Category: Seattle and Beyond

Traffic Fun on 196th and 64th in Lynnwood

Carl Setzer1 Comment

I live really close by and am <sarcasm>delighted at the added fun. </sarcasm> Oh well….be advised and forewarned.

Water Main Break on 64th Ave W Causes Extended Road Closure
Lynnwood Utility Crews will begin repair work Friday morning

LYNNWOOD, WA (April 28, 2016) – Early This morning, a private contractor inadvertently hit a water main on 64th Ave W, just south of 196th St SW. The water main break caused several blocks of 64th Ave W to flood. Lynnwood Utility Crews responded and were able to successfully repair the pipe, however there was damage done to the road surface. 64th Ave W between 196th St SW to the 19800 block will remained closed until 7:30am on Friday, April 29th. Local and emergency access is available.

On Friday, April 29th beginning at 7:30am, Lynnwood crews will remove the damaged pavement and begin repair work. During this time one lane of southbound traffic on 64th Ave W will be open to accommodate business access. Please make plans to avoid 64th Ave W at this location if possible.

Thinking about Boeing

Carl Setzer

Having spent most of my life in Lynnwood, I’ve long been in the shadow of Boeing. Interestingly, though I’ve worked for many Seattle stalwarts such as Starbucks, Microsoft, and Amazon. But never Boeing. I’ve had a few opportunities, but for each one, by the time they extended an offer to me, I’d accepted one somewhere else. And their slow hiring process is something they’re known for.

I’ve heard from many folks about the giant B is soul sucking and fraught with petty factions and frictions. Yet I have many friends and family who’ve worked there for decades. It seems, from one view, that many (most?) folks end up there for the long-haul. Now, I guess I can understand that if you have a rather non-transferable skill, say aerospace engineer or aircraft machinist. For those folks, I could see hating the place but being rather trapped by circumstances. But then there are those folks like me who have very transferable skills. Why would they stay if Boeing is so very miserable? Well, they won’t. Which tells me there’s something more at stake here.

Every workplace has their challenges. And the larger an institution, the easier it is to feel caught up in something soul-less. Yet at the team level, where you talk and interact with people everyday, that space is much more pleasant. Perhaps this disconnect between the local and macro sums this up.

What do you think? Do you work at Boeing, hate it and yet have been there two decades? Do you love Boeing? I’m deeply interested in your thoughts.

Please comment and let’s “talk”.

Sunday Review

Carl Setzer

It was a great, if fast, weekend. Didn’t get down to the kexp kick off (for their new space) Saturday, which I’d really hoped to get to. But meeting with friends was much too important.

Saturday evening, we hung out with one set of friends. Jus a BBQ, low key and lovely. Also got me down to Edmonds which alwasy pleases me.

Today was a friend’s daughter 5th birthday. My teen aged son was a good sport and helped out with the little kids. He really has a talent with young kids. Which makes me super proud.

Met some good friends of friends. And these folks were the kind of folks that you click with instantly and want to spend more time with. Left the party already Facebook friends. Funny world, no?

Sun in Seattle is always delightful. Got outside a bit, which was wondrous. And got a good amount of rest in. Very important for the full recharge. Which I need….desperately.

Muslim American engineer, others respond to aerospace exec’s anti-mosque campaign – The Seattle Globalist

Carl Setzer

If you didn’t know, a postcard was mailed to the citizenry of Mukilteo protesting the opening of a mosque. I can expound my standard liberal rhetoric about the value inclusiveness brings. Instead, let me simply allow one of our neighbors to speak to the matter (from Seattle Globalist) 

Muslim American engineer, others respond to aerospace exec’s anti-mosque campaign

Reflecting upon the day

Carl Setzer

Watching 180 South this evening. My son found this years ago on Netflix, and we find it a nice, calming film.  It’s also thought provoking.

Part of that: it’s core focus on sustainable living.  Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins built their businesses with that long-term view. These were men we talked about when I worked at Starbucks in Corporate Social Responsibility. North Face and Patagonia were, and are, leaders of socially responsible business practices.

Then there’s the travelogue element. These guys are seeking wisdom on their quest. Facing challenges, seeking to understand, to learn about the world. That’s compelling for me, who spent my childhood drifting over the planet.

After watching tonight, I thought some about the quest. About the wisdom gained from the journey. I see that some gain great insight from travels. Others from staying put, deepening their connection to place, a single place. Both paths are valid, both lead to wisdom, both are necessary for the world.

I’ve been on both paths. Now my path is focused on this place. And I find it joyous.

Some thoughts on Lynnwood’s future

Carl Setzer
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City of Lynnwood Logo

I watched a video about the rail link and it’s plan to make it up here. (Check out the site and video here)  It’s very promising. I love the idea of a 28 minute trip to downtown Seattle where I don’t have any concerns about parking. I love this future. Especially since I really don’t see leaving South Snohomish county. Ever. Well, vacations and such, but I live living here, my family is here, friends, etc. Hard to conceive of living anywhere else.

That really amuses me. When I joined the Navy all those decades ago, my goal was to get as far away as possible. And returning was not on my mind. The Navy brought me back, to Subbase Bangor, and I’ve remained in western Washington since.

Post Navy, I lived for about 10 years in downtown Seattle. Then in Bothell, then Edmonds and now Lynnwood. I’m a few hundred feet from my parents house. Now. I love it. My son goes to my old middle school, a few staffers are connected to my history. My connection to this place is pretty deep and pretty rich.

Back a decade or two ago, my fellow citizens failed as a progressive, proactive community and we didn’t pass a pretty aggressive transportation package. That one had aggressive rail deployment. We choked on the price tag and we fell behind our issues. I’m pleased to see the way they’re using light rail, getting the trolleys out of the traffic flow. To some degree.

I’m afraid heavy traffic is here to stay. These solutions can really make a dent in that. But only some. I wonder, hope that the next time we have the opportunity to proactively tackle these issues, we have enough foresight to mice forward. Being ahead is immensely preferable to behind.

Food Trucks Are Coming to Lynnwood

Carl Setzer

I’ve long had a “thing” for food trucks, so I’m pretty excited about this. They will be a fun addition to the food scene in Lynnwood.

 

Food Trucks Are Coming to Lynnwood
City Council Unanimously Approves Food Trucks in Lynnwood

LYNNWOOD, WA (March 29, 2016) – Before long, you will be able to purchase an authentic street taco, a slice of pie, a strawberry crepe or a burger from a mobile vendor in Lynnwood. On March 14, 2016, the Lynnwood City Council voted unanimously to allow food trucks to operate within the City limits between the hours of 7am and 10pm. “This is something the City has carefully researched and considered,” said Paul Krauss, Community Development Director. “These trucks are safe, well regulated, and offer such a great opportunity for independent businesses owners. People enjoy the whole food truck experience.” Food trucks will be able to park in local business parking lots, with the approval of the business owner, but not on City streets.

“Food truck will go a long way to help improve the vibrancy of our City Center,” stated David Kleitsch, Lynnwood’s Economic Development Director. “Food trucks in other cities, like Portland and Seattle have become a mainstay and even a tourist attraction; they will be a great asset in Lynnwood too.” During the Public Hearing at the March 14 City Council Meeting, Rosario Reyes, Director of the Latino Education and Training Institute, voiced her support for allowing food trucks in Lynnwood. Reyes commented that food trucks in Lynnwood will be an asset to the Latino community, in particular those who are looking for start-up business opportunities.

The ordinance is effective as of March 23, 2016. Operators must apply for a City of Lynnwood business license and be approved by the Snohomish County Health Department. Lynnwood is ethnically diverse and already has so many unique dining options – it will be exciting to see what starts rolling into town!

Ministry Position At Lynnwood’s Trinity Lutheran Church

Carl Setzer

This is my church, so I’m biased. But I think extremely well of all the staff and think we’re a world class organization.

If you have any questions about Trinity Lutheran, feel free to ask me.

Open Ministry Position: Full-time Children and Family Minister


Purpose: To work with congregational members to provide programming, outreach, encouragement and support to children, parents, and families through the ministries of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Responsibilities: Sunday morning children’s programming, nursery, Vacation Bible School, Faith Formation Stepping Stones program, supporting children’s music and choirs, family worship services, parents care, and support and seasonal programming.
Qualifications: Include education and/or experience in ministry to children and families.
Salary & Benefits: Salary based on education, experience, and skills.  Medical and pension provided.
Visit http://www.trinitylutheranchurch.com/ to view the complete job description

Submit cover letter and resume to Trinity Lutheran Church, 6215 196th St. SW, Lynnwood, WA. 98026 or by email to p​aul@trinitylutheranchurch.com no later than April 10, 2016.

Lynnwood Is Hosting Community Disaster Preparedness Town Hall on March 15

Carl Setzer

As many/most of you know, Western Washington is due (perhaps even overdue) for a major earthquake. The best thing we can do is prepare. And our friends at the City of Lynnwood have pulled together the following event below to do just that.

 

Count me in

What would you do in a natural disaster or emergency?

Would you be prepared?
What about your family, friends, and neighbors?

Our team of first responders and disaster experts will provide you with the emergency preparedness know-how and tools to get you and your loved ones ready for the “just in case.”

Town Hall Will Include:

  • Keynote lecture from Dr. Brian Atwater, world-renowned USGS Geologist, earthquake expert, and professor at the University of Washington
  • First responders providing basic tips for disaster preparedness
  • Information and resource tables
  • Pinpoint your address on the wall-sized map
  • Information on next steps you can take to prepare for a disaster or emergency

For More Info:

Follow us on Twitter @LynnwoodFire @ReadySnoCo @SnoCoFire1

RSVP’s are kindly requested, visit our Eventbrite site to let us know you’ll be coming: http://bit.ly/SnoCoDisaster

Sponsored By:
Snohomish Co Fire District #1, Disaster Medicine Project, My Neighborhood News Network, Edmonds Community College, and the City of Lynnwood’s Police and Fire Departments.

Town Hall Details:
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
6:30–8:30pm
Edmonds Community College, Woodway Hall
Click here for directions and a campus map

Reflecting On Edmonds

Carl Setzer

It’s been a lovely weekend here in South Snohomish county. Yesterday I made my way down to the Edmonds Barbershop. For me, that’s John’s barbershop. When I lived down there, I’d walk there once a month or so. He always did a fantastic job. Then we moved to north Lynnwood, nearly Mukilteo. Slowly, the drive started to become too much, too convoluted. And for the sake of time, I’d end up at the discount hair place with the shortest line. After moving a few years ago, it finally sank in that I can make the journey now without too much trouble. So, even with my maniacal calendar, I was  able to carve out the time. It was great to catch up. He knows so very much about the details of Edmonds life.

It’s amazing to reflect on all the changes I’ve seen the city come through. My grandparents lived there for decades. My grandfather died in this town. He’d hardly recognize it. I can’t imagine him trying a pain au’chocolat (he’d definitely try a crescent roll with chocolate bits, though). There are elements of that old Edmonds left. The first things that comes to mind is the Edmonds Bakery and the venerable Pankcake Haus. But we have many lovely but fru-fru restaurants now; ones that I love but he’d scratch his head over. These changes excite, but I feel a tinge of nostalgia. Me, though, I focus on the positive and let the negative drift away. Especially as I have little control over either.

With that, it’s time for me to step outside and enjoy this lovely breezy spring-esque day. May you  day be filled with delight and fun, rejuvenating you for the week to come.