  cameras are:   Enhanced mental health training and patrols, enhanced bias training, social workers, community education forums, improved homeless care, meaningful mental health care on the street; drug intervention, sheltering outreach; upgraded SRO resources, fewer levies. As the city grows, council will have the funds to add safety FTEs. Mitigated overtime costs.  I'm sure our Council could identify other benefits.

Redmond is a mostly sleepy town, compared to most other cities. Our police should feel blessed to have a beat here; Chief Lowe has the funds to hire the finest.  Apparently, the  most common crime in Redmond is "smash and dash" vehicular break-ins. Package and mail theft and vandalism are also common.  "The Police chief said he had no reason to believe criminal charges would be filed in the Churna shooting."  I hope Council has the strength to rise above politics and shepherd our city safety funds objectively.

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 5/20/2021

Opinion: Did the District Buy a Hazardous Waste Dump?

LWSD property viewed from south along NE 67th St.

When LWSD announced that they were purchasing the 25-acre Cadman site for $40 million, I sent a public records request to the District for documents and information about the purchase.  I got a reply that I would get the information by May 28, 2021.  The district closed on the property on May 6.  It has or is next to a giant pile of construction debris (see picture).

The Bargain and Sales Deed that I found on King County's parcel viewer contains an "Environmental Release" on pages 8-9 that states that there may be hazardous substances on the property.  Page 10 grants a "Noise, Dust and Vibration Easement" to Cadman so that they can still run their gravel operation next door.

It is disturbing that the District agreed to these terms.  It's also disturbing that the District was so secretive about this purchase until a few days before the sale was completed.  Did the District just buy a hazardous waste dump?

-- Susan Wilkins, opinion

    5/19/2021

No, I can't imagine the District would ever build a school over a hazardous waste dump.  B. Yoder

 

In the Light of the Shining Moon

 

Waxing Gibbous Moon as seen from the Sammamish River Trail ~ 5-fold magnification
Photo by John Reinke, 4/22/2021 : 6.49 p.m.

For those who weren't Boy or Girl Scouts, "waxing" means becoming a full moon. 

I see the moon and the moon sees me,
The moon sees somebody I wanna see
God bless the moon and God bless me:
And God bless that somebody I wanna see.

Clifton Johnson, 1896

City Allocates $392,000 for Pandemic Relief

On May 4th Council reviewed the 3rd round of federal pandemic funding allocations.  All funds must be allocated towards the prevention, response and preparation of the pandemic.  A total of $392,000 were assigned: 

• $98,000 for mental health (at Youth Eastside Services.)
• $47,000 food for senior citizens.
• $39,000 administration costs for all three rounds.
• $100,000 for legal services for housing stability and prevention of homelessness
• $116,000 to Sophia Way for sheltering

$95,000 in food and mental health services may be available under a different plan.

Council will review and make a decision on May 18th, 2021. 

-- Reported by Bob Yoder

    5/9/2021  Image: Internet

UPDATED: Senior and Community Center to Open 2023

Community ribbon heart to memorialize the old Senior Center before demolition  

During the May 4th Council Committee meeting, Parks Director Carrie Hite gave an update on the Senior and Community Center.  The new building will open 2023. It will be at minimum LEED Gold Certified and built to last 50-100 years. Estimated cost is $41 million.  Councilmember Jeralee Anderson asked "if you had unlimited funds where would you spend them?"  Ms. Hite responded: "a buildout of the second floor." 

Staff showed maps of the layout of the spaces.  A list of the spaces on the website, with square footage and descriptions, would  be helpful in understanding the building.

-- Bob Yoder, 5/9/2021 (Internet photo)

Grant money available for restaurants with COVID losses

Just one of  many  Redmond restaurants with losses from COVID

In the May 3rd Council Business meeting, Mayor Angela Birney announced a "Restaurant Revitalization Fund" providing restaurants up to $5 thousand from loss due to the pandemic. The mayor didn't give the source of the funds but encouraged interested parties to  apply quickly.    

Below are some COVID links I found on the One Redmond website. 

Restart And Reopen Guide

Temporary Restaurant Outdoor Seating Permit

 Grants

COVID links from the City of Redmond website are here.

-- Bob Yoder, 5/8/2021

Photo, Internet 

Redmond's County Property Taxes Up 1.8%

King County Tax Assessor John Wilson

On May 3rd, Mr. John Wilson, King County Tax Assessor, gave Council and Mayor an informational presentation on how the global pandemic affected county real estate taxes. 

Redmond is doing really well.  Our taxes increased only 1.8% from the previous year, whereas taxes were up countywide by 4%.  The average increase on an average home in Redmond is $140.00. 

The County is also doing well.  County revenue  was up by $256,000 compared to the year before.  Where do these fund go?  57% of the revenue is allocated to County schools, K-12.  The City of Redmond gets 15% of the tax revenue.  King County receives 17%.  EveregreenHealth public hospital, the County libraries and other smaller entities get the remainder.

Be prepared for rising King County taxes next year.  As you know, residential housing prices have exploded upwards. Pandemic real estate values (and taxes) will not go down according according to Mr. Wilson.  

What about the Seniors...they're in a pinch.  There's been a 300% increase in applications over the previous year for senior exemptions.  To qualify for an exemption you must be:  1)  61 years of age or on social security disability or V.A. disability. 2) $40,000-58,000 income.  Based on the median SFH price of $600,000 an applicant could save up to $43,000.

-- Reported by Bob Yoder, 5/3/2021

Redmond Historical Society Hosts Virtual Fundraiser

Redmond Historical Society Hosts Virtual Fundraiser May 7th

Redmond, WA—May 7, 2021—Redmond Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to discovering, providing, and preserving Redmond’s history, announces its first-ever Virtual Fundraiser and Auction Friday, May 7th, 6:30 pm. The theme is “We Love Redmond.”

Funds raised will go toward digitizing the Society’s collection of Sammamish Valley News—a vital record of Redmond’s history—and preparing the Society’s museum space in the Old Redmond Schoolhouse—its new (and old) home.

Since 1999, the Redmond Historical Society called the Old Redmond Schoolhouse its home. However, since LWSD took over the historic building for repairs in 2018, the Society was compelled to find another space, which a few local business owners were happy to provide. “We’ve had a rather nomadic life, moving our offices and Saturday Speaker Series to venues around town,” recalls President John Oftebro. 

“Thanks to the City, we’re back in the Schoolhouse. However, we need the support of our members and the greater community to move forward. Together, we can galvanize the new space, and make our re-opening a celebration of Redmond’s past, present, and future.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on such items as a Patriotic Picnic on 4th of July, an Italian feast, a day of crabbing and beachcombing, baked goods, and other delights from local businesses. Featured will be Auctioneer Troy McVicker. Speakers include John Oftebro, Society President, as well as Redmond Poet Laureate Raúl Sánchez, and Society Vice President, Laura Lee Bennett.

To register or donate, visit charityauction.bid/LoveRedmondHistory. To volunteer or for more info, contact the RHS office: Phone: 425-885-2919.