White Center Now: The blog about White Center

That’s an early scene outside the White Center Eagles‘ HQ, a participant in the 20th anniversary West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day (550+ sales of all sizes all over the peninsula!). Here’s some of what our photographer saw there:

We have other White Center and vicinity sales on the map too; official sale hours are until 3 pm, but some may vary – check the map. The online WSCGSD sale map is here … printable PDF list/guide is here

West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, which we coordinate for our partner site West Seattle Blog, has more White Center (and vicinity) sales than ever this year. Above is a framegrab from our map, so it’s not clickable, but you’ll find the clickable map (and a link to our printable guide) here – that’s how to get the exact locations, and brief descriptions, of all the sales. Shopping hours are 9 am-3 pm tomorrow, though you’ll see in descriptions that some sellers are starting earlier, some ending later, and others continuing Sunday.

Just announced by Neighborhood House, a ceremony dedicating its new preschool at Seola Gardens, two weeks from today:

Date: May 21, 2025

Time: 3 PM – 5 PM | Program starts at 3:30 PM

Location: Seola Gardens Early Learning Center | 11195 5th Ave SW

Our new center will provide high-quality, culturally responsive early childhood education to children in our community, helping them build a strong foundation for future success. This expansion will bring the Seola Gardens community 1 preschool and 3 toddler classrooms, providing much needed early learning opportunities for families.

At the Ribbon Cutting, you will have the chance to:

Tour the classrooms and learning spaces
Meet some of our dedicated teachers and staff
Enjoy refreshments and fun activities for children and families
Learn more about how this center will support children and families in the area
This event is free and open to all. We would love for you to join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter!

White Center Now/West Seattle Blog photos, video by Dave Gershgorn

More than 150 runners and walkers were on the move this morning as part of the comeback edition of the White Center 5K, benefiting three nonprofits and returning after a pandemic-and-then-some hiatus that started in 2020. The participants – some costumed – started and finished at Steve Cox Memorial Park, traveling along White Center streets along the way:

Results are now browsable online; 42-year-old Joe Creighton was first finisher, chip time 17:59:

Rounding out the top ten finishers was 36-year-old Abby Polley, chip time 21:29:

Other finish-line sights included an entire family:

And more costumes:

Speaking of costumes, the DubSea Fish Sticks‘ mascot was there cheering finishers across the line:

Before the race, Tiltshift CrossFit from Top Hat led a warmup:

Race proceeds will benefit the White Center Food Bank, White Center Community Development Association, and the YES Foundation of White Center.

ADDED SUNDAY: Video of start and finish highlights!

Everyone’s invited to the first-ever White Center Spring Fling Block Party, presented by the White Center Business Alliance, with beer gardens, music, and more, noon-7 pm. But even if you’re not going, be aware that 16th SW is set to be closed to traffic for the event, between Roxbury and 100th. Updates later!

(File photo from one of the first WC5Ks)

One of this weekend’s biggest events will be the White Center 5K, starting from Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd) at 9 tomorrow morning. That’s where runners and walkers will finish, too. It’s a benefit for three local nonprofits – White Center Food Bank, YES Foundation of White Center, and the White Center Community Development Association – and this is the first time the White Center 5K has been presented since the pre-pandemic 2019 5K. Costumes are encouraged, particularly superheroes. No road closures are expected; here’s the course:

Not registered yet? Here’s how!

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

From trees to tunes, with some confrontation along the way, the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council tackled several topics tonight.

LOCAL SERVICES: Director Leon Richardson was a spotlight guest. First he explained the department (“local government for unincorporated King County” among other things) – which has two divisions, Road Services and Permitting, plus the director’s division, which does planning, economic development, etc. But “it’s really anything you can think of,” he said. He talked about how Local Services helped speed things up when utilities seemed to be foot-dragging on replacing stolen wire.

NHUAC members immediately brought up the longrunning Tim’s Tavern outdoor-music issue, as the tavern had a show outdoors tonight and is promising one every Thursday. They could get a special permit, county managers said. Shortly thereafter a woman in the audience said she’d rather hear live music than see dead bodies in the street, and a short shouting match broke out as other attendees countered that the two types of situations were entirely unrelated. Richardson calmed the crowd by saying both types of situations were worthy of concern. The frustration had initially erupted because after two years of complaints, residents thought the county had worked it out with Tim’s to cease outdoor performances, and told Richardson it shouldn’t have taken so long for the county to do something.

NHUAC also brought up a recent story in an online publication that apparently quoted a King County official as saying rezoning could be an option for the White Center business district. Asked about that, Richardson said “right now we haven’t proposed anything” and “we’re not planning on it” but acknowledged that he’s asked his team to analyze possible “inconsistencies” in zoning in some areas.

That led a few minutes later to the multi-decade issue of whether White Center is more closely aligned with Burien or Seattle. Shortly thereafter, the topic changed and the county team was thanked for resolving some road issues, while also being asked what ever happened to the plan for resolving the bumpiness on 107th at 16th. Open a ticket with Roads, was the advice.

Another question: Someone’s neighbor seemed to be running a home-based car-related business and taking up parking spaces. They too were advised to contact the county officials who likely could properly route the complaint.

Next person asked about the fireworks ban and what the 4th of July enforcement plan would be this year. No change this year, the county reps said – for complaints, there’ll be a phone line set up and an emailbox. Richardson noted that they have six code-enforcement officers for 250,000 people, so don’t expect an immediate response.

NHUAC’s Barbara Dobkin said she’d heard county councilmember Teresa Mosqueda’s chief of staff mention trees and a park ahead for 16th SW, and wondered where that would be. Richardson said there’s definitely a “beautification project” on the drawing board but didn’t have specifics. He and another county staffer said it’s apparently related to the forthcoming King County Parks Levy.

Another attendee asked about how birds would be deterred from power/utility lines. That’s up to the utilities, said Richardson. They also fielded a question about economic development, and how the county is looking at cultivating new businesses as well as getting current ones to stay. The attendee who had voiced previous concern about seeing a body on the street talked about spending years supporting small businesses and brought it back to her concern about NHUAC’s Tim’s Tavern worries, and more shouting ensued. The Local Services reps eventually left; the attendee got up and accused the board members of wanting to close Tim’s, which they denied.

Everybody calmed down for the rest of the meeting and were chatting animatedly by its adjournment. Meantime, one more big

KING COUNTY URBAN FORESTRY PROGRAM: The program’s manager Joanna Nelson de Flores brought updates. It’s been four years since the county released a 30-year forest plan. They found, among other things, that tree canopy “is holding pretty steady” rurally but not so much in the urban areas. So White Center is an area with “low canopy,” you likely won’t be surprised to hear. The “unincorporated subarea plan” is part of their focus. Basically, anywhere a tree is growing is “part of the urban forest,” she explained. She talked about state funding that had opened the door for some youth involvement in Glendale Forest (which dates back several years). “It’s a small little gem, only five acres,” Nelson de Flores said. “It’s a work in progress.” There’s a plan, with a bridge as the next major piece.They’ve been doing lots of restoration including planting 500 trees and shrubs “within a few months.” They have partnered with nearby Rainier Prep on the EarthCorps Green Generation School Program. They had an open house last week.

Most trees are on private property, so in order to support a thriving urban forest, they have to work with private landowners too.

She said the program had recently secured a grant – and then got it yanked because of the federal axe. They’re hoping to proceed with at least part of what had been funded. More trees at White Center Heights Park, for one.

But, it was acknowledged later, trees can be a tough topic for some – an incident in the past might have led to “tree

At the start of the meeting, they heard from a new business’s co-proprietor:

WOLFPACK CELLARS: The meeting opened with James Bivans, who just signed the lease for the new Wolfpack Cellars location in the rebuilt commercial storefronts on 16th SW. (Here’s our previous coverage.) They’re signing up members but don’t have an opening date set yet – “lot of permits” although they have high hopes since they have a meeting with the Liquor and Cannabis Board on Friday – but they’re hoping for June. First their spring release is May 17, 4-6 pm; they’ll be using the new tasting room, but it has to be a “private event” until everything is approved. You can sign up online to get on their mailing list.They’re also going to participate in the White Center Pride Block Party. Their new space will be dog-friendly and kid-friendly, “like Beer Star only much, much smaller.” No food, for starters, but you’ll be welcome to bring in neighborhood food.

And toward the end, they invited a group to say a few words after they’d uncloaked during the forestry Q&A:

WHITE CENTER SOLIDARITY: It started with two people and has grown into a number of working groups focused on a variety of community issues, including protecting people from rent hikes and protecting immigrants. They have general gatherings and potlucks. You can find ways to get involved via their website – see it here.

REPAIR EVENT: Darlene Sellers reminded everyone it’s coming up 9:30 am-12:30 pm at the Steve Cox Park Fieldhouse – details here.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR NHUAC: They usually meet on first Thursdays, 7 pm at the North Highline Fire Station (1243 SW 112th).

(WCN photo)

The new Whateke Sports Bar, at 9808 16th SW, formerly the site of Que Chevere, is about to open.

It’s announced a “soft open” for tonight (May 1), 4-10 pm.

Whateke’s owners are known for their truck, which specializes in Mexican food including burritos, taquitosm and nachos. The Whateke Sports Bar will specialize in a similar menu, with a focus on bar food and drinks such as mariscos (seafood) and ceviche. In addition to the bar, there will be space for all-ages family dining.

“Hopefully we’ll get both worlds,” Whateke manager Yamel told WCN’s Hayden Andersen. “We want to connect with everybody, especially the Latin community.”

The Whateke food truck, which will remain open, caters events across the greater Seattle area, from sporting and community events to craft breweries. The Whateke Sports Bar hasn’t finalized its schedule but tells WCN it will start by staying open from 4-10 on Monday through Wednesday, extending their hours to midnight from Thursday to Sunday.

(WCN photo, 2023 White Center Pride Street Festival)

Never too soon to start planning those busy summer weekends. Here’s an announcement we received today:

June 7th, 2025
12 pm-11 pm

You’re invited to the legendary 6th Annual White Center Pride Street Festival to celebrate love, diversity, and inclusion in our White Center community. Supported by the unwavering love and generosity of our community, we are excited to lean into this year’s theme: “Celebrate Local!”

As a 100% community-funded pride festival, we are more grateful than ever for your support and we can’t wait to celebrate our vibrant, resilient community together.

Come experience a day of excitement with merchant booths, multiple stages of entertainment & drag performances, locally operated beverage gardens, a kids’ area with a bouncy castle, a pet pride parade, and new this year: an area dedicated to LGBTQ+ resources!

Come celebrate with us the White Center way on June 7th, 2025!

To learn more or donate to the event, please visit whitecenterpride.org.

Received from NHUAC:

Be Informed, Be Involved and Be Heard
With the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council!

When: Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 7 pm
Where: North Highline Fire Station at 1243 SW 112th Street in White Center
(Parking and Entrance Are Behind the Station)

You are invited to join NHUAC on May Day, Thursday, May 1st, at 7 pm in North Highline’s Fire Station at 1243 SW 112th in White Center.

The meeting will begin with an introduction to James Bivans, one of the owners of Wolfpack Cellars, a Burien-based winery that will be moving to 9617 16th SW in White Center in June. It produces small lots of local Washington wines. White Center Now’s post quoted James as saying, “As for our soon-to-be White Center customers, we are very excited to meet them and officially be part of the community…Being a small LGBTQ-owned business, we know how great it feels to be part of a warm, accepting community and that’s what we aim to do. We want to welcome new friends who also have a love for wine, food, family, and dogs to join our pack!” Join NHUAC in welcoming James and the Wolfpack to White Center!

King County ‘s Department of Local Services (DLS) provides a variety of services to North Highline. They include zoning, permitting, code enforcement and roads. According to Leon Richardson, the Director of DLS, “Our goal is to make sure residents in unincorporated King County have access to responsive, equitable, and effective local government services.” He will join NHUAC on May Day to help us learn about the services and opportunities that DLS is making available to the North Highline community.

The Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) is another important part of DLS.

We will also be joined by Joanna Nelson de Flores, the Urban Forestry Program Manager of DNRP. She will share an update on the Glendale Forest, a new forested park in unincorporated North Highline. Come learn about this new community asset and other projects planned to make North Highline a healthy place.

Do you have questions or something you want to share? Join the conversation and bring a friend!

Knowledge is power. Learn, share and help make our community a better place.

May 1, 2025 at 7 pm

Bring a Neighbor!

The first of two Saturdays with street festivals in White Center is tomorrow – the annual Khmer New Year Street Festival is set for 10:30 am-5 pm Saturday (April 26), SW 98th between 15th and 16th. You’re invited to celebrate with the Khmer community!

Plants are the highlight at the White Center Library Guild‘s spring sale, happening right now inside the library. In the background above is a tall Japanese Maple that can be yours for $50. Or, for a lot less, young Japanese Maples, or tomato starts:

And of course there are books, books, books.

If you feel nostalgia for the pre-GPS days, we saw a couple stacks of old map books, too! The sale’s on until 4 pm today, and again 11 am-4 pm Saturday, at the library, 1409 SW 107th.

Shop local while supporting programs at your local library! The White Center Library Guild has just announced its spring sale for this Friday and Saturday (April 25-26):

The sale runs 11 am-4 pm both days. Find items of interest to readers, gardeners, and other rummage-sale fans.

Plenty to enjoy on this gorgeous night, all around White Center and South Delridge, 5-8 pm. See the venue and artist list here!

By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for White Center Now

In June, White Center will be getting a new business at 9617 16th SW. (Thanks to the readers who pointed out the liquor-license application notice on the door!)

Wolfpack Cellars is a Burien-based winery that produces small lots of local, Washington wine. Customers can expect local wines, glass pours, wine tastings and a subscription wine club.

The address was among those hit by the big fire in 2021 that affected seven businesses on 16th Ave. (Previously it was the location of Westside Boxing Gym.) After rebuilding and renovations, the spots have gone up for lease.

Wolfpack Cellars sources all of its grapes from Eastern Washington, including Yakima Valley and Kennewick. In addition to wine, they are also a supporter of Wolf Haven International, a Wolf sanctuary in Tenino, which customers can support by purchasing a specific blend from the winery’s website.

“As for our soon-to-be White Center customers, we are very excited to meet them and officially be part of the community!” Said James Bivans, one of the owners of Wolfpack Cellars. “Being a small LGBTQ-owned business, we know how great it feels to be part of a warm, accepting community and that’s what we aim to do. We want to welcome new friends who also have a love for wine, food, family, and dogs to join our pack!”

Once the White Center location opens, their current Burien location will shift to production only. You can read more about Wolfpack Cellars here.

If there’s a little one in your family, this giveaway might be of interest – White Center Pride is giving away “spring buckets” at Dubsea Coffee this Saturday!

Dubsea Coffee is on 8th SW in Greenbridge, just a block south of SW Roxbury. To RSVP, go here.

Heads-up to expect more bicyclists on White Center streets today (Sunday, April 13) – Cascade Bicycle Club‘s annual Ride for Major Taylor starts on the White Center Bicycle Playground 7 am-8:30 am and will take hundreds of riders on one of two courses – either circumnavigating the West Seattle/White Center peninsula, mostly via waterfront streets (with an Alki rest stop), or (updated) a White Center/Tacoma/Vashon/West Seattle route. You can see the route maps (26 miles or 62 miles) by going here. If you’re not registered, unfortunately, it’s too late – no same-day signups, according to Cascade, which explains that the ride honors “the legacy of Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor, the Black World Cycling Champion … as a fundraiser for Cascade Bicycle Club’s education and advocacy programs, including funding for snacks at after-school Major Taylor Project Clubs as well as support for Major Taylor Project students’ participation in the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic.” P.S. The Bicycle Playground is where the ride ends, too.

Thanks to Gill for the heads-up on this:

10 am-2 pm Saturday, April 19, hundreds of volunteers will gather along the Duwamish River and in its watershed for the spring Duwamish Alive! work parties. Here’s the invitation:

Celebrate Earth Month and Seattle’s only river – the Duwamish – by joining us in helping steward this special place at locations on the water, in the Greenbelt, along the river and at many sacred locations of the Duwamish Tribe. We are all connected. For more information and registration, go to duwamishalive.org All are welcome – family-friendly!

Alert from county crews: