Life In The Pacific Northwest
All the non-profits I love have been pinging me, reminding me about this fantastic opportunity to increase my donation’s reach: the Seattle Foundation’s Give Big. Â Amazing, Â and somewhat overwhelming opportunity. But it’s glorious way to increase the organizations-you-care-about’s funding, so take a minute tomorrow and make a difference.
It was a lovely but busy weekend. Highlights:
Saturday, I saw Kamiak’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. Very impressive! Even more do considering these are high school kids. This was worthy of any community theatre. And it’ll be fine next weekend, too. It’s worth your time! Followed up with dinner at a friend’s place, perfect!
Sunday, went to Bellingham for the Whatcom symphony. I’m always amazing at the high quality of their shows. Plus, the Mount Baker Theatre is an amazing space. Little old Bellingham has an amazing gem in their community. Then piroshkies at Pel’Meni, and ice cream at Acme Ice Cream in Fairhaven. A delightful day!
Looking forward to this week, and all the potential therein. What about you? Is there anything you’re particularly excited about?
Go make it a great week!
Well, this made for some real fun for me this morning. Fortunately, I have tools to notify when traffic’s getting ugly and was able to leave early to compensate. And I was half expecting “issues” as I crossed I5 via the 196th street overpass on my way to the northbound onramp. My lord, the backup was immense! And in such a way that I almost never see, except when there’s an accident.
Bee that as it may (sorry for the pun, I just had to…), looking at the pictures, I feel sad for the bees. As bee populations are declining, seeing the massive insect destruction was really disheartening. However, there clearly are dedicated professionals on site making sure the impact upon our buzzing friends is minimal. For that, I’m thankful.
When I worked in Environmental Affairs, and worked in Seattle, I attended these regularly. Â It’s a bit of a hike, though, so, the likelihood of me making it there are slim. I still highly recommend attending, though. It’s definitely worth the time. Â You’ll meet amazing people doing incredible work.
Tomorrow is our first ever Greendrinks Startup Fair and we want you to be a part of it! We are at Impact HUB Seattle!
At this month’s Greendrinks, we will have a Start-Up Stand Up. Every organization will have two minutes with the microphone to give the room their pitch, discuss their product or program or ask for the resources they need. They are looking to take their work to the next level or help you get your startup off the ground. Come to be a resource. Come to learn. Come and be inspired!
5:30: Doors open
6:15-6:30-First Stand Up Group
7:00-7:15-Second Stand Up Group
7:40-7:55-Third Stand Up Group
8:30: Event Ends
Particpants include:
Northwest Chocolate
Community General Store
 Association of Green Property Owners and Managers
Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship
No Place Like Home
Capital Hill EcoDistrictÂ
Have you joined our Facebook Page? It’s a great way to engage with our community, share your events and organizations and learn about upcoming events!! Request to join and we will get you approved!
Don’t forget your own cup and as always,Â
it’s a $5 donation at the door!
I work in a Real Estate office, and have spent the majority of life in Washington, and have traveled extensively, so I’m often asked “where is” city x. Often, I actually know. Today, this one got me: Burton. I’d never heard of it until today, but it looks like a really lovely place. Vashon Island is great, though I’ve not spent anywhere near enough time there. It’s a great place to cycle. Need to add this to my places to visit list.
This makes me happy and proud!
City of Lynnwood Purchases Seabrook Property for Environmental Conservation,
ensuring environmental preservation in perpetuity
LYNNWOOD, WA (March 23, 2015) – The City of Lynnwood is please to announce that the title transfer of the the Seabrook Heights Property from West View Properties, Inc to the City of Lynnwood has been completed. Thanks to a $5 million Snohomish County Conservation Futures grant awarded to the City of Lynnwood in 2013 and $1 million from the City, the purchase of this piece of land was possible. This area of land was slated for residential development and the City’s purchase will ensure the natural environment is preserved in perpetuity.
The Seabrook Heights Property is located within Lynnwood’s Municipal Urban Growth Area on the northern boundary of Lund’s Gulch, south of Fisher Road, and north of Meadowdale Beach Park. The property is north of, and contiguous to 77.23 acres of open space that the City of Lynnwood and the Brackett’s Landing Foundation acquired from 1996-2004 with Conservation Futures Funds.
The Seabrook Property displays many of the same physical characteristics, wildlife and habitat as Lund’s Gulch and Meadowdale Beach Park. It is heavily wooded with second growth forest of Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Hemlock and Alder; hosts a native understory, steep slopes, and wetlands; and includes partial views to Puget Sound. One third of the property slopes downhill with gradients between 33-78%. The site supports a variety of wildlife including nesting eagles, and serves as a migration route for land birds and other mammals.
For many years, residents of the surrounding area have fought against the development of the Seabrook Heights property using their own money and resources. The planned development included 70 homes in this environmentally sensitive, landslide hazard area. The potential for landslides caused by increased runoff would pose a real threat to the downhill properties and to the habitat of Lunds Gulch Creek. The proposed development would have caused increased runoff, potentially causing causing severe hydrologic impacts to these properties and their wetland resources.
Parks and Recreation Director Lynn Sordel states, “Lynnwood currently manages over 350 acres of parks and open space, including 77 acres of open space in Lund’s Gulch, and we are absolutely thrilled to add the Seabrook Property under our stewardship and conservation. We want to commend the community members that fought so hard to preserve this area’s natural environment and also thank Snohomish County for their generous grant. The City of Lynnwood will take great care of this wetland and wildlife habitat and ensure it’s conservation for our future generations.”
For more information on the City of Lynnwood’s Parks, Trails and Open Space, visit us at www.PlayLynnwood.com.
This looks amazing and delightful; what a great way to develop both creativity and technical problem-solving. I plan to get down there!
| Saturday, April 25, 2015, 11:00am – 02:00pm |
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On the last Saturday of the month, come to Maker Day at MOHAI to tinker, experiment and create alongside some of Seattle’s most innovative makers. Drop in any time between 11 am-2 pm; activities are designed for all ages and skill levels and no reservation is necessary!
April 25:Â Create computer games and animation with Code Fellows Cost:Â Included with museum admission |
Location Museum of History & Industry (860 Terry Ave N) Contact MOHAI Programs | (206) 324-1126 ex. 165 – See more at: http://www.mohai.org/visit-us/mohai-calendar/eventdetail/1052/-/maker-day-coding#sthash.pgamno2H.dpuf
Snohomish County  Highway and construction Updates
I-5 Everett bridge inspection Saturday
If you’re headed north on I-5 Saturday morning – maybe headed to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (see below) – be ready for some potential slowdown near the SR 526/SR 527 interchange. WSDOT bridge maintenance crews will be doing bridge inspection work that will close two lanes from about5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. A single lane will remain closed until about 2 p.m.
Full SR 522 ramp closure Monday night
Monroe drivers should prepare for a full closure of the westbound SR 522 ramp to West Main Street/164th Street Southeast from 7 p.m. Monday, April 13 until 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 14. The section of West Main Street/164th Street between Fryelands Boulevard and the east roundabout will also be closed from 10 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday (a signed detour will be in place). During the closure, contractor crews working for WSDOT will continue their work on the new roundabout on the west side of SR 522. This is part of the SR 522 widening project.
Improved traffic flow coming to SR 99 in Everett
A project that will improve traffic flow on SR 99 at Airport Road in Everett begins this coming week. Contractor crews working for WSDOT will begin removing parts of traffic islands in both directions of SR 99 at Airport Road to create a third, bus-only through lane. Right now, the islands extend into the right lane, requiring vehicles to turn onto eastbound or westbound Airport Road. Once the islands have been reduced, about 150 Community Transit buses each day will be able to proceed through the intersection in the right lane. Cars and trucks can also use the lane but will have to make right turns onto Airport Road. Some other work is included in the project as well. No traffic control is planned for this coming week but there will be some lane closures in the future so be sure to stay plugged in to our Northwest Construction Update page.
Full southbound SR 529 closures complete
Full southbound closures of SR 529 between Marysville and Everett are finished, which is great news for drivers who have been detouring to I-5 while workers do maintenance work on the Snohomish River Bridge. We’ll still have some single-lane closures between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.Monday, April 13 through Thursday, April 16 so be prepared for some delays.
Remember, it’s tulip time
I’ll admit it, I drove to Bellingham on Easter and forgot about traffic headed to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. It’s not a mistake I’ll make again. So I’ll remind myself and you, prepare for significant traffic delays, especially on weekends, headed to the tulip fields. If you can, leave very early or as it gets dark. Otherwise, pack patience, great tunes and avoid the Big Gulps because it could be a real slow-go in the Mount Vernon area.
Starting last week, MOHAI is presenting American Spirits: The Rise And Fall Of Prohibition.  Running now until August 23, the story of Prohibition, Seattle and the way our region both pushed the boundaries, as well as feeling the impact of this hallmark period in our country’s evolution. Should be a fascinating exploration in this social experiment and the long-standing repercussions.
Yeah, the Emerald City Comicon is done, but that’s not even close to all the geek delight the region has the offer. There are events throughout the year, and these two are (both) this weekend.
And there are still more. I’ve started a list of all the regions events, which I’ll keep updated as I learn more. Feel free to let me know of any that aren’t on here.
An additional note: I was just informed that the Bellingham Comicon is a go for October 24th. More details on their Facebook page and their website.