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.

News

Executive, Greater Maple Valley UAC host successful Joint Annual Forum

Executive Dow Constantine joined the Greater Maple Valley Area Council in welcoming more than 120 residents and county staff to the Joint Annual Forum at the Hobart Community Church in Maple Valley on July 26. The meeting brought together leaders from the six recognized King County Unincorporated Area Councils (UACs), local area residents, the Executive and King County department directors and key staff to discuss issues facing the county and the communities. The forum can be viewed on King County Television.

County’s rural responsibility is proposed addition to Charter

A proposed amendment to the King County Charter has been placed on the November ballot by the Metropolitan King County Council. If adopted by voters, the measure would clearly emphasize the County’s responsibility for services to the rural areas, and clarify the County’s concern for the economy as well as the environment. To view the legislation go to the Legisearch website and enter "2010-0328".

Burn ban in effect for King County

A countywide Phase 1 burn ban is in effect through Sept. 30.

Return your Primary Election ballot by Aug. 17

Remember to read the ballot carefully and sign the back of the return envelope. Visit the elections website, or call the elections office at 206-296-VOTE for information and assistance.

County roads getting summer makeover

King County Road Services crews are using an improved chip sealing process on 20 miles of roadway in the West Snoqualmie Valley, North Bend and Enumclaw areas. The resurfacing method stretches the County’s road dollars further in order to preserve as many deteriorating roadways as possible. The division is also repaving an additional 30 miles of county roads.

Feedback needed on Eastside bus routes

People who work in Redmond and Bellevue, or who use transit services in those communities, are encouraged to apply to serve on a sounding board to work with King County Metro Transit on transit changes that will best serve local communities. Metro is considering adjustments to Eastside bus routes currently serving parts of Bellevue and Redmond prior to the launch of the RapidRide B Line that is scheduled to begin in 2011. The deadline to submit an application to serve on the sounding board is Monday, Aug. 23.

Farmer Appreciation Day

The Seattle Mariners are hosting "Farmer Appreciation Day" when the M’s host the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, Aug. 29. Farmer fans will enjoy a discount on tickets plus a free Farmers Day T-shirt, compliments of Charlie’s Produce (while supplies last). Kids 14 and under get their very own Gutierrez jersey and post-game sprint around the bases. First pitch is at 1:10 p.m.

Updating the Shoreline Master Program

King County is currently updating its Shoreline Master Program. All information including proposed policies, maps, and code language is available on the website. The King County Council website also maintains information about the proposal, including directions on how to provide comments. For additional information, contact Harry Reinert, DDES Special Projects Manager, at 206-296-7132.

For serious environmental complaints, DDES inspects after hours

DDES staff are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to the most serious environmental hazards. For environmental violations that could pose a threat to public safety or cause irreparable environmental damage if not responded to by the next business day, please call 1-888-437-4771.

Regional Animal Services pet licensing

A new Regional Animal Services model took effect on July 1 in 27 contracting cities and unincorporated King County for animal sheltering and field services. Residents in the service area have an amnesty period to license their previously unlicensed pets without facing a fine until Oct. 1, 2010; after that date, a no-tolerance pet license fine goes into effect for unlicensed pets. Learn more by visiting the pet licensing information page.

Experienced local emergency manager to lead County’s Office of Emergency Management

Hillman Mitchell, the new Director of the Office of Emergency Management, began his new role on Aug. 3. Mitchell comes to the County from the City of Tukwila, where he served as the Emergency Management Coordinator. He previously served as Government Liaison Specialist for the American Red Cross. The mission of the King County Office of Emergency Management is to provide leadership and high-quality services that improve the safety of the public in King County, and specializes in disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

King County’s Sound Shake 2010 earthquake drills

Throughout 2010, the King County Office of Emergency Management will work with agencies from across the county on a series of earthquake response and recovery drills to better prepare our region for a large scale disaster. More than 25 public and private agencies from across the county are participating in exercises focusing on issues around mass sheltering and feeding, transportation, structural collapse, healthcare, supply chain management, and utility interruption, culminating in a two day full functional exercise on Oct. 6-7. For more information on how to help prepare your family and workplace visit the 3 Days, 3 Ways website.

Free fair housing workshops

The King County Office of Civil Rights and other fair housing agencies are hosting two free fair housing trainings in Seattle. On Aug. 25 from 1 to 3 p.m., an Advanced Fair Housing Seminar will be held in the fourth floor south auditorium of the Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Ave. On Sept. 29 from 9:30 a.m. to noon, a "Fair Housing Jeopardy" workshop will be held in the Maynard Room on the second floor of the King County Administration Building, 500 4th Ave. Advanced registration is required by calling 206-296-7592.

Questions about your property valuations?

King County residents can find additional information on properties on the Online Services website.

Property tax deferral

Deferral applications for homeowners with limited incomes are due Sept. 1. For more information, please visit the website or contact the Assessor’s Office at 206-296-7300.

New research on CPR

A new Public Health and UW-led study shows that using the hands-only CPR method (without mouth breathing) is just as good for helping heart attack victims. Simpler to remember, easier to do.

Community news

Enumclaw

‘Homegrown Celebration’ to feature 4-H, Enumclaw-area produce, arts and crafts

The City of Enumclaw and the King County Fair are teaming up to present the 2010 Homegrown Celebration, Aug. 12-14, at the Enumclaw Exposition Center.

Four Creeks/May Valley

Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council meeting

Aug. 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)
With a goal of protecting the rural area from massive adjacent urban development, the GMVUAC completed a comprehensive review of the King County Code and developed a set of recommendations on topics ranging from surface water management to roads and bridges, to zoning for County officials to consider. The review concluded that, while many KCC provisions protect Rural Area citizens from the impacts of adjacent urban development, meaningful or timely enforcement is lacking.

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council meetings

Sept. 13, 7 p.m., at the Sheriff's Precinct 3, 22300 SE 231st in Maple Valley

North Highline

Hicks Lake BBQ

The North Highline UAC and the White Center Community Development Association are sponsoring a BBQ to encourage awareness of Hicks Lake on Aug. 28 from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Hicks Lake located at 11050 10th Ave. SW in Seattle.

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting

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

Upper Bear Creek

Music in the Park

Providing opening remarks and then taking in Bochinche, a Latin Interactive Percussion group, King County Executive Dow Constantine enjoyed the July 22 Music in the Park concert sponsored by the Upper Bear Creek Community Council in partnership with King County Parks, 4 Culture, and the Woodinville Weekly Newspaper. The popular six-week concert series at Cottage Lake Park concluded on August 5.

Vashon

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council meeting

Aug. 16, 7:30 p.m. at McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon.

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council Board meeting

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

West Hill

West Hill Community Council Board meeting

Aug. 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 206-263-7146 or lauren.smith@kingcounty.gov.