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

King County Comprehensive Plan Update

Executive Constantine has transmitted to the County Council a major update of the King County Comprehensive Plan (KCCP), which is the set of policies by which King County manages growth in unincorporated areas. As part of the County Council’s review of the proposed plan, the Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee will hold two special meetings in April. Each meeting will be preceded by an open house from 6-6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Meetings are set for April 12 at the Y at the Carol Edwards Center, 17401 133rd Ave. NE in Woodinville, on April 25 at Tahoma Junior High Commons, 25600 Summit Landsburg Rd. in Ravensdale. For more information on the County Council’s review of the Executive proposal visit the website.

Council hosts open house and hearing on Metro’s September service changes

The King County Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee will hold a special meeting April 16 to receive public input on Metro Transit’s proposed service changes for September. This is one of the largest transit service changes ever proposed by Metro, and has been shaped by a new landmark strategic policy plan for public transportation.

Cedar Hills Regional Landfill Community Meeting

Cedar Hills Regional Landfill community meetings provide an ongoing forum for area residents and King County Solid Waste Division staff to discuss conditions and activities at the landfill. The dialogue continues April 25, when the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks’ Solid Waste Division hosts the next Cedar Hills Regional Landfill community meeting, set for 7-9 p.m. at the King County Library Service Center, 960 Newport Way NW, Issaquah. For more information, please visit the website, or call 206-296-4490, TTY Relay: 711.

News

Executive names top adviser to open new channels of communication with residents of unincorporated King County

King County Executive Dow Constantine has named one of his top advisors, Alan Painter, to manage the new Community Service Areas program (CSA), which encompasses all of unincorporated King County, including areas without previous representation by an Unincorporated Area Council. The program will provide unincorporated area residents with a single link to County staff working on specific projects in parks, roads, land use, public health and public safety.

Vote on important issues in the April Special Election

Voters in participating districts can return their ballot without postage to one of six ballot drop boxes by 8 p.m. on April 17, or by mail using a first-class stamp. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by April 17. Accessible voting options are available for voters who require assistance casting their ballot.

Pay property taxes quickly and easily online

Taxpayers who pay their property taxes themselves rather than through a mortgage lender should take note the first half 2012 tax payment is due or must be postmarked to the County's Treasury office by April 30. Payments paid or postmarked after this date are subject to delinquency charges. Residents who do not want to mail a check or visit a Community Service Center have the option to pay online quickly and conveniently from their own computer. For more information on property tax payment options, visit the website.

King County offers employment and education programs

Were you laid off because your employer downsized or closed the business? Are you a returning veteran who needs help finding a new job? Or looking to boost your earning potential? King County has free computer labs, individualized career counseling, scholarships and more. For information call WorkSource Renton at 206-205-3500 or visit the website.

Celebrate Earth Month

Volunteer to restore habitat in a King County park or natural area, while learning more about the nature that is just outside your door. Individuals and small groups are invited to join us at numerous locations throughout King County. Visit the website, or contact Laurie Clinton at 206-296-4452 or laurie.clinton@kingcounty.gov.

King County Parks – Big Backyard 5K

Presented by Group Health, the third annual Big Backyard 5k is scheduled for Sunday, May 20 at King County’s Marymoor Park. This fun, flat course is great for the whole family. A post-race concert by Caspar Babypants rounds out this family friendly event. Check it out on the web. All proceeds benefit King County Parks.

See how King County protects environment; 2011 DNRP annual report now available

King County residents can learn how their County's natural resources are managed by reading the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) 2011 annual report, "Environmental Stewardship in King County." The report outlines many of DNRP's activities and accomplishments during 2011. The department is comprised of four major divisions - Parks and Recreation, Solid Waste, Wastewater Treatment and Water and Land Resources.

Pesticide-free places

Find outdoor recreation areas in King County managed pesticide-free or pesticide-reduced to protect people, water and wildlife. Search the map by city, place name or ZIP code. Or just click and drag.

Pertussis epidemic

Pertussis, or “whooping cough” is now in epidemic proportions across Washington state. King County has seen more cases of whooping cough in the first three months of 2012 than in all of 2011. Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes a severe cough and can cause death, particularly among young children. Talk to your health care provider about the pertussis vaccine. To learn more about this disease, visit the website.

Road Division working to reduce vehicle-animal collisions

The King County Road Services will be enhancing community and wildlife safety in the Novelty Hill corridor later this year, thanks to a grant from the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Transportation Enhancement Program. The grant will be used to construct a crossing structure for wildlife to travel over Northeast Novelty Hill Road, just east of Redmond Ridge Drive Northeast. An open house is planned for April 26. More information will be available online later this month.

How you pay for bus rides is changing in September

Metro Transit’s Ride Free Area in downtown Seattle is scheduled to end on Sept. 29. At the same, time bus riders will begin paying when they enter the bus for all trips. Community Transit will make the same downtown changes in September, and Sound Transit is considering them as well.

‘Drop, Cover and Hold’ Earthquake Drill April 25

Earthquakes are one of the greatest natural hazards facing Washington residents. Practicing what you should do when the ground begins to shake is an important part of being prepared. On April 25, state broadcasters will initiate the “Drop, Cover and Hold” earthquake drill through the Emergency Alert System. Tune into KIRO radio (97.3 FM) at 9:45 a.m. to join local residents and businesses as we “drop” to the floor, take “cover” under a sturdy desk or table, and “hold” on to something sturdy until the shaking stops. For more information about how to protect yourself during an earthquake, visit the website.

Community news

Four Creeks

Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council

Greater Maple Valley

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council meetings

May 7, 7 p.m., at the Fire Station, SE 231st & Hwy 169 in Maple Valley

North Highline

Learn more about Route 120 bus changes

King County Metro Transit is planning changes for its busy Route 120 that connects Burien to downtown Seattle, and would like feedback from bus riders. An open house will be held April 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in Delridge.

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting

May 3, 7 p.m., North Highline Fire District Office, 1243 SW 112th St. in Seattle

Upper Bear Creek

Upper Bear Creek Community Council

Vashon

Community Service Area Open House

The first open house for the new program is set for the Vashon-Maury Island CSA on Tuesday, April 10, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the McMurray Middle School Multi-Purpose Room, 9323 Cemetery Road, Vashon Island. At the open house, residents can offer feedback on the draft Vashon-Maury CSA Work Plan and the new CSA program, discuss community priorities, speak with program staff, and obtain information about County programs and services in general.

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council general meeting

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

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council Board meeting

May 7, 6:30 p.m. at McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon

West Hill

West Hill Community Council Board meeting

May 9, 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.