Life In The Pacific Northwest
Some important intel about area traffic. Here’s the TLDR:
Crews working on the Lynnwood Link Extension will be closing the southbound lanes of I-5 South from 220th Street SW to SR 104 in Mountlake Terrace overnight on Saturday, June 26 for construction that will allow the light rail alignment to cross over the highway. Northbound traffic lanes will remain open.
Follow this link for more details.
I’ve driven past Everett’s Vintage Cafe dozens (100s?) of times, but have never made my way down to it. After watching Live In Everett’s YouTube video about it, though, I realize I need to fix that. Of course, after the pandemic lock-downs have passed. Sadly, it’s a bit far away for us to go there for takeout.
My good friend Toby Barnett, who lives up in the Lakewood area in Arlington, WA, set up his camera last week was thunderstorms came rolling in. I enjoyed watching them, so I hope you will, too.
It’s upon us, the end of October and all the Halloween fun for the kids! Here’s my collection of fun, family events for the south Snohomish County region.
Have a fun, safe and delightful Halloween!
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?
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:
Currently I’m at the Snohomish County campus to do some research on one of my projects. Forgot that the Planning and Development Services department is closed until 10 on Thursdays (had it in my head that was Wednesdays). Opps! That worked out for the best, though. Got to talk with one of the staffers about a different project, which will move that forward quicker. And then ran into a friend at the cafe here. I haven’t talked with her in several months, so it was nice to catch up on stuff (mostly kids…you know how parents are).
The cafe here is actually pretty nice. Especially for a office cafeteria kind of place. I enjoy the food here, and they serve Cafe D’Arte coffee. Not a favorite, but I do enjoy it.
It’s a delightful spring morning. Glad I brought my fleece, but the sun is lovely. Listening to the weird combination of construction noise, people chatting, and the seagulls and crows getting worked up over the eagle perched atop the Angel of the Winda arena (formerly Comcast/Xfinity). The eagle quickly got annoyed with the crows dive-bombing it and took off.
So much construction going on. The courthouse upgrade a few feet behind me, and the Hopelink work a few blocks to the south on Broadway make for a vibrant area. And fir a bit of traffic noise. Everett is changing right around me. I don’t think I’d recognize the place if I’d been gone 10 years. An amazing time to be here, enjoying a random respite from the busyness of modern life.
Please join the Snohomish County Youth Chorus for a celebration of our favorite holiday music this Saturday, December 15 at 7 p.m. in Mukilteo at Pointe of Grace Lutheran Church!
Learn more about the chorus:
👍 Like their Facebook page for updates on future events!
🎵 Check out their website at www.snocoyouthchorus.org!
Fog on the river
As I cross the Snohomish
How much of it smoke?
With all the smoke in Seattle’s air, I wonder the breakdown with the fog lingering over the Snohomish river this morning.
With this, there was mist on my car window. That, mixed with river fog are signs of impending autumn. As teachers move into their rooms, seasons are changing.
I’ve been involved with this choir for about two years now. My son sings with them and I’ve known the director for years. I think very highly of them and couldn’t recommend them more.
Presented by Snohomish County Youth Chorus
WHEN: Monday 7/30 – Friday 8/3 9am – 12pm
WHERE: Trinity Lutheran Church, 6215 196th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036
WHO: Students entering Grades 3-12
WHAT: A fast-paced week of music and fun for kids who love to sing.
No experience necessary!
Group and solo singing, hand percussion, chimes/handbells, and miniperformances/ AMA sessions with local professional musicians! Daily snack. Friday showcase for friends and family.