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

Community Service Area Boundary Open Houses

The County thanks those who provided comments during the initial boundary workshops in November of last year. King County is holding three informational open house opportunities to allow interested rural residents, businesses and organizations to preview, ask questions and comment on proposed Rural Community Service Area Boundary Alternatives, which are based on input from the workshops. Meetings are scheduled for Feb. 22 at King County Maple Valley Library, 21844 SE 248th St. in Maple Valley; Feb. 23 at the King County Fall City Library, 33415 SE 42nd Pl. in Fall City; and Feb. 29 at the King County Woodinville Library, 17105 Avondale Rd. NE in Woodinville. All meetings will run from 6:30 – 8 p.m. For additional information, contact the County’s Community Service representatives: Marissa Alegria at Marissa.Alegria@kingcounty.gov or Bong StoDomingo at Bong.StoDomingo@kingcounty.gov.

Speak up about September bus service changes

Metro is seeking a second round of public input on extensive bus service changes slated to begin this September. Find out about open house meetings and other ways to “have a say” about the September changes.

News

Metro winter service update starts Feb. 18

Metro’s winter service change includes moving three bus routes from fixed-route to Dial-A-Ride-Transit (DART) service. Two routes are in southeast King County and one is near Bothell. Watch for details to be posted online in mid February.

Planning under way for RapidRide F Line

It’s not too late to take a survey about routing options for the RapidRide service connecting Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila and Renton. The new service begins in 2013, but the details are being finalized now so construction can begin early next year.

Watch progress of new South Park Bridge

There are new photos online of what’s happening with the construction of the South Park Bridge. Check back often for the latest look.

Wastemobile at the SuperMall

New and more convenient! The Wastemobile will be at the Auburn SuperMall every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dispose of household hazardous waste at no cost. Not sure what to bring? Call the Household Hazards Line, 206-296-4692 or 1-888-TOXIC ED (869-4233).

Exercise your right to vote in the February Special Election

Voters in participating districts can return their ballot without postage to one of five ballot drop boxes by 8 p.m. on Feb. 14. Voters can also return their ballot by mail through the postal service using a 45–cent, first-class stamp. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 14. For accessible voting options and more information, visit the King County Elections website.

Be Prepared: Sign up for King County Flood Alerts

Winter is not over yet, and that means flooding is still a threat in King County. One tool that can help keep you and your family safe is King County Flood Alerts. This free, automated system allows subscribers to receive customized alerts of potential flooding for any or all of King County's six major river systems. Sign up today!

Find puppy (or kitten) love this Valentine’s Day!

There is lots to love this month at Regional Animal Services of King County! RASKC has many lovable, adoptable pets just waiting to bring joy to your home. To see our available pets, visit our Adopt a Pet page. To license a pet you already have, visit our Pet Licensing page.

Community Service Centers open for Passport Day

Four King County Community Service Centers will be open to process passport applications on Passport Day in the U.S.A., March 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a great opportunity to apply for passports for the entire family. The four sites that will be open are: Cottage Lake in Woodinville, Covington, Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent, and Vashon. For information, driving directions and more, visit the website.

Whooping cough

Pertussis, or “whooping cough,” is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can infect anyone, but infants are at highest risk of severe disease or death. Pertussis is on the rise in King County, but families and children can be protected with a vaccine. Learn more on the website.

Cavalia at King County’s Marymoor Park

Don’t miss out on “Cavalia” – an entertaining show that 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 on sale at the box office located at Marymoor Park, on the website or by calling 1-866-999-8111.

Community news

Four Creeks

Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council meeting

Feb. 15, 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 meetings

Feb. 6 & March 5, 7 p.m., at the Fire Station, SE 231st & Hwy 169 in Maple Valley

North Highline

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting

March 1, 7 p.m., North Highline Fire District Office, 1243 SW 112th St. in Seattle

Upper Bear Creek

Upper Bear Creek Community Council general meeting

Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. at Woodinville Water District Office, 17238 NE Woodinville Duvall Rd. in Woodinville.

Vashon

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council general meeting

Feb. 21, 7 p.m. at McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council Board meeting

March 5, 6:30 p.m. at McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon

Maury Island Open Space Site

King County is applying for $400,000 in federal grant funding to help with soil assessment and remediation of the Maury Island Open Space Site (former Glacier gravel mine), located within the plume of the ASARCO copper smelter. A public meeting will be held on Feb. 7, from 7 - 9 p.m., at the Vashon Maury Island Land Trust Building, 10014 SW Bank Rd, Vashon to provide an overview of the grant proposal and accept public comments. Comments on the draft grant proposal will be accepted through Feb. 8. The County’s draft application for the EPA Brownfields grant will be available at the public meeting and online, or by contacting Connie Blumen at connie.blumen@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-6371.

Island Center Forest

King County Parks just purchased 40 acres of open space that will become a “gateway” to Island Center Forest. The site is two blocks from the Vashon town center and will allow residents to easily access Island Center Forest’s nine miles of trails.

West Hill

West Hill Community Council Board meeting

March 14, 7 p.m., Fire District #20, 12424 76th Ave S. in Seattle

To add or delete yourself from the King County Unincorporated Area e-newsletter list, click on the appropriate link and hit send:
ADD me to this list | UNSUBSCRIBE me from this list

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