Fire-damaged lands face new risk from winter weather
King County Executive Dow Constantine has urged residents to take special care near last summer's Bolt Creek and other wildfires as winter weather moves in. These burned areas are now at greater risk for flash floods and debris flows, which are fast-moving landslides that are especially dangerous to life and property because they move quickly, destroy objects in their paths, and often strike without warning.
Land scarred by flames is weakened, leaving it susceptible to flash flooding, even after just a quarter-inch of rain in 15 minutes. The Bolt Creek fire burned nearly 15,000 acres and left a massive scar of scorched earth, which is harder for rain to soak into.
Watch a video of a debris flow posted by the USGS (United States Geological Survey).
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The King County Office of Emergency Management and Department of Local Services have been working with residents in the vicinity of the burn scar to make sure they know how to get emergency alerts. These efforts have included door-to-door outreach and distributing emergency radios in areas of poor cell reception.
“Everyone should be prepared for the hazards of winter weather in the area, even if you’re just passing through,” said King County Emergency Management Director Brendan McCluskey. “Drivers on US 2 should pay attention to weather forecasts and be aware of the risk of flash floods, debris flows, landslides, and other hazards that may close the road. Be sure you have non-perishable food, water, blankets, and other essential supplies in your vehicle.”
Residents can sign up for Alert King County to be notified of any evacuation orders or warnings throughout the winter. They are also encouraged to have an emergency plan and survival supplies, and to know their surroundings and the best routes to safety.
For more information on wildfire burn scars and flooding risks, see the National Weather Service website.
Road Services
Fall traffic safety improvements at SE Kent-Kangley intersection are complete
 Photo: before (left, a 2021 view from Google Maps) and after (right) views of the intersection.
Great news – Road Services crews have completed several traffic safety improvements at the intersection of SE Kent Kangley Road and Landsburg Road SE/SE Ravensdale Way in Ravensdale. Improvements include:
• A new right-turn “slip lane” for eastbound drivers on SE Kent-Kangley Road turning south onto SE Ravensdale Way. A new traffic island helps separate vehicles that are turning right from those headed east.
• SE Ravensdale Way has been realigned to give northbound vehicles more room (9 feet, to be exact) in which to turn left onto westbound SE Kent Kangley Road.
• Existing crosswalks have been improved and a new crosswalk has been added, allowing pedestrians to access Ravensdale Park, other natural areas, the Ravensdale Market, etc. more safely.
Learn more about the intersection improvements on the King County project web page.
Check out the Road Services Snow and Ice website
Your resource for winter weather on roads in unincorporated King County
- Get familiar with 2023 snow routes
- Find emergency preparedness resources
- Check King County traffic cameras
- Watch informational videos
Local Services
Cemetery Pond open space area in East Renton grows after historic community vote
The Cemetery Pond Open Space area in East Renton has grown, thanks to an historic community vote.
Last summer, residents across five urban, unincorporated areas of King County chose dozens of community projects to receive public funding as part of a new community-driven approach to public investments called Participatory Budgeting.
The 47 winning projects included $50,000 to acquire property in the Cemetery Pond open space area. This new funding builds on years of advocacy from the local community to improve and restore this wetland and its buffer.
Since 2019, King County has acquired nine parcels at Cemetery Pond, totaling 3.15 acres for wetland protection and restoration. The most recent purchase, in September—supported by the Participatory Budgeting funds—adds more than an acre to the wetland restoration project.
Voters also approved $35,000 to upgrade public access and amenities in the wetland area, which will fund the design and construction of public trails to access the open space. Restoration of Cemetery Pond supports King County's Clean Water Healthy Habitat goals of managing stormwater and restoring salmon habitat.
Photo: satellite view of the Cemetery Pond area (source: King County iMap)
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Natural Resources and Parks
Help kick off Cemetery Pond project on Saturday, Dec. 10
Come for Chuck’s donuts and coffee and stay for habitat restoration!
King County, the Washington State Department of Ecology, and local community organizations are starting a new phase of work to improve water quality and restore habitat in Renton's 13-acre Cemetery Pond wetland. The county will design and evaluate alternatives for removing historic fill, restoring wetland, and supporting ongoing stewardship of wetland buffers.
The public is invited to a project kickoff and work party to learn about plans to improve water quality and retention at the pond and restore its wetland habitat. Events will begin with a short talk on safety and weed control do's and don’ts. Participants can then join teams that will be working to remove invasive weeds and clean part of the 13-acre wetland area.
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WHEN: Saturday, December 10, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (project history and preview of next steps at 9:30 a.m.)
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WHERE: SE 128th Street and 165th Avenue SE, Renton (follow King County event signs to the gathering spot)
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LEARN MORE: email project manager Matt Mcnair or call him at 206‑477‑4861
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County seeks comments on flood management plan
 A crew adds native plants to improve habitat near the Tolt Pipeline Protection Project in 2018.
King County is proposing a significant update to its flood management plan. The plan guides how the county manages flood risks along rivers, creeks, and shorelines in unincorporated areas. The next flood plan will help prepare for more frequent and severe floods that are expected due to climate change. It will also guide the county to equitably shape its flood management programs, policies, and infrastructure for years to come.
An important part of the update process is to prepare an environmental impact statement that describes proposed actions and their effects on the environment and people. In doing this, King County will identify and analyze the flood plan's potential effects on threatened or endangered species, water quality, historical and cultural resources, transportation, and more.
King County is holding a 30-day comment period to collect input on the scope of the environmental impact statement. Getting public input will help the county focus on the outcomes that people care about the most.
The comment period ends at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9. Learn more on the King County Flood Plan website.
Reminder: new solid waste disposal rate starts Jan. 1
Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, King County's Solid Waste Division will enact a rate adjustment of 9.6% for solid waste disposal, an estimated $0.79 increase to monthly residential curbside collection bills.
New minimum fees at King County recycling and transfer facilities will change to $26.98 per vehicle and $168.68 per ton. Yard and wood waste fees will also increase to $115 per ton. Discounts for qualifying low-income customers will rise from $14 to $15.
Learn more: visit the King County Solid Waste Division website or call 206-477-4466
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Executive Services
Stay safe online: cybersecurity tips for online shopping
Many of us turn to online marketplaces for holiday gift shopping. But like all online activity, shopping this way can make you vulnerable to cyber threats. Here are some steps to reduce your risk of a cyberattack:
- Keep your devices and software up-to-date.
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication whenever you can.
- Stick to trusted sources and websites. Avoid clicking on emailed links or attachments.
- Always double check that vendor websites are legitimate and payment systems are encrypted before you provide personal information. Look for web addresses that start with "https://" and a locked padlock symbol at the beginning of the web address.
- Check your credit card and bank statements regularly for unexpected charges.
Learn more about staying safe while shopping online by exploring the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency website.
The online world is a regular part of life, but always remember to be cautious. Watch for suspicious activity, and if you feel any doubt don’t click or provide personal information. Learn more on King County's cyberterrorism website.
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"Home for the Holidays" pet adoption special
The days are getting cooler. Why not warm up with a pet from Regional Animal Services of King County? During our "Home for the Holidays" special, you can adopt a dog age one year and older for just $50, and puppies (under one year) for $100. Does a cat strike your fancy? The adoption fee for adult cats (six months or older) is just $30, and the fee for kittens (under six months) is $50. This special runs through December 31.
See all the amazing animals waiting for a home at King County's Adopt a Pet website.
How to help people and pets
For pet owners experiencing economic hardships, Regional Animal Services of King County has a community pet food bank at its Kent shelter. This humble pantry is stocked with generous in-kind donations received from the community. If you're interested in donating, check out the agency's Amazon Wish List—and thank you for your generosity!
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4Culture
Call for artists
Gallery 4Culture has a forty-plus year history of presenting innovative and underrepresented artists and art forms in solo and small-group exhibitions.
After a long pandemic break, 4Culture is inviting King County artists to exhibit at Gallery 4Culture for the 2023-24 Season. Apply by December 15. Learn more
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:: Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
12819 160th Avenue SE, Renton
See blog for the latest information and to confirm meetings.
:: Enumclaw Plateau Community Association
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information email Nancy Merrill.
:: Fall City Community Association
First Tuesdays – Virtual meeting (7-8:30 p.m.)
The Fall City Community Association promotes building of community, proactively communicates on local issues, and takes action on selected issues that affect the Fall City community. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, and are open to the public. For more information, visit fallcity.org or email send email.
:: Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council
Second Tuesdays – Virtual meeting via Zoom
Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations.
:: Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
Monday, Dec. 5, 7-9:30 p.m. — in person or via Zoom
King County Sheriff's Precinct #3
22300 SE 231st Street, Maple Valley (across from the fire station)
Guest speakers from King County Local Services will be Director John Taylor, Permitting Director Jim Chan, Road Services Director Tricia Davis, and External Relations Manager David Daw. Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meetings. An agenda and Zoom information will be posted about a week before the meeting.
:: Green Valley/Lake Holm Association
The Green Valley/Lake Holm Association advocates for those who live in unincorporated southeast King County. Primary goals are to maintain the community’s unique historic, agricultural, and rural character; protect the environment; and sustain quality of life in the area. They engage regularly with local government agencies to address concerns and influence policies on topics of mutual interest, such as growth and development, transportation, public safety, and flood control. Stay connected by visiting their Facebook page.
:: Skywest Tool Library
Working to start a new tool library in Skyway. The purpose of the library will be to share ideas, teach, learn, and borrow tools and more. To learn more, email HNA71@msn.com.
:: North Highline Unincorporated Area Council
Monthly board meetings are open to the public and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from local organizations. For more information, email Liz Giba.
:: Upper Bear Creek Community Council
For information, call Nancy Stafford at 425-788-5841 or visit the Facebook page.
:: Vashon Chamber of Commerce
Contact: discover@vashonchamber.com.
:: Vashon-Maury Island Community Council
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information visit vmicc.net or email David Vogel.
:: West Hill Community Association
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information, visit the website or send email.
We tend to stay busy here at Local Services. Sometimes it may be hard to stop long enough to consider all the things we could be grateful for, including our colleagues and partners and the community members we serve, as well as the ongoing opportunity to help make King County a place where everyone can thrive.
The holiday season gives us a chance to pause, spend time with friends and family, and take stock of our blessings. Traditionally, the festivities revolve around home, loved ones, and food.
For those of us fortunate enough to have those things, this is a great opportunity to reflect on those significant gifts. Let’s also remember those in our communities who are unhoused and for whom this season can be a challenging time. There are many ways to reach out, if we are able, to try to make things better for our less fortunate neighbors.
One is to can volunteer at, and/or donate to, food banks, shelters, and other organizations that support people who are unhoused. I encourage all of you to give back to your communities in whatever way works best for you.
In the coming weeks, I hope you will all be able to spend some quality time with loved ones and take some time to recognize and appreciate them as well as the other good things you have.
I wish all of you in our unincorporated King County family a happy and healthy holiday season.
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Director’s Corner is a column from John Taylor, the director of King County Local Services. To contact John, email AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov or call 206-477-3800 (Relay 711; language interpreters available).
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