White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Tonight’s the night – the Rat City Art and Food Walk is back, 5-8 pm. Here’s where to go:

3:45 PM: If you can get to BECU‘s new White Center branch before 5 pm today, you can join in their grand-opening celebration. They’re in the new mixed-use Elevation 16 building at 16th/107th, and company managers are talking with the crowd right now, including this location’s manager, Andrew Blanco.

This is the 66th location for BECU. As previously reported, with this opening, they’re closing the mini-branch at Roxbury Safeway at the end of May, but Blanco said everyone from there will be transferred here.

ADDED WEDNESDAY EVENING: One more photo, added above – the ribboncutting!

The King County Sheriff’s Office just announced it’s reassigning some deputies in other unincorporated areas – and while the reassignments aren’t happening here, this area will be part of a change in “response protocol”:

In response to current and potentially sustained budget constraints, the King County Sheriff’s Office has made the difficult yet necessary decision to reduce minimum staffing at our North and Southeast precincts effective immediately. This includes the affected communities of Redmond Ridge, Fairwood, Fall City and other areas in unincorporated King County. As this is simply a redeployment of resources, no King County deputies are losing their jobs. This change will not affect police services in contract cities served by the King County Sheriff’s Office.

With this modified staffing, King County deputies in all three unincorporated precincts will only be dispatched to alarms verified by alarm companies or video/audio evidence. Additionally, our 911-dispatchers will refer all non-injury and non-blocking collisions or those on private property to the Washington State Patrol website: wsp.wa.gov/driver/collision-records. Deputies will still respond to collision associated with crimes such as hit and runs or impaired driving.

Any non-emergency 911 calls regarding a behavioral health crisis will be referred to the Sheriff’s Office Therapeutic Response Unit.

Residents of King County can report crimes such as abandoned vehicles, mail theft, vandalism and lost property here.

We are taking these critical steps to ensure King County deputies are safe and available for life-safety emergencies, which will always remain our top priority.

State legislators are in the second half of a session with some huge decisions yet to be made, and you have the chance tomorrow night to hear updates from local legislators as well as ask questions and offer comments about what they should do. The three legislators who represent the 34th District – including White Center, West Seattle, and Vashon/Maury Islands – are having a “telephone town hall” tomorrow night (Monday, March 17). This is an audio-only event, 6-7 pm, with State Senator Emily Alvarado and State House Representatives Joe Fitzgibbon (who is also House Majority Leader) and Brianna Thomas. Many phones in the district should ring right at 6 pm with the invitation to join the meeting; if you don’t get the call, or if you just want to proactively call in anyway, at 6 pm call 855-756-7520 and enter 120781# when prompted for the extension number.

Here’s what the King County Sheriff’s Office tells us about an overnight incident that involved two locations in unincorporated North Highline:

– Around midnight, deputies responded to reports of a shooting in the 10000 block of 1st AVE S.
– Fire transported one victim to Harborview for medical treatment.
– Deputies report the incident began at the West Seattle Marijuana Store, where an unknown number of suspects attempted to break in.
-No suspects at this time.
-Case number: C25007631

(Despite its name, the WS Marijuana Store is located in Top Hat, at 10825 Myers Way S.) If you have any information, call 911 and refer to the case number noted above.

An updated reminder from King County Roads as the 16th SW closure approaches:

Drainage system upgrade to close 16th Ave SW intersection in White Center, March 11 to April 1

The north half of the 16th Avenue SW and SW 104th Street intersection is scheduled to be closed March 11 through April 1 as King County crews replace an aging drainage pipe. The work is being done by the Road Services Division of the Department of Local Services.

The intersection closure is Phase 2 of a three-phase drainage upgrade on SW 104th Street between 15th and 17th Avenues SW. The entire project, which began March 3, is expected to take up to six weeks total.

This work lays the groundwork for upcoming pedestrian and traffic safety improvements as part of the 16th Avenue SW Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Calming Project.

Businesses on 16th Avenue SW remain open, traffic detour on 15th Avenue SW

Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians will follow a signed detour onto 15th Avenue SW between SW 102nd and SW 106 streets. Local access on both sides of the intersection will be maintained, and businesses on both sides of the intersection will remain open throughout the closure.

After the road reopens, work on SW 104th Street will continue through April 18, with lane shifts, parking restrictions, and temporary traffic control.

Detour map:

Part of a bigger plan to improve safety on 16th Avenue SW

This drainage project is the first step in a larger effort to improve 16th Avenue SW for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Starting this summer, the 16th Avenue SW Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Calming Project will bring major safety upgrades, including:

-New paving on 16th Avenue SW from the White Center Cutoff (north of SW 100th Street) to SW 107th Street. All paving work will happen at night.
-New road design with one lane in each direction, a center turn lane, and bike lanes.
-Sidewalk curb extensions at key intersections to improve visibility and shorten pedestrian crossings.
-Flashing pedestrian crossing lights and high-visibility signs at intersections without traffic signals.

“We’re taking a smart, step-by-step approach to improve this intersection,” said Tricia Davis, Director of King County Road Services Division. “By replacing the underground pipe now, we avoid tearing up the road twice. We appreciate the community’s patience as we make these much-needed improvements.”

By upgrading drainage now, King County prevents future disruptions and keep summer improvements on track.

For more information, visit www.kingcounty.gov/16thAveSW, contact Broch Bender (Bbender@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-1189) or email AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov.

The big 16th SW project is about to start. First, work starts today on pipelines under part of 104th. Here’s the phasing as detailed by King County Roads:

Construction will last about six weeks in three phases. Expect detours, temporary road closures, and no-parking zones at different times. Businesses will remain open! The anticipated construction dates below are subject to change due to crew or material availability.

Phase 1: March 3 – April 18

Where: SW 104th Street Between 15th Avenue SW & 16th Avenue SW
What’s happening: Replacing drainage pipes under the north side of the road
Impact: Limited parking for duration of the project, lane restrictions
Access: Local access will be open, and businesses will remain open

Phase 2: March 11 – April 1 – Intersection Closure at 16th Avenue SW & SW 104th Street

Where: The north half of the intersection where 16th Avenue SW meets SW 104th Street will be closed to all through traffic, including pedestrians and bikes.
What’s happening: Pipe replacement under the intersection
Impact: The intersection will be fully closed for two weeks. More time may be needed, depending on weather and equipment availability.
Access: Local access will be maintained on 16th Avenue SW on both sides of the road closure, and businesses will remain open

Detour route:

Northbound (toward SW Roxbury St.): SW 102nd St → 15th Ave SW → 16th Ave SW
Southbound: (toward SW 107th St.) SW 106th St → 15th Ave SW → 16th Ave SW

Phase 3: April 2 – April 18 – Limited Parking on SW 104th Street

Where: SW 104th Street between 16th Avenue SW & 17th Avenue SW
What’s happening: Final pipe replacement under the road
Impact: Limited parking for 1-2 weeks
Access: Local access will be maintained, and businesses will remain open

The first Thursday of March won’t bring a North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting. Here’s their announcement:

The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council will not be holding a March meeting.

We will be back to our regularly scheduled 1st Thursday of the month meetings on Thursday, April 3rd at 7pm. So Mark your calendars and plan on joining us in April.

As always it is a great Opportunity to Be Informed, Be Involved and Be Heard

Stay Safe – Stay Healthy – and see you April 3rd at the North Highline Fire Station (meeting details coming soon).

From the King County Sheriff’s Office:

Missing Child Alert. This 7-year old boy is autistic and was last seen about 1 pm in the White Center area of 4th avenue and S. 112th. He was wearing a black Pokémon t-shirt, shorts, and black shoes. If you see him, please call 911.

(2023 photo by Gill Loring)

King County Parks asked us to share this announcement with you:

Come join us at North Shorewood Park this Saturday, March 1st, for a morning of learning about the plants of the park and digging out plants that are crowding out plants that are more beneficial for the health of the park. No experience needed, and we supply all tools/equipment and instruction, all are welcome! Click this link to learn more and sign up: x.gldn.io/e/q6pHMIvBgRb

North Shorewood Park is at 10044 24th Ave. SW.

Two major effects of the windstorm this morning:

That 6,100-customer outage started with a fallen tree around 6 am at Delridge/Thistle in West Seattle, and stretches into White Center.

Meantime, Highline Public Schools are on a two-hour delay today.

We first noted here in June that BECU has been building a Neighborhood Financial Center in the new mixed-use development at 16th/107th, and the credit union says it’s now open. They’re planning a grand-opening community celebration at 3 pm Wednesday, March 19. Readers have asked if the Roxbury Safeway BECU mini-branch will close; a BECU spokesperson told us today, “At this time, we have not announced plans for our Roxbury location.”

If you haven’t already noticed the blustery weather, take note that it’s packing a potential punch of up to 60 mph wind gusts, according to the National Weather Service’s High Wind Warning alert, so be careful! Rain and even thunder has swept through the area too.

Third Thursdays always bring something lively to the heart of White Center. This month, on Thursday, February 20: The Rat City Bar Walk.

The Lariat Bar crew shares these highlights:

Join us and our neighbors for Rat City Bar Walk here in beautiful White Center. We’re running tag team specials with 2 Fingers Social throughout the event and our bar is featuring our Spam Musubi Eating contest with Patrick’s Cafe and Bakery starting at 6 pm. Our friends and neighboring businesses will also be participating. Tim’s Tavern has Jesse James and the Mob at 8 pm and Southgate Roller Rink and Boombox are running Karaoke starting 9 pm – Christopher Mychael with be here at Lariat for CM Funk Karaoke also starting at 9 pm. There is something for everyone!

Happening both days this weekend at Future Primitive in White Center (9832 14th SW):

Sauna & Sounds @ Future Primitive Brewing
When: February 15 & 16
=
We are kicking off National Sauna Week in proper form with our first-ever Sauna & Sounds event at Future Primitive Brewing in White Center! Join us for an unforgettable evening of soothing sauna sessions and soul-stirring live music by West Seattle’s own PatRiff. Tickets give you access to our woodfired sauna, cold plunges, lockers, and towel service. Book an entry window and arrive anytime during that hour. Live music will be from 3-7 pm both days.

As always, if you cold plunge for 60 seconds, we will buy you a drink.

The first 20 people who book will get a free hooded robe rental.

Tickets are $45

Where:

Future Primitive
White Center

Link to book: https://pnwmobilespa.com/events-6

Found running on the streets in White Center along 15th Ave near McLendon Hardware.

Dark gray/black with a white stripe in the middle running down the chest. Not fixed and no microchip. Very friendly, about 6-12 months.

Will be taking him to Seattle animal shelter tomorrow.

They can contact me at 352 262 0013 or 352 262 8994. My name is Russ.

By Tracy Record
White Center Now editor

What didn’t happen at Thursday’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting was almost as interesting as what did.

NO NEW STOREFRONT DEPUTY YET: The King County Sheriff’s Office wasn’t represented, so the usual crime/safety briefing wasn’t given, because the storefront deputy position isn’t filled yet – and NHUAC has been told they are shortstaffed in other areas so they might not be filling this job any time soon. (We’ll follow up with KCSO on this.) NHUAC’s Barbara Dobkin said she did get a bit of news – there’s an assigned late-night deputy working with businesses to get trespass authorizations so that deputies can take action if there’s late night trouble; about three dozen businesses have signed those authorizations so far.

The biggest briefing of the night was from King County Roads, part of Local Services:

KING COUNTY ROADS: Broch Bender from Roads/Local Service was joined by several colleagues who brought news of White Center road projects. (Here’s the full slide deck, so you can see larger versions of what we show below, and more.)

Roads takes care of 1,500 miles of road! First up, the 16th Avenue 100th to 107th project.

The plan is for bike lanes and 46 parking spaces – a “road diet,” Bender acknowledged. “Studies have shown that putting in bike lanes slows traffic,” Bender noted, saying they got funding so they epect to go to construction this year and. pave while they’re at it. Curb bulbs, bike-lane striping, and the “road diet” are all part of it.

The funding is federal, Bender acknowledged, but – alluding to the chaotic D.C. situation – “right now we do have the funding.” While they’re at it, they’ll be starting with a pipe replacement project starting in early March:

First phase between 15th and 16th on 104th, second phase the north side of the intersection will close for about two weeks, third phase, work between 16th and 17th.

All the work is likely to take four to six weeks.

Other projects in White Center this year – paving on a section of 100th, about 700 feet, plus curb ramp upgrades at 11 spots on Roxbury, 15th and 16th, plus some sidewalk panels on 26th, saving the trees that caused them trouble.

Next part of their presentation was to explain how the Customer Service Request Process works.

Call the Road Helpline for urgent problems at 206-477-8100. Someone answers 24/7. “When you see urgent issues, please don’t email,” because they don’t monitor 24/7. (It was reiterated later, PLEASE call for problems causing trouble on roads and sidewalks.) Email is for things more like overgrown shrubbery,

maint.roads@kingcounty.gov. That box is monitored 8:30-4:30 Mondays-Fridays. NHUAC’s Barbara Dobkin said it’s hard to find out who’s responsible for what; Road said they’ll start figuring that out, If you see a problem in the street, call them.

They showed a list of service requests from recent calls. They also showed a list of ways to stay connected with the department. (Presenters were Shunneia Long-Mattingly and Amy Bresslour).

More Q&A had to do with the 16th SW project. The bike lane won’t have bollards. There’ll be a two-foot buffer lane between the bike lane and the motor-vehicle lane. Also: What about adding sidewalks? Bender said, “What we’re focused on now is keeping our roads in working order.” The recently added sidewalks on 100th were part of Metro’s RapidRide projects. Dobkin observed that improvements all seem to happen on the east side of White Center, and on the west side, “we get nothing.”

One attendee thought that maybe instead of sidewalks, they could put up barriers between asphalt walkways and the rest of the street. Bender said it’s more complicated than that.

Another question: Any speed bumps? Long-Mattingly said king County no longer installs them, because studies have shown they don’t work. Someone else brought up that there are many in Seattle and things seem safer, so why is there such a difference between city and county? Long-Mattingly said she’d look into that.

P.S. They are taking demographic surveys to be sure they’re compliant with federal Title VI- or at least, Title VI as it’s been – you can respond via forms.office.com/g/FZgZuCPd8k

TIM’S TAVERN TO MAKE A CHANGE: Mark Rowe from King County Permitting was there to talk about “what the plan is” for this topic that’s been discussed at many previous NHUAC meetingsii – Tim’s outdoor music – “We’ve worked out an agreement – Tim’s going to be bringing the music inside,” because zoning indeed doesn’t allow for outdoor music, Rowe acknowledged, while noting that the County Council could always change the zoning. By mid-February, they’re going to bring the music indoors, Rowe said. He said the owners have some sewer work to do anyway so installing a small stage inside will be done at the same time. In the previous discussions, it had long been contended that the outdoor music was not allowed under zoning. Rowe underscored that he is not taking sides – he sees both the concerns and also the benefits that Tim’s “brings to the community.” Another resident said it’s not the music itself as the fact “it’s LOUD.” That attendee said they “like music in the community,” but six nights a week of loudness was too much. Why did it take two years to reach this? Rowe said they always try to get to “voluntary compliance” first. “The plan is now the music will move indoors and we’ll see” what happens from there.

Another attendee asked about odors from a laundromat; Rowe suggested reaching out to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. “They’re the same ones that deal with wood smoke, etc.,” he said.

FREE HEAT-PUMP SYSTEMS! First presentation of the night was about Energize, the King County heat-pump program. (First was a primer explaining that the pumps are both a heating and cooling system.) They’re hoping to install more than 150 in neighborhoods this year – 75 single-family homes, 60 adult family homes, 25 family day cares. “Heat pumps are generally very expensive to install – $20,000+ – the county can fund 80 to 100 percent of the cost” depending on the recipient’s income. Recipients must make less than 100 percent of the AMI. You don’t have to own your home – renters can be eligible too. But there’s a specific geographic area they’re focusing in. The income means less than $77,700 for a one-person household could be eligible for full-cost coverage, less than $116,500 for partial-cost coverage. If you’re interested in applying, they have workshops coming up 2/12 6 pm online for day-care providers, 2/26 6 pm at Seola Gardens Community Center and 2/27 6 pm online. The program’s website is kingcounty.gov/energize – which is also where you’ll find the map tool to see if you’re eligible, as well as info about the upcoming sessions.

NEXT MEETING: The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council usually meets on the first Thursday of the month at the North Highline Fire Station, 1243 SW 112th. We publish the invitations/previews as soon as they’re received, several days in advance.

Here’s the Thursday plan for Highline Public Schools:

Due to weather and road conditions, all schools are on a two-hour delay on Thursday, February 6. Buses will stop at regular stops–two hours later than normal.

There is some snow in the northern part of our district, and many staff members commute from neighboring districts that are also delayed. This delay allows staff time to arrive safely.

There will be no breakfast. There will be no morning or afternoon classes for half-day preschool and ECEAP. Full-day ECEAP/preschool is on a two-hour delay. There are no morning classes for PSSC. Afternoon classes for PSSC will be on time. All before-school programs are canceled, including clubs, activities and in-school daycare. No transportation will be provided to schools outside of our district.

Schools will dismiss at regular times. After-school programs are on time, including clubs, activities and in-school day care.

After some overnight snow, Highline Public Schools has just announced its plan for today:

All schools are closed on Wednesday, February 5. All scheduled activities, athletics and meetings are canceled, including the school board meeting. No transportation will be provided to schools outside of our district.

District administrative offices are open.

To our north, Seattle Public Schools is doing remote instruction today, late start.

From the district website:

Two Hours Late – Regular Bus Schedule – Monday, February 3

Due to weather and road conditions, all schools are on a two-hour delay on Monday, February 3. Buses will stop at regular stops–two hours later than normal. We will continue to monitor conditions in the morning.

There will be no breakfast, no morning or afternoon classes for preschool and ECEAP, and no morning classes for PSSC. Afternoon classes for PSSC will be on time. All before school programs are canceled, including clubs, activities and in-school daycare. No transportation will be provided to schools outside of our district.

Schools will dismiss at regular times.

Continue to monitor our website for updates. Please stay safe and warm.

Staff Instructions

Staff are expected to report to work as close to on time as possible. Please use your judgment on whether it is safe for you to travel to work. See an outline of expectations for employees for inclement weather on the Staff Hub.