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
King County Agriculture Commission seeks members to help grow, strengthen food economy
Commissioners provide valuable advice on agricultural policies and programs. Experts in farming, food production and distribution who want to strengthen King County’s vibrant food economy are encouraged to apply for a position on the Commission. To request an application package or to learn more about the Agriculture Commission, contact King County’s Agriculture Program at 206-477-1556 or patrice.barrentine@kingcounty.gov.
Cedar River channel migration zone public meeting
King County has completed a study of the Cedar River’s channel migration zone (CMZ), which extends from Renton upstream to Landsburg. The CMZ study and map are in draft form while they undergo a public review and comment period that ends March 6. King County hosts a public meeting to present the study and map from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at the Lake Wilderness Lodge, 22500 SE 248th St. in Maple Valley. For more information and additional ways to provide input visit the website.
Children and Family Justice Center virtual open house and survey
King County is building a new Children and Family Justice Center, and we'd like to know what's most important to you. View the Virtual Open House presentation anytime between Jan. 24 and Feb. 7, then take our survey. Your feedback will help us refine the design of the new center as the project moves toward construction.
Share your thoughts on services for older adults
The Regional Plan for Aging and Disability Services is being developed now and the Seattle-King County Area Agency on Aging is seeking resident input on service needs and funding priorities for 2016-19. Take the survey to make your opinions known, and attend one of the community meetings scheduled for March and April. More information is available on the website.
News
Expanded recycling for bulbs and tubes containing mercury
Thanks to a new statewide product stewardship law that resulted in the LightRecycle Washington program, mercury-containing light bulbs and tubes will be accepted for free recycling at the Bow Lake, Enumclaw, Shoreline and Vashon recycling and transfer stations, as well as at the household hazardous waste facility at the Factoria Transfer Station. Learn more about the different types of bulbs and tubes accepted through the program. Information is also available on the King County Solid Waste website or by calling 206-477-4466.
Preservation of Squak Mountain for public use
King County and The Trust for Public Land are taking the last few steps in a two-year-long journey to permanently preserve more than 200 acres of Cascade foothills forestland. The property should be open to hiking in the springtime, and King County Parks will begin a public planning process to help determine future uses for the property. Learn more on the website.
Public forestland grows as King County Parks acquires 40 acres in Taylor Mountain Forest
Private acreage near Maple Valley that is surrounded by publicly owned working forest and offers an abundance of recreation opportunities has been acquired by King County. The forestland includes an old millpond that provides excellent wildlife habitat, while a creek’s headwaters are also protected on this property. King County Parks hopes to build a trail to link two existing trails, creating a loop trail that will greatly improve public access. Learn more on the website.
Winter volunteer opportunities with King County Parks
Celebrate the new year and volunteer with King County Parks! Check out the latest Volunteer Newsletter for all the great and fun opportunities this winter, such as helping plant trees or build a trail.
February 10 Special Election underway in Highline and Snoqualmie Valley school districts
If you live in Highline or Snoqualmie Valley school districts, Feb. 10 is the election day deadline. Ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 10 or returned to a drop box or Accessible Voting Center by 8 p.m.
Those who care, prepare!
February is the middle of winter storm season, so be sure you and your loved ones are prepared at home, at work and school, and during the commute. Download a list of emergency supplies from the Take Winter by Storm website.
Volunteer for Regional Animal Services 
Want to cuddle with kittens or play with puppies? Regional Animal Services of King County is looking for volunteers to help out at our Pet Adoption Centers in Kent and Kirkland, and at our partner stores across the region. To find out more, and register for upcoming volunteer orientation sessions visit the website.
King County Early Learning Symposium
On Jan. 7, the King County Early Learning Symposium brought together more than 350 representatives from the public, private, non-profit and advocacy sectors throughout King County to support a commitment to make all children, starting at birth, a clear and unmistakable countywide priority. Watch this video of the summit to learn more.
Are you a business owner or manager or do you know one?
If your business uses or disposes less than 220 pounds of hazardous wastes per month, you may be eligible for a 50% reimbursement up to $500, for business hazardous waste improvements. Call 206-263-8899 for information. Become one of thousands of businesses who have been reimbursed since 1995.
Community Service Area news
Bear Creek/Sammamish Area
Upper Bear Creek Community Council
For more information visit
the
Upper Bear Creek Community Council website.
Four Creeks/Tiger Mountain Area
Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage
Jan. 26 & Feb. 23, 6:30 - 8 p.m., at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church at 12819 160th Ave. SE, in Renton. For more information, visit the
website.
Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council meetings
Feb. 18, 7 - 9 p.m., at the May Valley Alliance Church, 16431 SE Renton-Issaquah Rd. in Renton. Visit the
Four Creeks UAC website
for the latest information and to confirm meetings.
Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Area
Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council meetings
Feb. 2 & March 2, 7 - 9:30 p.m., at the Fire Station, 231st St and SR-169 in Maple Valley. Guest speaker, Karen Wolf of the King County Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget, will discuss the upcoming four-year major update to the King County Comprehensive Plan. Check
the
Greater Maple Valley UAC website
for details.
This item submitted by the
GMVUAC.
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Ravensdale Park and Meadow
The new Ravensdale Park includes two new multipurpose fields soon to be ready for use. A concession stand and restrooms have been completed. Plans for the new meadow include historical signs depicting highlights from over 100 years of Ravensdale history, picnic shelters and a walkway around the perimeter than can accommodate those with disabilities. Second phase development includes play structures, an open area, trails and a maintenance facility. Opening ceremonies are planned for April.
Snoqualmie Valley/Northeast King County Area
Fall City Community Association meeting
Feb. 13, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the Fall City Fire Station, 33415 SE 42nd Place in Fall City. The FCCA will be discussing initiatives to support the responsible use of the Snoqualmie and Raging rivers. For more information visit the
Fall City Community Association website.
Southeast King County Area
Green Valley/Lake Holm Association
Jan. 28, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., at the Black Diamond Library, 24707 Roberts Drive in Black Diamond. The agenda will include guest speaker Peter Rimbos, founder and lead on the multi-jurisdictional Citizens’ Technical Team that provides research and technical advice to citizens on the proposed master planned developments in Black Diamond. Peter has been invited to speak about regional and local increasing traffic. For more information, visit us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Vashon/Maury Island Area
Vashon-Maury Island Community Council General meeting
For more information, visit the
Vashon-Maury Island Community Council website.
West King County Area
Dick Thurnau Memorial Committee meeting
Feb. 17, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Luso’s Restaurant, 9614 16th Ave. SW in Seattle. Open to the public. Monthly meeting of the committee tasked with a memorial for the late Dick Thurnau, who advocated and promoted issues related to Hicklin Lake. Cost of dinner. Open to the public.
Contact
Sherry Williams for more information.
North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting
Feb. 12, 7 - 9 p.m., North Highline Fire District, 1243 SW 112th in Seattle. Open to the public. Scheduled speakers: Sherry Williams, deputy director, Technology Access Foundation, and Greg Smith of King County Library System. Check the
North Highline UAC website
for details.
Skyway West Hill Action Plan Open Houses
Jan. 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Bryn Mawr Elementary School, 8212 So. 118th St., in Seattle
Feb. 27, 7-9 p.m. at Dimmitt Middle School, 12320 80th Ave. S. in Seattle
A series of open houses to advocate for the Skyway/West Hill Action Plan. Open to the public. For more information email Andra Kranzler or call 206-772-2050.
Skyway West Hill Steering Committee meeting
Feb. 12, 7 - 9 p.m., at Skyway Water and Sewer, 6723 S. 124th St. in Seattle. Open to the public. For more information email Andra Kranzler or call 206-772-2050.
West Hill Community Association Board meeting
Feb. 11, 7 p.m., Skyway Fire District #20, 12424 76th Ave S. in Seattle. Open to the public. A monthly community meeting that discusses and informs community residents of issues relevant to their neighborhoods. Check the West Hill Community Association website or Facebook for details.
White Center Business Mixer
Jan. 28, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., White Center Storefront, 9609 16th Avenue SW, in Seattle. Hosted by the White Center Community Development Association, the monthly business mixer brings business owners in the White Center business district together to discuss issues in the business community. Open to the public. Contact Sokha Dahn at 206-403-5146 or email info@wccda.org.
If you have comments or suggestions about future content, please contact
Alan Painter
or call 206-477-4521.
