Category: Seattle and Beyond

Driving Around Here Nowadays

Carl Setzer

Saturday i had a meeting in south Everett, on 128th to be more specific. Well,traffic on that road was wretched,  but I improvised, taking side streets back to Lynnwood. I ended up driving past the door where the z over Park drive in used to be. Now it’s a medical center and apartment complex. I

Along this street are now many multifamily/higher density housing projects.Several duplexes, apartment and condos, within this area that was semi rural single family homes a generation back. 

This got me thinking about density. That we’re gong to see the greater Seattle area become increasingly densified. I expect in the next dozen to two dozen years this whole region will become mostly multifamily. The economic forces will drive that hard. I’ve long thought that the Growth Management Act’s limits on development will combine with our region’s continued economic expansion to drive this. 

Many will see if as something to lament, and to resist. Me? I see it as a a mixed blessing, so to speak. And as something that good planning can make a great thing. Planning for a transit system that will accommodate this load will be crucial. A predominantly car-centric system will not work. When the majority of commuters take transit, things will be more manageable. 

So, what do you think? 

Green Mountain Lookout: An Article In Today’s Everett Herald

Carl Setzer

Just read “Summit stewards make the steep trek to Green Mountain Lookout“. Ah, visions of Kerouac on Desolation Peak! Well, this isn’t quite so literary, I guess.

If you don’t know Kerouac’s connection to the Pacific Northwest, below are few links for you (and if you don’t know Jack Kerouac, please fix that. I always start such things with Wikipedia).

Anyway, I enjoyed the article, probably in no small part due to my literary fascinations. This looks like a fun, if aggressive hike. And staying on top of a mountain (I doubt there’s wifi) would be a great way to decompress. For me, personally, after this season’s hikes, I realize I’m not quite in good enough shape for hikes like this one. I’m building back up, though.

Below is a video of the current occupants of the lookout (as of the article’s writing, at least) created by the good folks at the Everett Herald.

 

https://vimeo.com/358390009

If you’re inspired to make this hike, check out the WTA’s (Washington Trails Association) page for the Green Mountain trail. And if you’re interested in the Kerouac/Beat pilgrimage to Desolation Peak, the WTA has your covered, too.

A Weekend Hike: Mukilteo’s Japanese Gulch

Carl Setzer1 Comment

Yesterday we on a hike went with some friends at Mukilteo’s Japanese Gulch. We were looking for a a little less intense hike than the ones we’ve done this summer so far with a shorter drive. Just a few minutes from my place, with smooth trails, it fit the bill. 

Gaining its name from the workers who lived there in the early 1900s, Japanese Gulch’s 147 acres of land features a dog park, access to the Sound, and a community garden. After an attempt to develop the land as an industrial park in 2007, the community rose up and encouraged the City to acquire the land to preserve it. With many trails for all kinds of users (mountain bikers, hikers, dog walkers and families), it’s a fantastic asset to the community. 

We opted to walk the full length of the park, from the 76th Street trail-head all the way down to the Sound. Along the water I was able to check out the progress on the new ferry terminal. Coming along nicely, I look forward to seeing the final product in the fall of next year. 

Back in 2016, the City approved the Japanese Gulch Master Plan, to update and preserve the park. I just discovered the MukMaps Interactive Trail Map, which I want to experiment with soon. If you used this, let me know in the comments. I want to hear your thoughts. 

A few additional thoughts on the trails: there a wide range of trails and types. They vary in steepness and width. So most folks will find something of interest. Also, right now the trail is dry. However, come the fall rains, the trail gets wet, muddy and slick. Be prepared!

Lastly, some resources:

 

 

  • Welcome to Japanese Gulch
  • Views of the community garden
  • Views of the community garden
  • Views of the community garden
  • The new waterfront is under construction
  • Existing the park and walking towards the construction area
  • The construction zone
  • Train crossing
  • Waterfront walk
  • The Beach
Carl Setzer

I just got this alert from the WS DOT. Folks driving around Skagit/Snohomish county line will want to be prepared. I’ve pasted the press release directly into here.

Washington State Department of Transportation
Northwest Region – 15700 Dayton Avenue N. – Shoreline, WA  98133-9710 – 206-440-4000

TRAFFIC ADVISORY                                                                                                               

Aug. 21, 2019

Contacts:    Andrea E. Petrich, communications, 360-757-5963

Shane Spahr, project engineer, 360-848-7103

Bridge work to close lanes of southbound I-5 in Snohomish County starting Saturday, Aug. 24

STANWOOD – Drivers traveling between Skagit and Snohomish counties need to prepare for weekend delays and backups as crews work to rehabilitate two southbound Interstate 5 bridge decks.

Washington State Department of Transportation contractor crews from Graham Construction will repair the bridge deck on two separate sections of southbound I-5 over the weekend. One section is near the Skagit/Snohomish county line and the other is south of State Route 532. This work is part of a two-year interstate improvement project between Conway and Arlington.

Lane closure details

  • 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, to 8 a.m. the morning of Sunday, Aug. 25: the two left lanes of southbound I-5 over the Pilchuck Creek Bridge, south of exit 212/Stanwood/Camano Island will close for restriping. The right lane will remain open.
  • 8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, to 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26: the right lane of southbound I-5 at milepost 211 will close. The left two lanes will remain open but will be shifted away from the work.
  • 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, to 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26: the southbound I-5 off-ramp to 236th Street Northeast will close. Crews will have a signed detour in place.
  • 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, to 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26: the two left lanes of southbound I-5 at milepost 217, just south of the Skagit/Snohomish county line, will close. The right lane will remain open.

Drivers using this stretch of I-5 Sunday night into Monday morning should be aware of two separate work zones and a reduced speed limit of 55 mph south of SR 532.

During the closures, crews will add a new waterproofing barrier and fresh asphalt on the bridges. While the forecast looks favorable, this work is weather-dependent.

The longest delays are expected Sunday afternoon, Aug. 25, and could last into the evening hours. Travelers can help reduce backups and delays by adjusting travel plans around this closure. If you must travel, consider:

  • Leaving before or after peak travel periods.
  • Using a carpool or vanpool.
  • Riding transit.

Drivers between Skagit and Snohomish counties should continue to plan for single lane closures during the day and double lane closures overnight, until this project wraps up in fall 2019.

Get real-time traffic information on the WSDOT North Twitter account and WSDOT traffic app.

 

Hyperlinks within the release:

Oh Yum! Check out the Northwest Chocolate Festival!

Carl Setzer

Apparently this is the Top Chocolate festival in North America (is there a more impressive one in Europe? Or South America? But I digress…). More importantly (to me at least) it’s the largest gathering of chocolatiers in the world. As someone who adores chocolate, I find this compelling and more than a little bit interesting.

  • Live chef demos
  • 160 exhibitors from across the globe
  • a 21+ lounge

The event will be November 9 & 10 on Pier 91 in Seattle. Tickets for the full weekend are currently $50, with single day options at $25. There’s also a VIP pass that looks like a blast at $95. These prices are for right now, and will go up closer to the event.

Check out their website for full details and to reserve your tickets.

Update: corrected the dates to November 9 & 10

The Fourth, Parades, Fireworks and the Law

Carl Setzer
fireworks

First, a reminder that for most of the region fireworks have been banished. Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Brier, Edmonds, Gold Bar, Marysville, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace and Woodway all have ordinances prohibiting them. For more details Snohomish County has created this guide for fireworks.

So, legal fireworks. You know, the professional shows! Well, there are many options around the region. The Washington State Patrol has this great list of options throughout the state. And, of course, there are parades and other events. I’ll highlight just few around here.

First, Mountlake Terrace has a fireworks show tonight, July 3, on Lake Ballinger. 

As for tomorrow, the actual Fourth, I’ll be in Edmonds, so I’ll start with their festivities. This is the main thing for South Snohomish County around Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace.

Here are some other local options:

Interested in daring Seattle traffic? Seattle Eater has a great list of stuff in Seattle.

Anything I’ve missed, or you’d like to suggest? Please let us know in a comment below. I’ll happily update this post with your ideas.

Ask The Edmonds Cop: May 20th Edition

Carl Setzer

The Edmonds Police are looking for a chap who, um, disrupted things at Safeway a few days ago. Check out the video and, if you know this chap, you might pass that along to the local constabulary.

And consider subscribing to Theresa Whipple’s My Neighborhood News Network. She does great work and is an asset to our lovely community.

A PNW Gem: Morten Lauridsen

Carl Setzer

Morten Lauridsen is one of the great musical products of the Pacific Northwest. Born in Colfax (roughly 1/2 way between Spokane and Pullman), he then grew up in Portland, went to Whitman in Walla Walla, then landed at USC. I’m sad to say I only discovered his music quite recently, as he has been helping the good folks at King FM raise money for their abrupt and mandatory relocation. I’ve been exploring his work throughout the week. Spotify has a nice collection of his work.

I also discovered this interview where he discusses his Magnum Mysterium. Listening to him talk reminds me of the joy I felt when I studied music. I have many moments where I regret stopping those studies. I expect I should write about that at some point.

What do you think of his music? Is there anyone you like? That you would recommend? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

If you could give this post a “like” and share it on your favorite social platform, it would help the blog out greatly. And, please, consider subscribing!

Lynnwood Police Free Vacation House Check Program 

Carl Setzer

A key thing to help you relax on your vacation? Knowing that your house and valuables are safe.

House Check

LYNNWOOD, WA (May 2, 2019) – Going on vacation anytime this year? Don’t forget to sign up at the Lynnwood Police Department for your FREE Vacation House Check.

Two easy ways to sign up:

1. Come to the clerks’ office at the station on the corner of 44th Ave. W and 194th (Veterans Way); we’re open from 8 am to 5 pm daily. When you’re there you’ll fill out some brief information for your house check and we will take care of the rest.

2. Download and complete the application located on the Lynnwood Police Department’s website, then return it by email to LWellington@LynnwoodWA.gov, drop it off at the clerks’ office or return by mail to the Police Department.

The Volunteers in Public Safety (VIPS) check on all houses in the city limits of Lynnwood registered for vacation house checks. The VIPS are trained on the police radio to call an officer if they hear or see anything suspicious.

For questions on Free Vacation House Check or how to learn more about volunteering with the Lynnwood Police Department call the Lynnwood Police Crime Prevention Section at 425-670-5635.