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

Executive proposes reforms for expanded outreach and engagement with residents of unincorporated areas

In April, Executive Dow Constantine transmitted to the King County Council a new framework for public engagement in unincorporated areas. The proposal establishes Community Service Areas (CSA's) that encompass all of unincorporated King County. Staff from all County programs and services would coordinate public outreach and service delivery in each CSA. The Executive is refining the proposal with the assistance and involvement of the UACs, County Councilmembers, other stakeholders and community members, and will send his final proposal to the County Council in September. For more information, contact Lauren Smith at lauren.smith@kingcounty.gov.

News

King County’s Scenic Small Towns - Fall City Profile

Did you know Fall City is not a city at all? Find out why residents of this scenic area say, "If you’re lucky enough to live in Fall City, you’re lucky enough." Check out the 7 minute video on YouTube, for a profile of Fall City, a charming historical town in east King County.

Engage in Parks!

With the promise of better weather just around the corner and a wealth of fun events, activities and amenities awaiting, now is the time to "Engage in Parks." Get active while supporting King County Parks – Your Big Backyard, by participating in the second-annual Big Backyard 5K on May 22 at Marymoor Park; enjoy great deals through Chinook Book's free mobile coupons with proceeds benefiting parks; or become a Parks volunteer.

Regional trail improvements

The summer construction season is heating up and King County Parks will be making improvements at parks and trails throughout the county, including temporary closures of a segment of the Burke Gilman Trail near Lake Forest Park and the Redmond segment of the East Lake Sammamish Trail.

For the latest news, "like" King County Parks on Facebook or follow Parks' construction alerts blog. King County Parks – Your Big Backyard: We’re at work so you can play!

Fay Road work begins in June near Stillwater

The King County Road Services Division will be regrading the slope of Fay Road Northeast between 302nd Way Northeast and State Route 203 south of Carnation near the Stillwater community. Construction could start as early as mid-June and will last a month. Motorists should expect full and partial road closures during construction.

Medicine take-back program

Dispose of unwanted medicines safely. For a list of temporary medicine take-back locations visit the website.

Got mice or rats? You need barn cats!

Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) offers outdoor felines to help rural residents with rodent control in barns, sheds or garages. All of the cats have been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped for identification, and have had a health exam. Best of all, there’s no charge for this service. All you have to do is commit to providing shelter, dry food and fresh water to your barn cats. For more information, email barncatsrus@gmail.com. or call RASKC at 206-296-7387.

Public defense

Services are available through the Office of the Public Defender for people who cannot afford an attorney and are charged with a crime that could mean time in jail. Help is also available for people facing commitment to a hospital because of a severe mental illness or substance abuse, or cases of juvenile dependency or civil contempt. There are six sites in King County to help you.

Free fair housing workshop and seminar

The King County Office of Civil Rights and other civil rights agencies are hosting two free fair housing trainings at the Jackson Federal Building in downtown Seattle on Wednesday, June 15. The Fair Housing Basics workshop is from 9 a.m. to noon, and the Advanced Fair Housing Seminar is from 1- 3 p.m. Participants receive extensive free fair housing materials, in print and CD format. For details and directions, visit the website. Space is limited and advance registration is required – call 206-296-7592.

Be an informed voter!

Are you ready for the 2011 Primary and General elections? Now is a great time to register to vote, or update your voter registration if you've moved, changed your name or had a major change to your signature.

Community news

Enumclaw

Bridge work will close Southeast 424th Street near Enumclaw for 6 months

King County will be replacing a deteriorating timber-support bridge on Southeast 424th Street near Enumclaw. The bridge is located a half mile west of 284th Avenue Southeast. Construction will begin in June and last through November. The section of Southeast 424th Street at that location will be closed for most of the construction period.

Four Creeks/May Valley

Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council meeting

May 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 testified at the Growth Management Planning Council meeting on the 2011 update of the countywide planning policies. Comments supported draft language to site schools that primarily serve adjacent urban development within the Urban Growth Boundary. Policies to limit the extension of urban infrastructure improvements through rural areas were supported. Written comments on transportation policies to avoid construction of major roads and capacity expansion on existing roads in rural areas also were submitted.

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council meeting

June 6, 7 p.m., at the Sheriff's Precinct 3, 22300 SE 231st in Maple Valley

North Highline

Steve Cox Memorial Artwork Dedication Ceremony

Join North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (NHUAC) for the unveiling of the memorial that honors King County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Cox, a beloved community leader who was killed in the line of duty in 2006. The unveiling will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 15 at Steve Cox Memorial Park, 1321 SW 102nd St., in White Center. Sponsored by the NHUAC, the artwork was created by local artist Jay Haavik with in-kind support from Marenakos Rock Center.

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting

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

Upper Bear Creek

Upper Bear Creek Community Council meeting

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

Vashon

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council meetings

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

West Hill

Renton Avenue South sidewalk project open house

King County Road Services Division will be hosting a public open house to get input on parking solutions, bus stop improvements, and a gateway design. The open house will be held on May 31 from 6-8 p.m. at the District 20 Fire Station Training Facility, 12424 76th Ave S. in Seattle. For more information contact DeAnna Martin at 206-684-1142 or deanna.martin@kingcounty.gov.

West Hill Community Council Board meeting

May 11, 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.