 May 2025
Dear Kitsap County District 1 Residents,
Happy Spring! Among other things, here in Kitsap County the annual arrival of spring means daffodils, road litter clean-ups, and the completion of the legislative session.
Last month community volunteers, in partnership with the Commissioner’s office, organized Silverdale’s first annual Daffodil Festival; the state Department of Ecology Litter Team returned from their winter hiatus to help clean our roadsides; and the legislature granted two tremendous county economic development requests: the renovation and expansion of the West Sound Technical Skills Center in Bremerton (for high school students) and the construction of Olympic College’s Health Sciences Center at the Poulsbo Campus.
Spring also brings the annual removal of trees from properties around the county, as land is cleared and graded in preparation for the summer construction season. If you have questions about what is happening in your neighborhood, you can find out more at the county’s new website page called “Map Your curiosity.” This page is specifically designed to give everyone that is interested up-to-date information about development activities that have received permits.
I hope you will find the information in this brief newsletter interesting and/or useful.
Thank you,
Christine Rolfes, Kitsap County Commissioner District 1
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Point No Point Repair update
You're Invited! Join me and Kitsap County Parks Director Alex Wisniewski for an Open House at the Point No Point Lighthouse on Saturday, May 10, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. We’ll have coffee and pastries and will be available to answer your questions about the county’s ongoing efforts to restore the beach and parking lot at Point No Point Park. We’re making progress on the restoration of Point No Point Park, one of the county’s most beloved natural spaces. After months of planning, coordination, and permitting, the project is moving closer to construction.
I will also be joining Alex Wisniewski and Park staff at the Indianola Beach Improvement Club meeting on Thursday, May 8, at 6 p.m. to discuss with the community the county’s plans to upgrade the community sports court.
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Agencies Unite to Clean Gorst Corridor
At 6am on April 13, Kitsap County Public Works, the Board of Commissioners, the Sheriff's Office and the WA Department of Transportation partnered to remove the year’s build-up of litter along the Gorst corridor. Crews collected empty bottles, fast food packaging, cigarette butts and other debris from this heavily littered stretch of State Route 3.
All three county commissioners participated in the project, which was prioritized in this year's county work plan. To help prevent future roadside litter, residents can get free car litter bags through the county's online pledge program here: Car litter bag pledge. If you want to join the clean-up efforts, learn more here: LitterFreeWA.org.
The glamorous world of the Kitsap County Commissioners cleaning up Gorst!
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We’re “Flipping the Script on Aging” in Kitsap County!
Celebrate Older Americans Month with Free Events and Resources
It’s Older Americans Month, and this year’s national theme, Flip the Script on Aging, encourages us to reimagine what it means to grow older—with purpose, connection, and exploration at the heart of the experience.
Kitsap County Aging and Long-Term Care is proud to support this celebration by hosting a series of free in-person and virtual events throughout May. These events are open to older adults, adults with disabilities, caregivers, and families—offering valuable information, tools, and resources.
Upcoming Events:
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May 14 at 2 p.m. (Silverdale): Fact or Myth: Falls are Part of Normal Aging
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May 16 at 10 a.m. (Virtual): What Does Kitsap Aging Information and Assistance Offer Me?
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May 21 at 2 p.m. (Port Orchard): Where to Turn: The Right Program for the Right Time
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May 29 at 2 p.m. (Port Orchard): Medicare Basics
Find more details in the event flyer below. Register now at www.agingkitsap.com.
Questions? Call 360-337-5700 or 1-800-562-6418, or email SeniorInfo@kitsap.gov.
Let’s celebrate aging boldly and rewrite the narrative—together!
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Kitsap County Proclaims May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners has officially proclaimed May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, honoring the deep-rooted presence, cultural richness, and invaluable contributions of these communities in Kitsap County and across the nation.
AANHPI residents make up a vital part of our population and have shaped Kitsap County for generations—dating back to the 1800s—as farmers, educators, artists, service members, business owners, and community leaders. Their resilience and dedication have helped build a stronger, more vibrant Kitsap.
This month you have the opportunity to attend and learn more at the 2nd annual Bainbridge Island Asian Arts and Heritage Festival, a month long celebration of AANHPI Heritage. The event begins with a Luau on May 3!
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Virtual Public Meeting and community survey for the Silverdale Center Plan
 Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Virtual Public Meeting & Community Survey
A virtual public meeting for the Silverdale Center Plan is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15 at 5:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the project and share your input with the planning team.
As the date approaches, a Zoom link will be posted on the Silverdale Center Plan webpage.
In addition to the public meeting, you're invited to participate in a Silverdale community survey, which will be available next week. The survey link and more details will also be posted on the project page: https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/Pages/Silverdale_Center_Plan.aspx.
Stay tuned—and thank you for helping shape the future of Silverdale!
Improving Permit Efficiency: PREP Progress Continues
The Department of Community Development is continuing to make progress on the Permit Review Efficiency Plan (PREP)—a phased initiative aimed at creating a faster, more predictable, and transparent permit process.
Phase 1 is now underway, with the launch of the 2x6 Review Model for certain Site Development Activity Permits submitted on or after March 31, 2025. This model sets clear timelines: two review cycles, each lasting six weeks.
Phase 2 begins June 2, expanding the model to Plat applications, followed by Phase 3 on August 11, which will apply the same structure to Land Use permits.
DCD is also updating tools and checklists to support applicants and reduce delays. Learn more and stay up to date at the PREP website. https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/Pages/Permit-Review-Process-Improvement.aspx
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Calling all Artists, Young and Old!
 I represent the County on the Clean Air Agency, which regulates air pollution in the region, so I want to make sure I invite you to enter the Creative Climate Action Art Contest. Participants of all ages can submit up to three original pieces in any visual medium to highlight one of three themes: Time to Act, World Worth Saving, or Solutions in Action. Winners in each category will receive $50, and youth entries will be judged separately. Selected artwork may be featured in the agency’s Comprehensive Climate Action Plan and other materials. Submit entries by June 25 at pscleanair.gov/ArtContest
Be a voice for your community!
District 1 residents needed to serve on county advisory groups
If you live in District 1, from Hansville to north Hwy 303 in Silverdale, consider applying to serve on a Kitsap County advisory group! Share your experience and insights to help support our communities; create plans and strategies to accommodate growth and development; and implement programs that ensure and improve quality of life.
Advisory group members are appointed by County Commissioners and play an essential role in local government, serving as conduits between residents, businesses, communities, county staff and commissioners.
Learn more about county advisory groups and find position descriptions for current vacancies at kcowa.us/advisorygroups.
Advisory groups with vacancies for North Kitsap residents include:
- Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council
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Commission on Children and Youth Advisory Board - North Kitsap Youth
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Council for Human Rights
- Grant Recommendation Committees
- Noxious Weed Control Board
- Suquamish Community Advisory Council
- Veterans Advisory Board
Questions? Contact Volunteer Services in the Kitsap County Commissioners' Office at rpirtle@kitsap.gov or call 360-337-4650.
Connect with the County
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