Unincorporated Area Community News
Welcome to Community News, King County government's monthly newsletter for unincorporated area residents. You can find the newsletter online with links to program details, at www.kingcounty.gov/UnincorporatedAreaNews. To see previous versions of the Unincorporated Area Community Newsletter visit the archives.
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Discuss Clough Creek project
King County is exploring ways to protect 415th Way/Avenue Southeast south of North Bend from the effects of Clough Creek flooding. The public is encouraged to attend two community discussions to learn more about the project. Meetings are set Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 2-4 p.m. at the North Bend Library and Thursday, Aug.13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at North Bend Elementary School.
King County seeks input from members of its Southeast Asian community
A public workshop to gather public input on a countywide strategic plan and tailored to members of King County’s Southeast Asian community is set for Thursday, Aug. 27 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS), 3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. in Seattle. County staff will explain the planning process and take public input on their priorities for King County services and the values the county should use in its decision-making processes. Interpretation in Vietnamese, Cambodian, Lao and Mien will be provided. Interpreters in other Southeast Asian languages may be available if requested by Aug. 21. Contact Joanne Cheung to RSVP, or to request interpreters in other languages, at 206-695-7600 or joannec@acrs.org.
Green River flood safety meeting
Residents, businesses and farms below the Howard Hanson Dam in the Green River Valley should prepare now for a higher risk of flooding. Please attend the upcoming Green River flood safety meeting to learn about flood preparedness and developments related to Howard Hanson Dam operations. The meeting is set Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at Green River Community College in the Lindbloom Student Center at 12401 SE 320th Street, Auburn. For more information, visit www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans or call 206-296-8001.
Agriculture focused flood safety meetings
A series of three Green River flood safety meetings will take place in mid-September targeted specifically to agricultural landowners, businesses and farmers to provide information about flood impacts to farm operations, livestock, and equipment; how to manage hazardous materials; and options for sheltering animals and equipment. Meeting details will be posted shortly on the Web site
Have ideas for implementation "actions" for the rural economic strategies?
King County continues work to revise its rural economic strategies program through the fall. The next step is to add specific actions that will advance the long-term economic viability of the rural area and resource lands. The county continues to seek public and rural Unincorporated Area Council input. For more information, contact Julia Larson, Rural Economic Strategies Coordinator at julia.larson@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-1062.
News
Nearly 100 people attend the Unincorporated Area Council (UAC) Joint Annual Forum
The UAC forum, in Renton on July 15, was co-hosted by King County Executive Kurt Triplett and the Four Creeks UAC. Residents had a chance to hear from the executive on his 2009 priorities, meet with key county staff, pick up materials on county services, and listen to presentations by each of the six UACs on the challenges facing their communities. King County Sheriff Sue Rahr and District 9 Councilmember Reagan Dunn also attended. The forum will be broadcast on King County Television.
King County Fire Marshal warns of increased fire danger
The King County Fire Marshal’s Office, a division of the Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES), reminds property owners that there are several steps they can take during these warm, dry months to minimize fire hazards in and around homes, as well as in public areas. Everyone needs to be careful with flammable materials as ground and vegetation conditions become drier and precipitation levels continue to fall. For additional information, visit the Web site.
Postmark your primary ballot by Aug.18
The ballots have been mailed and now it’s up to you. Make sure you vote and return your ballot to a ballot drop box or have it postmarked by Aug. 18, Election Day. Your signature is just as important as your vote; remember to take your time when signing your ballot envelope. Learn more about the Aug. 18 election on the Web site.
Back-to-school immunizations
August is the perfect time to ensure your children are up-to-date on their required immunizations. Visit the Web site for information on which immunizations your child needs, fact sheets on specific vaccines and more.
H1N1 (Swine Flu)
Public Health believes that H1N1 or "Swine Flu" will be back in the fall, along with regular seasonal flu. Public Health's H1N1 Web site will have all the latest information, so be sure to bookmark the location and visit it often.
Keep up on King County’s parks and trails
Wondering what to do this weekend? Check out King County Parks’ Facebook page and blog for news, event announcements, trip reports, and other happenings. Visit the King County Parks Web site and click through to Facebook to become a fan or read our blog.
Enjoy outdoor movies at Marymoor Park
The Movies@Marymoor outdoor cinema happens every Wednesday evening though Aug. 19. Grab your blankets, picnic baskets and low-backed chairs and enjoy a night in the park. Seating opens at 7 p.m.; movies start at dusk. Suggestion donation: $5/person or $15/family. Full movie line-up can be found on the Web site.
Public has final say on permanently protecting 156,000 acres
The proposed open space charter amendment to strengthen protections against the sale or transfer of protected properties by the county, and permanently preserve the conservation-oriented uses of the lands, was approved by the King County Council and goes to the voters on the November ballot. There would be no change in how residents currently use these lands and future land use decisions on the properties must have a 28-day public process.
Challenging road repairs under way on Union Hill
Two badly needed road safety projects are under way on Union Hill Road Northeast east of Redmond, resulting in a lengthy road closure. Crews are currently replacing a deteriorating culvert under the roadway and will soon begin building a supporting wall in another section of the road to repair flood damage.
Fair Housing online newsletter
The King County Office of Civil Rights partners with other local fair housing agencies to publish a quarterly online newsletter of particular interest to rental property owners and managers. For the latest information about fair housing issues, read the current issue.
Find a new pet
The adoption fee for cats over one-year-old has been waived for the remainder of the summer. Adopt an adult cat right now, and get a microchip, all vaccines, spayed or neutered, for just the cost of the pet license if you live in the King County service area. Plenty of cats and dogs are waiting for their forever home at the King County animal shelters. For hours and directions, visit the Web site or call 206-296-PETS.
DDES walks the green building talk
Operational efficiency is just one accomplishment resulting from recent energy and sustainability improvements at the county's Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES) building in Renton. The facility recently made a number of upgrades to building operations and maintenance processes that helped earn a High Energy Star rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. This is the first step toward earning a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.
Education and life skills programs for youth
Through Youth Source, Seattle Schools provides school instruction for youth in and out of custody as an alternative to secure detention. Youth Source is a provider of education and works with King County Adult and Juvenile Detention to provide educational programming and life skills to juveniles.
Community news
Greater Maple Valley
Fire district discusses options
Fire District #43 Commissioner Jeff Granlund and Chief Tim Lemon attended the Greater Maple Valley Area Council's July meeting and described operational needs and rationale for any upcoming levies. A variety of options are being considered to maintain standard levels of service as property valuations decline. One is a benefit service charge that would be based on property criteria such as square footage and distance from available water. For a summary of the meeting visit the Web site.
North Highline
Work begins on new Greenbridge walkway
The King County Road Services Division has started construction of a new pedestrian pathway that will link the Greenbridge neighborhood to the White Center business district. It is also King County’s first capital project funded by federal economic stimulus money.
West Hill
Help create Skyway Park’s new gateways
Friends of Skyway Park and the Pomegranate Center are hosting a community work party in the park on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. to create, carve and paint gateway sculptures that will decorate several entrances to Skyway Park. On Friday, Aug. 21, there will be a work party involving youth from the Skyway Boys and Girls Club. Volunteers are encouraged to attend either day to help create these beautiful works of art.
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If you have comments or suggestions about future content, please contact Lauren Smith at 206-263-7146 or lauren.smith@kingcounty.gov.