The windstorms, snowstorms and frigid temperatures were unusual, unexpected, and damaging to our entire region. In an effort to better respond in the future, the King County Council’s Committee of the Whole (COW), will address winter storm preparedness and lessons learned on February 5th.

This meeting is different from our usual committee work for two reasons. First, it will be held in the evening so residents who work during the day can attend. Second, it will be held out of the King County Courthouse (where we usually meet) and out in an area that was hit particularly hard by the winter storms, West Seattle.

Councilmember Dow Constantine will host this COW Town Hall in his Council district. You are invited to join us for:

Winter Storm Preparedness and Lessons Learned

Monday, February 5, 2007
6:30pm Reception
7:00pm Program Begins

The Hall at Fauntleroy
9131 California Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98136

The meeting will feature information from the King County Office of Emergency Management, Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, King County Roads and Metro Transit, Seattle-King County Public Health, the Sheriff’s Office, and King County Wastewater.

For additional information and directions, see the Council's Town Hall Meeting website or click on the video to the right.

Please join us for this Town Hall. We want to hear from you!

Native Plant Sale

It’s hard to imagine planting season will be here again in just a few short months! And with the cold and adverse weather this winter season, spring tree and shrub planting may be even more important this year than most.

The King Conservation District holds a native plant sale each year, and this year those plants may help you repair the damage from the recent storms. These native trees and shrubs can be used for conservation purposes such as wildlife habitat, windbreaks, hedgerows, reforestation, wetland and stream enhancement, and erosion control as well as for landscaping around homes and farms.

This year’s bare root and shrub sale offers a variety of plants:
- 7 types of coniferous trees, including Fir, Spruce, Hemlock, Cedar and Pine
- 18 types of deciduous trees and shrubs, from Red Flowering Currant to Vine Maple to Nootka Rose

The trees and shrubs range from 8 inches to 2 feet tall, and are available for $7 - $14 for 10 trees/shrubs. The deadline to place an order is February 9th, and plants can be picked up on March 2nd and 3rd in Renton.

For more information, contact the King Conservation District by calling 425.277.5581 ext. 119 or 103.

To download an order form and pricing guide, as well as a full list of plants offered, visit the King Conservation District website: http://kingcd.org/new_wi2007.htm

Van Donations

Over the course of the next few weeks, I will deliver a retired King County Metro 8-passenger van to three South King County non-profit organizations: CAST for Kids Foundation, Second Coming Ministry Outreach, and St. Columba’s Children’s Center. Each year I have the opportunity to select non-profit organizations that will receive a retired Metro van.

This year’s featured organizations receiving a van are:

Second Coming Ministry Outreach is a non-profit organization in Renton that provides emergency assistance services for very low income people residing in South King County. Services provided include shelter vouchers, rental assistance, energy assistance, and resource referrals. Second Coming Ministry Outreach also operates a Saturday computer lab called ‘Learn Now’ for low-income and homeless youth ages 13-17. The program teaches youth to produce and publish positive uplifting music and anti-violence media centered on social issues. The van will be used to transport clients to shelters, rehabilitation facilities, and other agencies. In addition, the van will be available to transport youth who are enrolled in the ‘learn now’ computer lab.

St. Columba’s Children’s Center in Kent provides childcare and early education programs for children primarily from low-income families. Two years ago, the school district changed the bus transportation zones so the center lost the ability to receive student transportation from the school district to some of the schools they serve. The van will be used to transport students to and from school, as well as for weekly trips to the library so students can participate in reading programs.

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation in Renton provides disabled and disadvantaged children the opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreational experiences by introducing them to the sport of fishing. The programs provide education and understanding of natural resources, build confidence of participants, and increase the awareness of families, sportsmen and volunteers to the capabilities of children with disabilities. The van will be used to transport volunteers, participants and equipment to sites of the fishing events.

Since 1995, the King County Council has donated vans to nonprofit groups to help meet the transportation needs of low-income, elderly or disabled residents. The vans are part of a fleet of county vehicles that have been ‘retired’ after accruing 70,000 miles.