Welcome to Community News! You can find the newsletter online with links to program details, at the
UA News website. To see previous versions of the Unincorporated Area Community Newsletter visit the
archives.
Engage with King County
Rural Service Directory updated online
Whether you live in Fall City, Ravensdale, Vashon Island, or another of our rural unincorporated communities, King County is your local government. Many of the wide range of public services that King County provides are listed in the Rural Services Directory.
News
2013 accomplishments
“With reforms that have put County government back on sound financial footing, we are now in a position to do something extraordinary,” said Executive Constantine. “Our goal is to be the most forward-looking, most efficient government in the United States – a government as innovative as the people and businesses of this region – and one that can advance prosperity through equity, social justice and global competitiveness.” Learn more by visiting the website.
The Department of Permitting and Environmental Review (DPER) extends hours
Beginning Feb. 3, DPER will increase customer service hours at the main office located at 35030 S.E. Douglas St., Suite 210 in Snoqualmie. The new hours will be 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1- 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The office is closed to the public on Wednesdays. Visit the DPER website for more information.
King County buys threatened Snoqualmie Valley farmland, plans to return land to farming
Nearly 200 acres of rich Snoqualmie Valley farmland that had been threatened with development is now owned by King County and will be returned to farming. The 191-acre Tall Chief property was purchased using Conservation Futures Tax funding. Learn more about King County’s Transfer of Development Rights program on the website.
Reddington levee setback enhances safety for Auburn residents, businesses, vital roadways 
With the completion of the largest in-river flood protection project in the six-year history of the King County Flood Control District, hundreds of homes and businesses near the Green River in Auburn now have enhanced protection for this flood season – and for decades to come. Learn more online.
Community Rating System
For the eighth consecutive year, King County's efforts to protect people and property have earned King County the highest rating of any county in the United States under Federal Emergency Management Agency's Community Rating System. As of 2012, King County’s high CRS rating saved flood insurance policyholders in unincorporated King County $830,265 – an average of $578 per policy.
Marijuana zoning ordinance
The County Council has adopted marijuana zoning rules that details where marijuana-related businesses can be located and the restrictions and requirements for marijuana related uses. For more information please visit the Department of Permitting and Environmental Review website.
Flu is on the rise in King County
Hospitals are reporting an increase in people severely ill with the flu, and some people have died from the same A H1N1 virus that caused the pandemic a few years ago. This virus can be particularly severe for younger adults. If you haven’t gotten a flu vaccine yet, there’s still time. Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months, particularly pregnant women, those in contact with infants, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions like diabetes, asthma, and heart or lung problems. For more information, visit the website.
27th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration
Join King County on Thursday, Jan. 16 at noon for the 27th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at the Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St. in Seattle. This event is free and open to the public.
Also, be sure to mark Monday, Jan. 20 on your calendar for the MLK Day of Service in King County. Visit the website and make this holiday a day on, not a day off.
Special Election Feb. 11
More than half of King County voters will be eligible to vote in the Feb. 11 Special Election, including voters in 16 school districts and the Klahanie Annexation Area. Make sure your voter registration is up to date.
Big Backyard 5K – Registration now open
Register for the fifth-annual Big Backyard 5K presented by Group Health in support of King County Parks. The race is Sunday, June 1 at King County’s Marymoor Park. Register as an individual or team by Feb. 7 and get a hoody for just $5, thanks to Harborstone Credit Union.
It's a new year - resolve to be better prepared
Check out FEMA’s Are You Ready? Guide. This interactive course provides
information on specific hazards, including steps to not only be reactive, but proactive in response to them. The guide also teaches you about evacuation, emergency public shelters, animals in disasters and more. Contact the King County Office Emergency Management for additional resources.
Tobacco and smoking
Fifty years ago this month, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a groundbreaking report documenting the millions of preventable deaths caused by tobacco. Five decades later, far fewer Americans smoke – but we still have some way to go to stop this leading cause of death from taking one more victim. If you’ve ever thought about quitting, this might just be the month to do it. For help visit the website.
Chemistry class safety for students and teachers
A recent, and sadly, not uncommon accident in a high school chemistry class could have been prevented with basic chemical safety practices. School administrators, staff and students can learn safety tips from the Chemical Safety Board. Schools can find training, resources and help at Hazardous Chemicals in Schools website.
Community Service Area news
Bear Creek/Sammamish Area
Upper Bear Creek Community Council
Jan. 28, 7 p.m., at the Woodinville Water District, 17238 NE Woodinville-Duvall Rd. in Woodinville.The meeting will include an informal open house and a briefing by King County Metro Transit staff regarding transportation funding and proposed cuts. Check King County Metro’s online calendar or the Upper Bear Creek Community Council website for details.
Four Creeks/Tiger Mountain Area
Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council meetings
Jan. 15 & Feb. 19, 7 p.m., at the May Valley Alliance Church, 16431 SE Renton-Issaquah Rd. in Renton. Visit the Four Creeks UAC website
for details.
Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Area
Soos Creek Park Restoration
On Saturday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., King County Parks will hold a large habitat restoration event at Soos Creek Park in Kent in coordination with the Sierra Club and Rainier Audubon. The project’s purpose is to enhance an area around two ponds and the creek. Meet at Gary Grant Park on the north side of Southeast 208th Street just east of 132nd Avenue Southeast in Kent.
Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council meeting
Feb. 3, 7 p.m., at the Fire Station, 231st St and SR-169 in Maple Valley. Check
the Greater Maple Valley UAC website for details.
These item submitted by the
GMVUAC
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2014 Officer Elections
The area council re-elected Steve Hiester as Chair, Peter Rimbos as Corresponding Secretary and Tara Mahoney as Treasurer. Les Dawson was elected as new Vice-Chair. Rob Morris was elected as new Recording Secretary.
Newsletter
The area council’s first newsletter, partially funded by a Community Services Area Grant, will be mailed the third week of January to more than 10,000 unincorporated area residents in the Tahoma School District.
Vashon/Maury Island Area
Vashon-Maury Island Community Council General meeting
Jan. 27, 7 p.m., McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon.
The agenda will include a Q&A with the King County Sheriff's office on neighborhood block watches.
For more information visit the Vashon-Maury Island Community Council website.
West King County Area
North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting
Feb. 6, 7 p.m., North Highline Fire District Office, 1243 SW 112th St., Seattle. Check
the North Highline UAC website
for details.
West Hill Community Association Board meeting
Jan. 15, 7 p.m., Skyway Fire District #20, 12424 76th Ave S., Seattle. The agenda for the January 2014 quarterly meeting will be discussed. Check the West Hill Community Association website
for details.
West Hill Community Association Quarterly public meeting
Jan. 21, 7 p.m., Skyway VFW, 7421 S 126th St., in Seattle. Sheryl Lux from the Department of Permitting and Environmental Review will discuss code enforcement process. Check
the West Hill Community Association website
for details.
If you have comments or suggestions about future content, please contact Alan Painter at 206-477-4521 or
alan.painter@kingcounty.gov.
