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

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.

Sign up for Transit Alerts and know before you go with Metro this winter

As it prepares for snow and ice, Metro Transit is asking bus riders to make their own preparations for winter travel. Start by signing up for Transit Alerts for the bus routes you use most often. If any of those routes begin operating on snow routing — which means some streets and bus stops may be missed — Metro will send an alert to route subscribers.

Are you ready for winter driving?

With temperatures dropping, county road crews are ready to respond when roads get icy and the snow begins to fall. This winter season, the King County Road Services Division will have about 17,700 cubic yards of sand, 270 cubic yards of salt and 21,000 gallons of anti-icing material stockpiled at 10 field offices throughout the County. However, there will be fewer resources available this season to respond because of funding and staff reductions. Familiarize yourself with King County’s snow plan and develop backup plans if heavy snow prevents travel.

Cold weather: A good reason to Take Winter by Storm

Temperatures have been falling, making for colder days and nights. So, it’s important your vehicle gets a winter check-up and is well stocked with winter emergencies items should you find yourself stranded. Keep the gas tank at least half full, and store blankets, warm clothing, flares, sturdy walking shoes and a supply of water and non-perishable food in the trunk. Take time to winterize your home, too. Wrap pipes to prevent them from freezing and have extra batteries on hand in case of power outages. Find tips on preparing for winter’s cold, wet and windy weather at Take Winter by Storm.

Stressed out over the holidays?

Family conflicts, financial worries, missing a loved one or just too much to do – they can all can lead to unhealthy levels of stress or depression during the holiday season. Visit the website for tips on coping strategies. If you feel overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, the Crisis Clinic Crisis Line funded by King County is available 24/7 to help. Call 206-461-3222 or toll free 866-4CRISIS.

Buy safer toys and arts supplies for the holidays

If you have a choice, buy toys and art supplies with a safety logo and protect children, who are especially vulnerable to chemical exposure. Visit the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County for more tips to reduce the risks of household hazardous materials.

Visit King County Parks’ online store for great gift ideas that support a great cause

Holiday gift shopping has never been easier when you take advantage of King County Parks’ online store to create custom holiday cards, purchase parks-themed stamps or donate to the King County Parks Legacy Fund.

Find a new friend for the holidays

Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) is a great place to find a new friend for the holidays! The fee for adopting from RASKC includes a King County pet license, microchipping, spay/neuter services, initial vaccinations and much more. Find a list of available pets on the website.

Burke-Gilman Trail construction update

The northern segment from Ballinger Way Northeast to Logboom Park will re-open by Dec. 31. Crews have been working extended hours since September to complete construction as quickly as possible. The southern segment from Northeast 145th Street to Ballinger Way Northeast is expected to reopen in late January, and the detour will remain in place from Ballinger Way Northeast to 94th Street until the project is complete. For more information visit the website.

Get a jump on your New Year’s resolution to quit tobacco

Call the Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (it’s free!) and visit our KCQuits Facebook page.

Cavalia Comes to Marymoor Park

The world’s largest big top returns to King County as Marymoor Park hosts “Cavalia” from Jan. 24-Feb. 5. “Cavalia” integrates acrobatics, dance, aerial stunts, live music and equestrian arts. Shows such as this generate revenues that support King County Parks maintenance and operations. Tickets are now on sale on the website or by calling 1-866-999-8111.

Youth Sports Facility Grant (YSFG) Awards

King County’s YSFG program awards 13 grants to local youth sports providers, including the Evergreen Community Aquatic Center and the Snoqualmie Valley School District. These grants will help build new sports complexes, playgrounds, an equestrian center and a rowing facility. View the complete list of awardees.

King County Community Service Centers … at your service

King County Community Service Centers (CSC) make it easier to do business with locations found throughout the County. Most sites are open into the early evening hours to better accommodate busy schedules. CSCs can help you apply for a marriage license or a passport, pay property taxes and more. Find the CSC nearest you by visiting the website.

Elections

Voting is your voice in a democracy. Register to vote and be sure to keep your address and signature up to date. For more information, visit the King County Elections website.

Have an on-site septic system?

Routine maintenance of your septic system keeps it, and your environment healthy, and saves you from costly repairs.

Community news

Four Creeks

Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council meeting

Dec. 21, 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 is providing a detailed set of comments on the 2012 King County Comprehensive Plan update. In general, there is much to support in this major four-year update. However, the GMVUAC has some specific concerns in the following policy areas: Placement of urban schools in the rural area; environmental habitat protection; park maintenance; travel forecasting; transportation concurrency; water systems; and area zoning studies.

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council meetings

Jan. 9, 7 p.m., at the Fire Station, SE 231st & Hwy 169 in Maple Valley

North Highline

North Highline Unincorportated Area Council meeting

Jan. 5, 7 p.m., North Highline Fire District Office, 1243 SW 112th St. in Seattle

Vashon

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council general meeting

Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. at McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon.

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council Board meeting

Jan. 2, 7 p.m. at McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon.

West Hill

West Hill Community Council Board meeting

Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Fire District #20, 12424 76th Ave S. in Seattle

To add or delete yourself from the King County Unincorporated Area e-newsletter list, click on the appropriate link and hit send:
ADD me to this list | UNSUBSCRIBE me from this list

If you have comments or suggestions about future content, please contact Lauren Smith at 206-263-9606 or lauren.smith@kingcounty.gov.