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.
News
H1N1 (swine) flu vaccinations coming to King County!
Safe and effective vaccine will begin to arrive in King County in October. People at higher risk for serious complications from H1N1 are strongly urged to get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available including: pregnant women, people between 6 months and 24 years, and people with underlying health conditions. Healthcare workers and people who live with or care for children younger than six months should also get the vaccine as soon as possible. For more information visit the Web site.
October is Flood Awareness Month
Proclaiming October as "Flood Awareness Month," King County is urging residents living in flood-prone areas to prepare for the possibility of rising rivers and streams with a personal flood-preparedness plan. There is extra urgency throughout the region this flood season after record high water last winter and particularly in the Green River Valley, which could experience serious flooding this year because of damage to the Howard Hanson Dam abutment. To learn more about flood preparedness, visit www.kingcounty.gov/safety/FloodPlan.
County, Corps bring extra flood protection to Pacific
More than three-quarters of a mile of temporary flood barriers will be built along the White River through the City of Pacific to help protect the residents and their property from flooding this season. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is providing the county with “Hesco” barriers, which are caged sacks filled with sand. King County work crews are expected to complete installation of the flood barriers before the end of October.
Black River Community Service Center has moved
The Black River Community Service Center in Renton moved to 900 Oakesdale Avenue SW and will open for its first day in the Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES) Permit Center on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The site's schedule will be unchanged: Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., with passport services stopping 15 minutes prior to lunch break and end of day closures. The phone number will remain 206-296-7810. We welcome your calls and visits for marriage and pet licenses, property tax payment, voter registration, renewal of concealed pistol licenses, and U.S. Passport applications.
Election Day is Nov. 3
We’ve moved! King County Elections is now located in Tukwila. Visit the Web site for all information related to voting in King County: important dates, tracking your ballot, accessible voting options, candidate and ballot measure information, and much, much more. Don’t forget to vote and return your ballot by Nov. 3!
Find a new pet
You may have heard that King County Animal Care and Control (KCACC) is moving out of the flood zone on Nov. 1 to avoid Green River Valley flood risk. Programmatic changes are coming to KCACC next year, as well. For now, most services are still available, pet licensing is required and help is still available from Animal Control Officers. To read about our move, anticipated changes, pet disaster preparedness tips, and pet adoption, please visit our Web site.
Pay property taxes quickly and easily online
For those taxpayers who pay their property taxes themselves rather than through a mortgage lender, please remember that your second-half of 2009 tax payment is due to the County’s Treasury office on or prior to Oct.31. Because that is a Saturday this year, the deadline for payment has been extended to Monday, Nov. 2 without interest and penalty charges. Residents who do not want to mail a check or visit a Community Service Center have the option to pay online quickly and conveniently from their own computer. For more information on property tax payment options, see our Web site.
Join a new vanpool at a great price
King County Metro has a promotion for new vanpools with a great price. Riders in the first 36 new groups to start commuting in one of Metro's 7-passenger vans will pay $40 or less out-of-pocket in each of the first two months they are on the road.
Recycling roofing into roads
King County is testing a program to recycle old asphalt roofing shingles into new pavement for roads. Two miles of roadway near Enumclaw were recently repaved with the recycled material in a joint effort between the Solid Waste Division and the Road Services Division.
Rural Services Directory
The online edition of the King County Rural Services Directory – a handy reference guide to the wide range of services available to rural residents – has been updated and can be found on the Rural Services Web site.
Workshop for real estate community
DDES and the Master Builders of King and Snohomish Counties are offering a workshop for the real estate community on the residential building permit and code enforcement processes in unincorporated King County. The workshops are scheduled for Nov. 19 and Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Master Builders Association offices in Bellevue. Earn five hours of continuing education credits for completing the workshop. For details and registration, visit the Web site.
DDES inspectors take steps to protect local waterways
Monitoring erosion and sediment control measures, or preventing muddy, silty runoff from leaving construction sites and leaching into streams and other waterways, is a major responsibility for DDES building and land use inspectors, especially during the rainy months in unincorporated King County. Each Fall, DDES publishes information on erosion and sediment control requirements for wet season construction sites via the DDES Web site.
October is Disability Awareness Month in King County
The Developmental Disabilities Division helps children and adults achieve rewarding and productive lives in their communities. Assistance is available to help infants and toddlers with developmental delays prepare for school and healthy relationships. School to Work helps high school students with disabilities prepare for employment upon graduation. Other programs help adults achieve and maintain employment. To learn more visit the Web site.
It is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Washington State has the highest rate of breast cancer in the country and King County has one of the highest rates of breast cancer within the state. Fortunately, if breast cancer is detected and treated early, there is nearly a 100 percent survival rate. The key is early detection. Learn more on the Web site.
Board of Health meeting
Come to the special October 30th Board of Health meeting, where Public Health’s 2010 budget will be discussed.
Spotlight on the Rural Economy
This month an update on the rural economy is going to be available on both the Rural Services and Rural Economic Strategies Web sites. For details, contact Julia Larson, Rural Economic Strategies Coordinator, at julia.larson@kingcounty.gov or 206-296-1062.
Juvenile Detention services
King County operates the Juvenile Detention facility and is responsible for the care and custody of youth who are detained in the Juvenile Detention Facility. See our Web site for more information, including visiting hours and how to contact a juvenile in detention.
Community news
Vashon
Oct. 15 meeting for Dockton project
The King County Road Services Division will host a meeting about the Dockton Road Southwest and Seawall project on Thursday, Oct. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at McMurray Middle School, 9329 SW Cemetery Rd. Staff will discuss the status of finding a long-term solution to preserve the roadway.
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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.