Late March 2011

In this newsletter:
• Reminder: I-405 closed April 1-4
• Report non-emergent crimes online – NEW!
• Volunteers needed to serve on King County advisory boards
• Rural Forest Commission seeks applicants
• Eastside Timebanking expanding to Redmond and Bellevue

Dear District 3 friend,

Spring is showing up everywhere on the Eastside. I would like to share with you a few announcements that you might find of interest during this season. As always, it is a busy time at the King County Council.

King County Council and Committee meetings can be viewed on King County TV, Cable Channel 22, or by online streaming video at www.kingcounty.gov/council where you can also stay informed and get agendas and minutes. .

Please feel free to share this newsletter with family, friends and neighbors.

Best wishes,

Kathy Lambert

Reminder: I-405 closed April 1-4

A Washington State Department of Transportation construction project to remove the old NE 12th Street bridge will close I-405 in both directions April 1 to 4. The freeway closure will extend from Northeast 8th to Highway 520, beginning at 11 p.m. Friday, April 1, and opening again at 4 a.m. on Monday, April 4. Recommended alternate routes are I-5, I-90 and Highway 520 for those drivers not visiting Bellevue. In Bellevue, use 112th Avenue NE, 124th Avenue NE, 148th Avenue NE, and NE 8th Street. More details are available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I405/NE8thtoSR520/NE12th.htm.

Report non-emergent crimes online – NEW!

The King County Sheriff’s Office now offers the option of filing your non-emergent police report online. This option is available for citizens who live in unincorporated King County or in any of the participating cities that contract with the King County Sheriff’s Office for police services, including North Bend, Sammamish, Skykomish and Woodinville. Some examples of reports that can be filed online include abandoned vehicles, mail theft, narcotics activity, suspicious circumstances, thefts, traffic complaints, vandalism and vehicle prowls. You can file reports at www.ReportToSheriff.org.

Volunteers needed to serve on King County advisory boards

If you are interested in getting more involved and making a difference in King County government, I would like to invite you to apply for appointment to one of our advisory boards. Currently, positions are open representing Council District 3 on three of the advisory boards:

• Alcohol and Substance Abuse Administrative Board
• Mental Health Advisory Board
• Women’s Advisory Board

If you are interested in filling one of these positions, please contact my office for more information at (206) 296-0331 or grace.reamer@kingcounty.gov.

Rural Forest Commission seeks applicants

The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks is looking for volunteers to serve on the Rural Forest Commission and advise the King County Executive and County Council on matters pertaining to forestland and forestry. Created in 1997, the commission advises King County on policies and programs affecting rural forestry; works to identify strategies to conserve forestlands; and promotes the practice of forestry in rural areas. Read more at www.kingcounty.gov/environment/waterandland/forestry/ruralforestcommission

Eastside Timebanking expanding to Redmond and Bellevue

Timebanking is a way to connect with your community and get something in return. This “better than bartering” system helps stretch your dollars in a tough economy. When you spend an hour doing something for another member, such as yard work or transportation or haircutting, you earn a Time Dollar that you can then use to receive an hour of service from another member. It doesn’t have to be the same member, and everyone’s time is valued equally. Timebanking creates a network that lets you get to know your neighbors and builds an old-fashioned extended family of people who take care of each other.

The Eastside Timebank pilot project in Kirkland is expanding to residents in Redmond and Bellevue, who are invited to an informational meeting about how to get involved:

Thursday, March 31, at 7-8 p.m.
North Bellevue Community Center
4063 - 148th Ave NE, Bellevue

More information is available at www.eastsidetimebank.org.