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Feast with Friends Fundraiser--an Event Not To Miss!!
The Fourth Annual Feast with Friends for Snohomish and Skagit Counties will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 26th at Angel Arms Works, 230 Avenue B in Snohomish. This fundraiser, at the lovely home and art studio of Snohomish Mayor Karen Guzak and Warner Blake, celebrates our local farmers, local wineries and local chefs to create lots of delicious food and wine for the guests, while supporting the work of the Snohomish/Skagit County Program Director for Futurewise and Smart Growth Director of Pilchuck Audubon Society, working to protect our farmland, forestland, water quality, wildlife habitat, while working to create vibrant, livable, urban communities. Buy Tickets Here!
Sponsors for the event are: Chuck Woods, Citizens for Responsible Growth of Greater Lake Stevens, Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Somers, Dayville Hay and Grain, Ed Peterson, Ellen Hiatt Watson of 7-Lakes, State Representative Hans Dunshee, Kathleen Gamble, Mickie Gundersen, and Mike Waggoner. Hosts for the event are: Carlo Voli, Dave Ridgeway, Gail and Steve Aslanian, Mike and Florence Blackbird, Gina Clarke, Greening Properties, Julie and Karim Meghji, Kathy and John Dewhirst, Kristine and Ralph Petereit, Lee and Asia Bennett, Nick Harper, Rebecca Wolfe, Sonia Thompson, and Susan and Philip Paschke.
Participating farmers and wineries so far are: Bailey’s Vegetables, Hayton Farms, Chinook Farms, Garden Treasures, Craven Farms, Rents Due Ranch, Swan’s Trail Farms, Carleton Farms, National Food Corporation, Taylor Shellfish Farm, Pioneer Farms, Marshland Produce Farm, Darigold, DiStefano Winery, Red Sky Cellars, Cedar Ridge Winery, Port Gardner Bay Winery.
Participating chefs so far are: Conni Brownell from The Charmed Radish, Kristy Kelly from Kristy's Cuisine, Marilyn Rosenberg from Zippy's Java Lounge, Gyda Harris from Sisters of Snohomish, Anne Dottai from Grilla Bites, Kristy Kelly from Kristy's Cuisine, Edie Pierson from Simply Seasoned, Christopher Cunio from Mongos, and James White from Java Haus Cafe.
Tickets:
$50 Individual Host (1 ticket)
$100 Individual Sponsor (1 ticket)
$250 Chef’s Choice Sponsor (2 tickets)
$500 Tasting Sponsor (4 tickets)
$1000 Culinary Sponsor (6 tickets)
Governor Gregroire Public Input on State Budget
The Governor is convening a process to get citizen input in crafting the next state budget. As part of this process, the Governor is holding a public hearing in Everett on Wednesday, July 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Everett Community College, Parks Building, Multipurpose Room, 2000 Tower Street in Everett.City of Monroe Planning Commission Open Seat
The city needs to fill an opening on the planning commission.The city planning commission reviews and makes recommendations to the City Council concerning land use issues, including zoning, code changes, and revisions to the comprehensive plan. It now has one position open.
The planning commission meets monthly on the second and fourth Mondays, 7 p.m., at Monroe City Hall.
The open position is available to citizens living within the city limits of Monroe. Applicants with a variety of skills, interest and experiences are encouraged to apply.
Submit Letter of Interest to Mayor Robert Zimmerman, Attention: Eadye Martinson, City of Monroe, 806 West Main Street, Monroe, WA 98272. Letters of Interest will be accepted until July 30, or until position is filled. You will be contacted for an interview.
If you have any questions, call Judy Gribble, permit technician, at 360-863-4533.
City of Everett Public Hearing on Changes to their Critical Areas Ordinance
The City of Everett Planning Commission will be holding a public meeting to take comments on proposed changes to the City's Critical Areas Ordinance related to developing new standards and a permit process to allow for maintenance and/or enhancement of view corridors within critical areas and their buffers. This is in reaction to numerous cases of illegal tree cutting in the city resulting in property damage, damage to critical areas and in some cases, incidences of tresspass. The key goals of the program will be to: Develop a permit system to allow limited tree pruning/cutting for view maintenance and enhancement; discourage illegal tree cutting within critical areas and their buffers; and preserve and protect critical area functions and values. The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20th at 2930 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 8-C in Everett. For questions, please contact Dave Tyler or Gerry Ervine at 425-257-9831 for more information.Snohomish County Shoreline Master Program Update information
The web pages for the County’s Shoreline Management Program Update have been updated with the Planning Commission’s recommendations, the Cumulative Impact Analysis and the Restoration Element.SEPA notice was officially published today, June 21, 2010. The SEPA public comment period is officially open until July 23, 2010 at 5:00pm.
Written comments can be sent by email or US Postal Service to:
Snohomish County Planning & Development Services
3000 Rockefeller, M/S 604
Everett, WA 98201
Attn: Terri Strandberg – SMP SEPA
Terri.strandberg@snoco.org (If you send comments via email, please indicate SMP SEPA in the subject line.)
All the SMP and SEPA documents are available here: http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/PDS/Divisions/Code_Development/Shorelines/SMPUpdate.htm
Livable Snohomish County Coalition Website
The Livable Snohomish County Coalition is a network of community groups and individuals who are interested in the future of Snohomish County. It is not an organization but a networking and educational coalition. The website can be found at http://www.livablesnohomish.org
and will be a central place for folks to go to find out what is going on in the county. If you have something you want posted, please send it to Kristin Kelly at kristin@futurewise.org.
Farmers Markets
For a list of Snohomish County Farmers Markets, visit the website http://www.pugetsoundfresh.org/
Snohomish County Working Group for Land Use Issues
A final report of recommendations for the County Council from the Land Use Working Group for public review is available on their website at www.snoco.org, and type in Land Use Working Group in Search Box and follow the links to their webpage.
As a result of a complaint by the Master Builders Association regarding decisions by the County Hearing Examiner, and as a result of the Hearing Examiner Report for 2007-2008 click http://www.snoco.org and Type in Land Use Working Group in Search Box.
During the 2009 Budget Process, the Snohomish County Council directed Planning and Development Services to form a working group to analyze and propose recommendations concerning the County’s land use decision-making process. This group has now been formed and will begin its work by crafting an issue paper on the topic for County Council review.
Consistent with goals of the UDC Update Project, the working group is providing opportunities for public involvement. Interested parties are invited to subscribe to the Land Use Decision-making Process web page.
For more information, contact Angela Day, Working Group Chair, angmday@gmail.com.
City of Sultan Planning Meetings
The City of Sultan city council will be at 7 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month during June, July and August to review the planning board recommended changes to the city's long-range goals and policies. The meetings will be held in the Sultan City Council Chambers located at 319 Main Street. Changes under consideration include removing required design standards for downtown businesses, removing requirements to have retail development precede residential development, and using property taxes and utility fees to finance capital projects in order to avoid using grants and debt service. Changes to the long-range policies can affect property taxes as well as rates residents and businesses pay for water, sewer and garbage services. Discussion materials are available on the city's website at http:// www.ci.sultan.wa.us/City_Hall/City_Council/Agendas_Minutes/2010
City Council and Planning Commission's Meeting Schedules
Below is a list of meetings and hearings for cities. Visit their respective websites for information on meetings and hearings to do with land use planning and development regulations. For most cities web addresses, type in http://www.ci.[Name of City].wa.us.Monday
Lake Stevens City Council workshop, 7 p.m., Lake Stevens School District administration building, 12309 22nd St. NE.
Lynnwood City Council, 7 p.m., council chambers, 19100 44th Ave. W.
Lynnwood Arts Commission, 7 p.m., council chambers, 19100 44th Ave. W.
Marysville City Council, 7 p.m., City Hall, 1049 State Ave.
Monroe Planning Commission, 7 p.m., City Hall, 806 W. Main St.
Snohomish County Council, 10:30 a.m., eighth floor, County Administration Building, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett.
Tuesday
Bothell City Council, 6 p.m., Municipal Court, 10116 NE 183rd St.
Brier City Council, 7:30 p.m., Brier City Hall, 2901 228th St. SW.
Edmonds City Council, 7 p.m., 250 Fifth Ave. N.
Everett Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners, 6 p.m., Spruce Hall, Forest Park; 802 E. Mukilteo Blvd.
Gold Bar Planning Commission, 7 p.m., 107 Fifth St.
Granite Falls Planning Commission, 7 p.m., City Hall, 206 S. Granite Ave.
Marysville Planning Commission, 7 p.m., City Hall, 1049 State Ave.
Mill Creek City Council, 6 p.m., 15728 Main St.
Monroe City Council budget review, 7 p.m., City Hall, 806 W. Main St.
Snohomish County Parks Advisory Board, 2:30 p.m., Park Department Administration Offices conference room, 9623 32nd St. SE, Everett.
Wednesday
Brier Parks and Recreation Board, 7 p.m., Brier City Hall, 2901 228th St. SW.
Darrington City Council, 7 p.m., City Hall, 1005 Cascade St.
Everett City Council, 6:30 p.m., City Hall chambers, 3002 Wetmore Ave.
Lake Stevens Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m., Annex, 1812 Main St..
Lake Stevens School Board, 7:30 p.m., Educational Service Center, 12309 22nd St. NE.
Marysville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m., Jennings Memorial Barn, 6915 Armar Road.
Mill Creek Youth Advisory Board, 6:30 p.m., 15728 Main St.
Monroe City Council budget review, 7 p.m., City Hall, 806 W. Main St.
Snohomish County Council, 9 a.m., eighth floor, County Administration Building, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett.
Snohomish School Board, 7:30 p.m., 1601 Ave. D, Snohomish.
Thursday
Lake Stevens Library Board, 4 p.m., library, 1804 Main St.
Mill Creek Design Review Board, 5:15 p.m., 15728 Main St.
Mill Creek Planning Commission, 7 p.m., 15728 Main St.
Snohomish County Public Facilities District, 3 p.m., 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett. Snohomish County Administration Building West, third-floor conference room 3A00.
Stanwood City Council, 7 p.m., Stanwood-Camano School District Administration Building boardroom, 26920 Pioneer Highway.
Green Drinks In Everett
The next Green Drinks is Wednesday, July 14th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Northwest Natural Lighting, 19019 36th Avenue West, Suite # in Lynnwood. Northwest Lighting is a family owned business since 1994 that features products that are energy efficient and designed to work well in our northwest weather.
If you are interested in hosting a future Green Drinks, it is really simple. You find the place, make sure there is beverage and some snacks (host or no-host is ok) --simple or complex is your choice. The folks at Green Drinks will send the e-vite at no charge and then the people will come. They are inviting firms, organizations and individuals to show their green by hosting. Call Valerie Steel at 425-252-7601 or email her at valerie@greeningproperties.com to sign up.
Green Drinks now has a blog at
For more information, visit the Green Drinks website at http://www.greendrinks.org
Let’s raise a toast to the planet while we figure out ways to NOT toast the planet!
Never Heard of GreenDrinks?
It began in Europe and now sustainability people in over 342 cities all over the globe meet monthly for libations. It is a lively mixture of people from non-profits, academia, government and business and is a great way of catching up with folks you know and for making new contacts. Greendrinks is simple, unstructured and rather organic. People have found jobs, developed new ideas, done deals and had epiphanies at Greendrinks.
And visit their new blog at: http://greendrinkssnoco.blogspot.com/
Snohomish County Council Public Meetings and Hearings
On Tuesday, July 13 at 9 a.m. is the Council Planning Committee meeting. They will be briefed on the upcoming Shoreline Management Plan Update, with possible public hearing August 25; a huge array of open space applications; and a presentation by Cascade Land Conservancy on their work on a County-wide Transfer of Development Rights Program, which would help protect the county's farm and forest lands.For the complete agenda, visit www.snoco.org, click on Council Meetings, click on Council Meeting Schedules, then click on Planning Committee Agenda.
On July 14th, two public hearings are planned for 10:30 a.m.
Ordinance 10-048, revising the City of Granite Falls boundary
Motion 10-186, approving a list of amendments to the GMA Comprehensive Plan and GMA development regulations for Docket XV; and
Motion 10-187, approving the final list of amendments to the GMA Comprehensive Plan and GMA development regulations for the annual Docket - Docket XV.
For more information on all the public hearings, please visit the county's web page at http://www.snoco.org
and click on County Council on the left panel, and then click on Long-term Calendar.
NEW!!!! All County Council meetings and hearings are now available for viewing on the web. To log on, visit http://www.snoco.org and search for "Council Webcasts."
All Wednesdays starting at 9 a.m. are the Council's General Legislative Session. There is public comment time during this session.
Snohomish County Planning Commission Public Hearing
All monthly meetings meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month in the First Floor Meeting Room of the County Administration Building East, 3000 Rockefeller Street in Everett.
For more information and to review staff reports and other information, visit http://www.snoco.org
Snohomish County Agricultural Board
The next meeting is from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13 in the Willis Tucker Conference Room, 3rd Floor of the County Administration Building West, 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, Everett. The agenda includes a public comment period around 10:10 a.m. and discussions onUpdate on work of William D. Ruckelshaus Center
King County Regulation of Habitat Enhancement Projects on Agricultural Lands
Update on Snohomish County National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
Update on Agricultural Permitting Issues
Report on sustainable Land Strategy and Ebey Island Feasibility Study.
For more information, contact Tom Niemann at 425-388-3311, ext. 2214.
Snohomish County Ag Sustainability Project Workshop
Does Snohomish County farming have a future? The public is invited to envision the future of agriculture. The project is a community-based initiative created to enhance and strengthen the County's agricultural economy as well as preserve local farmlands.
The Agricultural Sustainability Report is now available. You can read the report on the county's website at http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/County_Services/Focus_on_Farming/agsustainability.htm
For more information, contact Linda Neunzig, Agriculture Project Coordinator, Office of Economic Development, 425-388-7170 or by e-mail at linda.neunzig@co.snohomish.wa.us.
Sustainable Development Task Force of Snohomish County (SDTF) Events
For more information and directions, visit the SDTF website at http://www.sustainablesnohomishcounty.org/The Sustainable Development Task Force of Snohomish County offers:
• Professional technical assistance
• Educational presentations
• Code/ordinance review
• Guidance through the permitting process
The Sustainable Development Task Force is available to help you with your green site development or your green building project. We can also help with your technical presentation.
Click Here for more information, or to contact the Task Force at their website.
Green Ribbon Climate Task Force Monthly Meetings
The final report of recommendations is now available on line. To access the report, click here.Link light rail to Sea-Tac Airport is now available
Link includes stops in Downtown Seattle, SODO, Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley neighborhoods and Tukwila. Normal Link operating hours are from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 a.m. to midnight on Sundays. Sea Tac / Airport Station connects to the airport garage via a pedestrian walkway. Airport passengers will follow a separated guideway through the garage to the main terminal. Luggage carts will be available at the station.
Community Transit
EFFECTIVE JUNE 14, 2010--ANNOUNCEMENT ON SCHEDULE CHANGESThe Gate E-77 stop will no longeer be served by Community Transit or Everett Transit. All routes will serve a new Everett Transit stop at the corner of the Boeing north perimeter road and Seaway, accommodating both Boeing and non-Boeing riders. The stop at Gate E-78, will still be available, and will be the final bus stop to board and de-board Community or Everett Transit on Boeing property.
King County Metro Transit will continue to serve Gate E-77 until further notice. Alternatives including walking from E078, E-82 or E-72, taking a Boeing Shuttle or using ORCA to transfer to Metro Route 952 to access Gate E-77.
Route 207: Route is eliminated. Alternative service to Boeing is provided by Route 227, which will serve Marysville Ash Avenue Park and Ride.
Route 227: Route will begin and end at the Arlington Park & Ride. Service to downtown Arlington and residential areas is eliminated. Buses will serve Marysville Ash Avenue Park & Ride.
Route 247: The first two morning and afternoon trips are eliminated. Buses will no longer serve the Marysville I-5 and 4th Street Flyer Stop, which will be covered by Route 227.
Route 277: The earliest roundtrip is eliminated. The new first trip will begin at Monroe Park & Ride. The second trip will begin and end at Gold Bar.
Route 280: Service to Boeing will begin at Lake Stevens Transit Center. Early morning service from Granite Falls is eliminated.
Boeing passengers impacted by these changes are encouraged to consider joining or forming vanpools. Boeing provides a subsidy and assistance finding carpool and vanpool partners. For more information, contact the Boeing Commute Options Office at (425) 266-2865 or visit them on the Boeing intranet at
Traveling the Puget Sound region by bus, train and ferry is even easier with the arrival of ORCA - One Regional Card for All. The ORCA card works like cash or a pass, automatically tracking the value of different fares and transfers so you don't have to.
Purchase your card online by visiting the ORCA card website at http://www.orcacard.com/ERG-Seattle/p1_001.do
For more information, contact Community Transit at:
(425) 353-RIDE (7433)
(800) 562-1375
TTY Relay: Dial 711
riders@commtrans.org
Community Transit operates 33 local bus routes, 31 commuter routes and DART paratransit service throughout Snohomish County. It also offers carpool matching, one of the nation’s largest vanpool programs and offers transit instruction to disabled and senior citizens. Call Community Transit at (425) 353-RIDE or (800) 562-1375 for bus information, or (888) 814-1300 for carpool or vanpool information, or go to http://www.communitytransit.org.
Transit’s next Citizens’ Advisory Committee meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month in different locations in the Community Transit service areas. These meetings provide information to the public about what is going on with Community Transit and for the public to talk about the issues as well.
Community Transit, along with its partner Everett Transit, has constructed 24 Swift stations and two terminals along a 17-mile route primarily on Highway 99 between Everett Station and the Aurora Village Transit Center in Shoreline.
Swift runs every 10 minutes on weekdays between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. and every 20 minutes at night and weekends. With only 12 stops in each direction, Swift will fly down the corridor much faster than local bus service which has about 50-60 stops in each direction.
With stations rather than bus stops and stylized hybrid buses, Swift provides a fast, frequent and reliable new transit experience for the region. Swift will be the first bus rapid transit line in Washington state.
“Bus rapid transit is gaining popularity across the country for its flexibility and low cost,” said Community Transit CEO Joyce Eleanor. “In these economic times we need to provide the most efficient public transportation service to those who need to get around for work, school, shopping or whatever destinations they choose.”
Swift stations are equipped with two ticket vending machines and two ORCA smart card readers for offboard fare payment. Passengers will pay their fares at the stations rather than on board so the buses can depart quickly.Stations also will have markings on the curb to indicate where passengers in wheelchairs or other mobility devices, and passengers with bikes should board. When a Swift bus pulls up, all three doors will open simultaneously so people can board or get off the bus quickly. Swift buses are equipped with three onboard bike racks to eliminate the delay of loading bikes on the front of the bus.
“As the name implies, Swift is about moving people quickly,” said Eleanor. “Everything from the station design to the bus layout and new technology at intersections are geared toward moving the bus swiftly down the corridor.”
For more information about Swift and station construction, visit www.communitytransit.org/swift.
Community Transit strives to help Puget Sound commuters think transit first. With an electronic alert system for instant rider information and one of the nation’s first double decker transit buses, the agency is a leader in finding new ways to make alternative transportation an attractive option. Call Community Transit at (425) 353-RIDE or (800) 562-1375 for bus information, or (888) 814-1300 for carpool or vanpool information, or go to www.communitytransit.org.