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
Applications due for 2016 unincorporated Community Service Area grants
The annual funding application opportunity for community organizations in unincorporated King County is now underway. Community organizations have until 5 p.m. on Nov. 16 to apply for up to $5,000 in funding to support local initiatives through King County’s CSA Program. Visit the website for funding criteria and application forms, as well as lists of past awardees and projects. Join the many successful projects and events across unincorporated King County that have resulted from these grants. It’s easy.
Mental Illness and Drug Dependency service improvement planning
If you have ideas about services and programs for people living with mental illness and substance use disorders, the County wants to hear from you! These public meetings will inform the County’s decisions around investments for mental health and substance use disorder services and programs. Join the community conversion on Oct. 28 from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Shoreline Conference Center, 18560 1st Ave. NE in Shoreline. Refreshments will be provided. For more information on the program and to register for the meeting, please visit the website.
King County Comprehensive Plan Update
The King County Comprehensive Plan (KCCP) is the guiding policy document for all land use and development regulations in unincorporated King County, and for regional services throughout the County including transit, sewers, parks, trails and open space. Every four years the County conducts a complete review of the plan. King County will release the 2016 Comprehensive Plan Public Review Draft on Nov. 6. Following the release, King County has scheduled four community meetings to share the draft and listen to community members comments. All meetings are scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will take place on Nov. 9 at McMurray Middle School on Vashon; Nov. 17 at the Maple Valley Sheriff Precinct 3 in Maple Valley; Nov. 19 at the Fire District 20 Administration Building in Seattle; and on Dec. 2 at Fall City Fire Station No. 27 in Fall City. For additional details, visit the website.
News
Don’t let El Nino find you unprepared for winter storms
Even with warmer than normal temperatures associated with an El Nino winter season, our area can experience severe wind, power outages and flood conditions. It’s important you and your family are ready to Take Winter By Storm. Winterize your vehicle and home, and stock up on emergency supplies. Find checklists and tips on the website.
Community preparedness training
Learn about the hazards we face in King County and ways to prepare for disasters. You'll develop a personalized plan for you and your family, and a better understanding of available resources. This free training is facilitated by King County Emergency Management at the Enumclaw Public Library, 1700 1st St. in Enumclaw from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Nov. 10. Can't make the class? Visit the website to learn about local hazards and ways to prepare.
November general election
Voting is underway! Return your ballot by the Nov. 3 election day deadline.
Are you eligible for property tax relief?
The Washington State Legislature increased the qualifying income from $35,000 annual gross income to $40,000 for the senior/disability property tax exemption, effective October 2015. Visit the website to learn more.
Property taxes due for second half of 2015
King County property owners have until Monday, Nov. 2 to pay the second half of their 2015 property taxes. After that date, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill. To make the process easier, King County provides several ways for property owners to pay their taxes quickly and conveniently, including the secure eTax application. For more information, visit the website or call 206-263-2890.
Free Fair Housing trainings
Join us on Nov. 18 for the “First steps: Best practices to promote fair housing” workshop from 9 a.m. - noon) and/or the “Advanced fair housing seminar” from 1-3 p.m. in the Bertha Landes room at Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, Seattle. Sponsored by the Fair Housing Partners of Washington. Visit the website to register.
King County Parks Play Area Rehabilitation
Playground construction is completed at South County Ballfields Park, and King County Parks crews are now making improvements to the Five Mile Lake playground, with upgrades expected to be completed by the end of December. The playground improvements are part of the King County Parks levy funded Play Area Rehabilitation Program.
Haunted Pool Party
On Friday, Oct. 30, the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center hosts its annual Haunted Pool Party. Costume contests, coin dives, canoe rides and a haunted tunnel are just some of the activities to enjoy at the event. For $5, swimmers can attend the first swim from 6-7:30 p.m. or the second swim from 8-9:30 p.m.
Win $100 in RASKC's Halloween Pet Costume Contest!
Does your pet like to dress up for Halloween? If so, you could win a $100 Petco gift card from Regional Animal Services of King County! Post a picture of your pet in costume on on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #RASKC by the end of the day on Halloween, Oct. 31. The photo with the most likes/favorites will WIN! Get more information on the website.
Flu shots
This year, experts believe the influenza vaccination will be particularly effective – so don’t delay, get yours today! While most people over 6 months old should get a flu vaccine, it’s particularly important for pregnant women to protect themselves and their very young babies. This year, there is a new high-dose vaccine for persons 65 and older. Learn about flu, why flu vaccine cannot give you the flu, how to distinguish the flu from a cold, and more on the the Public Health influenza resources website.
Bedbugs
Bedbugs don’t spread diseases, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a serious problem and tough to get rid of. Learn more about bedbugs at the Public Health Insider.
Forestry seminars
WSU Extension Forestry invites you to attend the Fall Pizza Seminars in Black Diamond. This year’s seminar on Nov. 12 will focus on Forest Law, and on Nov. 17 Forest Safety and Security.
Community Service Area news
Bear Creek/Sammamish Area
CSA Days
Nov. 10 & Dec. 8, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Woodinville Library, 17105 Avondale Rd. NE in Woodinville. Marissa Alegria, CSA Staff will be available to meet with the community. Please contact Marissa Alegria, for more information.
Cottage Lake Park playground
Playground construction continues at Cottage Lake Park. The playground is now scheduled to reopen in early December with all new equipment and rubber tile safety surface. This playground is being replaced as part of the King County Parks levy funded Play Area Rehabilitation Program.
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
Oct. 26 & Nov. 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
Nov. 18, 7 - 9 p.m., at Eastside Fire & Rescue Station 78 at 20720 SE May Valley Rd. in Issaquah.
Visit the Four Creeks UAC website for the latest information.
Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River Area
Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council meetings
Nov. 2 & Dec. 7, 7 - 9:30 p.m., at the Fire Station, 231st St and SR-169 in Maple Valley. Check the Greater Maple Valley UAC website for details.
This item submitted by the GMVUAC.
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Annual Operating Model Train Show
The area council hosted its 18th Annual Operating Model Train Show on Oct. 17 and 18 at the Gracie Hansen Community Center in Ravensdale. There was a great turnout by the community to see a wide variety of operating model trains in many creative layouts. Once again, the Legos were a big hit.
Snoqualmie Valley/Northeast King County Area
Fall City Community Association meeting
Nov. 13, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the Fall City Fire Station, 4301 334th Place Southeast in Fall City. Monthly board meeting, open to the public. For more information visit the Fall City Community Association website or contact Ashley Glennon. Learn about the Fall City Community Unity Partnership.
Southeast King County Area
Green Valley/Lake Holm Association
Nov. 19, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., at the Black Diamond Library, 24707 Roberts Drive in Black Diamond.There will be no meeting in December. All residents living within the boundaries of our Community Service Area are welcome to attend and participate in discussions regarding safety resources, mutual concerns, and ideas for enhancing our communities. For more information, or to subscribe to our mailing list, email the Green Valley/Lake Holm Association . Visit us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Vashon/Maury Island Area
New trails at Dockton Forest
King County Parks is planning new trails at Maury Island's Dockton Forest. The public can hear about the trail plan and provide comments at a meeting to be held on Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Vashon High School cafeteria. For more information, please email David Kimmett or call 206-477-4573.
CSA Vashon Days
Nov. 15 & Dec. 21, 1 - 7 p.m. at the Vashon Community Service Center, 10011 SW Bank Rd. on Vashon. Bong Sto. Domingo, CSA staff, will be available to discuss issues, provide resources and technical assistance, with community members and organizations. Please email Bong Sto. Domingo or call 206-774-4522, for more information.
West King County Area
Halloween carnival
The Annual King County Parks Family Halloween Carnival is coming up on Oct. 24 from 2-5 p.m. at the White Center Community Center at Steve Cox Memorial Park. Local teens have planned a variety of crafts and games for children ages 10 and under. Tickets for each activity are sold for 25 cents each or four for $1. The carnival is sponsored by the White Center Teen Program which offers free recreational, educational and social enrichment programming to over 900 culturally diverse participants each year.
Dick Thurnau Memorial Park Celebration
A community celebration commemorating the renaming of Lakewood Park to the Dick Thurnau Memorial Park is scheduled for Nov. 7 from 1-4 p.m. at the Technology Access Foundation, 604 SW 108th St., in Seattle. Food and entertainment, open to the public. Please email Bong Sto. Domingo or call 206-774-4522, for more information.
New basketball lighting at Steve Cox Memorial Park
The installation of overhead lighting was recently completed for the outdoor basketball courts at Steve Cox Memorial Park. This project enhances the functional use of the park, allowing the courts to be open to the public for many more hours of daily use during the coming fall and winter. The project features the latest in energy saving LED lamp technology.
Alajawan’s Hands Thanksgiving Dinner
Nov. 26, from 12-4 p.m. at the Skyway VFW, 7421 S 126th St., Seattle. Free event and open to the public. For more information, call 425-208-6236
North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting
Nov. 5 & Dec. 3, 7 - 9 p.m. at the North Highline Fire District Training Center, 1243 SW 112th Street in Seattle. Monthly meeting of the all volunteer community council. Open to the public. Check the North Highline UAC website for details, or email Barbara Dobkin.
Skyway West Hill Action Plan Steering Committee meetings
Nov. 12 & Dec. 7, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Skyway Water and Sewer District, 6723 S. 124th St. in Seattle. Monthly meetings of the Skyway/West Hill SWAP steering committee to discuss on how to implement the SWAP plan in the West Hill community. Open to the public. For more information email Andra Kranzler, call 206-706-6400 ext. 2 or visit the website.
West Hill Community Association meeting
Nov. 11 & Dec. 9, 7-9 p.m. at the Skyway Fire District 20, 12424 76th Ave. So. in Seattle. Monthly board meeting of the all-volunteer association. Open to the public. Check the West Hill Community Association website or Facebook for details, or email Sonja Bowden.
West Hill Business Association
Nov. 17 & Dec. 15, 9-11 a.m., Skyway VFW, 7421 So. 126th St. in Seattle. Monthly meeting of business and community members. Open to the public. For more information, contact Chuck Vitiritti at 206-772-9982.
If you have comments or suggestions about future content, please contact Alan Painter or call 206-477-4521.
