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

Unincorporated area public engagement framework process

As part of its ongoing commitment to improve service to rural area residents, King County is hosting four regional workshops to get public feedback on creating community service area boundaries. Each workshop includes an open house from 6:30-7 p.m. followed by discussion from 7-8 p.m. Meetings are set for Nov. 29 at the King County Library, 848 S. 320th St. in Federal Way; Nov. 30 at Hobart Community Church, 27524 S.E. 200th St. in Maple Valley; Dec. 6 at Tolt Middle School, 3740 Tolt Ave. in Carnation; and Dec. 7 at Enumclaw Field House (Pete’s Pool), 1400 Roosevelt Ave. E., in Enumclaw.

This process will create community service areas to provide opportunities for public engagement by all residents of the County’s unincorporated areas. For additional information, contact the County’s Community Service Representatives at Marissa.Alegria@kingcounty.gov or Bong.StoDomingo@kingcounty.gov.

King County Comprehensive Plan

The 2012 King County Comprehensive Plan (KCCP) draft document is out for public review. Public informational meetings are being held on Nov. 15 from 5-7:30 p.m. at Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES) in the Hearing Room, 1000 Oakesdale Ave. S.W., Renton and Nov. 16 from 6-8 p.m. and at Chief Kanim Middle School, 32627 S.E. Redmond-Fall City Rd., Fall City. For more information, email paul.reitenbach@kingcounty.gov. Deadline for comments on 2012 KCCP is Dec. 23.

Brightwater open houses

Join us on the third Saturday of each month for a Brightwater Center open house. The center and exhibit hall will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the open house and will include tours of the new Treatment Plant starting at 10 a.m. and noon. Reservations are not required.

King County Noxious Weed Control Board

The King County Noxious Weed Control Board has two openings - one representing Weed District 2 in the Snoqualmie Valley area and one for Weed District 4 in the Renton/Kent/Auburn area. See the online map for district boundries. This volunteer board oversees and guides the work of the King County Noxious Weed Control Program and sets the noxious weed list priorities for the County. Farmers and other agricultural producers are especially encouraged to apply. To receive an application packet or additional information, please call 206-296-0290 or e-mail noxious.weeds@kingcounty.gov before Dec. 12.

News

East Lake Sammamish Trail - Redmond Segment ribbon cutting ceremony

Join King County Parks to celebrate the grand re-opening of the East Lake Sammamish Trail (ELST), Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. in the new trail parking lot off Northeast 70th Street in Redmond. A month early and under budget, the redeveloped 1.2-mile-long stretch of the (ELST) through Redmond is ready to re-open. This is the first of three development projects along the 11-mile East Lake Sammamish Trail that, when completed, will be part of a 44-mile-long regional urban trail corridor from Puget Sound to the Cascade Foothills. Funding for trail development was provided by the 2008-2013 voter-approved parks, open space and trails levy. Read more...

Election Day

The November General Election is under way. If you are contacted about your signature, be sure to respond promptly so your ballot can be processed. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 8 or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. that day. Questions? Call the voter hotline at 206-296-VOTE or visit the King County Elections website.

National test of the Emergency Alert System

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (EAS) and the Federal Communications Commission will conduct a first-ever, nationwide test of the EAS. The test takes place Nov. 9 at 11 a.m., and will last about thirty seconds. The test will be broadcast via TV, radio, cable and satellite, as well as NOAA Weather Alert receivers. For more information about the test, visit the website.

Veterans Day is Nov. 11

Did you serve in the U.S. military, or are you a family member of someone serving right now? The King County Veterans Program has 10 locations to help with housing, job training, financial aid, counseling and more. Open Monday through Friday in our Seattle and Renton offices, and once a week at locations in Auburn, Carnation, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Kirkland, Lake City, Maple Valley and Redmond. For information call 206-296-7656 or visit the website.

Sign up for Flood Alerts

Winter is fast approaching, bringing cold, wet weather to our area. Be prepared for possible floods by signing up for King County Flood Alerts. This free, automated service sends customized alerts to subscribers for any or all of King County’s six major river systems. For seasonal weather preparedness tips, visit Take Winter By Storm.

Pick up a new Metro Snow & Ice Guide for winter travel

Metro Transit is updating its annual “Snow & Ice Guide” that details the agency’s snow operations, and how bus riders can get the most out of transit services during adverse weather. The guide will be distributed on Metro buses, and at locations throughout the County. It will also be posted online during the week of Nov. 7.

Staying safe in a power outage

Seasonal storms can cause power outages. But don’t be tempted to bring grills or generators indoors to cook or stay warm because of the risk of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, colorless and odorless gas that can kill in minutes. Learn more on the website. Food safety can also be an issue when the power goes out. Find out what’s safe and for how long on the website.

Food safety for the holidays

What’s the correct temperature to cook a turkey? And how long can you keep leftovers at room temperature? Find out at on the website.

Passport expiring soon? Never had a passport before?

King County Community Service Centers (CSC) can help you renew or apply for a U.S. passport. In 2007, the federal government began requiring everyone entering the United States through a land border crossing to have a passport. Passports for children are only good for five years. Don’t miss out on the trip of a lifetime because of an expired passport!

Community news

Four Creeks

Four Creeks UAC member election

The Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council will hold its member election at the Nov. 16 UAC meeting. For more information, visit the website.

Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council meeting

Nov. 16, 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's Growth Management Committee and Transportation Committee have jointly begun a comprehensive review of the 2012 KCCP Update. As the GMVUAC has done in the past, a full set of detailed comments will be provided to DDES for consideration prior to the Dec. 23 deadline.

Cedar River management plans shared with public at Nov. 15 open house in Maple Valley

King County and the Cedar River Council have scheduled a Nov. 15 open house from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Lake Wilderness Lodge, 22500 SE 248th St., Maple Valley, to meet with area residents, recreationists and others who are interested in the future of the Cedar River. The open house and meeting will include presentations, a question-and-answer session and opportunities for citizens to have one-on-one discussions with County staff who are involved in the management of the Cedar River and its environs.

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council meetings

Nov. 7 & Dec. 5, 7 p.m., at the Fire Station, SE 231st & Hwy 169 in Maple Valley

North Highline

‘Have a Say’ about westside bus service

Metro Transit is inviting the public to discuss proposals to make bus service more efficient in several communities next year, including White Center, West Seattle, and other communities in west King County. Find a meeting or an opportunity to give input when you check out the new “Have a Say” website.

Youth Sports Facility Grant - Evergreen High School Track Dedication

White Center’s Evergreen High School has a brand new track! The official ribbon cutting dedication took place Oct. 28. The track was funded by a $75,000 King County Parks’ Youth Sports Facility Grant, a contribution from the Highline School District and a generous donation from the school’s janitor and track coach. Check out the story in the West Seattle Herald.

North Highline Unincorportated Area Council meeting

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

Vashon

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council general meeting

Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. at McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon.

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council Board meeting

Dec. 5, 7 p.m. at McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon.

West Hill

West Hill Community Council Board meeting

Nov. 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.