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

Council cuts staff support for Unincorporated Area Councils

In order to adopt a balanced 2011 County budget, the King County Council chose to eliminate staff support and reduce financial support for the six Unincorporated Area Councils (UACs), and directed the Executive to develop a plan to merge the UACs into a single Unincorporated Area Commission. The Executive is concerned about the staffing reductions, and is developing a strategic response that will ensure outreach to all six UACs, and access for all the diverse voices of rural and urban unincorporated area communities to be heard in County government. For more information, contact Lauren Smith, Unincorporated Area Relations Manager, at 206-263-9606 or lauren.smith@kingcounty.gov.

Public alert systems keep you safe and informed

A number of local and regional public notification systems allow King County residents to stay informed before, during and after an emergency or service disruption. Registration for these alerts is free and voluntary, and offers the ability to receive news via e-mail, text or phone. Some of the alert systems to consider include: Regional Public Information Network, Flood Alerts, King County Road Alerts and Metro Transit Alerts. Cities have their own automated phone call alert systems. Contact your local emergency management office for details.

Know Metro's holiday schedule

King County Metro Transit reminds bus riders that it is operating a reduced weekday schedule on several holidays through January – including a full week of reduced service at the end of December.

New fares for Metro riders in 2011

Beginning Jan. 1, all adult Metro riders will see a 25-cent fare increase. Fares for other Metro products, such as passes and ticketbooks, will also increase. Youth fares will remain unchanged. And while cash fares will remain the same for seniors and those who qualify for reduced fares, monthly passes will be going up. Metro customers are encouraged to learn more about upcoming Metro fare adjustments by visiting the website.

Stressed out over the holidays?

Family conflicts, financial woes, missing a loved one or having just too much to do can cause unhealthy levels of stress and even depression during the holiday season. If you feel overwhelmed and need someone to talk to the Crisis Clinic Crisis Line funded by King County may be able to help. Trained staff and volunteers are available 24/7. Call 206-461-3222 or toll free 866-4CRISIS or visit the website for tips on coping strategies.

Puget Sound Fresh farmers offer holiday trees, greens

Buying locally grown Christmas trees from participating Puget Sound Fresh farmers this season not only ensures finding the best and freshest trees available, but gives you something more in return: Sustainable support for King County farmers. For more information and a complete list of Puget Sound Fresh Christmas tree farmers visit the Puget Sound Fresh website.

Cold Creek Natural Area restoration project

King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks and Redmond Ridge East, LLC are working together to enhance 1.5 acres of King County Parks’ Cold Creek Natural Area, located in the Bear Creek Basin east of Woodinville. The proposed restoration project, which is being implemented under King County’s Mitigation Reserves Program, will enhance a large, degraded wetland system that contains two important salmon-bearing streams. The project will control invasive species, introduce native shrubs and trees and provide mitigation for impacts to wetlands as a result of the proposed construction of a new roadway connecting portions of the Redmond Ridge urban planned development area.

Youth Sports Facilities Grant Program

King County announced 13 matching grants totaling nearly $630,000 that will leverage more than $2 million for local parks and recreation projects that benefit youth through the Youth Sports Facilities Grant program. Cities, schools and local community organizations throughout the county benefit from this annual grant program, which has helped build new sports complexes, playgrounds and a skate park.

King County GIS data portal launch

The King County GIS Center has launched the King County GIS Data Portal, which allows users to download more than 90 GIS layers in three different file formats. For more information, visit the GIS website.

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

Last month’s storm was a good reminder to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning when the power goes out. Never use a generator or unvented combustion appliance indoors. Learn more about this odorless, deadly killer by visiting the website.

Vital Statistics office is moving

The Vital Statistics office that provides birth and death certificates is closing Dec. 17 and reopening Dec. 21 at a new, convenient location near Harborview Medical Center. For more information about hours and parking options at the new location visit the website.

King County’s 24th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration

Please join us Jan. 13 at noon at the 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave. in Seattle for this free public event.

'Round the Clock Information from King County Elections

Visit King County Elections online to view election results and keep up with elections news, register to vote, or update your registration. You can also follow Elections on Facebook.

Community news

Four Creeks/May Valley

Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council meeting

Dec. 15, 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 sent a letter to the County Council expressing concern about the Council’s decision to reduce staff support for Unincorporated Area Councils (UACs) in the 2011 budget. The GMVUAC is also concerned about the Council’s direction to develop a plan to combine the six existing UACs into one unincorporated area commission. The GMVUAC feels that one countywide commission cannot adequately serve all of the local citizens in the county’s diverse unincorporated areas. The GMVUAC welcomes the opportunity to discuss these issues directly with the Council and with the Executive.

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council meeting

Jan. 3, 7 p.m., Maple Valley Fire Station, 25720 SR-169 in Maple Valley

North Highline

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting

Jan. 6, 7 p.m., North Highline Fire District Office, 1243 SW 112th St. in Seattle

Vashon

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council meetings

Dec. 20 & Jan. 3, 7 p.m. at McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon.

West Hill

West Hill Community Council Board meetings

Dec. 8 & Jan. 12, 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.