White Center Now: The blog about White Center

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:

By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for White Center Now

Neighbors convened on Thursday night for the April meeting of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (NHUAC) group, at North Highline Fire District HQ, with an agenda focused on public safety in and around White Center. It was the group’s first meeting since February (the March meeting was canceled) and was facilitated by NHUAC vice-president Barbara Dobkin and other board members.

The featured guests of the night were Chief Jason Gay from the North Highline Fire District (NHFD) and Burien’s King County Fire District 2 (KCFD2) as well as Captain Chris Przygocki and Community Service Officer (CSO) Nate Hammock from the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO).

Meeting notes and summary below:

FIRE CHIEF UPDATE:  First up was Gay, who has been with KCFD2 for 20 years:

He was promoted to captain in 2012, and then to the position of fire chief when prior chief Mike Marrs retired in November 2023. “I climbed right off the fire truck into the front office,” Gay said.

North Highline FD entered a 20-year consolidation contract with King County FD2 in 2019, which resulted in all NHFD employees becoming employees of KCFD2. Gay said the consolidation was “wonderful for both departments.” As a result of that consolidation, NHFD provides service for about 20,000 community members. 

Gay said the department handled 13,000 calls in 2024, and recently put a new “Aid Car” (ambulance) in service, staffed with two EMT firefighters.  He said they are proud to have a CARES (Community Assistance Referrals and Education Services) car in service as well, staffed with a social worker and EMT firefighter, to provide needed services to the community and “break the cycle.”

Gay said that call volume is definitely up, following a lull during COVID. He said they’re proud of the recent renovations to the North Highline FD station building. Among other improvements, he said one of the driving factors was that the station previously didn’t have adequate spaces for all firefighters — “we have a lot more female firefighters; we needed new individual rooms with bathrooms and to update the station overall.” Gay said other stations will have upgrades soon, as well. He added that “next year we’ll probably adjust the boundary between station 18 and 19 to level out call volume as well” (currently, Highway 509 in the main divider).

Gay then opened it up for questions from meeting attendees:

• Q:  How are you handling water access with new apartment complexes in the area; when they build a new building they’re required to have hydrants in range. A: That’s more of a fire marshal question, but in general the funding comes from the “fire benefit charge” and property tax. He said North Highline has a “cool callout in the RCWs” and for those qualifying properties, the King County Housing Authority pays the fire benefit charge.
• Q: The last meeting I attended, they were talking about road design. Does more housing density cause issues for fire trucks getting access to those areas? A: Gay said that yes, that can definitely be a problem especially in areas where street parking is allowed on both sides of the street. He said Greenbridge is a concern because it’s hard to get fire trucks through there.  (Author note: Right on queue, an alarm sounded in the station, as a fire call came in — this happened at least two more times during the meeting — and Gay smiled and said “there’s another one — busy night!”). Gay also put in a plug for the monthly fire commissioner meetings (4^th Monday of every month), with a hybrid option to attend. 
• Q: What about vandalism to fire stations and trucks, has that been an issue? A: This is the first of our stations where we’ve decided to actually put locks on all the fire-truck doors (fire trucks don’t typically come with door locks), to deter theft of tools and equipment. We’re also working with legislators to try to make laws making those types of thefts a higher level event. “It’s unfortunate, but it’s happening all over, not just here,” Gay said.   
• Q: Darlene Sellers from King County Parks and the White Center Teen Program (open at the “Log Cabin” Steve Cox Memorial Park) said “thanks very much for the ongoing support; you help us a lot!” She said that at one point in the past, firefighters used to come train in the log-cabin building once a year, which was a great program — can we bring that back? A: Gay said he would leave his business card and “yes, we’ll see what we can do.”
• Q: In the past year, have the number of calls you’ve received related to drugs increased, stayed the same or decreased? A: Gay said they’ve been increasing; they get at least one daily. 
• Gay said that in general, being an effective department requires resources, which can be a dynamic situation to deal with. He said they’ve improved relations with the Seattle Fire Department — “they’re really big compared to us, but have proven to be great partners.” 
• Q: In general, what would you tell the public about firefighters and the job they do? A: Firefighters work really hard, long hours, and do a great job and we really do strive for perfection, and I would tell people that firefighters really appreciate “thumbs up” and thanks from the public.

As Gay wrapped up his remarks, next up were the two presenters from the King County Sheriff’s Office, Captain Pryzgocki (at left in the photo below) and CSO Hammock (who has a “storefront” office at Steve Cox park and is regularly seen around White Center in the CSO van):  

Hammock opened by saying he had just finalized this year’s details for the popular “coffee with a cop” event in White Center, which he said is always well-attended by KCSO officers and leadership, at Starbucks (9862 16th Avenue SW) on June 5 from 11 am-1 pm. He invited neighbors to come out and spend time with officers, to share concerns and ideas. 

Pryzgocki became a member of KCSO’s Southwest Precinct 4 in October 2024, and the precinct is responsible for law enforcement in the cities of SeaTac, Burien and several unincorporated areas including North Highline. Pryzgocki talked about KCSO’s recently announced changes to its “response protocol” as a result of budgetary constraints, which went into effect in mid-March. White Center and the surrounding areas are not impacted, he reiterated, but the change involves reassignment of deputies (no loss of jobs) to reduce to minimum staffing in their North and Southeast precincts which include Redmond Ridge, Fairwood, Fall City and other areas in unincorporated King County.

Pryzgocki shared some statistics, acknowledging a general sentiment he hears that “things feel worse this year,” but he said the numbers actually show some good signs for White Center: “We don’t want to toot horns yet, but crime is trending down,” he said. Examples: Last year at this time there were 423 incidents compared to 358 so far in 2025. Of these, property crimes were down 189 to 133, and crimes “on person” were down 72 to 52.  The call data for 911 shows 1971 calls at this time last year compared to 1529 this year (with dispatched calls for service increasing slightly from 1077 to 1124).   

As White Center neighbors are keenly aware, the area has been without a “storefront deputy” since the departure of Sgt. Glen Brannon last fall (Hammock has described himself as holding the “civilian counterpart” role to that position, being a presence in the area). With regard to filling the position, Pryzgocki acknowledged that budget realities will continue to make it challenging. He said they are facing a $15 million shortfall this year and next, so they’re focused on trimming $30 million from the budget. He said they will continue to always have a minimum of 2 officers in White Center on all shifts (the same as Skyway and Vashon), and that this was something he helped advocate for along with Precinct 4 KCSO commander Major Koby Hamill. He cited the uniqueness of the area, adding that Burien is a “contract city” for police coverage and that “they help us a lot.” He said that with FIFA coming up in West Seattle, officers are gearing up to need to provide support (“We’ve been told it’s like 3 super bowls”).  Pryzgocki said the recurring biggest complaints that he hears are “traffic, overdoses, and property crimes” and that they’re making concerted efforts on all three.  

Pryzgocki said neighbors should stay tuned on their TVs/devices soon for familiar faces and locations on the CW show Police 24/7, because the network recently had film crews riding along with KCSO officers, filming actual footage of officers on the job.  He said that these episodes could start airing in May, and he added that it’s part of an effort to recruit new officers for the county. 

Some questions from attendees:

• Q: What about tackling gang activity, tagging on murals, etc.? A: The problem with tags is that there are often “imitators” so we don’t always know for sure that the graffiti is truly gang-related. It’s really hard to catch someone spraying, in the act, it’s usually done at night. “Trust me, it drives me nuts,” Pryzgocki said. As for the gang activity, he said that in general he has not been advised by our intelligence personnel that there’s a major problem. 
• Q: Concern about shootings, one of the latest was just off Roxbury, next to a church. A: Hammock said that the area is technically in Seattle jurisdiction, the boundary around the church, but agreed with attendees that “it’s concerning as a community member” and that departments are trying to help regardless of jurisdiction. If neighbors “see something, then say something.”   
• Q: Aside from “gunslinging” on Delridge recently, any increase in robberies?  A: There are indeed robberies, mostly “crimes of opportunity.”  Marijuana shops are frequent victims, and there was one recently. Some involve juveniles, which complicates things because juvenile crime is covered by superior court. Concerned citizens should continue to ask their elected representatives to push for better policies regarding juvenile crime.  Pryzgocki added that because “pursuit policies” were recently changed, officers can now help keep people safer by pursuing criminals, which wasn’t the case before. 
• Q: Who should we call if we see something? We hear conflicting reports about calling 911 vs the non-emergency lines, etc. For example, next to our house we see drug dealers show up and distribute to people, how do we report it. A: In general, don’t hesitate to call 911, and you’ll get routed to the right people to help.  For the drug concerns, Pryzgocki said “we have a narcotic unit that’s one of the best in the region,” and they help create reports called NAR (narcotic activity reports). Prior to being promoted, he said he worked in that area, and he noted at the dealing activity is referred to as “hand-to-hand.” He said with this budget crunch, they changed the way they respond to calls, with some callers being referred to an online system to file a concern depending on what the crime is. Things without a “known suspect” should still get reported, but they’ll get handled differently.  If a caller does have information on a suspect, then a deputy will call back to collect info. If a caller insists on an officer coming out, because of an active threat, then a patrol officer will try to respond. He said one challenge for KCSO is that “our deputies drive a long way” due to the large coverage zone, but they do the best they can. 
• Q:  Recently, KCSO Deputy Pavlovich helped get about 70 businesses in White Center to sign up for a program in which they get window-cling stickers to hang on their door saying that trespassers aren’t wanted here. How does that work? A: Nate said that Pavlovich works graveyard shifts (evening) and “her mission is to make White Center clean and safe,” and at the sign-up project is complete, with almost all of the contacted businesses agreeing to participate. Hammock and other attendees noted that the purpose of form and the sticker is that that any individual is told to leave, but doesn’t, then they can be charged with trespassing, and officers can do so more easily without having to contact the business owner after-hours and jump through additional hoops. Pryzgocki said the form is a helpful “pre-authorization” that allows deputies to act. 
• Q: I know that funding for a White Center storefront deputy just isn’t available, but not having one makes a huge difference. A: Pryzgocki agreed that aside from traffic concerns, the lack of a storefront deputy is the second-most frequent complaint they get. He said he is not looking to fill it with just anyone (“effort is my love language”) and when funding loosens up then he wants to have community input on who is hired, but he said frankly “we’re not close to that right now” from a funding perspective. They have a storefront deputy in Skyway, which is the only one that KCSO has. Follow-up Q: There are lots of cars that get dumped in front of my house, obviously stolen, when we had a storefront deputy it was dealt with quickly, but I was told recently that it would take months. Pryzgocki acknowledged the challenge, and said “I can say ‘woe is me’ with budget issues, but we’re still very passionate about helping.” Hammock added that he can do his best to help, to connect people to resources. When people see his van around White Center, they know that they can knock on the window and ask questions.
• Q: What about the big potholes in the area? A: Would suggest reporting to roads department (see info below, for Local Services).
• Q: What’s happening with the former Bartell Drugs building on Roxbury? A: Dobkin said the building had been sold, but nothing seems to be happening. The former Gerber building is also a problem. Follow-up comment: Buildings that aren’t occupied are a problem, sometimes people break in and start a fire. A: That’s primarily an area for code enforcement (local services).
• Q: Anything we can do about “slum lords” who allow broken-down houses, fences built from pallets, etc?  A: Hammock advised to file a complaint with King County code enforcement. 

PARKS AND YOUTH: Darlene Sellers from King County Parks shared details about events at the White Center Teen Program (open at the “Log Cabin” at Steve Cox Memorial Park every Tuesday-Saturday from 3-8 pm), free for ages 12-19. She said that attendance at recent events and drop-ins has been great (averaging almost 115 kids per night), and the program has amazing staff and volunteers making a difference in kids’ lives. A meeting attendee commended Sellers for her work (and others nodded in agreement) and Sellers thanked them and said she started working with Parks when she was 16 (in 1998). Upcoming events at the log cabin include:

• April 18: Cultural Connection Night art show and performances, 5-7 pm (contact 206-482-1910 or pngeth@kingcounty.gov for details, or Instagram @atthelogcabin)
• May 17: White Center Repair Event, 930 am-1230 pm, a county-sponsored “fix-it” event where skilled volunteer “fixers” will try to repair and mend your household items and clothing! Also see the event page on Facebook
• June 4: Peace in the Hood job fair (3-5pm) and 3-on-3 basketball tournament (4-8pm) (contact 206-492-0359 or rsmallwood@kingcounty.gov)

LOCAL SERVICES: Community Liaison Bong Santo Domingo from King County Local Services was in attendance, as usual, and spoke briefly about resources available for neighbors. There is a  24/7 “Road Helpline” which residents can call with concerns about roads, potholes (which several attendees asked about), traffic lights and signs in unincorporated King County:  206-477-8100 or 800-527-6237.  The general contact info for Local Services is 206-477-3800 or AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov. He said he is also onsite for office hours Thursday afternoons at the King County Library branch at 1409 SW 107th St, and he invites neighbors to come by and talk to him. 

Dobkin mentioned that longtime King County Executive Dow Constantine was recently named the head of Sound Transit. Shannon Braddock (like Constantine, a West Seattle resident) has been named interim county executive.  Dobkin said that NHUAC has invited county councilperson Teresa Mosqueda to attend a NHUAC meeting, but were told she isn’t available until November, but they will keep trying. 

UPCOMING MEETINGS: NHUAC typically meets monthly on the first Thursday of the month, and plans to continue meeting in-person at the North Highline Fire Station in White Center (1243 SW 112th St.)  An attendee suggested that if NHUAC could offer a hybrid meeting option, then the attendance would be higher, and Dobkin said that they’d look into it although the group currently doesn’t have budget to fund any needed expenses for it. 

(Photo by Robby Mullikin)

“We’re not in the baseball business, we’re in the fun business.” So says the man in charge of the DubSea Fish Sticks as they step up to the plate and launch 2025 single-game tickets – here’s their announcement:

The DubSea Fish Sticks, White Center’s wildly entertaining summer collegiate baseball team, officially launched single-game tickets for the upcoming 2025 season this morning — just in time to celebrate National Fish Sticks Day.

Known for their unique brand of family-friendly fun, outrageous promotions, and community-first spirit, the Fish Sticks are ready to welcome fans back to Mel Olson Stadium, located inside King County’s Steve Cox Memorial Park, affectionately dubbed “The Fryer.”

The 2025 season kicks off with Opening Night on Saturday, May 31, and the team is encouraging fans to secure their seats early—especially with many games expected to sell out.

The DubSea Fish Sticks are far from your typical baseball team. With a focus on entertainment, the Sticks have built a reputation for being “not your average baseball game”, with crazy in-game antics, crowd participation, and off-the-wall theme nights that keep fans laughing from the first pitch to the final out.

Among the team’s most beloved traditions:

-The ceremonial “First Fish”, where a local honoree flings a real Wild Alaska Pollock toward home plate instead of tossing a baseball.

-A custom-built Bullpen Boat, inspired by the Mariners’ old classic, used to deliver the starting pitcher to the mound in theatrical style.

-The ever-popular Fan Batter of the Night, where, during non-league matchups, one lucky raffle winner signs a one-day contract and leads off the game for the Fish Sticks.

The Fish Sticks field a roster of talented players from across the country, with the 2025 squad featuring student-athletes from 15 different colleges. These players arrive in late May and spend their summer developing their skills, connecting with the community, and competing under the lights in front of enthusiastic crowds.

“It’s bigger than baseball,” says Team President Justin Moser.

“We’re not in the baseball business — we’re in the fun business, where there just happens to be a baseball game going on. Our goal is to create the most fun you’ve ever had inside a baseball stadium. From the music and the food to the beer garden and the between-inning chaos, we want people walking out with smiles on their faces and stories to tell. Every season we’ve grown, and we expect this to be the biggest yet!”

In 2024, the Fish Sticks sold out 13 of their 27 home games, and with excitement building, the team anticipates topping that number again this summer. The ballpark experience includes theme nights, $3 Thursdays, live entertainment, exclusive merchandise, and promotions for all ages.

The 2025 schedule includes 27 home games, with the team playing every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from May 31 through August 2. Gates open one hour before first pitch, and every night is packed with themed fun, in-game giveaways, and nonstop energy.

Single game tickets are just $14.50 each and are expected to move fast, especially for Opening Night, which has sold out in previous seasons. Fans looking for flexibility can also purchase Flex Ticket Packs, which range from 3-game to 10-game bundles and offer the convenience of choosing dates later in the summer.

More than just entertainment, the Fish Sticks are also committed to giving back. The team partners with local nonprofits and youth organizations throughout the summer, helping raise thousands of dollars through ticket fundraising programs held at every home game.

To purchase Opening Night tickets, Flex Packs, or view the full 2025 game schedule, fans can visit the team’s official website at www.GoFishSticks.com.

Come for the baseball, stay for the show—because at The Fryer, it’s battered and fried family fun all summer long.

From the WCN inbox:

King County’s Department of Community and Human Service is excited to share that the Skyway-West Hill & North Highline Permanent Affordability Community Planning Support Request for Proposals (RFP) is now open! This funding opportunity closes on April 22, 2025, at 2PM PT. Eligibility determination must be completed and reviewed before access to the full application is provided. Please complete the eligibility determination tab in ZoomGrants as soon as you are able!

Click here to view the full funding opportunity details and apply.

Background and Overview

Directed by Ordinance 19146 and Motion 15539, King County released the Anti-Displacement Strategies Report in 2021. Motion 15539 directs the Executive to pursue “strategies to implement community land trusts; including funding a year-long community engagement process with monthly meetings to ensure that the North Highline and Skyway-West Hill community voices are being included in the process to shape any possible strategy; and exploration into a variety of funding sources for such a community land trust.” In response to that recommendation, this RFP will deploy up to $175,000 to initiate a year-long community planning process, or a year-long implementation process to further explore permanently affordable housing models in Skyway-West Hill, or North Highline.

The goal of this RFP is to increase the supply of affordable housing to mitigate, repair, or prevent residential displacement in Skyway-West Hill and North Highline. These RFP funds are intended to fund either a community planning process or implementation process to explore permanently affordable housing models in Skyway-West Hill and North Highline communities.

For questions or more information regarding this funding opportunity, please contact Skye Haeffele, the RFP Lead, at shaeffele@kingcounty.gov

(WCN photo, 2018 White Center 5K)

For the first time this decade, the White Center 5K is returning! Here’s the announcement:

For the first time since 2019, and back by popular demand…get ready to lace up your running shoes and join us for an exciting 5K event in the heart of White Center! Come support three important community-based organizations helping White Center thrive.

A benefit for:
– WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK
– YES! FOUNDATION OF WHITE CENTER
– WHITE CENTER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

Start and finish line at Steve Cox Park. T-shirt and run time included with entry fee.

Date: May 3, 2025
Time: 9 am-12 pm
$30 PER ENTRY, Kids 12 and Under Free
SUPER HERO COSTUMES ENCOURAGED

Tickets: HERE

Volunteer Registration Info: HERE

After a month without a meeting, the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council reconvenes for April, this coming Thursday, and the meeting announcement sent today indicates that public safety is in the spotlight:

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

When: Thursday, April 3. 2025, at 7 pm

Where: North Highline Fire Station at 1243 SW 112th Street in White Center (Parking and Entrance Are Behind the Station)

Please join NHUAC on Thursday, April 3rd, at 7 pm in North Highline’s Fire Station at 1243 SW 112th in White Center. Public safety will be the focus of our special guest presenters, Chief Jason Gay of the North Highline Fire District (NHFD) and Burien’s King County Fire District 2 (KCFD2) and Captain Chris Przygocki of the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO). Captain Przygocki will be joined by Community Service officer Nate Hammock to answer any questions about what is happening in White Center and KCSO’s storefront office at Steve Cox Memorial Park.

In 2019, NHFD entered a 20-year consolidation contract with KCFD2. As a result, all NHFD employees became employees of KCFD2. Through our consolidation with KCFD2, NHFD serves about 20,000 community members. Chief Gay has been with KCFD2 since 2005. He was promoted to Captain in 2012 and to Fire Chief upon Chief Marrs’ retirement in November of 2023. Upon his promotion, Chief Gay also became Chief of NHFD.

Captain Chris Pryzgocki became a member of Southwest Precinct 4 of the KCSO in October of 2024. Precinct 4 is responsible for law enforcement in the cities of Burien and SeaTac and a variety of unincorporated areas including North Highline. KCSO recently announced that it is changing its response protocol. We look forward to getting to know Captain Pryzgocki and Nate Hammock and learning what a new “response protocol” means for North Highline.

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.

April 3, 2025 at 7 pm

Bring a Neighbor!

(Also published on partner site West Seattle Blog)

(WCN/WSB photos by Dave Gershgorn)

Saturday’s most vivid event: The White Center Roper Romp, a chance to put on wig, shades, caftan, and sandals before channeling the spirit of TV’s classically sassy Helen Roper. Photographer Dave Gershgorn surveyed the scene for us. Above, Bradi “Helen” Jones rocked the hatch seating outside Tim’s Tavern, before she and other Helens gathered for their fabulous photo-op:

Tim’s was also hosting the White Center Vintage Sale on Saturday, and what crowd could better appreciate the concept?

David “Helen” Mazza was among those browsing the wares (and wearables):

Tim’s was also a venue for this weekend’s Tikipalooza, so some aloha-wear was co-mingled with the caftans. Everyone had their own slightly different twist on being Helen-esque – note Ingrid “Helen” Falid‘s outerwear:

The Helens crawled White Center’s bar scene, including a stop at Beer Star across from Tim’s:

Though Helen Roper’s been gone from TV for more than 40 years, clearly she’ll never be forgotten!

King County Roads announced late this afternoon that its closure of 16th SW/SW 104th is ending earlier than planned:
>We’re opening early! Our crews plan to reopen the intersection of 16th Ave SW & SW 104th St today, March 28th. Expect lane restrictions & reduced parking thru April 18.

The closure, originally expected to continue until April 1, was for utility work preceding a bigger project to rechannelize and repave stretches of 16th between. 100th and 106th. Here’s the backstory.

Saturday is the next huge day of events in White Center – including this:

The event is on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from Noon to 6 PM for a FREE event featuring over 30 vendors offering a curated selection of antiques, collectibles, and vintage treasures of all kinds.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Locations:
Main event is at Tim’s Tavern (9655 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106) with vintage vendors and DJ Vodka Twist Dance Party at Noon! Roper Romp meet-up starting at 3pm! Caftan Crawl and shopping extravaganza!
The Lumberyard (9630 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106) Muu-Muu’s and Mai-Tai’s and Old VVitch is our hostess!
Cher Baby Vintage Clothing (9616 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106)
The Mystic Sons Lodge (9440 17th Ave. SW, White Center, Seattle, WA)
Cartwheel Vintage ( 9422 Delridge Wy SW, Seattle, WA 98106)

This vibrant marketplace will also feature pop-up vintage shops and specialty vendors, giving shoppers a unique opportunity to discover hidden gems while supporting local businesses. Whether you’re searching for rare antiques, timeless fashion, vintage home décor, or quirky collectibles, you’re bound to find something special!

Make a Day of It!
White Center is home to some of Seattle’s best eateries, bars, and cafés—so come for the shopping and stay for the food! Enjoy a meal at one of the many delicious local restaurants while soaking in the lively atmosphere of this one-day vintage extravaganza.

Why You Should Attend:
✔ FREE Admission – No tickets required!✔ 30+ Vendors – A massive selection of unique vintage goods✔ Multiple Venues – A walkable shopping experience across White Center✔ Support Local Businesses – Shop small and discover incredible finds

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.