August 10, 2011

In this newsletter:
1. Countywide burn ban continues through September 30
2. Full closure of Novelty Hill Road scheduled for August 27-28
3. New online community transportation resources available
4. New Public Health rules allow rainwater as sole source for residential drinking water
5. A call for healthier fare in county vending machines
6. Crow about dead birds, help track West Nile virus
7. Remember to vote on August 16

Dear District 3 friend,

Thank you for your interest in staying informed about activities and issues in King County. Hope you are having a fun and restful summer!

Best wishes,

Kathy Lambert

1. Countywide burn ban continues through September 30

A county-wide fire safety burn ban was declared beginning August 8 by the King County Fire Marshal in coordination with the King County Fire Chiefs’ Association. This ban is prompted by ground conditions and forecasts calling for continued dry weather. This Phase 1 burn ban applies to all outdoor burning except for small recreational fires in established fire pits at approved campgrounds or private property with the owner’s permission. These fires must:

• Be built in a metal or concrete fire pit, such as those typically found in designated campgrounds;
• Grow no larger than three feet across;
• Be located in a clear spot free from any vegetation for at least 10 feet in a horizontal direction, including a 20-foot vertical clearance from overhanging branches; and
• Be attended at all times by an alert individual with immediate access to a shovel and either five gallons of water or a connected and charged water hose.

The use of gas and propane self-contained stoves and barbeques continues to be allowed under the ban. For more information about local fire restrictions, call 1-800-323-BURN or visit the King County Fire Marshal Services website at: www.kingcounty.gov/property/FireMarshal/BurnBanInfo.

2. Full closure of Novelty Hill Road scheduled for August 27-28

Crews rebuilding sections of Novelty Hill Road east of Redmond have scheduled a complete closure of the roadway near the intersection with Northeast 95th Street on the weekend of August 27-28. The first phase of the Novelty Hill Road project includes road improvements to Union Hill Road in the vicinity of 196th Ave NE, 196th/195th Ave NE from Union Hill Road NE to Novelty Hill Road, and Novelty Hill Road at 196th Ave NE. Work will include the replacement of the Evans Creek Bridge, construction of stormwater facilities, stream and wildlife crossings, and development of mitigation sites. For more information, see http://your.kingcounty.gov/kcdot/roads/cip/projectdetail.aspx?cipid=100992.

3. New online community transportation resources available

The Eastside Easy Rider Collaborative has launched a new website, www.eastsideeasyrider.org, to raise awareness of available transportation options in East King County and to provide information about key initiatives to increase mobility, quality and efficiency of transportation services in local communities. The new website offers numerous transportation resources for individuals and organizations, and it serves as a gateway to information about coalition activities and projects. The Eastside Easy Rider Collaborative was formed in 2005 by a consortium of public and non-profit entities with the objective to improve mobility of all people in east King County through advocacy and education. For more information call 425-943-6769 or visit www.eastsideeasyrider.org.

4. New Public Health rules allow rainwater as sole source for residential drinking water

On July 21, the King County Board of Health approved an environmental sustainability measure that opens new opportunities for the use of rainwater captured from roofs as the sole residential water source. I proposed the addition of rainwater catchment systems as a sole source for potable water in response to requests from constituents who want to build sustainable homes that reduce their impact on the environment as much as possible, or that have difficulty accessing traditional water sources. Read more at www.kingcounty.gov/council/news/2011/July/KL_BOHrainwater.

5. A call for healthier fare in county vending machines

Also in July, the County Council called on the County Executive to adopt standards that encourage people to reach for healthy snacks from vending machines located in King County facilities. Obesity and poor nutrition are serious problems in King County. Unfortunately, over half of adults and almost a third of youth are overweight or obese – which can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. The guidelines were created from the recommendations of the Board of Health’s Healthy Eating Active Living subcommittee and identify criteria for classifying foods in three categories: Healthiest, Healthier and Limited. Read more at: www.kingcounty.gov/council/news/2011/July/healthyvending.

6. Crow about dead birds, help track West Nile virus

Help track potential cases of West Nile virus in King County by reporting dead birds to King County Public Health. Crows in particular die quickly from West Nile virus, and clusters of dead crows may indicate that West Nile virus is present in the community. Call 206-205-4394 or report online at www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/ehs/westnile.

West Nile virus was not found in King County in 2010, but has been active here in previous years. Most people don’t feel the effects of the infection, but in others it can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including diseases of the brain and spinal cord. The mosquito most responsible for West Nile virus in our area is the northern house mosquito Culex pipiens, which prefers to lay eggs in standing water common around most houses. Even small amounts of water, such as in plant saucers or a clogged gutter, can produce many mosquitoes. Protect yourself from mosquitoes by eliminating their breeding habitat.

7. Remember to vote on August 16

Ballots were mailed the last week of July for the August 16 primary election. On the ballot will be candidates for local offices as well as renewal of the countywide Veterans and Human Services Levy. Remember to return your ballot by August 16 to be counted. Here’s how:

1. Mail your ballot so that it will be postmarked by August 16. Remember to add a stamp to the envelope.

2. Drop off your ballot at one of 10 drop boxes around the county. On the Eastside, drop boxes are located at:

• Crossroads Shopping Center, 15600 NE 8th, Bellevue
• Issaquah City Hall, 130 E. Sunset Way, Issaquah
• Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85th St., Redmond

3. Go to one of three Accessible Voting Centers to vote in person if you have misplaced your ballot or did not receive it:

• Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue
• King County Elections, 919 SW Grady Way, Renton
• Union Station, 401 S. Jackson St., Seattle

More information about the election is available at www.kingcounty.gov/elections or call 206-296-VOTE (8683).