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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Executive Triplett to meet with Unincorporated Area Councils
King County Executive Kurt Triplett will host an evening forum to meet with the six King County Unincorporated Area Councils (UACs) and members of the community on Wednesday, July 15 from 7–9 p.m. at the May Valley Alliance Church, 16431 SE Renton-Issaquah Road in Renton. Each of the six UACs will present the areas of greatest interest and concern to their community, followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion with the audience. Co-host for this year’s forum is the Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council. Displays and information about King County services will be available onsite.
Public workshops on priorities for King County government
Learn more about and give your input on the countywide strategic plan at a series of public workshops: July 14 in Shoreline; July 16 in Issaquah; July 28 in Renton; and July 30 in West Seattle. The workshops, which begin at 6:30 p.m., will be an opportunity for you to communicate your priorities for King County services and the values you believe King County should use in its decision-making processes. More information, including directions to the workshop locations, is available on the Web site.
Free fair housing workshop and seminar
The King County Office of Civil Rights and other civil rights agencies are hosting two free fair housing trainings at the Jackson Federal Building in downtown Seattle July 29. The Fair Housing Basics workshop is from 9 a.m. to noon, and the Advanced Fair Housing Seminar is from 1-3 p.m. For details and directions, visit the Web site. Please register in advance by calling the Office of Civil Rights at 206-296-7592.
Participate in King County Board of Health meetings
Members of the public are invited to its King County Board of Health monthly meetings. Visit the Web site for agendas and information, then come prepared to listen and participate.
Share your thoughts on rural economic strategies
Based on public comment, King County is proposing a revised mission statement for its rural economic strategies: "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 on the update to its rural economic strategies. For more information, contact Julia Larson, Rural Economic Strategies Coordinator at julia.larson@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-1062.
News
King County Fire Marshal calls burn ban
King County has called a Phase 1 burn ban for incorporated and unincorporated areas of King County. The burn ban took effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 8. The King County Fire Marshal's Office posts information to the Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES) Web site alerting property owners when there is a burn ban in place.
County to provide earlier flood warning for Green River Valley
Green River Valley residents will have seven hours earlier warning if increased flows from a flood-control dam may lead to flooding in their neighborhoods. In response to ongoing safety concerns at Howard Hanson Dam, King County Flood Warning Center staff will use water release data from the dam, rather than flows observed at a stream gage 30 miles downstream, as the basis for emergency response actions. It’s one of several steps that officials are taking to reduce risks for Green River Valley residents in response to restrictions on how much water the dam can hold. For more information visit www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans, or www.kingcountyfloodcontrol.org.
Explore King County’s Regional Trails
Available in hard copy or online, the award-winning King County Regional Trails map features 175 miles of regionally significant off-road, multi-purpose trails along with numerous trail-user amenities, such as parking at trailheads and along the trail routes, nearby transit facilities, restrooms and public parks. Read more about specific regional trails or view the map online.
I-90 bridge project may cause disruptions for bus riders
From July 5-20, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is scheduled to restrict westbound traffic on Interstate 90 across Lake Washington to two lanes while crews replace the expansion joints on the westbound floating bridge. WSDOT is warning all motorists that the traffic delays could last an hour or more and stretch from Issaquah to Seattle. This also could affect Metro and Sound Transit bus riders traveling to and from East King County.
Building and land use permit approval periods extended
To give builders and developers as much time as possible to complete their projects during this difficult economic time, the King County Executive and County Council recently extended approval periods for issued building and land-use permits. Details and procedures for applying for extensions can be found on the DDES Web site.
Movies@Marymoor outdoor cinema starts July 29
Enjoy adventures, pirates and Muppets at the movies@marymoor this summer, each Wednesday, from July 29 to Aug.19. Seating opens at 7 p.m. and movies begin at dusk. A donation of $5 per person and $15 per family is suggested.
Looking for something to do this summer?
You’re sure to find plenty of fun in King County’s 180 parks, 175 miles of regional trails, 130 miles of backcountry trails and 25,000 acres of open space! Keep up with the latest happenings on the new King County Parks blog or become a fan on Facebook.
Regional clean-water facilities offering free tours
Learn where wastewater goes when you brush and flush, and meet the municipal magicians who create resources from the 200 million gallons of wastewater King County treats each day. Wednesday, July 15, from 5-7 p.m. at the South in Renton, and Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. - noon at the West Point Treatment Plant in Seattle, 10 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration is required. Visit the Web site for more information and to register.
More road projects begin in northeast King County
The King County Road Services Division is beginning work on three key road safety projects in July, and all are located in northeast King County. Work is also continuing on a project started in June to make the intersection of 212th Avenue Northeast and Woodinville-Duvall Road safer for motorists.
Permit assistance for agricultural property owners
DDES has a variety of customer service initiatives designed to assist agricultural property owners with the permitting process. For more information, read the latest DDES Quarterly News, or contact Rural Permit Coordinator Fereshteh Dekhordi at 206-296-7173.
New program to assist landowners with minor encroachments
On July 1, DDES began a new, no-fault program to assist property owners restore critical areas which have been damaged through minor encroachments. Details can be found on the DDES Web site.
King County Wastemobile service at the Auburn SuperMall
The Wastemobile is operated by King County and provides a service where county residents can drop off hazardous household waste items free of charge. The Wastemobile service will be at the Auburn SuperMall starting July 17 every first and third full weekend of the month, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1101 SuperMall Way at the northwest corner of the mall. The 2009 schedule is posted on-line. The traveling Wastemobile will continue to make its rounds.
Create a restoration action plan for your property
WSU King County Extension is offering a free two-part restoration planning workshop, Sept. 17 and 19 in Carnation. Visit local sites to see work in progress on properties similar to yours and hear from experts on topics including weed control, planting the right plants and creating an action plan.
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.
Receive forest stewardship coaching
Washington State University Extension and King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks have scheduled the popular forest stewardship coached planning series in the Issaquah/Preston area on Tuesday evenings this fall, beginning Sept. 22. This 10-session practical, hands-on course covers a variety of topics for woodland owners, including how to enhance wildlife habitat and reduce property taxes. For details and registration, visit the Web site.
Drinking water assistance program extended
Small "group B" drinking water systems serving rural residents receive technical assistance from Public Health - Seattle & King County. This program was placed in the county budget’s “lifeboat” because of a lack of adequate funding. The Board of Health has decided to extend the program while asking staff to develop a fee structure that will allow for this important health service to continue.
Reduce your West Nile virus risk
Mosquito season has arrived, and with it the threat of West Nile virus. Reduce your risk by getting rid of mosquito breeding habitat near your home: Empty buckets, tarps, cups, planters and other water containers where mosquitoes lay and hatch their eggs. For more prevention tips visit the Web site.
Register to vote
King County now votes entirely by mail. Registration deadlines are fast approaching and ballots for the Aug. 18 primary election will be mailed to all voters on July 29. To learn more visit the King County Elections Web site.
Find a new pet
Meet hundreds of adoptable pets from across Washington state at the Kent Animal Shelter on Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The "Super Pet Adopt-A-Thon" will feature microchipping, pet licensing, vendor booths, trainers, a raffle and more. Don’t miss this event if you’re looking for a new furry friend. If you can’t make it to the adoption events, plenty of cats and dogs are waiting for their forever home at King County animal shelters. For hours and directions, visit the Web site or call 206-296-PETS.
About adult detention facilities
King County operates two adult detention facilities – the King County Correction Facility in Seattle and the Regional Justice Center in Kent. To learn more about how to contact or visit an inmate, or for more information regarding these services, please visit the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention Web site.
Community news
Enumclaw
Enumclaw's King County Fair
The City of Enumclaw will produce the 2009 King County Fair, the oldest county fair west of the Mississippi. The fair is heading back to its traditional format, with Midway rides and games, fair food, exhibits, shopping, three stages of entertainment and more. It’s all happening July 16-18 at the Enumclaw Expo Center, formerly the King County Fairgrounds.
Greater Maple Valley
Issaquah-Hobart Road study looks at traffic flow, safety
At the Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council meeting in June, representatives from King County Department of Transportation provided details about a study of the Issaquah-Hobart Road they are conducting to improve safety and streamline traffic flow between Issaquah city limits and State Route 18. The study area, which lies between Kent, Black Diamond and Interstate 90, was expanded to assess the effects of and impacts on traffic flow. Models employing projected population growth to 2030, as well as mixed modes of transportation, are being analyzed to make better use of existing roads. The study is expected to be completed in July. For a summary of the meeting and more details about the study, visit the Web site.
Local community improvements at Ravensdale Trailer Park
The DDES Code Enforcement section recently partnered with Councilmember Reagan Dunn's office, as well as local neighborhood and church groups to create a work party to improve conditions at Ravensdale Trailer Park. The improvements have brought the trailer park into full zoning and land use compliance. Details about this successful work party can be found in the DDES Quarterly News.
North Highline
White Center Heights Park Phase II improvements underway
Construction on a new pedestrian bridge at White Center Heights Park, which will cross over the pond connecting the north and south portions of the park, began in June. The southern portion of the park will be closed through the end of July. Funding for this project was provided by the Washington State Community Trade and Economic Development Department, matching the Starbucks Ultimate Park Makeover grant awarded in 2007. King County Parks has been working closely with partners Cascade Land Conservancy and White Center Community Development Association to realize this project.
Upper Bear Creek
Free concert lineup for Cottage Lake Park
MUSIC IN THE PARK at King County's Cottage Lake Park at 18831 NE Woodinville/Duvall Rd. in Woodinville. Please join us for a series of six FREE family concerts presented by Upper Bear Creek Community Council. Performances are on Thursday evenings from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Please bring your own seating or ground cloths.
July 9 — Smilin' Scandinavians — #1 Polka Band
July 16 — Bill Mattocks Band — Blues, Jazz, Swing
July 23 — Fidgety Feet — Dixieland
July 30 — Down the Road — Bluegrass
August 6 — Panduo — Steel Drums
For more information visit the visit the Upper Bear Creek UAC Web site or call Nancy at 425-788-5841.
Vashon
Vashon ferry info available at Strawberry Festival
The King County Water Taxi will replace the Washington State Ferries’ passenger-only ferry starting Sept. 28. King County staff will be distributing information regarding the transition on the Vashon ferry runs in early July. The Ferry District will also host a booth at the Vashon Strawberry Festival, July 18-19. More information about the ferry service transition is also available on the King County Ferry District Web site.
Vashon Island Food Bank hosts disaster preparedness event
In coordination with the Vashon Island food bank, volunteers recently provided emergency preparedness information and assisted in survival kit assembly for residents who visited the food bank. This community action project event was organized by local AmeriCorps-ReadyCorps-Vista participants with the aim of preparing vulnerable populations in King County for natural disasters and emergencies. Representatives from VashonBePrepared and American Red Cross were on-site to support this effort. For more information, contact Regina Quigley at regina.quigley@kingcounty.gov.
West Hill
Skyway Park neighbors cultivate community garden
In early June, some 20 volunteers constructed a community garden in Skyway Park. Located between the baseball fields, this pilot project hopes to nurture interest among prospective gardeners in the West Hill community. Volunteers are needed to help with watering and weeding this summer. Contact Jeremy Valenta at jeremy.valenta@kingcounty.gov or at 206-263-9719 to sign up.
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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.