Tag: lynnwood

Ever growing Lynnwood

Carl Setzer

I’ve been watching the buildings going up on Ash Way just of the freeway in Lynnwood. Earlier this week, I finally drove past. My God, these things are huge! 5 floors of apartments above several levels of parking. And several building; 7, 8… just couldn’t look closely enough. But a huge number of apartments are about to hit the market there.

There are a number of other developments coming on along 164th in North Lynnwood (unincorporated Snohomish County), too. This should make that area, with its already sluggish traffic, even more joyous.

My hope is the proximity to two Park and Ride lots will divert some of that traffic. And their closeness to shopping, too, might impact that. Yet, we must expect traffic along that stretch to become even more congested. I guess the main solution will simply be avoidance combined with tolerance. Perhaps.

Continuing the Exploration

Carl Setzer

My life orbits South Snohomish County, especially Lynnwood. This is where we settled at 10, where I graduated high-school, and now where I raise my son. Several decades of my life right here. I get out, we do “things”, and yet there always remains some place new. So many places, nearby, where my feet have not ventured. For instance, I’ve yet to do more than sail through the San Juans. I’ve never been off the ferry. Never! Perplexes many friends.

With so many opportunities in my proverbial backyard, my interest and fascination with this area grows. Thus, I continue my explorations. And with a new addition. I want to experience some place new, some place I’ve never been before. Whether a new town, new site, new restaurant, new park; I want to make a deliberate choice to seek out new stuff and do new things. Not to discount the stuff I already love, but to add a deeper richness to my knowledge of the area.

Some random ideas: a day trip to the San Juans (actually getting off the ferry), the parks on Whidbey, hikes in the Cascades, and (my favorite) and tour of local burger places (like Dicks, Win’s in Bellingham, Ray’s in Everett, Burger Mill in Marysville, etc…).

Life in the Shadow

Carl Setzer

A key moment of political awareness for me came during my mid-teens. I don’t remember the full context, but I realized that I knew great details about the candidates for Seattle’s mayor, but nothing about mine (Lynnwood’s). I didn’t even  know WHO Lynnwood’s mayor was. That made me aware of the dominance of Seattle in this region. Not simply political, but media-wise and culturally.

For example, media-wise, besides Seattle’s several tv stations (this was the 80s), Spokane had a few, and I believe Yakima had one or two, Bellingham had KVOS, and Tacoma had a PBS station on VHF. Print news had greater presence, but was distributed much the same.

This motivated me to learn more about this region, to explore and understand with greater detail the richer culture. That’s become much easier with the advent of the internet and world wide web. I’m nowhere near where I wish to be, and plan to continue with my explorations.

Sno-Isle Libraries Updates

Carl Setzer

Some cool news from my local library provider. The Lynnwood branch (my local one), is back open after remodeling.

“You’ll discover new carpet, paint, improved restrooms and approximately 1,000 square feet set aside as a new Creative Commons. This special space will provide you with exciting opportunities for computer-aided creativity, group collaboration workspace, research, development and instruction.”

I’ll need to make some time to head down soon. 

Also important: all branches will be closed this coming Monday, October 7th. 

Lastly, they’ve collected key links to understand the Affordable Care Act, it’s requirements and places to act. 

Fireworks and Living in the Neighborhood

Carl Setzer

Sitting up last night, appx 1:30 am, listening to the booms and watching the flashes of my neighbor’s festivities got me thinking. This area has several interesting conundrums regarding fireworks.

I live in unincorporated Snohomish County. Whatever ordinances might be in place are pathetically enforced. Lives would need to be at risk in order for the Sheriff to respond. (Not to disparage my local officers…community police work is pretty challenging as the Sheriff’s staff is run quite thin. One reason to vote for incorporation into Lynnwood…whenever that finally comes). Lynnwood isn’t much better. Technically, exploding and airborne fireworks are verbotten. However, I saw several exceptions to that which were purchased (apparently) at local stands. Anyway, locals know that little will be done to enforce those controls…at least on the Fourth.

Edmonds has had a ban for years. I loved the Fourth when I lived down there since it was quite calm. The war-zone ambiance was completely lacking (unlike my current neighborhood).

Marysville has the tough issue of immediate proximity to Boom City. Enforcement would be an exercise in futility, I’m sure.

Anyway, just some random thoughts. Don’t know if I’m fully for, or against, fireworks bans. I enjoy the things fine, but also like being able to sleep at night.

What do you think?

Update on Zumiez

Carl Setzer

I wrote a brief post a couple of weeks ago looking at a local company, Zumiez, and some of their videos (you can read that here). The Everett Herald posted a story on Monday looking at one of the Co-Founders, Gary Haakenson.

My son is big fan of Zumiez fashion, so I’m closely attached to the brand. I’ve been quite impressed with my interactions with them, both in their stores and in the community. Their headquarters is just a few miles from my house, and I regularly drive past. All these bring about an attachment.

So, read up on one of my local brands and enjoy this snapshot into regional business culture. And into one of our areas entrepreneurs.

Event this weekend @ Lynnwood Convention Center : Celebration of Food

Carl Setzer

Just read over at My Edmonds News about this weekend’s “Celebration of Food” festival.

Sadly, I’ve yet to step foot inside the Lynnwood Convention Center. I guess I need to check out their calendar of events more often (read: >0 times).

Anyway, combine the local nature of this with a celebration of food, and this is one I really shouldn’t miss. I’ll plan to head over.

More details about the event at Edmonds Community College and at the Food Revolution Snohomish County’s Facebook page.

And, lastly, a video with some additional background.

Hope to see you there!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o_ekgj9m_w]

@Zumiez Videos : Life In Lynnwood

Carl Setzer1 Comment

Zumiez is headquartered in Lynnwood, just a short distance from the old Landmark Inn just off of I5 and 44th. They’re a significant player in the boardsport style space, with sales topping $555 million in 2012.

Here’s one of their YouTube videos. Kinda fun stuff. Gives you insight into their brand. Enjoy!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrpI85TcBZ4&w=560&h=315]