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.

Engage with King County

Sorting out public engagement for unincorporated areas

During late 2011, King County led four public workshops with community organizations and the unincorporated area councils to discuss a new framework for public engagement, and to get comments on proposed boundaries for new Community Service Areas. Public workshops on alternatives to the proposed boundaries will take place in February, and details on these workshops will be included in next month’s UA News. For more information, please download the updated brochure (PDF), or contact the County’s Community Service Representatives at Marissa.Alegria@kingcounty.gov or Bong.StoDomingo@kingcounty.gov.

News

Green energy project near Enumclaw

In mid-December, Executive Constantine joined local dairy farmers in Enumclaw to celebrate the beginning of construction on a project that will transform cow manure into green energy and other valuable resources. The manure digester is an air-tight tank that uses microorganisms to break down or “digest” the manure and organic matter. The bacteria produce waste gas that can be harnessed to make electricity.

Tips for cross-lake commuters

Do you live in east King County and commute across Lake Washington? King County Metro Transit has a variety of travel options to help you avoid the new tolls on the State Route 520 Bridge.

Reduced transit service on Jan. 16

Metro Transit will operate with a reduced schedule on Monday, Jan. 16 for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. On days with reduced weekday schedules, some commuter and school-oriented routes do not operate, and other routes have individual trips canceled.

Registration deadlines for February Special Election

Unincorporated area voters in Federal Way School District No. 210, Vashon Island School District No. 402, Renton School District No. 403, Auburn School District No. 408, and King County Fire Protection District No. 10 will have the opportunity to vote on important local ballot measures. Registration deadlines are: Jan. 16 for mail-in and online voter registrations and transfers and Feb. 6 for in-person registration for voters not currently registered in the state.

Cavalia at King County’s Marymoor Park

The world’s largest big top returns to King County as Marymoor Park hosts “Cavalia” starting Jan. 18. “Cavalia” integrates acrobatics, dance, aerial stunts, live music and equestrian arts. Shows such as this generate revenues that support King County Parks maintenance and operations. Tickets are now on sale at the box office located at Marymoor Park, on the website or by calling 1-866-999-8111.

King County Parks third-annual Big Backyard 5K

Register for the Big Backyard 5K in support of King County Parks! The race will be held on Sunday, May 20 at King County’s Marymoor Park. Register as an individual or team and start the new year on the right foot. Event is dog and stroller friendly, and will feature a post-race concert with Caspar Babypants. All proceeds benefit King County Parks. For more information and to register, visit the event website.

Healthier places to live, learn, work and play

Find out what you can by visiting the Let’s Do This King County website.

Safely store and dispose of household medicines

Medicines in the home are a leading cause of accidental poisoning, so keep them out of reach or in a lock box. When it’s time to get rid of old or unwanted medicines, and use a medicine take-back program for disposal, as flushing or trashing them can pollute our waters. Visit the Medicine Take Back Program website for more information.

Eco-healthy childcare

Childcare providers can learn how to get certified as an “Eco-Healthy Childcare” – good for kids and the environment. The fragrance-free class takes place on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Shoreline Conference Center and includes starter materials, free technical support and funding opportunities. STARS credits provided. Contact gail.gensler@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-3082.

Community news

Four Creeks

Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council meeting

Jan. 18, 7 p.m., at the May Valley Alliance Church, 16431 SE Renton-Issaquah Rd. in Renton

Greater Maple Valley

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council

(This item submitted by the GMVUAC)
The GMVUAC provided written comments on the new Framework for Public Engagement in Unincorporated Areas that calls for forming Community Service Areas. The GMVUAC believes Unincorporated Area Councils should remain functioning in the same manner, with no boundary changes, without their input and consent. The GMVUAC also stated that great care should be taken in developing work programs in collaboration with local organizations. The GMVUAC is ready to work with King County to promote and establish the new Community Service Areas.

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council meetings

Jan. 9 & Feb. 6, 7 p.m., at the Fire Station, SE 231st & Hwy 169 in Maple Valley

North Highline

North Highline Unincorportated Area Council meeting

Feb. 2, 7 p.m., North Highline Fire District Office, 1243 SW 112th St. in Seattle

Upper Bear Creek

Upper Bear Creek Community Council general meeting

Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m. at Woodinville Water District Office, 17238 NE Woodinville Duvall Rd. in Woodinville.

Vashon

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council general meeting

Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m. at McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council Board meeting

Feb. 6, 7 p.m. at McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon

West Hill

West Hill Community Council Board meeting

Jan. 11 & Feb. 8, 7 p.m., Fire District #20, 12424 76th Ave S. in Seattle

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If you have comments or suggestions about future content, please contact Lauren Smith at 206-263-9606 or lauren.smith@kingcounty.gov.