February, 2012

In this newsletter:
1. Free inspections for storm damages
2. Storm debris disposal offered for free this weekend
3. Council reorganization
4. Sheriff’s deputies equipped with defibrillators
5. Protect yourself against stalking

Dear District 3 friend,

Welcome to February! I recently went to Washington, D.C., to lobby our congressional delegation and to talk with Public Health officials about numerous issues of importance to our county as well as fiscal issues and policies. They had many questions and suggestions for us that were very helpful. We look forward to working with them in meeting our needs.

I hope you have recuperated from the recent severe winter weather we have experienced. I would like to share some new winter weather resources and reminders in this newsletter.

Best wishes for a happy and productive 2012!

Kathy Lambert

1. Free inspections for storm damages

Unincorporated area residents and businesses that suffered property damage in the recent snow, ice and wind storms can obtain free building inspections from the King County Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES). DDES has waived the associated fee to help residents speed up repair to their property. Priority service will be given for damaged structures requiring permits for repair work. To request a damage assessment inspection, call 206-296-6630 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2. Storm debris disposal offered for free this weekend

King County will offer free wood debris recycling for trees damaged by the winter storms this weekend, on Feb. 4 and 5, at four locations:

• The Shoreline, Enumclaw and Cedar Falls (North Bend) solid waste facilities. For directions and hours, visit http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste.

• At Kent’s Russell Road Park, 24400 Russell Rd., Kent. Clean wood debris will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

For residents who are in the process of removing yard waste and woody debris, trash haulers have advised their customers that they can set out twice the normal amounts on their next collections day. To identify your trash hauler, or companies that recycle wood, visit www.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste.

Additionally, some cities are scheduling special storm debris drop-off events/locations. Contact your city for that information.

3. Council reorganization

Following the annual reorganization of Council leadership, I am happy to announce that I will once again serve as chair of the Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee. In addition, I will serve in the following roles during 2012:

• Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, vice chair
• Government Accountability, Oversight and Financial Performance Committee
• Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee (works on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, very important to District 3)
• Employment and Administration Committee
• Regional Policy Committee
• Flood District Executive Committee
• Ferry District Executive Committee
• Economic Forecast Council

4. Sheriff’s deputies equipped with defibrillators

King County already has the best survival rate for cardiac arrest in the country, and now we are even improving the capability to save lives. I am proud to announce that King County Emergency Medical Services, in partnership with Public Health, is distributing 53 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to King County Sheriff’s deputies. Deputies already in the field may be able to arrive at a cardiac arrest call before emergency medical responders and can initiate resuscitation efforts that can help save lives. Read more here.

5. Protect yourself against stalking

Stalking affects many people in King County. It can take many forms such as phone calls, letters and e-mails, and it is a crime. If you are a victim, please don’t hesitate to report the stalking behavior to authorities. Here are some tips from the Eastside Domestic Violence Program that you need to know about stalking to stay safe:

• Anyone can be stalked. The vast majority of stalking victims are ordinary people. Most stalkers are not strangers, but are known to the victim.

• Millions are stalked each year.

• Cyberstalking is a reality. Technology has become a quick and easy way for stalkers to monitor and harass their victims. One in four victims report some form of cyberstalking such as email (83 percent) or instant messaging (35 percent). Listening devices, video and digital cameras and GPS systems also are used in stalking cases.

More information about stalking and safety is available from www.edvp.org and www.kccadv.org.