Leah Choi Leading Cassandra Sage In LWSD School Board Race

 

Leah Choi (53.99%) leading Casandra Sage (45.45%) as of 8:15 p.m. 11/2.

 
Education: B.S. Chemistry/Molecular Biology, University of Denver; Ph.D. Candidate Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego

Occupation: Parent; Financial Planner, Nordstrom

Statement:

In a rapidly changing world, students deserve a public education that will adapt and prepare them for success. This requires leaders who are committed to doing the work and driving educational progress.

Our schools must lead in educating students and communities on the critical issue of Earth’s climate. We are living with the consequences of human driven climate change, and we need to better prepare future generations for the challenge it poses.

I support the work to provide technical training for students who may choose non-traditional secondary education and will work to enhance and grow these opportunities, because not everyone learns the same way and there are many paths to success.

Finally, we need to consider implementing science-based recommendations like changing our school start times. Overwhelming evidence supports delaying school start times for adolescents. It’s time that we join the thousands of schools nationwide that have made this change and are reaping the benefits. My diverse background in education, science and business gives me a unique perspective to work collaboratively and achieve goals. It would be an honor to work for our community and I am grateful for your vote. Endorsed by: NWPC-WA and Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion.

-- 2021 King County Voters Pamphlet

Malissa Stuart leading Dennis Ellis In Council Position No. 4 Race

Malissa Stuart (61%) Dennis Ellis (38.31%) as of 8:15 p.m.

Education: Master of Non-Profit Leadership, Seattle University; BA Communication & BA Political Science, Washington State University

Occupation: Development Director, Boys & Girls Clubs; Former Redmond Library Trustee

Statement:

I’m running for city council because I believe Redmond can be a great place to live for all. I will ensure that every person can have their voice heard. I will collaborate with city leaders to invest in climate change mitigation today and resiliency for what is to come tomorrow.

 

To council, I’ll bring my years of experience breaking down barriers for youth and families; including my work at Youth Eastside Services to secure access to affordable behavioral healthcare for all families, and at Treehouse to promote education success for youth in foster care. I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, former 48th LD Democrats PCO, former Sound Transit/Metro Sounding Board member, and active environmental advocate in our city.

 

Endorsements: 45th LD Democrats; Congresswoman Suzan DelBene; Representative Vandana Slatter; Redmond Mayor Angela Birney, Council President Tanika Padhye, Councilwoman Vanessa Kritzer; Zero Waste Washington Executive Director Heather Trim

-- King County Voters Pamphlet, 11/2/2021

Jeralee Anderson Leading Tara Van Niman In Council Position No. 6 Race

As of 8:15 p.m. 11/2 Jeralee Anderson leads 67.01% to Tara Van Niman's 32.47%

  
Education: PhD, University of Washington, Civil & Environmental Engineering; Certificates in Business Administration, Diversity & Inclusion

Occupation: City Council Vice President; President/CEO Greenroads Foundation; Beagle Rescue Volunteer

Statement:

As a construction engineer and social entrepreneur, I help build sustainable communities around the world. I bring integrity, an open mind, and practical experience to the Council. I care about smart growth, environmental protection, community health, and good governance. Last term, I helped bring clean energy to city operations. I worked collaboratively to ensure effective stewardship of tax dollars. At all levels of government, I served as your champion for access to reliable transportation, broadband, and clean water.

 

As we restore the economy, I will advocate for housing equity, small businesses, living wages, and innovative technology. I will promote programs that provide connection, healing, and happiness. Together, we will enhance public safety, create job opportunities, and develop a thriving city! Thank you for your vote!

 

Sole Endorsements: Redmond Firefighters, Washington Conservation Voters, Washington Housing Alliance, Affordable Housing Council, Senator Patty Kuderer, King County and Young Democrats, LD48 Democrats, and more

[No endorsement from Mayor Angela Birney]

-- King County Voters Pamphlet, 11/2/2021

Steve Fields Leading Janet Richards In Council Position No. 2 Race

Steve Fields (59.71%) - Janet Richards (39.75%)  8:15 p.m.

  
Education: BS, Accounting, San Diego State University. Certified Government Management and Administration.

Occupation: Government Finance and Operations Manager. Redmond Business Owner, City Councilmember

Statement:

Four years ago, I brought my real-world experience in finance, infrastructure, and environmental protection to City Council. Working with a renewed Council that responds to you, I declared a Climate Emergency, championed the building of a new Senior Center, improved financial policies, and rallied support for our community and small businesses during COVID.

 

With your help, we can accomplish more. I will continue to work for a community-driven and inclusive approach to growth management, sensible use of taxpayer dollars, climate change mitigation, and an equitable community for everyone. It’s been my pleasure and honor to represent you and lead Redmond toward a healthier, sustainable future. I appreciate your vote!

 

Endorsements: King County Democrats; 48th LD; Women of Color in Politics; Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion; Sierra Club; State Senators Patty Kuderer and Joe Nguyen; State Representative Jamila Taylor; Councilmembers Jessica Forsythe and Varisha Khan; former Mayor Rosemaire Ives; and more.

[No endorsement from Mayor Angela Birney]

-- King County Election Pamphlet, 11/2/2021

November Virtual Redmond Historical Society Speakers Program

 

Virtual Saturday Speaker Series: "Whiskey and Wiretaps: The Northwest's Rumrunning King" (Roy Olmstead) November 13

On Thanksgiving Day, 1925, Roy Olmstead was trapped by federal Prohibition agents and their Tommy guns on a lonely Puget Sound dock. His reign as the Northwest’s most prolific bootlegger had ended. But big questions—political, cultural, and legal—remained. Why did Olmstead, the youngest lieutenant in Seattle Police Department history, form a secret gang to take over Prohibition bootlegging in the Northwest? What can we learn today from “The Good Bootlegger’s” story of whiskey-driven politics, culture wars, criminalization of popular social behavior, illegal surveillance, spies, sensational trials, and Constitution-bending trips to the Supreme Court?   Noted attorney and indie screenwriter Steve Edmiston, will be speaking courtesy of Humanities Washington. Please join us on November 13th to explore these questions and more!   Registration is required to join this online presentation. Click HERE for more information.  After you register, you will receive a confirmation email that includes a Zoom link to the program and a phone number for those who would prefer to listen-in over the phone. New to Zoom? Check out our Zoom Webinar FAQ.   Donations to support this program and the Society’s ongoing efforts may be made at www.redmondhistoricalsociety.org/donate.

What About Council Candidate Janet Richards?

Janet Richards with her fury friends!

"PATCH" online news service gave the most comprehensive interview of any candidate I've seen.  You will learn everything you need to know about voting for Council candidate Janet Richards HERE.

-- Bob Yoder

Community Conversation Event With Council And Mayor

 

City Council and Mayor Birney
(click to enlarge)

On Monday, November 8, Redmond Mayor Angela Birney and members of City Council will host a Community Conversation at Redmond City Hall, located at 15670 NE 85th Street in Redmond. A lobby reception with light refreshments begins at 6:00 p.m. and the meeting will be from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., both in-person in Council Chambers and virtually via Teams meeting. These forums are a casual and convenient way for residents to interact and connect with each other and their elected leaders. Meetings are open for residents to direct the topics of conversation.

“After taking a break from our Community Conversations program due to the pandemic, Redmond Councilmembers are looking forward to the opportunity to visit and connect with our neighbors and the community we serve,” stated Council President Tanika Padhye.

Mayor Birney and Councilmembers will answer questions, discuss current projects, and listen to ideas and thoughts from the community. Community members will be invited to submit questions at the event, or questions can be submitted in advance via email at communications@redmond.gov.

For details on Community Conversations, including how to register, visit www.redmond.gov/Conversations.

-- City Press Release

City Consults With Berger Partnership On Downtown Parks

Heron Rookery adjacent Leary Way

I was one of the few public attending the "Downtown Parks Open House" meeting on April 24 at the Old Redmond School House. (It was posted on the city website).

The mayor, councilmembers Vache, McCormick, and Jim Robinson (Parks Chair) were in attendance along with Sue Stewart, Park Board Chair and Gary D. Smith of the Trails Commission.

Parks Director, Craig Larson introduced a well-paid consultant, Guy Michaelson, from Berger Partnership in Seattle. (206-325-6877) to address the audience. Mr. Larsen showed a map depicting 6 downtown projects underway. Most of them were residential.

Guy spent most of the night evaluating our downtown parks, topography, and making suggestions for improvement and park development.

I posted the above photo of a Great Blue Heron rookery because the consultant informed us the 3-acre heron rookery (behind the Workshop Tavern) is 'sterile' and without nesting activity. If fact, Guy recommended planting new trees to improve the defunct rookery woodlands.

To be frank, I was quite shocked to learn of our rookery loss since the Great Blue Heron is by law our state protected "species of local importance". How could the city let this go? I think (and hope) we have one other rookery behind Safeway along Bear Creek. If we don't have another productive rookery then we have a problem of not protecting the most important species in our city. The Critical Area Ordinance applies here.

Besides the above rookery announcement, I found Guy's observation of the unique character of our "wooded hillsides" surrounding the city interesting. He thought they were an under appreciated city asset.

Guy emphasized the importance of "promenades" for connecting a hierarchy of streets. Promenades are not boulevards but important avenues with canopy and wider (20')sidewalks. Craig and Rosemarie both talked with excitement about street-side cafes, book stores, spilling over onto wider sidewalk promenades.

Guy suggested improving the "green ring" along the Sammamish River by softening the eastern slope of the river with a more gradual grade to "get out of the ditch". He suggested building a bike/running trail on the west side to allow for more passive activities on the eastern slope. He thought Luke McRedmond Park has greater potential.

He spent a lot of time talking about where he envisioned the heart of our downtown. He identifies our "heart" at the confluence of the sterile heron rookery, Bear Creek Parkway, and the Burlington Northern corridor; and the Haida House as the "spirit" of our downtown. Gary Smith (trails commissioner) disagreed, suggesting artist Dudley Carter's Haida House -- adjacent to the Leary bridge and Sammamish River -- is the "heart" of our downtown. The park will be used for storage of  materials  the King Council Sewer project. 

Guy felt our skateboard park has much potential to provide more to the community. I concur. Known as "Edge Park" , he suggesting a railing (to lean on) circling around the skateboard ramp-park. Pam and I drove by the Woodland H.S. today and we saw their "skateboard park". It's awesome and packed with a variety of activity stations and places to rest. Totally different from our modest park.

Guy's only complaint about Redmond is we don't have a "major destination". What do you think??

Well, I guess the Downtown Park is the answer.

Nov. 9 2007

PARRC

 Overlake Neighborhood Focus  A key area of focus for the PARCC plan update will be how to provide services in the Overlake Neighborhood as it grows. Esterra Park will open in Fall of 2022, Seritage Park is planned for future development, but the levels of growth in both jobs and housing will necessitate more open spaces, children’s play areas and community center space/performing arts space as we look to the future. Creative planning, partnerships, and a clear vision will be necessary to provide the expected parks and open spaces. Emerging Uses/Activities:  Staff has been looking for opportunities to meet growing demand for sports like cricket, lacrosse and pickleball. Cricket is proposed for future development of Juel Park, however, the development of this site is problematic. Recently, the City has been working with our regional neighbors on a possible regional initiative. Attached is a white paper that the City put together for understanding this potential regional initiative.  The PARCC planning process will help to assess demand for these activities and others that the community is interested in pursuing in our Parks. Demonstration Projects: Community Gardens and Off-Leash Dog Areas “pop-up dog parks”  The current PARCC plan, community comments and the Parks & Trails Commission have all reflected the strong desire for off-leash dog areas in downtown Redmond. Staff have been working with a sub-committee of the Parks & Trails Commission to identify and assess feasibility of 1-2 sites for an off-leash dog area and 1-2 sites for community garden plots.

Downtown Redmond Trees Are Fading Away

Downtown Redmond trees are slowly "fading away" from light rail construction

Aren't these trees beautiful? We won't see them ever again from this angle once light rail is complete. This view looking north, from South Redmond Town Center, shows the "tree loss" effects light rail will have to our quality of life. We'll be "losing trees" to Redmond Square and other projects, as well.  Just look around; take a few pictures before they're all gone.  

-- Bob Yoder, 10/15/2021

  
 

UPDATED OPINION: Redmond's Tree Canopy Is Decreasing

Redmond tree canopy in ~2017

 The tree canopy webpage has been updated to include information on suggested trees, tree selection, planting tips, care, and watering along with volunteer opportunities. 

 Updates to the Redmond Comprehensive Plan, describing the 40% canopy goal, timeline, and key strategies were adopted by City Council on November 17, 2020. 

 The 2021-22 budget included $150,000 for Carbon Footprint Reduction/Tree Canopy Expansion in the biennium. To date, 1.71 acres have been cleared in the Monticello watershed with 1.21 acres planted (540 trees) in the spring of 2021. The remaining .5 acre will be planted in fall/winter 2021-22. Additional plantings are being considered on park properties. 

Two mature Cedars will be removed during King County's sewer line replacement.  Will King County or the City try to repurpose them for salmon habitat? Beavers are gnawing down quite a few alders this year. Will aerial photographs account for these losses?

 In 2021, Public Works has planted 150 trees at Keller/Bear Creek using stormwater funds and over 100 trees will be planted at Smith Woods through Parks/Stormwater funds. 

 In 2020, the following number of trees were planted on City owned land:

o Natural Resources planted 1,240 

o Parks 230 

o Forterra (Green Redmond Partnership) 509 

o Adopt-a-Stream Foundation 840 

o Total trees planted: 2,819 Strategy 

C: Increase Planting on Private Property. 

 City-led Planting: Staff has conducted research on a variety of incentive programs to provide trees or discounts to purchase trees along with estimated costs to manage the program based on current models in use around the region. Opportunities are being evaluated to propose a program in the 2023-24 biennium. 

 The Green Redmond Partnership planted nearly 2,000 plants and engaged 438 volunteers across 17 parks for a total of 1,264 hours of volunteer engagement. As noted above, they planted 509 trees in 6 parks in 2020.  

According to the website, only two Green Redmond planting events were planned for this Fall. According to Zoe of Fortera ,the two October events were "sold out" by September 30, (some exceptions were made for officials). In years past, Green Redmond held multiple events. Not too long ago, Parks Director Hite said one of the limiting factors this year was the cost of trees.  

 Earth Corps has also been a partner on planting and community engagement. 

 Current Tree Canopy Coverage: The most recent analysis in late 2020, shows that Redmond’s 2019 tree canopy coverage is 37.9%, this includes parks within the incorporated City limits but not contiguous city limits. (The Watershed Preserve (800 acres) is counted as canopy?) This represents a decrease of .2% or (24.7) acres from 2017. This amount of loss isn't terribly bad considering our considerable development. It's clear the City is doing what they can to preserve our canopy. The changes in canopy cover occurred within the contiguous city boundary. The tree canopy coverage in the contiguous city boundary is 32.9%, down from 33.2 (24.7 acres).  Does street trees and off-site mitigation with saplings count towards canopy?

 Staff updates tree canopy coverage on a 2-year basis in even years. The data is updated using aerial photographs that are captured in odd-years (2019) and the data is available in even years (2020). The next update would be in 2022.

Source:  Edited Council Committee of the Whole Parks memo, 10/29/2021

Opinion, Bob Yoder

Proof of Vaccination Is Required - When Will It End!

Family Pancake House, 10/26/2021

The Family Pancake House was almost filled to capacity this morning. (10/26.)

Beginning October 25, people ages 12 and older are required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result to enter certain indoor and outdoor events and establishments in King County.

This requirement will help to protect customers and workers, protect our health care system (read a statement of support from the healthcare community), and prevent business closures as the Delta variant continues to spread in King County. You can read this Public Health Insider blog post for more information, and view the Local Health Order.

-- King County Press Release

crik

 Introduction: Cricket is the world’s second-largest sport, with over 2.5 Billion followers across the globe. 1 The Puget Sound region is one of the largest cricket markets along the West Coast and in the United States. The Cricket Academy of Puget Sound has approximately 200 youth, 450 adults, and over 2000 recreational cricketers in the Puget Sound.2 In the 2016 PARCC (Parks, Arts, Recreation, Culture and Conservation) plan community engagement, when asked if building new sports fields was a priority, 26% of those interested in prioritizing new fields were in favor of cricket sports fields. Redmond’s recent growth has resulted in the community becoming increasingly diverse. This demographic directly influences changes in the types of needs for recreation programming, such as cricket. The Redmond Parks and Recreation Department has received multiple requests, reaching back to at least 2004, to provide opportunities for cricket. The City’s PARCC plan, adopted in 2017, includes 13 references to cricket with a goal to provide “fields flexible enough to support a wide variety of sports such as lacrosse and cricket…” Cricket in Redmond Redmond does not currently have dedicated Cricket fields or any permanent cricket pitches. We allow a modified version of cricket to take place on our turf sports fields. Without a permanent pitch installed on these fields, user groups must move the pitch to various locations to limit wear and tear on the turf. Cricket in Redmond mostly takes place on soccer and baseball fields at Grass Lawn Park, Perrigo Park, and occasionally on fields at Hartman Park. Redmond Parks & Recreation does not currently provide any recreation programming related to Cricket but is considering contracting with local youth Cricket groups to provide classes and camps for the community. Community groups have expressed interest in expanding cricket opportunities. Major League Cricket Academy of Seattle, for example, has a goal to have a facility for Minor League Cricket in the Redmond area. This facility would allow youth to advance their skills and generate local exposure and enthusiasm for the sport.

Reflecting the City’s diversity, cricket in Bellevue has continued to grow and the city is looking at additional sites, including one in the SW portion of Marymoor Park. King County Parks (Marymoor) has one formal cricket pitch and youth markings on two synthetic soccer fields. These are generally booked to capacity during the spring-summer season. The City of Kirkland does not currently have any cricket fields and has not received inquiries to date. The need will be evaluated as part of the City’s PROS (Parks, Recreation and Open Space) plan updates in 2021. Microsoft Expansion (Redmond Campus) will have one athletic sized (non-regulation) cricket pitch installed as part of the Microsoft Campus refresh project that is currently underway. Use of the fields is for MS employees and additional uses, if any, have not been decided at this point. The City of Renton offers cricket at Ron Regis park. The City worked with the American Cricket Club to upgrade the pitch to the desired specifications and it is used all day Saturday and Sunday, between mid-March through November. The City of Sammamish has one cricket pitch at Klahanie Park that is slightly undersized, and one practice cricket pitch. The pitch is constructed between two existing soccer fields and both must be rented at once for cricket. Nearly 60% of the reservation times at the two fields was for cricket. To help reduce scheduling conflicts, the City’s crew installed an 11 feet wide x 110 feet long practice cricket pitch to the west of the existing cricket field in April 2019. The Sammamish Cricket Club purchased a portable netting structure to enclose the pitch during practice. In doing this, they were able to open up more reservation times during the week for both soccer fields. The Sammamish Cricket Club has been growing over the past few years. The City of Sammamish is currently completing a master plan for Klahanie Park and one of the requests from the cricket group is to expand the field space at Klahanie in order to allow for a full-size cricket field. The City of Woodinville does not currently have space for cricket and has not received community requests. 

In addition to finding permanent places for cricket, the City of Redmond has also looked for interim opportunities. Juel Park is identified as a potential interim location. There are challenges given the current nature of the park. Juel Park lies in King County, outside the Urban Growth Area, so the City is unable to extend sewer to the park for permanent restrooms and would need to permit through the County. Additional requirements include relocating the disc golf and potentially the garden plots, possible parking improvements, stormwater management, drainage for an interim field to be playable, and servicing portable restrooms. In addition, there is no potable water on-site. Major League Cricket Academy of Seattle has expressed interest in two fields at Juel park, but initial evaluation shows this most likely will not be feasible given setbacks from Bear creek and wetlands on the eastern portion of the 38-acre park.

 During one of your Board meetings I listened to Director Stuart describe his enjoyment watching a game of Cricket. It's really catching on in the community.  In fact, several team players commented publicly at a Redmond Council meeting last week.

Director Mark Stuart started a Cricket conversation on Facebook today.  He introduced their President. The following was my reply:

I love the Cricket I've seen on YouTube. Honoring the game in our District and City acknowledges a critical segment of our Indian population and their culture. The biggest obstacle to growth and acceptance of the game is FIELD SPACE. Currently, they play at Marymoor Park (#1) Perrigo Park, and Redmond Middle School. I've also seen them at Hartman Park fields. Lacrosse consumes significant field space. The District should open their fields to make Cricket happen. Same with the City with their parks. Smith Park and possibly Grasslawn? Thanks Mark W. Stuart for increasing awareness of the sport and what it means to the players, parents and community at large.   BY

You will find this link on the history of the game and how it's played interesting:

https://youtu.be/g-beFHld19c

Warm regards,

 

The forested area just west of Redmond Town Center
by John Reinke

comm ctr funding

 Recommended Funding Plan Funding Source Amount Currently budgeted in 2021-2022 CIP $17.116 million Surplus Park Impact Fees from 2019-2020 $1.648 million State capital grant $1.25 million General Fund surplus appropriated to facilities per City Council 8/2021 (2019-2020 biennium) $8.5 million Surplus REET from 2019-2020 $2.486 million Councilmanic bonds or 2021 year-end cash $13.0 million Total $44.0 million Annual Debt Payments and Interest on Options (20-year bond at 3% interest) Annual Debt Payment 873,804 Total Debt Payments (20 yrs) 17,476,080 Cumulative Interest (20 yrs)* 4,476,080 * Cumulative interest represents an additional project cost over and above $44.0M

Vice President Jeralee Anderson's Priorities

 

Council V.P. Jeralee Anderson

"In the next four years, communication is key. COVID has introduced great disconnection, isolation, suffering, loss and uncertainty into everyone's lives. As we work through this collective trauma and grief to heal together, I will work to create an inclusive, resilient Redmond for everyone, where you feel welcome, heard, and empowered. I believe that responses you receive about policy decisions from the Council and Mayor should be transparent, thoughtful, accountable, and most importantly, respectful. I think that looks like a participatory, accessible planning process where community input is truly valued and not overlooked."

-- Candidate Councilmember Jeralee Anderson

Jeralee's priorities and pictures

Progressive Voters Guide Recommends Janet Richards For Council Position #2.

Commissioner Janet Richards

"There are two progressive candidates in this race. Our interviews and extensive conversations with Eastside community leaders and partner organizations revealed greater differences in style and approach than policy positions. Both candidates expressed progressive values and complete support for the vital Health through Housing initiative in Redmond.  

While both candidates have progressive endorsements, we lean toward Richards to bring a new perspective and collaborative approach to the council."

-- Progressive Voters Guide

 

Steve Fields Supports "Health Through Housing" Homeless Hotel Initiative

 

Steve Fields at his Down Pour coffee shop

"I offer my sincerest apology to our unhoused community members for that poor wording and any harm it may have caused" -- Steve Fields

-- Progressive Voters Guide

 

• How should the City work to increase its supply of affordable housing?

• Should the City take steps to protect small businesses that provide many living wage jobs in Redmond? If so, what steps?

• What should the city of Redmond’s priorities be when planning for significant growth?

• Global warming is a concern for all of us. There are many proposals being discussed to require new construction and existing buildings and homes to become more energy efficient as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, all of these will add cost and may contribute to further reduction in housing affordability in Redmond. How do you feel the competing priorities of sustainability and affordability should be addressed? If one or the other should be given priority, which is it?

  Janet Richards, Redmond City Council, Position 2

  “… Microsoft is re-imagining their campus to be carbon neutral in the future … we can do this in an innovative way that enables us to continue on track from a sustainability and a housing perspective.”

  Steve Fields, Redmond City Council, Position 2

  “What I would like to see is more focus on the other factors that are driving up the cost of homes, which are the market forces, and this is something that we may have a little bit of control over.”

  Melisssa Stuart, Redmond City Council, Position 4

  “… our comprehensive plan update is the time to tackle the tough questions that are going to allow us to live out this vision of having both …”

  Dennis Ellis, Redmond City Council, Position 4

  “… I think that what we need to do still is not overly tax people at the expense of something that we may not even be able to manage.”

  Tara Van Niman, Redmond City Council, Position 6

  “… in terms of the end user costs, the government can step in and we can find ways to subsidize the building so that in the long run, they are providing the energy efficiency that we need them to.”

  Jeralee Anderson, Redmond City Council, Position 6

  “I don’t believe that they’re competing priorities. I believe that both sustainability and affordability are achievable.”

• What in your opinion is the most important issue the City of Redmond is facing and what are your plans for addressing it?
•